Chapter 15: Revelations and Boyfriend
Niko motioned Kazuya to sit as he did and the two faced each other in a manner reminiscent of the lotus position. Kazuya watched as Niko took a deep breath, closed his eyes, released his breath, and opened them looking Kazuya straight in the eye.
"Complete confidentiality. Total privacy. Your word?" Niko asked looking a little nervous.
Kazuya looked over Niko as he wore normal clothing and had his hair in a normal fashion.
Looking Niko in the eye with confidence Kazuya nodded at him.
Kazuya took a calm breath and said, "Complete confidentiality. You have my word as a professional and your boy-as 'someone you're talking to today at this shrine.' This is a sanctuary. Calm your mind and tell me what's on it. Your words are for my ears only, they shall not leave the refuge you're taking here."
Niko nodded and thanked him before saying, "The coy may hear it, but I hear they're very good at keeping quiet."
"I've heard the same, but not from them," Kazuya said with a laugh.
Niko laughed and said he was glad to be there and appreciated Kazuya's coming and Kazuya said it was his honor and urged him to tell him what was on his mind.
"Okay…a year or so ago I met a lovely lady, a sweet girl outside the library one Saturday morning when I was studying for the midterms. She went to a neighboring school. We shared a table, kept quiet during studies, but would smile at each other here and there. It was nice. Just nice. When she started to get up, I blurted out asking if she'd like to get something to eat. I was surprised at myself," Niko said with a smile.
Kazuya smiled and said, "Sounds nice. Then what happened?"
Niko smiled again and continued, "It all proceeded from there. We started dating and while it wasn't storybook like…it felt that way. She was the first girl I was with, beyond any little high school dating fling or even middle school single date thing. She was smart, sweet, caring, and unbelievably cute."
"Okay…so is this a 'boy meets girl, boy loses girl' thing?"
"It is, but there is more to it. Sadly, there is much heavier stuff. Let me ask you a question: If you could find out the answer to something you wanted, but it wouldn't change anything would you want to know?"
"I don't know. That's kind of abstract. That really could go a lot of directions. Are you wondering what could have been if you stayed dating her? That's not worth pondering as-"
"No. Not that. This isn't wondering 'If I should have turned left when I turned right' or even 'If I should have talked to the girl.' I already 'talked to the girl'."
"Okay. Please continue. You talked to the girl, you got the girl, but you obviously lost her. Is this the girl you were with before Mizuhara?"
"Yes."
"So, what happened? This is clearly weighing you down. What happened? People break up all the time, but this is giving you reason for pause. Why?"
"Do you think I am a good person?"
"What?"
"A good person. Do you think I am one?"
"Niko…that's a subjective question. It's hard to know how to answer. It is also a professional quandary: Do I tell my client he is good not knowing him fully, so the answer is 'yes' without even knowing or am I the person you saw at the bowling alley? However, here is what I am going to do, and I need to you tell me if you're all right with it okay?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"I am me, talking to you. We both know who we are. I am going to drop any pretense of a boyfriend, but I am keeping your money since you've already rented me with the understanding: Whatever you're about to tell me will be heard by me and me alone. I guess in a sense I am no longer 'someone you're talking to today at this shrine'…now I am 'a friend who you are taking to A&W later and you're asking me to hold the money until then' …right?"
Niko looked at him for a moment and took on the kind of fantasy framing Kazuya proposed and nodded.
"Okay. So…I was asking if you think I am a good person."
"From what I have seen of you I feel you can be a condescending, irritable, short-tempered, paranoid, arrogant, two-faced person with a set of issues needing to be addressed. However, you're not out robbing or hurting people, but you have your faults. You're simply human and what's more…I see you addressing your concerns. So asked what I think of you: No, you're not a bad person."
Niko smiled and said, "Thank you. I needed to hear that. It's a view of myself I needed to hear from others. I know you aren't a parent or friend, but I view you as neutral, so I am not going to get an emotionally charged answer and what's more I do feel you'll be honest with me as there isn't any reason not to be. Since I am not a bad person to you, and Mizuhara, it gives me hope in some sort of redemption or if not that a kind of resolution. In fact, ironically, a resolution in not getting one."
"W-what are you talking about?"
"Coming to peace with something. There is something I don't know, may never know, and even knowing may not change things. Thus, is there a peace in not knowing? A way to let go?"
"Perhaps. Okay. So, the two of you broke up and you need-"
"It wasn't a break-up!"
"Sorry…what happened?"
