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Nakahara Chuuya had been working for the Port Mafia for a few months, but it was not unusual for him to be called by the boss. Though he did not work directly under the command of the Port Mafia’s leader, Chuuya had been sent on special missions because of his proven competency and special ability. He expected this day to be just like those days when he received a special summon. As he waited in the HQ, right outside the elevator that goes straight to the top floor, Chuuya wondered what kind of mission was awaiting him. Before the doors to the elevator opened, he felt a light tap on his right shoulder. He looked behind and saw the smiling face of a young man with messy blond hair, bangs pushed back by a pair of oval sunglasses. He wore a red leather jacket on top of a rather colorful top. “Chuuuuuya! How’s my favorite downstairs neighbor?” It was Albatross, another mafioso specializing in transport. He lived right above Chuuya’s apartment and whenever he was in town, Chuuya had to wear earplugs to be able to sleep. “I am your ONLY downstairs neighbor!” Chuuya snarled. “Hey, Chuuya. So the boss called you as well.” Beside Albatross was a taller gentleman with lighter, straighter hair that fell to just above his shoulders. He wore his trademark checkboard-patterned collared shirt and black overcoat with white lapels. Known as Piano Man, he is a candidate for an executive position. He was also the leader of a group of young mafia members that many called the young wolves. Piano Man preferred themselves to be called The Flags. The elevator doors opened with a light chiming sound and the three young mafiosi stepped in. Two tall and broad-shouldered men who were armed with submachine guns were already inside the elevator. As they ascended, the three talked about their theories on why the boss called them all at once. Albatross proposed that the boss will send them abroad on a mission. Piano Man, who ranked above his two younger companions and therefore had the most intel, thought it concerned a big stash of supernotes he worked on just recently. Chuuya suggested that it may have something to do with a dangerous ability user. “Well, whatever it is, it’s gonna be a good one if all of us are working on it!” Albatross cheerfully said. Then he hummed to the beat of the classical piece playing as background music in the elevator. *** Two heavy, bullet-proof French doors opened to a large room. Though scarce of pieces of furniture, the furnishings exuded luxuries that only Japan’s elite have access to. Behind the desk on the far side of the room was none other than the leader of Port Mafia, Mori Ougai. In front of him were four individual chairs, one of which was already occupied by an alarmingly thin and heavily bandaged teenage boy, Dazai Osamu. “Welcome, take a seat,” Mori motioned to the chairs. Chuuya made sure to sit on the one farthest to Dazai, whom he was forced to partner with on several covert missions. Great, he had to be here too, Chuuya thought. His day was already ruined. “Thank you for the invitation, boss,” Piano Man said in his usual diplomatic tone. “We’re honored to be here today.”“I trust that you and the young wolves have been well? Everything in order? Is everyone keeping in line?” Mori asked, glancing quickly at Chuuya, then back at Piano Man. Dazai noticed this, even if it only took a split second. “So Chuuya needs several babysitters huh? Not surprised at all!” “You wanna say that again, mummy boy?!!” Chuuya snapped back. “I’ll punch you into the next millennia!!!”“Oooh that’s a big word for a fourth grader! Let’s see if you can spell it!” Dazai taunted. “Screw you, Dazai! I know how to spell!!! M-I-L —“Dazai sneered. “Okay, listen closely, everyone, here’s where Chuuya makes a mistake —“Piano Man shook his head while Albatross found the exchange funny. He also wondered if millennia was spelled with one L or two. Mori held up both hands, signaling both boys to stop. “As much as I’m amused by you two and your constant bickering, we have more important matters to discuss.”Both Dazai and Chuuya crossed their arms and faced away from each other. Chuuya, who sat on the farthest right, even moved his chair a few inches away from the rest of the group.“Sorry, boss, you can start now. How may we be of assistance?” Piano Man asked. “To start, this task does not qualify as a mission. It’s more of a — How do I put it? An extracurricular activity.” Mori took out a large Manila envelope from the largest drawer in his desk. He spilled open the contents on the table — they were photos of members of the mafia. “We’re having a photo shoot and I’m inviting the most good-looking members to represent Port Mafia and be models!” Mori’s tone was bright and cheerful and he continued to tell the boys about his plan to make branded items using the portraits of members, such as calendars and photo books. Albatross scratched the back of his head. “Aww shucks, boss! I feel kinda shy knowing you think I’m good-looking enough to be the poster boy of the mafia!” “I invited all the young wolves and Dazai here,” Mori corrected him. “Unfortunately, Doc, Lippmann, and Iceman are busy today and cannot make the briefing. I trust that you’ll relay the information accordingly.” He looked at Piano Man, the leader of the crew, who acknowledged the request. He bit his lower lip when the boss glanced away, something only Chuuya noticed.He does this when he’s holding back on saying something, Chuuya thought. “I already started with some,” Mori continued as he scattered more photos on the desk. “I set up photo shoots with the help of some of our partners and front businesses.” Dazai scanned the portraits on Mori’s desk. His lips curled into a frown when he realized how much Mori must have spent on setting up these photo shoots — some featured foreigners whom he recognized were covert operatives working abroad. “There’s Ane-san too!” Albatross exclaimed as he leaned closer to the table. “Oooh she’s hella sexy in these photos! Boss, how much for an advanced copy?”Dazai wasn’t looking at the photo of Kouyou in a bright red traditional kimono, but rather at the portrait next to her — a teenage girl who must be his age or just a few years younger. She had light brown hair and deep, blue eyes that had an aura of emptiness despite her inviting smile. She must be of mixed blood, Dazai thought as he continued gazing at the photo. Why