Heaven Far Away

Chapter Sixteen- Bian Lian

The life of being a full host and the life of being a host in training did not differ as much as Kazuya would have thought. Sure, he no longer needed to do all the chores that Bakusui assigned him daily, but… now that he no longer needed to do them; he literally had nothing else to do with himself. During the evenings, he would go down to the lobby and chat up any client who would look in his direction or show interest. So far, conversations have been offered and received on a regular basis. Anything more concrete appeared to be more elusive than hopeful. It’s been exactly a month since his initiation evening and his name has not moved even a single place. He was still the last host, the new host, the host who still needed more work. It didn’t help that the client who had bought his initiation evening has remained a mystery.

It’s been exactly a month and Kazuya figured that he should take the initiative to speak with the owner regarding his situation. Although he dreaded seeing the owner about such things, he still could not give up on his goal. If he cannot even complete his initiation evening, how can he expect to move up the ladder at all?

This was for the future, this was for his future.

Kazuya was sure that mantra ran itself through his head the second he’s made his decision. Instead of it subsiding, the chant only grew louder in his head as he drew closer. When he knocked on the door, he thought the words were going to burst from his head and be available for everyone to hear.

“Come in.”

The owner’s voice was still as calm and controlled as he’s always remembered. And his own heart still flipped and twisted in its cage like he’s always known. Reaching for the door handle, Kazuya opened the door and their eyes connected. It’s been too long, in Kazuya’s opinion.

The one major down side of being a host is his lack of excuses to come see Konbayoshi regularly. Previously, when he was still training, at least he had the excuse of reporting status. Now… now, it was as if they walked in different worlds.

“Owner-sama,” the title still hasn’t changed though, akin to his unwavering emotions “I wanted to speak with you about something.” In the middle of the room, Kazuya stood with his hands behind his back. This way, he could wring his fingers all he liked –due to the nerves- without Konbayoshi being able to see.

“Yes?”

“Regarding the client who you were speaking with on my initiation evening,” he let his eyes dance away briefly before returning to stare at Konbayoshi’s tie “I was wondering if there was anything else about him? It’s been a month and he’s still not asked for my services.”

Are you this eager to please another man?

Konbayoshi frowned lightly, but he was too well trained and experienced to let even that thought surface into his eyes. “I have not heard anything from him; he must still be on his business trip.” This imaginary business and imaginary client is never going to end or show up –respectively- as long as Konbayoshi could help it. The owner knew that this was a horrible thing to do to Kazuya. Not only was it not helping his job, it was probably doing nothing for his esteem either.

But, Konbayoshi figured that Kazuya would probably never find out just how selfish he could be.

“Ah, I see.” Kazuya muttered while biting down on his lip. “Well in that case, am I allowed to service other clients before him? I don’t think I’ve read any rule that goes against that.”

There isn’t.

Konbayoshi knew that himself and couldn’t help the tensing of his jaw before relaxing to pretend as if thinking over the situation. “You are allowed to service other clients, but his privileges are still preserved.” This imaginary client that Konbayoshi’s invented to keep a cap over Kazuya’s head, that is. “Is there anything else?”

“No. No, that’s it. Thank you, owner-sama.” Slowly, Kazuya bowed and turned around to leave. The tone in Konbayoshi’s voice, he could not understand. However, he did understand that the owner wanted to close the lid on this conversation. That much, he could still understand.

“Kazuya…”

At the door, Kazuya turned and was sure that his eyes were filled with hope and expectations. Maybe the owner will finally say a word of kindness to him that will keep him going. Whether it’s in relation to his feelings or about this job, even just a little smile could help. The owner looked at him calmly for a long, silent moment and Kazuya fancied he saw a little debate, a little hesitance and a little reluctance in the other’s eyes.

“Never mind, if there is nothing else, you may leave.”

So after the waiting, the destination was still a dismissal.

Was there really a light at the end of the tunnel for him? Kazuya couldn’t even answer that question himself. Even though that mantra died down with each step he took away from Konbayoshi’s office, the sharp twist of his heart each time the valves would open and close only increased exponentially. This road ahead of him swirled to the left and back to the right, so much so that he cannot even see two steps out in front of him. Perhaps to Kazuya, he would never hear the words within Konbayoshi’s silences. The need to protect Kazuya served as his primary excuse, but Konbayoshi knew that the need to possess selfishly was the underlying cause.