"Sorry, sorry about that. It still bothers me. Okay, where was I? Oh right…so we are dating, and things are going well. She is part of a very wealthy family, but I didn't know that until later on…not that it mattered to me. I come from a decent family, my parents were successful, I've lived a good life. It was not a life of glamour and privilege, but I was happy growing up. Her? Her father is an executive at an artificial intelligence company…I could use some of the real thing."
Niko shook his head with a wistful smile.
Kazuya smiled and said, "Please continue."
"Well one Saturday morning I got a call early in the morning. It was from her father…calling on her cell phone. He said I needed to meet with him immediately…and without thinking I went outside having agreed to it and five minutes later an Uber appeared and took me to his house. It was bigger than a castle! He met me at the front door, dressed in a suit, and told me to go inside the dining room. He invited me to sit and said he had a meeting soon, but this couldn't wait. He took out an envelope and slid it to me slowly with his head down."
"What was in the envelope?"
"Yen. There was so much in there I thought there was a large cell phone in there before opening it. I looked up scared knowing something horrible was about to happen…either he would tell me unwelcome news or need something from me."
"W-What did he say?"
"Everything I say here is private right?"
Kazuya quickly thought wondering what a psychologist would say and replied, "Everything except murder."
Niko winced for a moment and said, "Okay. Her father said she was pregnant."
Kazuya's eyes flew open as he suddenly realized he almost knew the rest of the story.
"Pregnant? Oh my…what happened then?"
"He said the money was to leave and not come back, to not turn back. He said he'd taken her cell phone, was about to disconnect it, has already closed her old email address, taken down her Facebook page, deleted her Instagram account, and said should I contact her in any way he'd call my parents and say that I knew it and ran out on her."
Kazuya held his forehead and said sadly, "My god."
"I know…most guys would be happy to be off the hook. Most guys would be happier to take money and run…"
"…But you're not 'most guys'?"
"Exactly. I'm not a bad person. It gets worse."
"Worse?"
"Shortly after being escorted out, he again told me not to look back, and even thanked me. He then told me he knows this is hard, but to let it go. That night I got a call from her. It was a 'burner phone,' a disposable cell phone. She was calling me from her bedroom. She must have anticipated something horrible was going to happen if…when…she told her parents and gotten the phone at the mall earlier in the day. She was grounded and was calling me to tell me something important. She sounded so relieved at first and then her father came busting in and yelling asking her if she was talking to me. She said she was talking to her friend and her father demanded the phone knowing she was lying. I heard her father take the phone, threaten me not to contact her, and threw the phone at the wall breaking it…at least that is what it sounded like. He could have stomped on it…it was cheap…made in China."
Niko laughed a little at the made in China joke.
"…I'm so sorry. What happened after?"
"After? Well sure enough her email wasn't returning messages, she doesn't know mine by heart and even if she did, I bet her father was watching her every move and made sure to restrict her computer usage…but it doesn't matter. It was over nine months ago."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean it has been more than nine months and nothing matters anymore. Is there a child? If so, was the child put up for adoption? Is she caring for a child as a single mother? Is she caring for a child-having also been cast out of her father's home? Did she lose the baby while carrying it? There is no way to know any of these things and in reality, none matter…I can affect none. I may not be a bad person; I may not be like most other guys…but there is possibly a child is out there without a father. This father isn't supporting his child financially or emotionally. What did I do to deserve this? We used protection. We loved each other! The 'best' case is the child…or children…I never thought about any pregnancy being twins…oh God! The 'best' case is that she is living as a single mother, hopefully still at her parents' home. Maybe even married…with another person raising my child or children. Maybe she was forced into a marriage. It seems great…running out on a parenting role…but I only had my father for about ten years, eight I can remember. My father was a great man, he instilled honor in me. However, he was killed by a heavy truck while the driver wasn't paying attention. The trucking company provided good money for support to help keep our family well-cared for and happy as we could be. My sister and I were mature and supported our mother best we could. I love them both, but all three of us miss my father far more. Now…now there may be a child or children out there that are not with me, that have no father."
"…I'm so deeply sorry. That's-that's something I don't know even how to respond to at all…"
"Don't worry. I just needed to tell someone…someone I ironically trust since 'you' are not real."
Kazuya nodded and said, "So this whole tough guy, 'biker-jacket Niko' is a coping mechanism only, isn't it? You're not like that at all are you?"
"I prefer to think of it as 'escapism,' a fantasy land where 'the Niko who may have a child' isn't there...just the tough one. However, if you want to give the 'Psych 101' term then yes. I am by no means an angel, but I'm not a bad person. I'm not."
