Heaven Far Away

@Nekoii-desu: Thank you for the review. And Juka is fine with me, as long as I know that it is me whom you're referring to.

Opiate does have files on Kazuya, and Konbayoshi does know that Kazuya has been forced before. However, because Kazuya has already signed the contract and agreed to the terms, then he will have to go through training like everyone else. So it is the case that since Kazuya's already signed the contract, then he must have been prepared for the training and have put aside his problems with it. If he couldn't, then he is welcome to leave at any time.

Chitose's return should mark the beginning of a more complex web of relationships. Sometimes, I even get confused as to who met whom first and what happened at here or there. Konbayoshi and Kazuya would, of course, still be the main centerfolds for this story, but there will be substantially more involvement of other Opiate members as well.

The interludes may be put off for a little while because I hope to establish a good progress with this story before exposing any other information.

Lastly, I apologize as there seems to have been some confusion. I do live in Canada, but I don't live in Vancouver. However, I would agree that this world is indeed small.

Thanks for reading!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Six - C.K. Eternity

“You… are a man…”

“Kazuya! What are you doing?!”

The owner’s voice snapped him out of his frozen state and he quickly retracted his hands in pure embarrassment. He looked over to see the owner and manager heading towards them. The owner looked bewildered while the manager looked more than amused.

“Apologize!”

No kidding!

Kazuya quickly turned to the abused party and wanted to bow, but the golden one’s hand stopped him. “That’s alright.” He looked up and noticed that he –Kazuya still could not believe the sex- was smiling. “You’re not the first one to have mistaken me for a woman.”

“Still… sorry… I am… really…”

“Welcome back.” Haruno had stepped forward and given the new comer a hug, which he returned with equal fervour. It was obvious that they knew each other well. “How was your trip?”

“It wasn’t too bad; I managed to get some sleep on the plane.”

He then turned to the owner and the two of them looked at each other silently for a moment before he bowed properly. “Owner-sama, long time no see.”

So many emotions ran through Konbayoshi he didn’t even know which to respond to first. Instead, he remembered Kazuya and turned to him instead. “Kazuya.” The boy was still dazed but finally seemed to have snapped out of it. “Let me introduce you. This is Toudo Chitose; he’s the number one here.” He then turned to Chitose. “Chitose, this is Kazuya, he’s currently in training to become a host. You might have to teach him a few things here and there in the future.”

This is the number one here.

That statement resonated through Kazuya like a bullet had struck him. Now, his mind was completely clear as he finally took a real good look at Chitose. Toudo Chitose. So he was the one whom Kazuya will have to beat in order to obtain the spot of number one?

“Kazuya, was it?” Chitose was speaking again. “It’s nice to meet you; I look forward to working with you.”

Kazuya nodded and bowed towards him.

“It seems you two are headed somewhere, don’t let me stop you.” Chitose then addressed the other two. At that time, Kazuya’s mind recalled what Narumi had said some time ago.

Your type hasn’t changed, has it?

Perhaps she had been hinting at more than just a regretful fantasy than he thought.

“We’re going off to a meeting, but…” The owner paused. “… I’ll send a car for you, we’ll have dinner tonight. Which restaurant do you want to go to?”

“What did you have for dinner yesterday?”

“Sushi.”

“Then a western restaurant would be fine.”

The owner and manager left shortly after, leaving Chitose with Kazuya in the middle of the lobby. “Would you like to accompany me to my room? Perhaps you could tell me a little about the happenings of this club?” Chitose offered as another page boy has already loaded Chitose’s baggage and has sent them up to his room already.

Chitose’s room was located on the thirty-first floor, Kazuya mused how the other number one also resided on this floor. Throughout the entire trip, he could not help but look at Chitose once in a short while. He’s been so curious as to this mysterious one’s appearance. While Kazuya’s hair was one of bleach blonde, Chitose’s hair was pure golden rich. Kazuya’s eyes were rich brown while Chitose’s eyes were a unique golden shade as well. Although Chitose had just gotten off a long flight, he still carried himself with such poise that Kazuya wanted to see if there was an invisible stick somewhere holding him up.

