Let's hear it for the boys (2/6)
Jun. 18th, 2015 09:12 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wendyjolyTitle: Let’s hear it for the boys
Author: WendyJoly
Beta: The indispensable![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
jtaytt
Length: Chaptered
Rating: From PG to NC-17
Pairing: Sakumiya (Sho Sakurai X Ninomiya Kazunari) , Junba (Matsumoto Jun X Aiba Masaki), special guest : Ikuta Toma, Tomoya Nagase, Juri Ueno
Summary: Ninomiya Kazunari is a heartbroken columnist for a national paper. Repeatedly unhappy in love, he ends by elaborating a theory telling that gay people are meant to be unfaithful, that’s it is in their nature. The day his boss asks him to be hired in a gay club to write a series of article on the subject, he doesn’t think twice and accept this one-time opportunity.
Second drink
Nino spent his day in bed after the first night of work. He was totally drained.
He quickly understood that he was tested and that if the Devilish boss didn’t intend to fire him, the door was wide open for him to leave.
But he couldn’t give up and after one night in the overcrowded club, he was convinced that his theory was good. Frankly, did anyone ever see a toilet door with “No sex in the bathroom that’s why the couches are here” anywhere but in a gay club?!
No, these guys were here for one and one purpose only, to have sex. With the first pretty looking boy they could meet, pretty being optional, they didn’t care about what this man was doing in life, what he liked or the movies he saw. Nino was not even sure if they asked for their first name before…before…you know what.
That was precisely what he was typing on his laptop by the end of afternoon, after he just came out of the bathroom. He was wearing the hotel bathrobe and mentally thanked his editor for providing him a so wonderful bedroom. It was freaking hot outside and Nino must admit that working at night had at least one advantage, avoiding the Kyoto persistent sun. He took notes of everything. What the clients told him, what they asked him, the way he did his best not to understand their allusions to the most intimate parts of his anatomy.
The quicker he would write this article, the quicker he would go back to his life. He already missed it.
What should he wear for the second night? A ski suit? Tsk…
He cautiously chose a plain white T-shirt and a pair of vintage jeans, some black boots (since he would have to walk for kilometers at the club he should wear walking boots and not his usual converses which killed his feet last night). He headed to his new work place after his daily phone’s call to his sister. She was pretty upset with him, that was her way to show him that she cared and Nino could only reassure her, avoiding on purpose to explain what he was currently doing.
When he entered the club, he was surprised to find the Boss with two other guys. Yet, last night he was alone with him.
“Ninomiya-kun. Come here.”
He put his leather bag on the counter and Sakurai introduced him to his colleagues.
“Guys, this is Ninomiya. Ninomiya, this is Masaki-kun who works as waiter like you and Jun-kun the DJ of the club. Yesterday was their day off.”
“He asked us to stay home yesterday, he wanted to be all alone with you. Though, I understand now, I would like to be alone with you too…” Aiba said with a friendly pat on Nino’s shoulder.
Nino sighed loudly and finally smiled ironically. If he was still here, it was because he passed the test, wasn’t it?
“Masaki, check the alcohol stock with him, explain to him the process. You’ll have to do this each day when you’ll take your shift. You have to sign your contract too. Any question?”
“Not for the moment. I guess I’ll ask to Masaki-kun if something comes up.”
Anything but talking to this insensitive guy again, plus this Masaki seemed to be kind. Jun-kun…Nino couldn’t tell. He was absolutely handsome but he had nothing to do with the clients of the place. Was he even gay?
“Come with me, we’ll walk around before the club opening. Sho-kun showed you the place?”
“Sho-kun?” Nino asked stopping short.
“The Boss. Sakurai-san.”
“Oh, he didn’t. I worked all the time…since I was alone.”
“He’s funny, ne?” Aiba smiled as if it was a given…
Though that was not the word Nino would have used. He was sexy and handsome but certainly not ‘funny’ Nino thought, slapping himself mentally for even thinking about Sakurai this way.
“If you could see the number of waiters who quit after their first night! Happy to see you joining the team.”
The journalist immediately decided to cling on him, he was exactly the kind of person he liked to have for friend. He was almost…innocent, despite his natural way to hit on him.
At least…that was what Nino thought until he saw him during his shift. Relationships were forbidden between employees, that was the first thing Aiba explained to Nino, but having intimate relationship with the clients were totally allowed and clearly ‘but not during the service’ he added with a serious look.
“Ahh I would like so much having sex outside.”
Nino just put his platter on the counter and Aiba placed his elbows on it. The awful Boss chuckled.
“You already had sex outside, Ma-chan.”
“Not in the club back alley!! Outside-outside, like under a tree at the country, or on a beach.”
“With sands scratching your ass, or ants in your underpants. What a great idea.”
“You’re such a romance slayer, Boss. Yet, I must admit you’re right. Nino, did you ever try sex outside?” Aiba turned around to face a very startled Nino.
What. The. Hell.
“Don’t embarrass Snow White, he’s still virgin.” The awful boss snapped with a mocking smirk and Nino seethed.
“I’M NOT~ whatever. Two rainbow cocktails, please, Boss.”
They were teasing him and even if Nino was totally aware of it, he couldn’t help but be pissed off. He looked elsewhere and spotted Jun as he was covering one of his ears with his earphone. The music slowly shut down and a religious silence fell on the club.
“What’s up Party peopleeeeee?”
Masaki-kun put his arm around Nino’s shoulders and the latter couldn’t take off his look of Jun. He was stunning behind his turntable slightly enlightened and the music he began to play set the dance floor on fire.
“Enjoy, he will leave the club at 3AM.”
“3 AM? Why?”
Aiba shrugged and dragged him behind him onto the dance floor. Nino clearly heard Sakurai laughing but Masaki grabbed his wrist firmly and soon they were in the middle of the crowd. He pushed, pulled but Nino couldn’t escape to go back to the counter.
