Chapter 6: Argument and Dilemma-- Part 2

Sawatari: “What did you say?”

Yuri: “Soji! That’s...”

Soji: “Why do we need to keep it under wraps?”

Yuri: “Well, maybe it would be better to wait until things get settled...”

Soji: “I’d rather proclaim our relationship than see you taken out by other guys.”

Sawatari: “Higashikuni, what is going on here? You’re Mr. Shirogane’s wife...?”

Soji: “Feel free to spread the word. Do whatever you want with this information.”

After he said that to Sawatari, Soji took me by the hand and we left the apartment.

Although I felt anxious about just leaving Sawatari there... I went directly back to the condo, dragged along by Soji.

Yuri: (I should apologize to Sawatari next chance I get.)

Soji: “Are you sure that he didn’t do anything to hurt you?”

Soji flung himself down onto the sofa... lobbing this question at me while I remained standing.

Yuri: “N-No. Well, he pulled a knife on me...”

Soji: “What?”

Yuri: “Oh, but soon after that he pushed me down. And then you came to rescue me.”

Soji: “I see...”

Soji heaved another big sigh. As I stared blankly at him, he face me with an annoyed look.

Soji: “How long are you going to keep standing there?”

Yuri: “Oh… that’s right. I was in the middle of cooking. I’m sorry, it’s gotten so late.”

Soji: “I don’t care about that. Sit down.”

Yuri: “Y-Yes...”

When I tried to sit down beside Soji, he grabbed my arm.

Soji: “Don’t sit there.”

Yuri: “Huh?”

Soji: “You sit here.”

He lifted me up and sat me just in front of himself. Then, he hugged me strongly from behind.

Yuri: “S-Soji?”

Soji: “I’m glad you’re safe... seriously.”

Yuri: “Well...”

Soji: “When I saw you being held down by that scumbag, I lost control for a moment. Before I realized what I was doing, I’d already hit him.”

Yuri: “Soji, I’ve never seen you get so rattled before.”

Soji: “When I saw a knife on the floor... I went pale.”

Yuri: “I’m sorry...”

Soji: “Don’t worry me so much...”

Seated behind me, Soji brought his lips to my neck and kissed me. Every time Soji spke, I felt his breath tickling me.

Soji: “Also, about what you said before... the race to become successor has nothing to do with this. I went to find you because I was worried about you and that’s the only reason”

Yuri: “You... worried about me?”

Soji: “Of course, every man should worry about his wife.”

Yuri: “But I’m your slave, right?”

Soji: “But you’re also my wife.”

Yuri: (Your wife... he was suspicious of me and Sawatari a short while ago... does this really have nothing to do with the successorship…?) “Um, Soji...”

Soji: “What?”

Yuri: “By any chance... were you jealous of me?”

Soji: “What?”

Yuri: “I mean, about me and Sawatari...”

Soji: “W-What...”

Soji blushed a little.

Yuri: “I’m just kidding... I’m sorry I got carried away.”

Soji: “...Is it so wrong for me to get jealous?”

Yuri: “Huh?”

Soji: “I couldn’t be happy with my wife going out for lunch with another man.”

Soji blushed more deeply.

Yuri: “I thought… that you married me only to satisfy the requirements to become the successor. So, ia thought you were angry with me about having lunch with Sawatari because I might blacken your name...”

Soji: “Hell no!”

Yuri: “But you said that whatever I did would bounce back to you.”

Soji: “...That was just an excuse.”

Yuri: “What do you mean?”

Soji: “Now that you’re married to me, don’t look at other men.”

I was pretty sure that, up until now... this is where he would have told me, you are my slave.

Yuri: (But now he explains himself saying I’m his wife, and that we’re married.) “I… have never even looked at anybody else since I married you.”

Soji: “I know.”

Yuri: “Then...”

Soji: “Still, I don’t like that you going out with another man.”

He loosened his hug and stroked my hair from behind. When I turned around, he pressed his lips against my cheek. I kissed him of my own accord.

Soji: “You’re certainly daring today.”

Yuri: “Well... I’ve gotten used to this. You always say do whatever makes you happy.”

Soji: “Do you think I will be happy with this?”

Yuri: “Oh...”

Changing my posture, I clung to his neck and kissed him deeply. Soji hugged me, satisfied...

He cradled the back of my head and we repeated our gentle but intense kissing.

Yuri: “S-Soji...”

Soji: “...I’ve been thinking about what you said.”

Yuri: “What do you mean?”

