Gift Fic for cielmelodies 2/5

[stormymood]

A piece of rainbow for cielmelodies   Part 2

 

Week two – Pain d’epices

After last night at Elena’s place, Souta has to rush to work. He is hastily walking through traffic, occasionally running, knowing that he will be late no matter how fast he runs, and he will have to explain himself to Olivier and Kaoruko. As their boss, it is disrespectful to be late, and Souta hates it.

However, yesterday was necessary, to pour out all the pain at having rejected Saeko, at having realised exactly what game she may possibly be playing. At having had the chance, but not going for it, because he was advised against it, and because part of him knew that if he did just that, Saeko would have won. And she would completely stop being interested in him, having gotten what she wanted.

But, after all, none of that matters. Souta is addicted to the pain she inflicts on him, and it just makes his resolve to win her over stronger, his will to make chocolates, that she will long for and consume, occupying his mind like an illness, taking over every resolve and reason for his actions. This is what love does to man.

Panting, he rounds the final corner – ready to rush through the door – only to be greeted by the sound of a camera going off. Yoshimoto Kouya’s self-satisfied grin emerges behind the lens of his blue phone. He raises an arm above his head and waves, acting as though Souta is not standing just a few metres away from him.

“Good morning!” he greets, spirit high as always.

Souta takes a deep breath, reining in whatever he would have wanted to say, and instead grumbles a greeting back when he walks past the other man. Who is quickly on Souta’s heels of course.

“You are unusually late this morning,” Yoshimoto observes.

They make their way through the front door, bell chiming above their heads. Kaoruko is standing behind the desk, fitting chocolates nicely into the glass cabinets.

“I am really sorry for being so late, Kaoruko-san.” Souta apologizes, ignoring Yoshimoto. He is lucky Kaoruko does not know what clothes he wore yesterday, or she would know that he has not changed, since he was at Elena’s place.

“Don’t worry about it,” Even though she smiles at him, there are question-marks in her eyes, urging Souta to tell her what is wrong, why he is late. But he ignores it. He simply does not want to talk about it right now, and least of all with Kaoruko, who will most likely judge and berate him. Really, he does not need that right now.

“I expect you to compensate me for waiting so long.” When Souta stops in his tracks and turns around at Yoshimoto’s voice, his reply gets stuck in his throat, when he finds Yoshimoto mere centimetres from him, their noses almost touching. With a squeak that luckily only comes out as a gasp, Souta takes a step back. He runs his hands through his hair and sighs deeply.

“Kaoruko-san, make him a cup of coffee, would you, please?” With that, he leaves the room, hoping against all odds that the tutor will place his damn ass on a stool and wait for just a moment.

“Does it come along with chocolate cake?” the man inquires, just as the door slams shut behind Souta.

Since Souta came in late, he does not get to speak with Yoshimoto about the date yesterday, before Yoshimoto heads out to take care of his own work. On his way out, the tutor advices Souta to have a piece of chocolate cake himself, says it will improve his mood, and then shocks Souta by showing him a smile that is very much unlike any he has given Souta before. Soft, soothing even, as though Yoshimoto understands and is perfectly aware of what happened yesterday. It helps Souta through the day, he has to admit, along with telling Olivier and Kaoruko about his frustrations, not mentioning Elena of course.

But it also makes him regret being late. If Yoshimoto could show him such an expression, Souta imagines he would have been able to calm Souta even more and make him feel even better, had they had the time to talk. That thought makes Souta shake his head at himself, suddenly aware of his change of heart in relation to the man, forgetting what a creep he was to begin with, and how it is still odd how Yoshimoto seems to know so much. Souta tells himself to remain composed and distanced from the tutor. Considering how often Souta is too honest towards people already, so emotional that he talks when asked. Or even when he is not asked, as Kaoruko and Olivier have been the victims of. No one in the Koyurugi household does not know about Saeko. Hell, choco la vie is established in order for Souta to win her heart, more than it is established out of Souta’s interest in chocolates.

Which is wrong. And deep down, Souta knows this.

The day in the store is busy, leaving Souta little time to work on his plan for the ultimate pain au chocolat, since he is occupied with making batches of chocolates and mousse au chocolat for all the women who read Fujimoto’s blog. At one point, with a break in the queue in front of the store around 2 pm., Souta allows himself a small break in the backroom where he takes a deep breath and some water.

When he pulls out his phone, he finds a text message from Yoshimoto. In polite keigo which just does not suit the man at all, he tells Souta that he will have time to come by after work, around 3.50 pm., just before the store closes. He tells Souta he has some information that Souta might find valuable.

Souta resists the urge to roll his eyes. That man and his theatrics.

*

Kouya is in a good mood. It is going forward with the kid, his grades are rising faster than initially anticipated by his parents which has earned Kouya a fat bonus. But that money will not be used on that vacation to Hawaii that he has been considering for a while – damn he really wants to go to Hawaii – but for more practical purposes.

Souta seems to be opening up to Kouya, to trust him with more information, and his emotions are becoming clearer. It is almost a shame that he came in so late this morning, despite how Kouya knew it would turn out as it did, since that only gave Kouya a glimpse of his pained expression up close. Which is exactly why something more needs to happen today. And then there is the matter of Souta’s model friend…

Yes, that bonus will come quite in handy.

