Tokyo Boys

We're halfway through the story, I feel compelled to remind you it's my 2008 NanoWriMo story so it may not be the best *laughs*
I've done some rewriting and editing, but I'm not an English speaker so I apologize for any awkward phrasing and grammar mistakes that had escaped me. It's not proof read by anyone else. Hope you enjoy it nevertheless.



Additional notes for this chapter:
* Japanese people have this habit/trait to humble themselves down if someone praise them. (Even if a teacher tells a mother her son is talented, she would reply something like no he isn't, or no he still has a lot to learn).
* Nihonga - Traditional Japanese style painting, usually done on Japanese paper or silk.
* Higashiyama Kaii - Famous nihonga artist in the 20th century, his big motif was landscape.
* Yukata - summer kimono
* Johnny’s - Japanese idols (boyband singers and actors) that belong to the talent agency Johnny's Entertainment and are extremely popular in Japan (and abroad, really...)


TOKYO BOYS
Chapter 16


The truth was Yuuto never arrived at the club during the summer vacation. Already on the first day of the vacation, he woke up very early. After eating breakfast that his mother so kindly prepared for him before leaving for work, he sat down to do his portion of homework for the day. As soon as he finished he left the house and went to the nearest bus station to catch a bus downtown.

He felt a little intimidated. It was the first time he walked alone in the heart of the city. But he needed to remember he wasn’t a child anymore, and couldn’t rely on Daisuke to always be there for him. He relied on him for far too long already.

Yuuto walked from store to store, until finally he spotted a note on the window seeking employees. His mother was against the idea, even questioned his skills and he didn’t dare to tell Daisuke anything either, but he needed to become more independent and more helpful to his mother and also to society, like Moriyama-sensei had told him. In Yuuto’s mind, setting his foot inside the shop was akin to setting his foot in adulthood.

He entered the shop. It was a small coffee shop with few customers. Yuuto thought it could be an ideal place for him.

The only problem was his acute social phobia. In front of new people, Yuuto just froze. He took a deep breath and walked to the counter. If he could speak at all, it would be a first step.

“Good day,” the girl at the counter smiled at him. “How can I help you?”

He tried smiling, and it came out a little lopsided.

“Would you like to look at our special summer breakfast menu?” she offered, reaching out for one of the leaflets in front of the cashier.

“Ehh…” he shook his head. “I was wondering…” He tried to release the knot in his throat. “About the… the job…”

“Oh,” she said and gave him a thorough check before asking him to wait while she called the shift manager.

The shift manager was a young man who seemed to be in his twenties. He was dressed in casual but elegant clothes. The moment he saw Yuuto he said in a deep voice, “We don’t hire middle schoolers.”

Yuuto felt the little bit of confidence he has gained deflated out of him in an instant. He was about to turn on his tail and leave, when he remembered his goal. He had to show his mother he could be useful and help her keep the house she loved so much.

“I’m… I’m sixteen…” he said quietly. “Second year in Shirashi Memorial High School…”

“Really?! You look much younger!” The man exclaimed, looking at him.

“I can… show you my student card…” Yuuto mumbled quietly. His body was shivering even though he was not cold.

“No, that’s ok.” The manager scanned him again, rubbing his chin. “Do you have any waiting experience?”

Yuuto shook his head. “It’s my first time… seeking a job…” he mumbled shyly.

“I see, I see… well, you look cute. I think customers will like you. How about a little trial?”

Yuuto was given an apron to wear over his pants and his first order – a cup of coffee and a cake for table 3. His hands were shaking a little and he repeated a mantra in his head, trying to calm himself down.

He stopped in front of the table and looked at the customer. The man didn’t seem to notice him and still had his newspaper spread on the table.

“E… excuse me… sir?” he asked hesitantly.

The man looked at him and removed his newspaper. Aside from a little bit of spilling due to his shaking hands, the first order was a success.

Yuuto sighed in relief, unaware the worst was still to come. From five customers inside the shop, the number grew to twelve, as well as seven outside, and it was only the beginning of lunch hour. He mixed up two tables, spilled three drinks, bumped into a customer who headed towards the restroom, broke a plate and almost broke down and cried, all within thirty five minutes.

The manager and the girl looked at the boy in sympathy.

“Well, it wasn’t that bad for a first time…” the girl said politely.