"No, you're not…what about hiring a private investigator or something? Surely public records are online. I'm sure you could-"
"What could be done? I find out I have a child and have been unable to support them? That the child was lost during pregnancy and now due to a miscarriage she is scared to ever have children? In the event of adoption, I couldn't get my hands on any file…it could be marked confidential, and no knowledge of the parents be in there at all. Besides, without my being there what is there to prove I even have any claim? Trying to prove a case, get an order for DNA, and such sounds like a tv show and what's more I'd have to find them first. The simple fact of the matter is that I am too far behind, that whatever I am seeking is too far ahead. I may never know…and just coming to grips with that may be the most important thing."
"…I would offer to do guided meditation, but you're saying all I could say. I would add to that you cannot let it control you, that any resolution will eventually occur, but how you approach it leads to the way it occurs."
"Don't say anything, you don't need to at this point. I just want to say this all aloud…I just wanted to say it aloud. At the end of the day there is peace in knowing you can't do anything. I can only focus on what I can control, what I can affect. I am here, I am talking about it and while it doesn't actually 'solve' it…I am learning to look at it differently…and speaking to you today helps. You? Kazuya, the person what did you call it? 'Someone you're talking to today at this shrine' and the guy who will have A with me or something. All of them. None of them. You're a sounding board of sorts, but more importantly you're someone beyond my own inner thoughts. I tried talking to Mizuhara about this, but I couldn't. I worried she'd just accuse me of being hung up on my ex or to just seek her out or that she didn't want to hear about it."
"I don't think she'd cast you aside."
"I don't either really, but it is because of the way I acted I doubt she'd want to see me. I was hurt, tried to escape it, but got scared of talking to her due to how I treated her. She likely would have listened, but I cannot keep looking back. Only a fool looks back right?"
"I agree to some extent, but…I just wish I could help you more than just listening."
"Don't worry, you're not a grief counselor or a psychologist. You're just 'someone who will listen,' but you truly do 'want everyone to be happy' and that includes me, I truly see it. You're not a bad person either. I don't like what you do for a living for most people, but I did like this."
"I'm glad. What else happened?"
"Well, here is the story now coming full circle: It was because of her that I really ended up hurting Mizuhara. After realizing I likely wasn't going to hear from my ex ever again, I finally decided to ask Mizuhara out. I always liked her, but never wanted to date her for fear that a breakup could hurt a friendship, but I'd never know if I didn't try right?"
"I agree. So, you asked her and started dating her. Then what happened?"
"What happened then? Well about one month later I got a call from my ex on another burner phone, and I am thrilled, and she just says she wanted to tell me something in person and not risk being found out talking to me. I am guessing a friend got it for her and gave it to her at school. So, there I am outside the Starbucks she told me to meet her. I am waiting outside as it rained above the awning. I am so excited to see her and then…"
"And then?"
"A hand comes down on my shoulder and I jump out of my skin. I turned and saw her father looking sternly at me. He went on to tell me while it is entirely possible it was a coincidence I was at that Starbucks at that hour he said he had a 'strong feeling' I was coming to meet up with his daughter. He caught her trying to sneak out and she couldn't lie to her father so he said if she told him where she was meeting me, he would allow her to see me with him. Well, she did…from the car window. He never let her out, but he told me to stay away and that this wasn't my business. I begged to know what was going on and he said it was private and just said to let it go. He said he respected me, that he felt I had some degree of honor. He said as soon as she isn't under his roof she is free to approach him, but not until such time. What's more…it still doesn't matter. So, what if she comes to me and she has a child, our child? I'd like to believe her. I mean…if she has a child, I'd like to think it is mine, I could ask for a DNA test, but that seems a little rude and it doesn't speak well to other things. If she gave up the child for adoption it may have been at a safe haven, no information given and thus nothing traceable…no guarantee she went to an adoption agency. There's likely no paper trail and in this 'race' I am simply too far behind to 'catch up' to the truth. If I have a child out there, I will likely never be able to be a father…but that is not important. I cannot focus on that! I cannot. I can only focus on what I can affect. Only what I can…"
Niko started to cry a little. Kazuya reached over and rubbed his shoulder a little saying it was okay.
Nodding and wiping a tear away Niko stood up and motioned Kazuya to do so too.
Looking at Kazuya with fear and hope, Niko asked if he could hug him.
Kazuya opened his arms with a smile, beckoned him a little with his hand, and said in an encouraging & calm voice, "Come here."
