Chapter Fourteen

He opened his eyes and gazed around in the dim light. He did not remember falling asleep, but he was awakened by the sound of a bell. The foreign boy was still asleep on his feet. Just as he was stretching himself, he heard the sound of the key turning in the door lock. He looked at the corridor and the door with surprise. Who had the key?

The door opened, and a shadow entered the darkness of the house and said, “Are you sleeping, Big Boy?” Riki recognized this voice, cursed, and wanted to move, but his leg felt asleep. Suddenly, the electricity in the room turned on. Startled, Akira looked at him and then at the foreign boy who was sleeping with his head on Riki's leg. He frowned, and just as he was about to shout, Riki quickly raised his hand and said with low voice, “Please don't shout; it's not what you think; I'll explain everything.” Then he pointed to David and said, “He took a pill and he fell asleep, so please don't wake him up.”

Akira took a deep breath and sat down on the floor next to the table, frowning and asking in hushed tones, “Tell me what the hell are you doing here?” Riki sighed, without mentioning the disturbance from those three men, and explained that he had bumped into David on the street, then he had walked him home because the foreign boy was in a bad mood, and then he had fallen asleep because of the pills. Because it was not right to leave him alone in this situation, he stayed there until he woke up.

For a few seconds, Akira looked at him with a frown, unblinking, to find any traces of lies in his eyes and face. Finally, he sighed and turned his head away with a frown. Then he said angrily but in a calm voice, “I can take care of him myself; you can get lost.”

Riki smiled bitterly and said, “Yes, you're right.” Akira, who was surprised at his quick agreement, looked at him suspiciously. But he just shrugged and, with a smile, tried to slowly remove his leg from under the foreign boy's head.

Suddenly David's healthy hand came up and grabbed his wrist and said, “You don't have to go anywhere.” Riki said in shock, “A-Are you awake?” The foreign boy sat up slowly as he held his wrist and said, “I woke up to the sound of you two talking.”

Akira, who was unhappy with this change of situation, said, “What do you mean he doesn't have to go anywhere? He has no business here!” The foreign boy looked at him and said, “He helped me; if it wasn't for Riki, I would have fallen on the side of the street. This is my home, and I say he can stay.”

Riki said confusedly, “David-chan, Akira's right, I have no business here; you don't need to argue,” the foreign boy said without letting go of his wrist, “No, Riki, you're staying.” Akira felt angry that David had called Riki by his first name. He pointed at the foreign boy's hand holding the other boy's wrist and said with a sneer, “Oh, Finally, did his flirting fool you? Do you think he's attractive?”

Riki thought for a moment that a dagger had sunk into his heart. So that was it; even Akira knew him from his past; David must have been the same. He either rejected him or wanted to stay with him because of his body. He wanted to get up when suddenly the foreign boy's hand tightened around his wrist.

Riki looked at him in surprise and saw that he was red with anger. Suddenly, David said in a harsh voice, “Take back your word, Akira, or all the friendship left between you and I will end right here!” Akira frowned in disbelief and said, “Are you taking his side?!”

- Of course, I will take his side! Who gave you the right to judge someone based on their past?! Do you know what hardships he might have endured?! Your words were very bad and cruel! Riki is also human and deserves respect! I didn't expect someone like you, who had a difficult past, to judge others like this!

David's words were like a strong blow to Ricky. Does that mean he really didn't care about his past? Did he really consider him like other people and worthy of respect? It was the first time in many years that someone saw and addressed him like this. Uncontrollably, as he stared at the foreign boy, his tears began to fall.

Akira, who wanted to continue the discussion, suddenly became silent when he saw Riki's tears. His frown and anger disappeared, and he felt ashamed. David was right; he didn't know much about Riki's past and spoke out of anger.

David turned his head towards Ricky and said with a smile, “Don't cry, boy; you're a yakuza.” Then he gently released his wrist and added, “Go wash your face; you're both my guests for dinner tonight.” Riki smiled faintly, wiped his tears with the back of his hand, and went to the restroom.

When he was alone with the Japanese boy, he said, “I don't know why you're acting like this, Akira. Since two weeks ago, your behavior has changed, and you're in a bad mood. I know you have your own problems, but please, for the sake of me and our friendship, don't argue more with Riki tonight, and let's have dinner together.”

