Chapter Ten: Confessions and Boyfriend
Kazuya looked Niko in the eye while waiting in line with a smile. The place was packed with seemingly only one table available as a couple started to get up. Niko was dumbfounded, clearly not expecting anything like Kazuya's behavior, and simply said he wanted to just get coffee. Kazuya smiled and requested ginseng tea. Niko waited nervously near the register and when their order was called Kazuya quickly got the drinks and invited Niko to a table, put the drinks down, and pulled out his chair. Niko once again looked bewildered and sat while thanking him.
Soft notes of light jazz filled the room as patrons of all manor talked and laughed. The sounds of orders of all make and manor being shouted, sounds of ceramic cups and silverware making contact with each other, the steaming of the espresso machines, coffee grinders making blends, and more seemingly emanated from all sides.
Kazuya gave a golden smile and said, "I appreciate your joining me tonight. I love ginseng tea. Coffee at this hour? You must be quite the night owl. I could never drink coffee at this hour, maybe decaf."
Niko responded, "Uhhh. I guess. It doesn't really bother me too much."
Kazuya smiled and said, "I understand. So, what does 'Mizuco' mean? I've never heard such a name. What's the entomology? I'd love to know."
Niko responded, "Uhhh…it doesn't really mean anything. It's more of a 'pen name.' I've never done this before."
"Oh? I'm your first date? I'm so flattered. Thank you for choosing me. You honor me."
"…Uh…you're welcome…I guess. So let me ask you…uh you come here often?"
"Often? I don't know about that, but I have been to this location a few times."
"With guys?"
"Does it matter?"
"I guess I am just curious, I have never done this before. I guess it was just a question."
"Client privacy is utmost; you mustn't ask me about other clients on a specific level. I maintain strict confidentiality of both my clients and what was discussed."
"Fine…have you had clients which include men and women?"
"I have had both men and women as clients."
"You have had dates with guys?"
"Yes, several. Why? Does that surprise you?"
"Uhhh…I don't know what to make of it. Doesn't it bother you?"
"No, why would it?"
"I guess…I guess…because-"
"Should it bother me?"
"You…you really aren't phased at all are you?"
Kazuya smiled and took a sip of tea. He looked at Niko warmly in his eyes and said he sees clients of all kinds including tweens, men, & women from minimal age to those who at the app's upper limit.
"Mizuco, I am a rental boyfriend. My clients are those who pay for my time, I can refuse anyone I wish, but that seldom happens. I have my age ranges the agency sets, but I can allow higher in some cases if I wish. I don't take payment from clients until I arrive with them at the venue as a courtesy. I haven't taken your money and this date isn't official. If you don't feel comfortable you can leave now, and I will simply cancel the date noting you didn't show. I won't leave any negative comments stating simply that the date was cancelled. You're welcome to rent me another time. However, you will have to pay at that point."
"No, I want this date. Give me a receipt. I want this to be official."
"You sure? I would be happy to stop here. You can leave and I won't think any less of you. Your renting me tonight would still be kept confidential, even without an official payment. It is my personal commitment as a professional rental boyfriend."
"No, give me a receipt. I want this to be official."
Niko watched somewhat predatorily as Kazuya reached inside his jacket and took out a receipt and signed his space just above the receipt number, asked Niko to sign his portion, tore off the customer copy, and gave it to him while he put his copy in his jacket. Niko handed him his money in a white envelope and looked up at Kazuya with some degree of anger as he put his receipt away in his jacket.
"So, tell me more about yourself. Your notes just said you wanted to meet up here. Are you attending college nearby? Working in a trade? Taking a year off?"
"Let's stop right here. Why do you do this? What is your desire to be a rental boyfriend? What is it really?"
"It's a way to meet all kinds of people, increase my social experience, attend events of all kinds, and expand the community by learning about my clients & their interests all while having fun all and earning money."
"Uh huh. Cut the 'company line recruitment line', why do you really do this?"
"Does it concern you? I would tell you that it is a private matter, but 'the customer is king', so if you must know I am saving up money to hopefully attend an acting school. A scholarship I was awarded was cancelled so I am attempting to fund my own way. If that fails maybe save up for a talent agency and hope, they can find me parts as I continue my college education."