“Dance with me!”
“I can’t dance. I never did this.”
“Just let yourself go, you’re working in a nightclub, not in a museum!”
He couldn’t do this, was Nino’s first thought. Aiba began to move gracefully and he took Nino’s hands to make him sway.
“Hey guys, say hello to our new waiter, Nino!!”
Jun lighted a spot on Nino and the dancers patted his shoulders, he had no other choice but to dance. Against all odds, it was excessively fun, thought Nino. He focused on Aiba and imitated his moves the best he could. He even danced with some clients and when the song ended his colleague had to haul him out of the dance floor unwillingly.
“Time to go back to work!” He yelled at his ear, loud enough to be heard.
Nino took back his platter and Sakurai grinned enigmatically.
“You move very well, Snow White.”
“Stop calling me Snow White!”
“You’re too cute.”
“I thought that the relationships between employees were forbidden.” He mumbled pitifully.
“I’m not an employee and I’m not hitting on you, I’m het.”
“You are…?”
“What? Do you have to be vegetarian to work in a vegetables shop?”
He was so gross, it was almost comical.
“What’s with this comparison?”
“Beware, I could change my mind with such a cute guy.”
“You’re disgusting.”
“You’re cute enough for the both of us.” Sho leaned on Nino above the counter and the need to hit his boss tickled him once again.
Okay, he decided to toy with him but he would not win the game, thought Nino. He was persistent and if he was tempted to tell him that he was ready to forget his theory about het people and their promise of a blissful future, he couldn’t.
It would be his pleasure to tell him that when he give him his resignation letter.
“He’s here!” Masaki pointed at a man sitting at a table, who was writing or drawing, Nino couldn’t really tell from where he was but it was totally improbable in this kind of place.
“Who’s this man?”
“He’s Jun-kun’s stalker.”
“What?” Nino frowned to have a better look on the strange man. He was bent on a table, a pen in the hand and was drawing (writing?) something, his face deadly serious.
“He sat at this very table five minutes before Jun-kun’s performance and as soon as he leaves the club, this weirdo exits behind him.”
“What is he doing exactly?”
“Don’t know, he hides his stuff when you approach him.”
“Did you talk to him?”
“No way, he’s too weird.”
Nino couldn’t help but laughing. This guy wasn’t the weirdest thing in this place comparing with those men who were dancing here in mini-short or leather suits…he was not dressed to party but in everyday clothes, nothing fancy but nothing shocking either.
“Of course, we’re all weird here, but he’s out-of-place. Who would come in a night club to write?”
“Him, obviously.”
“You should talk to him.” said Sakurai in a smoke cloud.
“Me?!”
“You said you were good at listening to others, this is your chance to prove it.”
“I’m working currently. Boss.” Nino snapped and ran away far from the piercing eyes of his boss.
♥♦♥
“Where are you living? Could we have a party at your place?”
“You’re too enthusiastic.” Nino snapped, turning his back to his too energetic colleague.
Crap. He didn’t see it coming. Aiba acted as if they were childhood friends with him. Apparently, the fact that he never saw his apartment after two weeks of working together was totally incomprehensible for this guy. Nino ran away the best he could but Aiba followed him…
“So when?”
“When what?” Nino put the two glasses his clients ordered on the table, avoiding Aiba’s gaze.
“Go on, you understood.”
“We can’t. I live at the hotel.”
He stared at Nino, dumbfounded and for the very first time since they met, his endless babbling ceased. It was almost shocking….
“Are you crazy? Sho-kun already paid you?”
“Not yet.”
“So you’ll get what I mean very soon. You’re not paid enough to afford a hotel room, you’re just a waiter! Though…it’s your luck, my roommate just moved out.”
Oh, no, no way! He was kind and funnily weird but the journalist couldn’t live with him. How would he write his article in peace, if he was permanently around him, talking, moving around, and spying on him?
“I don’t want you to leave the club, Nino, please! The rent is really cheap and I sleep most of the time during the day. Come with me after work at least, to look the house around. Plus, you’d save my life, I can’t afford the rent alone.”
“…Okay. I’ll come.” How could he refuse something to those puppy eyes?
Sakurai seemed to be quieter lately with Nino. He still had this ironical look when he gazed at him, as if the latter had something horrible in the middle of the face, but at least he left him alone. More or less.
However, tonight Sakurai kept his eyes on Nino and Nino hated this. What did he have in mind? He didn’t “like” him since he was het so the second option was a work problem. Nino couldn’t quit now, his article was far from being written. He just sent the first proof to his editor and he was waiting his green light to keep on…
Eventually, his silence was worse than his derisive remarks.
“Nino, ready?” Masaki patted his shoulder.
“I’ll take a shower and I’m all yours.”
“Really?!”
“Of course not.”
“I’m joking, you can be not so funny sometimes…”
“I’ll be right back.”
Nino undressed quickly and turned on the water, leaving a moan of pleasure passing his lips. He was washing his back when someone knocked.
“I’m almost done, Masaki-kun.”
“I’m not Masaki.” A low voice said from the other side of the door.
Fuck, Sakurai, what did he want?
“I’m under the shower, Boss.”
He laughed and Nino mentally slapped his head. Why was he so helpless with him? He knew obviously where Nino was…
“Are you free tomorrow evening?” Sho said bluntly.
“Before work?”
“Yeah, for dinner.”
Did he plan to treat him? Perhaps was he not so inconsiderate after all…
“Masaki and Jun will be there?”
“I…no…just the two of us. I need you for something.”
“What for?”
“To play my boyfriend. Would you do this for me?”
♥♣♥
This sounded totally crazy. From Aiba, Sho probably would just have laughed and forget it immediately. But Jun was pragmatic and each of his words was pondered and sharp.
As Sho was avoiding one of his mother’s calls for the nth time, Jun had patted his head.
