Chapter 38 – Confession (5)
The friendly face belonged to the man who had given Jiro the fish. "Good evening," Jiro greeted.
"Good evening," the man replied. "I didn't know you also shopped here."
Jiro nodded, "I only come for the discounted goods."
He wasn't shy, after all, he was holding the bags in his hands.
Changing the subject, the man asked, "Did you eat the fish yet?"
"Yes, we ate it earlier today for dinner."
"We?"
At this point, Hiroyuki had approached the man from behind.
"Jiro, who is this? Won't you introduce us?"
Jiro scratched the back of his head. "This is the resident who gave us the fish."
As Jiro spoke, he moved closer to Hiroyuki and placed the bags into the shopping basket Hiroyuki was holding.
"Pleased to meet you," the man said, "I'm Sakai Seito."
"Please to meet you, I'm Asano Hiroyuki and this is Mifune Jiro."
"The pleasure is all mine," Sakai answered.
After exchanging pleasantries, the two continued to shop, while Sakai went to check out.
When they were finished, they headed home. At home, Jiro, who had learned a trick from Soma, cut off the tops to a few plastic bottles. Then he cut the ends off of the leafy greens and placed them in the plastic holders he had made.
As Jiro worked, Hiroyuki said, "Sakai seems like a good person."
Jiro nodded his head, but his mind was completely engrossed in his task.
"How long will the plants last when you do this?"
"They will last for three to five days. I'll have to change the water every day."
"Then I'll leave them to your care," Hiroyuki said with a smile.
Since when had his home grown homelier? It was a world of difference from is old life. Even with money, Hiroyuki never felt at ease. Yet, in this crowded apartment, he found himself living well with another person.
The following day, as Jiro worked, Sakai showed up.
"Mifune, have you a minute to spare?"
"Yes," Jiro answered.
Although Jiro's job was mainly to take care of the landscaping, but occasionally residents would ask him for help to carry boxes or to change a light bulb. Usually, Soma would have to do these tasks, but Jiro felt it wouldn't be good for a middle aged woman to have to do this, so he volunteered himself.
Sakai beckoned Jiro to follow him. Jiro followed Sakai up to his apartment. Saka lived in the higher floors, his apartment was spacious, it was most likely a two bedroom apartment. Inside, Sakai closed the door behind them.
Chapter 39 – Confession (6)
Jiro wasn't sure what was going on. He had never been alone inside someone else's apartment, with just the two of them. A quiet fear sprang up in his heart, clutching tightly.
"I asked Mifune to my apartment because I want to share some fore fish with you. I plan on leaving for another fishing trip tomorrow. By the time I come back I'll need room in my freezer. That's why I have to ask for your help in taking these fish off my hands."
As he said this, Sakai opened his freezer and pulled out several freezer packs of fish. He even gave Jiro a pack of frozen crab.
"Where I fish, they have crab crawling all over the place. When I happen to see a large one, I put it in my fishing basket."
Jiro nodded. "But Sakai, this is too much."
"Don't worry about it. It's not much. I'm a fishing tour guide, so I get paid to teach others to fish."
Because of Sakai's words, Jiro felt a bit less guilty about taking things from others for free. Before, when he was starving, he did steal and beg in the streets, but that was out of necessity. Now that he had turned his life around, he didn't want to continue being a burden to others.
"Then I'll thank you now, but later, if I can help you carry boxes don't be a stranger."
"Of course, I will keep it in mind. After all, you and I are the same."
"The same?" Jiro asked puzzledly.
"You like men, right?"
Jiro was taken back by the other man's knowing look. "I guessed that much when I saw you with Asano. How long have you two been together?"
It wasn't like Jiro wouldn't admit his relationship to others, it was just, faced with someone he had just met, he felt off balance. He didn't know if he should admit his relationship or not.
"You don't have to worry, I won't do anything to you. I won't spread the word around. After all, I like men too."
Hearing Sakai's confession, Jiro felt a bit better. However, he didn't feel right admitting to his relationship in front of Sakai, even if the other was also gay and gave him fish.
"Don't say that I'm not a friend. I used to be like you—young man engaged in a relationship with an older man. He was my first love. Things ended badly of course."
Although Jiro was dying to hear more, but he feigned disinterest.
Seeing that Jiro wasn't moving and trying to flee his apartment, Sakai continued, "Even though we were attracted to each other's looks, but in the end, he thought I was too immature for him. When he broke up with me, he gave me a sum of money as compensation. Afterwards, I drifted through life, finding other lovers, but none could compare to the first one. Seeing you makes me think of myself back then. You can say, I want to make up for my regret by helping you and Asano make it until the end."
"That's very kind of you, but I don't want any outside interferences. My relationship with Hiroyuki is just fine."
"Oh, is it now? Then tell me, have you both gone all the way?"
