Heaven Far Away

@_AshLee_: Thank you for the review. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that their relationship won't always have to go backwards. Chitose will be messy, that's a given.

@Gslinger: I'm sure Japanese people are not born with rainbow colored hair, it's pure yaoi fantasy land material. However, if you'd like to imagine with me, we can say that technology has advanced enough to allow hair dyes of rainbow colors and contact lenses of rainbow variety as well! Thank you for reading!

@nivell: I love Love Mode, just to start this off! I'm not surprised that you would find the contents similar, as both are host club settings. At the same time, if you flip through some of the other host club setting manga, I'm sure you'll find the content similar as well. There is only so much that can somewhat, potentially, realistically occur in a host club. Of course, that was not to say that I know everything about a host club or how it operates. My knowledge of what a host club is supposed to be like is a pool of host club setting manga, so by those standards, I'm going to assume that they know what they are talking about. However, should you keep on reading, I do hope that you will find more differences than similarities! Thank you for reading!

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Chapter Seven - Punishment

Noon, the next day, Kazuya was summoned to the owner’s room. Konbayoshi wasted no time giving Kazuya his order for the day and the host-in-training departed to fulfill that duty. Kazuya did not have the time or place to inquire about Konbayoshi or Chitose, or why the owner was in so late today. Usually, Konbayoshi was in his office by nine o’clock the latest.

An hour later, Kazuya sighed in irritation, rose from the floor and stalked back to the owner’s room.

“What is it?” Konbayoshi didn’t even bother looking up from his pile of reports that he was currently looking over.

“It’s been an hour; Chitose-san still hasn’t shown up.”

Kazuya’s order was to go wait for Chitose, something akin to training?

“Has anyone shown up?”

“Not even a ghost.”

Konbayoshi sighed and threw down a report that he was just reading. He was irritated? Well, so was Kazuya! He was the one who literally sat on his ass outside of Chitose’s door for the past hour waiting for someone who didn’t even show up. The owner reached for the desk phone and dialled a number. As time went on, Kazuya saw the furrowing of Konbayoshi’s eyebrows before the owner hung up and tried a different number. This continued for a couple more numbers ‘till the owner finally decided to give up and leave the phone alone.

“Then there is no other way.” He rose from his chair and grabbed his jacket that was draped over the back of his seat. “I’ll take you myself.”

“Where to?”

“Shopping.”

[Hours Later – Opiate]

Takumi got off the elevator and headed for his room. The headache from last night was successfully cured, but he had a breakfast date with a client this morning. His room was on the thirty-first floor along with the other number one who had just returned yesterday. Through their own schedules, they still haven’t brushed shoulders with one another. At Chitose’s door, Takumi paused and knocked on the wooden surface. A minute passed, but no sound came from within. He sighed and continued on back to his room. It was natural that the host was still at the Konbayoshi family house since he’s just gotten back.

At his door, Takumi stopped and he frowned with suspicion. Instead of locked like how he had left it, the door was left slightly ajar, indicative that someone had entered his room without permission.

He pushed open the door slowly, wanting to catch the criminal red handed if possible. The thick carpet drowned out his carefully placed footsteps and his first thought was to look towards the closet. It would be the easiest and most convenient place for anyone to hide!

The closet door was closed and his hand reached for the handle.

“Takumi.”

That voice came from behind him, the number one whirled around immediately and his eyes recognized the person and scene faster than his brain could process the information. At the door of his bedroom, Chitose was just walking out. And like how he’s always remembered, the golden one was dressed in an elaborately designed kimono.

“Sempai…”

At half way, they met each other in an embrace and Chitose laughed lightly at the reunion. Takumi could still remember the last time they had contact with one another. It was about two years ago, when Chitose came back on an emergency trip because of him. If he was thankful for Chitose’s friendship when he first joined, he was exponentially more thankful for that one week they spent together.

“Sempai, welcome back.”

“Thank you. I’ve missed you, Takumi.”

“So have I.”

Between the two of them, there never needed to be anything said explicitly. Perhaps it’s because they were similar in nature, even a glance could convey their meaning adequately. At length, Chitose drew back and Takumi loosened his arms from around him. They looked at each other and Takumi wondered if Chitose still saw the same him as from two years ago.

“Sorry Takumi, I used the key you gave me without your permission. I hope you don’t mind.”

How could he?

“It’s the greatest surprise.”

“You look much better.”

“I’ve grown up.”