“My mother arranged a diner with the kimono girl. Alone. And now, what can I do?”
“Go to this dinner, with someone.” Jun said quietly, sipping his cup of coffee.
“What do you mean?”
“If you explain nicely that you’re in love with someone else, she will leave you alone.” Jun put his coffee cup on the counter and stared at Sho.
“And she will tell to my mother, then my mother will choose a date for the marriage.”
“So, find someone you can’t marry.”
“She will never believe that I will date a girl I can’t marry.”
“Not a girl…True.”
“What do you mean?”
“From my recollection, two boys can’t marry.”
“…No way. I’m not gay.”
“But if you want to get rid of your mother, you can pretend to be.”
“Will you~”
“Go to Hell.”
“Masaki?” Sho arched his eyebrows, trying to get what Jun had in mind.
“He’s not precisely the most serious guy around you, but Nino…”
“Nino?”
“He’s cute and nice and serious…”
“Okay, marry him.” Sho walked by the counter and poured himself a mug of coffee, cursing this barista machine which was a pain in the ass to use.
“I’m not interested, but I’m pretty sure that if you were gay he could be your type. At least, your mother can believe it, there’s a strange chemistry between you…” Jun pushed his boss and skilfully served him.
“Don’t fuck with me. He hates me.”
“Be nice. Ask him politely.” Jun smiled and handed his boss the filled mug.
“Don’t know, Jun…”
“It’s your choice Sho-kun. But you have to admit that it’s a radical solution.”
That was why Sakurai ended at the door of a shower, idiotically hoping that Ninomiya would accept to be his fake boyfriend, for duration of an evening.
“Nino, you’re still here?”
The door slowly opened and he got out, a towel around his slim waist.
“Listen Boss, I don’t dislike you, but I don’t go out with het. They want to try, just for the sexual experiment and…my heart can’t afford another disillusion. But you’re a gorgeous man, and the club is full of men who would be delighted to have a one-night-stand with you, they even call you…do I really have to repeat such a salacious nickname~ what?”
He was red as hell and Sho was pretty sure that the shower hadn’t anything to do with his complexion. Somehow he was flattered. Nino didn’t totally reject him or was he misunderstanding? He called him gorgeous, really, or was it just a polite way to dump him?
“Keep on.”
“I don’t want to keep on. I have the feeling that you’re simply mocking me. Now if you could let me dress, Masaki is waiting for me and I’m almost naked.”
His embarrassment left its place to an obvious irritation. That was not a good way to ask him a favour…
“Excuse me, I’m serious. My mother decided to find me a wife and she will cling on me until the end of days if I don’t find a solution. Even a temporary solution.”
“Why don’t you tell her?”
“She’s incredibly stubborn.”
“So give up and marry a girl.”
“I don’t want. Look, it’s just for a dinner. Just a few hours in a refined restaurant and I promise to behave. I can’t beg you anymore, so just accept.”
“And in exchange?”
“What in exchange?”
“Will you stop harassing me?”
“I don’t really…okay.”
“Stop calling me Snow White and I don’t want to be the only waiter to clean the toilets anymore. It’s nauseating.”
“I agree.”
“Perfect. So we’ve got a deal.”
Sho would never have imagined that it would be so hard to deal with him. He had some guts, the owner was impressed.
“Now, would you please leave me alone, I have to dress and since you’re not my real boyfriend, I’d appreciate some privacy.”
“Of course.”
Sho stepped back as Nino was opening his towel but he felt like he was paralyzed, his feet refusing to obey. Nino gazed at him over his shoulder and fuck…this time Sho was the one to blush. He quickly exited the restroom and ran into Jun.
“So?”
“He…he accepted.”
Jun smirked and winked at Sho.
At 5PM Sho was in front of the station and Nino was already here. He opened the car door and his waiter sat by his side after a brief wave.
His hair was still wet and he smelled divine. It’s something Sho had already noticed, even after his shift he smelled a sweet and flourish perfume, how could he do that?
“Where are we going?”
Nino was holding his bag against him as if he had to protect himself. Sho smiled and lowered the music.
“We have to buy you an outfit. You’re really nicely dressed but for the restaurant we’re going to, you have to wear a suit. A dark one, preferably.”
“You’ll pay for it?”
“Of course. Who do you think I am?” Sho frowned as vexed.
“Don’t know. I don’t know who you are.”
He was right. Jun talked about chemistry between them but was it enough to fake an intimate relationship?
“True. What do you know about me?”
“It’s not flattering enough to be said and I’m too polite.”
Sho laughed out loud and Nino hid a smirk behind the back of his hand.
“My family is rich. Very rich. I have a degree in business and economical science.”
“I lived with my mother who’s single and works in housekeeping. I have a degree in sociology.”
“How old are you? Really? Not the crap you told me to be hired.”
“24.”Nino confessed lowering his head.
“First thing to know, you don’t have to lie to me. I never judge anyone.”
“Everybody judges everybody.”
“Not me.”
“That’s probably why I’m in love with you.” Nino said with a luminous smile.
Sho’s heart skipped a beat and he stared at him, astonished.
“The road, look at the road!” Of course he was joking… “Tell me something personal.”
“Like what?”
“Anything will be fine, something I could slip into the conversation to give the illusion that we’re close.”
“That’s here.”
Sho pointed at the huge commercial building and he parked his car, taking the time to think about this “personal” matter. What could he confess? He didn’t judge anybody but Nino, was he able to do the same? According to his own experience, he seriously doubt of it.
They were heading to Sho’s favourite shop, a big famous brand where they would find exactly what he had in mind for Nino.
The sellers bowed at him, naturally, since he was one of their regulars and they didn’t even ask him to crush his cigarette in their shop anymore. Truth to be told, Sho didn’t smoke in his car for Nino’s sake and he would have sold his soul for a cigarette now.
