Notes:

Hello! Vera here with one more update of this fic ❤️

Now, I hope you like this chapter you are about to read, because from here on, the plot of Artist - Bodyguard will start. So from now on, Maki is already going to start spending more time with Yuta. And you know what that means 😏

At the same time, in this chapter a person is finally going to make his appearance who will be very important for the plot. One who will come to turn everything upside down and make the world burn 🔥.

Without further ado, bring your popcorn and enjoy what you are about to read

11. Contracted With The Devil

Day broke quickly.

Despite having slept little, Maki woke up at her usual time. She went for a run around the block, returned home and enjoyed her breakfast with her favorite protein. She just hoped her new job wouldn't interfere too much with her morning routine.

She took a bath and searched her closet for something that was a combination of casual and presentable.

"How the fuck does a bodyguard dress for a job interview?" she asked herself as she looked in the mirror and looked at the clothes she had chosen still hanging on their hooks.

"Sometimes I wish I had the fashion sense of Mai or Nobara!" she claimed to herself in a grimace choosing a black pants, a white t-shirt and a black jacket, all that combined with some booties.

She wore her hair in her typical ponytail, fixed her glasses and wore very little makeup that day. It was still an interview to be a bodyguard, not a secretary. she thought.

As Manami had said, the car the other day went for her to her gym.

Before getting into the car that was ready to leave, she took one last look at her gym, which had the curtains down and a sign that read "temporarily closed".

Maki felt her heart grow small at the realization that what she had invested time and all her savings in would have to be put on hold for an indefinite period of time.

"Someday we'll reopen" she whispered, taking a deep breath and getting into the car, saying goodbye to her old life.

The car started to drive towards the large building where she had been summoned to the center of the city.

Once inside the car, Manami dialed her to give her the following instructions;

"Well Zenin put the call on speaker, as I'm going to give you some instructions that I need you to follow to the letter because I won't be able to receive you once you arrive, as I'm about to enter a very important meeting with the record label. Understood?" commented the manager from the other side of the speaker.

"Understood" replied Maki in a sigh of resignation.

"Well, to begin with, with our driver, who is a trustworthy man, we have sent you a badge that you must wear at all times once you enter the building, okay?"

The man passed that badge to Maki once he heard that order.

"Okay" she said, reading what the ID said. It had the logo of the most famous production house in Japan as well as the words "vip visitor".

Manami continued explaining, "Once you arrive, you will check in with the receptionists and say that you have come to talk to Suguru Geto. They will tell you on which floor his office is located, and if he is not busy with some important matter at that momento" Maki could hear how the woman's fingernails made noise against the keys of her computer "With him you will have the final interview in case you really want to work with us. You already met him that day at the concert"

"I remember his face perfectly"

"Good, because with it you'll have your official contracts ready" She sigh "Now, let's go over what we agreed" Manami stopped typing and held her phone firmly, looking at the monitor "Are all the clauses clear to you?"

Maki sighed.
"Clearer than water"

"Are there any clauses, besides the one about contraceptives, that need to be modified? Speak now or forever hold your peace, as I am currently finalizing the last details of your contract"

Maki mentally went over all the points she reviewed together with Mai and Megumi. She felt that there was nothing more to modify.

"Everything else is fine. If there are any further details I will discuss them exclusively with your boss"

"Okay" Manami went back to typing, "We'll be waiting for you"

The woman quickly hung up and started to finish what she needed to get the contract ready and to go to her important meeting.

Entering the music world and staying in it was not easy. And Manami knew it perfectly well.

Maki's heart was in her throat. Were she really ready to take this job? She asked herself mentally.

But unfortunately there was no time to turn back.

The car stopped outside those imposing and luxurious buildings where one of the most important record companies in the country was located.

Maki got out of the car, putting that badge around her neck. She took one more breath. Her body was paralyzed before such an imposing edifice.

After re-considering one last time what she was about to do, she plucked up her courage. Also Manami had told her that if she didn't like the job after her trial weeks, she could quickly quit, Right? What else could she lose?

Her legs finally responded and she began to walk towards the finely decorated foyer.

This luxurious place was adorned with photographs of famous artists who worked for them, as well as all the awards won throughout its foundation.

