A/N: Hello again...

First of all, I'm really sorry for not updating my story almost 2 year (1 year and 7 months to be exact). I'm a working mother by the way and terribly busy with my real job too. Please forgive me… will you?

Thank you to all who have read and waiting patiently for my fanfics. Thanks to all who are willing to leave comments for me to improve myself. Here is the long awaited third chapter...

My dear all readers, your comments have given me strength and courage to continue writing... As all of you are waiting for my update; as a new writer who is still learning and try to find my own style of writing... I'm looking forwards to all the comments given to keep me going. Keep on reading Minna... Domo Arigatou.

Disclamer: I don't own Gii, Takumi or any "Takumikun Saga" characters in the story. I only own the story and the name that I invented. If there are similarities, it's only coincidence and my deepest apology in advanced.

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Chapter 3

Mr. Saki Akihiko stomped his feet away and marched to his study room. A secret meeting was arranged between him and a private investigator by Mr. Shimaoka – his personal assistant. Boiled with rage inside his chest, he crumpled Takumi's recent picture with his smiling face in front of the small audiences as he finished playing Amati. Compared to his son Takumi seemed well and healthy; in fact he was happy but his son... His son was pathetically laid on bed paralyzed.

His pulses filled with wrath were seen drumming on his temples; his knuckles were white. Rage has been his best companion lately. Thinking back what he had done after the tragedy – one by one flashing upon his mind vividly clear as if watching a movie in front of a giant screen.

Planning the biggest con ever exist as leverage to destroy Takumi's life for taking his son away from him was his supreme attention now. An eye for an eye... He remembered how shattered his heart to fake his own son's funeral, having a tombstone carved in his son's name, making his oath renewed to wipe out Takumi from history every time he put flowers on top of his son's phony grave. All the pain bottled inside his body boiled like magma in the core of the earth.

As his anger subsided, he ambled slowly to his son's room checking on his condition. After the doctors had briefed the latest news upon his son's current progress he went to his bedroom to check on his wife. He knew after accompanying Gii, his wife will confine herself in their room to cry away her anguish. Silently tip-toed into the spacious room towards a grand four poster bed lavishly adorned fit for a king, his expression hardened. His wife foetal position looked rather petite compared to the gigantic bed. Tear streaks still visible on her once lovely and lively face.

He really wanted to touch her delicate face but stopped his gesture mid-way. He pulled away his hand afraid he might disturb her peaceful sleep. He walked away to the large panelled window facing the panorama. Nothing captured his interest. All were blank and lifeless. His heart felt empty while staring into nothingness.

A sudden rustled sound from the bed, made him turned his attention to his wife. His wife was stirring restlessly as if drown in a nightmare. He could not figure her moan and mumble. Later she started trashing and turning and out of the blue she screamed and bolted up from her tantrum. Mr Saki Akihiko quickly embraced his crying wife dearly.

"Gii…gii…please bring back my baby!" she wailed and was sobbing uncontrollably.

"Shh…Shhh… It's okay honey. I'm here. I'll do everything to bring back our son," he tried to console his wife. Deep in his heart the hatred simmered afresh. His wife's cries were slashing his heart to pieces.

Mr. Saki Akihiko was lying on his back upon the mattress together with his wife in his arm. Slowly stroking his wife's wavy blond hair while calming his own emotion – Mr. Saki was watching his wife drifted back to sleep. Sometimes even in her sleep, her body shook for a few times as her sobs erupted.

Today his energy drained. He lost his fighting spirit. He too fell into a deep slumber alongside his beloved wife.

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It was mid-April. Another two weeks; summer break will bring a new chapter in Takumi's episode of life. He was standing facing the garden surrounding the hospital ground below through the glass window panel in his ward.

This was the first time he really appreciating the picturesque view from the fifth floor ward window. Cladded in a light blue cardigan on top of the white dress shirt inside with a pair of black jeans, Takumi looked wonderfully beautiful and calm.

He was still deep in his own world as Akaike entered the room. Smiling contentedly while looking at his beloved serene profile, Akaike silently inched nearer; blowing warm breath upon Takumi's right ear.

Takumi chuckled as his body shivered and twisted his body facing the one who caused the stimulus.

