Chapter Eight
(Note) :Nioh is portrayed after Kyoh-sama's "Lu:na" dream novel from the Gackt theme. I loved the bad boy Nioh in that dream and I thank her for allowing me to use the personality she created for him. You can access the dream novel "Lu:na" by going to Minus Zero.
~*~*~
Atobe Mizuko(1) walked into my apartment and wrinkled her nose. I always found it ironic for her name to be Mizuko. The name indicated a pure character, but this woman was anything but pure. She was vicious and blunt. And she had always made it clear that she was never fond of her only son's wife.
I watched the older woman and wondered why she was waltzing into my apartment like she owned it. "Can I help you?" I asked. I was always respectful of my elders especially if they were my in-laws. However, this woman was an exception. She had made my life a living nightmare since I moved into their mansion.
I never really mentioned her before because I had always wanted to forget that she existed. Also, when I was at home I made sure that I was in my wing of the house and never went to her side unless it was necessary. She might be partially to blame for not being sent to me, but I knew it was also stubbornness on Atobe’s part as well. Both of them had this fixed idea that an Atobe had to be raised by an Atobe.
Even though I mentioned once that Atobe's father had said that a child born in his mother's care turns out weak. He was clearly wrong when he married this witch.
She looked around. "It seems that you have guests arriving soon," she said in a firm tone. "I will be straight with you," she stated. "I did not approve of your marriage to Keigo to begin with and now he seems to have taken it into his head to try this with you again for 's sake.” She sounded exasperated.
I gritted my teeth and clenched my fist. Who the hell did she think she was? I did not even care what that stupid ex-husband of mine wants from me. I had deleted him from my life and thoughts last night. It did surprise me that he wanted to try again, but I did not want to do anything with him. "And your point is…?"
"I want you to say no," she replied curtly.
I bit my lip so I would not say anything that I would regret later. I simply walked to my door and opened it. "Please," I said softly controlling my tone so it would not show anger.
She narrowed her eyes at me. "Are you throwing me out?"
"I said please," I repeated quietly. "I do not plan on involving myself in your son's life anymore," I told her. "And you have no right to come here and tell me what I can do or cannot do. I have already made this decision on my own. I ask you to please leave so this would not be any more awkward than it already is."
She left haughtily without saying another word. The minute she left I leaned against my door. The new piece of information made me feel pathetic because I found myself actually considering it. He wanted to try again? If we tried again that means would be with me 24/7. I shook my head. No! I won't live with him again! I hate him! All he did is hurt me! My mind was going to hunt me more, but it stopped when I saw three gentlemen watching me.
"Was that Atobe's mother?" Saeki asked curiously, pointing at the end of the hallway. "She did not look happy."
I smiled. "Hey," I said as Fuji hugged me tightly.
"Hello," he smiled back as he held me. "Are we late?"
"Nope," I said excitedly. "You guys are just in time." I led them into my living room.
I had guests so I made myself forget the conversation I had earlier with Atobe's mother. My day was good. The three of them stayed all day. I found them to be easy to talk to. I especially liked Tachibana Kippei when I found out he was a counselor(2) for troubled kids. It surprised me because at first glance he seemed so wild and serious.
Saeki was cool as well. He modeled from time to time and was a freelance photographer on the side. I smiled when he told me that and admitted that he did have the looks for it.
When we ate, they cleared everything off and I was grateful. Fuji did joke and told Saeki to stop pigging out because he has a shoot tomorrow, but Saeki refused and said that it wasn't everyday that he got to eat like this.
Once we had eaten, they helped me clear the plates and wash them. I told them there was no need to, but they insisted. I really enjoyed their company because they were really comfortable to be around with.
It was around 7 PM and we were all lying on the sofa. "I can't breathe," Saeki mumbled. "First you serve a heavy lunch and then nachos and dip?! You're going to kill me."
We laughed and then I remembered something. "I want to apologize for last night, guys," I said. "I didn't mean to make a scene like that."
Tachibana watched me. "I don't really think you were to blame," he assured me. "It was your ex-husband, no?"