"All while profiting off peoples' emotions?"
"I don't understand."
"Seriously? What you do is wrong! You're just taking people, and I am sure there are those who are hurt by others in relationships which just ended, who are vulnerable, and making them feel like they have a boyfriend. Doesn't that bother you in the least? How could you do that? I mean you're just stringing them along…giving false hope. You understand now?!"
Kazuya looked him in the eye and told him to keep his voice down. With a small eye roll seemingly showing he had heard this before Kazuya asked, "Do you ever go drinking?"
"Huh? Yeah, sure. Why?"
"Is a bartender, the restaurant, or the liquor company always serving those who are in happy & and in healthy committed relationships?"
"What? No, plenty of people there are drinking to overcome hardships in relationships and being hurt."
"Imagine that."
"You're comparing distilled grains producing alcohol and the establishments who serve them to playing with one's emotions?"
"Tell me…does alcohol always keep one levelheaded like drinking water…or does it elevate moods? Does it make one happy, enjoy humor and laugh, find confidence, and be able to relax and it take the edge off the day?"
"I seriously think that is an unfair comparison."
"Why? Support your argument. I want to hear what you have to say."
"Look, I am just saying I think what you're doing is wrong."
Kazuya rolled his eyes and looked towards the counter as people picked up a slice of cake and espresso and back to Niko.
"That's your opinion, but this pays more than the person behind the counter making espressos for that couple. This is about money. It is a business of which I am part. I sleep fine at night."
Niko looked at Kazuya and said he really didn't think what he was doing was fair and looked at his coffee and took a drink. Looking back at the counter he saw two other girls getting frozen drinks and pointed.
"That couple over there? They are getting a specialty drink. It has whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, caramel, coffee, and they are getting a slice of pound cake. It will make them happy from enjoying it, but not have their emotions toyed with at all, and they don't go home and pine for their ex after enjoying it wondering what could have been."
Kazuya shook his head with a smile.
"You know why I am better than sweets and alcohol?"
"Why? What makes you better?"
"Do you read warning labels? Fine print? Disclaimers?"
"Usually, why?"
"Unlike alcohol I don't have a warning that you cannot operate heavy machinery, shouldn't drive, and excessively using me won't cause liver damage or kidney issues. I also don't cause weight gain or possible diabetes. That said, I am a great investment for fun. I can be someone to talk to, someone who can listen, have a great time together doing all kinds of things, and I don't physically harm or endanger your body."
"What about emotional issues?"
"I'm gonna ask you this again & I want you to be to be careful how you answer: Do you read warning labels? Disclaimers?"
"Yes!"
"Okay, just checking. I sleep fine at night, knowing I provide joy, and if others are hurt by it, I am sorry, and I hope they rent me again because I may be able cheer them up. As I said before: it is a business. I play a character and take on many a form, perhaps you'd like to me to act as another type tonight. I am just being my "guy down the hall" version, but I can be sophisticated, do other activities besides getting tea, we can do all kinds of things. This time out can be anything you want. All I need is a moment to get into character."
"You really don't care, do you? Don't you feel bad about manipulating peoples' feelings?"
"Why? Why would I? I am not doing anything wrong; I am merely conforming to the character a client wants. I am playing a role and it is your ideal boyfriend. I take on many a form and many a role. Not everyone comes out for tea or movies and as I said I sleep fine at night."
"You are really starting to disgust me."
Niko looked at his coffee and swung back the rest of it looking at Kazuya with some degree of annoyance.
Kazuya looked back at him without changing his expression and took another drink of his tea before asking, "Did you want to get another cup of coffee? Why do I disgust you? I don't think this little 'look into the world in which I live', your 'social research' on rental boyfriends, is your actual motive. I think you have personal motives and things you'd like to discuss or ask me. Call it intuition. I can assure you that you have full confidentiality."
"No and yes, I do. I just cannot believe what you're doing to people."
"I can and I sleep-"
"Yes! I know you 'sleep fine at night.' Seriously that is wrong. What you're doing with people is wrong."
