Will to Survive

By : CJDGOAT

...

V0 Chapter 2 - Koenji?!

Teen Central

The Mystery of the Hero 'Dread'

Matsushita Jun

Good morning, ladies!

OMG, I'm sure y'all heard, but 3 days ago, this image circulating ALL the gossip circles!

Tsubasa turned her phone around to show me a picture of... myself. It was after I punched the truck away during that incident. Luckily, my dreads were covering my face.

Kya! He's so hot 😍

Look at those strong arms 😫

For those unaware, where have you been, sister?

Anyway, anyway, the hero of Tokyo is TOTES a hottie!

Many girls across the country have dubbed him 'Dread' after noticing his luscious locks of hair!

Since he's such a strong man, I'd prefer calling him 'Dread-sama!'

My right eye twitched.

Kya! I'm getting so sidetracked!

Recently, it's been revealed that Dread-sama is around 15-16 years old!

This suspiciously matches up with the age of that mysterious 'Masterpiece' of that eerie blank room!

Some even speculate that this is Koenji Rokusuke, the beating heart of all teenage gals!

However, if this is just a new hairdo, I don't think witnesses would report that the hottie would hide his face from view. We all know how pompous Rokusuke-kyun gets with cameras!

Speaking of Roku-kyun~, we have live statements from his online fan club!

Attached is a video containing a pretty, black-haired gyaru who wore a sash that read, 'Koenji Rokusuke' on it. Sheesh, Japanese girls are psychos.

'Roku-kyun is still number 1 in our hearts over here at the Koenji Rokusuke fan club!'

She started ruffling through a small bag in her hand. She then pulled out her phone and flashed her lock screen wallpaper at the camera. It's a picture of this so-called 'Koenji' lifting up a car with one hand and, in the process, saving a girl from under it.

'I've never seen that fraud, 'Dread,' do something like this!'

The video ends, causing Jun to start yapping again.

You heard it, galpals! The Koenji camp remains headstrong and loyal!

Now, it's time to reveal a special surprise for you girls!

Attached is yet another video. As Tsubasa pressed play again.

In the video was a drop-dead gorgeous strawberry blonde-haired girl with sizeable knockers. Even more aggrandized than Tsubasa and Aoi-nee's! Come to think of it, she looks exactly like-

My thoughts were cut off as the beauty started speaking.

'I was there on the day of the incident. The experience was totally surreal! I was walking home after a long, fun afternoon with my mom and sister, but then suddenly I heard the loud truck whiz past!'

The beauty went into great detail. The girl even made an exaggerated hand gesture at the word 'whiz,' causing her bountiful chest to shake noticeably.

"Hey, Kiyotaka, stop staring at her breasts!" Tsubasa pinched my cheek and tugged.

"Yeth ma'awm," I responded weakly. "Pleathe leh gow," she released her firm grip on my face angrily. The video was playing during this interaction, so I missed some things.

'Then I saw him. I saw Dread! He was so coool! From my angle, I couldn't see his face, but his strength is 100% verifiably true!'

The mystery girl started gushing, causing me to feel what I believed to be a sense of embarrassment at her limitless praise.

Now, it was back to Jun's 'journalism.'

Straight from the horse's mouth, this young lady seems to have her money in Dread stocks!

Kya! There seem to be so many hot boys emerging around Tokyo these days, the illusive 'Masterpiece,' the beating heart of Tokyo girls, Roku-kyun, the totally unknown 'Dread!'

Be careful, ladies! Demand far outclasses the supply! Be on your A-game, gals!

That's all for today, girlies!

TTYL😘😘

July 23rd, 20XX

Tsubasa switched off her phone with a delicate smile on her face.

Jun stood to the side, beaming with a proud look. "How'd'ya like that article~?"

"I can't believe that's what classifies as 'Journalism' in this day and age," I responded coldly.

"Cheer up, Kiyotaka! Look on the bright side, you're famous now! People consider you on the level of Koenji Rokusuke-san now!" Tsubasa cheered in an attempt to make me feel better.

"No, 'Dread' is famous, not me."

"Hey, hey! Don't be such a party-pooper, Ki~yo~ta~ka~sama!" Jun started playfully pinching my cheeks.

Normally, she wouldn't do this as I was too fast to allow her brash advances like these, but as of now, both of my hands are preoccupied.

