Cup of Lust, Beauty and Affairs

Summary: Taichi, a photographer and artist fascinated by the beauty of the world, becomes captivated by the beauty of a customer at his parent's coffee shop. Innocent desires soon blaze into an unforgettable, insatiable affair. Taito/Yamachi

D-Angel: So somehow I finished this chapter a lot quicker than I intended, haha. The ideas just keep flowing at the moment, which is making writing a breeze. I may even have this story finished before the end of this year! Lol.

Cloe Lockless - I hope this chapter makes your week again, haha. Takumi is so awful, but such a fun character to play around with. Ahh yus, that Instagram photo would be hot as! ;)

Now, ladies and gentlemen, please read on and enjoy another steaming hot chapter of Cup of Lust :)

Chapter 26 Hot off the press

'Kiss me on the mouth and set me free, But please don't bite.'

The first couple of hours at Isamu's flat were painful as we waited for instruction from Vertical Illusion's publicity manager. I kept checking my phone, which kept vibrating every other second with messages and social media requests. My Instagram follower count had gone up into the thousands before Isamu had even set my account to private, and now I had thousands more requests.

"Regardless how things pan out, we can take advantage of the situation and use it to boost your clientele," Isamu explained as he tapped away on his laptop's keyboard. "Takumi's done you more of a favour than you think."

Granted, career wise, it could work to my advantage... But I already knew what else it had cost me. I had only just come to terms with my feelings for Yamato, and now, if I was to be caught anywhere near him, I would be portrayed as a bad guy. My livelihood would literally crumble and turn to dust.

I buried my head into my hands; this was a complete nightmare. It was hard to believe that one simple photo had changed everything, but not just for me. I felt so guilty that Isamu had been dragged into all this. As if things weren't stressful enough for him, still struggling to find a suitable place for him and Mimi to move into. I knew I was lucky. No matter how dire the situation was, he always fought in my corner.

We both jumped when Isamu's phone finally rang.

"It's Nanami Ren," Isamu informed me as he checked the display. My heart started to beat wildly as Isamu answered his phone, before switching the call onto loudspeaker and setting it down onto the table.

"Komatsu-san. We're going to roll with it," Ren's voice resounded from Isamu's phone. "If the picture is removed now it will only generate negative press."

"Agreed," Isamu replied.

"The problem is though, Yagami-san is a nobody," Ren bluntly said. I stuck my middle finger up at the phone. Isamu smirked. "The band's female followers are already outraged by the news. Problematic as they make up a majority of the band's fan base."

"I can imagine. So, what's the solution?"

There was a small pause. I climbed off the sofa and walked closer to the phone, eager to hear what Ren's resolution was.

"We're going to hold a press conference to clear things up."

Press conferences. I had heard of them. They were often reserved for high profiled celebrities to allow them to clear the air about a scandal, or announce some crazy news. Had it really come to this? Even Isamu raised an eyebrow at this revelation.
"Does it really need to go that far?" Isamu asked, placing the palms of his hands against the table. "Taichi's a nobody, as you said."

Thanks, Isamu.

"The media are aching for clarification; it's the quickest solution," Ren explained, after a small pause of silence. "Takumi's love life has always raised eyebrows, but it keeps both his male and female admirers in suspense, and hopeful. We figured we could reveal that the dark prince has finally settled down, tamed by the band's mysterious photographer. A cute little love story. The media will lap it up, and the fans will warm to the idea if we portray Yagami-san in the correct way."

"The band's photographer?" Isamu echoed the exact same words that had also jumped straight out at me. "So you want Taichi to work for you?"

"Yes. It only makes sense that he becomes the band's official photographer, or at least acts as the band's photographer during the world tour. They need to be seen together as much as possible."

"This sounds like more trouble than it's worth," Isamu bluntly confessed, tapping his fingers against his forehead. I couldn't help but agree. Being shackled to the band, to Takumi, was a terrifying thought.

"I don't think either of you are in a position to protest," Ren sharply retorted. "We'll send Big Bear back over in about an hour to pick Yagami up and take him to Takumi's hotel. They can attend the press conference tomorrow together."