Jiro looked anxiously at his feet. Although he knew it wasn't taboo for friends to discuss sex topics, but with Sakai, he was getting uncomfortable.
"I'll take that as a no. Right now, in his eyes, you're still a little child. Otherwise, why hasn't he made a move. You're both of legal age. Between friends, I have to tell you it's not normal. Back then, we used to do it at least once a day."
Jiro's face flushed.
"If you haven't done it, doesn't that prove my point?"
"Then. . . what should I do?" Jiro struggled to ask.
Chapter 40 – Confession (7)
When Hiroyuki returned home, he found that Jiro had made shabu-shabu at home. The delicious aroma filled Hiroyuki's nostrils. Taking a look around, he saw plenty of prepared fresh vegetables and sliced fish and squid.
"Welcome home," Jiro said, as he brought out two bowls of steaming white rice.
Hiroyuki nodded. "I'll go change."
After changing and then sitting down at the table, Hiroyuki asked, "Did you go shopping on your own today?"
"No," Jiro answered. "Sakai plans on leaving for another fishing trip tomorrow. He needed to empty his fridge, so he gave me what he didn't need."
"Oh," Hiroyuki said with a slight frown. "We shouldn't owe strangers anything. When he returns, I'll give you some money and you can take it to him. If he insists on not taking it, let him know I insist."
Obediently, Jiro nodded. But deep in his heart, he knew his newly made friend, Seito, wouldn't take the money.
The meal was good and one of the best ones they had eaten in a long time. Seito had taught Jiro how to make the soup base for the shabu-shabu.
In fact, Seito taught him many things.
At night, in the dark, Jiro thought over several things from the day. The biggest thought that weighed on his mind was the fact that he and Hiroyuki had never gone further than sleeping while holding each other. They had yet to kiss.
Was he not attractive to Hiroyuki? Or did Hiroyuki only agree to be with him because he pitied him. All sorts of conjectures jumbled around inside Jiro's mind. The longer he thought, the faster his self-esteem slipped away, until he was no longer sure of his boyfriend's feelings.
And because of his low self-esteem, Jiro didn't dare put into practice, what Seito had taught him earlier. He couldn't see himself acting shameful, forcing a French kiss on Hiroyuki. Even if it was pitch dark, he couldn't muster enough courage to kiss his lover.
The following day, Hiroyuki left for work. He felt Jiro acted oddly all morning, but when he left, Jiro resumed his cheerfulness, as he bade him good-bye.
At work, Hiroyuki and Ono decided to go out that night for a drink. Having recently earned a broken heart, Hiroyuki felt it was his duty to spend some time comforting his friend.
Texting Jiro, Hiroyuki stated he would be going out to eat with a friend and wouldn't be returning home.
Jiro held the phone tightly, his spirit completely lost.
At the restaurant, Hiroyuki and Ono had just ordered, when they heard raucous laughter behind them. The sound caused them to turn their heads and look behind them.
"Wild cat?"
Ono answered, "Just ignore them."
Hiroyuki was surprised, he hadn't expected the person who had broken up the relationship was the woman and not Ono. With Ono's good looks and smooth talking, it would be easy for him to find women. However, it was unexpected that he would be left in the high and dry by that wild cat. It was simply incomprehensible to Hiroyuki.
The two continued to drink, doing their best to ignore the woman and her new beau. The new beau was a rather short man with a groggily voice. His voice was most likely the result of years of heavy smoking. Hiroyuki shook his head. Sometimes, he felt he didn't understand women. Although they were both the same species, but yet the way they functioned was completely different.
After they finished their order, the two men left, not bothering to order seconds. Shortly thereafter, they called it a night, and spilt ways.
Chapter 41 – Confession (8)
Hiroyuki came home to a dark apartment. At first, he thought Jiro had gone out to buy groceries by himself and had not yet returned. But Jiro's shoes were still in the entrance. Looking around the apartment, Hiroyuki spotted the little human ball, huddled in the corner, as though trying to be invisible. His knees were pressed to his chest, while his arms hugged his knees. Jiro's face was resting on his knees.
"Jiro?" Hiroyuki gently called.
Jiro didn't answer.
Hiroyuki reached out to pull Jiro's hand. He held the rough callous hand. Despite the work gloves, Jiro's hand wasn't soft to the touch. Unlike his own hands, which were soft due to pushing paper all day. The knuckles on Jiro's hands were knobby and poked through a thin layer of skin. Jiro was incredibly thin. Even though he had been beating well recently, he had yet to round out his figure. The thought of it distressed Hiroyuki greatly. As his fingers playfully kneaded Jiro's fingers, the young boy lifted his head, revealing his teary eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Do you really like me?" Jiro quietly asked. His voice on the verge of sobbing.
"I like you. I really like you."
"I don't know why. I know you like me, but I can't seem to believe it. I'm afraid you like me in this moment, but tomorrow, you won't like me any longer."