"Akaike-kun…you…," Takumi lost his words and simply put the brightest smile on his face.

"What?!" Akaike was pretending looking into Takumi's eyes inquiringly.

Takumi did not answer. His grin became wider choosing the best reaction not to disrupt Akaike's good and light mood at the moment. He owed this man so much for his love to this man forbade him to break such wonderful moment after so long this amazing man had endured in the chaos he had caused.

This man knew his love for Gii will never fade but despite his firm response given that day, he loved him nonetheless without asking anything from him in return. How could he be so cruel to this man? Only time will tell. He prayed one day Akaike will find his soul mate. This man deserved the best.

"I'm sorry. A bit late perhaps," Akaike pleaded guilty showing his sad face.

"No…you are not. I had just finished packing," Takumi replied. "Let's go," Takumi smiled reassuringly.

Taking the bag from Takumi's hand, Akaike used his left hand to hold Takumi's right hand and leaded the way out from the hospital. Along the way to the parking lot, most of the nurses and doctors were saying goodbye and their best wishes for Takumi.

"Akaike-kun…ano…hmm…," it was difficult for Takumi to ask this favour.

"Yes Takumi… I'll do anything for you. I'll accompany you to your apartment," smiling sweetly as he started up the engine.

"How do you know what I want?" Takumi was baffled, wide eyes.

"I love you Takumi. Fulfilling your wish is my top priority," Akaike chuckled as he savoured Takumi's comical face.

Takumi was deeply touched. Pink hue crept on his cheeks and he tried really hard blinking back the tears brimming in both eyes.

"Takumi dear, please don't cry…please," Akaike was flustered when he saw Takumi was almost crying. He reached over, wiping the tears brimming away and hugged Takumi tightly. After Takumi had calmed down, he kissed Takumi on his forehead and drove to the destination.

On the way, they both kept silent. The fresh air brushing all over his face gave him a calming effect and deep down in his mind, Takumi felt relieved he was lucky enough to have Akaike in his life now.

Once in a while, Akaike stole a short glance towards Takumi. He wondered what was playing in his mind. Finally they arrived at Takumi's apartment. Akaike's left hand slowly delved into his pocket to withdraw the key apartment and unhurriedly unlock the door. Soon, both of them were inside.

Takumi slowly ambled and looked around with a half step at a time; softly touching the ornaments and trinkets with his fingertip once in a while. Sometimes Takumi turned his gaze towards Akaike as if asking for assurance. Akaike just stood still and smiled encouragingly and nodded his head. Takumi was observing the whole apartment in awe. He had never expected the interior was amazingly clean.

There was one more room to be inspected. His hand halted a few centimetres from the door knob. His heart beat drummed, his body was slightly shaking and memories of Gii were flashing back in his mind. His vision clouded with tears threatening to trickle down any moment.

Judging from Takumi's distraught composure, Akaike strode and quicken his pace in an instant holding Takumi from behind. He could feel Takumi's body trembling. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and sighed dejectedly. He regretted his act for bringing Takumi to this sacred place. Lovingly, Akaike pulled Takumi's outstretched hand and turned his body slowly facing him. Takumi's felt limp and his sobs started unconsciously. Akaike tightened his embrace and stroking Takumi's back tenderly trying his best to ease Takumi's anguish. Once in a while, he murmured soothingly into Takumi's ears; words of encouragement to lift both his and Takumi's spirit.

Still in Akaike's embrace, Takumi's faint sobs finally subsided and he slowly distanced himself from Akaike trying to wipe away lingering tears. Akaike was faster. He smoothly dried Takumi's cheeks with his handkerchief. Silently observing Takumi's facial expression, Akaike was trying his best to console the injured party. "Takumi…daijobu ka?" "I'm fine Akaike-kun. I'm sorry. I did try to be strong. I'm sorry." "It's okay Takumi. I'm here. Don't blame yourself. Do you still want to go inside?" Akaike asked inquiringly. "Yes, please," Takumi pleaded softly.

Akaike shifted Takumi's weight to his left shoulder and swiftly opened the door to Gii's room. Takumi was leaning against Akaike for support and both stepped into the room. His eyes were tentatively roaming every inch of Gii's bedroom and suddenly Takumi's body froze as his gaze paused on the dried dark brown bouquet of roses on the bedside table.