Akira sighed in frustration and said, “You are so kind, you can throw me out of your house. How did you become so close to him?” David looked at the closed restroom door and said, “I didn't get close to him. I don't know him better than you do, but I feel like he's a lonely person, and his smiles are just a mask. Everyone hides their weakness in a way—you behind your anger, and he behind his smiles.”

Then he continued with a sigh, “He's ashamed of his past; maybe he's become someone for himself now, but like you, the shadow of the past is haunting him. I don't know why you two are so harsh with each other, but please try to respect him more and Don't insult him; he is one of your fellow gang members. If there is a conflict in the future, you should fight by his side.”

Akira took a deep breath and said, “Okay, okay, you don't need to give moral advice like grandfathers.” At the same time, the restroom door opened, and Riki entered the room with his usual smile and said, “Well, what are you talking about behind my back, you bastards?” David laughed, stood up, and said, “Nothing; we just had an ethics class. Please sit down; I'll go make dinner.”

Akira said as he sat down, “Do you want me to make it?” David shook his head seriously and said, “No, no, thanks for the offer, but the last time you cooked was enough.” In the first days after David was discharged from the hospital, the Japanese boy tried several times to cook different foods for him, such as porridge and soup, but the results were either extremely salty or burned.

Akira shrugged in annoyance and said, “Ah, ok.” David smiled and said, “Don't be upset now; please turn on my laptop and go to the program that gets the TV channels,” and then he went to his small stove.

Riki approached the foreign boy as Akira was turning on the laptop and asked, “Don't you want some help?” David smiled and replied, “Thanks, but you Yakuzas aren't cooks. Despite your good looks and strength, you'd probably starve to death if left alone.”

Riki frowned with a smile and said, “You know, you must have much dare to talk to Kyodai about a yakuza group like this.” David laughed and said, “I don't care what your job is, and I won't involve myself in it.” Then he pointed to the room and Akira, who was looking for a suitable channel, and added, “That guy with the yellow head, and you see? He's also a Kyodai, but he just bullies me. Instead of bothering me, you better sit next to him so that he doesn't get angry again.”

Riki laughed and casually said, “Right now, he's watching TV. Besides, he and I are like cats and dogs; if I go there, we'll argue again.” Then he tilted his head slightly and said in a special tone, “Let me help you, David-chan.” The foreign boy looked away from his charm and said, “OK, then please peel and slice an onion.” Riki said with a smile and joke “Yes, Captain,” he said as he stood on his left side, grabbed up the knife, and began peeling the onion.

Akira was still searching aimlessly through the channels. All his attention was focused on the conversation between that damned fox and David, and he felt angrier with every passing moment. He wanted to yell, smash the table over Riki's head, and throw him out of the house. As he gritted his teeth angrily, he turned his head and looked into the kitchen.

He had an odd feeling when he saw David's smile while cooking with Riki. He felt that his heart was under pressure. but why? Why was it so painful for him to see this scene? Akira felt he was like an extra person in this place. He had tried to avoid the foreign boy because of his curse, but now that he saw him laughing with another person, he felt abandoned.

He wanted to get up, leave the house without saying anything, and leave them alone. Maybe this way was better for David. He was less hurt next to Riki. Unlike him, Riki was quiet and easy-going and had enough experience... in... being with men.

With these thoughts, he remembered David's remarks, “He's ashamed of his past,” and groaned, embarrassed by his thoughts. He said to himself, “Why are you thinking like that? We're all males who are just friends.” He took another look at the two boys and said in a sad tone, “Damn Big Boy, he said he has no friends but me.”

***

Dinner was great, though Akira didn't eat much and was silent for the whole thing. After dinner, Riki volunteered to wash the dishes. When David was alone at the table with the Japanese boy, he whispered quietly, “I know you have a problem with him, and that's why you're upset, but thank you for letting the dinner be in peace.”