"You're free to request we do something else; it doesn't have to be emotionally related. I've gone to karaoke clubs, rock-climbing walls, bowling, arcades, and other things which have little to no talking."
"But you're being with them…it feels like you're dating them. To them I bet it feels like a date."
"Then I am doing my job well. It makes me smile too. It means I am providing 'the boyfriend experience' which is what I do. It's my role."
Niko looked flustered and a little exasperated and just lamented, "I…I just think you're like…what do they call those in movies? Uh…oh! 'A hooker with a heart of gold.' Except with you it's just the 'heart of gold'…for a price."
Kazuya smiled and nodded and just said, "Your argument is going in circles. I will say it again and from there I'd like to switch topics: All I do is create an experience. I am no different than someone performing on a TV show, in the movies , or on stage. When the date ends, I walk out the same person I was before meeting you. I walk young ladies back to subway stations as a courtesy as well as anyone else who asks, I wait for taxies or buses if I can, and am just a good person playing a role. I am a boyfriend for hire, it is my task. Now then…why don't you tell me your real reason you're here…'Muzico'
Looking angry Niko just said, "You're leading on…'someone I know' and she is acting like she has a boyfriend, maintaining the belief that you are one. It may not be a year…but this is not merely 'an experience'…it is over several nights, weeks, even months. You're creating a delusion in her mind and her friends. If you keep this up, you're keeping her from really moving on, from meeting someone real. She could have an actual boyfriend and not merely 'the experience' of one. I don't feel what you're doing is right…don't you feel any guilt? Surely the caring nature inside you…inside all of us…isn't an act."
Kazuya started to look sad and said, "Oh…oh no…I never thought of it that way. I should stop this immediately. You've made such a compelling argument. I need to stop this; no date is worth hurting someone. My God! Thank you, Niko, thank you so much. I am going to stop this tonight. This is gonna be my last date ever."
Niko looked incredulously at Kazuya's acting which was becoming over the top and clearly only trolling.
"Seriously you're a complete-"
"Want me to help you win her back?"
"Excuse me?!"
"I imagine this 'someone' you know is someone who you recently broke up with… 'Mizuco.'
Niko looked at him incredulously, "I think you'd stepping out of the bounds of a date. Aren't you breaking some kind of rule? You're offering to help 'win her back' from you? What kind of— "
Kazuya smiled wryly and said, "I know what to say, I know what she likes, I know what she is looking for, and I can help you with those things…for a price."
"What…what if she wants me to stay away? Are you going to give her a refund?"
"No, I'd keep on trying to do it as long as you paid me. I could help you find a girlfriend; I know a number of single girls in the drama department. Some even like 'the bad boy' and I could introduce you to them—"
"I know…'for a price'…I figured. What if she is paying you to help her find a new boyfriend?"
"Then I'd help her too, but whomever this 'someone' is would never know of my attempts for you or my seeing you. Privacy is something I maintain. I am offering you the chance to have me either win back this 'someone' or help you find someone new. I also offer guided meditation, it is becoming popular now. Maybe there is something i can help you with in life, something giving you a reason behind this 'crusade for justice' trip you seem to be on. I want you to be happy, I want everyone to be happy. That is my caring nature…also I don't like to lose clients and will adapt as needed."
"Unbelievable! You're ready to work 'both sides of the street.' I suppose you're going to say you'd try to keep this going, even with possible conflicting goals, as long as you can."
"Now you're learning how business works."
"You're…you're a monster!" Niko said with a look of both incredulity and anger.
"And you're a cliché! You're only angry with me because you see her happy with me. You're being self-righteous and if you want to make her feel better either act right around her or stop leading her on with your little random acts of kindness, intrigue, and more. You're the reason she is stuck where she is now. I am merely a nice time out on demand. I am not a real boyfriend, but I am the ideal one. Some spend time with me getting over things emotionally, others to have companionship, and some to even practice their social skills. I judge none, accept all their business, and sleep fine at night."
"Unbelievable. I'm calling Sapphire Your behavior is dishonorable and rude."