He didn’t answer me. Instead, he lifted up me with ease. Into his arms, I went, and to the bedroom. Soji put me down on the bed gently.

Soji: “...You told me at the beginning. We should love each other.”

Yuri: “Ah...”

Soji: “How do you feel now…?”

Yuri: “Now...”

It was impossible to put into words, so instead of doing that... I stretched out my arms and pressed myself against Soji.

Soji: “...Can I take this as your answer?”

Yuri: “You won’t tell me... how you feel about me, will you?”

Soji: “You should feel it... from my attitude.”

He kissed me wildly, nearly taking my breath away. Our breath grew hurried, ragged... Soji put his hand around my waist.

Yuri: (I think... I might have hoped things would come to this... for quite some time, now.)

The resistance I once had against Soji has all but disappeared. On the contrary… every time Soji laid his warm hands on me I felt my chest grow tight.

Yuri: “...ah...Soji...”

Soji: “Yuri.”

Calling out each other’s name, we kissed again and again...

Chapter 6: Argument and Dilemma --Part 1

With Soji suspecting something going on between myself and Sawatari… I headed for my old apartment, feeling sad.

Yuri: “What I do bounces back to Soji… Meaning he doesn’t’ want me messing up his race to be successor. In other words, I have to keep myself out of sight.”

We’d gone out together… and I thought the distance between us was subsiding, gradually. Even though our marriage started from a threat, it was very different from what I first expected, when he told me slave.

Yuri: “That’s where my thinking was amiss…”

From the beginning, I was just a slave, a contract, and a tool for Soji.

Walking along with heavy feet, I eventually felt something cold strike my cheek.

Yuri: “It’s raining… the sky had been clear until a while ago.”

The rain came down harder and faster, as if my feelings had brought it on. I took off running for my apartment, which I could see in the distance.

Even though most of my things had been moved out, I hadn’t given up the room yet. I took out the key from a small bag I kept with me, and slid it into the lock.

Yuri: (Huh? I can’t move it… does this mean the door was unlocked?)

The last time I was here was when I moved out most of my things. I thought I’d locked the door when I left...

With a sinking feeling in my stomach, I turned the knob and entered.

Yuri: “How long had it been since I was last here…?”

Many things were scattered around the room. It was obvious that I moved out in a hurry. It was all so sudden...

I remember putting whatever I needed into boxes and leaving the apartment without cleaning up. When I sat own on the familiar sofa, I calmed down a little.

Yuri: “Why am I so down in the dumps over this…?”

I knew from the beginning that our marriage was just a contract. I was aware of that there wasn’t any love about it... and that no love would arise, when I signed the marriage registration form.

Yuri: “Why am I so depressed about this?”

Letting out a big sigh, I heard the floor creak. I turn to see what or who had made that sound, and then…

??? : “Don’t move!”

Something cold pressed against my neck.

Yuri: “?!”

??? : “Do you live here?”

Yuri: “W-Who are you?”

??? : “Answer my question!”

Yuri: “Y-Yes...”

It was an emotionless and cold voice. He grabbed my arm and forced me to stand up, then I saw his head. Wearing sunglasses and a mask… it was very obvious that he was a robber.

Robber: “There isn’t anything of value here. Why?”

Yuri: “I-I moved out...”

Robber: “Tsk.”

The man took off his mask and sunglasses, and pushed me down on the sofa violently. Even though I tried to resist, he held my hands together.

Robber: “If you don’t have money, maybe I’ll have some fun with you.”

Yuri: “S-Stop...!”

Robber: “If you moved out already, I don’t think anybody will be coming, will they? If you call out for help, I’ll kill you!”

I was scared speechless. He was right. Nobody would come. Soji only thought of me as a tool, thee was no reason he would come.

Yuri: (Soji… Soji!)

Even so, I found myself calling his name desperately in my mind. Even though I knew he wouldn’t come, I couldn’t stop.

Yuri: “Soji…!”

SLAM! The door flew open.

Yuri: “Soji…?!”

Soji: “You... ”

Seeing me held down on the sofa by some strange man… Soji approached the thug with unbelievable speed and slugged him in the face. Soji didn’t give him an opportunity to fight back.

Soji: “Who are you?! What are you doing here?!”

Yuri: “I… think he’s… a robber...”

Soji: “Damn it!”

After Soji confirmed the guy had been knocked out... he let go of his collar as if dropping a sack of garbage. And then he came over to me...

Yuri: (He’s going to lose it on me!)

At the moment I recoiled, expecting the worst, he hugged me.

Soji: “Thank goodness...”

Yuri: “...Soji?”