The line went dead. Clearly that was that, according to Ren. Isamu pressed his lips together, then glanced over at me. As the reality of the situation and the conclusion of the phone conversation started to sink in, a warm heat prickled against my skin; beads of sweat had started to form on my forehead. I reached up and unwrapped my scarf from my neck, allowing it to drop onto my lap. A flash of horror appeared in Isamu's eyes, which mine quickly mirrored. I'd completely forgotten about the bruises on my neck. Turning my head away sharply, I clenched onto my scarf with one hand.

"You don't have to go through with this, Tai."

I knew what he meant. He didn't want me to take the plunge. We both knew this was risky, yet backing out now would completely sabotage everything I had worked so hard to build.

"I have to," I said, consciously rubbing my hand across the side of my neck as Yamato's words from the other day echoed in my mind.

'He is dangerous. He will break you.'

The power Takumi held was frightening, yet I knew I had to face it head on.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

I was shaking with a combination of fear and fury as Big Bear escorted me through the lobby of The Park Hyatt, towards the lifts. With all the media floating around, it was no surprise that Takumi was unable to leave his suite without supervision. Fortunately, the hotel's security team were doing a fantastic job at keeping the paparazzi at bay. Still, Takumi had been the cause behind all this mess.

"Wait here," Big Bear instructed the moment we stepped out of the lift. He vanished off down the corridor, and around a corner. I flicked through the notifications on my phone as I waited until he reappeared a few moments later. Deeming the corridor safe, he nodded and gestured for me to follow him.

Once we were outside Takumi's door, Big Bear tugged out his phone and tapped out a text, then he rapped his knuckles against the oak in a certain rhythm. He waited for a few moments before he used his key card to open the door. Checking the corridor once again, Big Bear placed the palm of his hand against my back and nudged me inside the plush suite.

We stepped into the living area. Takumi was stood by the mini bar pouring out two glasses of what I could only assume was rum or whisky, the only two spirits he drank.
"Thanks, Big B," Takumi said, setting the liquor bottle down onto the bar's wooden surface.

"I'll be next door if you need for anything," Big Bear stated, his eyes briefly met mine before he nodded and made his exit. The floor shuddered faintly as the door closed.

"What a day," Takumi laughed as he turned to face me. Frowning, I marched straight over to him, drawing back my fist. His eyes widened, yet he quickly raised his arm up to deflect my punch. My knuckles struck hard against his forearm and stung like hell for a few moments. I hissed and swore under my breath.

"God, you're adorable when you're mad."

I glared at him, the anger still boiling within my blood. But then, I was immediately disarmed when I studied his expression; calm, but inquisitive. In that moment, I lost all energy to try and fight him. My arms dropped back down limply by my sides.

"Why did you post that picture?" I asked, my body still trembling as the last of the adrenalin seeped out from my veins.

"Publicity," Takumi openly admitted as he edged closer to me. Nausea immediately bubbled in the depths of my stomach, and a cold numbness started to engulf me.

"What the fuck?"

"Have some faith in me, Tai," Takumi whispered into my ear, his hand unbuttoning my jeans. Sex. Of course. It was inevitable.

"Ride the wave," He said as his rum soaked lips grazed against the marks on my neck after my coat and scarf had fallen to the floor. "Enjoy living the high life."

Too exhausted to protest, I let him finish undressing me. Then he pushed me onto the bed. His tongue, teeth and fingers assaulted my body, purposely focusing on all the spots he knew drove me wild, before he deemed me ready for the main event.

"I know you fucked Matt behind my back," Takumi said as he dug his fingernails into my shoulders. I winced, gripping onto the bedcovers even tighter as he started to slide in and out my body, more aggressively than ever before, his thighs slapping heavily against the back of my legs.

I was surprised when he suddenly pulled out and spun me over. My head lolled to the side, refusing to meet his gaze as I stared over at the lamp on the bedside table, bracing for him to re-enter me.

"Look at me."

Placing his hand on my cheek, he forced me to tilt my head and look into his flaming green depths.