“I’m looking for something classic but trendy, for my friend. A suit, grey or dark…”
“Certainly Sir.”
Nino followed him and Sho sat on a couch, staring at a magazine vaguely. Heartbroken Column, how can you be desperate enough to tell your loneliness to an old maid hidden behind her computer?
“How do you find it?”
Nino was in front of Sho, his hands on his hips. He wore a black suit and a dark shirt, a tie negligently hanging at his neck.
“And with the necktie?”
“Sure.” He tied it skilfully and raised his eyebrows to request approval.
“I don’t know how to tie a necktie. You’re…perfect.”
“Thanks. So we’re done?”
“Yeah. We’re ready for the dinner.”
This was the place-to-be for the young entrepreneurs and businessmen of Kyoto. Sho came here several times for professional or family meetings. He walked to the woman at the reception directly.
“Sakurai.”
“Follow me, please, Mister Sakurai.”
They made their way to the private room reserved by…yeah, his mother. They sat side by side at the table, and Sho ordered two glasses of wine. He needed to relax but Nino was clearly panicking.
“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. She will pass the threshold; I’ll explain the reason why I had to accept these omiais and why I can’t see her from now. She’s a delicate woman, she will understand.”
“And you’ll be free until the next one.”
“Exactly. She’s here.”
They stood up as she was entering the room and if she was surprised to see Nino with Sho, she didn’t show it. As expected with this kind of elite girl…
“Miyazaki-san.”
She sat in front of the two men and Sho was somehow relieved to see her dressed with a plain white dress.
“Let me introduce you to Ninomiya-san. He’s a very dear friend. My very dear friend.”
Sho took a tone he hoped to be confident. She blushed suddenly and Sho didn’t even look at Nino who would be mortified.
“Listen, I didn’t want to set a trap but~”
“I’m so confused, I didn’t know, and your mother didn’t tell me…”
“She doesn’t know, she’s so obsessed by my marriage, I can’t break her heart.”
“I’m so sorry, Sakurai-san.” Aoi bowed at him, very embarrassed.
“You don’t have to.” Sho put his hands on Nino’s and he thought that he would have to apologize properly to him later. He noticed that Nino was clenching his jaws angrily. Was he angry at him?
“Oh, I think I have to, I asked her to join us. I was not very comfortable with the idea of meeting you alone. She’s probably already here.”
Now, Sho was the one to panic. Bluffing in face of a perfect stranger was one thing; bluffing in front of the woman who knew him best was clearly impossible. And Nino didn’t seem to be able to take the lead.
“Komban wa.”
She was already entering the room and she stared at Nino more than she should. She sat slowly and her little smirk was pretty revealing. I’m dead, thought Sho.
“Sho, who’s your friend?”
“Sorry, I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Ninomiya Kazunari, Sho’s friend.”
“And you’re at this table, with us, because…?”
“We had a business meeting and~” Began Nino, offering Sho an exit door.
“He’s my boyfriend, mother. I wanted to explain to Aoi-san why I couldn’t marry her. I guess now…you know too.”
She smiled to Aoi and to Nino, then stared at her son exactly the way she did when she scolded him when he was five and did something silly.
“Sho, you are a lot of things, but certainly not a gay man. Are you really thinking I never saw all those girls you seduced and brought back home inconspicuously?”
“I changed, mother. And since I met Nino I’m a serious man. I’m almost 30 now. I have no time to lose anymore.”
Sho felt pitiful with his shitty arguments and he knew that his mother didn’t even believe him one second.
“What are you doing to earn your livings, Ninomiya-san?”
“I’m waiter, Madam.”
“My son’s waiter?”
“Yes, Madam.”
“How convenient.”
“A lot of couple meet on their workplace, it’s pretty common.”
Sho could have kissed him for being so assertive suddenly and when Nino took his hand to intertwine their fingers, Sho could have~ no way he was not gay.
“Sakurai-san, Sho didn’t intend to tell you that we’re in love tonight, he wanted to apologize to Aoi-san and that’s why I joined them. I’m afraid you have a bad impression about me now. I’m sincerely sorry.”
She opened her mouth and closed it without a word, but Sho knew she’s not convinced.
“Are we eating?” Said his mother, her usual subtle smile adorning her lips.
“Really?”
“Really. If Aoi-san accepts to keep us company after all, she came all the way to eat in this delicious restaurant. And I would like to learn more about Ninomiya-san. Or will you confess now that you lied?”
That’s the very moment Sho forgot that he was an adult, responsible, able to resist the maternal pressure, that she knew the best way to humiliate him and reminded him that she was the boss.
Without thinking further Sho leaned towards Nino and kissed him. Not the kind of kiss you have with a one-night-stand or a person you’re simply dating. A kiss with all the love Sho would have liked to share with a person he would have sincerely loved. He made it respectful and chaste but he closed his eyes and soon enjoyed it, deepened it. Forgetting the fact that it was just a childish provocation, the fact that his mother was surely already looking elsewhere to hide her embarrassment. Sho felt Nino’s warmth under his lips, the red of his cheeks under his lingering fingers, the soft perfume of wine in his breath.
He didn’t want.
He didn’t want to steal from him a real kiss but Nino let him do, he offered him a tenderness he never found, never searched with any of his partners. Kisses were always just preliminary to a more intimate contact.
Nino put his hand on Sho’s elbow and moved back unhurriedly.
“They left.”
What?! They were alone in the room and after consideration, no wonder, it was clearly outrageous. But against all odds, Sho didn’t give a shit; he was just carefully choosing the words he wanted to say to Nino.
“And I take my leave too. Lucky for you, I’m a nice and slim guy. If I was stronger I’d had kick your ass. Don’t you ever dare to kiss me again without asking me first.”
“Where are you going?”
“Home. See you at work.”
