Heaven Far Away

Author's Notes: PLEASE READ

Because I've received a notice from a moderator that suggested that I should move comments and answers to reviews over to the forum, thus, they will not appear at the beginning of each chapter any longer.

As of right now, I will leave answers as a review, so please do click the extra button if you'd like to see the replies.

However, if you all prefer the forum to be utitlized instead, I will gladly move over to the forum. Please do let me know. Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience!

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Chapter Eight - Blurred Boundaries

Kazuya has been sitting in this room for about five minutes, but to him, it seemed like he’s been sitting here
for the last eternity. Within the room, Ren was walking back and forth, tidying his room after having gotten up not long ago. He was in a pair of loose pajama pants and his usually stylish hair was still softly clinging to his skin. Usually, he would gel it up into almost a porcupine’s body. After Kazuya’s learnt that his fate was now in Ren’s hands, he’s made sure to present a good side to Ren, in the hopes that this host will reconsider.

“Look, I know why you’re sitting here right now and why you have been sitting here for the past week.” Ren started as he picked up scattered articles of clothes and tossed them into the laundry basket. “However, I can also tell you that no matter how long you sit here, I will not change my mind.”

Kazuya’s hands curled into fists atop his legs and he bit down on his lip to prevent saying anything that would make the situation worse. He truly was spoiled. Although Bakusui was demanding, the trainer was experienced enough to know where to draw the line. Ren was different. This man exuded confidence but also an animalistic instinct and cruelty that Kazuya didn’t want to be subjected to.

“I still cannot understand why Ren-san would want to take on such a troublesome job.” Yes, demean himself and persuade Ren, make him realize how he’s wasting his time right now.

“Because unlike Bakusui and Takumi, I know that I can get you to spread your legs willingly.” Kazuya’s eyes flashed with anger at such humiliation, but he reminded himself not to say anything. Ren continued on. “And afterwards, you’ll even thank me for it.”

“How do you expect that to happen?”

At this, Ren stopped and turned to look at Kazuya. The number two host wore a smirk on his lips and that usual I-don’t-give-a-fuck look in his eyes. Even his posture spoke of the contempt he held. “Now, that would ruin the surprise. And without the surprise, I wouldn’t have my entertainment either.” Yes, Ren had told him the first day that he had asked for this job because he was bored. Ren felt that this club seems to have dulled underneath work, and no one was having fun anymore. He wanted to take this job because he was confident that with it, he will be able to rouse gossip and drama in this place once again. Like how it’s supposed to be. “Now, scurry along and get on with your life. It won’t take place at the end of this month. So prepare yourself.”

Easy for him to say! Kazuya wondered if the trembling he felt inside was visible outwardly. He was angry at such treatment, and he even wanted to argue that Ren was only number two, so he shouldn’t even be experienced enough to be training anyone else. However, Kazuya knew better than that. So he gnawed on his lips and controlled the bubbling cries of injustice.

Ren turned around but stopped as if he suddenly remembered something; it was enough to cause him to turn back to Kazuya. “Since you’re going to be following me around, I’m going down to the basement.”

The number two host simply wrapped around himself a layer of silk bathrobe before exiting the door. Kazuya followed after him and wondered if it was allowed for a host to appear so unkempt. However, it was so early in the morning that not even all the staff members were awake yet, so the two of them descended via the elevator to the first level basement. It was a place that Kazuya was not familiar with.

“What could be down here that you need to check up on?”

“There is actually only one room down here.” Ren explained as he walked down the dimly lit hallway. Contrary to the rest of the club, the basement was dark and perfect for a horror film. Kazuya looked from left to right and made sure to keep at Ren’s heel. Up ahead, he thought he saw an open door. “Here we are.”

At first glance, Kazuya couldn’t quite place this strange feeling that he got from looking at this room. First of all, the door was thrown wide open, and Ren made no move to close it either. Kazuya hesitated for a brief second before he reached for the door. “Don’t do that.”

