Heaven Far Away

Chapter Nineteen - For You, For Me

He said you will have to fight me for him, but there was nothing different about Chitose. For a week, Kazuya observed the number one’s every little move, wanting to dissect them and find whether there were hidden challenges embedded within, but nothing. Not even a little bit. The number talked and moved as he usually would, not even a breath was out of place. It was so normal that Kazuya had to wonder whether he imagined the number one host saying that. Perhaps he had antagonized Chitose so much in his brain that he’s suffering from hallucinations. He would have such thoughts but when Chitose would pass him and give him that look, Kazuya would be reassured that it had indeed taken place.

Aside from such a declaration of war, it’s also been a week since he saw Kain. He was just about to give up on the idea of a second meeting when front desk rang through to his room and arranged a date with him. Pleasantly surprised, Kazuya took in a deep breath and steadied himself while looking at his reflection in the mirror. First of all, he will have to show the owner that he is not just a brat who is incapable of independence. He will bring to this club revenue with this client. And then, he will show the owner that he can climb up the ladder and become number one.

Maybe then, the owner will realize his worth. Maybe then, he will just become another body in this club; soul lost.

The next afternoon, Kazuya shivered as he stood outside of Opiate’s doors and watched as Kain’s car pulled up. It was a cold December afternoon and Kazuya hoped that whatever Kain had in mind involved warmth. One of the security guards moved when the car stopped and opened the door for him, and Kazuya slipped in easily, still pulling his jacket around himself tightly. Slowly, he was beginning to feel like he belonged in here; in this world of luxury and worship, he enjoyed the treatment that he received from all those around him. A host’s status is, after all, so much higher than a simple page boy’s.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” Kain offered a grin before taking them out of Opiate’s grounds. Outside, the sun tried to peek through its bank of thick clouds and Kazuya watched the buildings pass him by. Kain is a generally quiet person who did not speak unless it was necessary or it was to boast about himself and Kazuya didn’t know what to talk about either. It was an uncomfortable and awkward silence, Kazuya’s brain whirled a thousand miles per minute trying to find an interesting topic.

Operation, failed.

Keenly, Kazuya recognized that they were moving further away from the city centre and closer to a pier. In the middle of winter? His eyes widened and Kazuya took a quick glance at the client, hoping against all odds that Kain will make a turn somewhere soon to bring them out of certain misery. Kain though, had no such thoughts and drove them straight towards the end of the pier. There docked a plethora of boats of all shapes and sizes. Although it was all new and exciting, Kazuya was still hesitant when it came time to get out of the car.

“We’re here. Come, follow me.”

Begrudged and not amused, Kazuya did as he was told and followed after Kain. He shivered violently when moisture laced wind whipped against his face and he quickly shuffled after the taller. Dressed in a casual attire and a wool jacket, Kain spoke to someone easily, seemingly unaware of the cold.

“Hurry up, we’re getting our boat.”

Kazuya picked up his pace and when offered a hand, he took an unsteady step into the boat and felt it rock beneath his foot. “I have to tell you something,” one leg in and one leg out, Kazuya’s fingers gripped around Kain’s hand tightly “I can’t swim.”

The client searched his face for a brief moment before laughing shortly. Kain had a lovely smile, almost boyish despite his overly cocky attitude. “Don’t worry; there is no reason for you to go overboard. And even if by some freak accident you do, I will rescue you.”

With those words as some kind of insurance, Kazuya subjected his entire body over to the boat and quickly sat down when able. His legs tucked together, his hands in his pockets, he bunched into himself, wanting to expose as little of skin as possible to the cruel wind. Not far in front of him, Kain worked the boat as if unaware of his surroundings. It was a new sight for Kazuya to see, he’s never been in a boat before, and Kain was behaving as if he grew up on the ocean.

“I must comment, and hope you will not take offense to this, but… isn’t it rather strange to take someone out on a boat in the middle of winter?” It was unpractical and just down right cruel in Kazuya’s mind!

Kain turned his back to Kazuya and offered him another grin, his hands never stopped working, but they did not look busy. “Is it? I rather think it unique.”