Nino was furious and yet Sho couldn’t ease the beats of his heart. He brushed his lips with his thumb, only to realize that he just kissed a man. And that he liked it so much.
Author: WendyJoly
Beta: The indispensable
jtayttLength: Chaptered
Rating: From PG to NC-17
Pairing: Sakumiya (Sho Sakurai X Ninomiya Kazunari) , Junba (Matsumoto Jun X Aiba Masaki), special guest : Ikuta Toma, Tomoya Nagase, Juri Ueno
Summary: Ninomiya Kazunari is a heartbroken columnist for a national paper. Repeatedly unhappy in love, he ends by elaborating a theory telling that gay people are meant to be unfaithful, that’s it is in their nature. The day his boss asks him to be hired in a gay club to write a series of article on the subject, he doesn’t think twice and accept this one-time opportunity.
Nino spent his day in bed after the first night of work. He was totally drained.
He quickly understood that he was tested and that if the Devilish boss didn’t intend to fire him, the door was wide open for him to leave.
But he couldn’t give up and after one night in the overcrowded club, he was convinced that his theory was good. Frankly, did anyone ever see a toilet door with “No sex in the bathroom that’s why the couches are here” anywhere but in a gay club?!
No, these guys were here for one and one purpose only, to have sex. With the first pretty looking boy they could meet, pretty being optional, they didn’t care about what this man was doing in life, what he liked or the movies he saw. Nino was not even sure if they asked for their first name before…before…you know what.
That was precisely what he was typing on his laptop by the end of afternoon, after he just came out of the bathroom. He was wearing the hotel bathrobe and mentally thanked his editor for providing him a so wonderful bedroom. It was freaking hot outside and Nino must admit that working at night had at least one advantage, avoiding the Kyoto persistent sun. He took notes of everything. What the clients told him, what they asked him, the way he did his best not to understand their allusions to the most intimate parts of his anatomy.
The quicker he would write this article, the quicker he would go back to his life. He already missed it.
What should he wear for the second night? A ski suit? Tsk…
He cautiously chose a plain white T-shirt and a pair of vintage jeans, some black boots (since he would have to walk for kilometers at the club he should wear walking boots and not his usual converses which killed his feet last night). He headed to his new work place after his daily phone’s call to his sister. She was pretty upset with him, that was her way to show him that she cared and Nino could only reassure her, avoiding on purpose to explain what he was currently doing.
When he entered the club, he was surprised to find the Boss with two other guys. Yet, last night he was alone with him.
“Ninomiya-kun. Come here.”
He put his leather bag on the counter and Sakurai introduced him to his colleagues.
“Guys, this is Ninomiya. Ninomiya, this is Masaki-kun who works as waiter like you and Jun-kun the DJ of the club. Yesterday was their day off.”
“He asked us to stay home yesterday, he wanted to be all alone with you. Though, I understand now, I would like to be alone with you too…” Aiba said with a friendly pat on Nino’s shoulder.
Nino sighed loudly and finally smiled ironically. If he was still here, it was because he passed the test, wasn’t it?
“Masaki, check the alcohol stock with him, explain to him the process. You’ll have to do this each day when you’ll take your shift. You have to sign your contract too. Any question?”
“Not for the moment. I guess I’ll ask to Masaki-kun if something comes up.”
Anything but talking to this insensitive guy again, plus this Masaki seemed to be kind. Jun-kun…Nino couldn’t tell. He was absolutely handsome but he had nothing to do with the clients of the place. Was he even gay?
“Come with me, we’ll walk around before the club opening. Sho-kun showed you the place?”
“Sho-kun?” Nino asked stopping short.
“The Boss. Sakurai-san.”
“Oh, he didn’t. I worked all the time…since I was alone.”
“He’s funny, ne?” Aiba smiled as if it was a given…
Though that was not the word Nino would have used. He was sexy and handsome but certainly not ‘funny’ Nino thought, slapping himself mentally for even thinking about Sakurai this way.
“If you could see the number of waiters who quit after their first night! Happy to see you joining the team.”
The journalist immediately decided to cling on him, he was exactly the kind of person he liked to have for friend. He was almost…innocent, despite his natural way to hit on him.
At least…that was what Nino thought until he saw him during his shift. Relationships were forbidden between employees, that was the first thing Aiba explained to Nino, but having intimate relationship with the clients were totally allowed and clearly ‘but not during the service’ he added with a serious look.
“Ahh I would like so much having sex outside.”
Nino just put his platter on the counter and Aiba placed his elbows on it. The awful Boss chuckled.
“You already had sex outside, Ma-chan.”
“Not in the club back alley!! Outside-outside, like under a tree at the country, or on a beach.”
“With sands scratching your ass, or ants in your underpants. What a great idea.”
“You’re such a romance slayer, Boss. Yet, I must admit you’re right. Nino, did you ever try sex outside?” Aiba turned around to face a very startled Nino.
What. The. Hell.
“Don’t embarrass Snow White, he’s still virgin.” The awful boss snapped with a mocking smirk and Nino seethed.
“I’M NOT~ whatever. Two rainbow cocktails, please, Boss.”
They were teasing him and even if Nino was totally aware of it, he couldn’t help but be pissed off. He looked elsewhere and spotted Jun as he was covering one of his ears with his earphone. The music slowly shut down and a religious silence fell on the club.
“What’s up Party peopleeeeee?”
Masaki-kun put his arm around Nino’s shoulders and the latter couldn’t take off his look of Jun. He was stunning behind his turntable slightly enlightened and the music he began to play set the dance floor on fire.
“Enjoy, he will leave the club at 3AM.”
“3 AM? Why?”
Aiba shrugged and dragged him behind him onto the dance floor. Nino clearly heard Sakurai laughing but Masaki grabbed his wrist firmly and soon they were in the middle of the crowd. He pushed, pulled but Nino couldn’t escape to go back to the counter.
“Dance with me!”
