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N-G Studios was more than a skyscraper. It was a testament to the success of the band that had first formed it. It was home to the top bands of the music industry. And it was where NG president Seguchi Tohma was currently facing off with a pink plushy bunny."Yes." Tohma stated calmly."No!" The bunny replied firmly."Yes." Tohma repeated, his voice firmer this time."No! No! No!" the bunny responded diligently.Tohma sighed. "Ryuichi promised.""But photoshoots are so boring!""The calendar was his idea.""But why does there have to be solo shots?" Ryuichi stood up with a huff - leaving Kumagorou perched on Tohma's desk."Because there's fifty-two weeks in a year and seeing the three of us together fifty-two times would get too repetitive.""Why couldn't you have done a twelve month calendar instead?""We're doing a thirteen month as well, but weekly calendars are a hot item right now. I think we need to take advantage of it.""Why not stock photos then?""Fans are going to buy this expecting new photos. You wouldn't want to disappoint them, would you?""Concert outtakes?""Ryuichi...""Ugh." Ryuichi collapsed on the corner couch."You didn't object to the group photoshoots.""You and Nori were there. Makes it fun. I don't suppose...""I have work.""Nori?""Family Time.""Ugh." Ryuichi covered his face with a pillow."I got Himechi for you. She's your favorite photographer." Tohma prodded."That makes it slightly more bearable, but no less boring. Turn left. Turn right. Unbutton your pants. Lighting check. More hair gel!""Ryu...""..." Ryuichi peeked out from behind the pillow."You have to do it."Ryuichi puffed out his cheeks, then stuck out his tongue at his bandmate before hiding back under the pillow. "Another day.""Ryuichi.""...""Today.""...maybe there's someone who could come with me."Tohma frowned. "Not Shuichi. If K catches word of the calendar, he'll rush one out for Bad Luck.""I wasn't thinking about Shuichi."Tohma blinked, then frowned. "Ryuichi...""That would make things a lot more fun.""Do you know the earful I got after the zoo visit? Mika doesn't want anything like encouragement.""Because wearing animal mascot costumes at the zoo is so unbelievably sexy?""When compared to a calendar photoshoot with Himechi, it certainly is the epitome of innocence.""He's older now.""He's still underage.""I'm not climbing into his pants, Tohma. I just want to hang out.""He wants in your pants.""I can handle myself.""More than that, he wants in your heart.""...I know."Tohma studied Ryuichi - who's expression was still hidden by the pillow. "Mika wants to protect him.""Maybe she's protecting him from the wrong things.""She'll make me sleep on the couch.""Isn't doing a favor for your best friend - and one of your most valuable assets - worth it?""...Okay."Ryuichi peered out suspiciously at Tohma's cheerful tone. The keyboardist's trademark smile was in place."But, Ryuichi, sometime in the next five to ten years, I'm going to ask you for a favor. And to do it would mean you will end up sleeping on the couch. But you'll say yes, because you owe me."Ryuichi hesitated. Either contemplating the seriousness of the threat, or simply letting it sink in. Then he sat up, offering a cheerful grin of his own. "Okay."Tohma sighed. "You were supposed to reconsider."Ryuichi bounced over to his desk, holding out his hand. "Phone number."Tohma glanced at him suspiciously. "He'll meet you there."Ryuichi deflated a little, pouting, but Tohma ignored him. Tatsuha couldn't believe his luck. Even though it meant owing Tohma a huge favor - which was always dangerous - it was still incredible luck. He was going to hang out with Ryuichi. More, he was going to get to watch him do a photoshoot for a Nittle Grasper Calendar. It was a fanboy dream. Or the beginning of one at least.He noticed several cars were already there. Just staff? He wondered. Or were one of the vehicles Ryuichi's? He headed into the front lobby, offering the receptionist his most charming smile. "Uesugi Tatsuha." He introduced himself first. Tohma had assured him he wouldn't need a pass of any kind, but he wouldn't put it past his brother-in-law's sense of humor to lie about it just to give him a hard time. "I'm-""Yes, yes, you're on the list." The receptionist didn't even spare him a glance. Tatsuha felt slightly insulted after all the effort he'd put into the greeting. "You better hurry - you're late."Tatsuha blinked at that. "I am?""Make-up's been waiting. Hurry up - second door on the right."Despite feeling a little confused, Tatsuha followed her instructions. He found himself in a warehouse-like room. Lights