Soji: “Honestly... thank goodness…”

Soji squeezed me into his hug. The suddenness of it all left me unable to react—I merely received his embrace.

Soji: “Did he do anything to you?”

Yuri: “N-No... as soon as he pushed me down, you came into the room.”

Soji: “That’s good...”

Soji, who was looking at me while talking, heaved a sigh as if he felt relieved with all his heart. Then, he took out is phone and made a call.

Soji: “Kosaka? Come to Yuri’s apartment now. It’s a robber. No, I hit him and knocked him out cold.”

Yuri: “We don’t need to call the police?”

Soji: “If we call the police, they’ll give us some real headaches.”

Hanging up the phone, Soji turned his gaze back to the guy. If the police get involved in this...it might put Soji disadvantage in the race for successorship.

Yuri: “I’m sorry... I thought it was strange that the door was unlocked. I came in without thinking about it too deeply.”

Soji: “You’re plenty thoughtless.”

Yuri: “Yes...”

Now that we are married, whatever I do bounces back to Soji. I remembered what Soji said to me a while ago. Soon after, Mr. Kosaka rushed in with a few others. They tried to rouse the intruder, still unconscious, before taking him away. After Mr. Kosaka left with the intruder, it was just the two of us.

Yuri: “Um... I’m very sorry. Sorry for causing you trouble... I can’t even hold up my side of the contract.”

Soji: “What are you talking about?”

Yuri: “As your wife… I’ll try to be helpful to you. If I cause trouble, it affects your chances of becoming the successor...”

Soji: “You...”

As Soji tried to respond, the apartment intercom rang out. We looked at each other for a moment, and then I headed for the front door.

Yuri: “Hello? Who is it?”

Sawatari: “Ms. Higashikuni, it’s me.”

Yuri: “Sawatari?!”

Hearing my voice, Soji came to me. When I opened the door, I saw Sawatari standing there.

Yuri: “What are you doing here, Sawatari?”

Sawatari: “Well... I thought you might like to go out for a drink with me so I called you. But you didn’t answer...”

Yuri: “Oh... I left my phone.”

Sawatari: “Where did you leave it? More like...”

Sawatari looked behind me suspiciously. When I turned around, I found Soji standing just behind me.

Sawatari: “...Who is he?”

Yuri: “Ah... Well...” (I have a feeling this is not going to end well...)

Soji: “You’re Sawatari, right?”

Sawatari: “Who are you?”

Soji: “I’m Shirogane from Platinum... Do you know who I am?”

Sawatari: “What?”

Sawatari’s eyes widened, surprised beyond belief. Soji remained cool and calm, as usual.

Yuri: “S-Soji...”

Sawatari: “Why is the president of Platinum here at your apartment”

Soji: “What’s there to be confused about?”

Sawatari: “Higashikuni, what is this? What’s your relationship to Mr. Shirogane?”

Yuri: “Well… um... I-I don’t have anything to do with Soji...”

Sawatari: “Did you call him Soji?”

Yuri: “Oh...” (I just said it out of habit...)

Soji: “I’m sorry, but please don’t invite my wife out, ever again.”

Chapter 5: Shrinking Distance and His… - Part 2

Yuri: (I guess this movie’s a good fit for him…)

The plot continued along up on the screen. Even though it was tough to follow, it was good enough to pull me into it. But, feeling somebody’s eyes on me, I looked over at Soji.

Yuri: U-Um…what is it?

I had casually looked over at him, but our gazes met to alarming effect. Sure he was sitting next to me, but he was much closer than I thought.

Soji: Guess what I’m thinking now.

Yuri: What you’re thinking…? Um… were you thinking that I was pretty?

                I just said it as a joke, and he sent back a look as cold as one might expect.

Yuri: I’m sorry.

Soji: Somebody who says something like that should be punished. Do something here to make me happy.

Yuri: Huh…?

Soji: Don’t be loud! There aren’t that many people in the audience, but they might notice us.

                I hurried to cover my mouth with my hands, and then… I realized what Soji had been trying to get at. Despite the fact the attention of other customers would protect me from any activity too outrageous… I couldn’t help thinking that I should keep quiet.

Yuri: (Am I enjoying…being a slave…?)

                No, I’m not. Soji’s just good at giving orders to people. Telling myself this… I kissed him softly.

Soji: …Do you think I would be happy with this?

Yuri: Please. I can’t do anything more…

Soji: Well, it barely passes, given the movie theater environment.