Niko hugged Kazuya hard, and Kazuya returned it as he felt Niko start to cry a little.
"I'm sorry," Niko said.
"It's okay, let it out. Don't be sorry or embarrassed, don't hold it in. Real men let their feelings be heard, real men acknowledge them, cowards and 'bad people' keep them bottled up, let it out…you're a good man."
Kazuya hugged Niko tighter as he felt Niko cry more and a few moments later started to calm and then released the hug.
Niko looked up at him like a life-long friend and said, "Thank you. Thank you for listening."
Kazuya smiled back and said, "Any time. Feeling hungry?"
Niko said, "Yeah, I am. How did you know?"
Kazuya winked and motioned him to leave the shrine, and they headed to A&W.
"Paintballing? Your friends want you go to paintballing this Saturday? That sounds like a wonderful time!" Kazuya said as he stood while the bus stopped at the end of the quad.
Mizuhara looked at him in his college persona with his rose glasses and beret and said, "That's right and it will start mid-morning, then lunch, and then afternoon battles. Later we may go for drinks."
Both waved to the driver as they stepped down and headed back to their apartment building.
"Well, I'm sure you'll have a great time," Kazuya said checking his phone before looking up and looking Mizuhara dead in the eye.
Mizuhara locked his eyes with him and nodded, "You already know what I am about to say, don't you?"
Kazuya stopped and looked at her angrily, "Mizuhara, there is no way. Renting me all day is expensive and what's more you just got a '75% off coupon' from me on our last family 'outing.' I am 'out of coupons' at this point."
Mizuhara smiled and said, "Hold up, don't leave."
Kazuya turned his back and started heading for the stairs, "Thanks for the Excel lesson, I'm going to turn in as I have-"
Giving a playful smile Mizuhara took his arm by the sleeve and said, "Hey, let me finish. Being a gentleman means listening to someone when they're speaking… I'm more than prepared to pay half- price…with installments and-"
Kazuya stopped and looked at her sternly before saying, "No, I need full payment. Mizuhara, this is a tough time."
"I know it is…that is why it is time to deal Kazuya. You're not booked for Saturday. I already checked."
"Things change fast, tomorrow is Friday. Things could come up fast! You know how I carry my bag at all times."
"Uh huh. Make the deal now, this way you don't have to worry about missing anything Saturday."
Kazuya sighed and rolled his eyes as he asked, "What's your 'deal' Mizuhara?"
Mizuhara smiled and said, "Half price paid in full."
"That's it? Not a chance! Full price…paid in installments. This is an entire day. That's an exceptionally good offer, take it or-
"Half-price installments and I also cover your equipment for the day."
"Half-price paid in full, the equipment, lunch, and drinks."
"Equipment, ride, dinner, drinks, and half-pay with installments.
"…No. Half-price with installments, gear, food, ride, drinks…and I will be calling upon you for a favor later."
"…'A favor'? Kazuya, if you think I'm going to-"
"Relax. In the future there is going to be an event, a fund-raiser, and we're still working on a theme. However, you will volunteer…an entire day. Do we have a deal?"
"No! I will do all you ask, but only can volunteer half the day."
"Then how about you do a second event, another half-day. Also: this is your last deal."
"…Ummmm."
"Do we have a deal, Mizuhara?"
"No! I will work two-half days, but I can ask for other deals…like next week if I need."
"Volunteer two half-days, you can ask for future favors-I hope you don't-and you settle your tab before you do any other renting with me. You get no more deals for at least a month. During that time, any other dates are traditional payment at full."
"All above, but I only have to pay the tab before renting you out again, with a deal if needed, within two weeks of payment of tab with immediate allowance for full payment with installments? Deal?"
Mizuhara crossed her fingers and watched as Kazuya pondered for a minute.
"No deal, you'll have to do better. You know…the next community night at the monastery is coming up. Be great if some local business could have the spotlight for the night, maybe some family's convenient store. They would even make sure to bring some items."
"…Okay! Fine…Everything above and you get the be the 'featured business of the week at the monastery in two weeks…when the tab will also be paid. Do we have a deal?"
Kazuya paused with a slight smile.
Mizuhara rolled her eyes a little and asked again, "Do we have a deal Kazuya?"
"Deal!"
Kazuya smiled and said this is starting to get to be useful. Mizuhara made a sarcastic pout of slight anger before smiling.
"What? What's wrong Mizuhara?" Kazuya asked genuinely.
"You wanna get something to eat?" Mizuhara asked genuinely.
"Huh?"