Tsubasa was snuggled up right next to me, my right arm sandwiched between her breasts.

I'm flexible enough to use one of my legs to cut her off, but Chiaki was presently sitting on my lap while playing a game. She appears to be heavily invested since she's been silent for the last 15 minutes.

I will add her butt is quite soft, so our position isn't uncomfortable in the slightest.

My left hand is in a cast because of that little truck incident.

Although I can output that amount of energy, I'm still comprised of flesh and bones.

The metal of the truck superseded the hardness of my bones, which left my wrist and a majority of the bones in my left hand to fracture and break. Luckily, my body is abnormal, so healing should occur in under 1 month.

"Jun, can you please stop that?" I asked with a hint of annoyance seeping through my voice.

"Let me have my fun, Kiyotaka-sama. It's rare for you to be in such a vulnerable position, you know~?" She started molesting my cheeks even more aggressively now. It was more like massaging, to be honest, but it felt somewhat relaxing.

Maybe this isn't so bad after all.

Suddenly, a jolt of pain outshined the pleasure of Jun's delicate fingers as Tsubasa now shot me an odd expression.

Her face was contorted into a seemingly sweet smile, but a deep pool of acid lay underneath.

"You seem like you're havin' fun, huh, Kiyotaka?" Tsubasa's evil smile grew wider as her pinch on my hand grew tighter.

What's with this woman? She told me she was all right with me being affectionate with other women, so why was she behaving this way?

"Fufu~ looks like Tsu-chan is a little jealous over here," Jun finally let go of my face, "I thought you were fine with this type of behavior, or are you one of those gals who are fine with it as long as they aren't in the room~?"

"Right on the money," Tsubasa curtly nodded. Thankfully, her grip loosened entirely, and she rediscovered the concept of personal space. "Please refrain from being so touchy with my man in front of me."

"Yeesh, Tsu-chan, you're kind of scary."

"Tsubasa, why do you have such an issue with Jun when her sister is on my lap..."

"That's different, she's playing a videogame and your lap just so happens to be a comfortable seat."

"Hmm, I see. But if it's about the comfortable position, why doesn't she rest her head on your lap instead?"

"Well, clearly~, she has a crush on you, Kiyotaka-sama, that's why she chose to sit on your lap rather than rest her head on Tsu-chan's," Jun said while leaning in so that her sister could hear.

In an instant, Chiaki ejected herself from my lap while simultaneously pausing her game. She turned around to face us while a bright red blush colored her face.

"H-hey, you two idiots! I chose his lap because it's easier to game while sitting up straight, especially in a tough game like the one I'm playing!"

"Sheesh, Chi-chan, I was only pullin' your leg. No need to yell!" The older brunette backed off from the younger to escape the oncoming wrath.

"If that's the case, why don't you sit on the couch, there's enough space for all of us, Matsushita-san~" Tsubasa chimed in, causing Chiaki to erupt even more. I may be hallucinating, but her hair started to rise in strands, giving her head an octopus-like silhouette.

"Th-that's because..."

Seeing her chance to jump back into the relentless teasing, Jun teased without hesitation.

"It's because you like him. Fufufu, maybe it's even lo-"

Chiaki soared through the air and over the couch onto her devilish sister, covering her mouth simultaneously.

I don't know why Chiaki's so furious. She harbors intimate feelings for me, everyone knows. It's also too outlandish for her to love me after meeting me three days ago. There's nothing for her to worry about.

"Let's sneak away while they're fighting," Tsubasa whispered before swiftly pulling me upstairs. She had a cheeky and cute expression the entire trip to my room.

When we arrived, she made sure to lock the door behind us. Is this where I think it's going?

"No, this isn't where you think it's going," she answered my thoughts perfectly while shoving me back onto my bed. "I just wanted to talk to you in private."

Uh oh, this can't be going anywhere good...

Tsubasa slowly climbed on my lap and faced me. Since my windows were open, her alluring features were pronounced 10-fold because of the shine from the sun illuminating her gorgeous face. The light wind drafting through my windows caused her locks to blow to the side. Some of it covered her face. I noticed her hair had gotten longer. It seems she took note of my preference for longer-haired women.

Tsubasa brushed her bangs away from her eyes, staring at my yellow orbs. Her cheeks grew crimson during our eye contact.