                Soji smiled mockingly. He tends to run his mouth, but Soji never forces me to do anything. Even though he calls me slave… I feel he cares about me. I felt the same way when he protected me from Masumi.

Yuri: (Or, am I just being conceited?)

Going out of the movie theater, I decided to wander around the city with Soji.

Yuri: Where do you want to go next?

Soji: Anywhere is fine. The place you will be happy.

Yuri: …But Soji, you’re tired, aren’t you?

Soji: Why do you think that?

Yuri: You said you didn’t have time for movies…meaning you’re busy with work, right?

Soji: Well, that’s correct. I almost never get a full day off like this.

Yuri: In that case, why don’t we relax at home?

Soji: We can do that in the end.

Yuri: In the end?

Soji: I find breathing the fresh, outside air a good way to relax.

                For a moment, I felt he looked tired. Being surrounded by pressure and people or... by relatives like Masumi every day, he must feel a great deal of stress.

Yuri: (Soji seems like the  kind of person who takes stress in stride, but…)

                Even so, he must feel something...

Thinking about that, while looking at the side of Soji’s face, something came into my field of vision.

Yuri: Oh! I want one of those!

Soji: What?

Yuri: Just wait a minute!

                I had been facing a soft-serve ice cream shop. I bought a cone and went back to Soji in a hurry.

Soji: What do you need soft-serve for?

Yuri: When you’re tired, you should have something sweet. Say ahh.

Soji: What?

Yuri: Huh? Like I said—ahh.

                Soji’s surprised face took me aback. I felt suddenly embarrassed at my own spontaneity.

Soji: You…

Yuri: No, no-no! I was just thinking about what would make you happy, and then…

Soji: What?

Yuri: So, I’m your slave, right? I thought that a slave would do this kind of thing...

Soji: …Are you already experienced with stuff like this?

Yuri: I’ve never done something as embarrassing like this!

Soji: Even yet you did it so naturally.

Yuri: Don’t  even mention that… I’m so embarrassed now...

                When I was trying not look at Soji, he took a bite of the soft-serve ice cream I held in my hand. Stunned, I looked at Soji, who was still calm. Being unable to withstand his gaze, I decided to focus on the ice cream. It was then that he took hold of my arm and turned me toward him.

Yuri: What!

                He licked the ice cream off from the corner of my mouth…

My face burned. When he saw that, he smiled with satisfaction.

Soji: ...It’s sweet.

Yuri: Is that what you have to say…? (My goodness! How did we end up getting so coy?!) Soji...

Soji: What?

Yuri: Don’t you think… we look like those kinds of couples that get lost in their own little world?

Soji: It’s thanks to you following up on what I said.

Yuri: No, it isn’t!

                I smiled slyly, and taking my hand, Soji started off walking. It felt like we were an atual loving couple… a warm, fuzzy feeling.

                Back at home, Soji took off his jacket and threw it on the bed.

Yuri: Oh, I’ll help you get changed.

Soji: Fine… Yuri.

Yuri: Huh?

Soji called me back to attention, and I realized I was taking off his shirt. Soji looked surprised at how unconscious I was of the fact.

Yuri: …Oh!

Soji: Back when I told you to take off my clothes the first time, you put up a fuss.

Yuri: N-no! I just sort of, like a routine…

Soji: That’s a fine routine to get into.

Yuri: Soji...

                He easily covered my lips with his won as I tried to make an excuse. But... I didn’t feel like resisting him at the time.

Soji: …Scared and jumpy as usual, like a small animal.

Yuri: A little animal…

Soji: You were like that from the beginning. When you talk back to me, I can tell you’re scared. When you refused Masumi, you only said one line, and you were shivering forever after that.

Yuri: Well…

Soji: But you accept the fact that you are now my wife… You don’t feel resistant to doing what I tell you.

Yuri: I still feel resistant, you know...

Soji: Even if other guys give you orders, don’t give in like this.

Yuri: I’ll be fine, nobody gives me orders like you do...

Soji: Maybe I should educate you some more to make sure you only obey my orders.

                At that, he pushed me down onto the bed behind us. Without any desire to resist, I felt Soji’s lips all over my body…

Suddenly, Soji stoped.

Yuri: ...Soji?

                I called his name hesitantly, but no answer came. Moving slightly, I saw Soji had fallen asleep while hugging me.

Yuri: (Well, he did say he neer gets a full day off like this… In the end, I’m not sure why he spent an entire day on me, but…) “Good night, Soji.”

Yuri: “It’s been a while since we went out to eat together, hasn’t it?”