At exactly 3:50 pm. Kouya steps through the door to a choco la vie that is fortunately empty of customers.

“Hiii~” he singsongs, successfully making both Olivier and Souta raise their heads and stare at him, “You didn’t call for me, but here I am. Tada~” Kouya does not let it get to him at all how he is smiling widely, but receiving no happy expression in return from either of them. That does not matter and does not affect his spirits. Instead, he steps right up to the desk and bows cheerfully.

“Good afternoon, Olivier-san. Souta-kun.” He nods at the latter, taking pleasure in the way Souta looks utterly confused and speechless.

“Good afternoon, sensei.” Olivier greets, and Yoshimoto turns his head from Souta to flash him a smile.

There is a redness on his cheeks and he speaks softer than usual. Seems Kouya was right regarding him and Souta’s sister. Well, might as well get that ball rolling too then.

“How is Matsuri-chan?”

Souta looks confused at Kouya, but Kouya has his eyes fixed on Olivier who blushes deeply, so much that his ears go red too, “Good~” Kouya singsongs and laughs, pushing himself away from the counter. He will let Olivier off the hook for now, “I’d like coffee while I wait for you to finish, Souta-kun.”

There is scepticism and alertness in Souta’s eyes while he remains silent. Which is a given, considering the text message Kouya sent him a couple of hours ago. Souta is waiting for Kouya to drop the bomb or to at least act upon the warning. Which in turn just makes Kouya wait even longer. The young chocolatier really is too amusing for his own good, Kouya cannot help but extend the wait. But Kouya’s amusement is not the only reason.

Souta has barely placed a tall cup of delicious-smelling black coffee in front of Kouya, staring at Kouya as though Souta is just about to ask him what Kouya remains yet to reveal, when the bell chimes behind him. From Kouya’s perspective, he catches sight of the customer before Souta does. And Kouya brings a hand up to his mouth to hide his grin. Here comes the important information.

“Saeko-san?”

One really cannot blame Souta for being surprised at seeing her so soon again. Anyone but he would be able to easily realise what game she is playing. The woman seems to have spent a lot of time on her looks; her hair styled, make-up perfect, wearing stylish clothes bought with her husband’s money: A white fur coat, long high-heeled boots. She pauses momentarily by the door, waving cutely and smiling softly at Souta.

Part of Kouya is amused, part of him wants to groan at how horribly fake she is. However amusing this game is, Kouya gets this chance today to be reminded of the second reason to why he is doing all this to begin with. Really, shrewd women like this one…

Souta hurriedly leaves Kouya’s table with a small bow to walk Saeko to the counter to take her order and make small talk. And Kouya can watch it all discreetly, while enjoying the amazing coffee choco la vie also serves. Kouya has got to give it to Souta, or whoever chose the coffee beans; they have great taste.

Since Kouya plays the role he does in Souta’s life, only Souta and the staff at choco la vie knows his true relationship with Souta and thus the reason for him so often visiting the store. If Saeko were to find out… Well, as amusing as it would be, it is way too early for that.

“You look very adult today.” Souta tells Saeko when he hands her the bill.

No bystander would recognise the intimate relationship between these two, and the love Souta bears for Saeko. Kouya is making sure of that with subtle manipulation.

“I have a date.”

“Enjoying time with your husband, I see.”

“Not with him.”

Kouya snorts softly into the cup he has halfway to his mouth. Damn, she is unfair. Since she is standing in front of Souta, Kouya cannot see his expression, but it must surely be one of astonishment. Even he must feel a tinge of regret and distaste at hearing those words out of her mouth and the insinuation they hold. She surely has not changed, since Souta met her for the first time.

Saeko seems to be holding Souta’s eyes for a couple of seconds too long, until she takes the black bag Souta is holding mid-air, frozen, and turns around, eyes remaining on him before she turns with a flutter of her hair.

Without her noticing, Kouya thoroughly studies the self-satisfied expression on her face, the spark in her eye when she walks out. He furrows his brow, unsmiling. Until Souta surprisingly steps up beside him.

“Damn.” His voice is soft, pained, “She has not changed at all. A woman like her…”

“She used you one day, only to dump you the next. How cruel…” Kouya drawls, intending on making Souta feel even worse and of course not telling him that Saeko is going out with her female friend and not a man at all.

“For how long does she intend to torment me?” Souta’s voice sounds strained, and he plops down on the chair in front of Kouya, to bury his head in his hands, “That damn woman…”

It pulls briefly in the corner of Kouya’s lips, “Get revenge.”

Souta raises his head, “What?”

“Get revenge,” Kouya repeats with mischievous amusement, “Show her that you don’t care and can have anyone. Make her see you with another woman.”

“I don’t think-”

“Right now, Saeko does not see you as an equal, she does not regard you as someone special. By being with another woman, she will question her own qualities, get jealous, and suddenly you will become someone special.”

Souta has raised his head and is now resting his elbows on the table, attentive, “You make it sound so simple. You think that will work on her?”

“Of course, it will. Especially on her, since she is someone who has always gotten everything she ever wanted. Or thought she wanted.” As a matter of fact, it will work too well.

