*ೃ༄
"So, this is your resort, Sanju?"
Raiden asked him when he visited his resort and his residence with his friends, Sanju nodded when he gave the detour for them around his resort and restaurant. It was his family inheritance with several employees that he employed, he never skipped college classes and keeping up a good scores on his GPA. Sanju know how to make money on his business since there's so many guests, who stayed in the guesthouse every weeks or months as part of the accommodations they need.
Juha had a surprised look when he saw the size of the guesthouse, he also saw several cars are in front of the resort as well and his residence is at the back of the resort. "Usually, most tourists from outside Yogyakarta wanted a vacation and choose the one that has a rice field and garden for the view, but it appears like there are students who wanted to rent a room here," he explained while looking at the employees that cleaning up the garden, also the students who made a check in and some are checking out. "Does that include the taxes?"
Masaki asked, feeling hesitant as Sanju replied with calm demeanor. "Also rent payment of my accommodation," he continued, with Haruna looked around as the others followed inside after they finished giving him their gifts and money. "Woah, can we stay here when we had holidays? There's a swimming pool and camping site too!"
Masaki observed that besides the guesthouse, there are three lakes and garden with gazebos. "... you're filthy rich, you know that?" he asked, which make Sanju chuckled because his calm demeanor tends to disguise him as a humble and ordinary college student. "Don't say that, I'd rather be down-to-earth."
Damian observed the statues in the garden and the employees of Sanju's guesthouse. "There are fountains here as well?" Kirana asked, he nodded while he gestured the direction to the fountain. "So, how much is the salary for working as an employee?" Haruna asked, until he got smacked on the back by Damian--that alone made Raiden scared enough to listen to him. "Sorry sorry..."
"I was thinking if my coach want to book some rooms in your guesthouse, Sanju," Masaki spoke to him, before he added. "Well, his students need a guesthouse with training ground; usually our place had enough spaces for both, do you have the training ground?"
Sanju's eyes widened, he smiled at him. "Of course, give me his numbers and I'll call him in three hours," he explained, taking out a memo from the drawers. He doesn't charge them by money for staying there as long as they behave, only making sure they make everything clean and neat. "Is there a discount?" Kanae asked.
"I usually reserve most of the funds of guesthouse to pay employees and other payment necessary for it, so I will have to consider for every visit," Sanju responded, explaining their rules and regulations while the servants greeted them--until Izana remembered something when he continued. "As for the discount, it usually arounds holiday events in Indonesia such as Chinese New Year, Christmas, Holiday etc. Or, in any special requests," he finished, hearing Kirana asked if their friends are allowed to stay without them to rent out first. Sanju assured her by saying their friends are permitted, as long they stay from the main room where his bedroom is (come on, privacy is important), to the areas that were reserved for other guests.
Izana received the cold bottle of water and drank it while Kanae took a nap due to her narcolepsy and Kirana was staring the painting in the wall, Masaki was reading some novel and Juha was eyeing the sculptures on the counter and Raiden was resting on the couch. Damian was observing the paintings in the hallway, while Haruna was taking picture of the statue when he was holding his smartphone from selfie-stick in the high angle; when Sanju observed his friends having their own time to relax.
He can't imagine himself to be separated to them since they have been close to each other, especially Haruna and Demian(his classmates from high school until college) who has been with him from zero to hero kind of experience. Though Sanju's life isn't easy despite his happy childhood, they know that he still need support from the people he trusts most. Whether from his family and his circle of friends.
There he heard the door knock and he tilted his head, staring at the door before he placed the newspaper and stand up on his feet--they were waiting for Sanju telling his employees to make some tea for his friends. "Who is that?" Juhaku asked, before Masaki stand up as he approached the door. "It could be one of Sanju's employees from the guesthouse... or Sanju probably, since he was in his mansion across the guesthouse."
Masaki approached the the door and opening them, but in lieu it reveals to be a mysterious stranger--none other than him.
"… excuse me?"
