"Good job handling that asshole," Takeomi-san commented the minute we got back from the bar.
He complimented what I did, when in the past when I was young, he was actually the one protecting me from those kinds of people. How... nostalgic.
Mochi chortled, hands on his waist. "Did you see that stupid guy's face? He's a sissy!"
A sissy? He's actually courageous for letting himself get punched. I would've flinched expecting a punch.
"Well, that's Dellie right there," Ran complimented, a tip of his lip up.
I averted my eyes. I'm still... a bit uncomfortable.
And where the heck's Rielle? She said she'd be back. It's been two hours. Don't tell me that woman came running away and leaving me here, haha.
"Should we go after that pig for touching Bonten's woman?" Rindou evilly grinned and cracked his fingers.
Wait, what? No!
Koko flipped a hand. "It's the boss' call." I unconsciously shook my head at him when we met eyes. Koko only looked away.
"Let's not waste our time with such trivial matters," Kakucho-san responded with his plain tone.
I almost thanked him, but my relief was taken away when Sanzu's wary eyes raked over me. I twitched. This guy's too heedful towards my actions. I'm scared he'll find out about Nozomi and that detective.
"Call that girl and tell her to meet us at the Mad Man," Sanzu talked, eyes still on me.
"Calista?" Rindou asked.
Her again?
"Yes." Sanzu shifted it away when Mikey called for him. "Yes, boss?"
"Food." The only word Mikey replied.
He's still as lethargic as I've first seen him when I came here, but... maybe somewhere deep inside is still the Mikey that I know. Food. His favorites are dorayaki, taiyaki, and...
"Okay, Mikey." Sanzu obeyed then told his men when I immediately dashed to him. "What now?"
Crap!
I hardly bit my lower lip. "C-can I come and buy Mikey's food?"
Please agree...
Sanzu glared at me, but he looked at Mikey first who's still expressionless yet eyes so focused on mine. I habitually returned him a soft smile, almost forgetting who he is right now and only seeing a vulnerable Mikey.
Sanzu's left brow twitched, eyes so deadly.
"U-um, also, Rielle is still here," I added as I'm starting to worry.
"We'll take care of her." They shared glances.
"Just..!" I caught their attention. My saliva almost couldn't go down in my throat. "J-just to remind, um, Rielle is my p-pet... so she's mine."
In other words, don't you dare touch her.
They did the same glance with slight difference: their lips. "She's your pet, huh?" They questioned, my forehead creased.
Rielle, please tell me I'm just overthinking things.
"You're one lucky woman to still be alive at this point," Sanzu suddenly answered then tightly grasped my arm to pull me with him. "I'm taking this woman. We'll meet you at the Mad Man."
Mad man. Is that another bar?
"S-sanzu..." I hesitated as we now stopped by the food place. "Uh, M-mikey likes—"
"Idiot!" Sanzu spat. I caught my breath. "Of course I know what he likes! You think you know Mikey better than I do?"
I shook my head, afraid of that high, furious tone.
"Tsk. What a nuisance."
I sighed to myself, thinking that they shouldn't have brought me here if I was a bother. They wouldn't let me talk to Mikey. What's the point, really? Aren't they disappointed they've caught the wrong Phoenix Crown?
"You're asking me if I knew Mikey better than you..." I started even though I was still frightened by him. Sanzu only looked at me with annoyed eyes. "Well, I, uh, only knew him not that long. So... I was wondering... if you knew Mikey ever since?"
'Cause what I knew seemed different to how he's been acting. This guy's too suspicious since the beginning. According to Toman, he was "founded" by Mikey. Does that really explain his loyalty?
Sanzu clenched his jaw, tilting his head a li'l before avoiding my eyes. "I knew Mikey ever since we're little kids."
My eyes widened a fraction, but I shrank it back.
"Mikey and I are friends."
I was... right? Oh, my.
I waited for him to tell me more, but he stopped.
"I don't like people who pry. You're getting too inquisitive about my life."