"Don't bother. The customer service department is closed at this hour. You can report me when you fill out your evaluation. I am stopping the date here. I am done with you; you're not acting as a client should and making me uncomfortable. There are rules in the policies and procedures disclaimer you read and clicked saying you read and understood. Here is your money back."
Kazuya started handing Niko back his money when Niko stopped him and just tapped the table. Putting the money down Kazuya gave Niko a stern look.
The two of them locked eyes and Niko said he felt Kazuya was entitled to the money despite his despicable behavior as he felt he received honest answers.
Niko shook his head and said, "Take it, consider it payment for what will likely be your last date after I put down the evaluation."
"Oh, you poor, poor fool. I will be on a date for brunch tomorrow morning."
"The hell you will! I would be surprised if your profile is still up a minute after the customer service department opens tomorrow."
"Take out your receipt and read the back for me. Clearly you missed something."
Looking incredulously towards Kazuya Niko took it out and read aloud, "Archery, bowling, gaming. What? You are listing things to talk about?"
"No, I was listing hobbies. I was helping new Sapphires get ready when your date request came in earlier. There are more of us you see. You may stop me, but you can't stop us all. You want to make a difference? Then act like a man and stop hiding in the shadows as an ex. Step up to a world of maturity. Show me you're the man you present yourself as for real. Be a man. Be a man, you'll feel better and truly earn the respect of others. I know it is hard for guys our age to be mature, but step up. You'll meet other people and feel better about yourself. Stop being the cliché of the ex-boyfriend."
"Stop, just stop. End this discussion. You're free to stay here or take off and toy with someone else's emotions, but I'm gonna finish this now."
Kazuya looked at the counter and saw one of his students standing with a girl his age tap his wrist while looking at him nervously, worried me may not be able to find a place to sit. Kazuya shook his head and pointed to the door to indicate he was leaving. The student smiled back and nodded, looking relieved. Niko stuffed his receipt back in his pocket thinking what to do with it later.
Kazuya got out of his chair and stood over Niko saying in an authoritative voice, "No. No, you're not. You're getting up and leaving the table for the next group of actual patrons. You're not eating food or drinking more coffee. This establishment only does well when paying customers are here. Don't forget to take your money. I don't want it."
"I can't tell if you're passionate about your profession, have a lot of honor, or are an opportunistic jerk."
"I am all that and more. Get up, take your money, and get out. You need to clear the table. You can continue your little act of spite outside. Move it!"
"You…you really have a lot of guts. You have no compunctions about what you do, you seem to care only about business for yourself, and about this place too. Enjoy the money, take it, I am about to do the evaluation."
Kazuya smiled and waved his student over come take his table for his date and told Niko to get up. Niko shook his head, stood up, pushed in the chair, and clicked on the Sapphire app. Walking with Kazuya towards the door he went to the date portion and pressed the evaluation button.
"Niko, I am going to ask you a third time if you read warnings and disclaimers and this time, I need you to think really hard about it."
"I do. Why?"
"No, no you don't. Take your receipt out and read the very bottom."
Niko angrily grabbed his receipt from his pocket and said he'd need it anyway and saw a small line of text at the bottom in red and read it aloud with increasing intensity:
"'WARNING: This receipt is for training purposes only and is not valid for any date. If you have received this receipt for a date, immediately ask your boyfriend for another.' What the hell?!"
Kazuya stood proudly, bowed, and thanked him saying the performance of the night was over adding, "Next time you say you've read something, and someone challenges you on it…three times…maybe you should listen and check."
Smiling with a look of success Kazuya started to walk away as Niko was shocked as he was duped and ran after him. Niko grabbed Kazuya by the arm tight and looked him in the eye as Kazuya opened the door saying, "Hold up! We're not done here!"
"Yes, yes, we are. If you want to talk to me any further, you'll need to rent me."
Kazuya looked at him calmly and removed Niko's hand from his arm
"You have no idea about me, you don't know anything. You think I am a cliché? There is stuff about me which would crush you like all the stones on the street outside upon your shoulders."
"Is that so? I doubt it…but prove me wrong. I'd love to hear the story, but next time you'll have to pay. Take this and don't worry, it's valid."