Akaike felt a sudden heaviness as he tried to move forward. He saw Takumi's eyes started to brim with tears again. He instinctively able to guess what had triggered that kind of response. Again he regretted his silly melancholic sentimental gesture. Even though he had gone extra miles to hire a day caretaker to clean the apartment and specifically ordered that particular "momentous" item shouldn't be touched and to be left alone no matter what. However, Takumi's response afterward what make him jolted with amazement.

"Arigatou… Akaike-kun… Arigatou…," in a very faint voice Takumi thanked Akaike profusely. "Takumi…," Akaike enquired while looking into Takumi's eyes worriedly. Turning his gaze towards the roses longingly, he exclaimed, "The roses…meant a lot to me…Thank you for not throwing them away." A very sharp pain piercing into Akaike's heart for he knew and long realised, he will never be able to open Takumi's heart. Deep down below in his soul, he wished Gii will always look upon Takumi's wellbeing forever no matter where he is now…perhaps in Heaven.

Slowly, both of them sat on the edge of the king size bed. "Takumi…are you all right my dear?" Akaike enquired worryingly. Trying his best to hide his sadness, Takumi was flashing his weak smile as response to Akaike troubled eyes for he did not trust his voice to give suitable answer. "I think you must rest. Do you want me to stay with you?" Akaike was afraid something bad might happen to Takumi. He was reluctant to go. "I want to be alone for a while…please…" Takumi pleaded while looking into Akaike's eyes sadly. "Okay, I'll go to the convenience store nearby and get something for us to eat," Akaike leaved after he had helped Takumi laid down on the bed.

The atmosphere in Gii's room was unbearably too quiet and brought so many memories. Waking up most morning in his lover's warm arms, spending feverish passionate night, sharing sleepless night just cuddling and talking till morning and strings of wonderful recollections of their life together; Takumi burst into tears again hugging himself into foetal position. He cried until no more tears able to slither down his wet cheeks and his sobs drifted away as he fall asleep silently. Drained and fatigue took his conscious.

When Akaike came back from a short trip to the store, he found out Takumi was fast asleep. Looking at the tear streaks, he knew what had happened when he had gone. His deeply affected heart felt constricted and he eased his way to the kitchen.

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"Again…trapped in a terrifying and suffocating pitch-black nightmare countless time made him wanted to end his life on the spot. Deep down in his heart seemed restless as something really difficult to explain; an unfinished business. He did not know what was it but it was really killing his head now. This was the first time he felt excruciatingly painful as if his head would exploded any moment. The more he tried to think who he is now the more his head blasted in pain. He felt frustrated for being helpless and paralysed. His fighting spirit was unbelievably strong for he rather endured the pain than numbness and nothingness."

Once again Gii's bedroom was stroke by chaos as he was having a seizure. The beeping sound of the EKG and his brain activity suddenly escalated. The doctors and nurses rushed to stabilise his sudden state. A drop of tear trickled down from the corner of his left eyes. Hope soared among the medical staff.

Good news travelled fast. Both Mr. and Mrs. Saki rushed to their son's bedroom as soon as the great discovery reached to their ears. Naomi could not hold her tears anymore. She slumped onto the chair next to his son's bed holding his skinny left hand tightly calling desperately in between broken sobs, "Ryu baby… please baby… Ryu… wake up…" Mr. Saki was too stunned to react only able to hold the chair until his knuckle became white. He too was hoping that his beloved and precious son will awake soon.

From that moment, Naomi was always by his side trying to stimulate her son's response. Day by day, she was never tired talking; story-telling but not a single thing about being with Takumi. New bedtime stories created to stimulate Gii's response. Deep in her heart she felt sad for betraying her beloved son. She did not want to lose her only precious son. She had to obey the special rules drawn by her husband and afraid her unwise action might jeopardise her son's slim opportunity to finally awaken from the vegetative-state.

Fatigue robbed her conscious and fast asleep near her son. A very tiny muscle twitched felt at the centre of her palm. She jolted and sat erect on the chair blinking her eyes multiple times and stared thoroughly upon her beloved son for any sign of movement. "Ryu baby, mommy's here… wake up dear… I miss you so much…" she pleaded while grasping her son's left hand. Stroking his hair lovingly and kept whispering endearing words to encourage any vital response.