Ah. He noticed.
"I was just... curious why you're so protective of him," I honestly answered back. "You're so loyal to Mikey."
He let out a meaningful smirk and replied, "...'Cause I'm like you."
Eh? What? How is he like me?
My forehead creased. "...What do you mean?"
We were then disrupted by his men who brought him the food. Our conversation stopped there. We reached the "Mad Man" territory they were speaking of, and I was surprised to see it was a grand casino.
Red, gold, black, white, and green theme casino was what welcomed us. Red furry floor stepped by some black loafers. Golden chandeliers under the rich, high ceilings. Jazz songs played in the background as if it covers the noise.
I've only seen it in movies, but there are really slots, roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat kind of games in a casino. There're also performers playing some pop and somewhat rock and jazz type of music.
And people in here are really good in gambling. And they're really, really rich. Filthy rich, I must say. All of them totally wears lavish clothings and luxurious jewelries.
They're loud, but you'll notice there's still a huge difference between wealthy people, middle class people, and low class people's entertainment.
And as the music changed, their excitements... got my heart racing.
As always, whenever Bonten enters, they're either welcomed and surrounded by the crowd or avoided by some people who are scared, envious, and anxious of them.
Men in black suits greeted Kakucho-san and Mikey. Some foreigners addressed Sanzu and Koko. Mochi laughed with a few guys. The Haitani brothers were entertained by both men and women. Takeomi-san excused himself to gamble.
I was left to stick around with Bonten executive's guards. The situation made me feel uneasy as if there's something stuck in my throat and my feet buried in the ground.
Eyes eyed me up and down. Some remained raking my appearance, possibly jealous, while some ignored it, knowing who I am to Bonten.
After all, Koko was the one who bought this blue midi dress for me, and was actually picked by Mikey himself.
Though... I think Mikey just chose it randomly.
"Let's continue this in the cruise, ladies and gentlemen," an old rich man said, gesturing his guests.
He must be the host of this party. My heart almost jumped off a cliff when our eyes met. His brows flicked up as he showed his palms leveled with his stomach while sauntering towards me.
"Dear me. This is... Bonten's woman, correct?" He gladly asked them then turned to me. "So you're Sano Manjiro's queen."
My breathing became heavy. I involuntarily bobbed once. "Yes..."
Rielle, I really hope you're here. It's so uncomfortable being here without you.
"Hoho, well then, our beautiful lady, it's a pleasure to meet you," he greeted with a peck on my cheek. I almost shivered. "Please, join us in our leisure."
The man was about to slide his hand to my waist to pull me with him when Sanzu unexpectedly bumped to him, the rest of Bonten instantly around me.
"Oh. My apologies," Sanzu said and chuckled. "The drugs you're selling are effective, Mr. Bando. It totally drives me crazy," he said before smoothly grabbing my elbow and pulls me behind him.
Ran's fingers went around my waist and Rindou's hung over my shoulders. I glanced at them, but all of them were eyes on the old man in front of us. I peeked at Mikey who's accompanied by Kakucho-san and Koko.
Mr. Bando cackled. "I see. I see. That's good then, Sanzu."
Sanzu spared me a quick glance, his lip curving upward. "This drug business' rate constantly increases. You are the great founder after all."
"Oh, hoho." He waved a hand and began walking. "You're teasing me too much."
But did Sanzu just... helped me?
"No other men should ever touch you again, Dellie," Ran whispered, sending shivers down to my spine. "Understand?"
I nodded repeatedly fast.
Yes. The cruise was just like what the books portray. Magical and serene. But it would've been a hundred times better if Mikey and I tried this in a romantic or at least friendly way, not like this where I'm here listening to their crimes.
The Bonten's executives separated from me once again as they had their conversation with Mr. Bando. Their excitements arose when Calista joined them. Everyone then turned to me and I didn't realize why until I saw Calista's clothes.
"Oh." She approached me. "So you're still copying me, Mizuno Delanel?" Calista crossed her arms above her revealing breasts. "That's so not fun."