and cameras surrounded what was currently a blank backdrop. Crew scurried to and fro setting up equipment and checking readings. He approached a woman who had a piece of equipment she was holding in front of her pointed at the lighted backdrop. He wasn't sure what it was. It looked more like something a scientist would use while testing for radiation or something. "Excuse me?""Just a minute." She told him. "Okay! All good so far! Let's have props ready!" She shouted loudly. The crew scurried to do as she said, and she lowered the machine - turning to face him. "Lighting check." She said as if that explained everything. "Okay, who are you and what are you supposed to be doing?"Tatsuha blinked. "Er... I'm Uesugi Tatsuha and-""Oh, good - you're here. Listen, not to be a hard-nose, but I don't like it when people are late. It throws off schedules and it's just plain unprofessional."Tatsuha scratched his head, confused. "Sorry? I caught the earliest Shinkansen from Kyoto I could.""You were coming from Kyoto? Geez, Seguchi could have at least warned me. In that case, I'll let it slide. Mori!" There was no space or breath between subjects, or before the sudden shout. She rambled straight through, like someone on a continuous coffee buzz.A young man came up. "Himechi-san?""This is two o'clock. Hair, make-up, wardrobe - the works. Yesterday.""You got it boss!" Mori grabbed his arm, pulling him to a side room."Er. I think there's been-" Tatsuha began."No worries! Himechi's the best, and she only works with the best." Mori urged him into the make-up chair, patting his shoulder. "Yesterday, people!" He shouted.It was the only warning he got before no less than three people surrounded him with make-up brushes, nail files, and hair gel. "Himechi-chan!" Ryuichi threw himself at the photographer, who neatly side-stepped - sending him crashing to the floor."Not when I have equipment, Ryu. We've been over this."Ryuichi pushed himself up off the floor, and turned a pout and watery eyes on her. "Himechi-chan..." He whined.Himechi sighed, handing off two cameras to an assistant. "Alright, alright, now.""Himechi-chan!" Ryuichi reenacted the glomp, clinging happily. "I haven't seen you in forever!""Okay, okay, let me breath!" She protested.Ryuichi let go. "Sorry. Sorry." He grinned. "So, I bought your photobook. It was gorgeous.""Is it on your coffee table? Do I get bragging rights?" Himechi asked."Of course, brag away!""You rock." Himechi took her cameras back from her assistant."That's how I make my living." Ryuichi smirked.Himechi snickered. "Get your ass over to make-up. We're behind, but we'll catch up.""Oh, but I was waiting for someone. Tohma said he'd meet me here. Uesugi Tatsuha?"Himechi blinked. "I thought your shoot was for the calendar.""It is.""But Tohma said-""Hey, all set! Do we have the best crew or what?" Mori's voice broke in.Ryuichi turned, and froze.Gel slicked Tatsuha's hair away from his face, and make-up accented his lips and evened his skin tone. A long earring dangled from one ear. He wore a tank, and several chain necklaces. Jeans slung low on his hips and clung to his legs. Chains hung from the belt loops and leather boots hugged his calves. A leather jacked was over one arm. Mori was tugging the reluctant young man up to the group.Himechi paused as well, studying the transformation. "You make it work, kid. Not bad at all. Eh, Ry-" She cut off when she noticed the way Ryuichi was studying Tatsuha. She'd seen the singer assess models before. There was nothing professional about the way he was looking at this young man. Smirking, she turned back. "Definite potential - provided you come across on film as well as you do in life. Ryuichi there is the bane of my existence. He's the least photogenic of Nittle Grasper.""Hey!" Ryuichi protested, glaring at her."Seriously, in real life Ryuichi is amazing. Motion picture? Fabulous. But still photography? One in ten is good - and that's being optimistic. Ever noticed how many distant shots are in the concert outtakes?""Kumagorou Beam!" Ryuichi shouted. The pink bunny promptly beaned Himechi in the back of the head. Himechi clutched the back of her head, but only laughed in response to the attack. "Kumagorou says Himechi is being mean!""But I didn't say anything about Kumagorou. He's very photogenic, way more than Ryuichi!""Grr..." Ryuichi started to chase Himechi - who ran, though she was laughing so hard she couldn't run very fast."Um..." Tatsuha watched them blankly."Don't worry, this is normal." Mori assured him. "You have to expect the unexpected when Sakuma-san comes on set."Ryuichi promptly tripped over a wire, crashing to