Then tomorrow, I'll tell you I love you. Every day from now on, I'll tell you I love you."
"Really?" Jiro asked.
"Really." Hiroyuki's firm reply melted Jiro's worries away. He lunged into the other man's arms. "I love you too."
That night, they slept together. Only, Hiroyuki was more active. He wanted to show Jiro he cared about him. He kissed the younger man on the top of his head. Jiro felt the gentle kiss and he looked up in the dark, only he couldn't see Hiroyuki's expression. Then, without knowing what took over him, Jiro leaned forward, pressing his lips against Hiroyuki's soft lips. It was the first time he took the initiative.
The beating of his heart pulsed rapidly, almost drowning out the roar in his head. And then, to his surprise, Hiroyuki returned his kiss with a deeper one.
Having enjoyed first base with Jiro the night before, Hiroyuki smiled as he brushed his teeth. Although, he knew that Jiro was feeling loved today, but he knew that Jiro's low esteem would make him question their relationship in the future. That's why, Hiroyuki had to be strong for the both of them. He will be patient with Jiro. He will double his efforts and work hard to make their relationship work. It won't be like in the past, when he was merely dragging along in the relationship like a drowned rat carried by the currents. No, this time, their love will be light and buoyant like the cumulus clouds floating aimlessly across the blue sky.
Meanwhile, Jiro was smiling to himself as he thought about the kiss last night. It was his first kiss. He savored the memory of it, while looking forward to the next kiss. Drenched in a lovely honey feeling, he curled his toes in delight. He knew Seito had been wrong. There was no way Hiroyuki didn't like him. No, Hiroyuki didn't just like him, he loved him.
Jiro would work harder in the future. He won't listen to other people's words indiscriminately. Even if Seito had said those words out of concern, but Jiro won't be naïve. He will judge things with his own mind, rather than listen to an outsider's words. Because in a relationship, the two people who knew it best was Hiroyuki and himself.
Chapter 42 – Kinship and Skinship
The two lovingly held hands as they walked down the stairs. Stuffing those passersby with a sweet scene of heart-inspired slow-motion love. Young schoolgirls, in light uniforms, elbowed each other as they eyed the two men. Older people sealed back their disdain with grim lips.
Accompanying Hiroyuki to the front gate, Jiro felt reluctant to let go.
"I'll be home tonight. Don't prepare dinner. I want to cook something for you tonight."
Hiroyuki convinced the younger man to refrain from cooking. It vexed Hiroyuki that Jiro didn't need him as much now, now that he learned how to cook from Soma. Hiroyuki always meant to be someone Jiro could rely on him.
Jiro only listened and nodded. He didn't want to speak over Hiroyuki's voice. Right now, he was admiring Hiroyuki's voice. He wanted to remember how Hiroyuki sounded as he spoke sweet words to him. Because these would be his future arsenal to beat back the creeping feeling that Hiroyuki did not love him.
At last, Hiroyuki, afraid of missing his train, broke off and headed to work. Although, he worried Jiro would take it the wrong way, so when he was almost beyond Jiro's sight, he turned around, paused and waved before walking out of sight.
Jiro stood at the gate for a moment longer before heading back in, to start work.
At lunch that day, Jiro ate heartily. Recently, he realized his own shortcoming. His body was too boney and he feared that when Hiroyuki hugged him, he would dislike it. Thus, Jiro made up his mind to eat more. It wasn't like he wanted to be fat either. He just wanted enough meat to cushion against the horribly jutting bones.
Along with his rough skin, Jiro didn't see anything satisfactory about his own body. But somehow, Hiroyuki didn't mind. He even held his hand all night while sleeping. In that moment, Jiro felt they had all the time in the world and there was no one else except for them in this world. That moment belonged only to them.
Soma noticed Jiro's increased appetite. With a mothering look, she loaded more rice to his bowl. It was nice to have such an agreeable young man around. Soma, along with the all the residents, were all grateful to have Jiro here. It was a blessing for him to have been born.
In the evening, when Hiroyuki returned, he found Jiro reading one of his old study books. The book had been earmarked by Hiroyuki several times. Jiro turned a page, obviously engrossed in it. Hiroyuki smiled. This book had been his favorite. It was one he enjoyed reading and rereading. He hadn't realized his mother had also sent this book.
Although he loved this book, Hiroyuki once promised himself to never look at it again.
Chapter 43 – Everywhere
Hiroyuki went to change and then to cook. When he was making a racket in the kitchen, Jiro showed up and said, "Welcome home."
"You finally noticed?" Hiroyuki said, his facial expression and tone obviously teasing.
Jiro chuckled; a bit embarrassed. "I was enjoying this book too much."
"I could see that because that's my favorite," Hiroyuki replied.
"It is? Well, don't spoil it. Let me finish reading it first before we discuss it."