Mizuhara smiled and said, "I just figured you may have an appetite from the 'activities' which just transpired."
Kazuya suddenly heard her stomach growl and nodded saying it sounded nice.
Saturday morning Kazuya left his unit dressed as Mizuhara's friends knew him to look and hurried down the stairs to meet Mizuhara already smiling saying it was nice to see him and handed him the first installment of their time together getting a smile from Kazuya. When their Uber rolled up Kazuya held the door for her and Mizuhara still blushed at such gestures.
Arriving at the paintball grounds the group was there including Niko who nodded and smiled at Kazuya and Mizuhara as she wondered why he was so civil. The group got their camouflage uniforms at the paintball center's shop along with their guns, ammo, and safety gear. Two teams formed and went to opposite sides of a large, wooded enclosure complete with bushes, buildings, barrels, and other trappings you'd find on a field of battle for paintball. Mizuhara walked with Kazuya holding his arm as two other male friends and Yuki & Yoko followed her. The teams took up positions and a call to begin came over the grounds PA system.
Almost immediately the opposing team was heard running towards Kazuya's position. All took cover behind barrels as they heard paintballs splashing above them with their distinct squishing sound as red blobs of paint appeared on old oil drums. Kazuya grabbed Mizuhara's arm and told her to cover him as he would assume a position at the next barrier and then cover for her. Mizuhara was about to say something when Kazuya ran off.
Paintballs were heard all around with popping noises as people tried to hit Kazuya, but he knew to not run in a straight line, and all missed him. Mizuhara was fumbling to try to get the gun to fire when she realized she hadn't taken off the safety switch. Moments later Kazuya saw paint balls explode near his boots in green and looked back to see Mizuhara waving frantically.
"Sorry! I'm still learning to aim!" Mizuhara said with a worried shout.
"Run!" Kazuya said as he waved frantically.
Mizuhara ran avoiding paintballs, mimicking Kazuya, and assumed a place next to him behind some sheets of metal standing against a tree while panting from running.
"What do we do now?" Mizuhara asked looking scared.
"Now? We look for other players!" Kazuya said with a fiendish smile.
The two scanned the field and saw some of their friends. Kazuya motioned to kneel down and Mizuhara did so with a big smile having fun feeling her heart beating fast.
"This is fun," Mizuhara whispered.
Kazuya nodded and put up three fingers. Mizuhara nodded and watched him count down and ready both sprung up and hit three of the opposing team's players. All three acknowledged being out and headed towards the starting area.
Emboldened, Mizuhara grabbed Kazuya's arm and made a break for a shack in the center of the field.
Kazuya shook his head as he was pulled and yelled, "No! We'll be exposed! We can't just make a break for such a long distance! The other players could be any-"
The other team's remaining three players came around from the other side of a building in the center and one shouted, "There they are! Fire!"
Mizuhara got scared and quickly fired as many shots as she could get off towards the other team, but none found their target.
Kazuya grabbed Mizuhara and ran back to the last hiding place and together they attempted to ward off the other players, but Mizuhara suddenly found herself with no more ammunition and looked at Kazuya frantically and shouted she was out.
"Shhh! They're gonna hear you!" Kazuya said.
The opponent closest yelled, "Give it up! You'll never make it back to base and only one of you has any shots left."
Kazuya looked behind him and whispered, "On three I want you to run as fast as you can back to base."
"What?! I don't have any paintballs left; I can't defend. I'll be hit for sure!" Mizuhara said.
"Do you trust me?"
Mizuhara smiled for a moment under her facemask and fluttered before saying. "Yes, I do."
"Then run. Now!"
"Wait! What about-"
Kazuya got out in front of her and began to fire, taking out one of the opposing team before getting shot right beneath his neck. The other two walked up as Kazuya acknowledged being hit when suddenly two green paintballs exploded on the other team's chests as Yoko and Yuki appeared from behind a nearby bush laughing.
Yoko, Mizuhara, Yuki, and Kazuya walked back to the starting position at the far end of the field.
"He took a bullet for you Mizuhara! Next time you'll have to save his life," Yoko said laughing.
"He's a hero, a 'war hero,' he needs a 'hero's welcome' home," Yuki said with a devilish smile.
Mizuhara turned deep red.
After a brief rest in their side's home base building the second round began with a "capture the flag" scenario.
Both teams stood at their respective ends as Mizuhara, Yoko, Yuki, and her friends quickly made Kazuya their captain seeing his skill.
"A 'free for all' is fun, but this is serious…and it takes a bit of skill. On the other side of the field is a red flag and here is ours, "Kazuya said taking a green one off a table where all had their gear resting.
