The lanky guard glanced at Akihito.

The lanky guard glanced at Akihito. "I have made arrangements with Suzuki san to have them delivered to the penthouse."

"Thanks," the photographer mumbled.

The ride back to the penthouse was awkward and uncomfortable. Akihito glanced at his brother several times who seemed to be preoccupied with his thoughts. The elder Takaba's emotions were transparent. Yes, there was confusion but there were also hints of worry and anger.

The photographer remained seated on his side in the car, not daring to make casual conversations. What excuses could he give Haruhito? Should he say that he won the store by lottery?

That's ridiculous, he scolded himself. Maybe he could say that Asami employed him as the company president – he carried the thoughts all the way back to the penthouse.

Xx Business as Usual xX

Toru smelled trouble the minute he heard Suzuki arguing with someone at the front. Unlike his master, he recognized the owner of the voice as Haruhito immediately. He thought he could reach the photographer on time, but it turned out Suzuki was a poorer actor than he thought.

Just who would say that the company president is not around, and then turned to stare at him? Of course Haruhito would know.

Since things had escalated to the point of no return, Toru did the next logical thing. He contacted Kirishima via text. Giving the secretary a concise report, he requested for the next possible action.

Kirishima's reply was swift and it only bore a line of instruction.

Asami sama ordered you to switch on the video camera in the penthouse.

Toru texted back. 'Is there a video camera at the penthouse?'

'Yes.' Came the reply. 'The switch is located behind the shoe cabinet at the genkan.'

Scary was the only word Toru could think when describing Asami Ryuiichi. He had never thought Asami would bug his own place since he was a person who valued his privacy. Toru supposed when it came to Akihito, there was nothing that his employer wouldn't do.

The video would most probably be wired to the lap top at Asami's office, so even without his reports, Asami would still know every word Haruhito said to Akihito.

Toru settled back in his seat as he watched Ando drove into the building where his employer stayed.

Asami Ryuichi is a man that cannot be messed with. And Takaba Akihito is a person that no one should try messing with.

Xx Business as Usual xX

Haruhito's reactions when entering the penthouse was something Akihito couldn't forget. He wasn't as vocal as Kou and Takato but the reactions were similar in many ways.

His brother's eyes widened, his jaw dropped a few centimeters as he stood rooted at the entrance of the living room, staring at the luxurious apartment.

"Haru nii, have a seat."

His brother complied, choosing to sit on the three-seater couch facing the television. Akihito went to the kitchen and brought two cups of green tea, something his brother favored. Placing the expensive glassware on the table, he pushed it to Haruhito who made no attempts to drink.

"Haru nii," Akihito began as he sat next to his brother.

"Where's Toru san and Ando san?"

"They are outside the penthouse."

Haruhito nodded before turning to Akihito. "Akihito, you have to tell me what is going on. Was Suzuki san telling the truth?"

Akihito couldn't see a reason to lie. "Yes," he admitted.

"How did you buy that place? You don't earn enough to even pay for rent, let alone purchase an upscale mart like that." Haruhito caught Akihito's hand. "Did Asami buy it for you?"

If there was anything about Haruhito, he wasn't stupid. Always the brighter sibling in the family, Takaba Haruhito had always been quick on the uptake.

"Yes," Akihito muttered again, finding it pointless to hide the truth from his brother.

Like a father whose son caught playing truant, Haruhito sighed disappointedly. "Aki, you are my precious brother. I really don't like the idea of you living like a mistress."

"I'm not his mistress; I earn my own keep!" Akihito denied hotly.

"No?" Haruhito gave his brother an angry glance. "Then, tell me what this looks like, Akihito?" He waved at the luxurious apartment. "You live here with him, go everywhere in luxurious cars and even have your personal guards. As if that wasn't enough, he even bought you properties. If you don't call this being a mistress, then define the word for me."

Haruhito's blunt statement hit Akihito right where it hurt; so much so that he couldn't even retaliate. He stared at his thighs guiltily.

"I don't intend to stop you just because you're with Asami but this –," Haruhito waved around the apartment again. " – this, I won't keep quiet."

"You know me, Haru nii. I never ask for the things," Akihito said quietly.

"But you didn't reject them either." Haruhito gritted the word out. A few strands of his perfectly combed hair fell in front and he pushed it behind impatiently.

"I told Asami that I won't have him keeping you like a mistress and discard you once he's tired of you." Haruhito placed a hand on Akihito. "You deserved better, Aki," he said gently.