Kazuya pulled out a 50% voucher and said it was a pleasure to see him outside of a real date.
Niko grabbed the voucher while giving a look which could kill, put in his pocket and said, "Unbelievable!"
Without missing a beat Kazuya said,"See you later 'handsome'."
Kazuya waved, giving a fake smile, and waited as Niko stormed out.
The moment Niko was out of sight Kazuya ran back to the bathroom and pushed open the door with his shoulder making a loud thump. Struggling to get to the toilet he stopped cold as he lost the contents of his stomach. When finished he flushed, went over to the sink and felt the hot acidic sting in his throat and was about to take a swing at his image in the mirror when a knocking at the door got his attention as a voice from a barista called out asking if he was okay.
"I'm…I'm okay. Hey, do you have any milk of magnesia in your first-aid kit?"
The barista responded, "Yeah, go to the counter and I'll get it for you."
Kazuya thanked him, washed up angry at himself, and shook it off before leaving.
The following morning Mizuhara heard the sound of something hit the door and looked outside seeing a woodchip. Attached to the woodchip was a Post It note saying to come to the ground level sidewalk by the stairs at 19:00. Mizuhara looked around but saw nothing and sighed worrying if she did something wrong. Across town Kazuya had his brunch date with a client and couldn't wait to talk to Mizuhara but focused on the date well. In the early evening Kazuya met Mizuhara while dressed quite nicely. Mizuhara smiled as she walked up to him.
"Good evening, Mizuhara. Thanks for coming to meet me," Kazuya said with a bow.
"You, look nice. Where are you off to tonight?" Mizuhara asked with a gentle smile.
Kazuya said he had a concert date and checked his phone. Smiling at the thoughts of the concert he said his ride would be arriving in a few minutes, so he needed to be brief.
"I wanted to thank you again for practicing with Kousei…he was over the moon for you."
"He was?"
"He was, he couldn't stop talking about how great a time he had out with you. It sounds like you had quite a range of activities. He told me about your running into Niko, I am sorry to hear that, but I heard he stood up and was ready to defend and even had the 'bouncer' at the lounge ready too."
"Yeah, he does have a fan-base. Listen, I need to tell you something: I want..."
"What?"
"I want…uh…uh…ummm…I want…"
Mizuhara suddenly got red in the face.
Kazuya looked on softly and asked, "What? Mizuhara, what do you want?"
With determination Mizuhara turned deep read said, "I want…I want to see him again!"
"You do?"
"Is there a problem with that?"
"You tell me."
"Ummm. I don't think so, I just had a great time with him."
"Okay, you'll have to pay for your time. If I ask him I bet he'd give you a half-off voucher for your time—"
"No, no…I mean I…I want to see him outside of being a Sapphire."
"You do?"
"Why? Is that a problem?"
"It has been my opinion if you ever ask if something is socially acceptable you already know it isn't, but you just want someone to tell you that you're right to questions it and that it isn't okay, hopefully someone you trust. Am I wrong?"
Mizuhara rubbed her upper arm nervously and couldn't make eye contact and said, "I dunno…I mean I just had such a good time. What do you think I should do?"
"If I am someone you trust, I am flattered. If I am merely the only way you have to contact him, I understand that too," Kazuya gave a little smirk.
"Yes, you're the 'locksmith' here, you can unlock the chance to see him unless I rent him outright," Mizuhara responded rolling her eyes as she looked back at him.
"I'll ask him what he thinks, but I think you should reconsider your feelings. You saw him just yesterday, had a great time, and that's wonderful, but I think you're just still charged up over that…but that doesn't mean shouldn't reach out. Give it a day and if you still feel that way I'll reach out."
Mizuhara nodded and asked, "Was there something else?"
"Yes, if you haven't received it there will be an email soon from your grandmother. Mine is telling me to be ready for dinner with my parents…and to be dressed nicely since you're gonna be there too."
Mizuhara checked her phone and said the email came in about an hour ago but was studying when it arrived.
"Oh…that's nice. I am sure it will be 'on the house' right?" Mizuhara said with a weak smile slightly wincing.