He narrowed his eyes in slitting them, almost showing slight emotion of curiosity towards the stranger. "Hm? Ah, you must be Masaki--it's been a while. You've grown, have you seen Juha?" Akito asked as he casually patted his shoulder, literally confused as hell that Masaki unable to comprehend shit and was speechless, due to the change of the stranger's personality. "I believe we never met before, and you know him?"
Izana stared at the man when he said that, somehow she doesn't seems to have a good feeling about him. "Who is this guy…?" she murmured, before Juhaku approached to take a look at the stranger and he stood there petrified--shocked by the man who was Akito himself--his former friend in the past. That was a neat hit in the chest that Juha know who he is, clenching his fists--as if the world shattered around him he didn't know why he was here. "What the hell are you doing?" he said passive-aggressively with calm tone, he was also polite but straightforward with his question.
Damian wanted to inform Sanju about this because he's still outside, but Haruna whispered to him. "I think we need to wait first, not sure where is this going yet," he said, Damian frowned. "Fuck, are you serious?" he whispered.
The man stepped closer to him and wrapped his arm around his shoulders by saying with a smile, Masaki stepped back as he didn't know him but he didn't suspect or blame Juha yet... but he don't know this mysterious stranger. "You are almost as tall like me, I'm so proud--"
Juha immediately shoved him back saying coldly, demanding him as if he didn't know him. "Outside. Now. I don't need anything from you," he snapped.
What the heck, why is he here? Juha thought, starting to get worked up on this individual.
Surprisingly the man didn't look surprised when he pulled out the lighter and lighting the cigarette, placing it in his mouth calmly asking him. "Juha, why are you acting this way with me?" Juha didn't say anything while scowling at him, before the man turned to Izana saying with sly tone. "Ooh~ who is this lovely lady? Is she up for the taking…?"
Izana stand up from the bed when her height only reached both of their necks, her eyes are completely scarlet when she's mad. "How did you know Juha? And who the hell are you?" she asked with cold and sharp tone, folding her arms as she was trying to stay calm.
The man was watching Izana, saying with his calm yet sly tone. "My dear, how did you know my Juha?" he responded to her question with laidback tone, waving his hand casually. "I'm an old friend of him, we go way back."
Kanae watched them from the distance with Kirana while Damian and Haruna observed while quietly informing Sanju through the chat on their phone. It seems like her drowsy yet, sharp eyes noticed something off from this mysterious individual. Her sleepy face went pale when she recognized that man--so she turn around and pretend like she didn't see anything, why is he here? Kanae thought he won't be coming here but she was wrong. She know that Juha still have unresolved grudge towards his friend, after what has happened in the past--so instead of causing conflict; they need to handle the situation softly and see what they would do when the argument flaring up with Juha's business.
And, they have to wait until Sanju comes back.
Meanwhile, Sanju was about to return to his residence until he receive a message from Haruna on his phone, his eyes widened a little that there's a 'visitor' in his residence that made him immediately went back there while carrying a tray with cups of tea.
Juha's veins appeared on the side of his forehead when he scowled at him, stepping beside him stating to her. "We are not friends, nor partners," the man heard him spoke while looking at him, not looking at him. "You're not looking well today? Did I come at a bad time? Is that the reason behind your grumpiness?" he smirked, holding a kiseru on his hand. "Akito, what are you doing in this place? I know you're here because you want something from me."
Akito laughed a bit when he demanded for explanation, teasing him playfully that for him wasn't quite funny. "You know me well," Juha heard him as he turn around and scowled at Akito, still folding his arms and want the answer. Izana was confused as she stared at Juha, until Akito broke the silence and spoke in serious tone. "Come on, it's about time you repaid me for all I have done for you in the past, remember? Come on, Hak."
Juhaku couldn't help it, he can't ignore the fact that he wouldn't be where he was without Akito around. "It's fine, Izana... it's not your fault--" he said, Akito smirked before saying. "Why don't we go somewhere and catch up? I heard the service and the food at this guesthouse is quite satisfying," he said, turning to Izana. "Your little girlfriend is more than welcome to join us, she seems like an overprotective pet anyways."