“Why not?”

Ren walked over to the door and beckoned him closer. Standing at a closer proximity, Kazuya noticed the devices on the door.

“This door runs on time.”

“Time?”

“Yes, once this door is closed, it is automatically locked for twelve hours. Only the owner has the override password that can open this door in the case of an emergency. Without it, this door will stay locked for twelve hours and then it will release the lock and open.” Ren then made sure that the door was wide open before stepping inside and flicked on the lights. Kazuya was still starring at the door.

“Why would a host club need a door like this?”

“It’s a specialty room, what can I say?” Ren stepped inside and Kazuya took his time examining the room. Underneath the lighting, he could see that it was a luxuriously decorated room. Immediately available to the eyes were the sofas, the television and the small storage cabinet. Inside, there was a cooler and a fridge. He watched as Ren opened up the cooler and pulled out a glass bottle. “Do you know what this is?”

“No.”

“It’s Opiate.”

“What?!”

“Not the drug, you idiot.” Ren rolled his eyes at Kazuya and placed the bottle back inside. Kazuya noticed dutifully that the cooler seemed to be filled with bottles just like it. “It’s a drink that was made especially for this club, hence the name, Opiate.”

Ah, now that made more sense!

Adjacent to the storage cabinet, there was a half wall’s length of beaded curtain. Each strand swayed with the wind that was created by the two of them moving about, and vaguely, Kazuya could see the outline of something inside. Ren parted the strands of curtain beads and stepped inside, Kazuya quickly followed after. In the middle of the room there stood a bed in the shape of a heart.

“This room is…”

“It’s an expensive room to book out, and most clients don’t even know that there is a room like this down here.” Ren whistled and looked around the room, as if making sure everything was in place. “The drawers and chests are filled with all sorts of toys. If you ever need anything you know where to look for them.” Then Ren paused and as if on second thought, he added on. “Though I have a feeling that whatever toys are available in the rooms upstairs should be more than enough to play with.”

In each of the rooms in Opiate, there were standardized equipments. An area where entertainment and sofas can fit is provided. A bathroom and closet are provided. There are then many drawers and chests in the bedroom. Most of those spaces are empty and the occupant of the room could do with them as they liked. However, there were also those drawers that contained a plethora of sex toys. Kazuya had looked through a couple and couldn’t believe his eyes.

So… if what Ren had said was true, then this room alone certainly holds more toys than he could ever imagine possible. And suddenly, Kazuya could understand why this was a specialty room.


[Restaurant]

“Well, this is certainly a rare meeting. It’s been a long time since you’ve last showed your face to this family. Are you still doing the usual business?”

They said it was lunch, but Konbayoshi felt intensely the tension that has been suffocating him ever since he stepped into this restaurant. It was a traditional Japanese restaurant that had closed off a section of its area for their lunch. All around him, everyone wore the most expensive kimono, except for him. He had come straight from the club and thus was dressed in his usual, formal business suit. Or maybe he’s just had that mind set of wanting to rebel against everything that’s been set in stone for him.

“I apologize for the long delay, but as you have been informed, I have just returned from my business trip.” In the end, it was Chitose who answered the critiques that were directed at Konbayoshi.

“Please inform us again, why you continue to work in that place. Isn’t Takahiro alone enough to support you and the family name?”

“It is merely because I wish to continue working. It has nothing to do with Takahiro’s competency at maintaining the family name.”

“You wish to work there? Forgive me, but it seems a little…”

“Ah, mother, could you please pass me the soy sauce bottle?”

“Fuuyu, how many times must I tell you not to interrupt when your father is in a conversation?”

That interruption temporarily dispersed the heated talk that surely would have resulted from the way things were continuing on. Konbayoshi silently counted from one to ten and then one to ten and then again and again and again to keep himself calm.

He absolutely hated this.