Akira looked at his face and smiled, then said, “If I wasn't here, you two would have liked it more.” David frowned and said, “Don't say that; I know how you feel; I was always alone when I was little. I used to feel bad when I made a friend and then saw her with someone else. But we're adults now, Akira. You're still my first and best friend in Japan, so don't frown,” he then added with a smile. “he probably approached me just to annoy you; he's not a bad person, but when he realizes how boring I am, rest assured, unlike you, he'll leave me.”

With these comments, Akira felt a little better, but he didn't want to show it, so he shrugged and said, “It's none of my business; it's your own life.” Then he suddenly added, “Oh, I was forgetting, Big Boy. The boss wants to see you.”

David was staring at him with surprise and confusion when Riki said, while entering the room and drying his hands, “The boss wants to see David-chan? Why?” Without paying attention to his words, Akira turned to David and said, “Today in front of the station, Mikitani-san called me to go to the boss's house. There, the boss said he wanted to see someone who helped one of his men,” then he added with a grin, “You know, they gave you a name.”

Still surprised, David composed himself and replied with a sigh, “Yeah, Higuma.” Akira frowned, “How did you know?” Riki sat down next to David with a triumphant smile and said, “I told him.” Akira let out a loud breath and muttered, “Damn fox.”

David shook his head left and right and said, “Now, it's not about my name or nickname. When does your boss want to see me? Akira, I don't know if this is the right thing to do. I don't want to get involved anymore,” the Japanese boy sighed and said. “He's just curious and wants to see you up close; don't worry, I'll be with you.”

- When should we go?

- I think tomorrow afternoon will be fine.

Riki sighed and said, “What a shame; I would have liked to be there too, but I have work tomorrow.” Akira asked disgustedly, “You're finally going back to Kyoto?” But Riki shook his head and replied, “No, the boss asked me to stay here for now so that we have enough power if something goes wrong.” Akira rolled his eyes at the bowl and remained silent.

David looked at both of them worriedly and said, “Has anyone been attacked since that night? Did I cause a big fight?” Riki replied with his usual smile, “Don't worry, David-chan. Nakayama's men know that a big conflict is not in their best interest either. There is no other attack for now, but I will stay for a while, and then I will return to Kyoto.”

David nodded, turned to Akira, and asked, “How about you? You don't go here and there alone, do you?” The Japanese boy frowned and said, “I'm not a kid! I can take care of myself." David said annoyedly, “You can, but not when you're surprised, which happened twice.” Akira grumbled under his breath and turned his face away from him.

Riki looked at the time and remarked, “It's becoming late; I should go.” As he stood up, the foreign boy asked, “Alone? At this hour of the night?” The boy from Kyoto laughed and said, “Worry about me? How cute. Don't worry, it's only 10 p.m. Aside from that, I'll take a taxi.”

The foreign boy got up to see him off and said, “That's a wise thing to do.” Then he asked Akira, “Are you staying the night?” Although the Japanese boy wanted to stay, he frowned and answered, “No, I want to go home,” and got up. David turned to both of them and said, “Can I ask you to go together? I mean, for example, take a taxi and go together; this way the cost of the taxi will be more economical for you.”

Riki raised his eyebrows and didn't say anything, but Akira said violently, “Can you stop acting like mommies?! I'm going home myself! I don't have to go with this damn fox!” And he moved towards the corridor and his shoes. David quickly grabbed his wrist and said, “Please, Akira.”

He angrily tried to pull his hand out and at the same time said in a loud voice, “Let go of my hand, you Big fool!” David, who was shocked by his harsh behavior, slowly withdrew his hand and said in a sad tone, “If you don't want to go with him, then at least stay with me for the night; I don't want anything to happen to you again.”

Akira shouted without thinking and with anger that he didn't know the reason for, “You don't need to worry about me, you Big idiot! You think that now that you've saved me once, that means I'm clumsy? No! I can take care of myself! And I don't want to stay in your damn house!” With this, he put on his shoes, went out of the house, and closed the door tightly. As he was going down the stairs and getting further away from the house, his anger was getting less with every step, and he was saying to himself, “What the hell are you doing wrong? These were not your words! Why did you talk to him like that?” And he continued his way with a bitter mind.

David was staring like a statue at the door when Riki put his hand on his arm and said, “Don't take his words to heart; he's always been that way,” then added with a sigh, “Ever since I met him, he was quick-tempered, but he always cares about the people around him and has a pure heart.”