                On one day I had particularly felt I had closed the gap between Soji and myself... Sawatari asked me out for lunch, and we went out for lunch at a café near our office.

Sawatari: “You’ve been kind of antisocial recently.”

Yuri: “Have I?”

Sawatari: “You have. We used to go out for drinks about once a week after work.”

Yuri: “Huh… that’s right.” (After I was married to Soji, I kind of felt like it’d be a bad thing to do…)

                Even though it’s a contract, we’re married, so I felt it’s ot right for me to go out with a guy other than Soji. I was still unable to tell Sawatari or anybody else at work about my marriage, but I wanted to keep up my image.

Sawatari: “We should eat together like this, once in a while.”

Yuri: “Ah, sure.” (He always worries about me, so I’d love if I could talk to him about this… I don’t want him to worry about me even more, so I should keep it secret until the issue around Soji’s succession is more settled.)

                I didn’t know that somebody was watching us from a distance… Thinking about the time I might be able to tell Sawatari everything, I smiled.

Soji: “Who was the guy you were with this afternoon?”

                Later that day, just as I entered the door, Soji grabbed my arm.

Yuri: “Huh?”

Soji: “You were with some other guy today, weren’t you? Who is he?”

Yuri: “Well…S-Soji?”

                Despite his increasingly gentle treatment of me… his sudden attitude made me cower.

Soji: “Don’t play stupid! Today, you were with some guy!”

Yuri: “Today…? A guy? Are you talking about… Sawatari?”

Soji: “Kosaka told me that he saw you eating together with some guy.”

Yuri: “Wait a minute! Are you having me followed all the time?”

Soji: “He said he saw you while he was just driving by... eating with this guy, Sawatari. Sawatari, I believe, is a guy you’ve gotten along well with since joining the company… right?”

Yuri: “Why? Did you check that out or something?”

Soji: “Don’t make me say the same thing again and again. I have all the information about you in my head.”

                The suddenness of it all confused me. I couldn’t understand why Soji is so upset.

Yuri: “Is it so bad to go out for a lunch with a close colleague?”

Soji: “If the colleague is a man, it is. Don’t forget that whatever you do bounces back to me.

                The concept Soji left me with was shocking.

Yuri: “Is it because…I became your wife through the contract?”

                Hearing my simple inquiry, Soji loosened his grip on my arm.

Yuri: “Will it blacken your name if I do something strange? Will it cause trouble for you in your race to be the successor?”

Soji: “Yuri…”

                I had felt like I had closed the distance between us, now that we had enjoyed a date and all our time together…

Yuri: “You mean to say… you never trusted me. I was just a tool… something to help you become the successor...”

Soji: “Yuri!”

Yuri: “…”

                I couldn’t say anymore… I shook off Soji’s arm and fled the condo.

Chapter 5: Shrinking Distance and His… - Part 1

                As according to Soji’s invitation, we went out on Saturday morning. Walking around the city at a leisurely pace, I felt at peace for the first time since meeting Soji.

Yuri: “So, where are we going, Soji?”

Soji: “You decide.”

Yuri: “Huh?!”

Soji: “We came out today for your education.”

Yuri: “For my education…”

                I was disappointed, since I had come along expecting a date. But then, I felt surprised that I was so worked up over a date.

Yuri: (I married him because he threatened me… He said that I would be his slave, so I thought I was I for some real trouble, but our relationship has been remarkably normal. I guess that explains how I felt.) “So… What exactly do you teach a slave…?”

Soji: “Ah, yes… You should do whatever you think will make me happy, all day today.

Yuri: “This is quite a conundrum… I don’t know much about you in the first place…”

Soji: “You can’t do it? Maybe I need to take a more physical approach.”

Yuri: “No! I’ll do my best!”

                I hurried to answer, despite not having any idea what I should do to make Soji happy.

Yuri: (Anyway, I had assumed this was a date, so I should try to do something people would do on a date.) “Then… shall we hold hands?”

Soji: “What?”

Yuri: “W-Well… it thought we should act like we’re on a date.”

Soji: “…Do whatever you want.”

                He looked another direction as I tentatively took his hand.

Yuri: (His hand is big…) “Hey! Do you like movies?”

Soji: “I rarely watch movies.”

Yuri: “Why?”

Soji: “First of all, I’m a busy man. I don’t really have time to go to the movies.”

Yuri: “Oh…” (Wait! But he said that he took day off.) “You say you’re always busy, but you’re spending the entire day with me right?”

Soji: “Well, when you put it like that… stop letting your imagination run wild.”

                Soji suddenly looked away. And I started to feel a little uncomfortable.