Hiroyuki's eyes flickered with an unspoken pain, but he didn't say anything more. Instead, he turned back around to face the stove and continued steaming the pork meat. The thick steam choked him, making him remember the not so distant past. He closed his eyes, turning off his odd thoughts.
Back then, like Jiro, Hiroyuki had an inferiority complex as well. It could be just a result of going through puberty. It wasn't until he read that book, until he realized his own inferiority, did Hiroyuki worked hard to improve himself and escape from his own feebleness. But this book did nothing for him. It only pointed out his faults, but failed to teach him how to solve the problem.
In the end, Hiroyuki grew up awkward, unable to get away from under the oppression left by knowing his fault and helpless to do anything about it. He worked hard to improve himself only to run in circles. Like a dog chasing his own tail, Hiroyuki couldn't resolve the issue. That's when he grew unhealthily angry and threw the book into a box, doing his best to forget it.
Now, the book reappeared and the oppressive force reminded him again of his own shortcoming that had, after all these years, failed to change.
The sentence he once loved, rang out in his mind.
"The boy was wayward, growing up crooked, unable to receive the sunlight he so desperately craved."
And the sentence which inspired hope in his heart.
"But the boy would work harder to improve himself and earn the fatherly recognition he deserved."
Back then, he wanted his father's love, in the end, he received nothing. And then, after his brother's death, he no longer wanted a father.
Feeling upset, Hiroyuki dealt with his emotions in a rather physical way. He turned off the stove and went over to Jiro. He picked Jiro up and cradled him in his arms. Jiro was light, too light, causing Hiroyuki's heart to feel tight.
Then he kissed his lover, using his tongue to pry open the other's lips. Invading new territory, Hiroyuki felt spellbound by the sweet taste bursting in his mouth. A deadly taste that made one addicted. Jiro wrapped his arms around Hiroyuki's neck, while Jiro's body turned so that he could wrap his legs around Hiroyuki's torso. The deep kiss grew steamy.
And then dinner was forgotten.
Chapter 44 – A Sigh of Relief
It wasn't until late into the middle of the night, when Jiro and Hiroyuki rose to eat their dinner. Previously, they were both exhausted from their intimate actions, and thus, fell asleep.
Once they had their fill, they returned back to bed. Luckily, the following day was a day off for both of them. Waking up late, Jiro rubbed the gritty sand from his eyes.
Jiro found himself alone. On the refrigerator, a note was posted by Hiroyuki: Gone out to buy groceries.
Looking wistfully a bit at the note, while missing the note's writer. Brushing aside his displeasure, he got up and began to ready himself for the day.
When Hiroyuki returned, he saw Jiro diligently studying. Hiroyuki made a quick breakfast of egg custard and toast. The two ate, while they discussed Hiroyuki's favorite book.
Like Hiroyuki, Jiro took the book's message about self-improvement to heart. He felt he must work harder to catch up to Hiroyuki. Because Jiro didn't have an education, he felt ashamed of his own lack of education. Even the messages Hiroyuki left for him were all done in hiragana. The books Jiro read were all easy with the kanji having small print hiragana or katagana right next to it.
This was how Jiro read the books. And for the tougher books, without the accompanying small print, Jiro could only rely on the dictionary or Hiroyuki's help.
But unlike Hiroyuki, Jiro understood the book couldn't give him the answer. If he wanted to improve, then he had to find the answer elsewhere. No matter how long it took him, Jiro would look into himself to make the change. He would pour all his efforts into studying.
On the following day, Jiro was trimming the bushes, when he heard whispers behind him. He turned his head sideways to catch a glimpse of two men making out in public. He thought nothing of it. As he turned his head back, out of the corner of his eye, he recognized one of the men. It was Seito.
Redoubling his efforts, Jiro averted his eyes and pretended not to see anything obscene. Yet, Seito, who by now realized there was an audience of one nearby, began to snake his hands around the man he was kissing. The kiss turned into licks and gentle bites.
The free show caught Jiro's attention once again. Triumphant that his mischievous plan worked, Seito's lips parted and a loud moan emitted into the surrounding area. The remnants of the moan hovered in the air, making Jiro blush.
Jiro and Hiroyuki had yet to—as Ono so properly called it—hit a homerun. They have only stepped into first base, kissing and gentle fondling. He hadn't thought he could ever kiss in public, but now Seito was doing this right in front of him!
Not knowing what to do, Jiro scratched the side of his nose. A feeling of discomfort grew inside him. He disdained how Seito had forced him into this uncomfortable situation. Just as Jiro's patience had run its course, the man accompanying Seito said, "Let's go up into your room."
Seito nodded and the two removed their hands from each other as they chased each other upstairs and out of Jiro's sight.
Darting a nervous look behind the two lovers, Jiro let out a great sigh of relief. Reassured by being left behind, all alone now, he continued with trimming the bushes. At least, he now knew that Seito had been telling him the truth about his sexual orientation.