After Maki was left waiting for about 15 minutes in that foyer, she was told to go to the seventh floor, where Suguru Geto was currently supposed to be in his office ready to serve her.

Maki took a deep breath as she took the elevator. She was questioning once again if this was right, but there was no time to run away.

She stepped carefully out of the elevator. For some reason she felt she had to be alert and more so that she was out of her comfort zone.

She began to walk down that hallway, noting that the decor on that floor was just as luxurious as the one on the first floor.

That floor housed several offices, the interiors of which could be clearly seen through glass walls. However, what most caught Maki's attention as she continued on her way was the discovery of a recording booth on the same level, although it was currently empty.

As she went along, Maki noticed that the floor felt unusually empty for that time of the afternoon. She thought maybe it was because it was lunchtime or maybe everyone was busy in those important meetings Manami had talked about, spread out on other levels of the building.

The guest continued her tour until she reached another room which, unlike the offices and the cabin, had solid walls and a large window that allowed a clear view inside.

Maki stopped suddenly and looked at the room from the window.
Inside, it was full of musical instruments.

There were guitars of various models hanging on the walls and wind instruments meticulously arranged on the shelves. Pictures of iconic singers and bands also adorned the place, lending an air of musical inspiration.

A drum set in a corner, next to several keyboards and a majestic grand piano, caught her attention. On the latter, someone was playing in a disorderly manner, as if experimenting or creating a melody. He was a young man with a white jacket and black hair.

Maki focused her eyes on the young man and her heart skipped a beat when she recognized the one Young man at the piano.

Was it her imagination playing tricks on her? No. Clearly the one who was there playing and jotting down some notes in a notebook was Yuta.

He seemed so amused by the instrument that he didn't even notice Maki's presence, especially since his back was completely turned.

Even Maki rested her hand on that glass, as if to cut the distance between the two of them.

Seeing what Yuta was doing in there, some memories of her high school years came to her mind. Where that sad-eyed young man played some instruments in the afternoons, and more because he took refuge in the music room of the school.

That room had somehow become their shared refuge. It was the space they went to after class, where they exchanged important words and let the silences speak for them. It was also that same classroom that witnessed their first kiss.

A kiss that, no matter how much time passed, Maki could not erase from her memory. Even at that moment she instinctively brought a hand to her lips, as if she could still feel it.

They both shared a history full of significant moments, but Maki couldn't help but feel that she had ruined everything because of the way she was, coupled with her family problems of those years.

What if everything had been different? Could they have had a stable relationship until those days?

Maki was so entranced watching Yuta playing those keys and humming something that she was unable to hear because of the anti-noise walls.

She was so deep in thought that she did not notice the man standing next to her.

"It's magnificent, don't you think?"

That voice brought Maki violently out of her thoughts.

She had heard that voice before, more specifically that night backstage.

Maki looked at that man, who was none other than Suguru Geto. Yuta's manager. "Excuse me?" came out of her mouth.

Geto laughed lightly.
"I'm sorry if I startled you" he sounded very polite, "I simply asked you if you don't think Yuta is magnificent"

Maki sighed "Definitely is"

She didn't deny it.

They both turned their eyes back to Yuta, who was still playing that piano until at that moment, two girls approached the concentrated singer.

Maki hadn't noticed, but Yuta wasn't alone in there. In the armchairs at the back, there were two girls. Fraternal twins to be more exact; one had long hair with a hime-style fringe in black and the other girl, are blonde, had her hair tied up in a ponytail.

Both would have been around 18 years old and both were wearing brand-name clothes and even had luxurious accessories.

The blonde embraced Yuta from behind as he remained seated, sliding her arms around his shoulders, causing him to stop the melody he seemed to be composing. The other girl, the black-haired one sat next to him, so close that she wrapped both arms around him, holding him tightly by his right arm in an intimate gesture.

They both seemed quite animated, perhaps they were even talking very loudly by the expressions they were making.

Maki, noticing how affectionate those two were with Yuta, couldn't help but feel jealous and talk too much.
"And who are those two bitches?" she said very annoyed, crossing her arms over her chest.

Geto let out a chuckle underneath.
"Those girls are my daughters"

Maki's blood ran to her feet. Hearing that made her freeze. She had insulted those two in front of her father.