“I can’t dance. I never did this.”
“Just let yourself go, you’re working in a nightclub, not in a museum!”
He couldn’t do this, was Nino’s first thought. Aiba began to move gracefully and he took Nino’s hands to make him sway.
“Hey guys, say hello to our new waiter, Nino!!”
Jun lighted a spot on Nino and the dancers patted his shoulders, he had no other choice but to dance. Against all odds, it was excessively fun, thought Nino. He focused on Aiba and imitated his moves the best he could. He even danced with some clients and when the song ended his colleague had to haul him out of the dance floor unwillingly.
“Time to go back to work!” He yelled at his ear, loud enough to be heard.
Nino took back his platter and Sakurai grinned enigmatically.
“You move very well, Snow White.”
“Stop calling me Snow White!”
“You’re too cute.”
“I thought that the relationships between employees were forbidden.” He mumbled pitifully.
“I’m not an employee and I’m not hitting on you, I’m het.”
“You are…?”
“What? Do you have to be vegetarian to work in a vegetables shop?”
He was so gross, it was almost comical.
“What’s with this comparison?”
“Beware, I could change my mind with such a cute guy.”
“You’re disgusting.”
“You’re cute enough for the both of us.” Sho leaned on Nino above the counter and the need to hit his boss tickled him once again.
Okay, he decided to toy with him but he would not win the game, thought Nino. He was persistent and if he was tempted to tell him that he was ready to forget his theory about het people and their promise of a blissful future, he couldn’t.
It would be his pleasure to tell him that when he give him his resignation letter.
“He’s here!” Masaki pointed at a man sitting at a table, who was writing or drawing, Nino couldn’t really tell from where he was but it was totally improbable in this kind of place.
“Who’s this man?”
“He’s Jun-kun’s stalker.”
“What?” Nino frowned to have a better look on the strange man. He was bent on a table, a pen in the hand and was drawing (writing?) something, his face deadly serious.
“He sat at this very table five minutes before Jun-kun’s performance and as soon as he leaves the club, this weirdo exits behind him.”
“What is he doing exactly?”
“Don’t know, he hides his stuff when you approach him.”
“Did you talk to him?”
“No way, he’s too weird.”
Nino couldn’t help but laughing. This guy wasn’t the weirdest thing in this place comparing with those men who were dancing here in mini-short or leather suits…he was not dressed to party but in everyday clothes, nothing fancy but nothing shocking either.
“Of course, we’re all weird here, but he’s out-of-place. Who would come in a night club to write?”
“Him, obviously.”
“You should talk to him.” said Sakurai in a smoke cloud.
“Me?!”
“You said you were good at listening to others, this is your chance to prove it.”
“I’m working currently. Boss.” Nino snapped and ran away far from the piercing eyes of his boss.
“Where are you living? Could we have a party at your place?”
“You’re too enthusiastic.” Nino snapped, turning his back to his too energetic colleague.
Crap. He didn’t see it coming. Aiba acted as if they were childhood friends with him. Apparently, the fact that he never saw his apartment after two weeks of working together was totally incomprehensible for this guy. Nino ran away the best he could but Aiba followed him…
“So when?”
“When what?” Nino put the two glasses his clients ordered on the table, avoiding Aiba’s gaze.
“Go on, you understood.”
“We can’t. I live at the hotel.”
He stared at Nino, dumbfounded and for the very first time since they met, his endless babbling ceased. It was almost shocking….
“Are you crazy? Sho-kun already paid you?”
“Not yet.”
“So you’ll get what I mean very soon. You’re not paid enough to afford a hotel room, you’re just a waiter! Though…it’s your luck, my roommate just moved out.”
Oh, no, no way! He was kind and funnily weird but the journalist couldn’t live with him. How would he write his article in peace, if he was permanently around him, talking, moving around, and spying on him?
“I don’t want you to leave the club, Nino, please! The rent is really cheap and I sleep most of the time during the day. Come with me after work at least, to look the house around. Plus, you’d save my life, I can’t afford the rent alone.”
“…Okay. I’ll come.” How could he refuse something to those puppy eyes?
Sakurai seemed to be quieter lately with Nino. He still had this ironical look when he gazed at him, as if the latter had something horrible in the middle of the face, but at least he left him alone. More or less.
However, tonight Sakurai kept his eyes on Nino and Nino hated this. What did he have in mind? He didn’t “like” him since he was het so the second option was a work problem. Nino couldn’t quit now, his article was far from being written. He just sent the first proof to his editor and he was waiting his green light to keep on…
Eventually, his silence was worse than his derisive remarks.
“Nino, ready?” Masaki patted his shoulder.
“I’ll take a shower and I’m all yours.”
“Really?!”
“Of course not.”
“I’m joking, you can be not so funny sometimes…”
“I’ll be right back.”
Nino undressed quickly and turned on the water, leaving a moan of pleasure passing his lips. He was washing his back when someone knocked.
“I’m almost done, Masaki-kun.”
“I’m not Masaki.” A low voice said from the other side of the door.
Fuck, Sakurai, what did he want?
“I’m under the shower, Boss.”
He laughed and Nino mentally slapped his head. Why was he so helpless with him? He knew obviously where Nino was…
“Are you free tomorrow evening?” Sho said bluntly.
“Before work?”
“Yeah, for dinner.”
Did he plan to treat him? Perhaps was he not so inconsiderate after all…
“Masaki and Jun will be there?”
“I…no…just the two of us. I need you for something.”
“What for?”
“To play my boyfriend. Would you do this for me?”
This sounded totally crazy. From Aiba, Sho probably would just have laughed and forget it immediately. But Jun was pragmatic and each of his words was pondered and sharp.
As Sho was avoiding one of his mother’s calls for the nth time, Jun had patted his head.
“My mother arranged a diner with the kimono girl. Alone. And now, what can I do?”