"What do we do?" Yuki asked.
"Typically, a team will have half on defense and half on offense…but that is typical…they'll be expecting that," Kazuya said.
"What do we do then?" Yoko asked.
Mizuhara's friends listened intently as the plan was discussed.
After another few minutes, a voice came over the PA and announced the start of the second round.
Kazuya and Mizuhara made their way to the center of the field and assumed position on the far-left side and knelt in some bushes.
"There they area!" An opposing team member shouted.
Red paintballs began to splatter on the tree behind them and Kazuya asked what happened between him and Kousei.
"Is now the time you to ask that?! We're under fire!" Mizuhara asked, shocked.
"It's as good as a time as any, we'll be here a while," Kazuya said as he returned fire without really aiming too hard.
"Well, what did he tell you?" Mizuhara asked as she shot a few rounds conversing ammunition.
"Not much…just that you said you would prefer to be 'friends."
"Is that all?"
"Yes, but I have my own theories."
"What? What 'theories?"
"Oh, just that you were 'too busy' at the moment."
Mizuhara thought she was letting her own paranoia get the better of her and couldn't tell if Kazuya was being truthful or not but decided to agree with him.
Kazuya knew full well it was her jealousy over seeing Kousi with new fans of his skills on the field of battle and at the piano but decided not to pursue it.
"How…how is he taking it?"
"He's let down. He's hurt, but thankfully you weren't together long enough to really get hurt."
"Is…is he angry at me? I don't want him-"
"No, he holds no anger, no contempt. He's understanding of dating, he's getting more experience with women. He is getting a trial by fire. He's not seen any success though. He's had one let down after another."
Running to the next obstacle the two dodged fire until hiding and heavily panting and running.
Mizuhara caught her breath and said, "What do you mean 'one letdown after another'?"
Kazuya said, "I'll tell you later. Get ready."
"You sure this will work?" Mizuhara asked while panting.
"Sure? Only one way to find out…I know that sounds corny, but it is true," Kazuya said.
Mizuhara gulped and Kazuya yelled, "They have the flag! They're hiding in the shed, surround them!"
Suddenly from the other side of the field Yoko, Yuki, and one of group's other two made a dash for the other team's flag knowing it would be lightly defended as the opposing team took the bait to escort their team from the shed.
Moments later Mizuhara and Kazuya watched as their team returned with the flag while under heavy fire and defending. Kazuya and Mizuhara jumped out of the bushes and ambushed the pursuing team as Yoko ran the flag back to base with cheers.
Another round of capture the flag ended with an intense battle and ended with a narrow victory for the opposing team.
After lunch and a break, the final sessions for the afternoon were set to begin with the final game being a hostage rescue.
Kazuya's team all listened inside their base building where their guns rested on the table.
"What is a 'hostage rescue'?" Yuki asked.
"It's basically a 'capture the flag' with one major catch," Kazuya answered with a semi-worried smile.
"What's the catch?" Yoko asked.
"Simply put: One of us is 'the flag' and must be escorted back…but will not have a gun. The 'hostage' must keep up with the rescue team and cannot be hit.
The team discussed who would be the hostage when Yuki offered to be the hostage. Yoko looked around the team when Mizuhara shook her head and stepped forward to volunteer.
Mizuhara looked on with seriousness and said, "It's okay, I'm the newest here. Any of you would be better to keep on the field."
The team gave nods all around and Mizuhara was escorted to the other side and placed behind the starting point under the watch of two members. At the same time one of the other team's members was back and was placed under guard.
Kazuya looked at his team and they listened as Kazuya's plan was detailed.
The PA announcer gave the word to begin, and Kazuya and his team fanned out with Kazuya and Yuki on one side, Yoko on the other male on the other, while the last male on the team guarded the hostage. Kazuya and Yuki ran off to the nearest bushes and Kazuya could tell Yuki was smiling under her mask by the position of her cheeks near her eyes.
"Having fun Miss. Yuki?" Kazuya asked in a quiet voice.
"Tons! You're really good at this. Have you been playing long?" Yuki responded.
"Shhh…they'll hear us. I've had practice with numerous 'outings' over the last few years."
"Sorry. I'm so glad you could come today! I was hoping to see you again…I never got an answer if you know anyone like you."
Suddenly red paintballs exploded on a tree near their hiding place.
"I told you to keep your voice down! Come on! We gotta go!" Kazuya said in the voice of a soldier as he grabbed Yuki's arm. Yuki could see Kazuya smiling from the positions of his cheeks under the mask.