"I want to treat you, Kiyotaka," the stunning girl before me declared with a determined and charming smile.

"Treat me? I already have a cast on, and I'm not feeling under the weather."

Tsubasa leaned into my chest and wrapped her arms around me tightly. "Oh, Kiyotaka, you know what I mean." She started to gently caress my back with care and love.

As her fingertips intricately danced on my spinal cord, her entrancing appendages sent slight electric shocks of pleasure coursing through my body.

She leaned back and cupped my face with her soft fingers. We slowly started to lean into each other.

I guess today is the day.

.

.

.
.

SLAM!

"GET BACK HERE, GAMING CHAIR!"

"KIYOTAKA-SAMA! YOU CAN'T ESCAPE ME!"

Are you kidding me?! They just busted down my door!

"Alright, I guess we'll see you guys later," Tsubasa and I were about to leave the mansion while Chiaki and Jun came to see us off at the front door.

"Have fun on your date, you two," the younger curtly waved us along.

"Don't forget those techniques I've been teaching you, Tsu-chan~!" Jun yelled with a wink.

I tilted my head in confusion. "Techniques...What does she mean by that, Tsubasa?"

"It's nothing to worry about, Kiyotaka," she reassured and snaked her arms around mine.

"If you insist. Also, are we going to walk to the mall? At this pace, it might take us an hour or two."

"No silly, I pre-ordered a taxi. It should be arriving down the street in about 10 minutes."

"I see, that's quite convenient."

That also gives me some time to think. Jun mentioned that Koenji guy quite a bit in her article. I've never heard of him after that visit from the chairman, but he seems to be a notable presence in the public eye.

[Flashback Start]

'Thank you for sparing us a bit of your time, Kiyotaka-kun, Matsuo-san, Eiichiro-kun, and Nanase-san,' He stood before going into a deep bow.

His daughter followed suit, bowing to the best of her ability without losing balance.

'We thank you for informing us, Sakayanagi-san,' Matsuo spoke politely.

'Ah, one last thing,' the silver-haired man remembered something. He searched for something in one of his pockets. 'Here, for you, Kiyotaka-kun.'

He walked over to me and extended his hand. I stood as I analyzed the object. It seems to be a business card.

'This has the contact information of the people who will be able to help you protect those whom you consider dear, Kiyotaka-kun,' he spoke in a soft tone while confirming my suspicion.

I reached out my hand to receive the gift. 'Thank you, Sakayangi-san,' I bowed.

Upon his leave, I inspected the card. On one side, it read 'Koenji Conglomerate' in bold letters next to an intricate logo. The back contained a phone number with the name 'Koenji Rokusuke' etched into it.

I tried contacting the number many times in the upcoming weeks, but he never answered. I decided to leave it alone and wait until Sakayanagi would visit again, as he mentioned he would be back.

[Flashback End]

Tsubasa turned to look at me in concern, "Kiyotaka, is everything alright?" Her big blue eyes exemplified her perfection.

Noticing her inquiry, I decided to answer. "I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried."

"You? Worried? There has to be something seriously wrong. What is it, Kiyotaka?" She proceeded to interlock her fingers with my free hand in earnest worry.

"It's been over a month since Sakayanagi and his daughter payed us a visit," I returned her grip on my hand. I slowly rubbed my thumb on the back of Tsubasa's thumb.

"Yeah, it has been a little bit...But that can't be all that's bothering you, what else is amiss?"

"Remember how he gave us thay business card?" Tsubasa nodded. "The name, 'Koenji Rokusuke,' was engraved into it, along side his phone number."

"Th-the same Koenji that Jun-san wrote about?" Tsubasa gasped in surprise. Her shock caused her to jolt up a bit, allowing for her breasts to bounce slightly. "Hey, eyes up here."

"You're becoming more perceptive by the day, Tsubasa," I chuckled while looking guilty.

"It's hard not to notice your perverted glances at me. You're so shameless nowadays, just because we've slept in the same bed before," Tsubasa mumbled with a hint of annoyance adorned across her face.

"And showered together."

"H-hey, that's not the point! Tell me about what's so concerning about Koenji-kun!"

"You're so cute, Tsubasa," I reached out and patted her hair. She slowly calmed down and entered a flustered state.

"P-please just continue what you were saying about him..."