Yuri: “Are you embarrassed?”

Soji: “…What are you talking about?”

Yuri: “Well… I know that my imagination does run wild… But I can’t help but feel like you’re taking time off to spend with me. That… makes me happy… at least a little bit…”

                Suddenly, I became really embarrassed and couldn’t continue.

Soji: “Don’t… be ridiculous. Try to focus a little.”

Yuri: “Oh, ok… Sorry.” (Huh? Is he blushing?)

                Looking up at Soji’s face, I notice that his cheeks were bright red. I thought about how, just a little while ago, I was really disappointed.

Soji: “…What are you looking at?”

Yuri: “Huh? Nothing.”

                Soji’s stern expression forced me to look away. But then he grabbed my cheeks in his hand and forced me to look at him.

Yuri: “Uh…”

Soji: “I don’t like the way you’re looking at me. I should probably educate you on your rightful place again before the test.”

Yuri: “Wait! There are people here…!”

                In the middle of the bustling sidewalk, he kissed me right on my lips. All I could see was his handsome face. I blushed… I mean, there we were, kissing in front of everyone.

Soji: “Do I need to give you another lesson?”

Yuri: “No…”

Soji: “Good… Now, decide where we’re going. If I don’t like your suggestion, I’ll do it again.”

                He squeezed my shoulder tightly.

Yuri: “Um, I want to go see a movie!”

Soji: “Why?”

Yuri: “Because nothing beats seeing a movie on the big screen! It might give you some ideas for your business.”

Soji: “Hm, you think?”

                Soji smiled cynically. But we headed to a nearby movie theater.

                Soje decided we were going to see an inspirational movie about a success story. The main character poured his heart and soul into making his company better. And in the process, touched the lives of those around him.

Yuri: “You sure this one is okay?”

Soji: “You told me that this movie might give me some ideas for my business. If it’s as good as the previews, it might just prove to be helpful.”

Yuri: “I hope so…”

Soji: “You don’t think so?”

Yuri: “Oh, I don’t mean that.”

Soji: “…Then what do you mean?”

Yuri: “Well…”

                I wasn’t really sure how to answer him, so I just trotted after him. Ignoring the previews appearing on-screen, we headed towards the seats at the very back.

Soji: “…So what kind of movie do you usually watch?”

Yuri: “Hm.”

Soji: “I don’t really have a lot experience with this sort of thing. If this were a ‘normal’ date, what kind of movie would you go see?”

Yuri: “Well… let me think…”

Soji: “What? Speak up.”

Yuri: “Well, I’ve gone to the movie with friends before. But I’ve never been to a movie on a date.”

Soji: “…Really?”

Yuri: “Nope, never. But I assume most people go to see romance comedies on dates. Although, I guess it depends on the people too.”

Soji: “You think?”

Yuri: “I don’t really know that the movie itself matter. It’s more about being with someone you like. So I think this movie should be good.”

Soji: “We’ll see.”

                I smiled up at him, but he quickly turned away. He focused at the movie screen in front of us. I followed suit.

Yuri: “So, why did you want to sit in the very back? Don’t you think the middle would be better?”

Soji: “Probably.”

Yuri: “Huh? Then how come you chose these seats?”

Soji: “You’ll find out if the movie gets boring.”

                Soji smiled slightly.

Chapter 4: The First… - Part 10-15

He was unable to articulate anything properly and in the end I couldn’t help but think he was kind of adorable. My heart is beating as so fast… Soji might hear.

Yuri: (I can’t sleep like this. But if I move, I might wake him… would that be against the erms of our contract?)

                I touched him gently; he hugged me with more strength than before.

Yuri: “…Soji?”

                No answer. So… I guess… he’s sleeping?

                In the end, I hardly slept at all. Soji was still hugging me by the time morning came.

                The next morning, Mr. Kosaka came to the condo to drive me to work.

Yuri: “I’m sorry, Mr. Kosaka. I’m afraid I’m adding to your workload…”

Kosaka: “Don’t worry about me Ms. Yuri, you’re the wife of the company president.”

Yuri: “Even so…”

                As I hadn’t slept much since morning came, I couldn’t stop yawning.

Kosaka: “Are you tired?”

Yuri: “Yes, quite…” (Obviously, I can’t tell that I couldn’t sleep because Soji was hugging me…)

Yuri: “Um… what do you think of Soji, personally?”

Kosaka: “Hmm… well, I’ve never seen a more capable individual.”

Yuri: “Really?”

Kosaka: “He never forgets what he sees or hears, particularly faces. He even remembers details about people he merely passes by.”