“As of right now, Gen-san is the number two host on the uke side. He’s been here for almost two years, I think.” Kazuya continued as they stepped out of the elevator, heading towards Chitose’s room. “He has been on exclusive for a long while now though; Shuzo Akihito-sama is his patron.”

“Ah, is that so? How interesting.” Chitose smiled and looked over at Kazuya. The number one was a serene beautiful when he was silent, but his smile seemed to have lit up the entire corridor. How the fuck did his genes contribute so nicely to such a visage?! “I’ve met him a couple of times at different fashion shows. It’s never occurred to me that he could be a client at Opiate here.”

Different fashion shows? Kazuya looked over at Chitose with mild confusion, wondering just exactly what Chitose has been up to for however long he’s been not around here.

“And then there is Ren-san. He’s the number two on the seme side. I heard that he joined the club at approximately the same time as Gen-san.” Kazuya stopped and realized that he didn’t have anything more to say about Ren, other than the fact that he seems to exude testosterone every second of the day.

Chitose nodded but his eyes drifted and glanced at a closed door for a long moment before turning back to inquire Kazuya. “How about Takumi?”

“Ah, he’s still the number one! But he had an order last night and hasn’t been back yet.”

“Is that so.”

Chitose’s eyes lingered for a moment longer before he withdrew and smiled. “Please tell me a little about yourself as well.”

Perhaps the request had taken Kazuya by surprise, for a brief second, his mind didn’t quite register what the other was asking for. Is this getting to know your enemy? “I’ve not been here too long, and as the owner had said, I’m still in training. For now, I’m working as a page boy as part of training.” He found that he couldn’t quite say anything else, not because he didn’t want to, but he had nothing else to say. The part about him on the streets will forever be omitted because he didn’t think speaking about such a tainted past will do anything beneficial for him.

Chitose pushed open the door to his room and just stood in the doorway for a moment, his eyes registered the room that he’s spent so many years in. “Ah, it’s not changed a bit.” He decided once he found his voice again and looked back at Kazuya. “It seems like everyone has been taking good care of it.” There was no doubt about that. Despite the fact that Chitose has been gone for a long time, the place still looks immaculate, as if the number one had only stepped out for a moment.

In the end, time will always be the ultimate winner.

“If you don’t need anything else, I think I should get back to my post.” Kazuya said from his position at the door. Perhaps it was out of defiance and perhaps a little out of spite that he wanted to cut all communications with Chitose as soon as possible. If times were different, he would certainly be captivated by Chitose’s beauty and presence. Right now, he’s told himself that he cannot be allowed that and thus, he will refrain.

“Please stay a bit longer.” However, the number one seems to have different ideas. In the middle of the room, Chitose knelt down and began unlocking one of the numerous suit cases that he’s brought back with him. “It won’t take too long. Please show me to Chikamasa Gen’s room, as I don’t know his room number.” Chitose flipped open the suit case and rummaged around. From where Kazuya stood, he could not see what Chitose was looking for.

“Sure.” He answered curtly. Parts of him felt badly about answering like so, but the part of him that survived on the streets told him it was the right reaction to have.

Finally, Chitose stood up from his kneeling position with two gift wrapped items in his hands. One was significantly larger than the other. Kazuya noticed very early on that Chitose always seems to have a soft, barely noticeable smile on his lips. This perfect expression at all times, Kazuya wondered if he could master it as well.

So then the two of them ascended via the elevator and knocked open Gen’s door. Gen looked surprised to see Kazuya and even more surprised to see someone unknown at the door. Kazuya gave him an awkward look and Gen could only step back to let them in. From the bedroom, Shuzo emerged and he was equally as confused.

“I apologize for the sudden intrusion, but I thought this was only appropriate.” Chitose took over the stage after the four of them finally had enough of starring at one another. To Shuzo, Chitose turned and bowed deeply. “Allow me to apologize properly, Shuzo-sama. I was told that you had originally been seeking me, but unfortunately, I was already in an exclusive contract. I’m sincerely sorry to have caused you all that trouble.”

Then, everyone understood.

Kazuya understood the reason for Chitose’s lack of presence in the club. Gen’s face changed and he couldn’t help but straighten up in alert. Perhaps he had been more sensitive to this topic than he allowed himself to feel. Shuzo took a step closer to Chitose and studied his face; Chitose did not waver and allowed him.