Chapter 45 – Seito
It wasn't until late morning the following day that the man who accompanied Seito left. Seito walked the man to his taxi and gave him a lingering kiss, before closing the taxi car door. All of this was witnessed by Jiro, who didn't know what he should have done or said to his newly acquainted friend. As Jiro went back to edging the lawn, Seito walked over.
"Good day," Seito greeted.
"Hello," Jiro responded back but he felt like he ought to pause first, to think about how he should ask Seito about the man who had just gotten into the taxi.
Out of politeness, Seito waited for Jiro to form his question. Thus, the two of them stood there awkwardly for a moment before anything happened. Then as if he hit upon something good, Jiro opened his lips and asked, "Is that your boyfriend?"
Seito snorted in a strange way. Jiro couldn't tell if he was disdainful or if he was reveling in Jiro's ignorance.
"He's not my boyfriend. Just a one night stand I picked up while working."
"Oh, I see," Jiro perfunctorily replied. It came out because he didn't know what else to say. Jiro hadn't lived long enough to figure out what he should and shouldn't say.
Seeing Jiro's lost face, Seito laughed. It had been a long time since he met someone so naïve. It almost reminded him of himself. Almost.
"Bah, don't worry about it. I'm open-minded when it comes to love and lust. If I see a man who strikes my fancy, I'll take him home with me. If I see a man who might be the one, I take him home with me. You see, between love and lust, there is a very fine line. The outcome is that when you wake up in the morning, with lust, you wish for the man to leave after breakfast. And with love, you wish for the man to stay forever after breakfast."
Jiro didn't quite understand everything, but he nodded his head at Seito's words, as though he were agreeing with the other's sage outlook on life.
Seito couldn't help himself. He reached out to rub Jiro's hair into a mess.
"Your hair is getting long. I have good hair stylist, if you're looking for one."
Shaking his head, Jiro replied, "It's alright, Soma says she'll have time to cut it in a day or two."
"Soma?" Seito asked, with a bewildered expression. "What can she do? She's just a middle-aged building manager."
Jiro felt like he had to defend his kind boss. "She cuts her own hair."
"Pfft!" Seito bent over, while holding his stomach. After a long bout of laughing, he finally calmed down enough to say, "It's . . . no. . . wonder her . . . hair looks . . . like a rat's nest."
Jiro's face fell. "Now that's enough. Soma is kind."
"And did I ever say she wasn't?" Seito curtly cut back. "Honestly now, do tell me if you think her hair cut is fashionable."
With a thoughtful face, Jiro deliberated before saying, "Her hair looks like my mother's."
"See," Seito answered. "You're young, and youngsters must have the latest haircut. Come find me when you're off work. I'll give you my hair stylist's number. Just remember to tell him that I recommended you."
"Alright," Jiro answered, knowing full well he probably wouldn't.
Chapter 46 – Seito and Jiro (1)
Late that evening, while leaning on Hiroyuki's chest, Jiro recounted the events of the day. He mentioned the hair stylist and Hiroyuki mulled over it before saying, "I think you should have a hair stylist cut your hair. Don't worry, I'll take you to my hair stylist."
Before, Hiroyuki hadn't mentioned a haircut because he thought Jiro wanted long hair. For this reason, he hadn't suggested for Jiro to get a haircut. Jiro's hair framed his petite face. Jiro had a small nose and soft plump lips. His eyes were narrow slits, making him look distinguished. On a whole, it couldn't be said that he was gorgeous, but someone passing by him, would take notice of that face.
Jiro vexed over his looks when he was going through puberty. He often thought he was ugly. But as he grew older, his short head elongated, making his features balanced out.
A few weeks later, Jiro returned from his haircut. He had proudly paid for his own haircut. Jiro liked not to be a burden on Hiroyuki. Paying his own way, made him feel a sense of impressiveness. Like a child who had finally mastered riding a bicycle for the first time.
His hair was now shorter, but not too short. Unlike before, where the longer strands of hair gave him a tad bit of femininity, his new haircut gave him a touch of youthfulness and modernity. The stylist had put some hair putty into his hair, in order to shape it into an anime character.
Jiro's chest was still puffed out with pride. As he stepped forward to walk upstairs, a familiar face walked down.
"I see you listened to my advice," Seito smiled as he stepped into the light, from the low-lit stairwell corridor. "I am felling rather hungry, Care to join me for a meal, my treat?"
Jiro liked Seito as a friend, and the other hadn't done anything to warrant Jiro from avoiding him. Thus, Jiro nodded his head and complied. As he walked with Seito to the restaurant, he messaged Hiroyuki, to let him know he wouldn't be home for dinner.
When Hiroyuki saw the message, he was a bit conflicted. On the one hand, he was happy Jiro had found a friend. On the other hand, he felt momentarily abandoned. He was unhappy for a quick second, before he shook away his foolish, selfish thought. In the end, Jiro would return to him. Seito couldn't compare.