What the--this little shit! Izana scowled at him and this was her first time meeting him, usually when she makes up her mind and have the sense to warn others--telling them her answer. "You littl--" she grumbled quietly, only Demian, Kanae, and Kirana heard her while Haruna peeked outside the door to whisper at Sanju about this. "My name is Izana, Izana Amane! I'm not a pet, and NOT his girlfriend!" she stated sternly.
Akito stared at her as he puffed his cigarette, before he folded his arms. "Oh, the pet has a name? Have you named your pet after yourself, Hak? Quite cute," Akito retorted, he began to laugh while Juha stared at him--not finding his joke quite funny. "Stop mocking her, not everyone finds your rude humor funny."
Akito laughed a bit, saying with a smirk. "Oh, you haven't changed."
"Alright, what the hell's going on here?"
Sanju asked, carrying the cups of tea on a serving tray and glancing at the place and the two and placed them on the table--looking back at the man in front of him. "You must be Sanjaya Adinata, right?" Akito guessed, Sanju was surprised--how did he know his name without his introductions, and with a surname to boot? Only his family members call him by his full name or a nickname, and they don't invite him unless their relatives or business acquaintance from outside Indonesia has came here. Also, how did he know this place...?
"Uhh... yes?" Sanju replied, before Akito started to intimidate him. "You're quite wealthy, after all you've been honest with me all along."
Suddenly Sanju realized something; somehow, there's something unnatural from this stranger. He was testing Sanju's patience and the subtle intimidation would make any ordinary person ran away, though the former only make a mental note that this is what happens when his social skill aren't as good as his other social talents.
Haruna prayed that he won't be scared of Akito, because he knew that he can handle this easily. "Yes, they're good... how did you know my name?" Sanju asked, while Kirana whispered to Kanae if the man knows her name too. Akito, the eighteen-years old student from United States with his enigmatic and aloof manner--seems to be a member of Nirvana Organization, stepped closer and smirked with a gentle look on his face while speaking in mock-concern. "I know about them, and I've been told by them about your success--my condolences to the death of your--"
"You know nothing about my family, who are you to know them?"
Sanju retorted back, his sharp gaze was piercing at the man when he snapped harshly at him. He rarely raised his voice at everyone, and it wasn't a usual behavior for him. "And what are you doing here? You're not a guest in my guesthouse, what did you come here for?" he demanded, although he used his firm and slightly angry tone; at least he managed to put up with most of them.
"Let me start with something simple, shall I?" Akito spoke up again, taking a drag from his kiseru. Juha frowned at the man that he's not telling anything about himself yet... and he was already annoyed by him for some reasons that he couldn't explain. "Juha, you know him?" Raiden whispered, Juha clicked his tongue at his question as he whispered back. "It's a long story... but yes, I know him."
Akito chuckled lightly, saying nothing and continued to smoke his cigarette. "How long you've been hiding it from me? How long you've been keeping your true identity?" he asked Juha, but the latter didn't answered him. "You should really tell me, so I can make things easier between us, but nooo, you're just so stubborn."
"Urgh... I knew you would attended the university where we studied! More worse, we're on the same age and same class," Juhaku cursed, before he sneered at Akito. "Tell me why are you in Indonesia? I know you came here not just to study, is it something more than study?"
Akito listens to him calmly, ignoring the insult that Juha was throwing at him. "My name is Akito Kujou, everyone calls me Akito but sometimes by Aki--but it doesn't matter, I'm Japanese--but I'm born in United States so I'm an American citizen, I'm a foreign transfer student who will be attending Garuda University in international class where all of you attended. Besides, it's not like I would care about you, Juha, Masaki."