Last night, Asami Fuuyu had called to tell him that the two families were to have lunch today. In the past four years, there have been no invitations like this because Chitose was not available. Now that he was back, out of respect for the status of families, he was required to attend. In fact, if he wasn’t here, Konbayoshi wouldn’t even have been admitted because of the Asami family’s strict rule.

It was like they respected Chitose when Konbayoshi knew that behind their backs it was no longer Chitose-sama but that whore of Atsushi’s.

From across the table, Fuuyu gave him a look of apology. She hated this just as much as he did, Konbayoshi knew that, but neither of them have a choice.

“Chitose-sama, has Takahiro spoke with you his plans of marrying Fuuyu?”

See, he wasn’t even being addressed. It was like he was invisible.

“Mother, I don’t care about his plans! I won’t marry him!” Fuuyu spoke up immediately, placing down her chopsticks with much displeasure.

“Fuuyu, don’t be insolent!”

“Mark my words, if we are to be married, I will kill myself on the wedding day!”

Konbayoshi wanted to rub his temple after her explosive disclaimer. Even though he was thankful for her persistent disapproval of this marriage, did she have to go to such extremes?

Lunch continued on awkwardly until the Asami family decided that they’ve grilled everyone enough. At the door, Konbayoshi and Chitose watched the family part in their car. Fuuyu had excused herself to the bathroom. The early October wind played with their hair and the long sleeves of Chitose’s kimono.

“Hey you two.” Fuuyu finally emerged from the restaurant holding her kimono. She had promptly loosened her hair and changed back into sharp business attire fitful for a lawyer at her standard. “I’m sorry about my family; you know what they’re like.” She spoke with a sigh and dumped her kimono into her car without a care. “Chitose, we should have dinner some time now that you’re back.”

“Of course. I am free whenever you’re free. It seems like you’re always running around busy.”

Fuuyu rolled her eyes and leaned against the opened door of her car in a slump. “I never wished so much for everyone to be dead in this world. God! Anyways, Takahiro, I’ve contacted a lawyer for you. He should get in touch with you soon. Sorry I couldn’t help you; contract transactions are not my specialty.” Being a criminal lawyer, Fuuyu didn’t really find thrill from doing such mundane business.

“Nothing for it, thanks for the help.”

“Don’t mention it. Anyways, I’m going to go. That lunch felt more like torture. Sheesh.”

The feeling was mutual.

The Konbayoshi family and Asami family have been marrying each other for as long as anyone could remember. They were lineages that have passed from the emperor’s times, thus the two families’ ties were stronger than just merely talks of marriage. It’s always been the rule that a son of the Konbayoshi household would marry a daughter of the Asami family. Of course, Konbayoshi was no different to this rule.

“Will the two of you ever marry just for the formality of it? After all, the Konbayoshi family needs an heir.” On their way back to Opiate, Chitose commented lightly in the car.

“If it’s an heir, there are other methods of obtaining one without getting married and ruining two people’s lives.”

“Are you planning on going to find a prostitute?”

“What are you talking about?!” Chitose laughed lightly at his bewildered look. “Sorry, you had to go through that so soon after you’ve just returned. They’ve been nagging ever since they found out that you’ve returned.”

“It’s nothing. It is I who should apologize. After all, if I didn’t exist, then you wouldn’t be put into such a submissive position.” Chitose snorted up a laugh with ridicule. “We both know that the respect they pay me is superficial. In everyone’s eyes, I’ll always be your uncle’s whore.”

“I’ve never thought of you like that.”

“I didn’t say you did.” However, there were certain facts of life that just could not be dismissed. “You know that as long as I live, I am the metaphorical head of the family.”

“It’s not such a glorious position anyways.”

But the power that such a family holds was tempting to all who associated with them. The business partners and family friends all rely on them for some sort of pleasure or support. Whether it’s financial or renting out a boy from Opiate with better services, such a family would be able to support all.

“I’m thinking of visiting your uncle’s grave soon.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean why? I haven’t been to pay tribute in almost five years.”