“I can see why you are still the number one after having been gone for so long.” At length, Shuzo finally spoke with a wide grin. “Apology accepted and nothing for it. I just wasn’t meant to enjoy the number one as a patron.” He then paused and glanced over at Gen quickly, who had turned his head away. Kazuya knew that it was a sign of displeasure. “Besides, everything worked out well.”

Chitose followed his quick glance to look over at Gen as well. “Of course. I may be number one in the books, but that does not mean I am number one in everyone’s hearts.”

It was a simple statement and Gen was startled. He turned to look at Chitose before looking over at Shuzo. It’s been, what, a few minutes and Chitose could speak words that have calmed the rising tension effortlessly. The next moment, Chitose has already turned to Gen and extended the larger present towards him.

“Although this is extremely late, I hope you will accept this as a greeting present.” Surprised, Gen could only accept with a bow. “I asked the manager, and he said that you seem to have a preference for tea. So I hope you will find some use for this tea set.”

“Oh it will come in very handy!” Shuzo exclaimed before anyone else could say anything. Gen looked more than flustered at the true meaning behind those words, and Kazuya could only hold back a snicker at the other’s expression.

Once inside the elevator, Chitose turned to Kazuya instead. “Kazuya, the same goes for you. It’s rather late, but I hope you will find it acceptable as a greeting present.” He then directed the small box at Kazuya and he truly was startled. “The manager said that he wasn’t sure what you enjoyed either, but I hope for the future, this will come in handy.” Just like that, the elevator chimed and Chitose stepped outside. “Thank you for accompanying me, I won’t bother you any further.” The door closed as Chitose lifted a hand as a wave.

From the mirrored door, Kazuya saw his own shocked expression.

The present was a pair of golden cuff links, each embedded with a diamond.

[Later – Restaurant]

“Oh I’m so glad you’re back, Chitose-chan!” Narumi’s sing-song voice reached the table first before her person appeared. Chitose smiled widely and stood up to receive her hug. From afar, one would think that two sisters were enjoying a long awaited embrace, but the two other men at the table knew better than to expect that. After the commotion was over, Narumi finally sat down and draped her napkin over stocking clad legs. “Why would you ask for western food when you’ve probably been stuffed with them for the past few years?”

Chitose smiled but said nothing about the matter. Sometimes, he could be a little too obvious.

“Well, I’m glad to see Konbayoshi’s face lighten up now that you’re back.” Narumi carried on as if she didn’t even notice the pause in the conversation. Like usual, she would turn back to pick on Konbayoshi. “Sheesh, can’t you even smile for once to show that you’re happy? What? Did you inject too much Botox that now all of your facial muscles have been frozen?”

“If you don’t talk for one minute, no one will think you’re a mute.”

“Ah, so he speakth!”

Rather than taking an active part in this, Chitose merely watched from one to another, enjoying the familiar conversation that he’s known almost all his life. In the club, owner was owner, and there was no changing it. Outside of the club, perhaps some boundaries could be blurred. The food was served and wine poured, Chitose had to silently agree that western food should be left in western countries.

“So, why did your exclusive end early?” Narumi turned to Chitose, and the other two men looked over as well. Over the phone, Chitose had mentioned that it was for personal reasons, but he did not go into details.

“Hoshino-sama is getting married.”

“What?”

Chitose laughed at the surprised faces of everyone around the table and nodded his head. “It’s true. His bride is a model who he’s worked with on many occasions. They were engaged when I called back, and they will be married within the next month. Hoshino-sama sent back many invitations to his wedding with me, he hopes that we could all attend.”

“Us?” Haruno questioned with a light lift of his eyebrows. Chitose nodded. “He isn’t afraid that people will question about how he is related to us?” The question was directed at Konbayoshi.

“Maybe he wants us to show up?” The owner concluded with a thought of his own. Maybe Hoshino wants to show the world that he isn’t afraid to let loose all that he’s done in his life. Besides, in the circle of high elites who are members of the club, having had exclusive rights over the number one is a rather prestigious experience to show off.

The waiter appeared to fill their wine glasses and that topic died of its own accord.

“How is Asami-sama doing?” Chitose suddenly remembered and looked at Konbayoshi expectantly.

“She’s fine.”