That evening, maybe Kazuya tried even harder. He liked to think he did, because when someone sat down besides him at the bar, he immediately put on his best smile and turned to face the client. “Evening sir, how can I help you?” Inside, he cringed at the sight. Yes, Kazuya knew what he was getting himself into the moment he sighed the contract, but...

“You may start by telling me your name.”

“It’s Kazuya, sir. And how would you like to be addressed?”

“Mukai for now would be fine. Later tonight, perhaps we can work on other embellishments.”

Mukai; Mukai Soujiro, as Kazuya would learn later on, was the owner of the biggest import company in Japan. Currently in his mid sixties, Mukai was one of the original members of Opiate. While he was not present at Kazuya’s initiation evening, the invitation was certainly sent out nonetheless. Tonight, he thought he’d pay this club a visit as he’s not stepped in since the last owner was still alive. Back in those days, because of the business relationship between him and the previous owner, Mukai had selective rights to any and all hosts that he took a liking to. Of course, the privilege had continued on ‘till this day.

“Mukai-san it is then.” Kazuya agreed with an easy smile, shifting so he could face the other directly. He was conscious to present himself as appealing as possible, like the half tilt of his body paired with the smile on his face. “How can I service you tonight?”

The drink Mukai had ordered was placed in front of him and the older –elderly?- took a slow sip while taking his time to answer. “Many things, but why don’t we start with the simple ones first?” Mukai ran his thumb around the rim of the glass before sparing Kazuya another look. “How old are you?”

“Twenty.” Kazuya answered honestly before quickly frowning. “I can assure you sir, age is simply a number, I can provide just as good…”

“I was merely asking about your age.” Mukai waved a hand and Kazuya quickly stopped talking. “And you are free to take on clients? You are not in an exclusive?”

“Rest assured, Mukai-san. I am definitely wiling to service you tonight.”

On that note, the man turned and looked him over. It was the first time this evening, and Kazuya could not help but feel his breath hitch in his throat. Was Mukai having second thoughts? That one second felt like a long eternity.

“Will you do everything as I say?”

This was a trap, wasn’t it?

“Yes, Mukai-san.”

“Then let us not waste any more time.” He didn’t even finish his glass of drink, but still took out a bill from his pocket and tucked it underneath the glass. Rising, he gestured towards the grand staircase. As if he’s not made his intentions clear enough.

“Of course.”

Following suit, Kazuya rose and followed the older –elderly, he could not get his guesses at Mukai’s age out of his head. If he was but two years and a day younger, this would be classical pedophile, no? However, this was his first real client, even if it was a dying man, he will have to do his job. Tonight, he chanted a different mantra as the two of them climbed the stairs together. Mukai appeared to be intimately familiar with the interior of Opiate, there was not a second of hesitance in the older mans’ –elderly- footsteps. Just a few more steps and he would have been able to direct Mukai up the elevator and to his bedroom, but of course, fate was never kind to him.

At the landing of the stair case, Kazuya first saw the midnight purple kimono before he saw Chitose’s face. However, just the kimono was indication enough of whom was in front of them. Simultaneously, all three of them stopped. Kazuya wasn’t sure whether he should do introductions or just walk past Chitose. He was leaning towards the second one. However, the other two seemed to have different ideas.

“Well, well, isn’t this a surprise.” Mukai spoke with a chuckle as he climbed the last two steps to look at Chitose with a crooked grin. “How long haven’t I seen you? Five years? No, it has to be more than that.”

“Nine yeas.” Chitose spoke calmly, but Kazuya could see that the number one’s smile did not reach his eyes. And once again, Kazuya couldn’t help but note that this tension was building again. This tension that was similar to that night when Akeno decided to try his luck.

“Ah yes, nine long years.” Mukai echoed lightly. “And you still look the same as you looked back then; I see time has been kind to you.”