"You seem eager to hear about another man. Are you cheating on me?" I decided to tease her lightly.

Tsubasa now glared at me. "Never, Kiyotaka!"

"You're the best. Anyways, I tried to ring his number many times, but he never answered."

"That sounds like Koenji-kun, too busy with his training and all. But that doesn't explain why you're so worried."

"He's the man who will 'protect those who you consider dear,'" I quoted the chairman.

"So that's what you're worried about, Kiyotaka..."

"I'm sorry I haven't been able to do anything about it. I will contact Sakayanagi as soon as I can."

Tsubasa now turned to face me fully. She held onto my right hand with both of hers.

"Don't worry about it, Kiyotaka, it'll all work out in the end," now her hands slip up to my arms, then my cheeks. "At least you're slowly leaving your emotionless shell, my dear."

We slowly drew closer toward me, and our lips approached each other once more.

.

.
BEEP BEEP!

Tsubasa and I snapped out of our romantic moment, being interrupted for the second time today.

We glanced at the intrusion to find our taxi rolling up the street.

"Oh, great..." Tsubasa muttered sarcastically. Her eye even started to twitch.

Maybe next time.

As Tsubasa and I strolled through the mall, we garnered some minor glances from the teens around us.

"What do you think they're staring at, Kiyotaka?"

"You. I probably look out of place next to a beauty like you," I teasingly responded.

"Y-you can't be serious, Kiyotaka!" Her face flushed, "You're handsome too, y'know..." she trailed off.

"Your reactions are lovely, Tsubasa. What café are we heading to?"

"I was thinking of the popular one on the 3rd floor, but the next escalator is a bit far though."

"I see. Well, we better get to it then."

"Yeah, we probably should," she picked up her pace and lightly dragged me along.

Shortly after, we noticed booming, bellowing laughter coming from the top of the escalator.

I noticed it was a blonde-haired muscular boy around my and Tsubasa's age. He was surrounded by around 5 girls.

At the same time, my date and I elevated, and the boy and his harem descended. He and I suddenly locked eyes.

His confident and boisterous expression made no shifts. But his orbs rested on mine longer than standard accidental eye contact would in public.

Something's up with that guy...

After that weirdo and his harem drifted further and further away, Tsubasa guided me towards our destination.

Shortly after settling down, a ruckus appeared outside of the café.

"H-hey, what's all that noise about?" Tsubasa asked in an annoyed tone.

"That's what I'm trying to figure out. From the looks of it, seems like a large friend group is causing lots of noise," I analyzed.

"Hm, should we go investigate?" She proposed.

"Sure, we're already done with our drinks anyways."

Standing up, Tsubasa and I approached the exit. As we got closer, the origin of the situation grew clearer.

Tsubasa tugged lightly on my sleeve to garner my attention. "H-hey, I think that guy is Ko-"

"Koenji Rokusuke," I called out. He stopped his ridiculous show and pinpointed his gaze at me.

"Fufufufu, it can't be, Master Piece-boy?"

My eyebrow twitched in annoyance slightly. Why did Koenji have to say that?

Some bystanders looked confused, while some smarter ones seemed to have caught onto what he was implying.

"What are you talking about?"

"Fufu, don't act coy, Masterpiece. The general public already suspects you, me revealing such info shouldn't be to your detriment," he responded.

"Yes, but until now, there's no public picture of Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. How are you so sure?" I sighed in defeat.

"Haha! How am I sure, you ask?"

I nod.

"Well, I've witnessed you with my own two, perfect, eyes! Remember New York?"

"What are you talking about?" I tried to feign ignorance.

"You're a bad actor, Ayanokouji-boy," his unwavering smirk remained plastered on his face.

"That's besides the point, we need to talk."

"Hm, about what, I don't recall having such business with the likes of you."

"You know, our arrangement."

"Hm, doesn't ring a bell."

I swiftly take a step forward, faster than most people could react to.

Placing my hand firmly on his shoulder, I spoke firmly, "You know what I am reffering to, Koenji. Delaying this matter will only become more and more troublesome."

"Troublesome?" He bellowed, "maybe for you, Dread-kun. My perfection can't help but be drawn towards the limelight!"

At the name 'Dread,' some people gasped in shock before connecting my broken hand and the name together, slowly figuring it out.