The foreign boy composed himself a bit, smiled faintly, and said, “Thank you, Riki; you are really kind.” The Kyoto boy smiled and said with a wink, “Do you want me to stay?” David laughed softly and said, “Your offer is tempting, but thank you. I know you should go and rest until you can do your work tomorrow.”

Riki put on his shoes with a smile and said, “You have my number; call me if you need anything while I'm in Tokyo. If you come to Kyoto in the future, I'll be happy to host you.” David smiled and said, “Thanks, Riki; please take care.”

- Sure, David-chan. Good Night.

- Good Night.

Ricky opened the door and left the house. As he walked towards the street, he thought about the events of today. How that foreign boy helped him, got angry at the words of those intruders, defended him against Akira's words, and finally treated him like a normal boy and invited him to dinner His men in Kyoto respected him because of his position, but he could see in their eyes that they did not consider him a respectable person.

It was the same everywhere; until they did not know him and were not aware of his past, they treated him warmly. But as soon as they found out about his past, they either tried to abuse him or changed their behavior and looked at him with contempt. A handful of people in the group, like the boss and Mikitani-san, treated him really respectfully and without pretentiousness. As he stepped into the taxi, he smiled and whispered quietly, “You are a good person, David, and I wish I could stay with you forever.”

***

With his behavior last night, he didn't know how to face David. At first, he wanted to call and say that he would see him near the station, but in the end, he regretted it and decided to go to his house himself, and from there, they would go to the boss's house together. As he stood behind the door, he finally took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.

After a little delay, the door opened, and the foreign boy appeared in the doorway with worried eyes. After seeing the Japanese boy, he sighed and said, “Ah, it's you? Come in.” He went inside and kept the door open for him. Akira said as he entered the house and took off his shoes, “Were you waiting for someone else?”

David awkwardly picked something up from the table, and as he threw it into his backpack, he said “N-No,” then stopped and said, “I thought we were going to meet in front of the station.” Akira, as he stood in the room, said with a low voice, “I wanted to come here to... because of last night...”

David cut him off and said, “It's okay, I have to apologize for insisting. Please wait while I take a shower and get dressed,” he added as he walked to the bathroom. “If you want a cold drink, there's one in the fridge.” Then he entered the bathroom.

Akira muttered as he sat down on the bed with a frown, “idiot, Big boy. I should be apologizing, not you.” After a while, he sighed and was about to get up to get a cool drink when his eyes fell on a piece of paper sticking out of David's backpack. He remembered the foreign boy's reaction when he had entered the house and hidden something in his backpack.

He glanced at the bathroom door, then stood up and curiously pulled the crumpled paper out of the backpack. He opened it and looked at it. It looked like a letter from the university because the name and logo of the University of Tokyo were engraved on the top of the page. However, since the entire text was in English, he did not understand anything. At first, he wanted to ignore it, but then he took out his phone and took a picture of the letter.

When the sound of the bath water stopped, he quickly threw the letter into the backpack and returned to his place on the bed. Moments later, David came out of the bathroom, grabbed the towel with his left hand, dried his head, and said, “I'm sorry I kept you waiting.” Akira shrugged and said, “Don't worry, there's still time.”

David nodded and went to his wardrobe, but after a few moments, with a worried look, he said to Akira, “I can't wear a suit with plaster on my hand.” The Japanese boy raised his eyebrows and said, “Why a suit? Do you want to go to a wedding? Wear something comfortable.”

- But this is my first meeting with your boss. He is an important person; it is not right to come in simple clothes.

- Don't worry, Big Boy. The boss doesn't care about these things; don't be so hard.

David nodded hesitantly and started to get dressed. After ten minutes, he asked Akira, “How is this?” The Japanese boy looked at the black cloth pants, black tie, and white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and said, “Not bad, you look like a bodyguard.” He stood up and continued, “Shall we go?” David took his wallet, cell phone, and keys and said, “Let's go.”

***

For David, the big, traditional house of the chief, next to men with stern faces staring at him, was not very pleasant. Upon arrival, a handsome man with an old scar on his cheek, whom Akira had introduced as Mikitani-san, greeted them, guided them to the meeting room, and then left them alone.