As he thought of his lover, Hiroyuki unknowingly curved his lips into a faint smile. Ono, who happened to be passing by, saw Hiroyuki in his office, smiling foolishly to himself. Finding a chance to play around, Ono self-importantly entered Hiroyuki's office.
"What?" Hiroyuki asked, the smile wiped from his face.
"Look at you. Now that you have a lover, you forget about your dear friend."
"Stop teasing," Hiroyuki annoyedly answered, "How can anyone forget you. I was about to find you for dinner tonight."
Ono used his elbow to nudge Hiroyuki's shoulder. "Sure, you're only saying that probably because your lover is out with his friends."
Having been read through, Hiroyuki laughed embarrassedly.
As they walked to dinner, Hiroyuki and Ono came upon a group of men with almost stumbling footfalls. These men wore stormy, weathered expressions. As they passed the men, Ono said something funny, and the two of the burst out in unrestrained laughter.
The men, who were now behind them, turned around and barked loudly, "What is there to laugh about?"
Hiroyuki and Ono sobered up and returned with equally serious expressions at the group of men.
"We're sorry, if we offended," Ono apologized.
The man who spoke appeared to want to burst, he was jittery with barely containable anger. Just as he made the decision to move forward, one his friends grabbed him, holding him back.
"Don't bother with them," the other man soothed. "These kids don't know anything. They probably don't even pay attention to the news."
With this, the man who was holding back his anger closed his eyes and acquiesced. Then the group of men promptly turned around and left.
As their backs turned a corner and out of sight, Hiroyuki cheerfully said, "What happened to them?"
"Something in the news," Ono said, as he pulled out his phone to browse. "I've got it. It looks like Shin Hakuta Company went bankrupt."
The words touched Hiroyuki, causing him to cough loudly.
"What is it?" Ono asked.
"Nothing," Hiroyuki shook his head. But in his head, he thought, "Risa's father's company is bankrupt."
Afraid of worrying over someone from his past and spoiling the mood, Hiroyuki mustered up his best smile and said, "I'm glad I didn't buy their stocks."
Ono replied with a loud slap to his thigh, "I'll be damned. I think I have about ten of their stocks."
Seeing Ono's unpleasant twisted face, Hiroyuki said, "Come on, I'll treat you tonight."
Then Ono smiled slyly. Hiroyuki knew he had been had. But the words already uttered, couldn't be retracted.
Chapter 47 – Seito and Jiro (2)
At the restaurant, Jiro looked around in awe. His eyes darted back and forth at the lavish décor. The restaurant was a fancy Italian boutique. Not many people could afford to dine there. Jiro himself had never entered such a bourgeois restaurant. In his entire life, he had never dreamed of such a place into existence.
The fancily dressed waiter appeared with a leather-bound menu. Jiro stared at the menu and felt ashamed that he didn't recognize a single word. Of course, the menu was printed in Italian.
In the end, Seito ordered. Seito liked Jiro. Jiro was the very picture of himself in his youth. He liked how Jiro had yet to see the real world. In Jiro's eyes, the world was still a wonderful place. For Seito, who had met with many mishaps, the world was not a wonderful place any longer. Instead, the world held too many disgusting delights.
At the end of the day, Seito escorted Jiro home. And it was easy, since the two of them lived in the same building. Seito felt bit remorseful. If only he had met Jiro first and not that man. How fantastic it would be. Seito felt he could love Jiro better than Hiroyuki.
However, every meeting must bid farewell. Seito watched as Jiro closed the door on him. Alone, in the nearly dark corridor, his chest burst with unhappiness and his head was dizzy with anger. Why was it that he could never meet someone who he liked and have them like him back?
There was that man, his first love. But that man grew bored of Seito A fact, Seito wouldn't admit to verbally, even if his heart knew it to be true. The fickle nature of humans. And if someday Jiro matured, would Seito also grow bored of him?
Sometimes in life, it was better to be friends. In that way, you can always walk beside your beloved, never fearing that you'd part from each other. And just like that, Seito decided to shelve his feelings for Jiro.
But if one understood the psychology of it all, they would understand that Seito didn't have enough confidence to fight for love. Having been abandoned by his first lover, he too developed an inferiority complex, which resulted in him becoming stunted in affairs of the heart.
Later, Seito will meet someone who will teach him to grow his heart until he could fully love himself and love another. But that is a story for another time.
When Jiro returned, Hiroyuki was in the shower. Jiro found a set of pajamas and waited for Hiroyuki to finish. After his lover came out, he planned on going in and showering himself. Without warning, the door opened and Hiroyuki stepped out. A light misty fog came out with him. Because he thought he was alone, Hiroyuki hadn't brought in a set of clothes to change into before coming out. Now, in the buff, he stood in front of an awed Jiro.