“Maybe I know someone…” Souta throws his eyes down, pouts his lips, and Kouya notices the fat birthmark underneath the lower one.

Naturally, Kouya already knows whom Souta is thinking of, “Good.” He grins, “Introduce me to her next time.”

*

That night, Souta abandons the idea of creating pain au chocolat for Saeko.

Yoshimoto is sitting beside him, reading history books and occasionally flipping through his phone with a bored expression and his head resting in his palm. Souta has no idea why he insisted on staying after the store closed, and why he still remains despite Souta offering him very little entertainment. He even told Souta about how he is abandoning watching his favourite anime in exchange for watching Souta.

Souta has no time to indulge the tutor, instead sitting bent over several cookbooks to try and come up with an idea for the ultimate pain au chocolat.

Two hours and no results into the search, Souta groans and runs a hand over his face, “This is impossible! I can never succeed like this.”

“Hmm,” Kouya continues looking at his phone while he answers. His voice is slightly grainy from sleepiness. It is 10 pm. after all, “What would Rikudou-san think of you, if he knew you were giving up?”

Souta does not move.

“You are trying to measure up to him, aren’t you? Pull yourself together, if you want to become as good as he is.”

Ricdor serves dreams through its chocolates, according to the proud owner, Rikudou, and when one walks through the store, it does feel like walking into a dream. It appeals massively to mature women, who return periodically for Rikudou’s chocolates. The chocolatier is someone Souta looks up to and admires, someone Souta wants to be worthy of competing against, someone he wants to beat. That would prove that he can make Japan’s best chocolates. But there is no way he will be able to succeed in that with a plain pain au chocolat.

“Rikudou has managed to create a niche, to completely isolate his concept and be unique,” Souta realises as he voices it, recalling a conversation he had with the 10-year older chocolatier a few weeks ago. Souta inquired about his story, his vision and asked him for advice, the air between the two of them surprisingly warm. Even though they are rivals, competitors in this business, it did not keep Rikudou from encouraging Souta and offering him guidance, “But I told myself, after all he is 10 years older than me. His way of thinking is different, he has more experience…”

“You think age is an excuse?” The hard tone in Yoshimoto’s voice almost startles Souta, forcing Souta to look at him. “Age has nothing to do with the situation.” The phone is put away, and Yoshimoto’s arms are crossed, “Do you think Rikudou-san had the same thoughts when he was younger? Do you think that sort of thinking will get someone as far as he is now?”

Yoshimoto speaks like he knows Rikudou personally – as he has previously done with others – like he has spoken with the man like Souta has. But Souta does not consider the implications of such a possibility now, instead Yoshimoto’s stern words and the disappointment in his eyes – disappointment in Souta – makes Souta clench his teeth and stare right back at the man.

“How would you know-”

“This is about more than just producing a pain au chocolat that Saeko can eat, isn’t it? It should be!” Yoshimoto gestures towards the aluminium tables, the store, the open cookbooks and failed trial bakings, “Look at your store, at what you have managed in such a short amount of time. Don’t forget yourself and your vision in the face of a little misfortune and competition. You should, if anything, be fierier now, in the light of recent events.”

Yoshimoto’s scolding leaves Souta completely at loss for words. The man is neither looking amused nor self-satisfied, that signature grin nowhere to be seen. He is dead serious about what he is telling Souta, wanting Souta to listen. This is not like his previous advice for Souta. This does not concern Souta’s love situation, but Souta as a person, his dreams and goals. It is not something Souta would ever have imagined Yoshimoto would address or even care about.

He bites his lower lip, throwing his eyes down at the plain pain au chocolat at his side; tasty but bland and lacking the explosion of flavour, the experience Souta wants his customers to have. It lacks spark and surprise, it lacks maturity…

Yoshimoto sighs deeply, “I think I will just have time to read the newest volume of my favourite manga before I go to bed, if I leave now. So, good night Chocolate Prince,” out of the corner of his vision, Souta sees him hoist up his heavy-looking bag and put on his coat, “Don’t stay up too late.”

Even when he walks past Souta, Souta does not look up, the thoughts running quickly through his head while Yoshimoto’s words still echo fresh in his ears.

What is choco la vie’s advantage, Souta thinks, what makes this place special, what makes the customers return again and again? Saeko would not come back as often as she does just to see Souta. Definitely not. What does choco la vie have that Ricdor does not? Cakes and pastries for one. And those cakes and pastries are not traditional Japanese. They are exotic, created because of the six years Souta spent in France.

French cakes…

Suddenly, it comes to him. Like a lightning strike, the whole idea of a pain au chocolat is erased from Souta’s mind, hardly important anymore. He rushes out of the room, to the back, to reach for his sketchbook and a pencil. Saeko asked for pain au chocolat which she knows already. She asked for a taste she has tried before, something she thought of wanting. But what if Souta was to come up with something, an idea, a taste, before she even considered imagining how much she wanted to try that taste?

It will be unique and spiced, befitting the autumn weather.

Pain d’epices.

*

Pride dances in Souta’s eyes when he puts the plate down in front of Kouya, presenting to him a heavy, rectangular cake decorated with specks of chocolate, a cinnamon stick and some kind of dried starshaped spice. Given how Souta is obviously struggling to retain a smile, Kouya cannot help but look up at him, a big grin making its way onto his face.