Jeez, all this guy does is run his mouth like a tap.

"Did I ruffle your proverbial feathers?" He mockingly questioned.

"Have you had enough of your phone, Koenji?" Some people have already started recording. If this incident goes viral, then all my secrets will become public knowledge.

"I suppose so, now you have nothing to hide! Fufufu!"

"Alright, now let's talk busin-"

"A perfect existence such as myself has no obligations towards anything. I refuse to help you or any other miserable existences," Koenji interjected lackadaisicaly.

I took a moment of contemplation before relaying my response.

"You claim to be a perfect existence, Koenji?"

"Yes, quite proudly, I must add!"

"Wouldn't that be impossible? That White Room guy is stated to be the 'Perfect Human.'"

"Yes, but what fools declare holds no weight around me."

"Hm, so if you're perfect, why don't you face off against me?"

"You realize that indirectly implies you are the Masterpiece, you know that, right?" He pointed out the obvious.

"So what, I knew this would eventually happen, you know."

"Hm, how boring, you barely put up a fight," he shook my hand off his shoulder and began to turn to leave. "For your own sake, never waste my time again, Masterpiece-boy."

"Me personally, I'd never walk away from a chance to prove my superiority. It sounds like you're just tucking tail so you don't get publicly embarrassed," I instigated.

The fine art of instigation has been passed down since the dawn of man. Even in creation stories, for example, the Bible, it's present. When the snake instigated the fall of humanity by tricking Adam and Eve into eating the forbidden fruit.

This legendary weapon can be as blunt as a soccer ball or as precise and deadly as a high-intensity laser if used correctly.

Through the tenets of my dear friend, Matsuo Eiichiro, I have perfected this fine art to a level never before witnessed.

My proficiency in this sport is second to none. My blade is sharp enough to cut through intangible concepts such as love, apprehension, and one's pride.

In short, when it comes to instigating, I'm number 1.

"What was that, Ayanokouji?" He stopped in his tracks before facing me with his full might. This was the first time his never-changing smirk disappeared.

"You heard me. The cameras are still rolling, if you walk out now, you're basically admitting inferiority, Koenji," additionally, I used Jun's ability to turn situations in my favor. Although the blonde man before me placed me on the back foot by revealing my identity, I flipped it to his inferiority in the face of the perfect human.

"I see what you're saying here, flipping your exposure into a scene where my pride lay at stake. Maybe you aren't so bad, after all."

"However, a per-" I cut him off.

"You're a fraud Koenji. You believe you've surpassed me based on my display in New York? That was years ago, it you truly believe to be the Elite of the Elite, accept my challenge."

"But your hand, you'll cry unfair once I beat you."

"This measly injury shouldn't hinder me in the slightest," I raised my voice so the cameras could easily pick up on my declaration.

"I, AYANOKOUJI KIYOTAKA, MASTERPIECE OF THE WHITE ROOM, CHALLENGE YOU, KOENJI ROKUSUKE OF THE KOENJI CONGLOMORATE TO A BATTLE. WE BOTH STAKE OUR PRIDE ON THE LINE AND I WILL NOT USE MY HAND INJURY AS AN EXCUSE IF I LOSE."

The crowd started murmuring and gasping at my announcement.

"HAHAHAHA! TRULY MAGNIFICENT! I ACCEPT!"

We both coil back our hands, similar to a dap up, but in the form of a handshake.

Once our arms collide, a strong force enters the entire café, causing the ceiling lights to swing while some tables and drinks topple over. It was only a taste of our full capabilities.

"Contact me tomorrow so we can arrange our affair, Demon-boy, any time works as I will be free all day," he informed.

"Fine by me," I nodded in agreement.

Finally, we shake hands. Numerous cameras recorded and snapped pictures of this scene. Now, Koenji has no way to reject this without tarnishing his name severely.

Slowly loosening our grips, we ended the handshake. Koenji's group turned to leave the premises. Although it wasn't stated out loud, Koenji would also help me out with protecting those whom I need to be protected if I win.

The people inside the café lay silent before Tsubasa broke through the silence.

"K-kiyotaka, how confident are you about this?" Tsubasa worridly asked.

"Well, if he starts to capitalize on my broken hand, he might cause me a little trouble."

"Hm, I see, but would you lose?"

"NAH, I'D WIN."

End of Chapter 2...