Kazuya looked at her with both a serious and soft look and said, "Mizuhara, if this is becoming a financial consideration it may be best to break this off. I am here as long as you need me, but-"
"I know, 'time is money' or and you're 'running a business here' and need to use whatever time out to be earning money for the time out if possible. I get that, I do. I am okay to pay, but in the future may need to use other forms of 'compensation' for our time out."
"…Uh…"
"Tutoring! I meant tutoring and…perhaps other practice dates for any new Sapphires."
"Okay. I will see you Wednesday night. Seems they are taking us to a nice restaurant, so I am sure you'll dress nicely. Let me know in checkout if you want me to wear any specific clothing."
"Huh? Kazuya-kun, you're not a doll. I don't need to select what you wear do I?"
"No, but as my client you have the power."
"Yeah, I know I'm your client."
Mizuhara wondered what Kazuya was doing, why he was clarifying, but wrote it off as confirming the date. Excusing herself Mizuhara went upstairs and said she was meeting her friends for a girls' night and needed to change.
At the local TGI Fridays Mizuhara and her friends all sat down and before they picked up the menus immediately went at Mizuhara.
"So, tell us Mizuhara, how is 'Prince Charming' doing? You haven't talked about him for a while," Yuki said as she looked inquisitively at her while skimming the menu.
"Yeah! What've you two done lately? I want to see if he has any good ideas for future dates with my guy. Do you think he'd double date with us? Could you ask him?" Yoko asked with a smile.
Mizuhara sweat a little and just said she wanted to order and skimmed the menu even though all three pretty much knew it by heart. Settling on a sampler platter to share Mizuhara added a glass of grapefruit juice to the table's order all while thinking of anything to deflect questions.
"Oh, we've done a few things," Mizuhara said as she tapped the order button.
Yuki smirked and said, "Oh come on! Be more descriptive than that. What about your visiting a spa during winter just before new year's with him?"
"What?! How did you know that?!" Mizuhara exclaimed with wide eyes.
"Your grandmother is quite vocal on your bakery's Twitter feed We saw some great pictures, we figured you'd tell us eventually…but now that it is just us girls present…tell us! Tell us all about it. What happened?" Yoko asked with a devilish smile.
Mizuhara looked embarrassed and rolled her eyes as she lamented,"Oh grandma…okay. I guess I would say I had a nice private bath in my room, it was a good-sized bath, and it was relaxing."
"Come on! Better than that. What did you do with Kazuya?" Yuki demanded.
Mizuhara smiled a little saying,"Well, we did spend some time in a dark room… "
"Oooooh!" both girls said in unison.
"Where others were listening to soft music and snoozing in comfy reclining chairs," Mizuhara said a little perturbed at their interruptions.
"Booo. There must be something better," Yoko said.
"What are you looking for exactly?" Mizuhara asked nervously.
The server arrived and put down their drinks and said their order would be ready soon.
Yuki smiled as she reached for her glass and picked up her straw. Looking like she was ten she took a sip of strawberry lemonade and said, "I mean…something more than resting & relaxing. Something engaging. Something juicy. What makes this trip different?"
"Well, we did spend time in a nice warm sauna talking," Mizuhara said as she twirled her hair a little while nervously smiling.
"Now we're getting somewhere! Tell us more," Yuki said with a fiendish grin.
"I'm not sure what else you think you're gonna get. Okay, well it was nice and warm, the kind of temperature you could fall asleep if you stayed too long, and we were on our backs just enjoying the heat and talked about all the things giving us stress during the year, and how nice it was of our families to do something like this after all."
"That's nice, what else?" Yoko asked smiling warmly
Mizuhara felt good better and added,"Oh, we watched a concert on tv. It was nice. We had room service bring up a dinner."
Mizuhara's friends sat and smiled like girls in grade school eager for more details and Mizuhara calmed a little realizing it wasn't quite so hard to keep them entertained.
"Oh, come on! Juicer, We need details. You never seem to date!" Yuki said almost salivating.