“Why bother? You could have just walked away from this family when he died, right now, you’ll probably have a good life and not…” Konbayoshi trailed off, not wanting to place such a taint on Chitose’s job even though there was no denying of it.

“And not having to spread my legs for men, right?”

Both of them were silent, and Chitose wondered if it was a little too blunt for Konbayoshi. Ever since they’ve known each other, Konbayoshi had treated him like a delicate doll that would break with a wrong touch. Even after his uncle’s death, Konbayoshi had treated him the same. Chitose knew that Konbayoshi just didn’t want to acknowledge the cruelty that he was capable of.

“What I said to you before,” Konbayoshi started, “it will forever stand. Even if this club is no longer mine, even if I’m to be robbed of all my possessions, what I’ve promised you before will always stand.”

Why bring up such a topic now?

“Ah, you can let me off at the café.” When they grew closer to Opiate, Chitose suddenly recalled where he had been meaning to go.

“Call me when you want to return, I’ll send a car for you.” The car cruised to a stop besides the curb in front of the café that Chitose had mentioned.

“There is no need for that! It’s only a few blocks away from Opiate, I need the exercise anyways.” His hand reached for the door and pushed it open, upon returning his gaze back on Konbayoshi’s face, he realized that no matter how many years it’s been, there are certain things that will not change.

For example, Konbayoshi’s insistence at keeping his promise from before. And his own mixed feelings of dependence, protectiveness, reverence and gratefulness.

Leaning over, Chitose touched Konbayoshi’s cheek softly. “Don’t look like that; you know I’m still here because I want to be here. You’ve done nothing wrong, silly child. Go get some rest when you get back, Hiro-chan.”

“Stop calling me that, and I am not a child! I’m older than you!”

But the host had already closed the door behind him and was making his way to the café. Inside the car, Konbayoshi was sure that several veins were going to pop, but a deeper part of him knew that to Chitose, he’ll always be just that. A child. And Hiro-chan.

From the time when Chitose stood between him and his uncle, he knew that nothing could be changed.

[Opiate]

Kazuya tugged at his tie nervously as he fixed his hair once again with the aid of the mirrored walls in the elevator. It’s been almost ten days since the number one returned, and tonight, the club was holding a party to celebrate his return officially. Of course, the main reason was to invite all those elite members to show them that the number one was back on the market again. Kazuya’s not ran into Chitose again for a while, from his observations, the number one had a room in Opiate like everyone else, but he had other places to stay as well. Sometimes, he could be gone for days.

The chime reminded him of where he was and when the double doors slid open, Kazuya took his steps out confidently. Tonight, he will get to see all the elite members who have been invited. Although he wasn’t a host quite yet, it was good to build up a good social network for future references. At least, that’s what Ren had told him anyways.

In the grand lobby, people have already filled up the usually empty space. He saw hosts and clients alike mingling with one another. For someone as insignificant as him, no one really turned to pay attention to him. In the middle of a small crowd, he saw the owner with Chitose, speaking with people who looked highly important.

It was… almost depressing.

Kazuya was keenly aware of the differences that existed between him and everyone else. Even Gen was speaking with clients; Shuzo seemed to have gone for another work location.

“Ah, excuse me.” Behind him, the bartender called out to him. “You work here, right?”

Kazuya wanted to turn around and leave. Even the bartender didn’t recognize him as someone who was going to be a host! “Yes, what’s wrong?”

“I was wondering if you could do me a huge favour.” Even before Kazuya could get a word in, the bartender had started speaking again. “I’m the only one on shift tonight, so I can’t exactly leave the bar with this many people all the time.” Yes, yes, hurry up and get to the point. “I’m running short on a few drinks, so I was wondering if you could go down and get them for me? Thank you!”

That wasn’t asking for a favour! It was more like a demand!

Kazuya looked at the written list in his hand and wanted to rip it up! However, when he saw how the bartender was literally working to his death, he supposed it would be fine to help him out just this once! Besides…

He looked over at the owner.

… the owner was still busy anyways.