She was dying of grief and even bit her tongue. How old was that man to have daughters of that age? She questioned herself mentally.

Once her face recovered its color, she could finally speak

"I'm sorry… I... I haven't even started working for you and I guess that with this I said now I will be fired, won't I?" asked Maki with embarrassment on her face.

"We haven't signed your contract yet. So don't worry, I'm not going to 'fire' you for this" said Geto with a soft smile. - "Not yet" he looked at his daughters who were talking very animatedly with Yuta.

"If you are going to start working with us, it will be good for you to get to know everyone on this team soon. I'll introduce you to them later. Now come on, this way, let's talk about your contract" he waved his hand to give way to Maki and walk towards his office.

Maki felt a strange sensation looking at that man. His nihilistic smile was strange, but if Yuta trusted him and he was her manager for a reason, maybe that should be enough for her to trust this fox-eyed man as well.

Before moving on, Suguru cast a quick glance at his daughter Nanako.

The blonde prevented Yuta from turning to the window, as both twins of them had already detected Maki's presence.

While their father talked with Maki out there, they took it upon themselves to distract Yuta, buying time for those two to leave without being discovered.

This was part of a very elaborate plan. One that would kill two birds with one stone.

So once their father retired to talk to Maki, it was the twins' turn to do their part of the plan.

"Yuta!" Nanako named him, passing her hands around his neck. Preventing him from turning his face towards the corridor window.

"What happens? girls" he asked with some surprise, looking at those two very close to him, "Why did you get up so suddenly? Was I playing the piano so badly?"

"Not at all" replied Mimiko, "That was a nice tune. Are you working on a new song?"

Yuta scratched his cheek, still holding Nanako's arms around him: "Yes, I've had a melody in my head for a while and I want to capture it, maybe it will be useful for the next álbum"

"And speaking of projects" Nanako commented with a big smile, letting it go once she saw that her father walked away with Maki "We want to introduce you to someone. A new friend who also makes music" she said, taking her cell phone out of her pocket.

"A friend? Who is she? Where is she?" he asked, seeing how animated the two were. He even turned to the window and to the door, but there was no one there.

"You will meet her very soon in person. But for the moment we will talk to her by video call and more that she is currently in France" commented Nanako very cheerfully while showing her cell phone.

Yuta swallowed saliva "isn't it too early in her country to talk to us? Besides, I don't know how to speak French!"

"Relax, she's half Japanese, so you won't have to make an effort to speak to her in another language, and don't worry about the schedule" Mimiko waved her hand with disinterest, "She's used to this world of music and acting, so talking to her late is not a problema"

"Just say hello and then you'll sing to him a little, okay? We want to introduce you to her!" answered Nanako sitting next to him on the bench in front of the piano.

Yuta could not say no to those two, especially being the daughters of his boss "Ok" he answered dryly.

Nanako's phone started ringing.
"Oh, it's already dialing!" she said suddenly standing up and jumped up and down excited to answer the call. Especially because those twins were fans of that mysterious girl.

"Bonjour, or rather, Hello!" said that pretty voice coming from that screen.

"Yuta, we'd like to introduce you to Rika Orimoto" Nanako said, excitedly waving at the phone, "She's a singer just like you!"

"We hope the two of them can get along quite well" Mimiko commented with a big smile, starting the conversation.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Yuta. "Nanako and Mimiko have told me many things about you" Rika commented kindly. Her smile was charming.

That video call would mark a before and after in Okkotsu's life. Beyond the conversation, what took his breath away was the beauty of the young woman on the other side of the screen: it was as if an angel or a delicate fairy had materialized in front of him despite being on different continents.

But the most surprising thing was the feeling that invaded him. Yuta felt that he fell in love at first sight with that singer, whose voice, sweet and captivating, would remain engraved in his mind, resisting to be forgotten as easily as her splendid beauty.

"Take a seat Zenin" Suguru commented, closing the door of that luxurious office behind him.

"Thank you, but could you avoid calling me by my last name? Please" commented Maki, taking a seat in front of the desk.

"Is there any particular reason why you don't want me to call you by your last name?" Suguru asked, walking to the back of his desk. Taking a seat and looking at his guest from that luxurious place, full of paperwork but surprisingly tidy.

"It's just a personal matter" she answered dryly.