the ground and making a light fixture sway dangerously. Mori dodged over to hold it up. Tatsuha ran to Ryuichi, pulling him away from the light."Ryuichi-sama, are you okay?""Look at all the little Kumas. They have cute little wings." Ryuichi said dazedly."Oops." Himechi reappeared. "Uh, Ryuichi? You okay?"Ryuichi blinked to clear his eyes, pausing when he realized Tatsuha had one arm around him to hold him up. A sly smirk slid across his features before he leaned against the young monk. "Ow-ie. My head hurts."Himechi frowned at him suspiciously. "Funny, I don't see any bruises or bumps.""Oh, no! Ryuichi! Do you need a doctor?" Tatsuha began to panic."No, no!" Ryuichi interjected hastily. "I just need to sit down."Himechi rolled her eyes as Tatsuha picked Ryuichi up and carried him to a nearby couch."Is that better? Do you need ice? A drink?"Ryuichi let go of him with a sigh. "I just need to rest a minute. Maybe a cool drink would help."Himechi grabbed Tatsuha's shoulder before he could dash off to get the requested refreshment. "Mori. A glass of water. Relax, kid, Sakuma Ryuichi here is a known drama queen. Stop messing with the kid's head, Ryu.""You so deserve the joke Tohma played on you. Even Kuma agrees." Ryuichi replied before Tatsuha could jump down the photographer's throat."Joke?" Himechi's eyes narrowed. "What joke?"Ryuichi smirked. "Tatsuha only came here to keep me company. He's not a model. He's Tohma's brother-in-law.""Huh?" Himechi blinked. "But Tohma said he was sending..." She froze, and pieces of her hair began to fray as angry marks crowded around her. "Damn Seguchi's sense of humor! Oh, I'm so giving him an earful when we talk next!""Can someone explain this to me?" Tatsuha interjected."Tohma told Himechi he was sending you here at two. He didn't say why, knowing Himechi would jump to conclusions, and set you up for a photoshoot before I arrived.""Why?" Tatsuha tilted his head, a frown turning his mouth. The long earring clipped onto his ear swung against the curve of his neck and shoulder. Ryuichi watched it, momentarily distracted.Watching the pair, Himechi smirked. "This being Seguchi, he had layers of reasoning. But foremost is simply the fact that he has a sadistic sense of humor.""No kidding." Tatsuha rolled his eyes."Well, since Ryuichi no doubt needs a few minutes to recover from the trauma of tripping over his own two feet-""It was your light cord!" Ryuichi protested."And it would be shame to waste my team's hard work. What about it, kid?""What about what?" Tatsuha asked, not following her."What about doing a photoshoot with me? You're already all dolled up with no place to go, right? I promise it'll be an experience you'll always remember."
To Be Continued...
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Tatsuha was not used to feeling embarrassed. He was far from prudish, or even modest. He probably had worn something similar to the outfit he was currently wearing sometime in the past month. At a rave, surrounded by people in similar clothing who were busy dancing, flirting, drinking, making-out, or any combination of the four. Depending on the rave, black lighting, moshing, and drugs could also have been involved.Wearing the outfit in front of a group of people in normal clothes, in a big empty warehouse with cameras and lights surrounding him, was a very different experience. He felt awkward and out of place. And, though he hated to admit it, a touch embarrassed. He was currently lying on his back, head arched back to look at the camera - one leg bent and the other straight. One hand was reaching for the camera, and the other rested on his stomach - tank pulled up around it to show skin. The position was down right uncomfortable and he couldn't help but wonder if he looked as ridiculous as he felt."Unbutton your fly." Himechi directed.Tatsuha blinked. "Wha-?""Unbutton your fly. It's sexier that way. Partially dressed is a hotness that spans cultures." Himechi told him, before disappearing behind the camera again.Trying to forget that there was a whole group of people watching him as he unbuttoned his pants wasn't easy. He actually felt his cheeks heat slightly and prayed it didn't show under the make-up. Praying was pretty much second-nature to him anyway, and he found himself reciting one in his head that seemed suitable to the occasion. He wasn't aware his lips were moving until Himechi commented."Don't mutter under your breath. It twists your mouth and ruins shots. Lie down again. It was almost right."Tatsuha lied down, but frowned. "I was praying for strength in the face of adversity." He retorted."I wouldn't have guessed you were