So he sighed and pocketed the slip of paper before heading for the lower basement levels. He fancied that he felt the owner’s eyes glance over to him as he left, but he would truly never know.

In the middle of the crowd, Konbayoshi was too busy entertaining these men who were regulars of the club. Of course, they not only had to have money, but they must have influence as well. He had thought about inviting Sugimoto, but thought better of it.

“I’m betting anything that the owner doesn’t want to give his number one away on an exclusive again, right?” Then, there was that usual round of polite laughter from within the circle and Konbayoshi laughed along with them.

“If Chitose sees fit, then I can’t exactly say no to a client.”

“Oh? I did not know that I have such powers to choose, owner-sama.”

See, it was the usual conversation that he could execute without his brain even switched on. He looked at these men with a smile on his lips but daggers in his eyes. They pretended to be noble in front of everyone, but behind closed doors, he knew all about of their disgusting behaviours and fetishes.

“I think this occasion calls for a toast, what do you think?”

“With Opiate perhaps?”

And the laughter changed to one of scandalous agreement.

“Opiate?” Chitose placed a hand over his mouth in mock surprise; he knew how to play his role that will be suitable for these men’s tastes. “What sort of a toast would that be?” The men laughed and patted each other on the back as if it was the most amusing thing they’ve heard. “Since we can’t exactly toast with Opiate here in the open, how about we offer a bottle to each of you good sires instead? As a thank you for remembering me and coming.”

Of course, there was mutual agreement and much praises for the idea.

“Well then, please excuse me, I’ll go get them.” Konbayoshi excused himself from the scene and headed for the cellar. It’s suffocating; he’s always felt this way. He almost felt bad that Chitose will have to deal with those perverts by himself. With no doubt, there will be advantages taken with seemingly innocent touches.

I wish to work there.

He was reminded of Chitose’s determination when he took over the club from his late uncle all those years ago. In the elevator, he pressed for the second level of basement and waited for the descent. The cool air of the basement cleared his head somewhat, and to his surprise, the cellar door was open when he arrived.

Someone else in here?
The bartender perhaps?

He walked into the dimly lit cellar and was careful to keep his ears open for sounds of another person. Although he owned this place, but the miniscule details weren’t usually handled by him, there was a manager for a reason. So he began with one shelf, scanning the contents of them to find the resting place of Opiate.

Opiate was named after the club and was especially concocted for this club. He wasn’t quite sure of its origins, but apparently, it has been around for a long time now. It can only be found within this club and has been marketed as an alcohol. In reality, it does have an alcohol base, but more importantly, it was an extremely potent aphrodisiac. And usually, it is for that purpose that this alcohol is called upon.

Turning the corner, he finally saw his company within this cellar. The other person was holding a couple of bottles on his left arm while he was standing on his tiptoes and reaching for another bottle. Even from where he stood, he could recognize that it was Kazuya. As soon as that realization was made, Konbayoshi couldn’t help but wonder how it was possible. It was as if, intrinsically, a part of him just knew.

It was a dangerous idea to toy with.

However, the more immediate danger was unfolding in front of him. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that anymore of Kazuya’s foolish actions, that row of alcohol is going to come crashing down with his clumsy attempt.

“Kazuya, it’s dangerous to reach for it that way.”

What wasn’t part of his calculations was how startled Kazuya would grow with the introduction of his voice. The host in training jumped visibly and his fingers pushed against the bottle that he was trying to tug towards him. Then, he lost his balance and fell against the shelf, almost simultaneously, Konbayoshi could hear the clanging of glass bottles with one another.

See, immediate danger.

With quick strides, Konbayoshi had reached out for Kazuya’s arm and dragged him away from the shelf and its unstable contents. Tucked in his arms, Konbayoshi shielded Kazuya’s head from the few bottles that had wavered and fell from their place on the shelf. Around them, glass shards and multi-coloured alcohol ran in streams, as if they were a boulder in a small river. For a brief moment, the two of them were silent and Konbayoshi secured the situation as safe before puling away to look down at the one in his arms.