Yuuto felt so bad. He was sure he needed to pay them money for the broken plate and spilt drinks, but he just sat quietly, waiting for the verdict.

“Maybe it’s not the ideal job for you…” the manager said. “You should find a place where you can work behind the counter.”

“I’m sorry…” Yuuto bowed, feeling his cheeks burning with shame. His mother was right after all. He was useless and the only thing he could do right was drawing. But he really wanted to prove her she was wrong…

“Listen,” the manager started saying. “My sister is working at a chocolate shop, just a few blocks from here… I think they’re also seeking employment. Do you want to try there?”

Yuuto nodded without a word. He removed his apron and gave it to the girl. The manager gave him a piece of paper with the address of the chocolate shop.

“Thank you!” Yuuto said and bowed again.

He walked fast out of the coffee shop and headed to the chocolate shop. The shop was much quieter than the coffee shop. There were only two girls choosing a cake and the shopkeeper was aiding them with a bright smile.

When she heard the bells of the door, she raised her head, “Welcome—“

They exchanged looks.

“Kaname-kun?”

Yuuto widened his eyes. Midori? She had a summer job at a chocolate shop?

“What a surprise to see you here…” She smiled and stepped away from the counter to greet him. The girls were still looking at the cakes and she walked over to him. “Did you come here to buy something?”

“Ah, no…” he smiled shyly. “I heard… uh, that they were looking for employees…”

“Ah…” Midori looked around the small shop. “Well, they were, but… I was hired recently…”

“Oh.” Yuuto felt his stomach falling. “I see… well… that’s good… for you.”

“I could ask the manager if she needed another employee…” Midori said with a comforting smile. “It would be so nice working with Kaname-kun.”

Yuuto thought to himself it wouldn’t have been bad to work with Midori either, but with a shop so small, there wasn’t any chance they needed more help. And what more, he wasn’t going to be so helpful.

“I’ll keep looking… thank you,” he said politely and headed for the door. “Good luck with your new job.”

Yuuto left the chocolate store. Waiting wasn’t for him. Working in a shop like the one Midori was working for, could work out in terms of his clumsiness, he didn’t see himself breaking anything too often. But working with people, smiling and helping them choose what they wanted to buy… that could be a problem. He couldn’t even decide what he wanted to have for dinner if he was asked. He needed to find a place that didn’t rely so much on customer service. But was there anything like that?

In the corner of the street he saw an art gallery. He walked in, marveling the paintings. A young woman approached him.

“Welcome~ Can I help you?” she asked.

“Ahh…” Yuuto raised his head. “I’m just… looking…” His eyes were drawn to one painting that was set on a separate pillar in the middle of the room. He stepped over and admired the details of the painting from up close.

“That one is special…” the woman stood by his side. “Do you like art?”

“Yes, very much!” Yuuto answered quickly. “The style in this painting is so striking. I’ve been attempting to do that, but it’s really difficult,” he said, forgetting that he was supposed to turn mute in front of new people. Yuuto’s love for art was greater than his insecurity.

“Really? Are you painting?”

“Yeah, I prefer Japanese style paintings, but the materials are so expensive, so I mostly use oil colors and do western style paintings. But I’m not as good as this artist…” His voice trailed off when he spotted the signature. Moriyama, Shouji?! It couldn’t be…

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a young boy so passionate about art… usually the young ones prefer drawing manga and popular culture art.”

“I like manga, I like drawing… but I like painting landscape in Japanese style the best… Higashiyama Kaii was always my idol.”

“That’s nice. Everyone aspires to reach his level and fame, don’t they? The artists presented at this gallery are not so well known, most of them have a day job. But they still get sold.” She looked at the boy, but his eyes were still on the painting.

“I would love to see your work sometime if you don’t mind. What’s your name?” she asked softly.

“Ahh.. Kaname Yuuto…” he bowed politely. “But I’m really not good…”

“Let me decide, okay, Kaname-kun? Nihonga is not for amateurs.”

The boy hesitated. He looked around the quiet room. It was probably going to be a silly question, but it couldn’t hurt asking.

“Do you happen to need an assistant for the summer?” he asked, once mustering some courage.

“You’re looking for a job?”

He nodded shyly. “Unfortunately, my mom says my hands are no good for anything but drawing…”

The woman laughed and handed him her business card. “I’m Iwabuchi Yuuko. I will see how you can help me.”

“Thank you so much!” he said and bowed again.