he continued gazing at the photo baffled him, but he did feel a strange sensation in his stomach that extended to his nether regions. He adjusted his posture – and his pants by the belt – without averting his eyes.Chuuya noticed Dazai’s strange preoccupation with the photo and he grabbed it from the desk. “Oi, shitty Dazai! Checking this one out?” Chuuya waved the photo at him. “Oh that’s —" Piano Man interrupted, his cheeks flushed red. Albatross averted his eyes from the photo. Chuuya, intrigued with their expressions, finally took a peek at the photo — the teenage girl was scantily clad in a provocative pose. She wore a frilly, see-through black nightie with a blue satin bow barely covering her chest. As soon as he realized what he was looking at, Chuuya turned red in the face, almost as red as his hair. “Oi oi are you into stuff like this, Dazai? Like father, like son eh?”Mori snatched the photo away from Chuuya. “And what do you mean by that?!” “Oh, boss, I didn’t mean —”Piano Man cut in with, “Boss, isn’t she your niece or is it goddaughter? Lippmann met her once in London, I think…” Mori tucked the photo in the breast pocket of his coat. “She’s training to be a covert operative for a partner organization in Europe. That’s all I say about it for now… but on second thought, exposing her to hormonal teenage boys like you may not be the best idea.” His eyes darted from Dazai, who was still adjusting his pants, then at Chuuya who was still red in the face and staring down at his new pair of shoes as if they were the most interesting thing in the world. “Boss, we’re not gonna be dressed up like that, right?” Albatross asked with a hint of fear in his voice. “Of course not! Just come as you are, though we may ask you to wear something else if the stylist —”Then, without warning, Dazai stood up. “Hey, boss, this is actually great!” Dazai’s eyes were sparkling with inspiration. “This whole photo shoot! It’s brilliant! I have a few promotion and marketing ideas already!”Piano Man raised an eyebrow. Albatross mouthed “What the hell ” and even Chuuya got distracted from his earlier embarrassment and glared at his partner in disbelief. Only Mori looked pleased. “Ah really, Dazai-kun? You think it’s great?!”Dazai bounced down and sat on the chair again. “Of course! After all, it’s your idea, boss! Hey if you have some time after this meeting, I can run you through some of my plans…” “Sounds good! Well, the rest of you are dismissed. You will get the details of where to go and what time you are needed for the shoot three days from now,” Mori said. “Understood, boss,” Piano Man said. “I’ll make sure to relay the information to the rest of the crew.” He, Albatross, and Chuuya stood up, bowed, and walked out of the room. As soon as they were out, Mori turned his attention to Dazai. “Okay, Dazai-kun, I know your antics well enough and you’re not here to talk about promotions or marketing… So tell me…”Dazai hesitated. He shifted in his seat.Mori sighed. “I guess this time has come huh? I guess every father has prepared himself for this talk.” Mori cleared his throat. “Dazai-kun, when you saw the uhmm ahh sexy photo a while ago and your body had a uhmm let's call it a reaction, it’s normal for teenage boys to —”“Not that, boss! I know all about that!” Dazai’s cheeks were flushed as he avoided Mori's gaze. “We don’t need to have that talk!”Mori sighed again, this time in relief. “Oh… Well then, what is it?”“I just have a request about the photo shoot! And you already know I won’t participate unless you approve this request…”Mori leaned in from behind the desk as he clasped his hands in front of his face. “Well, I’m all ears…”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Hey!!! What the fuck is that supposed to be?!” It was photo shoot day. It took place in a three-story building not far from the mafia HQ. It was a portrait studio owned by one of Mori’s associates. Chuuya was in a dressing room he shared with another Flag member called Lippmann who led a double life as a celebrity. While Lippmann was having his photos taken in the studio, it was Chuuya’s turn to get ready. “I won’t ask again — what is that?!” In front of Chuuya, hanging on a movable coat rack, is a school boy’s uniform — a buttoned-up shirt with long white sleeves and a red ribbon in place of a necktie, a knitted navy blue vest, maroon shorts, a pair of knee-high socks. They even prepared black, ankle-high boots in his size. “I thought we were supposed to dress up as we are!” The attendant, a young, timid part-timer who was close to Chuuya’s age, cowered in a corner. “Sir! Sorry, sir, but I think your boss changed his mind last minute and decided on a concept shoot for the younger members…”The number one rule in the mafia is to always follow the boss’ orders. Chuuya had no choice. Upon closer inspection of the uniform, Chuuya thought that it was not so bad. The attendant told Chuuya that she would get the head stylist once he was done changing.While Chuuya muttered curses under his breath, he grabbed the clothes and got changed in the en suite toilet. The maroon shorts went below his knee. He had an injury below his right knee so a bit of redness was visible there. The white, long-sleeved shirt hung loose on him but the sleeves were just the right length. He came out of the toilet and the attendant pointed out that the socks were sliding off his shins. She had to attach these black straps to them. Chuuya did not complain about this as he thought it made him seem a little edgy. Once the attendant left the room to call the head stylist for a last check, Chuuya took this chance to stare at himself in the full-body mirror — he looked like a kid! Like a normal kid who was going to school to submit a report or hang out with friends and go to club activities after school or whatever it is normal kids do. He scowled and formed a fist. He felt a wave of mixed emotions — embarrassment, anger, and surprisingly, a bit of sadness. No, almost a sort of longing for something… What was the boss thinking? Did he want to rub it in their faces that they don’t have a normal life? Or is this cosplay fulfilling someone’s sick, twisted fantasy? Chuuya punched the table in front of him and it left a dent the size of his fist. This was Chuuya controlling his anger because if he had not, the table would have disintegrated into a thousand pieces. The door to his dressing room opened and a man in a blonde wig and a colorful dress came in. “You must be Nakahara Chuuya! I’m Rinka, your stylist and makeup artist! My, my! You are one good-looking fella!” Rinka spoke in a very high and feminine tone which irritated Chuuya. It’s not that Chuuya hated Rinka but the tone felt patronizing, like someone talking down to a kid or a puppy.Rinka surveyed Chuuya and twirled him around. Chuuya used his ability to fly away from Rinka and he landed perpendicularly on one of the walls of the room opposite the stylist. “Watch it! I’m only doing this because of the boss! As soon as I’m done, I’m taking this off!”