"I understand. Well, if we are going to see each other very often then it makes sense to call you by whatever name you like" Suguru commented with a soft smile.

That man really radiated a vibe that was mixed with kindness but at the same time that one should not let one's guard down.

"Now, Manami told me that you already had an answer to our work proposal, didn't you, Maki san?" Geto leaned back in his chair, "I'm sorry if the other day I couldn't accompany you two to that restaurant to talk about the contract" he looked at his computer, "As you can see, working in the music industry is not easy. And sometimes we barely have time to organize ourselves"

"Yes, I noticed it since the day of that concert" commented Maki, "It seems that Okkotsu's musical career is not easy"

"I admit it's not easy, but if you try hard enough it has its rewards and believe me, that boy is very talented and that's why we have to take care of him so much from, you know" he waved his hands simply, "Crazed fans, as well as paparazzi and other people who want to put out his light" Suguru leaned his elbows on his desk.

"And I suppose that's why you're considering me to be that idiot's bodyguard, is that right? May I ask what made you think that I would be ideal for this job?" asked Maki seriously.

"All right, let's get down to business" Suguru commented, picking up the sheets on his desk and arranging them once again. "The reason we considered you ahead of others on the list is because we heard that you and Okkotsu are 'close', aren't you? Were you more than friends in the past?" he asked intrigued.

Maki swallowed hard. She hated interrogations like this "Yes, we met in high school and we were just Friends" she answered without taking her eyes off the man.

"Just friends?" A smile lit Suguru's face. Curiosity peeked out of his purple eyes.

"We were just friends" she said with a firm voice.

"Well, then that will make it easier for you to protect it, as we only need people we can trust absolutely to work with us. As you know, this industry is very secretive, and that's why it's crucial to have people we can fully trust. That's why I asked Manami to talk to you about this job" Suguru commented, as he reviewed the sheets in front of him, "She showed you a preview of the contract, right? Do you have any other questions? Are there any clauses you want to review one more time before signing?"

Maki took a deep breath.
"Yes, there is a special clause in the health topic that talks about contraceptives and ..." she was embarrassed.

"I know what clause you're talking about" Suguru passed him the sheet of paper where the clause was, "Manami changed it as you requested. You don't have to worry, I'm not going to ask the reasons for the change" he closed his eyes and had a smile on his lips that made him look like a cunning fox.

Maki moistened her lips.
"Thank you and About the work I'll get to do Is it like Manami said that day about taking care of and accompanying Okkotsu 24/7?"

"That's right. Basically you have to make sure that Yuta doesn't suffer any mishaps or accidents and you will also have to save him from unpleasant situations that may arise with some fans like the ones the other day, where if it hadn't been for your intervention, maybe Yuta would have been abused or even more seriously injured"- he moved his hands from one side to the other –"Also, considering that you have your own gym and the right physical condition, you are perfect for this job. Not to mention that we want to promote gender equality and stuff, you know"

Maki clicked her tongue when she heard that.
"What about the pay?"

"What about that?" Suguru asked, "Are you worried that we won't pay you what is stated here?" He waved his hands and smiled, "We will pay you even more than what is stated here, just as we will pay all your expenses in case we have to go out of the country when we go on tour, and we even have a place for you to move to right away once you sign this contract"

"Will I really have to move?" asked Maki, surprised by those words.

"That's right, as this singer's bodyguard you will have to live minutes away from him, you know, to keep an eye on him at all times. That is unless you have no problem with sleeping under the same roof as Okkotsu, you know, in his apartment" He looked at Maki with a serene smile.

"I'll settle for sleeping in an apartment near him"

"Good. I know you'll like this job. Something tells me that you and he will get along much better after this, you know as friends and"- he leaned back in his chair- "You might even start to make a name for yourself in this environment. Maybe this will benefit you in case you want to open a self-defense academy or a bigger gym. Making a name for yourself in this environment also has its benefits"

Maki quickly replied "I'm not interested in being famous in this environment"

"Ok. So! Try to stay out of the gossip while you're working with us and avoid letting the media know who you are. Okay? It would still be good for you to keep a low profile on your days off"

"As long as that idiot doesn't get me in trouble, I guess everything will be fine"

Suguru smiled at that answer.
"Are there any other questions you would like us to take up? Do you have any more questions? Anyway, you'll soon get used to this environment, and I hope you'll get used to our work pace"

"I also hope I can get used to this" said Maki returning the sheet Suguru had given her to review the change.