"Dude, are you serious?" Raiden replied in annoyance, Juhaku stare at him--before growling, shoving Akito by pushing his chest. "How did you know my name? I don't even know who you are," Masaki asked, seeing Akito hummed with a dark grin that shows that he got what he wanted from him. "Masaki... do you know me?" Akito asked, tilting his head curiously as he saw Masaki's expression changed from a blank one to a bitter one. "I don't know you, and I don't care either--don't act as if you know me personally."
"That's what I'm saying," Kanae muttered.
Akito pointed his fingers, gesturing that he shouldn't misbehave since he knows the people who knew him and threaten that he will say something unnecessary that he has in mind when the latter don't take his warning. "Kanae, my dear childhood friend. Are you acting sleepy just to make you look weak, to hide your true ability?" the sleepy girl nearly yawned before her mood changing to furious, she look back and him and retaining her stance. "That wasn't necessary," she muttered, taking her cup of tea.
Masaki didn't seem to be happy hearing the man's response, looking at Sanju who began to lost his patience and he close his eyes for a moment--before he exhaled.
"Enough."
Sanju reprimanded them with serious tone, Raiden went silent as he didn't want to make Sanju mad--so does Kanae, Kirana and Izana who remained stunned by his calm but serious tone--Damian and Haruna remained quiet that Sanju finally losing his shit--Juha went silent as well by that. Akito and Masaki were somewhat silenced (but Akito was unfazed), he is very uncompromising and when he's angry--he was calm but enough to make the world tremble in fear.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
Juha glared at Akito, his face was full of anger that the man could feel through the aura he has. "I don't know what kind of issues you two has, but I suggest you to not drag all of us into your mess. Both of you," Sanju warned as he continued staring at them.
"Akito, I've never met you before today--nor if we have met before. However, I didn't appreciate it if you are treating my friends rudely, especially threatening them with useless information, whatever or whoever related. And, you already know my information and I don't know where did you get that. But... if you insist, then we will take responsibility on this matter--so you better watch out of what you say. Also, since you're from Nirvana Organization... I'm not sure if you want to become a Phantom Raider or you're here just to keep an eye on us because of your organization."
He added those words as he glared at both of them with a deadly stare, and it made the two of them speechless--they didn't expect Sanju to be this intimidating when he's serious. The man sighed as he looked away, putting out the cigarette into ashtray and threw it onto the floor with disdain. Akito was about to look up until he paused to see Sanju knitted his eyebrows together at him, this time he was angry because this is his guesthouse. "Well then, I'll see all of you tomorrow--also... don't forget what I warned to you, Juha," he said to Juha, a small dark smile sent chills into the listeners' bodies.
"Until we meet again, Sanju."
***
Sanju was too lazy to hear his supervisor introducing Akito in front of the class, the rest of his friends already know him unlike the other classmates who clapped their hands at him. "Don't sit next to me, please..." Masaki prayed that Akito won't be sitting in front of him or beside him, but it seems like fate has other plans for him. Juha was relieved because Izana sat next to him, while Kirana sat next to Kanae and Sanju sat next to Raiden--with Damian sat next to Haruna. Which means Masaki is the only one who doesn't have someone beside him. "--alright, Akito, you may sit next to Masaki," Siska said with a smile, although she frowned to see Sanju was reluctant to tell Akito about this stuff.
Masaki couldn't protest but he couldn't be grateful at the same time because now he has to face this little shit--Juha didn't get along with him either, but at least the mysterious guy know him. "Hm? What's up, Masaki?" Akito teased, leaning closer to Masaki who doesn't look surprised and pissed. It was bad luck to sit next to him when all this shit started between them, so he will be thankful for this chance that he has been given. "Sorry, Masaki..." Haruna whispered to Masaki, but the latter didn't respond as he continued reading his novel on his hand.