Here we go again. I bet Rielle would've kicked this proud face already.
I fixed my composure, arms on each side. "So it's you again, Calista."
She raised a brow, scanning me then the people confining us. Gee. People really love to engage with such issues and dramas. Well, I've seen this scenario in movies tons of times already.
"Yes. Me." Calista referred to herself. "The person who originally bought this limited edition midi dress that you've just imitated. Why are you forcing yourself, Delanel? You can never be like me. I'm too high for you."
"That person's Bonten's woman, right?"
"She really copied her?"
"That's embarrassing."
"Yeah, right. She's humiliating."
"She dared to show her face."
"Calista deserves to be Bonten's woman."
More and more whispers emerged, but unlike these people who think so highly of themselves, the Bonten executives remained silent as they observed the situation I'm stuck with. I won't complain that they're only watching. Because this is a girl's fight.
I took one step forward to her and smiled. "You look lovely in that dress indeed, Calista."
"Oh, thank you," she expressed. "You see? You yourself think this dress fits me better than you."
I'm just so tired of this crap.
I nodded at her, my tight smile sticked to my face as I quietly made my way to one of the rounded tables where the food is. I randomly scooped some of the dishes and ate one spoonful, facing the crowd.
I beamed at the host. "Mr. Bando," I spoke, still tasting the dish in my mouth. "The party is great and the food is luscious. It is an honor to be here wearing this dress..."
"O-oh." He awkwardly chuckled. Calista frowned. "Thank you, lovey."
"However," I continued, striding back to Calista who's confused. "Oh. Do you want some?" I asked her.
"Ew. No."
"Ew?"
I almost snorted 'cause her honest comment made Mr. Bando's face turn sour. She didn't care though.
"Yeah. Ew. I'm not dirtying my mouth with food," Calista rejected. "Well, if 'food' is what we're talking about here..." her glance reached Bonten's area. "You know what I'd rather have."
I nodded, agreeing with her and giving Bonten a brief look as well. "Ah... And yet you still deny you're a whore."
"W-what?!"
"Pfftt!" The audience cackled silently.
I scooped one more from the plate and swallowed it. "Really. Food is life." I giggled to myself. "Hmm, since we're a 'matchy-matchy'..."
"Kya!"
"Oh my!"
"Goodness!"
"What the heck are you doing?!" Calista screamed at me when I spilled the plate on her dress.
I raised one hand at her, grabbed another dish from the table, lifted the plate filled with the same food to show everyone, and then... I slowly poured it over to my dress as well, making everyone speechless including Bonten and Calista.
"Oh, dear..."
"U-uh..."
I swiftly threw the plate away and smiled. "Now, I've just copied you. But isn't that cute? We're a match!" I sarcastically chuckled before handing her a napkin. "Well. If you don't like it, wipe it," I said and walked away, entirely proud yet frustrated.
Ugh. Do I really have to deal with her all the time?
I secretly looked back at Mikey, but he wasn't looking. It only caused my heart to break. Mikey... he would've been there whenever these kind of situations arise.
I left the crowd, upset with myself not because of what happened but because even if this is what's happening now, there's still a part of me expecting Mikey coming for me.
A sound came from the door. I immediately turned my head to it.
"Sorry, ms. perfect," Koko said as he entered. "I'm not Mikey."
"I know." I looked away, wiping the dress Mikey picked for me. "I wasn't expecting."
"Mhm." He gave me a look. I rolled my eyes.
"Sorry about the dress," I apologized.
Koko laughed, shaking his head. "Never mind about the dress, it was meant to be stained."
"What?"
Koko's lip rose from one end. "Bonten planned that. And yet..." he chuckled. "You surprise us every single time."
I didn't budge. Tsk. I knew it.
"We knew you're the only one who can handle her," he added, flipping his cash near his face. "The money's never wasted on you, ms. perfect."
Handle her? I thought they adore her, they worship her. I don't understand what these people are thinking. Are they just playing with me?