“You flatter me, Mukai-san.” Chitose was smiling, but he wasn’t really smiling. Kazuya felt that very clearly. “Are you headed somewhere? Shall I escort you?”

“It seems like this little one here has caught my attention.” Mukai spoke while lifting his hand to soothe down the straight strands of Kazuya’s hair. “Quite the fresh young boy, isn’t he?” His gaze left Kazuya’s profile and looked up at Chitose instead.

The touch sent a series of violent shivers down his spine, Kazuya once again wondered whether he’s walked into a trap. But even if he has, it was certainly too late to turn back now. In front of him, Chitose glanced at Kazuya before returning his gaze to Mukai. “He is indeed quite fresh; in fact, he’s only finished training about a month ago.” And probably still very much a virgin host who’s not bedded a client yet. “Therefore, he cannot possibly satisfy Mukai-san’s needs. Please allow me to take his place instead.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Chitose-san.” Kazuya spoke up immediately, anger flared within him, but he told himself to restrain. Not only did he have no ground to fight with the number one, he certainly could not do so in front of a client. “Please trust in my abilities, I am certain that I am able to satisfy any need that Mukai-san may have.”

“Kazuya-chan, please return to your room this evening. I will see to Mukai-san’s needs instead. Worry not; the payment will still be made to your name.”

“Chitose-san, it is not the matter of payment, please understand. Mukai-san originally sought out my services; it would be rather rude to deny him of such rights.” So Bakusui’s training has paid off after all, Kazuya couldn’t help but be surprised at his own eloquence when on the inside, he was boiling with rage.

Mukai laughed at the exchange without inhibition. The hand that was threaded through his hair patted his head before Mukai stepped forward to draw closer to Chitose. “Kazuya, right?” He glanced back at the youngest one in the trio. “It’s best if you listen to Chitose-chan’s words here. It would be scary to anger the golden one here.” His wrinkled hand patted Chitose’s cheek with seeming affection. “You can retire for tonight, Kazuya. After all, how can I turn down an invitation personally offered by the number one?”

Just like that?!

Kazuya’s eyes widened and he wanted to scream. His client, his fucking client was easily converted with a few simple exchanges of words. So what if they’ve known each other previously? Did that justify this mistreatment to him? But then, what can he possibly say? So he could only bow rigidly before turning to head for the elevator. He wondered if the path he took scorched underneath his feet along with the fire that was burning within.

How could he?
How could he?
How could he?!

Didn’t he have enough clients of his own?! Was it really necessary to take his first client?! Pressing for the basement when he was in the elevator, Kazuya practically ran into the specialty room. When he left this room after that fateful night with the owner, he thought he’d never want to return again. However, right now, he found that the sight of the room was the only friendly force in this entire club. Inside the room, Kazuya’s scream ripped out from his throat, but it was muffled by the pillows on the heart shaped bed. Kneeling by the bed side, he could not find himself. It is truly the most lonely when you’re in a crowd.

At this rate, will he even survive as a second rate host?

Just being in this room reminded him of the owner’s touches from that night. For those long hours, he had been so kind. When the timer clicked off and the door opened, his dream was broken. Was it too much to ask for? Or were their worlds too different to cross paths?

Was it impossible for two parallel lines to meet at the end of the road?

Kazuya waited ‘till his feelings calmed before he pushed himself up and made his way back to the elevator. No matter what happened, he still needed to compose himself. But, tonight, his emotions did not allow him to go back up to the lobby. So, tonight, he wanted to seek out at least an understanding presence. In the elevator, by chance, he came face to face with Ren. Someone else he didn’t exactly want to see right now.

“What’s with you? You look like someone just died or something.”

“That’s not funny.”

“Okay, sheesh, it was just a joke.”

Kazuya glanced at him with fatigue but didn’t comment any further.

“Seriously kid, what’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.”

Ren looked at Kazuya for a long moment before sighing, his floor was approaching anyways. “Difficult kid. Anyways, I’ll see you around.” The elevator chimed and its doors slid open. Only after Ren got off did he realize that it was the thirty-first floor that Ren had gotten off on; the number two host’s room was on the twenty-fifth floor. Perhaps he was going to visit Takumi? It really wasn’t any of Kazuya’s business. After all, tonight, his destination was the forty-ninth floor instead of his room on the fourteenth floor. In front of Bakusui’s door, Kazuya wondered if he should even pretend to put on a façade.