Maybe it was the way he said it, maybe it was the look on his face, Chitose couldn’t find a single reply. I’ve grown up. But at what expense? He remembered when he had uttered those words, it was after those years with him. When he heard those words from Bakusui, it was that night long ago, when he was still so young. For himself, for Bakusui, he couldn’t do anything. For Takumi, he had wanted at least to contribute a little.

“Takumi, I wish you’d never had to grow up.” At length, Chitose finally managed. A hand lifted and cupped Takumi’s cheek lightly; the tip of his fingers touched his eye gently. It was as if he could still feel the tears from two years ago, forever scorching on his skin. “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger, Takumi. Each day is a new day.”

“I’m tougher than you think. What happened is in the past. While I will never forget it, I use it as my source of strength, knowing that such happiness is truly possible in this world.”

The strength and confidence that Takumi spoke those words with shattered the rock in Chitose’s heart, assuring him of a renewed vigour for life.

“However, it is you who I worry about.” Takumi continued and Chitose lifted an eyebrow at that. “Because I’ve been through that, I can understand. In this life, I wish you would find the same happiness that I’ve had a taste of. Take this chance, sempai, tell him. Who knows if you’ll receive another exclusive so far away again? If you love him, then don’t let him slip you by!”

Chitose was temporarily stunned; he didn’t expect Takumi to encourage him in such a straight-forward manner. He supposed they were both growing old enough that dancing around the bushes no longer required a place in their lives. He lifted a smile but his reply was cut off by another voice from the door.

“Yo, Takumi. The owner’s birthday is the end of this month, right?” Shoto Ren had thought it to his benefit that Takumi’s door was wide open. Usually this number one was one of the hardest people to track down. Yet when the number two walked in, he didn’t expect there to be someone else in the room. For a moment, all three parties were surprised. Quickly, Ren assessed the situation and lifted a professional smile. “My deepest apologies, I did not know that you were with a client.”

“It’s okay. I’m not a client.”

Oh?

Takumi and Chitose stepped away from one another and turned to face Ren, whom couldn’t decide who was more interesting to look at. “Ren, this is Chitose, he’s the number one who’s just returned from his exclusive.”

And Ren found the answer. There was no doubt that Chitose was a fitful choice for the number one position. If he were a client, such a number one would be the biggest temptation to him. This elusive number one who he’s always wanted to meet.

“Shoto Ren-kun, it’s nice to meet you.” Chitose stepped forward and bowed lightly. “And yes, the owner’s birthday is at the end of the month. It’s on the twenty-eighth, more specifically.”

“Ah, I see.” Ren registered the other’s words but never truly processed them.

“Why did you ask?” Takumi cleared his throat with an obvious volume to snap Ren out of his own reverie.

“Ah? Ah! Nothing much, just wondering when the next big party will be.” Quickly, he shoved a hand in his pocket and recomposed himself. “I figured it should be near someone’s birthday at least!” Yet his eyes couldn’t help but drift back onto Chitose’s face. “Anyways, I’ll leave you two be. See you around.” He remembered to turn with his usual cool, lifting a hand as some sort of a wave.

For the first time in his life, he’s finally known what it means to feel that irregular beating of one’s heart.


[Shop]

Kazuya didn’t know how long he’s been in the change room for. In front of him, there were two other sets of suits. His own clothes were scattered on the bench and he kept on buttoning and unbuttoning his suit jacket. When Konbayoshi had said that they were going shopping, he didn’t expect that they would be going shopping for him. When they left Opiate, he sat with the owner once again in his car. It reminded him of that dinner and the words that were exchanged between the two of them. Perhaps Konbayoshi has already forgotten about them, but Kazuya will remember them for the rest of his life. Memorized and repeated like his holy bible.

When they entered city centre, Konbayoshi had parked his car outside a men’s boutique. The suits inside were akin to the ones that Konbayoshi clothed himself with, and immediately, Kazuya’s mind ran a thousand miles. He was going to witness the owner picking out clothes, trying on clothes, and…

“How long are you going to take?”

Konbayoshi’s voice from outside the change room startled him and he saw his panicked expression from his refletction in the mirror. “Ah, I’m done!” Quickly, he unlocked the door and stepped out. Each step was hesitant and he couldn’t lift his head to face the older.