“This is a surprise. What did you do? What about the ultimate pain au chocolat?”

“I quit.” Souta sits down on the chair opposite Kouya and leans across the table. Light is evident in his eyes now that he is so close, “This is pain d’epices with cinnamon and star anis. Try it.”

Kouya notes how Souta does not sound regretful at all about having to abandon the idea of pain au chocolat, which Saeko personally asked for. Instead, he sounds overly excited about his new creation. And Kouya has to admit he is surprised, both at Souta’s behaviour but also at the creation itself.

The cake is beautiful, looks simple, yet very delicious and mature. So of course, Kouya hurries and takes a bite. He is no expert on cakes and food in general, liking almost everything, but even he can appreciate the spices and subtle sweetness of the cake.

“It would go well with tea.” He tells Souta and watches the chocolatier nod.

“I thought so too. Something befitting the season.”

Kouya is about to treat himself to a second bite, when Souta continues, “I abandoned the thought of handing Saeko something she has asked for, something she wants,” his eyes get this faraway look, fixed on the creation between them, “Since that is the obvious choice, something she is used to, I came up with an alternative idea. I will give her something she wants before she even thinks of wanting it, before she realises how she is longing for that taste. Something only I can predict and give her.”

Kouya puts the fork down on the empty plate and chews on the last bite. It no longer tastes special to him, “That’s good.” Using his signature phrase, he smiles crookedly, “Let us hope she falls in love with you when she tries it.” Kouya gets up and grabs the blue blazer from the back of the chair, “Thank you for the taste, I am heading to work.”

When Souta looks confused and blinks up at him, Kouya does not indulge him and simply bows his head. Perhaps the chocolatier had hoped he would stay longer, but Kouya believes there is not much more to say in this regard. They will just have to see what comes next.

But, a small part of him, as he walks briskly towards the Aoyama house, is disappointed.

Perhaps it is time to meet up with him.

*

It is noon, the busiest hour of the day, and Souta is out back making one batch of mousse au chocolat after another, rushing back and forth to temper chocolate and form truffles. The work is divided between him and Olivier, while Kaoruko and Matsuri man the store. Luckily for them, Souta’s younger sister had time after school to offer a helping hand.

But despite the rush and the buzz, and how Souta should be thrilled to see his store livelier than ever, the exchange between Yoshimoto and him this morning has Souta thinking of it non-stop. Not even his conversation with Olivier concerning the new pain d’epices, and how Souta plans to convince Saeko to buy it next time, has taken his mind off the stiff smile Yoshimoto gave him before leaving to tutor his student. And the worst part is, Souta has no idea why it bothers him so much.

Yoshimoto is per definition weird, someone Souta probably would never be able to predict or understand. Nevertheless, Souta prefers the smile Yoshimoto flashes whenever he sees something Souta does not, whenever he seems like he has some new scheme figured out, as opposed to the one Souta received today. Souta keeps asking himself what he did wrong, for him not to be worthy of the usual teasing. And he had looked so much forward to showing Yoshimoto the new cake, the one he spent all night perfecting. Perhaps it is Souta’s desire to please and succeed which has him regret whatever he did wrong – he still does not know what – wanting to redeem himself.

In the end, he decides to let it go, in favour of focusing on Yoshimoto’s suggestion of making Saeko jealous. He will text Elena tonight once they close the store.

“Something on your mind?” Olivier is still brushing the chocolate cubes of cherry and chocolat au lait when he breaks the silence. And Souta chooses only to pause for a second before continuing to shape the black and white-rippled truffles in his hand before he hums in question, “You are quiet. Normally, you’d use this time to talk about Saeko.”

Souta cannot keep a smile from his lips, “I am just thinking of the current plan of making her jealous.”

“Yoshimoto-sensei’s suggestion?”

“Mm. I will talk to Elena tonight.” Souta straightens up, drying his hands in a nearby damp cloth before he moves on to coat the truffles in cocoa powder with gentle care, “What is the deal with you and Matsuri-chan?”

Souta never got to ask Olivier about it. And Yoshimoto clearly knows something that is important enough to earn Olivier a knowing grin.

Olivier immediately blushes to a deep red, his lips trembling, signifying how he is fighting a smile, “I didn’t want to hide it from you, Souta-kun.” He looks embarrassed at the confession, “Since she is your sister…”

Surprisingly, Souta does not mind at all that Olivier is in love with Matsuri. Since he is so busy with choco la vie and his own love life, he does not know much about whether Matsuri has a boyfriend or not or whether she would be interested in Olivier, but he finds himself easily entertaining the thought. He knows Olivier is a good guy, with a great name even, being the son of the world-renowned French patisserie, Pierre Tréluyer.

“Olivier.” Souta makes sure he has Olivier’s attention before continuing, “I don’t mind. As a matter of fact, isn’t she way below your standard? With your name and all.”

“Name has nothing to do with it Souta-kun. I love her.”

He looks so serious and determined, that Souta is temporarily stunned. And he was able to say those words so easily, making Souta curious as to how long Olivier has felt this way towards Souta’s younger sister.