“Well, you’re not done yet as we need to put a bit of makeup on you!”“Ma-Makeup?! Hell nah!”Rinka scowled back at Chuuya and crossed their arms. “Look, dressing up and putting makeup on mafiosos isn’t my idea of a good time either but my boss is an associate of your boss so I don’t have a choice either! Get down from that wall and sit on this chair so we can get this over with!” Rinka spoke in a lower, more natural tone this time.Chuuya did not move an inch. “Tch! Over my dead body!!!”Rinka moved towards Chuuya. “The files,” Rinka started to say. “Mori-sama will give the files to Dazai.” Rinka had this serious expression on their face. “That’s what Mori-sama told me to tell you in case you didn’t want to comply.” Chuuya knew exactly what Rinka was talking about. He felt chills as if someone dropped a bucket of cold water all over him. The Arahabaki files, which are the key to his past and lost memories, were his number one reason for joining the mafia. If Dazai ever got to them first, he would surely destroy them. “Tch!” Chuuya descended and landed beside the chair in front of the mirror. He sat with a loud thud, the plastic swivel chair almost giving out.“Thanks for your cooperation,” Rianka said. They set their makeup bag on the table in front of Chuuya — inside were pallets of different colors and shades, brushes, lipsticks, and more. Chuuya gulped and closed his eyes, an expression of defeat evident on his face. “Fine,” Chuuya said. “Do your worst!” *** Across Chuuya’s dressing room was Albatross’ and Piano Man’s room. They came in earlier that day and they were done for their individual portraits. However, they were told to be on standby for group portraits. Like Chuuya, they were both wearing school uniforms. But instead of the ribbon, they were given red neckties and instead of the maroon shorts, they had longer pants. “Lippman is still on huh? They must be taking a gazillion photos of him!!!” Albatross glanced at the digital clock on top of their table. Then he sighed as he slumped even further into his swivel chair.Piano Man sat beside him, busy on his laptop, answering messages on an encrypted portal. “It’s really strange why the boss wanted to make this calendar thing. If we include photos of members, especially those with a life outside like Lippmann’s, then it’s as good as revealing their affiliation, right? It’s not logical. The boss doesn’t work or think this way.” Albatross shrugged. “Maybe he just wanted to have some fun!” Piano Man closed his laptop. “What’s more surprising is that Dazai-kun, the only one fearless enough to speak his mind in front of the boss, did not even call him out about it. I’m certain he also understands the carelessness of this idea.”Albatross simply shrugged again. “He’s just a kid! A very weird kid! But still a kid!” “Well, at least this gives us some time to all be here and discuss some things… It had been hard to get a hold of everyone as of late,” Piano Man said. “Discuss things like…? This isn’t about Chuuya’s noise complaints about my room, right? Because I’ve been trying to keep it down! But I can’t help it if the girls keep screaming so loud…” He snickered and gazed longingly at the fluorescent lights above as if remembering a pleasant memory. Piano Man massaged his temples. “No, it’s not that, but we do have to discuss that too! What I’m talking about is —”Just then, the door to their waiting room opened. “We’re here!” Two older males came in. One was in a similar uniform and glasses. The other, in a maroon-colored uniform for gym. “They said they couldn’t do anything about Iceman’s eye so it would make sense if he was dressed up as our gym teacher,” the man with the glasses said. The other man, who was wearing a patch over an eye, held up a black whistle which was hung by a silver string around his neck. There was a dissatisfied expression on his face that clearly spelled he did not want to be there.“Then they gave me these glasses to play the role of the nerd,” the one in the uniform continued saying. “Wow! Your makeup is amazing, Doc!!!” Albatross approached his comrade. He took off Doc’s glasses and poked Doc’s left cheek then the right one. “They made you look ten years younger!!! And you don’t have your IV with you!”“Oh I did some experimental shots this morning so I feel great! We’ll see how long I last today!” Doc said. Piano Man stood up. “Well, since almost all of us are here, I’d like to discuss our plans for Chuuya’s anniversary in the mafia.”“If he makes it, you mean,” Iceman said as he crossed his arms. Doc nodded. “He still has a month or so to go! It may be too early to plan…” “That’s because what I’m thinking of getting him may take a while to prepare,” Piano Man said. “But before I give my suggestion, I’d like to hear your thoughts…”Albatross clapped his hands. “Yipee! A gift! How about a motorcycle? He’s always eyeing mine and I can talk to one of my contacts and we can get a good deal!”Piano Man rested his chin on his hand, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. “Not a bad suggestion. I’ll take note of it. Any others?” Doc raised his hand. “How about I brew him a medicine? He’s always complaining about his height and there may be some drugs on the black market that I can modify… But of course, I cannot guarantee its effectiveness… Or its safety… It may even be painful…” There is a malicious glint in Doc’s eyes as he says this. “But such is the price you have to pay! How about it? Let’s call the mixture Chuuya Grower!” The Flags were used to Doc’s antics and rants about his mixtures and poisons so this did not faze them one bit. “We’ll put a pin on it, Doc,” Piano Man said with a straight face. “How about you, Iceman? Any suggestions?”“Hmm,” Iceman said. “Anything?”