"Don't worry, even if you don't get used to it, you can resign at any time or, if necessary, you can not renew your contract if you wish after the first three months" explained Suguru, looking away from the door, Manami was already outside watching everything that was going on with the girl.

Maki noticed that look, but she did not want to take her eyes off Suguru, she tried to read the movements of this manager. Above all, she wanted to find out if he was lying.

"Well, if there is no more doubt" Suguru rearranged the sheets of paper and then slid them across the desk and placed them in front of his guest.

"Would you like to give it one last reading before signing?" Suguru asked, staring at her as he passed her a pen.

Maki held those sheets of paper firmly. "No" Then she took the pen, "What I
really want is for us to finish this once and for all" she looked at the line with her name underneath it.

There was a moment of silence and total tension. Maki did not take her eyes off that sheet. She felt as if she was selling her soul to the devil.

"If you need to take a few more minutes..." Suguru was interrupted by Maki.

"I don't need more time and I just want to make it clear that I'm doing this for me and not for that idiot" she positioned herself to sign, putting her pen on that line, "Besides, I really need this job and the money, so I expect to be paid what you promised" she said as she wrote her signature on the line.

At that instant Manami entered the office, as she exchanged a smile of triumph with Suguru, who had recharged back in his chair in triumph.

"Believe me Maki, this job will give you much more than you can imagine" Suguru smiled.

"I hope so..."

Maki heard the sound of Manami's heels, who positioned herself next to Suguru.

"So, how did our board meeting with this record company go?" Suguru asked, extending his hands to receive the papers Manami was carrying in a folder.

"Both the advertising department and the promotions department have agreed to our terms for the marketing campaigns that will be coming out soon. As well as the artist development team agreed to guide us now that we want to launch into the foreign market" she smiled triumphantly, "So now it's up to you to talk to the international relations team"

Geto quickly flipped through those sheets.
"Don't worry about that, in five minutes I have a meeting with those big shots. And by the way, my daughters are already taking care of making contacts with other artists abroad" he shared a smile.

Manami was also aware of the plan that the girls were helping to carry out.

Maki could notice the exchange of malicious smiles between those two. She felt like she was in the devil's office

Suguru noticed Maki's expression once she finished writing her signature on those sheets.

"I'm done. I've signed" Maki put the pen aside.

Suguru dragged those sheets to the front of him "I welcome you, Maki Zenin, to our work team. And may the experience of working with us be a pleasant one and, by the way, very enriching for your résumé" he applauded excitedly. Even Manami followed with a round of applause.

Geto stopped the applause and continued speaking.
"Well, I think it's time we put you to the test on your first day on the job"

Maki raised her eyebrows.
"Testing me?"-She raised her voice, " You didn't tell me anything about this being my first day on the job!" she protested.

"Later you'll know the details of what you'll be doing. But for now it's time for you to get to know your work area" Suguru said, raising his head to Manami, who was still standing next to him, "I want you to show him that place"

Manami raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure you want me to take her there?" that question sounded like a protest.

"Where to?" Maki asked, intrigued by what the two were saying.

"Yes, that's where I want you to take her. I want her to know that place first because it's very important for Yuta and for us. So take her there"

Manami sighed. "ok!" She walk and pass by Maki's side "Come on, come with me girl, it's time to show you something. And while I'm at it, I'll start giving you instructions on what you should do and know"

Maki found all this rather strange, but she still decided to accompany the woman.

She stood up and before leaving the office she addressed Suguru.
"Thank you for receiving me and for your time, I hope not to disappoint you and I hope to be respected"

Suguru was still recharged back in his chair.
"You're welcome and don't worry about our deal. It will be fulfilled to the letter" he waved goodbye, "now, you must get to know a certain place first" he had a triumphant air in his posture.

Maki bowed and quickly followed Manami. But not before taking one last look at the man sitting behind his desk. It really seemed to be the Fallen Angel, who would be responsible for making her suffer her worst karma.