“But you should have no problem winning her heart, right? You have experience after all.” Souta acknowledges, thinking of all the advice Olivier has offered Souta in relation to Saeko. Although that was before Yoshimoto offered to ‘tutor’ Souta in how to win Saeko’s heart. Since then, Olivier has been rather quiet in the advice compartment.

Olivier scoffs, and makes Souta feel very naïve with his reply, “Love is never that simple, Souta-kun.”

Gnawing at his bottom lip, Souta casts his eyes down, to watch how the cocoa powder hides the shapely, elegant chocolates in his hand. The brown powder covers the marble patterns of dark and white chocolate, leaving the person who eats the chocolate surprised at the contrast of colours and flavours once they take a bite, before they get a taste of strong, warm rum as it runs down their throat and makes them feel hot in their mouth and stomach.

“You are right. Love is completely unpredictable.”

Week three – Black liquorice caramel, encased in diamond-shaped white chocolate, topped with a speck of dried lime zest

Elena is excited beyond comprehension when Souta asks her to meet Yoshimoto the following Monday.

Upon the advice suggested yesterday by Yoshimoto, Souta does not disclose the information that he wants Elena’s help in making Saeko jealous. He will tell her afterwards that he called her down on that particular day, at that particular time, because Yoshimoto told Souta that Saeko will definitely show up. By this point, Souta knows it is pointless to question Yoshimoto’s ability to predict such things, instead going along with him and enjoying the benefit of it.

“I told him you wanted to meet him, since you share the pain of an unrequited love with me. It seems he does not mind giving you some advice.” Souta tells her over the phone.

Of course, Souta had to promise Yoshimoto a taste of his newest chocolates in return for the favour.

“I am so excited, Souta-kun!” Elena’s enthusiasm makes Souta smile, “You think he can help me meet Kurashina-san?”

“Maybe. He is a tutor, not a wizard.”

Elena laughs, “I will be there just before you close, maybe at three forty-five. I look forward to it!”

They hang up, and Souta remains staring at the bright display of his phone for a few seconds, a picture of the front of choco la vie, bathed in sunlight on the opening day, his wallpaper, with a soft smile on his lips. He is so lucky to have met Elena. With the help of her and Yoshimoto, he does not feel lonely in his bittersweet love.

He turns around to leave his small bedroom to head back downstairs to prepare dinner. And almost jumps in surprise, when he finds Yoshimoto standing there, phone raised in Souta’s direction. When he lowers the device, Souta finds him smiling widely.

“Yo.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Your father let me in.”

Souta is utterly astonished at the fact that Yoshimoto chose to show up here, to walk to Souta’s room unannounced, “What do you want?” He realises it comes out rather harsh, his surprise and confusion affecting his ability to act polite.

“I wanted to discuss something with you.”

“You could have called.”

“I was in the neighbourhood.” Yoshimoto’s smile is starting to creep Souta out, “Come on.” Then Yoshimoto turns and heads down the staircase, acting as though this is not a client’s house, but his own, as though he has been here many times and is completely familiar with the layout.

Souta has no choice but to follow, unsure whether to discuss this matter with his father later. His first incentive is to definitely do so, before he thinks better of it. His father would just ask too many questions, probably berate Souta about this too-long-standing love to a married woman.

Once they make it downstairs to the living room, Souta finds his father seated at the table, newspaper in his hand. Matsuri is nowhere to be seen, and Yoshimoto makes his way through the room in a straight line, heading to the dining table, not at all shy or timid in another person’s house. And the worst part is, Souta’s father does not seem to mind at all.

Surely, this is Souta’s and his shared house, but Souta is suddenly incredibly aware of the fact that he is still living with his family. What if he ever was to bring Saeko with him? He would either have to make sure his sister and father were elsewhere, or he would have to find a place of his own before then. The realisation makes Souta think of the empty room above choco la vie.

Souta still has no idea of how long this plan of Yoshimoto’s will take, when Souta will succeed in his fight for Saeko’s heart. Perhaps he should ask Yoshimoto about it, now that Yoshimoto is here anyway. So that he can start planning when and where to move.

“Oi, Souta.”

His father’s voice makes Souta realise how long he has been standing still, by the foot of the staircase, just staring. When he looks from his father to Yoshimoto, he finds Yoshimoto staring back at him in equal measure, a soft, amused smile on his face.

“Sorry?”

“Would you mind preparing dinner? Matsuri-chan is out with her friends, so she won’t be joining us.” Just as Souta’s eyes flicker back to Yoshimoto, Souta’s father continues, “You are welcome to join us for dinner of course, sensei.”

“Huh?” Souta is not usually rude, but this is just-

“Gladly! Thank you for the offer, Koyurugi-san.”

Souta thinks he must be dreaming. His usually clever and slightly sceptical father inviting a stranger to dinner. What has Yoshimoto been telling him?

After sending a pointed glare in Yoshimoto’s direction – only earning himself a wider smile – Souta surrenders and grabs his apron from its rack by the door.

The kitchen opens into the living room space, and Souta will be able to listen in on any possible conversation between his father and Yoshimoto while he cooks. He notices how Yoshimoto takes off his dark blue blazer and hangs it on the backrest of the chair, a cream-coloured V-neck sweater underneath.