“Chuuya hates that bandaged kid, right?” Iceman asked. “Yes,” Piano Man replied. “What about Dazai-kun?” “We can ambush the boy and use your string to chop his head off and we’ll put it in a box and deliver it to Chuuya’s apartment.” “Ahh... I don’t think the boss will like that...” Piano Man said, looking visibly distressed. “Dazai-kun is the boss’ right-hand man…” Iceman shrugged. “Too bad. That kid creeps me out.” Right on cue, the door opened. It was not an exaggeration to say that the room was suddenly well-lit when a devastatingly beautiful blonde man walked in. Like most of the boys, he was also wearing the school uniform, but he carried it with an air of otherworldly grace, like a prince who stepped out of a comic book for girls. He was followed by a crew of young women, his own makeup and glam team, which he dismissed after a few pleasantries with The Flags. “Lippmann! Right on time! We were talking about Chuuya’s anniversary present!” Piano Man gestured for him to sit on the couch opposite the makeup table. “Ah, thanks,” Lippmann said. “They made me do so many poses! But I’m used to it, of course!”Piano Man sat beside him and Albatross and Doc sat on the swivel chairs in front of them. “I feel that the only present Chuuya would really like is the one he wants the most…” Lippmann said as he tucked some hair behind his left ear. It exposed his beauty mark right below his left eye. Piano Man smiled at Lippman as he playfully touched his close friend’s exposed temple. “I think we’re on the same wavelength!” Lippmann didn’t flinch or move away. He was used to Piano Man’s friendly gestures. Lippmann also thought he smelled the new perfume he got Piano Man for his birthday. Albatross looked at Piano Man then Lippmann then back at Piano Man. “What Chuuya wants the most?” Albatross said. “You guys don’t mean…”“The Arahabaki files?” Piano Man said in a lower, more hushed tone. “Well, not necessarily. But we can do our own research into his past.” “I made a new connection in the government,” Lippmann said. “A lovely lady who is willing to show me top-secret government files about the experimentations… Well, whatever is left of it, of course. I suppose most of it had been destroyed…” “Ahhh yeah! Now we’re talking!” Albatross commended. “Dental records…” Doc said. “What about them, Doc?” Piano Man asked. “Once we pinpoint a location where Chuuya may have been from, we can search for dental records from the town clinics,” Doc said. He looked lost in thought as he stared at the floor. “There is a rule that you’re not allowed to destroy dental records for a certain number of years, so it’s possible Chuuya’s are still somewhere.” “If he is indeed human…” Iceman spoke up. “We haven’t confirmed it yet. To make sure, we have to corroborate with school records, family records. I can do this bit.” “That makes sense, but we cannot let the boss know we’re doing this. This means we cannot use our usual information brokers. We’ll have to do this the old-fashioned way,” Piano Man said. “Bro, are you sure this is alright?” Albatross turned to Piano Man. “It’s easier to buy him a new motorcycle, ya know? Also, isn’t his whole reason for staying in the mafia that information?” Piano Man smiled. “The boss’ words were: Keep an eye on him in case he learns the secret. The boss never said not to reveal it. Besides, do you remember when Chuuya beat up that guy several weeks ago? Almost two months ago now, I think… The guy who simply asked him where he was from?”The rest of the Flags nodded in unison. It created quite a commotion in the group. “The boss even reprimanded me for it,” Piano Man said, massaging his temples again. “I think giving him a little something won’t hurt…” “So we’ve all agreed, right?” Lippmann cheerfully asked. “This is exciting! I’ll call my contact right away!” “And I can go with Doc to search for those files,” Albatross said. “No offense, Doc, but you’re not exactly the convincing type. And I’ll take care of all transport, naturally. Out of pocket too so it’s not in any of the books.”“Before that, I am interested in something else…” Piano Man said with an uncharacteristic sense of mischief in his voice. “Do you all want to watch our little brother’s photo shoot?” *** As Chuuya made his way into the set, he was careful not to bump into anyone he knew. Before leaving the room, he peeked out and surveyed the corridor. It was deserted. Good, all clear, he thought as he made his way out and straight down the corridor. He prayed he wouldn't run into any of The Flags whom he had been told were also scheduled for a photo shoot that day. But of course, he would rather see them than Dazai… But if he was dressed up like this, perhaps the others were in costume as well? He quietly crept towards the large steel doors at the end of the corridor. He manipulated his weight so he wouldn’t make a sound. He was almost floating like a ghost. As Chuuya pushed open the doors, he was met with loud, audible gasps. “What a beautiful young man!!! Just sublime!!!”Chuuya was greeted by the director — a tall, slender man in his forties. He was wearing a black French beret that made his head appear smaller. Then a plain white shirt that had some English words that Chuuya did not bother to read, as well as some sleek black slacks. This is the director? Chuuya thought. He himself would have dressed better. Chuuya noted three things in the director’s outfit that he could have changed to make him look a bit more respectable. Beside the director was a smaller, younger man with a plain face and a full set of beard. He wore a checked blue polo shirt over a plain black shirt. His denim pants were stylishly tattered and Chuuya noticed that the photographer wore a well-known brand of leather army boots, ones that Chuuya wanted to get himself. The director and photographer introduced themselves before introducing the rest of the crew — someone in charge of lights and another was fixing the props on set. The set was simple — a plain white background with a textured white curtain. An ornate desk stood at the side and on it were books, parchment papers, and a quill pen on a fake ink container. Rinka and the assistant entered the set as well and they gave Chuuya a thumbs up. “First, we’ll do plain shots,” the director said. “Jun, let’s get some full body as well as some medium shots.” The photographer nodded and the director started to instruct Chuuya on what to do. “Okay stand with your hands in your pocket… Yes just like that! Then take your hands out and just look around…”
Flash, flash, click, click, click.