Yeah, and a synonym for unique is weird. Kazuya smiled thinly but said nothing. His legs bounced due to the cold, but he did not want to voice more complaints to the client. Soon, he could no longer see the pier or the dock; soon, they were floating on ocean water, boundless and vast.

“It would appear that you are quite familiar with the workings of a boat.”

“You are correct in your observations. I’ve been managing on water for as long as I can remember.”

Ah, so he did grow up on the ocean surface! How unfair.

“Do you have a boat of your own?”

“Yes and no.”

Kazuya tilted his head and gave Kain a curious glance, which the older laughed at. Before answering, Kain reached to unbutton his own jacket and draped it over Kazuya’s knees. The warmth of the jacket gave him comfort and Kazuya could not help the flush that appeared on his cheeks.

“I am a captain.” Kain declared with a proud toss of his head. “I am in charge of a sixteen ton cruise ship.”

A cruise ship?! Kazuya’s lips parted in surprise and he looked at Kain with wide eyes, momentarily forgetting about the cold. “Seriously?”

“Do I look like I’m jesting?”

“That is so cool!” A cruise is something that you hear about but never actually materialize. It’s always been an activity that only the richest of the rich could afford. To think that this man is someone who mingled with such a crowd. When the owner said that Opiate is a prestigious club, he really wasn’t joking. “Is your ship docked here?” Well, not here per se, but around here. “Can I see?”

Kain threw back his head and just laughed for a moment before shaking his head and walked over to Kazuya. The host shifted over and he sat down beside him, leaning back against the edge of the boat with his legs stretched out in front of him. His posture spoke of comfort and familiarity, unlike Kazuya’s that screamed of fear. He looked ahead for a moment before speaking up slowly.

“Do you know what kind of contracts people sign with cruise ships?”

“No, not at all.”

“Usually, you sign for an extended contract that range anywhere from one year to ten years.” He shrugged and looked over at Kazuya. “So you can be practically signed for a good portion of your life. Of course, you can invite your family to the cruises as well. I’ve been on a vacation that has lasted for two years, but now that vacation is coming to an end, I will be going back to my cruise ship.”

“How long will you be signing with the company?”

“Ten years.”

“Seriously?!” Kazuya could not help the raise of his voice and he even pulled back in shock, looking at Kain in hopes to find a thread of joke.

“My contract is actually a major reason why I decided to pay Opiate a visit the other week.”

No shit! Kazuya thought indignantly. If one has to be stuck on a ship for ten years, one might as well start getting all the sex one would need for ten years’ time!

“I understand that Opiate offers a wide range of services including exclusives. My proposition is this.” Kain turned to face Kazuya “I was hoping to take you with me on my cruise ship. In the most simple of terms, I’d like to place an exclusive over you for ten years.”

If Kazuya wasn’t thinking about falling over board, he definitely was thinking about it right now.


[Opiate]


It’s been like this since he sat down about an hour ago after dinner. In the winter, even the sun liked to go to bed early. It’s only eight and the sky is already black, how pitiful, Chitose certainly preferred summer much more. Since his conversation with Kazuya last week, he’s not had the opportunity to speak with him again. It is saddening as he had wanted to at least speak a few aggravating phrases. He supposed if he could not say those phrases to Kazuya, he could always speak them to Takahiro; except the owner has not uttered a single word either. Sitting on a sofa in Konbayoshi’s office, Chitose flipped through the monthly finance record slowly, gazing and mentally calculating each subtraction and addition.

“I hear that you went out with Ren the other day.”

Finally. Chitose wanted to sigh with exasperation but did not give a single expression away. In fact, he didn’t even lift his eyes from the book in front of him and hummed as a slow, initial response. “Yes, I did. It’s a small price to pay to silence him for the Mukai incidence.”

“Is that so?”

“That is so.”

And there was that silence again.

“You are sure that there is nothing else.”

Chitose chuckled and lifted his eyes to glance at Konbayoshi briefly before returning to the ant like numbers. “What is this, Hiro-chan? Are you jealous?”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” The owner refuted immediately, but even without looking up, Chitose knew that the older one was embarrassed. “I merely wanted to let you know that I do not approve.”