Taking the opportunity, Hiroyuki asked, "Like what you see?"
Jiro blinked a few times and then shyly tucked his chin to his chest. Hiroyuki approached him. Jiro saw two beautifully formed feet below. He looked up and his lips were swiftly captured. The kiss melted anything on his mind. The two men became entangled. Clothes fell to the floor. After a long bout of kissing and petting, Jiro was let off. He clamored to the bathroom and closed it behind him. His face blushing. It wasn't like he and Hiroyuki hadn't done these things before, but due to the unannounced nature of it, it caught Jiro by absolute surprise.
In the bathroom, Jiro cleaned up the white goop that was a mixture of his own and his lover's. He smiled as he thought of their previous actions. But he wondered, when will they delve deeper?
Chapter 48 – Seito and Jiro (3)
The following day, Jiro was working when Seito appeared. Like a ninja shuffling on cotton, the quiet moving Seito stood beside Jiro for a brief moment, before Jiro finally noticed him.
"Don't scare me like that."
Seito chuckled. "What? Is it my fault you're not mindful enough."
"That's right," Jiro said with a satisfied grin. Then he added, "Before I forget, I have something for you. I'll be going on lunch break soon. Will you be home?"
"I can follow you to your apartment unit to get it."
Jiro nodded, "Alright."
When lunch time rolled around, Jiro told Soma he would be back in a moment for lunch. Then he took Seito with him. The two went up into the apartment unit. Seito looked around. The apartment was rather bare. He looked up and saw a carved piece of wood.
"Did you do that?" he asked Jiro.
Jiro turned to look at what Seito was talking about. "A little bit. But my dad did the more difficult details."
"It's lovely," Seito complimented.
"I'm glad you think so," Jiro said. Then he handed Seito something wrapped in tissue paper. Seito unfolded the paper and found a carved fish netsuke inside. The fish scales had been meticulously carved. It was strung on beautiful braided thread.
"Thank you. It's beautiful," Seito said, as he picked up the netsuke to examine it more closely.
"This is to thank you for being my friend," Jiro said.
And then he grinned at Seito.
On his way home from work, Hiroyuki was in a good mood. It seemed Ono was being courted by a young lady in the receptionist department. Being a greeter, the girl had quite the looks. Her voice was also pleasing to hear. Unlike the wild cat, who had a shrill voice.
Hiroyuki wasn't paying attention to the going on around him. By the time he did notice, it was rather too late for him to avoid her. In front of Hiroyuki stood a young lady. She seemed distressed, but when she saw him, her eyes lit up.
Hiroyuki hadn't thought he'd see the girl again, or at least not so soon. He wondered if still had time to turn and walk the other way. Seeing her, he knew there would be trouble.
Then just as he thought about turning back, he heard the girl call out, "Hiroyuki, wait."
Chapter 49 – Risa (1)
Risa anxiously called out Hiroyuki's name. She knew she shouldn't come to find him. They had nothing to do with each other now. But still, to save her father and the company, she had to exhaust every possibility available to her.
She held the person in front of her as her last hope.
Hiroyuki looked nervously at Risa, before he plastered a fake smile on his lips to say, "Hello. Long time no see."
Risa returned his greeting with a sweet smile. "Shall we find a café to catch up?"
Hiroyuki continued to smile, but his lips stiffened. His fake smiled turned into an upright sneer. He knew shy she was here. And there really wasn't anything he could do to help her. At least, not at the moment. If he had returned home, maybe, there was a slight chance. However, his father had always warned him to put the company, the enterprise before love, before familial affections.
Hiroyuki saw the girl and he could feel her presence, but in his mind, he only thought about returning home to Jiro. At what point had Jiro become his anchor against the madness of this world?
"I'm sorry, but my lover is waiting for me."
Risa's face turned with surprise, before she quickly hid it away. With an even faker smile, compared to Hiroyuki's, she warmly said, "Then perhaps tomorrow?"
Hiroyuki shook his head. "I don't think my lover would like for me to meet up with my exgirlfriend."
Out of desperation, she cut him off and plainly said, "I'm not here to rekindle any romantic interests, I'm here to offer you a business proposition."
Hiroyuki blinked a few times at the woman. She had calculated everything before coming to see him. She even came up with what she would say to counter his rejections. This time with a sad smile, Hiroyuki replied, "We both know I'm not much for business."
As he watched the woman scurrying off in panic, Hiroyuki wondered what he once liked about Risa. Was it simply because he was lonely? Or did he date her because he was following what he thought were his mother's wishes.
Shaking his head, Hiroyuki felt a bit helpless as he strode home, amidst the busy, jam-packed streets.
At home, Jiro had cooked another dinner. It was clam soup in a clear broth. There were also green beans and something he had never seen before. He poked at it with his chopsticks.