Once they assumed position on the far side of the shed, they could see Mizuhara being guarded by two players, but no signs of the others.
"You're really having fun too it seems," Yuki said a lot quieter.
"I am, I live for this kind of thing. It is great to cut loose now and again."
Kazuya looked around and gave a signal to stay down and follow him.
Together the two made it across the field to a set of bushes closer to the base, crouched down, and again saw only the two guards, but no signs of the team's remaining three players.
Yuki looked towards Kazuya and said in a faint voice, "It's too quiet. Where is the other team?"
Kazuya aimed his gun at one of the guards and motioned Yuki to do the same. Watching Kazuya's hand under the glove Yuki saw him counting down and together they shot the guards. Suddenly the remaining three members of the opposing team came out from inside the shed and surrounded them.
"Drop your weapons and come out with your hands up! We're taking both of you prisoner," one of Mizuhara's female friends said in an excited voice.
Yuki gave Kazuya a look and asked if he was sure about this and Kazuya nodded noting there is only one way to find out.
At the top of his lungs Kazuya yelled out, "Never! You'll never take us alive!"
Across the field Yoko yelled out, "Kazuya! Niko's got the hostage! They're headed for the shack, stop them!"
All the opposing team members turned ready to run off to help escort the hostage back to their side and two ran off.
From across the field Yoko and her teammate ambushed the other players.
Yuki then jumped out of the bushes and yelled for Kazuya to run as she ran with speed in all directions as paintballs exploded on trees and obstacles. With a final dive she rolled over as she fired back furiously. The opposing team's final member was pelted with green splattered paint more than a few times as he loudly acknowledged being hit. Kazuya ran and kept his gun sighted on the remaining team member as he bolted to Mizuhara and escorted her back to their team's starting point to applause of his team. Even while wearing a face mask and goggles everyone could see Mizuhara's face was as red as the setting sun.
Inside at a large Applebees-esqu them restaurant everyone was full of cheer, drinks were served, and food ordered. Though everyone spoke of intense moments everyone spoke especially of the hostage rescue. Everyone said Kazuya was a hero.
"Oh, I'm no hero, I just came up with the plan. It was my teammates who carried it out. An idea, a plan, is only as successful as it being conducted. Without them it would merely be academic," Kazuya said raising a glass to Yuki.
"To Captain Kazuya: Our leader on the field and in the classroom," Yuki said a little drunk.
Mizuhara felt jealous, but just enjoyed her grapefruit juice and kept on telling herself she wasn't dating Kazuya beyond show and to just let it go.
"Yuki here is the real hero! She was ready to 'take a bullet for me.' Without her bravery Mizuhara wouldn't be ours," Kazuya said as he put his arm around Mizuhara and pulled her close. Mizuhara took a small breath and smiled widely under his arm.
"Kazuya here sure has lots of experience on the field it seems. Are you in a league?" Yoko asked.
"A league? "No, I have just come here with friends before," Kazuya said while unseen to anyone Mizuhara rolled her eyes wondering if it was with clients.
One of Mizuhara's male friends said when it was springtime they should all get together and try air gunning when everyone looked at him.
"What? Did you want me to say, 'the beach'? That's gonna happen anyway. At least with air gunning it would be newer…maybe it won't bruise," Mizuhara friend said as he showed off how his arm was showing a little bit of a bruise.
The meal came and when done Yuki went up to Kazuya and asked again if he knew anyone who was available, a friend like him and looked at the ground like a ten-year old.
Kazuya smiled and said he did and would get in touch with him as he took Mizuhara's arm and headed outside.
Arriving back at their apartment building Kazuya walked and admitted he felt a bruise on his chest, and it was aching with pain just below his neck as Mizuhara checked her phone to see what time it was.
Mizuhara said with a tender smile, "Come with me. It's time I got to play 'nurse' for 'my hero'."
Before Kazuya could say anything, Mizuhara grabbed his arm and took him to his door and said to wait there.
Mizuhara came back with ibuprofen and a glass of water to which Kazuya smiled and thanked her.
"I can't thank you enough for coming out today. We all had such a fun time, my friends love you, I l—, …."
Kazuya looked at her just a little sternly and said, "You what?"
Mizuhara quickly recovered and said, "I love that I have one last thing for you tonight."
Once again Kazuya looked on in bewilderment as Mizuhara ran off and came back with a blue food container and handed it to him.
Kazuya excitedly opened the container with a large smile and said, "Marble cake! Thank you. Why didn't you tell me before our date?"