religious.""I'm a monk."Himechi opened her mouth to make a snappy retort, but paused - seeing something in his face. "You're not joking, are you?" Her eyes widened in realization."Nope." Ryuichi provided before Tatsuha could. "Tatsuha is the heir to a temple.""Er... this wouldn't be considered sacrilegious in anyway, right?" Himechi asked.Tatsuha found himself chuckling. "I don't recall sexy photoshoots being directly mentioned in regards to preventing one reaching Nirvana. So I think we're good." He rolled onto one arm to look at her."Don't move.""Hm?" His head tilted slightly as the camera emitted strings of clicks."Hot." Himechi grinned. "Stand up. How about take the jacket off now? Throw it over the shoulder. C'mon - be sultry! Lid your eyes.""Lid them?" Tatsuha arched his eyebrows, not understanding the terminology."That's a cute expression, actually.""Cute??" Tatsuha spluttered."You can rebutton your pants, and tuck the tank top back in." Himechi instructed, glancing over at where Ryuichi was watching preview shots on a screen. "Ryuichi, if you're feeling better do go get ready for your shoot. Mori!"Ryuichi frowned at her, but when Tatsuha glanced over he smiled. "These pictures are cool, Tatsuha-kun! What do you think? Is it fun?""It's... a different experience." Tatsuha replied. Ryuichi waved as Mori led him toward the make-up room."Okay! Lidding means to half-close your eyes, but look forward or up. It's classic sultry. C'mon kid, I know you've got a "Come hither" look in your repertoire. Show it off."It was strange, as he'd only met Himechi that day, but the way she spoke made it feel like she knew a lot about him. And it wasn't as if she said it in an overbearing way, as if she was jumping to conclusions. It was spoken casually - like jokes between old friends. Come to think of it, he'd never told her his age. So why did she keep calling him 'kid', when most everyone else jumped to the conclusion he was older?At the same time, it didn't make him feel uncomfortable around her - just the opposite. Mori had said Himechi was the best, and he was starting to see why. Turning his back on the camera, he threw the jacket over one shoulder and looked over the other. He was only slightly surprised to find his eyes falling half close as he gave Himechi's camera a look that he'd used to convince more than one partner to follow him from a nightclub.The camera committed a long string of clicks before Himechi spoke. "Purrr, kid. That's the only word for it. Purrrr...." To Tatsuha there seemed to be an excessive amount of shots. But he was still posing when an arm wrapped around his shoulders. "Himechi must like your posing, Tatsuha-kun!" Ryuichi exclaimed. "I've seen her send top models home in less time. A few in tears.""Eh?" Tatsuha looked back, and froze.A leather vest flowed around Ryuichi, but there was no shirt underneath. Leather pants hung low on his hips, and clung to him like a second skin. Two chains hung around his neck, and a chain hung off the leather armband on one arm. His hair flowed around him, and this close he could see the make-up on his skin and the slight tint on his lips."You're blushing, Tatsuha." Ryuichi mentioned. "Has Himechi been making you do naughty poses?""I know you're posing with the Ryuichi Sakuma, kid, but how about looking a little less dazed?" Himechi broke the moment.Embarrassed at being called out on his staring, Tatsuha snapped his head toward Himechi's camera - giving her his best Uesugi glare. The camera clicked away."Such a dangerous duo. A little girl like me should be positively terrified." Himechi's smirk belied her words.Tatsuha glanced up and saw Ryuichi had turned to her as well. If he'd been glaring, he couldn't say. Right then he was chuckling. "You're cruel, Himechi.""That's why I'm the best. Ready for your shoot?""Just a few duo shots! Right, Tatsuha?" Ryuichi grinned at him."I-I'd love to!" He admitted.Himechi sighed. "And this is why I never schedule clientele after Ryuichi. Such a brat. Mori! Prop guns! Okay, you two - impress me.""This way, Tatsuha." Ryuichi instantly took over, turning him to face him. He hooked his fingers through Tatsuha's belt loops, and drew their bodies close. "Look at Himechi. She'll say to look sultry any minute.""C'mon, sultry! Sexy!" Himechi instructed. "Make me want to join you!"Tatsuha half closed his eyes again, but he felt the blush burning his cheeks. This was Ryuichi he was standing close enough to touch. It was arousing. But with Himechi's crew looking on it was embarrassing, too. Once again, Himechi seemed to read his mind. Or maybe she'd just seen his blush. She popped out from behind the camera