Yuri: “That’s incredible.

Kosaka: “In addition, he has some novel ideas concerning work. However, he is strict to himself and others, and thus has many enemies.”

                Thinking about it, I had a feeling Sawatari told me about this before. Either way, anyone could tell how amazing a person Soji was.

Yuri: “Why would a person like that choose me…”

Kosaka: “That’s something only he knows… But I can tell he’ll never let anything that catches his fancy escape. Whether it is a person or a task at work, he approaches it the same way. He’s good at negotiating, so most people find themselves swept up by his tricks.”

                That’s pretty much what happened to me. As if by magic, he made me feel how he wanted me to feel.

Yuri: (And, I wasn’t because I’m a simple-minded person…)

                Little by little, I felt as though I was coming to see who Soji Shirogane was. Perhaps if I knew more about him, I might be able to accept him.

                After a few days, when I was home from work and cooking, Soji came back. and then, the first thing out of his mouth…

Soji: “We’re going out tomorrow.”

Yuri: “Tomorrow? It’s Saturday, so I have the day off from work… Where are we going?”

Soji: “I haven’t decided yet.”

Yuri: “Huh?”

Soji: “I’m off too. Going out seems like a good choice.”

                I could tell Soji was blushing a little.

Yuri: “Then, why not relax at home? You always look so busy…”

Soji: “What? You don’t want to go out with me?”

Yuri: “No. I want to, for sure…”

                Accidentally revealing my true thoughts to him, I covered my mouth and looked over at Soji.

Yuri: (…Is he blushing? Could it be… he’s embarrassed?)

Soji: “What are you laughing about?”

Yuri: “Oh, nothing! Well then, let’s go out, just the two of us.”

Soji: “I was the one you asked you out, you know.”

Yuri: (He’s not as docile as usual…)

                But I realized that I was greatly looking forward to tomorrow.

Chapter 4: The First… - Part 6-10

Soji: “And how long do you intend to stand?”

Yuri: “Huh? Oh…”

Soji: “Have a seat wherever you like. This is your home from now on.”

Yuri : “Yeah… home. I still have more questions.”

Soji: “You have more questions?”

Yuri: “Do you think it looks like you are going to be chosen as the successor?”

Soji: “If everything unfolds as expected. As far as ability, I’m the best.”

Yuri: “How humble…”

Soji: “What? It’s true. But if everything always went smoothly, there would never be a conflict over the inheritance in the first place. It is precisely because I am married and have thrown my hat in the race to be next in line that I will be targeted.”

Yuri: “Targeted?”

Soji: “You know me so well. That’s why Masumi called our family troublesome. The race for the successor, factions and feuds between relatives… things that only take place in a movie regularly happen in this family. If I had to guess, I’d say Masumi and I aren’t the only candidates to become the successor. I think there will be more in the future.”

Yuri: : “Oh really?”

Soji: “I think so. Masumi is cunning so I never know what to expect from him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to recommend someone for the job that he could control easily.”

Yuri: “Sounds like a tough situation, Soji.”

Soji: “Tough?”

Yuri: “You are putting yourself in a difficult situation just to make sure the company grows.”

Soji: “Do you… understand that I’m using you? You are not in a position to worry about me.”

Yuri: “But… you paid off my debt… I do owe you something…”

Soji: “You are a strange one. You should go to bed now.”

Yuri: “Huh? But…”

Soji: “It’s your reward, slave.”

Yuri: “…Ok.” (…Soji might not be so scary after all)

                What I said to Soji’s grandfather that wasn’t a lie. Maybe it’s because of the shocking way we met. Or the way he tried to held me during the encounter with Masumi…

Or maybe it’s hard exterior and warm heart… He might not be such a bad person.

Yuri: (Wow, I fall for anything…)

I was tired both physically and mentally, so I lie down on the comfortable, queen-sized bed and fall asleep immediately.

                I woke up in the middle of the night and felt warmth on my back.

Yuri: (Huh…? I can’t move. I feel like something is right up against me…)

                Because it was my first day in that room and because I didn’t know where the light switches were, I hadn’t turned off all the lights and slept with a few on. Because of that I can see just a small part of the room. And… I can see the person sleeping beside me.

Yuri: “…Soji?”

                I had felt Soji’s heat on my back. surprised, I moved and heard Soji’s voice close to my ear.

Soji: “Could you quit moving?”

Yuri: “I-I…! Why are you sleeping here?!”

Soji: “We’re married… we’re supposed to… sleep together.”