“That’s it! Gently, slowly…” These lights are actually kinda hot, Chuuya thought. “Okay now, hold your left collar and tilt your head to the right but just a bit,” the director said. “Like this?” Chuuya asked. “That’s it! Hold that pose! Oh my, you’re a natural, Chuuya-kun! Look directly at the camera! Now look down… Okay… Then slowly, look to your left…”
Click, click, click, click, click.
“Chuuya-kun! You’re so beautiful!!!” The director said. “Rinka-san, you did such a good job with the eye makeup! This suits him so well and it complemented his hair color! Wow oh my gosh! Is this your first time doing a photo shoot?”“Do I look like someone who does these sorts of weird things?!” Chuuya growled.
Click, click, click.
“Ahhh that facial expression is also really good! Now, pick up those books on the table.”Chuuya walked to the table and got the books which were tied together with a thick black strap. One end of the strap was long enough to grab onto. The director motioned for Chuuya to follow his lead. “Throw them over your shoulder like you’re carrying them. Use both hands!”Chuuya did as he was told.
Flash, click, flash, click, click, click.
“Great, great! Now lift one leg!” “Eehhh?” Chuuya made a face and the rest of the crew giggled. “Just kidding with you!” The director said. Chuuya used his ability to make the props float as if he was going to throw them at the director. “No using of abilities!” Rinka shouted. “Let me get that nullification boy… I think he’s just arrived in the studio…”“Noooo! Anyone but him!!!!!”Rinka winked at him. “Then promise to be a good boy!”“Tch.” Chuuya set the props down. “Perhaps some of Nakahara-kun sitting down?” The photographer suggested. “Right! Okay, Chuuya-kun, go to the table and pretend to write some stuff down!” Chuuya followed like an obedient dog and wrote his name several times on the paper. The director continued with the instructions. “Okay look up and laugh like someone told you a joke!” “I can’t laugh on cue!”“Imagine something funny then!”Chuuya imagined Dazai hanging upside down... and Chuuya hitting him with a baseball stick… covered in pointy stuff. The director gave him a thumbs up. “That’s better… Ah, no wait, now your eyes are kinda scary…” “He’s still so pretty though!” Rinka said out loud. “With or without makeup, he’s such a doll! Maybe you should get him as one of your models, Jun!” The photographer stopped for a while, turned to Rinka, and nodded. “He is indeed very photogenic,” the photographer said. Chuuya didn’t notice he was red in the face from all the compliments. When he was in the Sheep, no one ever praised him for his appearance, just his abilities… Well, some of the girls and boys did confess their feelings to him. But Chuuya didn’t have the time for stuff like that. “Oh, he’s blushing!!!” Rinka teased. “Shut up!!!” Chuuya slapped both his hands on his cheeks to cover whatever color was betraying his emotions. “How about reading the books next?” The director suggested. Chuuya untangled the binding and took one of the books — it was an old one, hardbound, with yellowing pages. It was a book of poems and he opened to a random page.
Young Beast's Song
Dark night in a field of deep grass; a beast in a jar,
striking flint, made stars;
mixing winter, the wind moaning.
Then, the beast didn't look at anything apart from castanets and moonlight, cuddling the stars that never awoke, inside the jar, receiving blasphemy.
Chuuya gently turned to another page. His other elbow rested on the polished wooden surface, his chin propped up by his hand. His eyes scanned the lines with deep concentration.
Song of a Summer Day
The blue sky does not move; there is not a single cloud.
In the stillness of a summer noon the glint of tar, too, becomes pure.
There's something about the summer sky, something that makes you feel pitiful.