to study them."There's a little bit of exhibitionist in all of us, kid. Now turn and give me that purring come hither look again. Take his arm, Ryu, and give me Come Hither Three... mm, no, make it Come Hither Five.""Guns." Mori appeared with a rifle and a hand gun as the camera clicked away."Ryu, rifle! Kid, Floor!""What?" Tatsuha blinked as Ryuichi caught the rifle Mori tossed at him."Himechi sometimes reverts to caveman speak when she's on a roll." Ryuichi grinned at him. "She wants you to lie down on the floor.""Less talk, more posing. Sideways to the camera, kid. Ryu - in front, lean on the rifle. Spread your legs, I want to see the kids face. Mori, handgun.""Here, Tatsuha!" Mori slid the prop gun across the floor at him.Tatsuha picked it up blankly. "What do I do with it?""Just hold it for now. Prop yourself up with it in the hand of the arm you're leaning on... nice..." Himechi took a few shots. "Hey, kid, wrap one arm around Ryuichi's leg, will you?"Tatsuha swallowed, reaching up to lay his hand on Ryuichi's leg hesitantly."I said wrap. Pull yourself closer so your arm goes around. That's more like it!""I don't bite, Tatsuha." Ryuichi's whisper held a teasing note. "Nibble maybe, but never bite.""Smoking! Mori! Knives! Don't stand up - lay back. Ryu straddle - standing please. Now aim at each other." Himechi kept going."Are we partners or enemies?" Ryuichi asked her as he aimed his rifle at Tatsuha's head."Rivals who are forced to work together. Very UST." Himechi countered.Tatsuha held the handgun in both hands and pointed it at Ryuichi's heart. "What's UST?" He asked the idol. Ryuichi smirked at him, and Tatsuha felt his heart hammer in his chest."I think you should hold the gun with one hand." Ryuichi suggested."Like this?" Tatsuha switched his hold."Exactly." Ryuichi's tone was smug. It was all the warning he got before the singer grabbed his wrist and pinned it to the floor, kneeling to one side as he pressed the rifle into his stomach. "Bam, I win!""Hey!" Tatsuha protested."Tatsuha, knife!" Mori shouted and something clattered near his ear.Bending his knee under Ryuichi's gun arm he pushed up."Ah!" Ryuichi lost his balance, releasing his arm, and Tatsuha grabbed up the prop knife - pressing it to the idol's throat as he started to get back up. He was vaguely aware of the clicking sound of Himechi's camera."Who wins?" Tatsuha challenged"Me." Another prop knife was in Ryuichi's hand - blade to Tatsuha's stomach.Tatsuha froze, then began to chuckle. "The last time I did something like this, I was nine.""Tell me about that time." Ryuichi encouraged. His voice was soft, but still serious. Usually Tatsuha did not let himself dwell on the past - especially in regards to his family and childhood, but the soft words were hard to resist."Eiri and I were pretending to be samurai." He remembered running through the woods behind the temple, a branch for a sword - trying to catch up with his brother."Sounds like fun." Ryuichi's response sounded honestly interested. Not condescending or teasing as he might have expected another to reply to the confession."It... was..." He felt himself smile at the half-forgotten memory."Maybe we'll try that next. But, Tatsuha?""Yes?" He'd relaxed while they chatted - it was a mistake. Ryuichi was suddenly behind him, fake knife to his throat, arm around his chest."I always win."Recalling the handgun, he pointed it up at Ryuichi. "Bam! Not against me!""Mori. Blood packs." Himechi's voice was serious."Ne?" Mori asked in confusion. "Say, what's happening exactly?""This shoot just went from good to fabulous." Ryuichi and Tatsuha faced off on a dark street. They were bandaged and wounded, like they'd been through a hard fight."Where'd the street come from?" Tatsuha asked, studying the preview screen. He was towel drying his hair. Makeup and fake wounds washed away."It's one of several thousand background the computer has on memory." Himechi explained. "Looks like it came from a movie, huh?""That's... wild. But wasn't Ryuichi supposed to do solo shots for the Nittle Grasper calendar?"With a click of the mouse, thumbnails appeared on the screen. Every shot showed only Ryuichi. "Think any of those will work?"Tatsuha found himself studying the thumbnails. "I don't like the last shot." He was a bit surprised by the fact."Good eye." Himechi nodded. "Ryu's in wardrobe now. Head to make-up, okay?"Tatsuha blinked. "But I thought-""Listen, kid. I've hired models to pose with Sakuma before, because photographing him alone is always touch and go. I noticed he posed better with Seguchi or Ukai there. They weren't available. You're here. So, I'm gonna be very