Yuri: “Fine but why are you hugging me…”

Soji: “You’re… the same size… as a body… pillow.”

Yuri: “A body pillow?!”

Soji: “You’re so warm… fluffy… good slave…”

Chapter 4: The First… - Part 1-5

Grandfather: “Really? Is he now?”

Yuri: “Yes… whenever I make a mistake he is there to protect me. He has a warm heart… I think.”

Soji: “Yuri…”

Grandfather: “…I see.”

                Soji’s grandfather nodded like he accepted my answer. Taking it as a clue, Soji stood up.

Soji: “Will you excuse us for today? Yuri is tired.”

Soji’s father: “Yes. I’m sure she is. Make sure you get a proper rest.”

Yuri: “It was a pleasure meeting all of you.”

Grandfather: “Ms. Yuri.”

Yuri: “Yes.”

                As I stood, Soji’s grandfather called my name but this time using a gentle voice, different from earlier.

Grandfather: “Please take a good care of Soji.”

Yuri: “I will.”

                Soji and I left the room after wishing everyone a good night. After leaving, we didn’t go back to the guest room. We went to Soji’s condo directly. His place was huge. It had so many rooms that no one would believe a single man lived here.

Soji: “You can use the spare room in the back over there. I’ll send somebody to deliver your belongings from you apartment.”

Yuri: “Thank you…”

Soji: “How are you doing? You look tired.”

Yuri: “My tension almost made me throw up.”

Soji: “Well, you did great today. You answered very well even though you didn’t know anything.”

Yuri: “I was quite preoccupied to say the least. Umm… can I ask you some questions?”

Soji: “What do you want to know?”

                Throwing down his suit jacket, Soji sat down on the big comfortable sofa. I don’t know whether I should sit or not, so I ask my questions while standing.

Yuri: “What is the race to be next in line?”

Soji: “As I told before the Shirogane family doesn’t have a hereditary system. My grandfather intends to have a capable person from within the Shirogane bloodline take over the business. As one of the conditions to be considered for that, the old man wants the candidate to be married.

Yuri: “That’s why you chose me?”

Soji: “That’s right.”

Yuri: “But I heard him say there was an arrangement for you to meet someone… You didn’t have to marry me, did you?”

Soji: “I won’t put up with any girl being arranged for me.

                Soji again sounded suspiciously nonchalant as he said it.

Yuri: “You said you don’t want someone else picking a girl for you, so why would you be okay with me? You just met me yesterday after all.”

Soji: “If you ever say anything like that in front of any of my relatives, you might not live long enough to regret it. You never know who might be listening in.”

Yuri: “Oh… sorry. But… you’re qualified, right? So you’re going to chosen as the successor, aren’t you?”

                I was really confident that Soji really would be the successor.

Soji: “What makes you so sure?”

                Soji’s expressionless gaze drifted up and down my body. I quickly looked away and tried to think of something innocuous to say.

Yuri: “Um, you’re really popular in the company. And no one is more renowned within the Shirogane Group.”

Soji: “That may be true, but you really don’t know anything about how things work here.”

Yuri: “We… maybe, but…”

                I averted my eyes, unable to withstand Soji’s intense gaze. But he put his hand on my cheek and forced me to look at him.

Soji: “…You… There’s something else, isn’t there?”

Yuri: “What?!”

                I gasped in surprise at his keen intuition.

Soji: “… say it.”

Yuri: “Well… it’s…”

Soji: “Are you deaf?”

                Soji narrowed his eyes as he traced his finger along my jaw. Unable to withstand with his gaze, I started babbling nervously.

Yuri: “I don’t understand it myself.”

Soji: “What don’t you understand…?”

Yuri: “I just assumed that you would be chosen. I don’t really have any reason for thinking so. I just have this feeling.”

Soji: “That’s pretty vague, isn’t it…?”

Yuri: “I’m sorry…”

                Soji was still holding my chin, but I averted my eyes. Just then, I felt something warm against my lips.

Yuri: “…Oh.”

Soji: “So, you believe in you husband huh… What an obedient wife.”

Yuri: “Huh? …Well…”

Soji: “From now on, I want you to make more of an effort to know about me. And I want you to trust me.”

                Soji whispered hoarsely and then kissed my lips again.

Soji: “Then you should make an effort to get to know me better from now on.”

Yuri: “Of course, I’ll make an effort. I’ll fulfill my role as your wife.

Soji: “You’re a slave. You’d better not say that where people might hear you. Clever little slave. Barking orders at your master now?”

Yuri: “I-I…”