“What were you thinking?! Do you know how dangerous that was?!” Kazuya was still in a daze, not knowing whether he should be scared of what could have happened or rejoice for the owner was holding him tightly like this. “Couldn’t you have found a ladder to reach for it?!”

Konbayoshi couldn’t contain the immediate surge of anger that rose. It wasn’t at the fact that they lost merchandise because of what happened, but more at the fact that this one didn’t even know how to take care of himself.

“Sorry… I’m sorry, owner-sama…” At length, Kazuya finally managed to stutter out. He wanted to say that at least the two bottles in his arm were still safe, but his brain was active enough to note that it would be the wrong thing to say in such a situation.

Konbayoshi looked at him for a moment longer and realized the half dazed look in Kazuya’s eyes. He remembered Haruno once telling him that Kazuya was in love with him, and quickly shook that thought out of his head. Haruno was always like that, making fun of him was his hobby. And besides, he was so much older than Kazuya that they may as well be from different generations. The young people these days weren’t interested in old man like him.

“It’s okay.” Konbayoshi finally said and sighed lightly. “Be careful with what you’re doing, what if you didn’t dodge in time? All those bottles would have fallen on you.”

Kazuya nodded and held his breath, he didn’t know whether he should speak or not. The atmosphere was too nice to be broken, not to mention that the owner still had his arm around him too! It was almost a dream come true. “Thank you, owner-sama.”

“Ah.” Konbayoshi’s eyebrow lifted and his finger moved to wipe away blood that had appeared on Kazuya’s face. “One of the broken shards must have gotten to you.” It was a small scratch, but it was still on Kazuya’s face. “Be careful, your face is the most important thing for a host.”

“It’s okay, I heal fast.” Kazuya could only reply with a smile. He was content; no, he was more than content! He was happy, he was ecstatic! And his smile reflected that. Kazuya didn’t care if his face had been cut; the owner was touching him so gently!

Looking at the smiling face, Konbayoshi momentarily lapsed in his train of thought. It was contagious and infectious, at the same time, it was tempting and almost out of control. When Konbayoshi had picked him up from the slumps, at the beginning, it was pure pity. Then when he saw Kazuya’s face, he knew that it was a face that was fitful for a host. He was not beautiful or handsome, but there was a defiant cuteness about his looks that was attractive. Although Konbayoshi knew all that, he didn’t want to impose anything upon the younger boy. So imagine his surprise when Kazuya had offered to become a host himself.

Now, with this close proximity, Konbayoshi was reminded once again why he had agreed to sign a contract with Kazuya.

Out of control and definitely on an impulse, he remembered something that was done when he was younger. Leaning down, he brushed his lips against the small cut on Kazuya’s cheek. “May you heal faster.”

And truly, that second was eternity for Kazuya.

When the owner’s lips touched his cheek, he thought his entire being was going to combust. For that second, he didn’t know how to breathe and could only watch as the owner’s face enlarged in his eyes as he leaned closer. Kazuya knew that was more a polite prayer than anything else, but he just couldn’t help the butterflies that erupted within his entire body.

Maybe it was as soon as his lips touched Kazuya’s cheek did Konbayoshi remember what he was doing. With a start, the owner drew back sharply and took a couple of steps back to widen the gap between the both of them.

It was more than just awkward on his part.

“Don’t step on the broken shards and go back upstairs when you’re done here.”

With that, the owner turned and left the cellar as quickly as he could. Konbayoshi cursed himself for what had taken place and cursed himself even more for running away. He had crossed a line that he’s never thought to be possible before. There was an unspoken rule in the club that hosts were not allowed to be involved with one another. Of course, an offshoot of that rule is that no employee is allowed to be involved in a relationship with another employee. That included the administrative staff members as well! Heck, especially the staff members!

It must have been the alcohol!
The alcohol that was spilt all around them that is.

To be continued...