Suguru smiled once he saw those two disappear outside that glass wall.
"Now everything must go according to plan" he turned his chair to look at the city "And even more so now that we have Yuta Okkotsu's heart in our hands"

Manami and Maki again took the car and after half an hour's drive, they both arrived at an apartment complex in a certain residential area.

Maki recognized those buildings from a distance, since they were only fifteen minutes away from her gym and she knew that in that area, only people with money resided and where there were businesses and stores exclusively for those people.

"Where are you taking me?" She asked as She saw the car enter the private area of the departmental complex.

"When you see it you will know, so trust me, okay? And more so now that you work for us, it is important that you know which are our most essential meeting points or where Okkotsu mostly hangs out" Manami commented indifferently.

The green-haired girl only grimaced at such an answer. But now that she would be part of their team, she couldn't put up any resistance. She was ready to throw punches in case she had to defend herself.

Once they got out of the car, they entered one of those buildings full of apartments.

Outside this was the locker area where the mail from each department was deposited.

Maki noticed that in that area there were several security guards, as well as certain people that she assumed were in charge of the maintenance of the building because of how they kindly addressed Manami. Even so, Maki could notice that that place had several security cameras well installed in several corners and near what was the main entrance of those apartments.

"This way" said Manami approaching a thick glass door, which would only open with facial recognition or a special code that had to be keyed in, as was the most modern mechanism in those luxurious buildings.

That heavy door opened once it scanned Manami's face.
"Come, don't leave my side. Later we will talk to the administrator of this building so that he can capture your face and you can enter this place without problems in case you forget the code"

"Wow!, that's pretty modern" commented Maki, following the woman, "You can tell that neither the parcel delivery guys nor the food delivery guys would let them in"

They both got into the elevator and Manami pressed the button to go up to the 11th floor of the 12th floor of that building.
"The main reason for this security system is because in these buildings live some people who have some important positions in TV, government or sports" explained Manami, "As you could see, this whole area is very exclusive"

She looked at Maki as they went up the elevator –"And all this is just a precaution, even so, you are forbidden to reveal the location of this place and even when Yuta wants to leave and come back here, you must make sure that no one follows them"- commented Manami moving her heel desperately against the floor –"And also, You must be discreet when you enter here, do you understand?"

Maki sighed with disinterest. "Whatever you say, ma'am"

Manami twisted her mouth at the curtness of that answer.

Once they got off the elevator and walked down that hallway, both women arrived at the apartment marked with the number 7. Which Manami opened through another number key.

They both entered the foyer and closed the door behind them.

Maki opened her eyes wide when she saw the inside of the apartment.
"Wow, this is a worthy place for a rising artist" she thought to herself, as she walked further into the living room with the screen on the wall.

She admired the living room, the armchairs were next to a large window that let her see the city, and by the way, they had a large screen on the opposite side of the luxurious kitchen.

That floor was bigger than the apartment where she lived.

"You will also have to memorize the password to enter this apartment, which is where Yuta is staying"

"WHAT?" said Maki in a loud voice that echoed throughout the place "ARE WE IN OKKOTSU'S APARTMENT?" her cheeks turned red.

"Will you keep your voice down!" Manami replied with annoyance, "Please stop shouting back and yes!" she put her bag on the kitchen counter, "This is Okkotsu's 'temporary' apartment, come on, I have to give you a tour of this place and some instructions"

Maki was really surprised by that two-story place.

"Well, as you can see here on the first floor is the kitchen" she pointed to the places she named as she spun on her heels, "This is the dining room, the living room has a balcony and also on this first floor there is a full bathroom and a small laundry room at the end of the hallway"

"And I'm telling you this once and for all so that it doesn't take you by surprise, from time to time we use this whole first floor as an office or meeting point since the guys come here to talk about business. And since your job is practically to take care of Yuta, it is also necessary for you to be present at these meetings, understood?"

"Yes" replied Maki for that simple explanation.

"Okay" she snapped her fingers, "Now let's go upstairs!" commented Manami, holding on to the handrail and starting to walk to the second floor. Followed by Maki, who was only a few steps behind her.

Maki was amazed at how fast Manami walked and moved in those big heels.

First they went to the area at the end of the corridor on the right side.
"Follow me, this way"

In that area on the second floor it had a small room where there was a treadmill, an exercise bike and some dumbbells.