"I did you a favour," Takumi said as he hooked one of my legs over his shoulder, before driving into me once again. "You don't need him in your life."

Once he was finished and disappeared into the bathroom for a shower, I pulled the covers over my abused shell. Disgust washed over my body as I heard him singing. His vocals sounded so soulless compared to Yamato's. Yet, this was my new reality. I was now trapped in a toxic relationship, for which I could only truthfully blame myself for.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"He'll be on his best behaviour. You'll be fine," Isamu reassured when I phoned him just before Takumi and I were due to expose ourselves to the press. I gazed at my reflection in the mirror. The band's stylists had done a fantastic job of dressing me up to look the part, as well as covering up the pressure marks on my neck.

"I hope so."

The Nanami twins had already instructed Takumi what to say and do, and had told me to keep as quiet as possible; difficult for someone who loved to talk.
My heart was beating wildly when Takumi and I stepped out onto the small stage towards the podium. Mimi was stood somewhere in the sea of journalists, although I couldn't spot her at first. She had recently dyed her hair back to its natural brown hue, which was harder to spot in a crowd than her baby pink tresses. I noticed that the Nanami twins were stood at the back of the room though; an anxious expression stricken on Kotaro's face, where as Ren had his arms folded across his chest and his usual frown fixed on his brow.

Takumi cleared his throat, before he spoke into the microphone.

"To everyone here, I would like to verify that Yagami Taichi and I are together," Takumi announced to the hungry crowd as he placed an arm around me. Excited chatter broke out. Lights flashed. Camera shutters clicked. "Taichi will be our band's main photographer throughout the world tour, and I am thrilled to have him by my side, supporting me."

With the main part out the way, Takumi declared to the crowd that he was happy to answer any questions, providing they were only strictly related to our relationship. The first few questions that were asked, Takumi was able to answer bluntly in one or two words.

When I spied Mimi in the centre of the masses waving her hand , eager to gain Takumi's attention amongst the other journalists, I nudged my elbow against Takumi's side as subtly as I could. He frowned momentarily, then his eyes followed mine over to where Mimi was standing. Takumi scanned over her face, a glimmer of recognition flickering in his emerald pools, before he glanced down at her nametag.

"Yes, Tachikawa-chan?"

"Takumi, you undoubtedly could be with anyone you wanted," Mimi said, fluttering her eyelashes as Takumi analysed her physique, emphasised well in the long sleeved black and red tartan bodycon dress she was wearing. She was about three months into her pregnancy, yet still barely had a bump to show for it. " So what attracted you to Yagami-san?"

My brow crinkled. I wasn't quite sure what Mimi was angling at with her question, but I didn't particularly like how she had delivered it, as if, like Ren, she was snubbing me for not being rich or famous.

"Besides his looks, I was compelled by his determination and passion for his art," Takumi replied after a few seconds of thought, his arm squeezing my waist tighter. "Not only that, but he's self-assured and motivated. I find those to be very attractive qualities in a person."

A warm glow flushed across my body. Mimi smiled as she, and a few others, jotted something down on their notepads.

"Any other questions?" Takumi boldly asked as he peered around the room, his eyes stopping on a youthful short man with glasses who had his arm raised. He spoke his name, giving the journalist his chance to speak.

"Takumi, is it true that Vertical Illusion's previous photographer, Suzuki Nobu, was forced to surrender his position, just so Yagami-san could take his place?"

The Nanami twins winced as this question, which intrigued me. From what I had heard, Nobu was still having physio following his fall down the stairs, and his contract with Vertical Illusion had simply not been renewed at the beginning of this year because he was still unable to commit to any full time work. It was hardly classed as forcing him to quit.

I briefly peered over at Takumi's expression, which was calm as ever, wondering how he was going to handle this accusation.

"Following his accident, Nobu quit on his own accord. He was offered a new contract, which he declined due to his ongoing rehabilitation. That's why we had to source a new photographer," Takumi spoke, his voice relaxed, but firm. "Taichi is a very talented man. I trust you know this, if you have done your research."