Souta fetches eggs, spring onions and tomatoes from the fridge and moves to the counter facing the living room.

“You also cook in this house, Souta-kun?” Yoshimoto asks.

Souta cuts the onions and the tomatoes into smaller pieces, focusing on the knife to avoid looking at the tutor, though through the corner of his eye, he can make out the blurry shape of him leaning his elbows on the table to watch Souta intently, “I do when I am not in the store. It often means a late dinner though.”

“We don’t mind. I am afraid I am better at baking cakes than cooking dinner. I have only a few recipes, I am any good at. And Matsuri-chan is rarely home.” Souta’s father explains.

“Is that so?” The darkness in Yoshimoto’s voice sends a brief shiver through Souta, and he focuses on whisking the eggs a little harder.

“I am not going to prepare anything special today either.” Souta reminds his father, “Since no one has been shopping to accommodate guests, it will just be a very simple dinner.”

Moving to turn on the stove, makes Souta turn his back to the two men at the table, to prepare the egg omelette and lightly fried vegetables.

“Oh, but Souta makes a very good tamagoyaki,” Souta cannot believe his ears at the enthusiasm in his father’s words.

Honestly, Souta cannot recall the last time, his father tried to put Souta in a good light like this. Maybe it has just been way too long since they have had guests. Matsuri is often out with friends, but rarely brings anyone home, and Souta has only brought along his colleagues, Olivier – who now also lives in the house – and Kaoruko for dinner, which is often because they need to discuss business related to choco la vie. Realising how he practically has no social life, Souta comprehends a possible reason for his father’s eagerness around Yoshimoto.

And Souta cannot help but turn and look at them, finding his father smiling and gesturing energetically as he tells Yoshimoto about Souta’s trip to Paris, how he always hoped Souta would take over his pastry store once he retired, how proud he is of how Souta has succeeded, how choco la vie has become popular beyond anticipation, “It must be because of the technology of today. Now, only one person needs to love the store, and the word will get spread around. Back in my time, it was all by word of mouth, and we had to work very hard to obtain a loyal clientele.”

His father blabbers on, and Souta cannot help but smile softly at him. What he has had to go through with his eldest son leaving for six years, having to take care of a rebellious daughter who always comes home late…

When he snaps back out of it, Souta is surprised to see Yoshimoto staring at him, brown eyes soft. There is no smile on his face, but something else. Something Souta cannot place, and he blinks rapidly, hurriedly turning back to his cooking, heat rising to his ears.

A few minutes later, Souta brings miso soup, egg and vegetables to the table and briefly walks back to the kitchen for the rice which was prepared right before he went to speak with Elena. And it feels odd, when he sits down beside Yoshimoto, having never imagined that Yoshimoto would ever come visit – unexpectedly – Souta’s own home. Souta is not quite sure how to feel about it.

“It looks good.” His father praises, smiling when Souta looks at him, “Well, let us eat.”

Souta finds that Yoshimoto is as big of an eater when it comes to food as he is when he eats cake. Though he eventually slows down in favour of following the mundane conversation concerning work between Souta and his father, he starts out by gobbling down the egg with happy exclaims of how delicious it is.

“You were right, Otou-san.” He tells Souta’s father with his mouth full of rice and egg, “This is very good!”

Souta struggles not to blush at the praise, hiding half of his face behind his bowl of rice, when Yoshimoto turns to him, eyebrows raised and smile wide.

Souta realises that he may as well have been eating with a complete stranger and not the tutor he has had for three weeks now. Yoshimoto seems like a completely different character, and whether it is because of the presence of Souta’s father or the food – or both – Souta is not sure. This version of Yoshimoto Kouya should be so much simpler and easier to be around, and yet, Souta finds him even more mysterious and off-throwing. Souta just really cannot tell what Yoshimoto’s motivation is. In the end, he tells himself to throw suspicions aside and go along with it, for tonight, for his father’s sake.

They finish dinner quietly, without any other major events, and when their plates are empty, Souta rises as the first of them,

“I will clean the table, you have a game to watch, right Dad?”

His father agrees, smiling at both of them, “Thank you Souta. Yes, it should be 5 minutes in now.”

He is referring to baseball, and being no enthusiast himself, Souta does not even know who is playing. Souta starts to gather the first batch of plates to go to the dishwasher.

“I will help.” When Yoshimoto gets up to offer Souta a hand, he remembers Yoshimoto’s excuse to be here. Not surprisingly, Souta still does not know what this ‘important’ matter could be, that it required Yoshimoto to show up in the late evening, in Souta’s room no less.

And as soon as Souta starts packing up the leftovers and put the plates and bowls in the dishwasher, Yoshimoto is standing beside him, his weight resting against the counter.

“You never told me who your female friend is. She is not just a friend, is she?” there is a wicked spark in his eye, a mischievous smile on his lips that Souta catches when he reaches for a glass to put in the top shelf of the machine.

With his face heating up – Souta is not sure why – it is an advantage that he is bent forward. He should not be embarrassed about his relationship with Elena. Perhaps it is the fact that Yoshimoto is so close Souta can smell his cologne, and the man will be able to pick up any small contraction in Souta’s face if Souta decides to lie. Souta also starts to feel self-conscious, with Yoshimoto looking so scrutinizing at him.