A single drop of tear glistened at the corner of his left eye. A slight movement on his eyelids made Naomi heart soared above the sky. Her adrenaline was pumping wild, her heart beat drummed. Miraculously both Gii's eyes popped open like a pod mechanically. "Doctor! Hurry! Ryu has awaken…" Naomi cried happily as her prayer answered.

She backed away to let the medical staff did their job. A sequence of examination and medical check-up were carried out to check his remarkable recovery. Mr. Saki later walked in pulling his wife in his arms and they were both witnessing the whole process of recovery. After the situation calm, Mr. and Mrs. Saki greeted their son. He was still asleep but both were satisfied their son had shown tremendous sign of hope.

Spring time in New York at the end of April and May has brought Gii back to reality. He was still unable to speak but able to smile a little bit and his eyes able to communicate radiantly. The routine with the medical staff went on as usual. His parents kept on cheering him to his full come back. He undergone various tests and physiotherapist worked on his muscles and joints. The psychologist and the brain expert help him with his memory and literacy.

By early June as summer break started, Gii was able to speak normally and focused more on his physical revival. After three months bed-ridden, Gii finally able to walk using crutches so he did not put unnecessary pressure on his injured leg. He was able to move to the gym, library and sometime enjoying the panorama at the balcony facing the lush green City Park at the heart of Manhattan.

Once in a while, he spent his time browsing the family picture in the library trying his might to remember his forgotten past. Not a single fraction of memory was retrieved. He felt empty. He could not remember anything. All seemed lost. With a heavy sigh he dragged his feet to the balcony breathing the cool breeze facing up enjoying the starry night. The magnificent view failed to console his dejected soul.

"Please God… I don't mean to be ungrateful… I'm alive but ironically dead inside. Somehow…somewhere, the answer is out there… I can feel it," with a new hope imprinted in his soul, he slowly walked to his bedroom. He must survive this ordeal and get well soon. He has to search the answer and complete the puzzles himself.

He spent another 3 months intense physiotherapy programme to restore his body to its glory. He had to undergo few plastic surgeries to conceal multiple scars but nothing could fill his hollow heart. The last three months, he has to endure his father's Spartan home-lecture with personal lecturer for every subject to keep him up-to-date in his business study. Deep down in his heart, he felt like a beautiful little bird trapped in a very exclusive cage.

This side of love his family tried to show was understandable. At least he could fathom the reason behind his father's strict order to make sure he was under 24-7 close surveillance. He did realise as the heir of one of the most powerful conglomerate in the world; nearly lost his life owing to his passion in extreme sports had caused him imprisoned under extreme observation.

As soon as he was stable enough to hear what had happened, his parents had explained the cause of his nearly death tragedy. He was told that, he used to be given freedom to do anything that he had desired. At least that was what had been told by his parents. However restless his heart right now, he has to endure and at least paid his duty as the only son in the family. He did felt a sense of obligation to at least give them a peace of mind after he had almost died.

The next year after he had fully recovered from the injury, he continued his study and at the same time training as the apprentice in his father's company. From time to time he attended the lecture at the New York University. He never lost his genius in whatever he did. Excelled in his academic, even acquired a dual PhD in Business and Management also PhD in International and Foreign Affair. He was qualified to replace his father's throne anytime as the Chairman of the company.

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A tall silhouette stood facing a magnificent panorama of the bustling megalopolis at night through a wide glass wall of his office with both hands on his hips. Cladded in white stripe patterned shirt with black vest and black pants; he looked stylish but more relax when the two buttons on the top were undone and the sleeves were folded up just below his elbow. Colourful lights painted the dark did not capture his interest at all. Lost in his own thought after a long day of exhausted business ventures, he was really surprised why his father never mentioned about his birth country Japan. In the family album too; various countries visited but not a single remembrance of Japan. He is half-Japanese. He was too occupied entertaining his father's vision and mission to strengthen his business empire. At the same time he felt empty too. Part of his soul is still missing.

Three years passed after the tragic incident. Tonight the hollow in his life seemed unbearable and almost frustratingly discomfort. The sound of his door opened abruptly made him turned around. His distraught face made his father concerned. "Anything wrong Ryu?" his father enquired. Gii did not answer immediately but exhaled a deep sigh and raked his fingers through his silky dark hairs. He never knew that once his hairs were blond.