The moment Bakusui opened his door; Kazuya knew that it would be of no use. So he just looked up at the trainer and hoped that Bakusui would understand. After a moment, the older male sighed and opened the door wider. “Come in.”

It reminded him of the early days of training. Bakusui’s room was no different from when he last entered, and the host headed straight for the trainer’s bed. He didn’t want to speak a word, and he knew that Bakusui would not make him speak more than necessary either. He toed off his shoes in the process and fell into bed with his clothes on. At the bedroom door, Bakusui looked over but said nothing. Kazuya was aware of the trainer’s presence in the room as he drifted in and out sleep. He felt safe and was thankful that Bakusui did not ask him any questions. Maybe the older male understood after all.

Who knows how long has passed since Kazuya came to Bakusui’s door, but a string of frantic and loud knocks woke him. Groggily, he blinked open his eyes and sat up on the bed. He heard Bakusui’s voice and a maid’s frantic words. He tried to focus but could not hear the details of the conversation. After a moment, Bakusui returned to the bedroom and poked his head into the room. “Ah, you’re awake.”

“What was that about?”

“Apparently a client died in the club.”

“What?”

“I don’t know the details either. I’m going over to the owner’s room, you can stay tonight.”

No shit! Kazuya didn’t feel like walking around with that news running inside his head.

[Konbayoshi’s Office]

If there was anyone nervous in here, Konbayoshi was the only one. Ever since he’s received the news of a client’s death, his eyebrow had not stopped twitching. When he found out that it was Mukai who had died, his heart skipped a beat. Then his brain just nearly had a melt down when he found out that Ren and Chitose were the hosts present when Mukai had died. Coincidence? He thinks not. So now, both hosts stood in front of him, but he didn’t even know where to begin. Ren –to his relief- at least looked a little worried and distressed. Chitose on the other hand was busy pouring himself a glass of scotch without a single care in the world. No, that’s wrong. Chitose was pouring alcohol. That was a sign the number one host was also facing his own demons.

“Start from the beginning, what happened?”

Ren looked over at Chitose, but the number one had no intentions of answering. “Well, I ran into Chitose-san in front of his room. He looked distressed and told me that a client wanted him to practice BDSM as part of the service for the evening. The client requested that Chitose-san tie him down, gag him, bind him, and whip him. Chitose-san explained to me that he was not very well trained in using a whip, so he asked me whether I could help. I agreed and both of us returned to the room. Chitose-san told me that he was very familiar with the client and instructed me on the strength that I was allowed to use with the whip. Unfortunately, it appeared that in the middle of the session, the client suffered a heart attack and passed away.”

Konbayoshi listened to Ren’s words, but his eyes were on Chitose’s relaxed figure sipping at his scotch. “I see.” At length, he finally replied and returned his gaze on Ren. “You may leave now. I wish to speak with Chitose alone.”

Ren appeared hesitant but bowed and exited the room slowly, along the way; it was obvious that his glances towards the number one host spoke of worry. What’s there to worry about? It wasn’t our fault. Chitose wanted to say, but pretended to not have caught Ren’s looks instead. So the door closed and the room was just the two of them again. Chitose carried his glass of scotch over to Konbayoshi’s desk and set it down before sitting on a corner himself.

“Do you realize that someone just died in our club tonight?”

“I do.”

“Do you realize that it’s Mukai Soujiro who died?”

“I do.”

“Do you realize what that’s going to do to Opiate?”

“Relax, nothing is going to happen.”

“Chitose.” This time, even Konbayoshi could not conceal the displeasure in his voice. He did not and never wanted to show such a tone to Chitose, but tonight, several rules have been broken.

“Why are you so worried? Mukai died of a heart attack; it’s a natural cause of death.”

“Don’t lie to me! I know it wasn’t a heart attack!”

“What’s so surprising about that?” Chitose retorted with a glare towards the owner. “If a twenty-two year old host could die of a heart attack, why can’t a sixty-four year old man die of a heart attack?!”