I grimaced and looked away. As I did that I saw Fuji watching me so I removed the scowl from my face and smiled instead. "I just didn't like what he had to say," I admitted truthfully.
Thankfully, they changed the subject. "So, , will you be accompanying me to Kaho's wedding?" Fuji asked.
I actually blushed. Uh-oh, I thought. Was I ready to tell him that I already had a date and it was someone he wasn't fond of? I saw three pairs of eyes looking curiously at me. "I…I already have a date," I whispered.
"Say what? We didn't hear you,” Saeki teased.
I glared at him. "I said I already have a date!"
I felt an arm around me. "Do tell me who's taking my precious away from me?" Fuji asked, intrigued.
I hesitated and let out a nervous laugh. "Let's discuss this later…" I tried changing the subject as I moved his arm off me. "It's not really important," I said and it was very evident that I was feeling uncomfortable.
"Hmm…interesting…" Fuji mused. "This only means I don't like the person you're going with." He rubbed his jaw. "Is it Nioh?"
I winced.
Saeki almost choked on his drink as he heard the name. "Nioh Masaharu?" Saeki gasped. "You…him…together?"
I blushed at his thoughts. "No," I answered. "We're not like that. I…He…He just asked me and I said yes," I said, not wanting to go into details. I still wasn't sure where I stood with Nioh myself so I didn't want to publicize anything yet. "He, umm, just asked,"
Fuji looked like he was going to question me more, but fortunately Tachibana changed the subject. I nodded gratefully at him and he winked. Another few hours were spent chatting before they left. I even spoke of looking for a job and Saeki offered to help me. He asked me to meet him for lunch in a couple of days because he needed some time to sort things out.
It was rather late after I cleaned up, so I decided to get some sleep. I checked my phone and saw two messages. One was from Yuushi.
, I don't know what's happening with you, but I hope you're well. Call me when you're feeling better. Oshitari.
I felt bad. I didn’t mean to do that to Yuushi, but I had to be strong now. I deleted the message and looked at the second one.
Good night. Nioh XD
I read it and let out a sigh. It was all starting to come back to me again.
~~~
I had spent the last couple of days job-hunting. I also tried avoiding Yuushi and made sure I did not come in contact with Atobe or anyone I knew from that circle. called me several times, but I didn’t answer any of the calls except for one. She asked me about the weekend, but I told her that I wouldn't be able to come. I apologized sincerely. She did press me, but I told her firmly that I couldn't.
I held my portfolio as I looked around for Saeki. He had asked me to meet him at a restaurant. When I finally found him, I was surprised to find him wearing a suit. He really stood out. "Hey, ," he said as I joined him.
"I hope I'm not late," I said as I sat down.
He looked at his watch. "Nope, you're ten minutes early."
I chuckled as I looked at the menu. We spent some time talking and he finally asked to see my CV. I handed it to him and he read it. "You don't really have much experience," he remarked as he looked at it. “Impressive university you graduated from, though."
"Thanks," I replied. "I did several internships and worked as a marketing assistant after I graduated," I explained. "It's not much really, I know. A year after that, I got married and had to move here. So with all the moving and stuff, I didn’t really look for another job. I did use my savings in many investments, so I'm comfortable."
He nodded. "What kind of job are you looking for?"
"I'm flexible because I'm a fast learner. I'd of course be happy if it was in my field."
"What about the modeling industry?"
I looked at him. "Er…as?"
"It's an interesting industry. Would you like to work in it?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Again I ask, as what?"
Saeki smiled. "The manager’s assistant,” he said simply. "It's for an agency and no one really knows who he is yet. You seem to have the attitude for it and I think you'll make a good one."
I pursed my lips. "Its sounds all right, but you're telling me this as if I'm already hired. I have to go through an interview with him as well. Oh, what's his name?" I asked curiously.
"His name is Saeki Kojirou."
~~~
Finally, the weekend arrived. Saeki had hired me on the spot. I did tell him that I didn’t want him doing it as a favor, but he admitted that he had been interviewing people all day and he liked my attitude. So we discussed the terms of my job and I accepted. He told me I could start in two weeks. When I woke up I found a message from Nioh.