He slowly ambled towards the black leather sofa facing the starry night. His father followed suit. Gii finally asked, "Why did we never go to Japan? Do we still have any relatives there? Not even for a holiday?" A question after another kept popping out caught Mr. Saki Akihiko off guard. He was too shocked to answer. It was the most dreaded query he wanted to avoid all these times. He expected the day had come but never anticipated it to be this nerve racking and so difficult to handle.

Trying his best to conceal any unwanted facial expression or tone in his voice, he casually answered, "I just want to establish my business here in Europe first, then later in Asia." He did intentionally forbid himself from mentioning Japan specifically. "Take a break from business while you still can. I never see you with any girl anymore. Give me a peace of mind will you. When are you going to bring your girlfriend home and introduce her to us?" His father chuckled to disguise his guilt.

Dumbfounded by his father's change of topic caused him doubled over and laughed his heart out. Deep in Mr. Saki's heart he was relieved, his son's mood alleviated a little bit. He continued taking the lead to turn the table around. "Let's have dinner together tomorrow," Mr. Saki invited. "A business dinner?" Gii asked. "Yes…wear your best suit," his father smiled in return.

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In front of the main entrance of Four Season Hotel; the most expensive hotel in New York City, a limousine slowly halt. As a doorman opened the passenger's door, a man donned in a simple black suit with a grosgrain notch collar, a point collar white shirt, a silver silk tie and a pair of shiny black pattern shoes appeared. With his well-toned physic, the simple suit appeared cut to precision, hold across the shoulder, gentle lines around the waist…Perfect! His masculine and handsome face adorned by business like hairstyle but more casual with the loose long fringe covering parts of his right forehead. His aura was totally chic and dashing; attracting admiration every time eyes gazing upon him as he strode gallantly alongside his father. His father an older version of his stylish son; never lost his sophisticated impression in perfectly fit handmade charcoal suit. Both were heading to the Ty Warner Penthouse.

The Ty Warner Penthouse practically floats in Manhattan. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround all sides of the massive suite, surrounding guests in 360-degree views of the city skyline from atop Manhattan's tallest hotel. The nine-room suite has walls inlayed with mother of pearl, gold and platinum-woven fabrics, and the room itself includes a private butler, unlimited global calling and TVs programmed to receive every channel in the entire world.

The door to the penthouse was opened by the assigned butler. The guests were ushered to the dining area. In the living and dining area, cream-coloured walls are richly inlaid with thousands of pieces of mother of pearl. A dramatic 1.2-metre-high cut-glass chandelier by Deborah Thomas sparkles above the bronze table by designer François-Xavier LaLanne. Seating is grouped around a marble fireplace, and four French doors open to glass railings.

Gii was astounded because they were greeted by two Japanese, an older male and a young female. Both greeted his father warmly. While shaking the other male, his father introduced him to the others. "Here is my only son, Saki Ryuchii and Ryu… this is my best friend Shirakawa Eiji and his daughter Shirakawa Erika," Mr Saki exchanging knowing smile with Mr Shirakawa. "Come to the dining table and let's have diner," Mr Shirakawa invited politely.

Shirakawa Erika looked elegant, striking and bold in her Navy two piece long sleeve silver evening dress. Created from the most luxurious materials; the gorgeous dresses were given intricate details with dazzling Swarovski crystal adornment which glittering the rich fabrics. She just let her silky shoulder length wavy raven hair down naturally. Instead of plain matte black shoes, she wore a pair of silver-accented crystalline sandal to compliment her silver dress. Plastered a shy smile on her face while stealing glances toward the prince in front of her, she ambled gracefully to the dining table. Deep inside her heart she felt disappointed because Gii did not show slightest interest towards her. Nevertheless, she held her head high and endured Gii's aloof attitude because her heart fluttered whenever their gaze clashed once in a while.