“Oh?” Slightly intrigued, Chitose looked up and over at Konbayoshi with an eyebrow arched.

“He does not deserve you.” The owner carried on evenly, almost dismissively, as if Chitose should understand what he means perfectly. “He’s young and impulsive; he is unreliable and too cocky for his own good. He may show interest towards you, but he will not be someone who will be able to keep you interested for long. If at all.”

“I did not know that you have such a low opinion of Ren-kun. Whom then, in your opinion, would be a good match for me?”

“Takumi perhaps? Maybe even Eiji-san.”

Chitose smiled but said nothing for a moment. He smiled so he won’t show the disappointment that rushed through him. Ah, what was he hoping for? Please, allow him one minute to lament over his own misfortunes before he would remember why he was starting this aggravating topic with the owner.

“Actually, there is someone who I am interested in.” Chitose spoke slowly, his fingers played with the pages of the file in front of him.

“Oh?”

“But I suppose I will have to ask your permission as I will be taking him away from this club.” From you.

“A host?”

“Not just any host. I am interested in Kazuya.”

Chitose was most pleased with the shock on Konbayoshi’s face, a shock that the owner couldn’t even cover up. He regarded the older evenly, as if he did not just throw out bombs all over Konbayoshi’s world. Chitose knew that this request coming from him is absurd and almost impossible, but he also knew that while he was Konbayoshi’s closest confidante, he is also Konbayohi’s worst enemy.

“No.”

“No?”

“No. He is even more unfitting for you.”

“Come on, Hiro-chan, you cannot possibly think that.” Chitose offered him a string of light laugh, closing the file. “You must understand that love is not supposed to make sense, as long as we are happy, shouldn’t that be enough for you?”

Konbayoshi did not look convinced, and Chitose knew that it was more than just a reluctance of imagining him together with Kazuya. Chitose watched Konbayoshi with hawk eyes, wanting to record every single expression.

“No.” In the end, the owner still shook his head and tossed out his pen to fall back against the back of his leather chair. “No, I refuse. That is unthinkable. What do you see in him?”

What do you see in him?

“I remember many years ago,” he stroked his silk kimono sleeve “you once promised me that whatever I wanted, you will give me.” He saw a flinch in the owner’s direction. “Is that still true?”

“Yes, it will always be true, but not this time. I can’t. Chitose, I…” The owner looked like he was on the precipice of something but only shook his head and sighed. “You may not like when I say this, but after all these years, I know something about you as well. And I know you and Kazuya would be a most unlikely match, one that would end in a disaster. I won’t allow that to happen.”

Chitose’s eyes flashed and he ceased his smile to look at Konbayoshi coldly. “So you will not give him to me.”

“No.”

“Never?”

“……. Never.”

Without another word, Chitose tossed the file onto the coffee table in front of him and stood up to leave. Turning his back to Konbayoshi, Chitose mentally calculated how long it’d take for the owner to get up and come after him. Ten seconds. So within these ten seconds, he needs to reach the door to at least pretend that he was truly angry. And yet, he found that a little bit of him truly was angry. His fingernails dug into his palm and he flung the door open as Konbayoshi caught his arm and turned him back around. Chitose did not oppose his force and turned around to face the older. He fancied that a little bit of the anger in his eyes was real.

How could you? He wanted to scream at the other. How could you forget about me just because I was gone for four years? How could you place Kazuya higher than me? How could you hurt me like this when you were the one who promised the entire world? How could you let me believe you? How could you…

Konbayoshi’s eyes searched his face for a moment before pulling Chitose closer, his hands on the number one’s arms, keeping him in place. Swallowing, the owner found his throat dry and he wasn’t even sure how to start. “I’m sorry.” His lips moved and those words parted his mouth; his frown came over his eyes and tugged at his lips. “Anything. I swear. I can give you anything. Just… not Kazuya. He isn’t right for you, I’m sure you know that as well.”