I'll pick you up in three hours. Nioh XD
I put my cell phone aside and showered. After that I picked up my stuff and decided to go to a hair salon and get my hair and nails done. I was in the mood to dress up. I was out for more than an hour and finally arrived home. I had just laid out my dress and accessories when I head the door bell ring. I opened it and immediately felt weak.
" -chan!" said hugging my leg. "Where have you been?" he asked as I bent down and hugged him.
"I'm sorry sweetie," I said quietly. "I've been really busy."
He nodded in understanding. "I am happy," he announced. "Daddy told me that he will introduce me to mama soon."
I froze. What? Is…this…is this true? I asked in shock. I was going to question him more I saw Yuushi standing above us. "Come on, , we'll be late to 's."
He nodded and ran towards the elevator.
I stood up. "Yuushi," I started, but he cut me off. "We're running late. Let's talk later," he said. "I think you should know that 's very upset with you for not coming," he added. "I don't know what's happened to you."
I frowned at his remark. "Yuushi," I said, stopping him. "I've made up my mind not to be involved in anything Atobe is. I've got my own friends. I'm going to start working soon."
He didn’t say anything to that. " , he wants to try again," he told me. "I just hope that you would give him a chance."
"So I'm supposed to wait till he feels like it? I'm not going to go through that again! And why now, Yuushi? Why the hell now after all that emotional turmoil I had to go through?" I asked angrily.
"He found out about your miscarriage."
I stopped. I looked down at the floor and just turned around and went into my apartment. I had hoped to never be reminded of my miscarriage. I remember when I had asked Atobe about giving another sibling he had said no. we ended up arguing that night, but ironically it did result in my getting pregnant as well.
I was so stressed when I found out about my pregnancy and I was also scared of him. He had clearly stated that he didn’t want another child and at that time I had been pregnant. I was scared of what he would do or make me do. I was also so stressed that I had stopped eating and was constantly worrying and fainting. Finally, I think my body had lost hope in me and I ended up having a miscarriage. It was after that that I filed for my divorce.
I shrugged as I went to my room to finish dressing. If he knew then he knew. It was two years ago. It was part of my past.
I changed with less enthusiasm than before. I decided on a red dress I had bought the week earlier. It had a sweetheart neckline and cascading mesh ruffles. Fit-and-flare shape. It was imported polyester/spandex bodice with nylon skirt.(4)
I was almost ready for Kaho's wedding and was in the process of putting on my earrings when my doorbell rang. I walked to it and found Nioh. I actually blinked for a second.
Nioh?
He was in a proper suit and he looked…
He looked good.
He walked in and hugged me. "I like this dress," he said, taking in my scent. I watched him and smiled. "I'm surprised you're in a suit," I admitted moving away from him.
"Yukimura's orders,” he told me. "I can't disobey Yukimura,"
I studied him carefully. Something… Something was a bit off. "Nioh?"
"Yeah?"
I frowned. Why did I feel a bit weird? He watched me carefully and walked towards me. I just stayed still as he put one arm around my waist and lifted my chin. He kissed me. As I kissed him back, I felt withdrawn. There was something peculiar about this situation. Without thinking, I pushed him away. "You're not Nioh," I said, wiping my mouth. Am I crazy? I thought as I blurted those words out.
Nioh stood in front of me. I watched him as he smiled slightly. He took out a cell phone from his pocket and dialed a number. "Masaharu, do come in now. I believe she's passed the test."
I stared dumbfounded at the door as I saw another Nioh walk in. I narrowed my eyes at the imposter. "Who are you?" I demanded.
"Sweetie, don't be angry," said the Nioh who had just walked in. "This is Yagyuu, and I was just testing a theory."
"Aren't you two old to be playing switching games?!" I snapped, irritated. What were those two thinking?
"I apologize, -sama," Yagyuu said, bowing lightly.
"And do you mind changing back to yourself? It's freaking me out seeing two Niohs. It’s bad enough I have to put up with one."
Yagyuu actually smiled and walked to the bathroom after asking where it was. I crossed my arms as Nioh walked towards me. "Sorry," he whispered. I looked away. "Don't be like this," he whispered pressing his lips onto my neck. "I just wanted to see if you knew me well enough," he explained.