So as he was saying, when they got into the shop Konbayoshi had sat down in a plush sofa and told him to look around and pick out anything that he liked. Kazuya couldn’t believe his ears, but when he didn’t move, Konbayoshi started frowning. So, with the assistance of the lady who worked in the store, Kazuya managed to pick out an armful of suits before the total number was chopped down to just three by Konbayoshi.

Now, presenting, suit number one.

“It’s not too bad.” At length, the owner finally said. Kazuya lifted his head with a hopeful smile. That must mean that he looked good! Kazuya made a mental note to appear like this in front of the owner more often. “What do you think?”

“Eh? Me?” Again, he was startled. He didn’t have an opinion. If the owner said it looked good, then it looked good. “It’s not too bad… I think…” He sounded unconvinced, and the owner looked unconvinced.

“Try the other two.”

Kazuya nodded and backed into the change room quickly, afraid that his heart wouldn’t be able to take its wild beating. In his imagination, this was just like a date! Except, if he had a say in it, they wouldn’t be shopping for such boring items. They certainly should be out doing something more fun!

But

Kazuya slowed down his thoughts and recollected himself.

But, Konbayoshi was an adult and he probably wouldn’t want to do the things that a kid like him liked to do. Konbayoshi would probably prefer refined dining, going to operas, or an expensive bar. So then, why was Konbayoshi making him try on all these suits?

This time, he was quicker with dressing himself and stepped out. The owner had seated himself in the plush sofa again, and was flipping through a magazine idly. Kazuya stood for a moment and merely starred at him. He sat with a confident posture, one leg crossed over the other with the magazine opened over his lap. His overcoat had been hung up by the store clerk and he had unbuttoned his suit to one lone button holding the two flaps together. His black hair was combed back with a couple of loose strands falling as he dipped his head to look at the magazine. This… was absolutely the perfect specimen of the male population on this planet!

“What are you starring at?”

And the perfect specimen had looked up to catch him starring. Kazuya blushed and quickly wanted to spit out some ridiculous excuse. Konbayoshi laughed at his flustered objections but said nothing. “How do you like this one?”

“I… really don’t know.” Since he wasn’t paying attention anyways.

“You don’t like to wear these suits, do you?”

Kazuya gave him a nervous smile that answered the question. He knew hosts were expected to dress up properly.

“Oh well, it’s to be expected. Someone as young as you probably regard this as a little too old-fashioned.” The owner mused thoughtfully before flexing his fingers to beckon the clerk over. “Could you get me a white dress shirt, a pair of black pants, a black blazer, a pair of black shoes, and a warm toned scarf?”

The lady bowed before following Konbayoshi’s orders to produce the items that he had asked for.

“Owner-sama?”

“Just trust me.”

How could Kazuya not trust him when he spoke in such a gentle tone with that look in his eyes? Could it be? Can it be? Could Kazuya selfishly imagine that the owner was treating him more than just a host?

“Sir, the items you asked for.”

“Kazuya, try these on instead.”

Kazuya accepted the handful and returned to the dressing room. He wasn’t quite sure what kind of image Konbayoshi had hoped to achieve, so he could only put all the articles of clothes on before stepping out with the scarf in hand. In front of him, Konbayoshi placed down the magazine and walked towards him.

Each step was met with a rush of his heart.

“Here, give me that.” Kazuya could only obey mutely while starring at the owner.

Konbayoshi was sure that his expression spoke of the amusement he was feeling right now. The young one in front of him behaved as if a deer caught in headlights and he wondered if his presence alone was intimidating. Carefully, he placed the scarf around Kazuya’s neck, between the blazer and the collar of his dress shirt. Then he picked up the long end and placed it over Kazuya’s shoulder casually.

“Now how do you like it?”

In that short time when Konbayoshi was so close to him, Kazuya could feel the faint breaths fanned out across the minimal distance between the two of them. In the mirror, he was greeted by a him that he didn’t think existed beforehand. With this new set of clothes, he appeared… well… legitimate. Even though it was not the formal set of suit, he still looked formal enough to pass for an event.

“I love it!” Excited, he turned to Konbayoshi with a wide grin. “Owner-sama is really good at this!”

The owner snorted lightly and was already in the process of waving the lady over once again. “Maybe you’re the only one who can’t seem to piece together a wardrobe.”

“That’s not true!” Kazuya’s cheeks puffed out as he appeared mildly offended by the remark.

“Is it?” Konbayoshi did not confirm the positive or the negative, amused by Kazuya’s wide range of expressions. When the lady was close enough, he nodded towards the set that Kazuya was wearing. “I’ll take this, please pack a new set.”