“Oooooh, doesn’t that sound forced?” Narumi teased with a laugh. “This man will never marry Asami Fuyu even if his life depended upon it.”

“Who invited you to this dinner?!” Konbayoshi wondered if she could still talk with a fork down her throat.

“I did.” Chitose chirped and Konbayoshi pinned his darkened glare on him as well, to which, Chitose responded with a smile of his own, completely unaffected.

“Alright, children.” In the end, it was Haruno who had to step in before a food fight would begin. “You know how Fuyu-san is like; she isn’t going to marry Takahiro even if her life depended upon it either.”

“But Konbayoshi isn’t missing on anything. Have you seen the new pet he has at the club?” Narumi waved her husband’s attempt at peace aside easily and spoke ardently. “He’s such a cute little thing, but really, I never knew that Konbayoshi’s striking range has gotten lower again! I thought it was between twenty-five and forty!”

“Haruno Narumi!”

And that was from the said party, immediately, everyone returned to their best behaviour.

[Konbayoshi Family Home]

Konbayoshi hasn’t been back here in… well, as long as Chitose has been on exclusive. For him, this place is a part of his nightmares and he wouldn’t come back unless he was forced to. Unlike him, Chitose seems to enjoy coming back. For what unholy reason, he cannot even figure out! Every time, Chitose would only smile and say that even though this place is filled with the worst memories for him, there is one brilliant memory that will override all other memories. For the past ten years, he’s always wondered about what that one piece of memory was. He sighed and leaned back against a wooden pillar that can be seen surrounding the entirety of this traditional Japanese house. In front of him, the garden rustled with the wind; above, the moon shone on silently. It was a chilly night, but Konbayoshi was comfortable in his sleeping yukata.

“Hi. Ro. Chan.”

From behind him, Chitose’s voice reached his ears and his eyes twitched with annoyance at that name.

“Stop calling me that, I’m older than you.”

When his sentence finished, Chitose was already sitting beside him, dressed in a yukata of his own.

“Age wise, you may be older. However, rank wise, I out rank you.”

Chitose regretted saying that as soon as the words left his lips. Besides him, he knew that Konbayoshi had tensed up with discomfort. He looked over and the owner was already gazing out at the moon instead. So Chitose remained silent and didn’t say anything else either.

“Do you still dream about back then?”

“Sometimes.”

“Does he appear?”

“Always.”

They fell silent and Chitose looked up at the moon like he had looked up at the sky in Paris.

“Do you regret?”

“Sometimes.”

“About him?”

“Not so much.”

“Then?”

“About the situation more.”

Chitose turned to look over at Konbayoshi, he knew what kind of expression he was expecting but every time, it still pains him. Underneath the moonlight, the raw anger in Konbayoshi’s eyes was evident, but Chitose’s always told himself that it was for the situation as well.

“What he did was absolutely…” Konbayoshi started, every fibre of his being was tense and it was as if time had rewound, and he was looking at a Chitose from eleven years ago. His angry words did not get to continue for Chitose had already sat up on his knees and hugged Konbayoshi’s head close to his chest. The warmth melted his words of anger and he had learnt how to breathe again.

“Hiro, it’s okay. Everything’s fine now. He’s gone now.”

Konbayoshi remained silent, and Chitose didn’t say another word either. At length, the owner wrapped his arm around that slim waist to offer his own warmth as well.

“I’m so useless.”

“Dummy, you’re not useless.”

Konbayoshi couldn’t help but agree with Chitose. Age wise, he was older. However rank wise, Chitose was always higher than him.

[Opiate]

Takumi sighed heavily and pressed a knuckle to his temple to rub against, hoping that will alleviate the pain that he was suffering right from. When he neared his door, he noticed the body sitting outside of it and he quickened his pace to find that it was Kazuya slumped against the wall next to his door.

“Kazuya.”

Kazuya looked up at the older host before offering a smile.

“Sorry, did you have to wait for long?”

“No.” Kazuya shook his head slowly and stood up as Takumi unlocked his door. The number one host gave him a concerned glance before holding the door open for Kazuya to enter first. Usually, the younger was rather energetic and animated when around him, tonight, there was something totally off.