I pushed him gently away. "Stop it," I said moving away. "I still need to finish getting dressed."
He muttered something under his breath and took something out of his pocket. I realized it was a lollipop as he removed the wrapping and put it in his mouth. "Yuck, it's too sweet!"(5)
"What are you doing?"
"I need to keep my mouth busy, I quit smoking, you know. You said you didn't like it."
I stopped. He… He quit smoking? Did he actually listen to me? I was surprised. I didn’t say anything, but walked to my bedroom and he followed me in. "Did I invite you in?"
"I don't need an invitation," he answered, sitting on my bed.
"Make yourself useful then. Yagyuu's outside. Make him some tea while I get ready," I ordered, applying touches to my makeup. He totally ignored my request and came up to sit behind me. "Hello…" he said mischievously as he wrapped his arms around me.
I pushed him slightly away. "Nioh, no!" I snapped. "Just don't…" I began confused, moving my hair away. Nioh was Nioh… He seemed to have more of a physical effect on me than anything else. With the news of my ex-husband and son, I just didn’t want to move too fast into anything. I was relieved as well that nothing happened between Nioh and me the other day.
I stood up. "Let's go," I said, picking up my evening purse. We both walked out and found Yagyuu waiting. "I'm sorry," I apologized. "I didn't offer you anything to drink."
"It's alright, -sama," he replied. "We need to get going."
"Yes, we're driving with Hiroshi," Nioh told me. "My car is being serviced."
I nodded and followed.
~~~
I actually whistled as I witnessed the setting before me. It was beautiful. The colors, the flowers, the arrangements were simply breathtaking. It was crowded as well. We were there for a while and when I saw Kaho I almost cried. She was gorgeous.
She wore a beautiful white dress. It was a tube gown that flowed all the way to the ground. Long white gloves adorned her arms till her elbows and her hands held a beautiful bouquet of beige roses. Her hair was pulled back and held securely with a small crown and a veil tied to the back of her hair. Gold jewelry gave the last touches with a necklace she wore and a pair of shiny earrings.
Yukimura was handsome as well. I could say beautiful, but I didn’t want to call a man beautiful. He wore a suit that fitted him well. His hair had an extra sheen to it today and he looked too good to be true.
"Stop drooling over Yukimura."
I elbowed Nioh in his side as he said that and he swore softly. A swift glance from Sanada told him to not continue that or else. I was amazed that there were people that Nioh actually listened to.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom again waltzed to their own music in their own world. In between dances, I found myself somehow dancing with Sanada Genichirou one time. "How has Masaharu been treating you?"
I blinked at his question. The question didn’t faze me; it was the fact that this man actually said something. I had judged him to be a man who did not have much to say, so why was he suddenly asking about Nioh? However I did not ignore his question. I looked at him. "Well, Nioh is Nioh," I answered quietly. "We're just friends."
His next question hit right on the spot. "Does he know that?"
I halted and looked at him. Before I could answer him, I felt another person take me away. I looked up in to see who I was dancing with. "Oh," I said as I noticed that it was Yukimura. "Congratulations."
"I apologize if Sanada is giving you the third degree about Masaharu," he said.
I gave him a smile. "You shouldn’t be worrying about me, This is your big day. Let me handle Nioh on my own."
" …"
"I am only someone to distract him from his boredom," I said. I stopped for a second. Where did that statement come from? I asked myself. I saw Yukimura watching me and felt like he could read my confusion. I excused myself and walked away to the rest room.
I looked into the mirror and frowned. Is that what my subconscious has been hiding from me? I thought. Was Nioh someone to me because I'm hurt and lonely? And was I just a way of ending some boredom in his life?
Damnit! Why are you torturing me like this?! I shouted at my mind. I held onto my head. If I knew Nioh means nothing to me than why did I almost lose control like that with him the other day? Why did I do something stupid like that? Even when I remembered how I had acted, my cheeks reddened.
It's not you, my mind told me. Your body betrays you every time he kisses you. When he holds you, you feel alive. When he kisses you, you feel loved. When he's there, he's pushing the loneliness away.