Akito has a bad case with resting bitch face that he has--a lot of students are intimidated by his aloof and sly nature he has, just because of what happened last night. Nobody (including Masaki) trust him except for Juhaku since he knows him. Sanju does felt embarrassed after what he did last time, at least he apologized about what he has done in his place (even though it's not Sanju's fault), some students praised him for being firm and it somehow change their views of him. Although his status of being an intern at Nirvana Organization made the students feel intimidated, due to the status difference (not everyone can enlist into Nirvana Organization because of the high competitiveness and the difficult tests they have to pass through) they tried they best to be kind to him.
"I don't wanna! I don't want to be with him!"
Izana complained at Juha, not wanting to approach Akito after learning his actual side of him; he was a playboy at both sides, his first impression was really manipulative and cunning. He was interested in one certain girl and had other intentions instead of making a long-lasting relationship to gain her attention, and he also did something harsh against her very dear friend.
"Fine... let's just do it for Kanae," Juha sighed, placing his bag on the chair beside Sanju's desk--he can't believe that they're actually doing this. "Kanae, can you talk to him? You're his longtime friend (from what he said) right?" Haruna asked, he was too lazy to go to Akito by himself or alone. Even a social butterfly like Haruna unable to make him open up to people, and the lecturers were intimidated except Siska who was his supervisor. "What am I? His mother?" Kanae replied bitterly, after she woke up from her nap. "You never get involved too much with men around you, I suppose..." Izana muttered.
"You owe me fifty hundred Rupiahs for this..." Kanae murmured while she crossed her arms in front of her chest once more, the others didn't have to worry about Kanae because she has her ways with communication skill, that's what makes her good at socializing with him--without knowing his history between them. As for Kirana and Izana... well, they just got intimidated despite already approaching him just for the heck of it.
While Sanju was busy with talking to his supervisor with Raiden, Damian and Haruna. They decided to peek on Akito in the canteen and overheard him talking to some girls, his behavior is bad--for making all girls swoon over him even though Juha knows this guy is bad news--because he love to intimidate someone who tried to get into the status quo and which means trying to compete like him. "Urgh... so annoying..." he grumbled, before Kanae got pushed slightly by Juha--making her grew sour to him because he didn't need to do that, while her sleepy face became awake but is annoyed a bit.
'Alright, the strategy is--' Juha wrote it with a memo as he showed it to the others and Kanae was sleepy as usual, she wondered what will be their plans but she knew all she needs to know is their methods of getting on his bad side.
It is true that Kanae is Akito's childhood friend, but when she couldn't recall many things about him; Akito left her and the rest of her family in order to study abroad, and when Kanae thought of seeing him in Garuda University, he didn't even contact her, nor messaged her on the social media. Oh well, at least Kanae wasn't offended because she also forgot that he existed (except when someone reminds her about his presence).
"When?" Kanae grumbled once she read the note, her eyes was about to look asleep and woke up again--that's how her narcolepsy going through these days--Juha whispered the plan to her, the girls went to distract and flirt with him while the boys would be waiting outside near the stall. The moment they put their plan into action, Raiden--the ex-pro pranker of the class will do something even more crazy than the pranks he pulled.
Kanae casually walk towards Akito while hiding her annoyance, sitting across him as he smiled at her. "Welcome, what's up?" he greeted in his laid-back tone, his smile wasn't that friendly although he tried to put up with the appearance. He love to make Kanae feel bad, but knowing her personality--it seems like he tried his best to make her suffer. 'I know Akito that well when it comes to something he dislikes, aside from Juha knowing his personality...' she thought, before she cleared her throat. "There's something stuck on your clothes. What is it?" she asked innocently, tilting her head to the side with her sleepy face.
Akito was confused, Kanae noticed that not everyone was fooled by this manipulative liar--this means she must be careful with his words only. "What? I don't see anything?"
'I see he doesn't like anyone sticking their filthy dirt on his shirt and coat, but then, why didn't he just ask someone to wash them?' Kanae couldn't help but questioned that fact in her head, before she lifted her eyebrows. "Ah, something's stuck behind your coat," Kanae said, pulling out her best voice of innocence. Then, Akito grew suspicious. He didn't remember anything being stuck on his coat or coat was dirty, unless if it is mud.