“Her name is Elena. She is a model. A friend.” Souta’s voice comes out a mumble.

“Come on. Tell me~” Yoshimoto singsongs and pokes Souta’s shoulder.

Souta pauses in his work momentarily, to witness Yoshimoto’s good-natured expression. “It is really nothing.”

The tickling fingers at his shoulder become a vicelike grip, and Souta’s eyes snap wide open when Yoshimoto’s voice turns dark, his face changing completely. Every bit of jest is gone, “Tell me.”

With Yoshimoto’s eyes threatening and hard and aimed at Souta, he blurts it out, eyes held prisoner to Yoshimoto’s black stare, “We find comfort in each other. I guess she is a sex-friend.”

“Ohhh~. I see, huh.” The smirk is back on Yoshimoto’s face and he lets go of Souta, looking like the cat that got the cream. Every trace of the dark being from before is gone, “She must be very beautiful to measure up to Saeko-san. Now I am excited~.”

Souta suddenly feels very cold.

*

Elena is as beautiful as Kouya perceived her to be. Last time he saw her, it was from quite afar. She is dressed fashionably, makeup and skin flawless. When she walks through the door, there is no doubt about her confidence, her knowledge of her exotic beauty and what she can do to men. And women. Up close, the energy from the spunky model almost emits from her in waves once she starts talking. She greets Souta with a hug, almost squealing in delight and smiling brightly between Souta and Kouya as Souta does the introductions.

“Souta has told me much about you.” She discloses, earning a shushing noise from Souta, however gentle – he is clearly fond of her – and she makes a zipping motion with her elegant fingers against her mouth. She continues in a whisper, “Sorry. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Kouya bows slowly at her, keeping his eyes on her very slim form, high heels making her legs seem even longer and more beautiful, and her perfume is subtle but sweet. She comes across as nothing but natural and genuinely happy, caring deeply for Souta’s welfare and quest for Saeko.

But Kouya immediately perceives that there is more to her than she lets on towards Souta and Kouya both. She keeps Souta close, Souta with an arm around her waist, and to the unknowing eye, this would be a clear sign of mutual attraction and of them being a couple. When Kouya explained as much to Souta, how it would be a good idea to send signals like this, Souta retorted that such intimacy is not an unnatural occurrence between him and Elena. Further explanation revealed to Kouya that Elena has travelled a lot in the west where skin-ship is a lot more natural even between female and male friends. And Kouya indulged him with a nod.

Witnessing their relationship and Elena’s behaviour now, it is clear once again that Souta is innocently naive.

“Souta-kun tells me you share the same emotions towards someone as he does towards Saeko-san?” Kouya asks then, tilting his head.

Elena puts a finger to her lips and gazes upwards with a pout to her lips. Her nails are adorned by layers of nail polish and crystal, probably costing a lot to make and keep as neat as they are, “Kurashina-san is the drummer in a band. I met him when I appeared in one of their music videos,” Elena sighs and when she looks at Kouya it is with sparks and love in her eyes, “He is so dreamy. Manly and kind. I really want to meet him and talk with him.”

“Just that? You have no plans to win his heart? Not like the ambitions of the Chocolate Prince?”

Elena grins at the nickname and turns to Souta, who rolls his eyes and sighs in exasperation.

“For me, it is enough to get the chance to speak with him again. Although, I do often imagine a scenario where I confess to him, and he admits he had feelings for me too!” Elena wraps her arms around herself and looks close to squealing, “And then we would go out, hand in hand, and be so lovey-dovey, and I would come to every one of his concerts.”

Now Kouya understand why she and Souta get along so well. He snorts and looks between the two of them, getting eye contact with Souta for a brief moment, “That would be nice, huh.” Kouya agrees, albeit unable to hide how he definitely believes her dreams to be a little…, “What if he gets jealous about your modelling?”

“Ehh? Hmm…” Elena pouts her lips again, and Kouya thinks it must be a habit for her, appearing cute, “Jealousy can be good. I wouldn’t want him to think he does not need to fight for me.” She laughs pleasantly, shooting Souta another look.

However pleasant and spunky this woman seems, her intentions apparently entirely innocent, she definitely feels more towards Souta than simple affection because of shared pain.

“So, sensei,”

“Hm?”

“You must be pretty experienced yourself. Do you have a lover?”

Kouya smiles pleasantly.

And just then, the door behind Souta and Elena opens, in perfect timing – of course – according to plan. When the two of them turn, Elena with Souta since he has an arm around her waist still, Kouya hurriedly sits down at his table and picks up his coffee cup and phone, to not appear to have been part of a verbal exchange at all, and poses as simply a customer.

“S- Souta-kun?”

Kouya peaks over the phone between sips of coffee, eagerly awaiting the new chocolates Souta told him about letting Kouya taste if this little plan is successful. Which, of course, it will be. It has all been planned out way ahead of time, after all.

“Saeko-san. Welcome. Can I help you?”

He does not dare look, with the risk of being caught doing so, but Saeko is undoubtedly looking between Souta and Elena now, contemplating her answer and trying to analyse the situation, to figure out the relationship between Elena and Souta. Souta’s fingers are twitching slightly in their hold on Elena, and Kouya knows Souta is fighting himself and the wish to let go of Elena, to explain himself in panic, that Elena is just a friend, that there is nothing going on. But he cannot do that. He is not allowed to.