“Hey, these aren’t half-bad,” he said. He read a few more poems. “Oohh that’s it!” The director said. “That’s the right expression! Jun, take lots of close-ups, okay?” Chuuya looked up from the book. “Hey director-san, what are you doin’ with the books after the shoot?”The director turned to the guy who was in charge of props. The guy just shrugged. “I guess we’re just throwing them away. We bought it for very cheap at a secondhand bookshop,” he said. “Why’d you ask?”“Oh,” Chuuya said. He held up the book of poems he was reading. “Well, if that’s the case, is it okay if I can have this one?” *** Rinka left the set for a while. Upon their return, Rinka informed the director that the subject for the next solo shoot had been running late from a mission. “I guess we’ll do the group photo next? With the other young wolves or whatever they call themselves?” The director said.Just in time, the steel doors burst open. “That’s our cue!!!” Albatross walked in first, followed by Piano Man, Lippmann, Doc, and Iceman.“Oh my gosh, Chuuya!!!” Lippmann almost hopped his way over to Chuuya. “You’re just so cute! You may even upstage me!” Chuuya pointed at everyone’s school ensemble. “Oi what the heck!!!! Why are you all wearing pants and I’m wearing these shorts?!” Albatross laughed. “It’s because technically, you’re still in middle school!!!”Piano Man approached Chuuya as well. “Actually, those are what elementary students wear…” He pointed to the shorts and socks held by the black leg suspenders. “Are you making fun of my height, sayin’ I’m an elementary kid?!” “You do look really cute! The color of your eye shadow perfectly matches the shade of your hair!” Lippmann repeated, putting a symphatetic hand on Chuuya’s shoulder. Iceman gave a thumbs up. Doc nodded agreeably, a stupid grin on his face. “Actually, you are quite beautiful!” Albatross said as he took one of Chuuya’s hands and clasped it between his own. “I’d say more beautiful than some of the girls I dated… So, uhm, if it doesn’t work out with me and girls, maybe I should marry you instead…”Chuuya snatched his hand back and tried to punch Albatross, who instinctively jumped back to avoid the hit. “You’re like our beautiful baby brother… or club member, I suppose?” Piano Man was thinking out loud. “Director-san, what should our poses be?”“Well, just be yourselves and be a riot like the young men you are!” “You know, this reminds me of photo shoots I’ve done for my movies,” Lippmann said. “If we have an ensemble cast, then we have to project to show our characters. For example, if this is a school-type movie, then I’m obviously the Prince of the campus… I’d be in the center here...”Lippmann approached Doc. “Doc is the silent nerd type so you can get one of those books and read it at the side there.” “Sounds good to me!” Doc said as he walked over to the table. “Iceman, you’re our silent but strong gym teacher so you should look annoyed at the back while we do our stuff…”Iceman nodded and held up his whistle.“Then I’m the smart, reliable student council president?” Piano Man suggested. Lippmann approached Piano Man and straightened his tie. “That’s right, Mr. President!” “Can I be the cool, sporty type?” Albatross asked. Both Lippmann and Piano Man nodded. “Okay, what about me? What type am I?” Chuuya pointed to himself. His other hand cradled the book of poems. “That’s easy,” Lippmann said. “Shotacon!” everyone said at the same time. They all did not plan it but they all said what was on their mind. As soon as it came out, the Flags (except for Chuuya) burst out laughing. Even Iceman couldn’t help himself. “Oi!!!! What the hell!!!! Take that back!!!!” Only Chuuya did not find it amusing and started fake punching everyone and hitting them with his book. “Hey! Don’t ruin Doc’s makeup!” Albatross said as he blocked one of Chuuya’s attacks. “Ah! Not my face!” Lippmann ducked but he accidentally fell on Piano Man. The latter stretched out his hand to stabilize himself but he grabbed onto Iceman, who was also dragged to the ground.Soon, they were all caught in a six-way play fight like a bunch of rowdy school boys. The director inched closer to the photographer who was silently clicking on his camera. “You’re getting all these raw, organic interactions, right? This is better than what I could have directed…”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
On the floor below the studio was the control room. Videos from the security footage around the building can be seen from the many monitors shown on the grids of the floor-to-ceiling screen. A teenage boy in a three-piece black suit sat behind one of the computers. On his screen was an enlarged version of one of the live videos. More specifically, it was the live video from the studio where the shoot was being held. “Happy with your handiwork?”The voice came from his right side, his blind side where bandages covered his eye. Dazai didn’t need to turn around to know that it was his boss, Mori. “Hey, boss. Hey, Elise,” he said in his usual monotone voice as he continued gazing at the screen. A part of him felt irritated that he didn’t hear them come in. He made a mental note to check for ear infections. But Dazai was sure he locked the door too. “They said you’re up next!” Elise said in a sing-song voice. “But before you go,” Mori started as he sat on the chair beside Dazai. “Why didn’t you tell Chuuya and the rest of the Flags that the school days concept was your idea?” “Like hell I would!!!” “Did you just want to see Chuuya made up and looking pretty like a cute schoolboy?”Dazai made a fake gagging sound. “That’s gross! Can you stop saying stuff like that about us, boss?!”