"But, I…"
No. It's not love. You do not love him because I am still thinking of someone else, my mind admitted. You don't even like, Nioh. As much as he is using you to be with someone, so are you.
"Who…who am I still thinking of?"
You already know.
~~~
I went out again and saw Fuji. I ignored the empty void within my heart and spent some time with him. Nioh joined us too and he and Fuji got along for my sake. Finally I bid the married couple goodbye and left with Nioh. Kaho looked so happy that I envied her. I recalled my own wedding and it actually made me teary-eyed.
"You look upset," Nioh remarked as he drove. I felt him watching me and brushed a tear away.
"Weddings always upset me," I said, putting out my tongue at him
He actually smiled. "Want to get a drink?" he asked. "The night is still young."
"Sure," I nodded, not minding some more company.
He drove to a hotel. "Nice place," I whispered as we entered the grand lobby. "This hotel opened a couple of months back, right?" I asked as he put an arm around me.
"What are you doing?" I asked him suspiciously.
"I'm holding MY lady, is that a problem?"
I looked at him through narrowed eyes, which indicated that his statement did not amuse me. Of course, being Nioh, he ignored my reaction and just kept on walking. I was going to move his arm off my shoulder when we reached the elevator. To my utmost shock, Atobe walked out of it with his mother.
"Did we really have to come here, Keigo?" Mizuko said snobbishly. "I'd prefer a seven star hotel than this place," she announced, waving a hand in front of her. She stopped when her eyes settled on me. “Well, hello, my dear," she said sweetly. A little bit too sweetly for my ears.
I stiffened and I was sure that Nioh felt it because he tightened his own arm around me and pulled me even closer. I noted that when Nioh did that, Atobe did not look in the least pleased. "And who is this gentleman?" Mizuko asked and I immediately sensed the hostility when I heard it.
Nioh let go of me and took her hand gently just as he had ’s. "I am Nioh Masaharu, Madame," he said politely. "I have heard nothing but greatness about the beautiful Atobe Mizuko."
I cringed. I even saw Atobe cringe. Was he for real? Why is he putting on a stupid charming act now? I wanted to snatch his hand back from hers. However, when I looked up… Atobe Mizuko was… Atobe Mizuko was smiling and… blushing? She was actually blushing!
I looked at Atobe and he looked at me. It was one of those rare silent understandings we had. In the same moment, he pulled his mother away while I pulled Nioh.
"What a charming young man," Mizuko said, smiling at Nioh. I have never seen this woman ever smile genuinely and I felt rather thankful I hadn’t. It was scary. "You must come to one of my galas," she said. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it very much."
"I would be honored," he said smoothly. "Would the lady like to join us for a drink?"
Over my dead body, I thought, horrified. Even Atobe looked like he would rather die than have a drink with us. He wasn't exactly on my favorites list and I didn’t think Nioh was on his at the moment either.
"Mother, we have an arrange…” Atobe began.
"Oh, we'd love to!" Mizuko exclaimed, holding Nioh's hand with hers. "I'd like to learn more about you, Nioh-san."
I stared, dumbfounded. I grabbed Atobe's sleeve. 'Do something, you idiot!" I hissed in his ear. "We are not doing this."
"I am delighted. I can't imagine a beauty as yourself already a grandmother. It truly stuns me to say that you are rather young and beautiful still." Nioh continued charming her as he tucked her arm under his and led her to the elevator.
"Che… You fell for that crap too!" Atobe said to me, watching in pure hatred as his mother flirted outrageously with Nioh.
"Shut up! Get her away from him! She is making a f…"
"Don’t!" he interrupted. "Don't finish that sentence." He gave me a sharp look. Suddenly looking as though he had just thought of something, he grabbed my hand. "Come,” he said, and pulled me in the opposite direction.
~~~
Nioh was getting impatient. He knew it was a mistake. Even at first glance of 's disapproving look he knew he should back off and stop the teasing, but he wanted to see 's reaction. It had been a good fifteen minutes already as they sat at their table and Atobe was still gone with .
Every time he had tried to get up and look for