HEY!, Give it back!" Akihito tried

HEY!, Give it back!" Akihito tried to retrieve his camera from the actor but the taller man held the camera high in the air.

"Do you know who I am, you lowlife photographer?" Noda asked, enjoying Akihito's reaction immensely.

Akihito lost his patience. Really, how childish can this man be? Snatching his camera, holding it high in the air; is he really an adult?

"Yes, I fucking know who you are Noda," Akihito didn't bother to use the san when addressing him. "Now, give it back!" Akihito managed to grab the strap. He yanked it down but Noda was stronger; he managed to pull it away from Akihito.

"You spilt wine on my suit; do you think you're getting away so easily?"

"Fuck you, you prick. You have no right to take my camera!"

Akihito's heart nearly stopped with the events that unfold in the next minute. Noda walked to stairway with his Nikon and flung it down before Akihito could stop him.

The loud crash was deafening. Ignoring the actors and actresses around him, he pushed them away as he made way to the edge of the steps. His 700,000 yen camera, his baby was lying on the ground one floor below, shattered into pieces.

Akihito rushed down the stairway and dropped his knees on the floor. He vaguely heard Noda laughing but he didn't have the strength to respond.

Trembled hands reached out to collect the shattered pieces on the floor. Staring at his broken camera brought Akihito to tears as he unzipped the bag slowly to store the bits and pieces of what was originally a high end, expensive camera. The Nikon D4 had incomparable speed and performance but it could never withstand a fall that high.

"Takaba sama!" Akihito heard Toru rushing to him.

Toru knelt next to Akihito. "I'm sorry, Takaba sama. I heard the commotion but I was too far. I tried to come but there were too many people around, I'm –"

"Toru," Akihito whispered as he continued picking up the pieces. "It's fine."

"No! It was my fault, Takaba sama. I should have –"

"Please, just stop Toru," Akihito cut him off. On a usual day, Akihito would love to see the usually imperturbable Toru burst out in anger. Not today, not now.

Toru zipped his mouth immediately. He reached for his phone, intending to report to Asami sama. Akihito must have noticed his intentions; he placed his hand on Toru's arm to stop him.

"If you're sorry, do me a favor. Do not text him," Akihito whispered brokenly.

Toru had never seen Akihito like that. The defeated look on his once proud face had thrown him off balance. God, he preferred the boy's angry outburst and cheeky smile anytime.

"Takaba!"

Akihito turned to look at Koga's horrified look. "Koga san," he greeted.

"My god, I'm so sorry Takaba. I will pay for your camera. Just give me some time and I'll definitely –,"

"No, it's not your fault."

"But –,"

Akihito took his camera and flipped open the compartment housing the memory card. He injected the card out before passing it to Koga.

"Here, I'm sorry I can't help you with the photos. Take this," Akihito pushed the memory card to Koga's hands.

Akihito stood up. Dizzy, he braced a hand on Toru's shoulder for support. When he felt steadier, he walked out of the door, heaving his camera bag with him.

"Takaba!" Koga shouted.

Akihito halted. Eyes closed, he fought to hold on. "It's okay, Koga san. Don't worry about it."

Akihito bolted without waiting for Koga to respond.

The ride back to the penthouse was uncomfortable. Toru checked the rear mirror countless times and was troubled when he saw his master clutching his camera bag, brushing away angry tears with his palms.

The minute Akihito closed the door to the penthouse, Toru walked a good distance away to dial Kirishima's number.

"Toru, what is it?"

"Kirishima san? I – may I know what time Asami sama will be coming back today?"

"What is the matter?" Kirishima asked suspiciously.

With a heavy heart, Toru began to explain. When he was done, Kirishima remained silent.