bad and take advantage of it. So get to make-up, okay?"Tatsuha paused, then shrugged - grinning. "It's your set."Himechi watched him head toward make-up before looking at the preview screen again. Mori stepped up behind her. "You stopped using models after the second try. You said they wren't any help.""They weren't. He is. You can do the math, I can do the math, and we both know Seguchi already did the math or he wouldn't have sent him. But Tatsuha has no clue. And telling him isn't in my job description.""Does Sakuma know?" Mori was serious.Himechi snorted, clearing the screen as she stood up. "Sakuma Ryuichi always knows what he wants." The sun was setting as Ryuichi and Tatsuha walked along the street toward the train station. A baseball hat and sunglasses disguised the idol from prying eyes. "Thanks for coming today, Tatsuha-kun.""It was... unique." Tatsuha wasn't sure what else to call the day. A taste of another world, maybe?"Himechi was impressed by you, I could tell." Ryuichi commented. "Ever considered modeling?""I'm temple heir." Tatsuha said quietly."It's not just an obligation?" Ryuichi asked, his tone serious."...was today an obligation for you?""It was, but you being there made it fun.""But it's part of being a singer, right?""It's part of being famous." Ryuichi corrected, frowning. Then his face cleared. "I see. Yes, there's obligations that come from being a singer I could do without. But I want to sing, so I'll take whatever comes with it.""I feel the same.""But you enjoyed today?" Ryuichi pressed."Parts of it." Tatsuha grinned. "Other parts were... awkward.""Which part? The make-up chair? Or unbuttoning your pants in a room full of people?" The singer teased him, grinning when he saw a blush highlight the young man's cheeks."I never realized how uncomfortable certain positions are to hold for a length of time. I'm never going to look at an advertisement the same again." Tatsuha changed the subject.Ryuichi chuckled. "Tohma sprained his knee once in a shoot. Looking back, it's funny. But I'm sure he didn't find it so at the time.""Y'know something? All those pictures and I don't have even one to take home with me.""That's a good point!" Ryuichi's eyes widened. He glanced up and down the street. "Ah! This way!" Grabbing Tatsuha's arm he pulled him to a purikura booth. "In here!""Ne? Isn't that for girls and cou-!""C'mon!" Ryuichi dragged him inside. Tatsuha was still grinning as he waved goodbye to Ryuichi while he got on the train to Kyoto. Ryuichi glanced down at his own strip of photos from the booth with a small smile. His cellphone ran, and he picked it up. "Sakuma.""So, these pictures of you and the kid. I don't think Tohma will appreciate me billing him for them." Himechi told him.Ryuichi chuckled. "Bill them to me. Prints and a CD, please.""If you let me use them in my next photobook, I'll give you a discount..." Himechi hedged."Full price, thanks. Do you still charge extra for the negatives?""A photographer has to make a living.""I'll need a release form, too.""All the copies and the rights? If I didn't know better, I'd say you didn't trust me.""Tongues wag. Negatives can go missing. You have a staff, Himechi. I can't trust all of them.""Are you protecting him? Or yourself?""Both.""Y'know, Tohma brought this beautiful young woman to a shoot once. I convinced him to let me do some shots of them together. He payed to keep the negatives and rights too.""Mika is still beautiful. you should convince Tohma to bring her in to do a shoot sometime.""I told him something that day, and I'm going to say it to you too. A photograph makes a moment last forever. Chances aren't the same. Be careful not to miss yours."Ryuichi looked after the train vanishing into the distance on the tracks. "Thank-you for today, Himechi. It's a memory I'll treasure.""Am I dreaming? Or do I actually hear the sound of Sakuma Ryuichi not playing dirty to get what he wants?"Ryuich chuckled. "You're mistaking patience for naivety. If I wasn't playing the same as always, he wouldn't have been here today.""Ah. Well, they say all is fair in love and war.""It's also been written that war is the art of deceit.""Contrariwise, I have to say that love is the art of truth. Don't ruin your own chances with your games, Ryu.""You're forgetting what I told Tatsuha today, Himechi." Ryuichi smirked. "I always win.""Arrogant as ever. But to win at love you have to lose. Remember that.""Hn." Ryuichi studied the photostrip from the Purikura booth one last time. "Let's just say, today will be worth sleeping on the couch for." He hung up, leaving her wondering what that meant as he boarded the next train.
Fini