Chitose gaze turned cold into a glare, pinned onto Konbayoshi’s face unwaveringly. “You say that now, but the next time I ask for something else, it will be another pretty excuse and more empty promises.”

“No.” Konbayoshi objected immediately, stepping closer to be physically touching the younger. “No. Never again. Next time you ask, whatever it is, whoever it is, I will grant it.”

“Just not Kazuya.”

“Just not Kazuya.”

“You…” Chitose started, his arm moved and his fingers grabbed the collar of Konbayoshi’s collar, as if ready to commit a heinous crime but always, always, Chitose will remember that he is merely acting here. Acting, this is just an act.

Looking down at the pair of golden eyes, Konbayoshi felt his insides churn. Here was the one who had given up everything for him. Ever since he’s known Chitose, because of the difference in status, the host has always taken care of him and shielded him. He’s always stepped up at the hardest times to shoulder the burden. And yet, today, when he asked for a simple congratulation on his love for Kazuya… Konbayoshi couldn’t do it. Yes, it was partially because he truly does believe that Kazuya is not worthy of Chitose. In his mind, no one is worthy of Chitose. However, he knew that the real reason is because of his own feelings.

I am selfish enough to end your happiness because I want mine.

Without another word –he could not find another word to describe the apologies he wants to utter to Chitose- the owner leaned down and caught Chitose’s lips harshly. Eyes closed and hands tight around his arms, he wondered if the younger could understand him. Chitose paused a little at the sudden contact and his lips parted conveniently. His fingers loosened from the grip they had over Konbayoshi’s collar. For a moment, Chitose wondered if perhaps Konbayoshi truly did see through him after all.

And then.
And then, over Konbayoshi’s bent shoulders, he saw the shadow of Kazuya and he was sure their gazes touched for a brief second before Chitose closed his eyes and returned the kiss. When they finally parted for air, Chitose noted that Kazuya was no longer there and dropped his gaze momentarily. In front of him, he could feel Konbayoshi’s body; he knew that if he pushed forward tonight, the owner would not reject him. His hand slid from Konbayoshi’s collar and rested –palm against heart- on the other’s chest. He felt the thudding and wondered if ever it beat for him. Finally, his lips twitched and he looked up at Konbayoshi before withdrawing his hand. “I need some time alone.” Konbayoshi looked at him for a moment silently before letting go. Is it this easy to let me go? He offered the older a thin smile before turning to head down the hall. He was keenly aware of the other’s gaze on his retreating back and it wasn’t until he was in the elevator could he think properly. He needed to find Kazuya. He cannot let such an opportunity pass.

He knocked on Kazuya’s door, no one answered. He knocked on everyone else’s door but none of them had seen the young host. He went downstairs to the lobby, to the restaurant and to the bar. He was no where to be found. Leaning against the front desk, Chitose tapped the marble tabletop and wondered if Kazuya could possibly return to his café. But it’s long been closed and Kazuya probably wouldn’t want to remember the memories that have been made in there. But still.

“Bring a car around the front.”

“Yes, sir.”


[Street Level]

Kazuya had practically run out of the club after he caught the sight of the owner and Chitose locked in a passionate embrace. For a moment, he could not breathe and could only stare, but his involuntary nervous system kicked in and busted him out of there faster than he could comprehend. Now, he walked the streets in a daze, still not sure if he was breathing. He had just returned from his trip with Kain and wanted to speak to the owner about the exclusive. He wanted a last little bit to see if the owner had any lingering emotions for him. He wanted to see whether the news of an exclusive would rattle the other a little. Then Kazuya will know that he will never accept Kain’s offer. However… however, fate tossed him a bucket of cold water called reality and he pushed tears away from his face at the memory of that kiss.

This was the way to go, wasn’t it? It was destined and written in the stones that the owner should be with Chitose. They are better paired, they should be together, they belong together. If that is so, then why is he still having trouble breathing?