“Go to this dinner, with someone.” Jun said quietly, sipping his cup of coffee.
“What do you mean?”
“If you explain nicely that you’re in love with someone else, she will leave you alone.” Jun put his coffee cup on the counter and stared at Sho.
“And she will tell to my mother, then my mother will choose a date for the marriage.”
“So, find someone you can’t marry.”
“She will never believe that I will date a girl I can’t marry.”
“Not a girl…True.”
“What do you mean?”
“From my recollection, two boys can’t marry.”
“…No way. I’m not gay.”
“But if you want to get rid of your mother, you can pretend to be.”
“Will you~”
“Go to Hell.”
“Masaki?” Sho arched his eyebrows, trying to get what Jun had in mind.
“He’s not precisely the most serious guy around you, but Nino…”
“Nino?”
“He’s cute and nice and serious…”
“Okay, marry him.” Sho walked by the counter and poured himself a mug of coffee, cursing this barista machine which was a pain in the ass to use.
“I’m not interested, but I’m pretty sure that if you were gay he could be your type. At least, your mother can believe it, there’s a strange chemistry between you…” Jun pushed his boss and skilfully served him.
“Don’t fuck with me. He hates me.”
“Be nice. Ask him politely.” Jun smiled and handed his boss the filled mug.
“Don’t know, Jun…”
“It’s your choice Sho-kun. But you have to admit that it’s a radical solution.”
That was why Sakurai ended at the door of a shower, idiotically hoping that Ninomiya would accept to be his fake boyfriend, for duration of an evening.
“Nino, you’re still here?”
The door slowly opened and he got out, a towel around his slim waist.
“Listen Boss, I don’t dislike you, but I don’t go out with het. They want to try, just for the sexual experiment and…my heart can’t afford another disillusion. But you’re a gorgeous man, and the club is full of men who would be delighted to have a one-night-stand with you, they even call you…do I really have to repeat such a salacious nickname~ what?”
He was red as hell and Sho was pretty sure that the shower hadn’t anything to do with his complexion. Somehow he was flattered. Nino didn’t totally reject him or was he misunderstanding? He called him gorgeous, really, or was it just a polite way to dump him?
“Keep on.”
“I don’t want to keep on. I have the feeling that you’re simply mocking me. Now if you could let me dress, Masaki is waiting for me and I’m almost naked.”
His embarrassment left its place to an obvious irritation. That was not a good way to ask him a favour…
“Excuse me, I’m serious. My mother decided to find me a wife and she will cling on me until the end of days if I don’t find a solution. Even a temporary solution.”
“Why don’t you tell her?”
“She’s incredibly stubborn.”
“So give up and marry a girl.”
“I don’t want. Look, it’s just for a dinner. Just a few hours in a refined restaurant and I promise to behave. I can’t beg you anymore, so just accept.”
“And in exchange?”
“What in exchange?”
“Will you stop harassing me?”
“I don’t really…okay.”
“Stop calling me Snow White and I don’t want to be the only waiter to clean the toilets anymore. It’s nauseating.”
“I agree.”
“Perfect. So we’ve got a deal.”
Sho would never have imagined that it would be so hard to deal with him. He had some guts, the owner was impressed.
“Now, would you please leave me alone, I have to dress and since you’re not my real boyfriend, I’d appreciate some privacy.”
“Of course.”
Sho stepped back as Nino was opening his towel but he felt like he was paralyzed, his feet refusing to obey. Nino gazed at him over his shoulder and fuck…this time Sho was the one to blush. He quickly exited the restroom and ran into Jun.
“So?”
“He…he accepted.”
Jun smirked and winked at Sho.
At 5PM Sho was in front of the station and Nino was already here. He opened the car door and his waiter sat by his side after a brief wave.
His hair was still wet and he smelled divine. It’s something Sho had already noticed, even after his shift he smelled a sweet and flourish perfume, how could he do that?
“Where are we going?”
Nino was holding his bag against him as if he had to protect himself. Sho smiled and lowered the music.
“We have to buy you an outfit. You’re really nicely dressed but for the restaurant we’re going to, you have to wear a suit. A dark one, preferably.”
“You’ll pay for it?”
“Of course. Who do you think I am?” Sho frowned as vexed.
“Don’t know. I don’t know who you are.”
He was right. Jun talked about chemistry between them but was it enough to fake an intimate relationship?
“True. What do you know about me?”
“It’s not flattering enough to be said and I’m too polite.”
Sho laughed out loud and Nino hid a smirk behind the back of his hand.
“My family is rich. Very rich. I have a degree in business and economical science.”
“I lived with my mother who’s single and works in housekeeping. I have a degree in sociology.”
“How old are you? Really? Not the crap you told me to be hired.”
“24.”Nino confessed lowering his head.
“First thing to know, you don’t have to lie to me. I never judge anyone.”
“Everybody judges everybody.”
“Not me.”
“That’s probably why I’m in love with you.” Nino said with a luminous smile.
Sho’s heart skipped a beat and he stared at him, astonished.
“The road, look at the road!” Of course he was joking… “Tell me something personal.”
“Like what?”
“Anything will be fine, something I could slip into the conversation to give the illusion that we’re close.”
“That’s here.”
Sho pointed at the huge commercial building and he parked his car, taking the time to think about this “personal” matter. What could he confess? He didn’t judge anybody but Nino, was he able to do the same? According to his own experience, he seriously doubt of it.
They were heading to Sho’s favourite shop, a big famous brand where they would find exactly what he had in mind for Nino.
The sellers bowed at him, naturally, since he was one of their regulars and they didn’t even ask him to crush his cigarette in their shop anymore. Truth to be told, Sho didn’t smoke in his car for Nino’s sake and he would have sold his soul for a cigarette now.
“I’m looking for something classic but trendy, for my friend. A suit, grey or dark…”
“Certainly Sir.”