“Of course, sir.”

Putting his preening to an end, Kazuya turned to look at the owner seriously. “Thank you, owner-sama.”

“It’s nothing.”

“If you don’t mind… what is this for?”

“We’ll be attending a wedding in a couple of weeks. I figured you needed something to wear.”

“A wedding?”

“Yeah.” The owner sighed and began buttoning up the bottom of his suit. “A client is getting married and he’s invited practically the entire club.”

Kazuya made a face and Konbayoshi couldn’t help but laugh at it, he must say, that face expressed all that he had felt about this ridiculous invitation. However, when he reflected on it, maybe he was just displeased that this client had managed to keep Chitose away from the club for so long.

“Sir, your items.” The lady handed a couple of bags to Konbayoshi. Kazuya quickly stepped forward and accepted them. “And the bill.”

“Ah, I should pay for them!”

“Nonsense.” Konbayoshi waved his offer away and signed the slip presented to him with a few strokes of the pen. “One, you would be broke after paying for it. Two, I was the one who took you out today. And besides,” he stopped and patted Kazuya’s head gently “you can think of them as a present.”

Can I think of them as anything more

Acting boldly, Kazuya reached up and grasped the hand that was placed on his head. His fingers squeezed the other’s digits in a grateful gesture and he smiled up at the owner. Just a little longer, he wanted to keep the hand there for a moment longer. Then, he could perhaps imagine that they were holding hands.

[Opiate]

It was in the early evening when they returned to Opiate. As soon as they stepped inside the club, Kazuya felt as if there was that barrier once again. Owner was owner again and he was just a host in training. At the door, they were greeted by a page boy who mentioned that the owner’s presence was to be requested of immediately in his office. Konbayoshi had frowned at the urgent tone. “What is the matter?”

“It appears that Sugimoto-sama is here. Haruno-sama is currently keeping him company.”

“I see.”

And that was when the two of them parted. Kazuya had practically danced his way up to his room. Upon arrival, he found a note slid underneath his door. Bending down, he picked it up and ascertained that it was from Bakusui. Usually, he would be reluctant to meet with the trainer, but he was in such a good mood that he could have tea with the devil if he had to. So after he had made sure that the newly purchased clothes –presents!- were safe, he made his way up to Bakusui’s’ room and entered when admitted.

“Bakusui-sama, I got you note!”

Bakusui was standing in the middle of the room and Chitose was seated in one of the sofa chairs facing Bakusui. Kazuya knew that his happy spirit was dampened as he recalled how he had waited for Chitose so long earlier today! “Chitose-san.” He bowed lightly. “The owner was looking for you earlier today.”

“Oh is that so?” The number one didn’t seem the slightest bit bothered by it. “Did he say why?”

“No.” On second thought, perhaps it was a good thing that Chitose wasn’t around. Otherwise, he might have had to shop with the number one instead. Just thinking about the shopping trip was enough to bring up a brightened look.

“You’re in a good mood.” Bakusui commented while pulling something out of his pocket. “Where were you?”

“Out, shopping with the owner!”

The other two shared a look before Bakusui snapped his fingers as if he suddenly remembered something. “Where is the owner now? Someone was looking for him earlier.”

“Ah, you mean Sugimoto-sama?”

Then, there was a moment of silence. The trainer and Chitose exchanged another glance, Kazuya wondered if he said anything wrong. Before he could ask, Bakusui had already snorted up a laugh and directed his gaze towards Chitose once again. “Konbayoshi will be coming to look for you any second now.”

Chitose offered a small smile but said nothing. Kazuya looked at them carefully before he remembered why he was here. “Bakusui-sama, did you need me for something?” In the end, he could only return the topic at hand back to Bakusui.

“I heard from Takumi that nothing happened.”

“Bakusui-sama, I’m sorry about that.” Immediately, Kazuya wanted to offer his thoughts on this situation. “I didn’t mean that I wanted someone else to train me, I never meant to insult your…”

“Enough.” The trainer lifted a hand and silenced him. “It’s not as if…”

“Bakusui-sama, what is that?!” Kazuya couldn’t help but exclaim once he’s had a good look at what Bakusui was holding in his hand. He reached for it, almost wanting to snap it out of Bakusui’s hand. Immediately, Bakusui’s face darkened several degrees.

“It’s called an antique, what Bakusui-sama is holding there.” Chitose commented idly from his sitting place. And for once, Kazuya couldn’t help but agree with the number one.