“Then why did you come up with the concept? I’m just curious, you know.” “It’s super duper weird!” Elise said as she sat on the chair on the other side of Dazai. “Is it like your fetish or something?” Mori gasped. “Elise-chan! You’re not supposed to know that word! Don’t be so blunt, dear! Also, no fetish shaming!” “It’s not anything like that!!!” Dazai pushed them both away from him and their chairs swivelled a few inches away. “If you must know,” Dazai said as he sighed, “Last week, when we were going back to HQ, we stopped by a konbini to have a snack and beside us was this group of school kids. They were in their uniforms and talking about what they wanted to do after their exams… And Chuuya had this weird expression on his face…”“At first I thought he found them annoying and wanted to beat them up, as he usually does,” Dazai continued. “But then I realized there was a hint of pain in his face. I cannot know for certain, but I have seen many expressions from Chuuya for almost a year now and this is what I deduced — it was pain coming from longing or jealousy.” “Oh…” Both Mori and Elise looked at each other, and then at Dazai, in a knowing, sympathetic kind of way.“We all know that Chuuya never had a normal childhood, right? Before the mafia, he also took care of the Sheep.” Dazai continued to stare at the monitor where Albatross and Lippmann were holding on to each of Chuuya’s arms as if they were fighting over him. Chuuya wore the face of someone who had given up and at the same time, secretly enjoying it.Dazai smirked. “Going to school, hanging out with classmates, goofing off, those sorts of things have been denied from him. So since you had this idea of the calendar and photo shoot, I thought that I might as well take advantage of the situation!”“As expected, Dazai-kun… Is that why you also volunteered to take on the missions of the Flags today so they can be free after the shoot? You even blackmailed another surgeon to take on Doc’s shift for later.” Dazai chose to remain silent, his face unreadable. “Are you sure you want to take over all their missions, Dazai-kun? One of them involves the supernotes…” “Who do you think you’re talking to?” Dazai sneered. “I got the details from Piano Man a while ago. All should go well. These kids or Flags or whatever they call themselves can rest easy for the week.” “Well, look at you, doing something sweet for your partner and his friends!” Mori teased. “Eewww! Don’t say it like that!!!”“Well you’re up next for the shoot and I have your custom-made ‘Demon Prince’ outfit here!” Mori pulled out an ensemble behind him and proudly displayed a princely attire with ruffles and jewels embedded at the sides and seams. Dazai waved his hand in a gesture of ‘No thank you, I’d rather not. ’ “I’m not Elise! I’m not wearing that!”Elise, on the other hand, stared at the sparkly outfit in awe, her eyes reflecting the glistening jewels. “How about this schoolboy outfit?” Mori held up another uniform, similar to what the Flags were wearing.“Noooo! I’m not a kid like Chuuya!” Mori sighed. “But the women, especially the older women in our sub-organizations are looking forward to your photos! They promised to order a hundred calendars each!!!”“I’m going as I am, boss! I also have missions after this! I even wore this vest to look extra special!” “Well, it’s becoming of you,” Mori commented. “Let them put some makeup on you too, perhaps some dark eye shadow to complement your suit…” “I’ll think about it… But boss…” Then Dazai spoke in a dark, low voice. In moments like this, his other personality appears — a cold and calculating demon that occupies the body of a frail child. “Do you really think this calendar is a good idea? If anyone gets a hold of a copy, that’s giving them a list of who are in the mafia. Police forces may raid a member’s house and see that. We have secret operatives in there like Lippman and your godchild from Europe. This is the most insensible idea you’ve had since you took your post.”In an instant, the color was gone from Mori’s face. “You mean… We can’t have a calendar after all? And you knew it all along?”Dazai grinned and nodded. “You can stop acting in front of me, boss. It’s just us here… You knew it all along too. You’re too pragmatic and logical for something like this. And since I also know you well, I can say that you had a hidden motive for coming up with this photo shoot…” Mori was startled at first but then he burst out laughing. “I guess you caught me!” He threw both of his hands up. “Tell me, Dazai-kun, what could have been my motive?”Dazai held up three fingers. “Three motives, in fact. The first I can think of is a test of loyalty. We’re growing in terms of sub-organizations and partners based abroad. You pulled this stunt to check who would agree to the shoot and risk exposing themselves. If they were double agents, they would be hesitant, of course.”Dazai put down one finger. “The second is to check if people will adhere to the first of the three unbreakable rules in the mafia, which is to always follow the boss’ orders. But it’s not as simple as that. You wanted to see if people would follow you blindly, no matter how ridiculous your orders were… Am I right? So who else called you out about this idea?” Mori sighed, with the faintest hint of disappointment on his face. “Just you, actually. During the briefing, I thought Piano Man was going to speak up, but in the end, he didn’t. Maybe everyone I asked thought this wasn’t a big deal. It was only you who figured out that it was a test.” “Or maybe I’m the only one with a death wish.” Dazai shrugged. “But I understand that it’s advantageous to know as early as now the people who would blindly follow you and those who would stand up against you, in case things go too far like with the old boss. And in that way, I both pass and fail, right?” Dazai put down the fingers he was holding up. “Mostly pass,” Mori said. “It tells me you would put the concern of the organization first before me. And it also tells me to look out for you… but I already calculated and anticipated this reaction from you. To be honest, I was disappointed when you didn’t call me out the first day I told you about it. It’s only now that I understand that you waited for this moment so we can still have the photo shoot for Chuuya…”Dazai nodded with a goofy grin on his face. “Right again! So this whole endeavor wasn’t a waste of money! Well, maybe you can still profit off just the photos themselves, you know? Like you can still sell our photos to the members discreetly.”“And how many of Chuuya’s do you want?”