I groaned quietly. "Glad you enjoyed the show, but I need another clothes to wear. Anything cheap is fine 'cause I don't want to owe you anything."
"That's not a problem 'cause this..." Koko then revealed a silver cocktail dress, allowing my jaw to drop. "...is what the boss truly wants you to wear."
My mouth's agape, still astonished, I moved forward to caress the cloth. "This... is gorgeous, but..."
"The boss bought it."
I startlingly looked at him. "...Mikey did?" Koko bobbed. "That's..."
I thought of saying it was nice, but I remembered what I went through first before I get to wear this gorgeous dress. Tss. I won't say it.
Koko completely handed me the dress then marched to the doorway and said, "Wear it and show up in ten minutes." Then left me alone to contemplate in this lonely, luxurious, spacious room.
"It is a lovely, expensive dress..." I uttered to myself, reminiscing. "But I love those heels and handkerchief more."
My knees melted weak as my chest throbbed, recalling Mikey's sweet smiles, comforting words, hilarious laughs, adorable childishness, amazing maturity, and his beautiful, warm soul.
Sobs emerged. I hugged the dress, damping my wet face on it, just whispering his name, asking the universe why people can go from people we know to people we don't.
"Mikey..." I weeped. "How could you leave me alone like this?"
Mikey...
My Mikey...
Come back to me.
After staring at my messy self in the rounded mirror for five minutes, I waited two more minutes before I wore the dress which breathtakingly fitted me perfectly.
I put on some jewelries Koko gave me, fixed my makeup which was ruined by my tears, and settled my hair with a half top bun using a silver rose kanzashi hair stick.
"A half... top bun..." I gazed at myself, realizing it's almost the same as Mikey's usual hairstyle before. "Wish you'd finally look at me... Mikey."
The light from the chandeliers flashed before my eyes as I slowly creaked the door open and arrived at the dining hall where all of the guests were there, staring and examining my guise.
Embarrassment took over me as I caught the Bonten's executives reactions. However, Mikey wasn't even looking. My shoulders dropped. I ambled towards him when Sanzu stood between us.
"You know the rules," he warned me.
I met his glare, not faltered one bit. "I won't talk," I admitted. "Just... let me stay by his side. I promise... I won't talk."
Sanzu briefly clenched his jaw but later made way for me to pass through, knowing that everybody's attention's on us. I suppressed my baby joy emerging from within as I carefully sat down beside Mikey.
I'm now in between him and Sanzu, not noticing Ran in front of me who's been staring at me since the beginning. His eyes glided to Mikey's then back to me then down to the table. I suddenly felt like I did something wrong. I'm not even sure why.
"What?!" It was Calista who just came in, wearing a pink sheath dress with black platform footwear, and as always, grabbed everyone's attention.
I rolled my eyes naturally, wishing she won't bother me this time, but she still did. Calista clutched my chair out of nowhere to forcefully move me away from the table, making me unintentionally cling to an arm.
I fell out of my chair, but what surprised me was the person who's now holding my waist, his face right in front of me, finally showing an emotion.
"Ah." Mikey and I made eye contact. He was kind of surprised too. "S-sorry..." I didn't expect to blush.
"Ugh. That's my place!" Calista yelled, pulling my shoulder away from him, separating us from that brief encounter I was hoping for. "Move, fake!"
I jolted in pain, feeling her long nails on my skin. My eyes grew as I checked it and found blood. I let her take my seat 'cause I was occupied with my bleeding shoulders.
I covered it with my arms, stood, and was able to find a seat when the Haitani brothers left me a space between them. The crowd's murmurs echoed, but it didn't matter to me anymore.
What mattered to me was finally... Mikey looked at me, but it was so short. I'm still yearning for more, but it must be greedy of me to yearn for more, but if I could... I would.
I sighed, clenching my fist. "...Stupid."
Next Chapter >>>
Don't forget to vote, comment, and share this story. Thank you and take care, everyone.