The sumptuous dinner was prepared by Joel Robuchon a Celebrity Chef proud owner of La'Atelier; one of the prestigious restaurants in Four Season Hotel: An international star, one whose signature dishes are already well-known in France, Japan and United States. We started the entre with a splendid pan-fried sea bass with lemon grass foam and stewed baby leeks, the appearance of which was nearly as impressive as the harmonious flavours. After that l'onglet was served as main course; a French-style hanger steak with sautéed shallots, piquant peppers and trumpet mushrooms, served with the famous Robuchon mashed potatoes in a mini-Le Creuset dish. Lastly Kazutoshi Narita, the pastry chef enchanted us with his dessert le sucre, served atop a transparent glass dish. An enormous pearl-like sphere, which when pierced reveals flavors of violet and lychee as well as several other complex elements was nearly hypnotic in its effects, a dazzling combination of textures.

The atmosphere at the dining table was almost animated steered by Mr Saki and Mr Shirakawa. The youngsters intervened only when the elders threw their question specifically at them but never willingly to involve in the conversation. Gii deliberately wandered his attention to the interior design and lingered tentatively on the polished black grand piano near the living room when nothing else captured his interest. Almost felt irritated by constant observation under scrutinising eyes of Erika who was sitting in front of him.

"Ryu, play something nice please," Mr Saki captured his son wandering eyes. As their eyes clashed, Mr Saki glanced towards the same grand piano. Taken aback by his father's sudden request, Gii tried to decline politely but Mr Shirakawa kept on insisting. Taking a glass of Champagne in each hand, everybody went to the living room. "Erika dear, shall I leave you alone here with Ryu, I have business talk with Mr Saki," Mr Shirakawa whispered to his daughter while patting her shoulder delicately. Erika smiled in response.

Erika leaned against the book shelves sipping her Champagne facing Gii as he sat in front of the piano. His long masculine fingers danced gracefully on the ivory white and charcoal keys composing a beautiful melancholic melody: breathtakingly beautiful and divine. Following his instinct and unsatisfied, empty injured soul, the sound flowed through as his fingers flew on the keys. His unspoken sadness which he never shared with anyone lied bare in the angelic piece of music. He did not aware a single pearl of tear dropped from the corner of his eyes.

His honesty swept Erika's heart off her feet in an instant. Her breath caught in her throat. A lump swelled in her heart because she could understand the anguished and sadness he tried to convey. Feeling intrigued by the mystery man in front of her, she lost in the magical spell of the melody. She too did not realised, strands of tears slithered down her cheeks. The enchanted spell ended as the room became silent. Gii was surprised the melody had moved his heart to that extent and a bit disturbed because unintentionally this side of him shown in front of a stranger.

He saw Erika too was touched by his tune just now. Feeling surprise by his puzzling mood, he stood up, nodded his head and make his way to the door. Bewildered, Erika was speechless and her eyes followed Gii's back as he strode out of the door. As Mr Saki and Mr Shirakawa returned, sad expression was plastered on her fair face. "What happen? Where's Ryu?" Mr Saki enquired. "He left," she replied. "I apologise. Ryu never acted that way before. Something must have been bothering him lately," Mr Saki felt sorry for his son's sudden outburst. "He seemed lost and dejected. Is he alright?" Erika felt sympathy. "Well, I should excuse myself. Good night and perhaps you want to meet Ryu in his office, you are always welcome Erika," Mr Saki invited. "I will uncle. Thank you for your generous offer," Erika's face shone brightly and grinned from ear to ear.

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Engrossed in his first solo art exhibition project in one of the major galleries in Japan, Takumi did not aware how long he have been working in his studio. The sound of caller ringing tone jolted him up. It was Akaike. "Moshi…moshi… sumimasen Akaike-kun. I'm late again," Takumi was flustered as he apologised. He missed his supper date with Akaike. "Daijobu… It's ok my dear. I know you're running out of time. The exhibition will be held in a month. I'm in front of your studio. I'll wait for you," Akaike responded. Takumi washed his hands in hurry, packed his bag and dashed to the stairs. Takumi smiled as he saw Akaike in the car.

As soon as he opened the door to the passenger's seat at the front, Akaike grinned and was lovingly stroking his face. "You looked fatigue and really tired. I assumed you missed your dinner again...hmmm…?" even though his voice seemed calm but Akaike could not concealed the worry note. Takumi beam bashfully caught in red handed. He could never able to lie to this man; the man who have loved him unconditionally. "Gomen neh Akaike-kun," again he was repeatedly apologising. "How long you're going to commute from your apartment to the studio? My apartment is nearer to your studio. No need to use public transport, I can send and fetch you daily. My restaurant is nearby anyway," Akaike persuaded.