Mizuhara smiled and said, "I didn't want this to be bargaining chip…for once. I didn't, I wanted it to be a treat, a thank-you present. figured you could enjoy it as a dessert tonight or another night. Thank you again for coming out today."
Kazuya smiled politely as Mizuhara bowed with a solemn thanks and said goodnight. With a grand smiled Kazuya bowed and ran up his stairs thanking her for her generous gift.
Two weeks later Kazuya started planning for the following night when he would be joining Mizuhara at the monastery and when finished he sat down to watch some television when his phone chimed with a reservation. He smiled seeing it was Sumi and the following afternoon met her outside the library at their school.
Kazuya sat on a bench in his rusty red jacket and smiled as he sent a text to Kousei asking him if he'd like to join him at the monastery the next night and see him act out a scene from a play. Kousei responded moments later:
"That sounds great. What time does it start?
"19:00, but people start arriving at 18:00."
"I hate to ask this, but will Mizuhara be there?"
"Yes, she runs them. Is that a problem? If it is, you don't have to come."
"No, it's not that really. I am not angry at her or even sad, just not ready to face her. Does that sound strange?"
"No, not at all. You don't have to be angry or sad to not want to see an ex. It could just be awkwardness, not knowing what to say. You are likely, subconsciously, scared that any conversation will lead back to your dates and break-up."
"Yeah…how'd you know?"
"Same way you do…you see it in your client too Kousei."
"You're right again sensei…I still have lessons to learn…even after learning them I guess."
"Don't worry, I am sure she feels the same way. You don't have to talk to her beyond being civil, say hi and ask her about classes if you want. Trust me when I tell you she's not angry with the notion of seeing you, but I am sure she feels some amount of regret. In fact, it would be nice if you came. Let her know there are no hard feelings. She's a teacher of yours too."
"That's true. I will be there. Looking forwards to it."
Kazuya smiled and texted it sounded great. A moment later excited, hurried footsteps could be heard approaching.
Kazuya looked up and smiled broadly as he saw Sumi running towards him and opening his arms as she did too. After a warm hug she sat down and handed him the 50% voucher and money for the date and watched as he put it in his wallet struggling a little to move his pants pocket open. Kazuya was about to slip into his 'boyfriend mode' and she asked him to stay as the Kazuya she knew from the nail salon. Kazuya smiled and said he'd be happy to as he felt his phone buzz. In an uncharacteristic move since he knew it was Kousei he asked to be excused, and Sumi agreed, turning bright red clearly ready to say something. Kazuya told her to relax and said he was to make a brief phone call if it was okay with her. Sumi nodded.
Kazuya spoke to Kousei for a few moments and arranged a place to meet and time and he'd take him to the monastery when he got off the phone and looked back to see Sumi clearly still nervous looking down face flush.
Kazuya looked on with concern, "Sumi? What's wrong? You look like you're carrying the weight of all the cars on the street upon your shoulders. What's wrong?"
Sumi took a short breath and said, "I-"
Kazuya softened his look and said, "Sumi, what is it? Take your time. I won't' start our date. What's going on?"
Sumi turned darker red and said, "I…I wanted to know…you know that guy you were with at the maid café? He was also a table or so away when you were giving Christmas presents out."
Kazuya smiled and said, "Sure, what about him?"
Sumi breathed through her nose fast and said, "Do you know if he has a girlfriend?
Kazuya kind of laughed, "Him? No, he doesn't. Why, you know someone?"
Suddenly Kazuya's head was stunned and he stopped cold in bewilderment.
Sumi turned deep red as she quickly said, "Do…do you think you could introduce us?!"
Kazuya smiled widely as he said, "Sumi! You didn't have to rent me; I'd have done that for free!"
Sumi breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I didn't have any other way to contact you!"
Kazuya nodded, "That's right…you can only contact someone up to a month after a date."
Standing up Kazuya took his phone from his belt clip to cancel the date and as Sumi stood up and with anticipation put her hands over her chest.
"Here, let me give you your money back," Kazuya said as he reached for his wallet.
Shaking her head with a big smile Sumi said, "I don't want my money back."
Smiling widely Kazuya said," Tell you what…why don't we get something to eat…and I'll tell you about him."
Sumi's eyes flew open as she latched onto Kazuya' arm shouting, "Deal!"
Kazuya smiled widely and said, "You are SO precious! Come on, I bet you're hungry."
Sumi smiled back and said, "I am, how did you know?"
Kazuya winked and walked with her to A .