As he was sitting anxiously, he asked his friend, “Is there anything special that I should not say in front of your boss?” Akira raised his eyebrows and said, “Don't be so anxious, Big Boy. Just be yourself; the boss is a good man.”

At the same time, the sliding door on the left side was moved, and a four-shouldered man in traditional Japanese clothes, who looked like he was about to turn 60, entered the room with Mikitani. Following Akira, David stood up, bowed, and heard his friend call the man boss.

The man took his place in front of them and said with a smile, “Sit down, boys; you don't have to be so formal.” They both slowly sat down on their knees in front of him. Looking at David, the man continued, “So you're that famous foreigner?” David blushed a little and answered with a half bow, “I'm David Powell; thank you for inviting me.”

The man laughed and said, “I see you speak our language well and you are familiar with our customs.” Then he continued with a smile, “I am happy to meet you, young Powell. Of course, I prefer to call you by your new nickname, Higuma. I am Yonkiko Tetsuji,” and Then, pointing to the man with the scarred face, he said, “He is also my right-hand man, Mikitani Seiji.”

David nodded his respect to Mikitani-san and then said, as he pushed a bag forward with his left hand, “This is for you, Yonkiko-dono.” Mikitani stood up and placed the bag next to the old man. The boss said happily as he took out a large bottle from the bag, “Hey Seiji, look what Higoma brought us, a great bottle of sake!”

Then he turned to the foreign boy and said, “You know, boy, I like you, even though you are not Japanese, but you know the customs very well.” David gave a half bow and said, “Thank you, sir.” The man laughed and said, “You don't have to be so formal, son.” He then turned to Akira and continued, “You told him to act like this?”

The Japanese boy shook his head and said, “No boss, he's always like this.” The old man laughed again and said, “Interesting. Well, Higuma, I won't take up much of your time; today I wanted you to come to see me and tell you two things.” David swallowed hard and stared at the man.

- I don't know how much you are in the news, but with what happened two weeks ago, there are rumors everywhere that you are one of my men. To protect yourself, from today on, I consider you a member of our group.

Like a shocked man, David was staring at the man's mouth. Akira was as shocked as he was and cast a glance at Mikitani-san, who simply shrugged and said nothing. David replied, gathering his courage, “B-But sir, I'm a foreigner. With all due respect, I can't be part of your group.”

The man smiled and said, “Don't worry, your name is not going to be registered anywhere or be official. Even now, everyone knows you as Yonkiko's Higuma. You are not going to do anything or obey me; we are just confirming the rumors. This will make other groups think that you are really a member of us, and they won't cause you any trouble.”

David thought for a moment. The man's words were true; if the rest of the criminals considered him to belong to a certain group, they would not have attacked him for fear of inter-group war. Therefore, he nodded and said with a half bow, “If it's just a fake issue, as you say, then I don't have a problem, sir.”

The old man laughed and said, “Well done, son. Well, next thing.” He pointed at Mikitani, and the man with the scarred face placed an envelope in front of David. The old man then continued, “This is a small gift for helping Shinka.”

David glanced at the money envelope, then turned his head to glare at Akira, but the Japanese boy shook his head to let him know that he didn't know about the gift. The foreign boy turned his head towards the old man, then bowed as he waved the envelope away from himself and said, “I'm sorry, Yonkiko-dono, I can't accept it.”

The old man raised his eyebrows and said, “It's not polite to refuse the host's gift; do you have a special reason?” David replied as his head was down, “I don't accept money from anyone, sir, unless I've done something for them and I'm paid for it.” The old man laughed and said, “Well, this is your payment for helping Shinka.”

David raised his head and said with serious eyes, “No, sir, I didn't help him because of the money. He is my friend, and if there is any payment, it will be compensated by paying the hospital fees.” The old man looked at Mikitani in surprise. Then he turned to David again and asked, “Are you sure?”

The foreign boy firmly said, “Yes, sir, thank you for your kindness, but I can't accept it.” The man sighed and turned to Akira, saying, “You have a strange friend, Shinka,” then added with a smile, “But I like him; I wish he could really be one of my men.” Akira just gave a forced smile and said nothing.