"That's a type of cauliflower," Jiro said, since had had forgotten the cauliflower's name. "It's very beautiful, like the spiral on a conch shell."
Having heard Jiro's apt description, Hiroyuki said, "Romanesco."
"Yes, that's it," Jiro happily exclaimed. He was proud of Hiroyuki's knowledge.
With a faint smile, Hiroyuki said, "Jiro, have you thought about going back to school and earning a degree?"
Jiro's smile faded.
"I'm a bit too old," Jiro quietly said. "And my head isn't made for schooling. I'll just waste the tuition fees."
"Then, what would you like to do career wise?"
"I don't know," Jiro answered. Then he thought for while before saying, "I'd like to do work that lets me work with my hands. Similar to what I'm doing now, but with better pay."
Hiroyuki nodded. "Alright, I'll help you look."
Jiro felt invigorated by the promise.
Chapter 50 – Risa (2)
The following days, as he walked back to the apartment, Hiroyuki had a sinking feeling someone was following him. Yet, every time he turned his head to look, said person would vanish out of sight. At first, he worried it was an admirer with a stalking hobby, but Hiroyuki didn't think he was good-looking enough to attract this type of ardent fan.
Back in high school, girls would follow behind him as he walked on campus. When he played baseball, girls would show up to cheer him on. When he played the violin in music class, the girls would watch him dreamily, quiet as can be, for fear of disturbing his focus.
Now that he thought of it, maybe he did have some charm?
Hiroyuki quickened his pace, crossing a crosswalk with only a few seconds left for pedestrians to walk across. When he reached the other side, he turned back and he saw, a very flabbergasted-looking Risa, in a black trench coat and an oversized sun hat. Their eyes met briefly, before the cars started up and drove pass.
In a blink of an eye, when cars stopped, Risa looked but didn't see a shadow of Hiroyuki.
A soft indescribable sadness flickered in her eyes, before it turned into utter and complete hatred.
The once lofty Risa was now reduced to living in a rental studio, the size of a shoebox. Her father had been apprehended by the police for questioning. Her mother had fled overseas with the last remnants of the family wealth. And why did all these things happened? Because her father blindly trusted his dear friend, Asano Hayato, Hiroyuki's father.
One could see her eyes were red and full of hurt. Her fingers were clenched tightly, tight enough that the fingernails were digging into the flesh of her palms.
She had wanted to be nice but now, she couldn't do anything besides . . . It wasn't she who was heartless, it was Hiroyuki. When everything was done for, he can't blame her.
As she thought of this, her guilt eased. Yes, she wasn't to blame for everything that was about to happen.
The next few days, Hiroyuki didn't see any signs of Risa. He breathed a sigh of relief. Honestly, he couldn't help her, even if he wanted to. This time too many funds had been used. The remaining capital left wasn't enough to help Risa's father turn around. The company stocks were definitely worthless now.
But Hiroyuki knew that it was also a good time for someone with money to jump in and by up all the shares. In this way, they could control the company. He had heard of unscrupulous business men, who would buy a failing company and promise to turn it around, when in reality, they planned to gut it and sell off everything piece by piece. As he thought of this, is father's image popped up suddenly in his mind.
Hiroyuki frowned. Watching his friend's face turn as fast as a pop music video, Ono said, "What are you thinking? Fighting with your little lover?"
Hiroyuki shook his head. "I was thinking about a troublesome situation."
"Well, cheer up. I have good news for you."
"Good news?"
"Yup, I have an open position in my department. I know you asked me a while back to tell you of any openings."
"That is good news," Hiroyuki replied. His face mind completely forgot about his previous troubles.
Ono laughed a little, "Now I also have to hand in this office romance declaration slip."
Hiroyuki looked at the piece of paper in his hand. "You didn't learn your less on last time with the wild cat?"
"What do you mean?" Ono fiercely , but with a touch of joking, "I like her."
"I know, but that's what you also said about the wild cat."
"That was different. This is true love."
Hiroyuki smiled and said aloud to himself, "How long will this relationship last. How much money should I bet?"
"Stop fooling around," Ono nudged Hiroyuki's shoulder. "When do you think your friend can apply?"
"To tell you the truth, it's my boyfriend."
"Oh? . . . oh, I will definitely go easy on him," Ono enunciated. He wanted to be on Hiroyuki's good side. In the future, if things should go sour with his current girlfriend, he knew Hiroyuki would help him resolve it.
When Hiroyuki returned home, he found Jiro cooking in the kitchen. Hiroyuki came over and hugged the chef from behind. Then he bent his slightly lowered head to rest in Jiro's neck crook. He took a long inhale. The scent of Jiro's natural body coupled with the smell of the food in the pan caused Hiroyuki to want more. He nuzzled Jiro's neck.
"I love you," he told Jiro his daily words of love.
Jiro with a smile in his voice, answered, "I love you too."