“You know, it would be good blackmail material… or something to practice on for target shooting,” Dazai said nonchalantly. Elise giggled as she stared at the monitor of the live shoot. “Chuuya is so pretty!” Mori frowned at Elise’s remark but turned to Dazai. “Dazai-kun, you said I had three motives. What was the last one?” “Oh…” Dazai scratched his chin. “I think you thought it would be fun getting dressed up and all that. I saw you watching a behind-the-scenes photo shoot of some movie some weeks back too. I think it was for one of those movies Elise wanted to see…” “Nothing gets past you huh?” Mori smiled in approval. “That said, how much did we spend on this whole production? Don’t go crying to me when we go back to the red again!” “Oh don’t worry about that, I have my eye on someone who may be good at keeping books and records too,” Mori said. “But we need to recruit him first once we catch him. I’m afraid he’s still in hiding…”“Is that the evidence reader who kept hacking into our front companies to steal the securities?”“That’s the one. I’m glad you pay attention to our meetings,” Mori said with a hint of surprise in his voice.Then there was a knock on the door. The shy assistant asked for Dazai who was due to be on set next. “It appears the Flags are planning to go out and party after the shoot.” Mori gestured to the monitor. “You sure you don’t want to join them? You can start your missions tomorrow, you know?”“Nah! I don’t get along with those kids and I don’t think Chuuya would like it if I tagged along!” Dazai stood up and walked to the door. “Okay see ya later, boss! Your star employee is being called.”When the door closed behind Dazai, Mori continued to stare at the monitors showing the live feed. In one of them, Dazai and the assistant were walking along the corridors towards the set. He whispered something in her ear. She giggled and Dazai put an arm around her. “Your so-called son flirts with everyone, Rintarou,” Elise observed. “You should set a better example!” “Dazai-kun is not my son…” Mori placed both elbows on the desk and rested his chin on his interlaced fingers. “But I believe he could be a worthy heir…” *** “Aaand that’s a wrap for you guys! Thank you for your time!” The director and the rest of the crew bowed. The Flags said their thanks and bowed back to everyone on set. As they were exiting the studio, Albatross stopped them. “Heeey guuuuuuyss guess what??? I bribed the costume girl to give us these,” Albatross motioned up and down to their outfits, “So why don’t you say we hit the town in these uniforms?” They all looked at one another, then back at Albatross. They were all thinking the same thing — this may be Albatross’ worst or best idea yet. “Well, I don’t have anything else on my plate today…” Piano Man said. “Yeah, my week is uncannily free too,” Lippmann said. Iceman nodded in agreement.“I’ve been told that someone is taking over my evening shift too,” Doc said. “So it’s some heavenly sign that we’re all free after this, right?” Albatross grinned. He almost jumped up from the excitement. Piano Man checked his phone. “For most of the week, actually…” “We shouldn’t pass up this chance! We can go to the arcade and then karaoke, maybe meet some school girls our age!”Chuuya stood in front of the door and barricaded it with his arms wide open, one of his hands still holding onto the book of poems. “Oi you selfish pricks!!! Y’all look cool like that and I’m wearing these shorts?!! Hell nah! I’m not going!” Iceman spoke up. “I think I saw some extra pairs of pants in our dressing room. Perhaps you should try them.”Chuuya put his arms down and clutched the book of poems close to his chest. “Ah well, if that’s the case…”“Are you forgetting about me?” Lippmann pointed to himself. “Someone will recognize me even when wearing this uniform…”Piano Man reached for a pair of sunglasses from his coat pocket. “Here you go, Walter,” Piano Man said as he put the pair on Lippmann. “And if you’re still found out, just say you’re researching for your next role.”Lippmann looked away, feeling a bit embarrassed that his closest friend in the group called him by his real name… and how dangerously close he was to his face. “Hmmm, this may work,” Lippmann said as he adjusted the pair of glasses. Piano Man smiled at him and winked. “Of course it would. Don’t you trust me?” “So? So? What do you all say?” Albatross was jumping up and down now.The Flags nodded in agreement. “Yessss!!! Here we go!!!” Albatross pushed open the Exit doors and led the way. Piano Man followed closely, reminding Albatross not to run in the hallway. Lippmann continued to adjust Piano Man’s sunglasses which were too big for his small face. The Doc and Iceman trailed behind as they conversed about snack bars. Chuuya stared at all of them and felt a big wave of emotions washing over him — Was it relief? Excitement? A sense of brotherhood? (Is that even an emotion?) Or dare he say it — happiness? He was going out with his colleagues, but since they were dressed like school boys, for any outsider, they may look like a group of friends hanging out after a long day at school… Was it presumptuous of Chuuya to even assume that all of them were friends ?Sensing that one of them was missing, the rest of the Flags stopped in their tracks and looked around to find Chuuya who was frozen on the spot and still standing by the studio exit doors.“Hey, Chuuya, what are you standing there for?” Piano Man asked. “Don’t worry about the pants,” Lippman said. “I asked one of my assistants to bring them and you can get changed in my van, which we can take to town.” “Ahh quit hasslin’! I’m coming, of course,” Chuuya snarled. In truth, Chuuya was not aware of whatever facial expression he was making as he ran towards the Flags, but he noticed that they were all smiling — a rare occurrence when you’re working for an organization that represents death and decay in Japan’s underworld. As the six of them walked out of the studio building, their voices rose in animated chatter, echoing against the darkening sky. There was an electric excitement in the air, a sense of youthful exuberance that had long been absent from their lives — it reminded Chuuya of a quoted line from the book he just read: My youth was nothing but a lowering storm occasionally lanced by sudden sun. Their futures may not be certain, but gods and Arahabaki be damned, Chuuya decided he would make it at least a fun and unforgettable night.