The man stood up and said, “Well, Higuma, I won't take up any more of your time. Thank you for coming today, and thank you for been brave and saving one of my men. I will never forget this. As long as you are in Japan, if you run into a problem, you can count on my help.”

David stood up, then bowed and said, “Thank you, sir.” The man smiled, and as he walked to the side door, he said, “Shinka, come back after seeing off your friend; I should talk with you,” and then left the room with Mikitani.

David sighed and loosened his tie a little. It was never easy for him to meet new people. He remembered how he had stammered and been sweaty the first time he met Professor Okada. Akira put a hand on his shoulder and said, “You behaved very well, Big Boy, but you were stupid for not taking the gift. The boss doesn't give worthless gifts; that envelope was worth at least 100 thousand yen.”

Although such money was almost as much as David's monthly salary from the scholarship and he needed it badly now, he shrugged indifferently and said, “If it was even a million yen, I would have refused; I didn't help you for the money.” Akira felt that this The words made him happy and embarrassed, but he tried not to show it; he turned his face and said, “You're just an idiot.” Then he walked with David to the exit door of the building.

In front of the exit door, he said, “I'm sorry, I can't walk you home; I have to stay.” David smiled and said, “It's okay, I'm not a kid.” At that moment, a voice said, “Oh, David-chan! Are you leaving?” Both of them turned towards the sound and saw Riki approaching them as always with stylish clothes and a bright appearance.

Akira cursed under his breath, and just as he opened his mouth to argue with him, Riki walked past him, ignoring him, making his way over to David, straightening his tie, and saying, “Hm, now your look is complete. You look exactly like the handsome heroes in foreign movies.” David laughed and said, “Do you always have to be so flattered?”

Riki said in a certain tone, “I don't think I would do that for anyone,” and then winked at him. Akira, irritated by this absurd debate and the fact that he was being ignored, drew Riki back and said, “Don't bother him!” David immediately interceded and said, “Akira, please calm down; nothing happened.” Riki gave Akira a triumphant smile as he straightened his clothes without David noticing.

The Japanese boy who saw Riki's grin suddenly went crazy and said, “I knew it! You're a fucking bastard! Even as a hundred years pass, you are the same boy who was in the bars of Shinjuku...” But suddenly, David interrupted his words with an angry voice and said, “Shut up, Akira! I told you not to talk about him like that!” Akira took a few steps back in disbelief and said, “What's wrong with you?! Why do you all take his side?! He brainwashed you?!”

- He has done nothing but respect and joke with me, so please, Akira, don't insult him so much.

He then turned his head to the Kyoto boy and said, “And you, Riki, please don't provoke Akira so much. I don't know what your purpose is, but if you keep doing this, we will definitely not have anything to do with each other.” Riki paused a bit, then looked away and said, “I'm sorry.”

David turned his head towards Akira and asked him with a look that he should apologize too, but the Japanese boy frowned and said, “What? Are you my boss? I'm not apologizing to anyone! Take care of yourself in way.” Then he turned his back on them with a glare at Riki and went back inside the house.

David sighed, shook his head sadly, and told Riki, “I'm sorry. I don't know why he's been like this lately; he seems more nervous.” Riki smiled bitterly and said, “It's my fault too; he never liked me; he always considered me a whore boy.” David sadly put his left hand on his shoulder and said, “Don't talk like that; it doesn't matter what your past was; you are a different person now, so please don't let people's words bother you.”

Riki looked into his eyes for any sign of hesitation or hypocrisy, but all he saw was pure honesty. He smiled beautifully and said, “Thank you, David-chan. Do you want to go home now? Can I come with you?” David raised his eyebrows and said, “Don't you have work?” The Kyoto boy shrugged and said, “I'm currently free; of course, if you don't want, I don't bother you.”

David smiled and said, “I don't want to be a bother, but if you want to come, it's okay; we can have lunch together.” Riki smiled happily and said, “Great, so let's go,” and they walked to the station together.

As Akira heard all their words from behind the wall, he fisted his hands and muttered, “Why does it hurt so much? Why can't I be with you without fearing my damn curse?” But there was no answer. He gently wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and walked towards the boss's room.