Konbayoshi’s mouth opened out of reflex but he found no words to answer Chitose’ accusation, because he knew that Chitose was right. The number one host watched his silence for a moment before picking up the glass of scotch and took an angry swig.

“That bastard had it coming. I only regret that I could not do it sooner.”

Exhaling in a shudder, Chitose closed his eyes to compose himself before speaking again. “No one will question Mukai’s death. First of all, his company cannot take such a scandal. Their owner found dead in a host club and in full BDSM gear as well, that will be a blow they cannot deal with, especially since that owner is now dead as well. Muaki’s wimp of son won’t even utter a word if you just give him some money to silence him. You’ve heard that he’s currently in debt because of drug problems, no?”

And after a few months, maybe Mukai’s son will accidentally over dose as well.

“Even if the police ask, there is always Sugimoto. Surely he wouldn’t want this place exposed so his competition could link his campaign funds to a host club.”

There could be all the reasons in the world but Konbayoshi could not forget the fact that a man had died on his property. “Was it really necessary to kill him?”

“Takahiro, you better get something straight.” The quiet of Chitose’s voice had him on alert. “Mukai died of a heart attack, no one killed him.” And Chitose lifted his eyes to gaze at Konbayoshi directly. This wasn’t just about Chitose’s hide and hair; it was about the well being of the Konbayoshi family name and the business. “Besides,” Chitose titled his head and twirled a finger around his golden curls “when I ran into Mukai, he was just ready to take Kazuya to bed as well. I wonder, if I had not intersected, would Kazuya-chan have ended up like Koki-san.” It was a quiet musing on his part, but to Konbayoshi, it was a startled realization of what could have happened.

Neither of them spoke for a long moment. Finally, Konbayoshi moved and reached for the glass of scotch. Throwing back his head, the owner downed the rest of the drink before slamming the glass down on his desk.

“It’s unfortunate that Mukai died of a heart attack, Opiate will take full responsibility for his wake and funeral arrangements.”

Chitose looked over at Konbayoshi and smiled sweetly. “Of course, Hiro-chan.”

“What about Ren?”

“What about him?”

“Does he know?”

“Just leave him to me.”

Mukai’s dead corpse looked up at him with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. Chitose could only stare, but when Ren ran out of the room to yell for help, he could not help the smile on the corner of his lips.

Hello, Mukai-san. I hope it was an enjoyment for you too, to die the same method as how you’ve killed Koki-san. In the after life, may you rot in hell forever.

When Chitose exited the owner’s room, it was another half an hour later.

“Hey.”

Surprised at the voice, Chitose turned to find Ren leaning against the wall adjacent to the door. “Ren-kun, what are you doing here still?”

“Nothing much.” The number two host shrugged and pushed away from the wall. “Just a bit worried, in case the owner yells at you or something, you know.” Ren shrugged again, it was an obvious sign that he was nervous.

For a second, Chitose looked at the other before he smiled and stepped closer. Inclining his head, Chitose lifted a hand and touched Ren’s cheek lightly. “I’m sorry, Ren-kun, you must have been scared. I didn’t know that was going to happen either. But I am so grateful that you were there with me though.” His eyes glazed over and he glanced down, as if out of embarrassment. “I wouldn’t have known what to do if you weren’t there.”

Ren deserved credits for having set up Kazuya and the owner on that evening, but in front of Chitose, he was still a little too young.

“In that case, can I ask for something in return?”

Hidden beneath the tresses of his long golden hair, Chitose’s eyes flashed but when he looked up again, his lips were already in a smile. “Oh, what is that?”

“A date.” Ren held up a finger to indicate the quantity. “In the coming weeks, go on a date with me.”

“Of course, Ren-kun. As many dates as you would like.’

How can someone so beautiful be so cruel? Perhaps that question will never be answered.

“Oh, old man Bakusui was down here earlier. He wanted to say thank you to you.” Ren rubbed the back of his head. “Do you have any idea what he’s talking about?”

Of course I do, but who are you to know?

“I have no idea; I’ll ask him about it later.”

See Bakusui-san, I told you that one day, I will avenge Koki-san.

To be continued...