Luckily, the sound of Takumi's tummy growl made both of them burst into laughter. The unanswered question was forgotten. "I'm taking you home Takumi. Look at you, all skins and bones. I'll take care of you until the exhibition end," Akaike sternly ordered. Takumi only smiled because he knew, he could never object to whatever Akaike asked him to do. Akaike drove his car and as soon as they arrived home, Akaike quickly reheated the leftovers from his restaurant. Takumi was seated at the dining table and was served his late dinner during long passed supper time. He was obediently eating in silence avoiding Akaike's fiery eyes. With his arms folded upon his chest, he was observing his dear one emptying the plate.

As Takumi finished eating, Akaike stood immediately, stole a peck on Takumi's right cheek and took the plate away to the sink. Takumi was not surprised at all because once in a while, he allowed that special man to show his affection only to that extent. It was out of guilt for not able to return his one sided love towards him. He slowly stood up and took his mug to the kitchen and washed it at the sink next to Akaike. "Arigatou Akaike-kun for the meal," he said. "This is not the first time you miss your meal Takumi. Please take good care of your health," his voice sounded melancholic. "Gomen neh… I'll sure be careful and take good care of my health after this," he was sheepishly apologising.

Takumi moved silently and helped Akaike drying the dishes. Once in a while Akaike would glance towards the pitiful man next to him. Even after three years Gii had passed away, Takumi still couldn't forget Gii. His heart is full with Gii, he could never able to penetrate the thick cold wall inside his heart. He treated him nicely as usual but never allowed him to invade more.

"Takumi… please… Pack your clothes tomorrow. I'll fetch you and the last one month, I'll be taking care of you." Akaike pleaded.

Takumi was speechless and lost in his own thought trying his might to get the best solution. He knew, Akaike will forever pestering and worrying about his safety and whether he ate or not. He hated to make Akaike like that after so many things he had done for him. Their relationship is always like that after the tragedy. Akaike had become his fairy god mother or father. He chuckled when a female Akaike with white wings appeared in his mind.

"Hey… what are you thinking…hmmm. Mind sharing the amusement with me," Akaike nudged him and tousled his raven hair.

"Nothing… I'll stay with you until I have finished the preparation for the exhibition. Are you sure I'm not a burden? You should find yourself a girlfriend instead of taking care of me…" Takumi smiled as he responded to Akaike's inquiry.

"I don't have time for girls… I'm busy with my restaurant and I'm going to open the next one soon…" Akaike evaded the "girlfriend" issue. He did not want to step on landmine. It is dangerous.

"Wow! Akaikekun… congratulation…" Takumi was surprised and congratulated Akaike profusely. "By the way… it's late, just stay here. Use the guestroom. Your clothes are still there in the closet. It's too late for you to go home. Shall we call it a night? We both are really tired. Thanks for the late dinner." Takumi solemnly thanked Akaike and bade him good night. He slowly ambled to his room, took a flash shower and slept.

Akaike too felt his feet were heavy. He dragged his feet to the guestroom, snatched the pyjama he had left in the closet and took a quick shower before he doze off.

His alarm set on his phoned woke him up. Akaike stretched his body on the bed and had to squint his eyes as he stared at the time on the screen of his phone. Roaming his eyes around the bedroom, he remembered his encounter with Takumi last night. He jumped out of bed, tidy it as he went to the bathroom and cleaned himself. Wearing his clothes, he dashed to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Mumbled to himself, nothing he could do even a simple breakfast… Hmmm… his decision to take care of Takumi was totally wise indeed. Well, he should just skipped making breakfast and check on Takumi. They will eat breakfast on the way to his house, dropped Takumi's baggage and sent him to his studio.

Akaike dashed to Takumi's room. Slowly he twisted the door knob and peered inside. The sleeping angel was fast asleep. A pang of pity surged in his heart. He tip toed to Takumi's bed and crouched on the floor savouring the beauty in his peaceful sleep. Slowly he inched closer and stole a peck on Takumi's forehead. Two black orbs were staring at him.