"Being in a kitchen baking tends to keep one from dating. Okay. How about this: I will tell you one more thing, but it will be enticing, juicy, and leave you wanting more. After that we talk about something else?" Mizuhara said with just a little authority.
Both girls jumped and said, "Deal!"
Mizuhara smiled to herself and almost felt like she was conducting business and figured she was making a good sale.
Taking a deep breath Mizuhara smiled and began, "Well…late at night it had started snowing. The 'air was just right' and he suggested we go to the outdoor hot tub."
Both girls squealed like they were ten.
Yoko chimed in, "Our little girl is growing up. Yuki, did you ever think she'd be like this? Niko must hate himself!"
Mizuhara pondered that before continuing in the voice of a storyteller, "The snow fell all around, almost dancing in the air around the tub. Outside heat lamps glowed and we felt the warmth as we got near the hot tub. Another couple was leaving and gave us privacy. The girl with the guy gave a long smile to Kazuya, I think she was fantasizing for me. Anyway…he helped me ease myself into—"
"Okay, sampler platter. Did you need anything else?" the server said with a smile as she placed down the platter.
"No! We're fine, thank you," Yuki said as neither she nor Yoko made eye contact for a nanosecond and kept their eyes straight ahead.
The server looked at Mizuhara figuring she was in the midst of a story and shook her head as she walked off.
Once again Mizuhara smiled to herself and continued, "…the hot water. He sat down with a smile as we felt the hot water bubbling all around, saw steam rising, and felt snowflakes hitting our skin. We saw them fall on top of the lamps, by our sides in the water, on the stones around the water, and all against the light of the moon. It was beautiful. We spoke about kinds of music we liked and then something special happened."
"Tell us! Tell us! What happened!?" Yoko asked as Yuki eagerly nodded.
"A waiter brought out a bottle of sake and said it was only for premium guests. He brought out a bottle with two glasses and set it down for us. We drank under the snow, falling faster than before, and we felt both warm and cold. It was magical."
Mizuhara kind of giggled at that last sentence feeling an actual warmth. Yuki and Yoko jaws both dropped and couldn't say a word.
"Wow…I don't think I could follow that. My last date wasn't like that at all," Yoko said feeling outclassed.
Mizuhara smiled with the look of someone about to win at a board game and said, "Well Yoko, it is your turn. Tell us all about it."
Mizuhara looked at Yuki who nodded and both looked at Yoko. Making a slightly scared face she realized whatever she could say wouldn't top that and just started to stay she and her boyfriend went out to a movie. Mizuhara trolled her saying that wasn't juicy enough and they needed details and laughed aloud.
Early Sunday morning Mami walked up to the Starbucks by the subway station Kazuya and Kousei had given out their Christmas gifts and saw Kousei at the door looking around somewhat nervously.
"Hello Kousei, it's nice to see you," Mami said with a golden smile and her beaming blue eyes.
"Miss…Namami!?" Kazuya asked in shock.
"Yes, it's me. You may call me 'Mami', I introduced myself that way to you outside Kazuya's."
"I know, but you're…you're my client today?"
"Yes, don't look so surprised. Relax. Let's go inside."
Kousei winced and opened the door and asked her what she wanted. Mami ordered a drink and slice of marble cake while Koesi merely ordered lemon water nervously. Mami smiled and said to get a real drink and she changed his order to an iced coffee with whipped cream and sprinkles and smiled. Kousei smiled back and waited for the drinks and headed to the table.
Watching Mami closely Kousei looked and when he saw which table she was going to quickly got in front of her, quickly put down the drinks, and pulled out her chair. Mami smiled and said he surely has a lot of potential as a rental boyfriend. Sitting down, still looking nervous, he smiled at his drink, took the straw, and smiled after he took a sip.
Kousei looked up and asked, "How did you know I'd like this as a drink?"
Mami gave a golden smile back and said, "All little boys like this kind of drink. All men are still little boys no matter their age. To that end…I wanted to apologize for your Boxing Day 'morning after.' I know your feelings were hurt…mine sure would be too. Beneath every woman there is still a little girl inside her. I mean that. Anyway, I am sorry for what happened."