He must follow Kouya’s plan, or there will be consequences.

An ultimatum was set three days ago, in Souta’s kitchen, right after dinner. Fail to keep your cool with Saeko-chan and you will do exactly as I say anytime, afterwards. You will become my dog.

Knowing he has used that exact line in the past with one of his students, forces Kouya to hold back a grin. Well, it was incredibly successful the last time. Why not this time too?

But so far, Souta is acting exactly as instructed. As a matter of fact, he is an incredibly good student. By all means a pleaser, Kouya perceives. He is however, bound to make a mistake. Souta is not used to this, not used to having the eyes of both Elena and Saeko on him, while feeling the additional pressure of Kouya’s presence. He is going to break.

Souta and Saeko have moved to the desk, where they speak in hushed voices, Souta moving around to take Saeko’s order. A few steps from Kouya’s table, Elena stands still, left behind now that Souta’s attention is on a customer. She smiles faintly, and a slump is visible on her shoulders. Kouya almost feels bad for her. Had this not been a test, a scheme, how would Souta have acted?

“I will be leaving.” She says then, making Souta pause what he is doing, while Saeko waits a couple of seconds before slowly turning.

Her eyes are dark and heavy-lidded, hate clearly aimed towards Elena. Which just makes the model straighten her back and smile widely – all signs of being left behind, gone. Elena raises her hand to blow Souta a bold kiss.

“See you soon, Souta-kun.”

And Kouya has to turn away, because he cannot resist smiling, his cheeks hurting in the effort not to laugh. This, Souta definitely had not expected. It comes as no surprise to Kouya, when he turns back, to see Souta fumbling a bit, cheeks powdered lightly pink. When Kouya looks a little closer, he realises yup, he is stuttering.

“Say, um, say hi to your husband.”

“Ok.” Saeko tilts her head, her curls dancing around her shoulders, “I will come back soon, Souta-kun. Wait for me.”

And then she walks out with long, elegant strides and Kouya feels like snorting at her. So obvious.

It is also obvious that Souta did not stick to the plan. And he knows, and he hates himself for it. It is all over his face and his posture, frozen and cast-down, once Kouya turns back and catches his wide eyes from across the desk.

Kouya’s crooked grin extends across his face, “Good.”

*

The house in front of him is as big as he thought it would be. As expected of a wealthy editor. The man in the house is not home now, though, luckily.

Kouya smiles to himself and walks naturally up to the fence and rings the doorbell.

Saeko’s voice comes over the receiver, “Yes?”

“This is Tago Yuudai. I am looking for Saeko-san?”

“Y- yes? I will be right there.”

Stepping back, Kouya lets his eyes wander over the fine white walls of the house again, the nicely kept flower-garden out front that Saeko no doubt can take no credit for. He snaps a photo of it. And just as the door in front of him opens, he raises his phone to Saeko as well, catching her confused expression and nicely styled hair and makeup through the camera lens.

So early in the morning, alone in the house and she is already dressed up in a short dress and plenty of makeup?

“Yes?”

She does not recognize him at all, and Kouya is not surprised.

“Good.”

The game can now begin.




FOLLOW THE LINK for Part 3

Comments

[cielmelodies]

Spotting for myself~💜❤

SO Here I am with chapter 2 (it's 1am so this will be the last for today :3)

'Soft, soothing even, as though Yoshimoto understands and is perfectly aware of what happened yesterday.' < I want this smile. I want to see it. RIGHT NOW. T__T so jealous. Gentle Yoshimoto. Souta you lucky dog.

Really, I admire the level of detail you put into the pastries. You must have worked so hard and I appreciate it so so much. In this chapter, there's an evident growth of Souta, working out of the way he has trapped himself in the claws of Saeko, and it makes me feel so happy, despite Yoshimoto's twisted ways XD (But he IS Yoshimoto, so you're keeping him in character and I appreciate it completely!)

And at the same time, we see how Yoshimoto himself has taken himself one step further into this 'job' of his. The start of his attraction begins here, and we're privy to it and I love it :) Yoshimoto, you aren't disappointed imo, you're jealous. *SQUEALS*

'Souta keeps asking himself what he did wrong, for him not to be worthy of the usual teasing.' DoM Souta you. It's not just the growing attention of Yoshimoto towards Souta as well, but vice versa. It's so interesting to see, and at the same time, very pretty in the way that it suits their dynamics. Someone liking Yoshimoto's teasing, etc.

Again, detail of chocolates and sweets - A+. Beautiful. It's a beautiful imagery and metaphor for the burgeoning relationship, especially when we really truly see how the jealousy and want begins to seep in on both sides.

We also see how intelligent Yoshimoto is he (of course he is), and that he is not just lies, deceit and manipulation, but actual observations and careful moves that. Aka... SO ATTRACTIVE gomen Yoshimoto is admittedly creepy but with Souta he is just so much more intense and I get so jealous >< look at me, writer san. Jealous of a character. FLAILS.

You should be so proud of yourself :3

I'll continue the next few chapters tomorrow! Sorry to keep you waiting.