"Morning sleepy head…" Akaike greeted.

"Akaike-kun… what's the time now? Sorry… am I that late?" Takumi tried his might to stay awake. He usually woke up late if he worked until morning.

"Sorry my dear, have to go early to my restaurant and we have to stop by my house to drop you luggage. We'll have breakfast on the way to my house okay. Now, why don't you take shower and I help you to pack your belonging," Akaike explained in detail and went out to give Takumi his privacy. He stormed to the guestroom and put the dirty clothes in a plastic bag and after that helped Takumi to pack his things.

Finally, they arrived in front of Takumi's studio. "I'll come with lunch…" Akaike exclaimed as he dropped Takumi off.

Takumi smiled and waved goodbye. He marched to the studio and climbed the stairs. The freshly brewed coffee and western breakfast had given him a nice start to his day. Putting on his apron and he continued his unfinished masterpiece.

The sound of the doorbell buzzing had awoken Takumi from his own world. Whenever he was engrossed in his artwork time seemed stop ticking and he forgot everything around him. He slowly gain his conscious and remembered Akaike promised to come with lunch. He dashed to the door and opened it quickly. Akaike was smiling with bags hanging on both hands.

"Ahh.. Akaike-kun… sorry for making you standing there waiting for me to open the door… I'm a bit preoccupied…," sheepishly apologizing, Takumi took the bags from Akaike's hand and went to an empty table at the corner of the studio facing the busy road. Akaike just silently followed and sat on one of the empty seat facing Takumi.

"How was it… do you think you'll manage to complete all the artworks in a month?" Akaike enquired as he set the lunch on the table. After he had put the meal on the table his eyes roamed around the studio. The studio was unexpectedly clean. He thought an art studio should have been messy but Takumi's studio seemed elegant and contemporary in its interior design. The colour was bright except there we lots of stacked canvases lying on the floor or against the wall with various width and length.

"Oh… there are a lot to do… I'm running out of time. That's why when you are not around, I tend to forget everything," Takumi spoke after he had swallowed a mouthful of rice. "Wow…look at this sumptuous and various array of delicacies spread on the table… you are just amazing Akaike-kun…" Takumi was enjoying the food and pacify his empty stomach.

Akaike just smile and ate while enjoying Takumi's company. Today's lunch was specially made by Akaike's Restaurant. In fact Akaike cooked the meal himself. The cuisine consisted of Edamame: Salted boiled soy bean, Kimuchi: Korean style pickled vegetable, Salmon carpaccio, Scallop sashimi, Salad, Smokeless grilled : Squid, Oysters and Prawns, Jo hire steak: the best part of premium eye fillet steak, Jo tan: Premium ox tongue, Chuck roll: Seasonal cut vegetables, Miso soup and steam rice, Ice cream as desert and Green tea for beverage.

After they had finished their lunch, as they cleaned the table, Akaike finally realised that most of the painting were the scenery of their high school in Shidou Gakuen. He was afraid if he asked Takumi about what had bugged his mind will disrupt Takumi's focus on his work. He just let it slide and excuse himself out leaving Takumi to continue his work.

"I'll come again at dinner time…" Akaike spoke.

"Why don't you just send your worker, I don't want to bother your work," Takumi tried to decline.

"Hey… I'm the boss. I can take that as resting from my hectic life with my best-friend and enjoying a personal art exhibition for free… I have promised to take care of you… don't you dare to make another excuse. Bye. See you at dinner time," Akaike continued to reason with his Takumi.

Akaike had left. Takumi stretched his fatigue body on a long sofa at the wall near his working area. After working strenuously without stopping, he felt really sleepy. In fact today he woke up a bit early than usual and he dozed off as soon as his head landed on a throw pillow on the sofa.

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How was it? It seemed that Mr. Saki's hidden agenda was as he wished. I'm sorry but please bear for a while okay. What happen to Takumi ? If you want to know, please do drop your comment. I'll keep on writing if you are interested to read it.

To those who willing to read my story, please leave a comment that will improve myself. Thanks in advance. I'll continue to the next chapter if I get at least 4 comments. I don't know when… but please leave your comments because I kept reading your comments for encouragement…

Hontoni... Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu Minna...