"As you can see this area is where Yuta works out or is supposed to work out," Manami comment annoyed "I say this because the incident the other day with those fans happened because he got boring about working out here. Also he and the boys have a private trainer who sees them on certain days of the week at a gym that you will meet later"

Maki approached those machines.
"Wow, and they are of good quality" she looked at the brand name.

"Yes, but still Okkotsu gets angry to be in this place. I wonder if with you here he will finally be encouraged to do some exercise or he at least try to do cardio a few days a week" commented Manami hinting at what might happen between those two.

Maki raised an eyebrow at this insinuation that she knew was sexual in nature.
"Or maybe I could force him to exercise by punching him"

Manami laughed under her breath at such an aggressive answer.
"Well, let's continue and over here you will find a complete bathroom" she opened the door showing that tidy bathroom that had everything and a big shower. "Both this one and the one downstairs you can use without any problema"

Maki was impressed by how clean and tidy the place was.

"Does Yuta just keep this big apartment clean?" she asked in a mocking tone, since she had noticed it very clean and tidy since she arrived, "Because as far as I remember Yuta was quite messy in his high school years"

"We pay some people to keep this place clean, besides those same people are the ones who supply everything necessary for the refrigerator and cupboards to be full, what we don't want is for Okkotsu to be seen in the street" answered Manami looking at her guest. –"We also leave the dirty clothes in specific baskets, and those same people are in charge of washing the clothes and returning them well ironed. So I guess we will have to get you a basket for your clothes in case you stay here often"- she closed the door and took a few more steps.

"Can't artists do something on their own or are they just good for nothing?" asked Maki, walking behind the woman at such words.

Manami rolled her eyes and turned around furious at that comment.
"When you see all the work we have to do you will change your mind"

Manami moved her hands in annoyance – "And more because there will be times when you will stay whole days without coming back home or whole nights staying awake to finish an album in a certain time that your label gave you and if you don't comply you can be left without support, plus you will have tours to do and many concerts to give, paperwork to organize, meetings to attend to and that you see all the other work that is behind so you understand that this life is not easy either, and that sometimes you won't have the energy to clean your home or go to the convenience store for a simple can of soda and if you have the necessary capital to pay others to do these kinds of things for you, believe me Zenin, they make your life easier and by the way, they earn some money to survive their day to day life. That's how this job Works!" She sounded indignant "Now let's move on, we have more things to do" She commented walking to the other side of the corridor.

That answer left Maki speechless.

Maki just clenched her fists furiously. Maki had an argument to respond to that. She wanted to shout at her that there were also people who worked too much in the day and slept too little at night and still struggled to keep their homes clean and their shelves full themselves, as well as having a family to support or even two jobs to survive.

But she kept quiet because she didn't want to lose her new job.

"There are only two rooms up here now" commented Manami, opening the room on the left wall.

Maki observed from the doorway how medium-sized that room was, which was well furnished but unfortunately this one had no bathroom. So one had to go out to the bathroom in the hallway.

"In this room sometimes some of the boys used to stay, but now each one lives in different buildings but they are close to here for security and comfort" commented Manami while she pointed inside the room. "And now that you will be Okkotsu's bodyguard, you can stay here only if you think it's necessary, so this room is where you will sleep"

"Your boss said he'd have me an apartment to stay in to be near that idiot Okkotsu" Maki crossed her arms "And I don't think this is what he meant"

"I know, we said we would have a place for you near here. And we are not lying to you, you will have it soon, they are just finishing the furnishing, even so consider that there will be days that you won't be able to return to your new apartment because of the tight schedules we have, so consider that from time to time you will have to sleep in this room. Or…" She looked at the green haired girl with curiosity – "Don't you want to stay here so you won't be tempted?" asked Manami reminding her of what she had seen between those two days ago.

Maki growled and her face turned red.
"Of course I won't be tempted! Besides, you said it yourself, this is just work!"

"Well, then fulfill your part of the contract and we'll pay you " She put her hand on the door handle of the room they had yet to enter, "And this one here, in front of the room you can use, is the room where Yuta sleeps. Actually, this room is the larger of the two"

Maki's eyes snapped open as she realized that they were going to be closer than she had imagined.

When Manami was about to open that door to test the new bodyguard. Her cell phone began to vibrate because of several messages that began to arrive.