Akihito's determined gaze met his brother's. "Nii san, I chose this. I can't escape even if I want to," he replied honestly.

When Sudou Shu made him choose between his career and Asami, he chose the former, only to regret it when he sat in the police lock up after the scuffle with the thugs at the park. His mind knew it; knew that Asami was a dangerous man but his heart refused to heed the warnings. So when Kuroda brought him back to Asami, Akihito told himself that he wouldn't run anymore. He chose this; he chose Asami.

Haruhito placed both hands on Akihito's shoulders. "I know that bastard was holding you against your will," Haruhito cursed. "Don't worry, Akihito. Nii san will help you. We can hide you and –"

"You misunderstood me, nii san. I don't want to."

The hands on his shoulders dropped. Haruhito inhaled and then exhaled loudly before he finally exploded. "Akihito, wake up. Do you know what sort of person Asami is?" He stood up from his seat, his dark eyes burnt in anger. "On the surface, he's a businessman. Behind that mask, he's a dangerous man – a man who would kill anyone who opposes him!"

Haruhito knelt on the plush carpet, facing Akihito. "He kills people Aki," he stressed the fact again.

"I know," came the audible reply. "I know who he is," Akihito said; this time his voice was stronger.

"And you still want to be with him?"

Akihito nodded his head.

"Do you love him?"

The straight forward question from the elder Takaba caught Akihito off guard. Eyes widened, he stared at his brother's dark eyes. Haruhito looked grim.

"I – I –"

"Do you love Asami so much that you'll stay with him despite knowing who he is?" Haruhito probed as he shook Akihito's hands.

Akihito swallowed a lump. "Why do you want to know?"

"If your answer is yes, I won't question your relationship with Asami ever again. But if you answer no," Haruhito paused, ran a tongue across the upper row of his teeth, "Then I will use whatever means possible to get you away from him, even if it cost me my life.

The seriousness told Akihito that his brother wasn't joking when he said that. He hadn't thought about the 'L' word since he just assumed that both Asami and he stayed together to satisfy each other's urges. Now that his brother had brought it up, Akihito ransacked his brain, trying to make sense of his feelings for the crime lord.

"Akihito, do you love him?" Haruhito asked for the third time.

Akihito looked away and slowly, he nodded his head. "Uhm – nmm," was all he could manage before he felt his cheeks burned from embarrassment.

Withdrawing his hands from Akihito, Haruhito took his seat on the expensive leather couch next to Akihito and let out a long, dejected sigh. "I understand. I will keep my word. I won't say anything about your relationship with Asami again."

The weight on Akihito's shoulders immediately lessened. He smiled. "Thank you Haru-nii."

Haruhito offered a reluctant smile. "It was the hardest decision ever."

Both brothers were silent for a moment, enjoying a moment of quietness after the raging storm. Haruhito took his chance to sip the green tea. "It's cold."

Akihito gave a hearty laugh. "I'll pour you a fresh cup," he said, standing up in the process. "By the way, why are you in Tokyo, Haru nii?" he asked, changing the topic.

Haruhito followed his brother to the kitchen. "I was sent by the company to persuade the president of Marukoshi to sell our Asahi special premium gold beer."

Passing the freshly brewed cup to Haruhito, Akihito filled his own with water before leading his brother back to the living room. "Why Marukoshi? It's just one expensive mart. Wouldn't it be better if you market it in other local marts?"

Haruhito nearly scalded his tongue. "Aki, you're the president of Marukoshi, aren't you?" When the photographer nodded, Haruhito continued, "Then you should know that Marukoshi has more than ten branches, scattered around the four islands of Japan."

Akihito choked on the plain water he was drinking. "WHAT?"

"There have been a few unsuccessful talks between Marukoshi and our company. The boss sent me to Tokyo to negotiate with the president himself."

Overwhelmed by the information, Akihito could only nod his head. He didn't know that Marukoshi had branches. Most importantly, he didn't know that Asami had bought all the branches for him.

That bastard.

Then it clicked. "Haru nii, you said you needed to get the contract with Marukoshi right? In that case, I can help you to –,"

"No," his brother interrupted, putting the cup on table. "I know what you are trying to say but, no. I don't want you or Asami to award me the contract just because I'm your brother.