"Trust me, something is stuck on it."
The girls groaned and shrugged at her, sighing in relief that someone at least is willing to 'help' this playboy who was at the top of their suspect list of who-the-fuck-is-this-guy. Juha quietly put the bubblegum on the back of his coat, before disappearing into the dark. Sanju raised his eyebrows when he came up with the idea--but sighed as he saw them doing their plans successfully. Damian and Izana didn't raise suspicions or interest, in fear that they would lose trust between Juha and Kanae who may have already knew Akito in the past.
Akito felt something sticky and pulled it out from his coat, before frowning upon hearing his childish snicker and teasing whistle from the distance. If there's a one thing all know for sure--he needs to pay back him for this, especially mocking him for falling his childish prank. Kanae quietly snatched Akito's wallet and put it on her pocket as part of the plan. "That was awesome, Kanae! Never thought you can deceive your own 'childhood friend'!" Kirana praised in her low tone, chuckling at her sneaky and deception they both put.
Kanae is an expert in pickpocketing (only when it necessary), as well. "You owe me five hundreds," she told Juhaku, before he rolled his eyes in irritation. "I know, I know."
"Hey, where's my wallet? Anyone see my wallet?"
Akito inquired in annoyance as the rest of the girls gave him apologetic smile, not his fault--they know it was Juha's fault as usual. "I don't see them anywhere--"
"Found it," Kanae spoke, holding up the wallet in front of him. Akito tried to snatch it from her, but she was too fast that she can steal it without any effort. 'Damn her... she's better than the average woman, even men can be better than her!' he cussed angrily in his head, before Kanae yawned and checked what's inside his wallet and found his ID card, cash, credit cards and... a company ID card?
Kanae narrowed her eyes, remembering the logo on Akito's coat yesterday--Nirvana Organization. Then, she simply handed back the wallet respectfully to him and he left. Juha noticed that Kanae is wearing the same look she wears after she returned, when she remembers something or discovered something new. "Do you remember? About Akito's job?"
Demian asked, she shrugged as she explained. "He was an intern of Nirvana Organization, he was officially part of the main branch--the paramilitary-archaeological one that sanctioned by United Nations that purposed to protect archaeological, historical and cultural sites and heritage."
After Juhaku paid Kanae's money and he swore on his own wallet and money if he and Masaki have the same grades--she needs to take care of that. Sanju was curious about Akito's occupation, but at the same time he didn't want to ask Juha yet because of what had happened last night--even though he wanted to know. "Also, there's one more thing I need to show you all," Kanae pulled out something in her pocket. "I saw him having a company ID card in his wallet. His full name is listed there; Akito Kujou, his division is on the card but it seems like he didn't want to admit it."
Raiden tilted his head, staring at the ID card for a while. "Look, listen here... I think we shouldn't be overreacting for today because he has a shitty job like this. Isn't it almost like being in the military and explorer combined?" he whispered, which Kirana blinked at his remark and retorted softly. "We don't know, although I had a thought of befriending with him--maybe we can be nice to him."
Juhaku nodded as well in approval, he didn't want to admit his soft spot for Akito; because even if he is nice, deep down in his heart, he knows Akito was always teasing people to the point it's annoying. "Kanae, what do you say?" Haruna asked, turning his glance towards her while Sanju listened. "Huh... befriending with Akito sounds crazy because he's so cold towards us," she muttered in disbelief, before hissing lightly at them. "But it's worth a try."
Kanae thought again that despite how much not all of them despises Akito, Juha doesn't hate Akito that much--but his 'involvement' in the Garuda University truly made the students got scared--because they think he will be spying on them. Masaki was the only one who hate him as much, only not enough until it'll annoy them. Damian seemed to agree too, and so was Kirana and Izana, leaving Sanju as the tie-breaker; which made the task even more difficult. "Do you want me to call him for a meet-up in a cafe after this? He might know us a little... maybe I want to befriend with him," Sanju explained softly to all of them.