I tried my hardest to hold back the grin that was threatening to stretch across my face. The way Takumi had just effortlessly shutdown a cocky journalist was undeniably a talent I had to admire. No wonder why the Nanami twins had been confident enough to let him do the talking. Still, after that question, Ren gave him the signal to wrap things up.

Disappointed chorus of voices rung out, but the media soon started to disperse, with the help of Vertical Illusion's bodyguards. Somehow, Mimi managed to evade one of them and immediately came rushing over to us, darting around the pretty pathetic rope barrier that had been placed between the audience and the stage.

"Sorry, but the press conference is over," Big Bear stated, swooping in front of her

"It's ok," I said, side stepping around Big Bear, "this is my friend, Taichikawa Mimi."

Takumi immediately drifted to my side, eyes gleaming with intrigue.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Tachikawa-chan."

It was surprising that the two hadn't met face to face, until now.

"You're even more beautiful in person," Takumi schmoozed as he clasped Mimi's hand with his own, then brought it up to his lips. Her cheeks turned pink as he kissed her softly on the back of her hand. Letting go, he smiled as he peered down at her stomach. "I must congratulate you on your lovely news, although you wouldn't be able to tell."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. He was such a smooth talker. Had he'd been talking to any other lady, I would have been envious.

"Thank you, Takumi-kun." Mimi beamed, her bright eyes darting between us. "You and Taichi are such an adorable couple!"

Takumi chuckled softly, then placed his hand on the small of my back.

"Perhaps there'll be wedding bells soon."

Mimi clasped her hands over her mouth and did her hardest to repress the urge to squeal- at least that's what I thought she was doing. It wasn't until her face had turned pale white that I realised she had covered up her mouth for an entirely different reason. Swallowing deeply, she apologised, before rushing off, one hand still pressed against her mouth.

"I'll sort out that medication for her," Takumi said. It sounded more like he was making a mental note than informing me directly.

Excusing myself to the toilets (where I could only assume Mimi had run off to), I waited for her outside the door. After a few good minutes, she stepped out, slightly startled to see me standing there.

"I can't believe I threw up in my mouth right in front of Takumi," Mimi said, her body slumping against mine, head burying into my chest. I patted her on the crown of her head and reassured her she probably wasn't the first girl who had done that.

"Feeling better now?" I asked when she sighed and stepped away from me.

"I'll be fine," Mimi said as she straightened down her dress, attempting to kick her embarrassment to the side. "I just haven't eaten in a while, and that's usually when the nausea kicks in."

"Have you spoken to your doctor about it?" I asked peering up and down her skinny frame.

"He said morning sickness is normal for at least the first fifteen weeks," Mimi explained, running her hand across her stomach. "In some cases, it can last through the entire pregnancy, but hopefully mine will ease up soon."

The sombre expression on her face suddenly lightened. "Anyway, you and Takumi!"

"I know, it's crazy," I said, raking my fingers through my celebrity groomed hair.

"I can I totally see why you fell for his charm," Mimi confessed, a coy smile playing on her lips. "I think you've really lucked out this time."

Forcing a smile, I tried to emulate her enthusiasm, but inside I could feel my stomach twisting into all sorts of knots. If only she knew what he was actually like. Clearly Isamu hadn't expressed his doubts about him to her, but I could see why he didn't want to push his worries about my life onto her when she already had enough troubles of her own.

Song lyrics (At the beginning of the chapter)
Troye Sivan - "Bite"

D-Angel: Aww, poor Taichi :( Takumi can be such a chilling character when it suits him, yet Taichi still somewhat idolises him, despite he knows he shouldn't. He's a ticking time bomb I'll tell you! Isn't Big Bear the greatest too? :) I wish I'd introduced him a lot earlier on, lol. Also, not sure how I feel about the whole press conference scene, but hopefully it helps give a bit more insight into Takumi and how the band functions.

I've been working hard on chapter 27 and beyond (I tend to write scenes as they pop into my head, then move them over to later chapters, haha). Hopefully that will be finished by around May or June, so you guys shouldn't have to wait too long.

Thanks so much for reading and making it this far! As always, feel free to review. It's so lovely hearing your opinions :)

See you next chapter!

D-Angel

17/04/18