Kousei relaxed a little and said, "It's okay. I did have a lot of fun. I uh…I never expected that to happen in my life, don't know if anyone would believe me, but coming from me it is kind of something that couldn't be made up. Maybe with other guys."
Kousei smiled and watched as Mami suddenly winced a little.
A little worried Kousei asked, "I'm sorry, is everything okay. Did I offend you?"
Mami regained her composure while smiling and said, "Everything's okay. Relax."
"Okay, good. Thank you. So…what did you want to do? It said you booked me for two hours. Did you want to just enjoy time here or did you want to visit the art gallery nearby?"
"Maybe later. Kousei, I am really sorry about what happened. Thanks again for your forgiveness. Kazuya holds you in especially high regard and since I care about him greatly, I want to make sure I show you appreciation."
"Thank you. All is forgiven…after all it was a lot of fun as I said. Anyway…Kazuya did help me. He set me up with a practice date with someone. That was a lot of fun. I had a really great time with her."
Mami thought for a split second and smiled to herself just a little before saying, "Oh right! Mizuhara. Kazuya told me about it. I am glad you had a great time. Tell me all about it."
Kousei suddenly felt sick to his stomach, "He told you it was Mizuhara?! How could he—"
Mami smiled and laughed a little as she said, "Relax. He didn't tell me, but you told me just now. Relax. I just figured it was her. Kazuya doesn't have a cadre of female friends ready to go out on dates with his students. I heard he ascended to teaching which is pretty cool. If he is willingly taking it on it means he feels you've grown in skill too. Not such a novice, not so much a rookie anymore. Tell me about this date…I'd love to hear about it. Maybe I could learn from it."
Kousei leaned forward and with a smile of a little boy and gave the highlights of the date. He spoke especially of their feelings of closeness and joy of baking together. He looked off and came back smiling, again, like a little boy after getting his first kiss.
Mami gave a sly smile and asked, "Would you like to see her again…and not as a Sapphire?"
Kousei froze and suddenly felt sick to his stomach and said, "W—what? Why…did she say something about me?!"
Mami smiled as she saw Kousei turn stark white and said he was cute when he was nervous.
"Calm down. I don't know what she felt about your date…but judging from the story you've told me, I bet she likes you. Call it female intuition."
"Tell me more about yourself. Tell me of your times with Kazuya. Oh! Wait…sorry! I didn't mean to ask you that. Uhh…please don't report me, I didn't mean to get personal, I uh-"
"Relax. You're cute when you're nervous, but attractive when you're confident. When you played for Mizuhara and stood up to her ex it shows confidence. Confidence is always enticing to a woman, remember that…it may come in handy."
"T-th-thanks. Thank you. I am always looking to improve and you're one my teacher trusts."
Mami smiled wryly and said to tell her more about himself. The two talked for about 45 minutes before Kousei froze and said, "Oh God, I forgot to get your money and receipt."
Kousei feverishly went to reach into his jacket when he felt Mami's warm and soft hand take his and gently put it on the table. While keeping her hand on his on the table she softly told him to wait. Kousei watched as Mami took out her phone and on the Sapphire app cancelled the date simply clicking she couldn't make it knowing it wouldn't affect Kousei's rating. Mami then handed him the money and said to keep it.
"Keep this, I had a great time today. I want this to be my Christmas gift to you."
"You want to give me money as a gift? I can't accept this gift while you're not my client, it's not right. I…I didn't get you a gift, it wouldn't be right."
Mami smiled with a hint of evil and reached out to pinch his cheek saying, "You're really a nice guy, but I am not giving you money as a gift…this is for your first date with Mizuhara. Leave it to me, I can make your gift a date with her. Leave it to me. Little secret: I know she likes you but is too shy to come forward. She is a modern-day woman, but the little girl inside her is scared. Show the confidant side in yourself and ask her out…remember, confidence is always enticing."
Kousei was shocked and couldn't say a word and just looked Mami in the eyes. Mami smiled and said he could channel his nervousness into confidence and make himself quite a charming prince, enough so that any princess would want to be with him. Kousei smiled like he did when playing the piano with full joy.