“Is that a cell phone?! It must be as old as I am!” He didn’t want to make a big scene out of this, but seriously, that thing was ancient! “Bakusui-sama, are you lacking money? Please let me buy you a new phone!” Someone like Bakusui, he didn’t think could be so behind the times holding such an antique in his hands!

“Have you two said enough?”

Ooops, the trainer was border lining anger.

“Kazuya, Shoto Ren had offered to take over that specific part of your training.”

“…. Bakusui-sama, you’re angry at me for what I just said, right? I’m so sorry, I apologize from the depth of my heart, but… you must be joking!”

Shoto Ren? Kazuya cursed himself for not spreading his legs when he’s had the chance to! Bakusui or Takumi, it wouldn’t have mattered whom, but Shoto Ren… that would be his death! And surely his face showed it. Although… was it just him, or did Bakusui’s expression just grew a little happier?

He should have kept his mouth shut.

“Is there trouble with your training?” Chitose questioned from the sofa and Kazuya turned to him with almost tearful eyes, wondering if a miracle could happen and Chitose would help him out of this situation.

“Tons of trouble.” Bakusui held no remorse. “He can’t even take off his clothes properly.”

Kazuya didn’t even have the energy to fight back. His mind was still stuck on Shoto Ren. Maybe he will go and bribe him later and then talk him out of it. He would even willingly jump into Bakusui’s bed again.

Yes, seeing the owner today had such an effect on him that he could do anything right now!

“There is time; it’s nothing to be rushing about.” Chitose didn’t seem to think that it was such a big problem. Says you, you weren’t even trained. Kazuya wanted to retort.

“Since you’re here, why not show him something or two, princess?”

Eh?

“Eh?”

Both Kazuya and Chitose had the same response, only Bakusui was looking on with amusement.

“Chitose-san, please do show me.” Kazuya announced with his head held up high as he regarded the number one evenly. For a split second, he wanted nothing to be shown to him by Chitose, but on second thought… isn’t this the perfect opportunity to see what the number one’s got? This way, Kazuya could assess what he was going up against!

Yes, it would be perfect.

“Kazuya-kun…?” The number one was puzzled by his request.

What? Can’t do it? You’re no better than me! Kazuya wanted to smirk in triumph.

“What’s wrong, princess? Losing your touch?” Bakusui prodded on and Chitose held his eyes for a long while. “If that’s the case, then I should have the honour of training you, seeing as I’ve never gotten the chance to.”

Finally, Chitose smiled and rose from the sofa slowly. Kazuya noticed that the number one was in an elegant kimono. From Kazuya to Bakusui, Chitose looked at them evenly. He took a couple of steps forward to join them in the middle of the room before his fingers touched his obi. Kazuya held his breath; he didn’t know whether he was nervous or apprehensive. Perhaps he never expected the number one to rise to his challenge. Kazuya watched as Chitose’s eyes left his to lock straight onto Bakusui’s. In this situation, Kazuya felt like a voyeur, watching as the host undressed himself.

It was a slow unravelling of the obi. It was a graceful movement of his fingers. It was a sensual gaze that was paired with a seductive tug of his obi.

The silken strand fell down onto the floor in a pool around Chitose’s feet and he stood with the kimono threatening to reveal what’s underneath. Then his fingers touched the collar of his kimono and slid lower to rest at level with his chest. Under both pairs of watchful eyes, Chitose turned slowly to give them his back view. That kimono slid from his neck to the base of his neck, his shoulders, and a portion of his back…

And Bakusui moved.

He stepped forward and stopped Chitose’s movement, sliding the kimono back around the host. “That’s quite enough.” He spoke quietly before turning to look at Kazuya again. “No?”

“… ye… yeah… it’s enough… “

To him, the act of undressing had meant that he will be facing the other party and show off all the assets that he’s got. He’s never known that even a back view could illicit the same arousal as seeing the front view. It was modest, but it was seductive; it was almost shy, but most certainly beckoning. It was contradicting, but all the more tempting.

Bakusui had stepped back to allow Chitose room for redressing.

“Ah, now I’m beginning to regret not have asked you to do more all those years ago.”

Chitose laughed lightly and wanted to reply when the door beeped and opened, in came the owner, seemingly in a hurry.

“Bakusui, have you seen Chito…”

And then four pairs of eyes starred. Kazuya’s eyes ticked from owner to host to trainer and back to owner again. What is with this awkward atmosphere?!