Manami looked at her cell phone.
"Well, let's go downstairs, Okkotsu and Geto will be here soon" She looked at Maki with seriousness, she looked like a mother warning her son's girlfriend not to commit anything sinful in that place "Even so, avoid entering his room and also, avoid that he brings other women to this place. What we want to avoid are scandals" she said walking and typing on her cell phone.

Maki raised an eyebrow, "Does Okkotsu bring women into this department?" she asked, going after Manami.

"Maybe soon you'll be able to find out" She commented tartly, "If Okkotsu does that thing about bringing women in here, you as his bodyguard just make sure you keep him safe. And in case he sleeps with you, at the very least use protection, because we won't cover any pregnancies"

That answer left a bad taste in Maki's mouth. But Okkotsu's arrival with Geto would turn her stomach.

"Still, I'm not sure..." said Yuta getting out of the elevator and walking with Geto towards the apartment.

"And why not?" Suguru asked intrigued.

"Well, maybe it's because I'm just getting started in this industry"

"Even so, you should get in touch with more people in the artistic field" said the manager, opening the door with the key to enter the apartment, "Don't you like Rika? Remember that she is already a recognized artist in Europe and is already becoming popular in the United States. And her company could help us to position you in the market of those continents"

"Of course I liked her... you can tell she has more experience than me in this world of music... and well, I must confess that that girl was very beautiful..." commented Yuta entering behind him.

"You just trust me. Besides, there's a surprise I have to give you" said Suguru closing the door behind them.

"A surprise?"

"Yes, but first there's something you should know" Suguru commented with a smile and turning to look at those two. Who were waiting for them in the living room.

Yuta got a big surprise when he saw Maki there, next to Manami.

"Maki, what are you doing here?" Yuta asked in confusion as he approached the two women standing in the middle of the living room, "Did something happen?" he asked worriedly.

Maki didn't know what to say, she didn't know how he was going to react to what was happening and even more because it seemed that he was not aware of the situation

"It would be better for your manager to explain this situation to you"- she crossed her arms.

"Explain what?" Yuta looked rather confused turning to Suguru and Manami.

Suguru put a hand on his shoulder.
"Yuta Remember I told you we were looking for a bodyguard for you after what happened almost a week ago?"

"Yes, I remember"

Suguru grinned from ear to ear.
"Well!" he turned him to look at Maki, "We got her for you! From now on Maki Zenin will be your new bodyguard"

"WHAT?" came out of Yuta's throat, looking at the three of them. He didn't understand what was going on.

"It's a long story..." Maki mumbled.

Suguru let out a light laugh.
"And to see if this girl is good at what she does, how about you two go shopping and test Maki san as your new bodyguard? What do you think?" suggested Geto, "I mean because I need you to go and buy some clothes for the presentation we are going to have soon and I want you to choose something that goes with your style"

"You are already putting me to work?!" Maki said bewildered.

"As I said Maki San" Suguru turned to her "This first outing you can consider it as a test to see if you two can get along now as bodyguard and Singer" He smiled –"What do you say?"

They both looked at each other for a moment, seeming to share the same thought of "We can't say no to the one who runs our finances."

"Now go shopping, because the driver is already waiting for you down there and please!" Suguru approached both of them "Try to go unnoticed, I don't want any more gossip or events like the other day" he patted each of them on the shoulders with his hand –"Now have fun!" he said with a big smile that resembled that of a fox.

What would that first outing end in? What else would they talk about? There was only one way to find out.

Notes:

I hope you liked it

As you can see, Maki has finally signed a contract and she has her first job as a bodyguard.

What do you think might happen on that first outing? What do you think they will talk about? I'll be reading them

Also, Rika has just made her appearance ✨️ I must admit that I decided to do in a different way, perhaps a little more modern, to make this first meeting, but the thing will not end there, because soon Yuta will meet her in person.

And speaking of Rika, in this fic I should clarify that she is Half French on her mother's side and Japanese on her father's side, but she uses the surname Orimoto

You will learn more about this Rika later - will you love her or hate her?

By the way, what do you think of Geto? Because he will also have his moves in this story.

Anyway, I'll be reading your comments

We'll keep reading 💋

Again, sorry if there are errors in the translation