“Do you want something to drink?” Takumi offered once inside the room, and then he remembered that it was perhaps because of what will come that’s troubling Kazuya. When that thought entered his mind, his headache suddenly just grew worse. Takumi didn’t care if he was going to be paid extra for this; it wasn’t part of his job!

And it had better not become a regular part of his job either!

With a groan, Takumi threw himself onto his bed with his jacket still buttoned. At this moment, he could care less if he didn’t appear as that gentleman number one host everyone’s so used to seeing.

“Takumi-san, is something the matter?”

“Headache.”

“What happened?”

“The client was too much for me to handle. He wanted me to accompany him for a drama shooting. While he didn’t rest for twenty-four hours, I got no rest either. Everything was loud and horrendous. And I have such a headache.”

Kazuya inched closer to the bed and wanted a closer look at the host. He knew that Takumi was out with Akeno, that rising idol whom he saw at that house party a while back.

“Would you like some pain killers?”

“No, that’s alright.” Takumi rolled over and draped an arm over his eyes, but at least they were facing each other now. “Sorry, I’ll take a quick shower and we can get it over with.”

“Get what over with?”

Takumi paused and he lifted his arm just enough to look at Kazuya, the other party looked genuinely confused. “Didn’t Bakusui-san tell you anything?”

Kazuya shook his head. Early this afternoon, Bakusui had showed up and told him to see Takumi later tonight, there was something that Bakusui wanted the both of them to complete. Other than that order, Bakusui didn’t tell him anything else. So Kazuya obediently –and numbly, after what had happened this afternoon- followed his words and showed up to wait for Takumi.

“Oh for fuck’s sake.” Takumi groaned out, Kazuya gasped at the language that he used. “Oh don’t give me that; I’m a human being as well.” He draped his arm over his eyes again and thought about how to tell Kazuya this. “Bakusui-san called me this afternoon and told me that I was to help you with your training. He told me that you seemed to not want him to touch you, but since that particular part of training must be complete, so he told me to do it instead.”

Now Kazuya was as stupefied as Takumi was. He stood by Takumi’s bed side and couldn’t even find the right words to express his shock as of this moment. Bakusui thought he… “But… I didn’t say anything… I mean… I only… I just told him that I couldn’t… I didn’t mean that it was his fault… It… I… he…”

“I know.” Takumi sighed heavily, and Kazuya could hear the exasperation in his voice as well. “But Kazuya, you have to understand this, sooner or later, you will have to do it for a host status. And no matter how much you wish and pray for it, the other party won’t be the owner.”

His words hurt, but Kazuya knew that Takumi was right. For the entire afternoon, he had not seen the owner, at the same time, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to see the owner either. He had hid himself in the laundry room and helped do the endless loads of laundry while he hoped to clear his head. The return of Chitose was more than he had hoped for, and it was so soon as well! He thought Chitose would be gone for another year or so! Originally, he had thought that when the number one returned, Kazuya would already have gained his title as a host and would be thriving.

Now, he didn’t even have grounds to compete with him.

He peeked at Takumi carefully before clearing his throat. “Takumi-san, the number one returned today. Do you know him? It seems like he’s been gone for long enough that most hosts don’t know who he is.” Like him, and how he had ascertained of Chitose’s sex.

Takumi removed that arm over his eyes and turned to look at Kazuya. “He’s back?”

“Yeah.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Do you know him?”

“I do.” Takumi answered with a nod. “He…” It seemed like Takumi was about to confess something but thought better of it. Instead, he only smiled and shook his head. “He is my sempai.” It was all he said in the end.

Kazuya nodded and looked down at his feet.

“Kazuya, please listen to me on this matter. Get along with Chitose-san.” Kazuya lifted his eyes and looked at Takumi; the older host was clearly concerned. “Don’t test his patience. If he gets angry, then no one can save you, not even the owner. Understand?”

“What? That’s impossible!”

“I’m serious.” And his expression showed that as well. “He is not hard to get along with, trust me.”

“Takumi-san seems to know him rather well.”

He smiled and closed his eyes again. “Bakusui-san would tell you the same thing, it’s common knowledge. Sorry Kazuya, I think I’m going to turn in for the night. I will tell Bakusui-san that you don’t like me touching you either.”

Soon enough, Kazuya wouldn’t like anyone touching him.

To be continued...