Kết quả (Việt) 1:

Bảo vệ lanky glanced tại Akihito. "Tôi đã thực hiện sắp xếp với Suzuki san có họ gửi đến penthouse.""Nhờ," các nhiếp ảnh gia mumbled.Đi quay lại penthouse đã được vụng về và khó chịu. Akihito glanced tại Anh trai của ông nhiều lần những người dường như được bận tâm với suy nghĩ của mình. Elder Takaba cảm xúc được minh bạch. Có, đã có sự nhầm lẫn, nhưng cũng có những gợi ý của lo lắng và tức giận.Các nhiếp ảnh gia vẫn ngồi bên mình trong xe, không dám làm cho cuộc hội thoại không thường xuyên. Bào chữa những gì ông có thể cung cấp cho Haruhito? Ông nên nói rằng ông đã giành được các cửa hàng của xổ số?Đó là vô lý, ông scolded mình. Có lẽ ông có thể nói rằng Asami sử dụng anh ta là chủ tịch công ty-ông mang những suy nghĩ tất cả con đường trở lại để penthouse.XX kinh doanh như bình thường xXToru mùi rắc rối phút ông nghe Suzuki tranh cãi với ai đó ở phía trước. Không giống như chủ của mình, ông công nhận chủ sở hữu của giọng nói là Haruhito ngay lập tức. Ông nghĩ rằng ông có thể tiếp cận với các nhiếp ảnh gia vào thời gian, nhưng nó bật ra Suzuki là một diễn viên nghèo hơn anh nghĩ.Chỉ những người sẽ nói rằng chủ tịch công ty không phải là xung quanh, và sau đó quay sang nhìn chằm chằm vào anh ta? Tất nhiên Haruhito sẽ biết.Kể từ khi những điều đã leo thang tới điểm của no return, Toru đã điều hợp lý tiếp theo. Ông liên lạc Kirishima thông qua văn bản. Ông cho thư ký một bản báo cáo ngắn gọn, yêu cầu cho hoạt động tiếp theo có thể.Kirishima's reply was swift and it only bore a line of instruction.Asami sama ordered you to switch on the video camera in the penthouse.Toru texted back. 'Is there a video camera at the penthouse?''Yes.' Came the reply. 'The switch is located behind the shoe cabinet at the genkan.'Scary was the only word Toru could think when describing Asami Ryuiichi. He had never thought Asami would bug his own place since he was a person who valued his privacy. Toru supposed when it came to Akihito, there was nothing that his employer wouldn't do.The video would most probably be wired to the lap top at Asami's office, so even without his reports, Asami would still know every word Haruhito said to Akihito.Toru settled back in his seat as he watched Ando drove into the building where his employer stayed.Asami Ryuichi is a man that cannot be messed with. And Takaba Akihito is a person that no one should try messing with.Xx Business as Usual xXHaruhito's reactions when entering the penthouse was something Akihito couldn't forget. He wasn't as vocal as Kou and Takato but the reactions were similar in many ways.His brother's eyes widened, his jaw dropped a few centimeters as he stood rooted at the entrance of the living room, staring at the luxurious apartment."Haru nii, have a seat."His brother complied, choosing to sit on the three-seater couch facing the television. Akihito went to the kitchen and brought two cups of green tea, something his brother favored. Placing the expensive glassware on the table, he pushed it to Haruhito who made no attempts to drink."Haru nii," Akihito began as he sat next to his brother."Where's Toru san and Ando san?""They are outside the penthouse."Haruhito nodded before turning to Akihito. "Akihito, you have to tell me what is going on. Was Suzuki san telling the truth?"Akihito couldn't see a reason to lie. "Yes," he admitted."How did you buy that place? You don't earn enough to even pay for rent, let alone purchase an upscale mart like that." Haruhito caught Akihito's hand. "Did Asami buy it for you?"If there was anything about Haruhito, he wasn't stupid. Always the brighter sibling in the family, Takaba Haruhito had always been quick on the uptake."Yes," Akihito muttered again, finding it pointless to hide the truth from his brother.Like a father whose son caught playing truant, Haruhito sighed disappointedly. "Aki, you are my precious brother. I really don't like the idea of you living like a mistress.""I'm not his mistress; I earn my own keep!" Akihito denied hotly."No?" Haruhito gave his brother an angry glance. "Then, tell me what this looks like, Akihito?" He waved at the luxurious apartment. "You live here with him, go everywhere in luxurious cars and even have your personal guards. As if that wasn't enough, he even bought you properties. If you don't call this being a mistress, then define the word for me."Haruhito's blunt statement hit Akihito right where it hurt; so much so that he couldn't even retaliate. He stared at his thighs guiltily."I don't intend to stop you just because you're with Asami but this –," Haruhito waved around the apartment again. " – this, I won't keep quiet.""You know me, Haru nii. I never ask for the things," Akihito said quietly."But you didn't reject them either." Haruhito gritted the word out. A few strands of his perfectly combed hair fell in front and he pushed it behind impatiently."I told Asami that I won't have him keeping you like a mistress and discard you once he's tired of you." Haruhito placed a hand on Akihito. "You deserved better, Aki," he said gently.Akihito's determined gaze met his brother's. "Nii san, I chose this. I can't escape even if I want to," he replied honestly.When Sudou Shu made him choose between his career and Asami, he chose the former, only to regret it when he sat in the police lock up after the scuffle with the thugs at the park. His mind knew it; knew that Asami was a dangerous man but his heart refused to heed the warnings. So when Kuroda brought him back to Asami, Akihito told himself that he wouldn't run anymore. He chose this; he chose Asami.Haruhito placed both hands on Akihito's shoulders. "I know that bastard was holding you against your will," Haruhito cursed. "Don't worry, Akihito. Nii san will help you. We can hide you and –""You misunderstood me, nii san. I don't want to."The hands on his shoulders dropped. Haruhito inhaled and then exhaled loudly before he finally exploded. "Akihito, wake up. Do you know what sort of person Asami is?" He stood up from his seat, his dark eyes burnt in anger. "On the surface, he's a businessman. Behind that mask, he's a dangerous man – a man who would kill anyone who opposes him!"Haruhito knelt on the plush carpet, facing Akihito. "He kills people Aki," he stressed the fact again."I know," came the audible reply. "I know who he is," Akihito said; this time his voice was stronger."And you still want to be with him?"Akihito nodded his head."Do you love him?"The straight forward question from the elder Takaba caught Akihito off guard. Eyes widened, he stared at his brother's dark eyes. Haruhito looked grim.
"I – I –"