Another fact of reality? Kazuya had no idea where he was going. On such a cold evening, no one liked to wander around and even those on the streets were all bunched together and walking briskly to their destination. Looking at them, Kazuya wondered where his destination is. Briefly, he thought he had found it, but it took but a second for that to be unhinged. Retrieving his gaze, he flinched when he nearly ran into someone standing on the curb of the street. The other glanced at him but said nothing; Kazuya bowed meekly and moved on. Who would stand in such cold waiting? Maybe he just had his heart broken like him? Kazuya could not help but glance back at him and this time, without the aid of eyes, he did run into someone.

“I’m sorry!”

He quickly jumped back and leaned down wanting to help the other pick up whatever item he dropped. Kazuya paused when he saw the knife lying on the ground and could not contain his shock. The person who he ran into quickly snatched the knife and pushed past him. Kazuya’s eyes could not move themselves from this criminal and watched as he drew closer to the lone man waiting on the curb side. Suddenly, his intentions were clear as day.

“Ah. Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! AH!” Kazuya’s mouth opened but he could not produce a more coherent sound. He watched as the armed one wrapped his arm around the other’s neck and pressed the blade against his neck. Kazuya quickly patted his pocket looking for his cell phone. Someone is going to die here!

Faster than he could pull out his cell phone, a silver Porsche pulled up in front of the two and someone stepped out quickly. Kazuya stood frozen in his spot as the driver pointed a gun at the armed man’s head swiftly.

“Who sent you?”

“Your worst enemy!”

“Last chance. Who sent you?”

“Keep on dreaming.”

Are they filming for a movie?!

But when the gun shot was fired and it deafened his ears, Kazuya saw the blood splatter everywhere around them, he knew they weren’t filming for anything. The armed one’s body fell backwards and landed on the pavement with a thud and the one just under attack merely wiped a streak of blood off of his face but made no other move. If he was unable to breathe when he saw Konbayoshi and Chitose, he certainly is even less capable of breathing right now. To make matters worse, the gun wielding one turned and saw him. Oh heavens, he just glared at him and took a step closer! Kazuya wanted to run, but his legs had already turned boneless.

“Who sent you?!”

“No one!” Kazuya squeaked out immediately and waved his hands frantically, trying to convince the other that he is completely innocent. Except, he narrowed his eyes some more and took a closer step.

“Who do you work for?”

“The Opiate host club!” When interrogated, Kazuya could not help but reply in the same tone that the other is using on him. He thought that answer would appease the other’s anger, but when his face darkened, Kazuya realized that he might have just made the situation even worse.

“Then you should be dead too! I should have killed the previous owner long ago.”

“What?”

“Enough.” The third person in this group turned and twisted the other’s ear, successfully breaking him out of his stance. “You said you work for Opiate? Why are you out here when the club is in its hours of operation?”

“You know about Opiate?” Kazuya took an excited step forward but quickly moved right back at the glare of the other.

“You, be nice, put that stupid thing away.” The other shoved the gunman away and pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll call someone to pick you up.”

“Ah, no, that’s alright. I can…” And Kazuya swallowed his words when the gunman glared at him again. So he could only stand there and wait for the call to finish, he did not know whom this one spoke to but with the familiar tone of words, Kazuya had to conclude that he was very much familiar with Opiate. A sudden thud pumped his heart and Kazuya wondered if he was calling the owner to pick him up. A part of him was hopeful, but another part dreaded that possibility.

“Someone’s coming.”

And so, the three of them stood and waited. Kazuya wanted to move and scratch an itch on his arm but was too scared of the gunman to even breathe out of pace. He glanced at them once in a while, carefully, as if to assess whether they’d pull out another gun any time soon. After what seemed like an eternity, a car finally pulled up and parked in front of the Porsche. Kazuya held his breath and waited for someone to step out. When the door opened, it was Chitose who stepped out with his flawless kimono. Kazuya’s heart sank, but really, what was he hoping for?

Chitose looked at Kazuya before turning to the other two. “Shuusei-san, Tanrin-sama, what a surprise to see you two.” He then looked at the dead body but made no further comment. “I hope Kazuya-kun did not give you too much trouble.”

Tanrin –the gunman- snorted in disapproval and leaned against his car; his head was turned away, showing clear dissatisfaction. Shuusei glanced at him but said nothing, instead, he addressed Chitose. “It’s nothing. Take him back, he’s probably in shock. Tell him not to say anything.”