“Come here again tomorrow,” she smiled sweetly at him. “And don’t forget to bring your portfolio.”


The next day, even earlier than expected, Yuuto showed up at the gallery, holding his portfolio under his armpit.

“Ah, Kaname-kun, you’re early.” She smiled. “Good morning.”

“Good morning!” He nearly shouted and bowed.

He handed her his portfolio on her request and she opened it to take a look at his drawings.

“Some of them are a little old,” he apologized. “My most recent ones are at the school’s gallery, but they’re not very good, they’re oil paintings…”

“These are really excellent,” she said. “The details, the layering of pigments… and doing some of them on silk, no less! You’re really talented, Kaname-kun.”

“No, that’s not true…” He was quick to deny. “I could use more guidance.”

“I’ll be happy to guide you, but first I want you to know we have an opening…” She smiled at him.

“Hm?” he looked at her, confused.

“I do need an assistant for the summer. I need to pick up work from some artists and make some deliveries to customers… I could use someone to watch over the gallery while I’m gone.”

“W- watch over the gallery?” He blinked.

“Yes, you’ll need to provide some words on the paintings should some customer with interest walks in… you should fit right in.” She smiled.

And so, on the second day of summer vacation, Yuuto landed himself a secret job. The payment wasn’t high, but he was delighted to be of use. He cleaned the gallery, dusted the frames of the paintings, helped customers and even answered calls.

When his mother gave him allowance, he refused and said he didn’t need it. She didn’t ask anything, and didn’t know he was filling up a savings box with money he earned during the day.

~*~

One morning, barely ten days since the vacation started, Yuuto got a call from Midori. He was in the kitchen, taking out juice from the fridge and pouring it into his glass. When he was about to take a sip the phone started ringing.

“Kaname-kun?” He recognized Midori’s voice.

“How are you?” he asked and clutched the earpiece. He hasn’t seen her since that day in the chocolate shop, even though he was tempted to pass by to say hi on his way to the gallery.

“I’m good. I was wondering if you wanted to come to the fireworks show tomorrow…” she said.

His heart started pounding. Was she asking him on a date?

“A few of us are going to come… could you ask Hasabe-kun to come with us?” she asked.

Of course. Yuuto sighed mentally. Midori and her friend were probably only interested in meeting Daisuke during the summer vacation. Daisuke may have lost some fangirls to Moriyama-sensei, but he still had a hoard of them left.

“I’ll ask him…” He promised.

He wasn’t keeping in touch with Daisuke. He felt irritated when all Daisuke had to talk about was Moriyama-sensei and his impressive resistance. Yuuto didn’t tell Daisuke he was actually glad the teacher kept rejecting him. not only a teacher-student relationship was forbidden and could get both of them into trouble, and he liked Moriyama-sensei and didn’t want to see him forced to leave, he was also a little jealous that he no longer held a special place in Daisuke’s heart. It was silly, but he couldn’t help it, probably just like Daisuke couldn’t help himself from falling for their teacher.

Daisuke agreed to meet up for the fireworks. He also received e-mails from other friends and told everyone that he would meet them there.

~*~

The boys were dressed in casual summer clothes and admired the girls who were wearing delightful yukata for the event.

Daisuke was a flirt as usual and gave compliments to the girls. The boys looked at him with envy as he posed for a picture with all the girls. They were squealing as if they had just received an autograph from a Johnny’s.

After posing individually with the girls, giving each of them a kiss on the cheek, making their night, he pulled Yuuto towards him and took a photo of the two of them for his phone. Yuuto blushed, but before he could move away, Midori placed herself between them and requested a photo of the three of them.

“It’s such a nice picture,” she said gleefully. “Kaname-kun, give me your e-mail, I’ll send you the picture.”

Daisuke patted Yuuto’s back. “Why don’t you confess to her already? I think she likes you,” he whispered in the shorter boy’s ear.

“Stop that!” Yuuto shook him off.

Daisuke clicked his tongue and looked around at the crowd. “I wonder where’s sensei…”

“Huh?” Yuuto followed his stare.

“He told me he’s taking his girlfriend to see the fireworks…” Daisuke hummed. “I was going to go with Taka-san and the others to party otherwise…” He continued looking around at the people who filled up the riverbank. Actually, he was curious to see Moriyama-sensei’s woman. There was no harm in having a friendly chat, he decided.