“What is this?” The owner demanded with a light frown.

“Training.” All three answered simultaneously.

Kazuya shifted nervously under Konbayoshi’s gaze while Chitose was still casually putting his obi back on. It was as if he didn’t even notice the tension in the room at all.

“What did you need?” Bakusui directed the question at Konbayoshi and the owner seemed to have finally regained his senses.

“Sugimoto-sama is here.” He looked at Chitose pointedly, so Kazuya looked over at Chitose as well. He was damned curious!

Chitose was in the process of tucking back his obi and then looked up at if suddenly realized that the owner was speaking to him. “So?”

“What do you think?”

“I don’t know.”

The owner’s lips tightened and Kazuya hoped to all heavens that Konbayoshi was angry. Perhaps even angry enough to kick out Chitose! Oh that would be his dream.

“So you will be the appropriate person to receive him and his items.”

“Takumi will be more appropriate.”

“You know Takumi can’t…”

“He can.”

Kazuya’s eyes widened as Chitose cut off the owner with such a definitive air. He’s not seen anyone do that to the owner in this club.

“Look, we both know that…”

“Takumi is stronger than you think. He is the most appropriate one to receive Sugimoto-sama.”

And again! Kazuya looked towards Konbayoshi, wondering if he’s going to punish Chitose for such insolence! Inside his own mind, he’s already worked out many punishments that Chitose could endure. However, the owner merely sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “You come too. And that’s final.” He added on before anything else could be said.

Chitose sighed as well, but it was in disbelief and annoyance.

“How nice of them to just waltz in here and then waltz right out without a care for the owner of the room.” Bakusui commented sourly after the two of them left.

“Bakusui-sama, who is Sugimoto-sama?”

“He’s the Japanese minister of justice.”

“… the min… o… tic… what?” It wasn’t that Kazuya didn’t know what that meant, but it was the shock of finding out just who he was that surprised him.

“I told you we serve social elites.” Bakusui laughed at his expression.

Elite?! The minister of justice is not just an elite!!!!!!!!

[Office]

Takumi entered the office one step ahead of Chitose, whom didn’t even want to be here in the first place. Within a short period of time, Takumi had controlled all of his feelings and told himself that he will be fine. However, as soon as he stepped in and saw the minister’s face, a part of him wanted to shrivel up and die. It was that part of him that had him tongue-tied and unable to produce a word.

“Sugimoto-sama, it’s good to see you again.” Besides him, Chitose stepped up and bowed with a smile.

“Takumi, Chitose, you two are still looking well.” Rising from the sofa, the minister of justice greeted them with a smile. For a long moment, his couldn’t tear his eyes away from Takumi. “I hear that Chitose has just returned?”

“I did, Sugimoto-sama. And it looks like you’re doing well still.”

“Oh you flatter me. I’m getting older and older by the day.”

“But you’re having great success with your campaign to run as the next prime minister!”

Takumi heard the words that they spoke, but couldn’t even gather the strength to smile. He didn’t know whether he was thankful that Chitose came along with him. If he were alone, maybe he could finally face his demons. But… if he were alone, who’s to say that his demons won’t consume him?

“What brings you here today, Suigmoto-sama?”

“Ah.” The minister of justice looked down at the box that was atop the coffee table and all three were silent for a moment. “I… was cleaning up the house and found some things that… I thought you would like to keep…” He spoke slowly, restraining the pain in his own voice as he looked at Takumi finally.

Takumi could only bow, but didn’t know what else to say.

“Ah, Sugimoto-sama, have you tried the club’s newest drink yet?”

“Drink?”

“Yes, I heard that we’ve gotten a few new drinks on the menu. May I have the honour of asking Sugimoto-sama to accompany me for a taste?”

“Ah, the honour should be all mine. Please.”

Thank you. Takumi wanted to tell Chitose, but he had a feeling that the number one already knew anyways.

At the door, Chitose held it open for the minister of justice before sneaking a quick glance back at Takumi. At the table, Takumi had knelt down before the box. He touched it carefully, gingerly, gently, lovingly, adjectives only fitful for a lover on the receiving end of the caress.

Silently, Chitose closed the door behind him.

To be continued...

Author's Notes: I just realized that I've been particularly good with updating this story! Sadly, this is the last chapter that I have pre-written/typed up, so the next ones may take a while. Thank you for reading and reviewing!