Nino followed him and Sho sat on a couch, staring at a magazine vaguely. Heartbroken Column, how can you be desperate enough to tell your loneliness to an old maid hidden behind her computer?
“How do you find it?”
Nino was in front of Sho, his hands on his hips. He wore a black suit and a dark shirt, a tie negligently hanging at his neck.
“And with the necktie?”
“Sure.” He tied it skilfully and raised his eyebrows to request approval.
“I don’t know how to tie a necktie. You’re…perfect.”
“Thanks. So we’re done?”
“Yeah. We’re ready for the dinner.”
This was the place-to-be for the young entrepreneurs and businessmen of Kyoto. Sho came here several times for professional or family meetings. He walked to the woman at the reception directly.
“Sakurai.”
“Follow me, please, Mister Sakurai.”
They made their way to the private room reserved by…yeah, his mother. They sat side by side at the table, and Sho ordered two glasses of wine. He needed to relax but Nino was clearly panicking.
“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. She will pass the threshold; I’ll explain the reason why I had to accept these omiais and why I can’t see her from now. She’s a delicate woman, she will understand.”
“And you’ll be free until the next one.”
“Exactly. She’s here.”
They stood up as she was entering the room and if she was surprised to see Nino with Sho, she didn’t show it. As expected with this kind of elite girl…
“Miyazaki-san.”
She sat in front of the two men and Sho was somehow relieved to see her dressed with a plain white dress.
“Let me introduce you to Ninomiya-san. He’s a very dear friend. My very dear friend.”
Sho took a tone he hoped to be confident. She blushed suddenly and Sho didn’t even look at Nino who would be mortified.
“Listen, I didn’t want to set a trap but~”
“I’m so confused, I didn’t know, and your mother didn’t tell me…”
“She doesn’t know, she’s so obsessed by my marriage, I can’t break her heart.”
“I’m so sorry, Sakurai-san.” Aoi bowed at him, very embarrassed.
“You don’t have to.” Sho put his hands on Nino’s and he thought that he would have to apologize properly to him later. He noticed that Nino was clenching his jaws angrily. Was he angry at him?
“Oh, I think I have to, I asked her to join us. I was not very comfortable with the idea of meeting you alone. She’s probably already here.”
Now, Sho was the one to panic. Bluffing in face of a perfect stranger was one thing; bluffing in front of the woman who knew him best was clearly impossible. And Nino didn’t seem to be able to take the lead.
“Komban wa.”
She was already entering the room and she stared at Nino more than she should. She sat slowly and her little smirk was pretty revealing. I’m dead, thought Sho.
“Sho, who’s your friend?”
“Sorry, I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Ninomiya Kazunari, Sho’s friend.”
“And you’re at this table, with us, because…?”
“We had a business meeting and~” Began Nino, offering Sho an exit door.
“He’s my boyfriend, mother. I wanted to explain to Aoi-san why I couldn’t marry her. I guess now…you know too.”
She smiled to Aoi and to Nino, then stared at her son exactly the way she did when she scolded him when he was five and did something silly.
“Sho, you are a lot of things, but certainly not a gay man. Are you really thinking I never saw all those girls you seduced and brought back home inconspicuously?”
“I changed, mother. And since I met Nino I’m a serious man. I’m almost 30 now. I have no time to lose anymore.”
Sho felt pitiful with his shitty arguments and he knew that his mother didn’t even believe him one second.
“What are you doing to earn your livings, Ninomiya-san?”
“I’m waiter, Madam.”
“My son’s waiter?”
“Yes, Madam.”
“How convenient.”
“A lot of couple meet on their workplace, it’s pretty common.”
Sho could have kissed him for being so assertive suddenly and when Nino took his hand to intertwine their fingers, Sho could have~ no way he was not gay.
“Sakurai-san, Sho didn’t intend to tell you that we’re in love tonight, he wanted to apologize to Aoi-san and that’s why I joined them. I’m afraid you have a bad impression about me now. I’m sincerely sorry.”
She opened her mouth and closed it without a word, but Sho knew she’s not convinced.
“Are we eating?” Said his mother, her usual subtle smile adorning her lips.
“Really?”
“Really. If Aoi-san accepts to keep us company after all, she came all the way to eat in this delicious restaurant. And I would like to learn more about Ninomiya-san. Or will you confess now that you lied?”
That’s the very moment Sho forgot that he was an adult, responsible, able to resist the maternal pressure, that she knew the best way to humiliate him and reminded him that she was the boss.
Without thinking further Sho leaned towards Nino and kissed him. Not the kind of kiss you have with a one-night-stand or a person you’re simply dating. A kiss with all the love Sho would have liked to share with a person he would have sincerely loved. He made it respectful and chaste but he closed his eyes and soon enjoyed it, deepened it. Forgetting the fact that it was just a childish provocation, the fact that his mother was surely already looking elsewhere to hide her embarrassment. Sho felt Nino’s warmth under his lips, the red of his cheeks under his lingering fingers, the soft perfume of wine in his breath.
He didn’t want.
He didn’t want to steal from him a real kiss but Nino let him do, he offered him a tenderness he never found, never searched with any of his partners. Kisses were always just preliminary to a more intimate contact.
Nino put his hand on Sho’s elbow and moved back unhurriedly.
“They left.”
What?! They were alone in the room and after consideration, no wonder, it was clearly outrageous. But against all odds, Sho didn’t give a shit; he was just carefully choosing the words he wanted to say to Nino.
“And I take my leave too. Lucky for you, I’m a nice and slim guy. If I was stronger I’d had kick your ass. Don’t you ever dare to kiss me again without asking me first.”
“Where are you going?”
“Home. See you at work.”
Nino was furious and yet Sho couldn’t ease the beats of his heart. He brushed his lips with his thumb, only to realize that he just kissed a man. And that he liked it so much.