“Of course.” Chitose bowed towards him before turning to lay a hand against Kazuya’s arm gently with a simple smile. “Come Kazuya-kun, we should return to the club.” Although Kazuya was disgusted at Chitose’s touch, but even he knew it was better to listen to the number one than to deal with the gun. So he nodded and quickly slipped into the car. Safety, this had to be safety. Chitose only exchanged a few more words with Shuusei before getting back into the car. Kazuya turned in his seat when the car started to move away and looked back at the other two. Leant against the silver Porsche, Shuusei had stepped closer and threaded a hand through Tanrin’s hair.

“It’s rude to stare, Kazuya-kun.”

Quickly, he scampered back down and sat properly, his heart still thrashing wildly in his chest. He chanced a glance at Chitose, who was smiling still. Why wouldn’t he? After all, he was the one locked in an embrace with the owner not long ago. The thought soured his mood and Kazuya crossed his arms over his chest. There was a moment of silence but his curiosity was getting the better of him.

“… do you know those two back there…?”

“I do.”

“… and?”

“And?”

“How do you know the two of them?”

Chitose looked over at Kazuya and smiled. He tilted his head and looked out of the window almost wistfully. “Shuusei-san used to be a host.”

“At Opiate?”

“No, at another club. His club was not like ours. It was a club open to many people from all walks of life. He was the number one in there.”

“And the other one?”

“Tanrin-sama is a yakuza boss.”

“… what?”

“Hard to believe, I know. But it’s the truth.”

Kazuya had wanted to ask more, but Chitose had already turned his head away and refused to utter another word. A host and a yakuza boss? Is that even possible? On the ride back to the host club, many versions of how that came to be played in his mind but he was satisfied with none of them. When the two of them strolled into the lobby of Opiate, Chitose turned to Kazuya and looked him over. There has been enough shock for an evening, he will just have to let this opportunity slide and hope for a better one in the near future.

“Why don’t you get some rest? Forget you ever saw that.”

Kazuya nodded and uttered a small good night before turning to head up the grand stairs. From Chitose’s vantage point, the younger looked small and fragile as he was climbing up those marble steps. Chitose wondered if he was doing the right thing by pushing both sides so much. What if in the end he couldn’t do it anymore? What if in the end, he will be over ruled by his own feelings? With a sigh, the number one turned to head for the bar, quiet without clients tonight. He took a seat at the far corner and ordered a glass of Long Island Iced Tea. Alcoholic, but barely, he was not looking to get drunk here. Smiling at the bartender when his drink was served, Chitose parted his lips around the straw and took a small sip. The cool beverage burnt against his inside and he sighed over his glass of drink.

He was only human, and could not deny that had hurt. No matter how prepared he was, it still hurts.

“Rare for the number one to be sitting here by himself.”

Looking over when someone else sat down, Chitose glanced up and saw Takumi looking back at him with a smile. Slowly, Chitose offered a helpless grin and shrugged his shoulders. “What can I say; I guess I am human as well.”

“What’s wrong, senpai?”

“I was rejected. Completely.” Takumi was silent when he studied the older, wondering if Chitose was speaking metaphorically again about one situation or another. To him, it was unthinkable that anyone could reject the golden one, but the dim look on Chitose’s face did not look like he was merely musing about one thing or another. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but Chitose had turned to him again. “It’s okay; I saw it coming, but… I suppose no matter how far away I saw it coming, it still hurts when it hits.”

“Senpai…” For once, the number one did not know what to say.

Chitose smiled and lifted a hand to touch Takumi’s cheek gently. He searched the other’s face for a moment before leaning closer, his body tilting out of his seat. “Takumi, won’t you comfort me tonight?”

That phrase has always been an inside joke between the two of them, and yet when Chitose spoke it this time, it lacked all teasing remarks. Takumi closed the gap and met Chitose half way, for the first few seconds, he could still taste the Long Island Iced Tea on Chitose’s lips.

To be continued...