"Do you love Asami so much that you'll stay with him despite knowing who he is?" Haruhito probed as he shook Akihito's hands.

Akihito swallowed a lump. "Why do you want to know?"

"If your answer is yes, I won't question your relationship with Asami ever again. But if you answer no," Haruhito paused, ran a tongue across the upper row of his teeth, "Then I will use whatever means possible to get you away from him, even if it cost me my life.

The seriousness told Akihito that his brother wasn't joking when he said that. He hadn't thought about the 'L' word since he just assumed that both Asami and he stayed together to satisfy each other's urges. Now that his brother had brought it up, Akihito ransacked his brain, trying to make sense of his feelings for the crime lord.

"Akihito, do you love him?" Haruhito asked for the third time.

Akihito looked away and slowly, he nodded his head. "Uhm – nmm," was all he could manage before he felt his cheeks burned from embarrassment.

Withdrawing his hands from Akihito, Haruhito took his seat on the expensive leather couch next to Akihito and let out a long, dejected sigh. "I understand. I will keep my word. I won't say anything about your relationship with Asami again."

The weight on Akihito's shoulders immediately lessened. He smiled. "Thank you Haru-nii."

Haruhito offered a reluctant smile. "It was the hardest decision ever."

Both brothers were silent for a moment, enjoying a moment of quietness after the raging storm. Haruhito took his chance to sip the green tea. "It's cold."

Akihito gave a hearty laugh. "I'll pour you a fresh cup," he said, standing up in the process. "By the way, why are you in Tokyo, Haru nii?" he asked, changing the topic.

Haruhito followed his brother to the kitchen. "I was sent by the company to persuade the president of Marukoshi to sell our Asahi special premium gold beer."

Passing the freshly brewed cup to Haruhito, Akihito filled his own with water before leading his brother back to the living room. "Why Marukoshi? It's just one expensive mart. Wouldn't it be better if you market it in other local marts?"

Haruhito nearly scalded his tongue. "Aki, you're the president of Marukoshi, aren't you?" When the photographer nodded, Haruhito continued, "Then you should know that Marukoshi has more than ten branches, scattered around the four islands of Japan."

Akihito choked on the plain water he was drinking. "WHAT?"

"There have been a few unsuccessful talks between Marukoshi and our company. The boss sent me to Tokyo to negotiate with the president himself."

Overwhelmed by the information, Akihito could only nod his head. He didn't know that Marukoshi had branches. Most importantly, he didn't know that Asami had bought all the branches for him.

That bastard.

Then it clicked. "Haru nii, you said you needed to get the contract with Marukoshi right? In that case, I can help you to –,"

"No," his brother interrupted, putting the cup on table. "I know what you are trying to say but, no. I don't want you or Asami to award me the contract just because I'm your brother.