“You’re not seriously going to look for them?” Yuuto eyed him suspiciously.

“Of course I am… I want to see if his woman looks good in yukata…” Daisuke already started walking. The rest of the group started following him, making their way to the food stands.

It took a while among the sea of people, but Daisuke spotted him right away. Moriyama-sensei was cutting through the takoyaki line, holding a plastic container in his hand. He was dressed in casual clothes, denim and a polo shirt. It was the first time Daisuke saw him without a tie.

“Moriyama-sensei!” he called out.

The teacher tensed for a moment. He didn’t want to get caught in a flirtatious conversation with his student with so many people around, his girlfriend among them. But once he saw Daisuke was followed by other classmates, he relaxed and greeted everyone.

“Enjoy the show.” He smiled at them.

The girls had a similar reaction to the man as they reacted towards Daisuke. Yuuto sighed. At least the teacher didn’t look as comfortable with it as Daisuke was. A woman in a pink flowery yukata showed up behind him. She had a beautiful face and her auburn hair was tied upward in traditional style.

“Shou-chan, what is taking you so long?” she asked.

Daisuke perked his head checking out “the woman”. She was pretty tall for a girl and very pretty. He wouldn’t have minded doing her. Moriyama-sensei had a good taste in women, he decided.

“These are my students,” Moriyama introduced them and casually handed her the container with the takoyaki.

His girlfriend barely shot a glance at the students and touched his shoulder lightly, "I'm going to speak to Tanaka-san, I'll catch you when the show starts..."

Moriyama-sensei didn't have a chance to respond, she already disappeared in the crowd, following her colleagues. Daisuke took the chance and grabbed the teacher's hand, leading him away from the crowd.

"What are you doing?" Moriyama-sensei asked, looking back. The students haven’t noticed yet they had left, as they were trying to get their takoyaki order sorted.

Daisuke quickly led him away before they could get caught, and made his way to the top of a small hill. There were a few seclusive couples occupying the area and the two continued walking until they only had trees and bushes for company.

"I knew I'd see you here tonight..." Daisuke turned to the older man. "Is it fate?"

"No." The teacher eyed his misbehaving student. "It's stalking."

"Come on..." Daisuke chuckled in amusement. "I still haven't spent my nights wandering outside your house..."

"Still, huh?"

Daisuke grinned. "Can I have your home address?"

"No!" The teacher hurried to refuse. He shook his head and took out his pack of smokes.

The flicker of the lighter provided a momentary illumination of his face. Daisuke found it enchanting. He watched him quietly, focusing on the man's lips closely as he sucked on the cigarette.

"Can I kiss you?" The teen asked.

"No."

"Come on..." Daisuke prodded. "Without the school uniform, I don't look like a kid, do I?"

The teacher lowered his cigarette and touched Daisuke's chin, forcing his head up for a better look in the dim light.

"Your face is still young... and even without uniform, you're still my student." He touched the boy's lips with his thumb.

Daisuke stepped closer. He grabbed the teacher's hand that slipped away and put it on his cheek. "You're just teasing me..."

"Serves you right," Shouji whispered. He didn't know what he was doing. He blamed it on the two drinks he had earlier. He moved in and pressed his lips to the boy's eager mouth.

Daisuke took it as a green light to attack and grabbed his teacher, pulling him close to his body. His tongue was eager to intrude the older man's mouth and taste him.

Over their heads, fireworks started to explode, illuminating the dark night sky with bright colors and smoke. The two broke the kiss and turned around to watch the fireworks. Shouji flicked the ash from his cigarette and brought it to his mouth again, watching the colorful display with indifference. Daisuke moved closer to him once more and locked their fingers together.

~*~

When the fireworks started, Yuuto turned sharply to give Daisuke a big excited smile. He then remembered his friend took off with their teacher earlier on, leaving him behind with their classmates. At least Midori kept him company and even talked to him. She pointed at a special shape of fireworks and urged him to look before it faded. Yuuto decided he didn’t need Daisuke anymore, and focused his attention on the fireworks and on the girl at his side.

For Daisuke, that night was the highlight of his summer. He did not see the teacher again until school started, but he cherished the memory of the kiss they shared. He spent the rest of his summer studying during the day, completing his homework and tasks, and resting sweating and shirtless on the floor in the den, whining about the heat with the rest of the guys, before going to bars and parties at night. It was the best summer of his life, he decided.

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