With that, the team set their planning and planning to talk to the unknown stranger (soon to be friend).
***
They booked a room in the Natureé Cafe: Co-Working and Space where they will meet Akito and trying to befriend them (after several attempts that failed) in here, because Juha told them that Akito preferred cafe when it comes to talking or even lunch--or the time he spent with him in the past. "This isn't fun for me," Juha grumbled, even if they tried so hard to be friends with him--he knew how shady and cunning this person is that he wouldn't be surprised if he ruined their fun and being a party pooper.
"Reservation under the name of Sanjaya Adinata."
And using Sanju's name for reservation is really needed, since he got free VIP membership in this cafe from his contact (what a bribe) but still why using his name. They were told to wait here for a few minutes while all the five of them were already had their drink, not just buying anything and leave.
"He's coming, I can't believe that stupid guy didn't insult my own phone password when he figured it out," Juha fumed, they all huddled together at a particular seat (with an odd decoration) as Sanju smiled and shook his hand with Akito's hand. "Hey, great to see you again!" Haruna greeted, while he folded his arms. "Err... yeah, great to see you too," Akito replied, not sounding very enthusiastic.
Haruna didn't know what made Akito uncomfortable, but he decided to keep an eye on him and everyone else while they were ordering their foods. Damian was watching the menu (while deep down he's nervous), he couldn't hold a smirk on his face as he began to rub his palms in excitement.
"This looks awesome!" Raiden exclaimed, staring in anticipation at the delicious meals; steak, cheesecake cakes with frosting, waffle bowls (with maple syrup and chocolate, because why not?), coffee jelly, fruits and other food are on the list.
"Keep him satisfied," Kanae whispered to Damian, while he nodded at her. "Okay," he replied, paying the cheapest dish as the others did too. Sanju keep thinking of his credit card, because WHY DID THEY ORDER SO MUCH FOOD?!
Screw them, he still had the black card with him though.
"Akito, do you want some drinks?"
Kirana offered, politely and soft as possible that she gained his approval which made him smirked. "As a matter of fact, yes," Akito answered, before ordering a cup of tea. "Kanae, mind if you bring me one of those?" he suggested, before pulling out his electronic cigarette (similar to Akito's, with the difference of the color and usage) from his pocket as Kanae grabbed two. "Bring me a cup of frappe and chai latte," she replied with a yawn, before they finally came to the point of 'breaking the ice'.
Damian inhaled, nervously--pushing away the memory of embarrassment moments before as he gestured himself to prepare. "So... about your job, I heard you came from the infamous organization? If I'm not wrong," he asked with his calm voice, surprisingly Damian was ready to meet him. "Yes," Akito stared at him, with his usual faint smirk whenever he seems to find something amusing. "Why do you ask?"
"Well duh, aren't we curious and ask you about your occupation?" Raiden jested, trying to cheer up and put his arm on Akito's shoulder--good God, that's a mistake (not really).
"Raiden, I suggest you not do that or you'll going to regret your actions," said Juha in a whisper, but Raiden didn't hear it anyway. Akito just turned his head, brushing it off as Juha saw the latter's faint annoyance and tried his best not to hiss in front of them. "Oh come on, you can give us some advice and recommendations when it comes to job vacancy! Who knows if we can enlist in Nirvana Organization while we also wanted to become an Upper-Rank Phantom Raiders too!" Raiden said happily, good thing that he was a mood-maker--so Akito held his attitude down and decided to laugh it off.
'I don't believe that crap coming out of him,' Masaki thought, before grabbing a cup of his coffee and staring at the view around him; the cafe is nice and not so crowded as they thought it was, cool interior with air-conditioning, his favorite music from the wireless radio that played from this cafe and relaxed at the serene atmosphere.
'Why do I feel like I am familiar with this place? Wait--not just this place, but also Akito!' Sanju thought, before he saw Raiden keep bugging Akito (part of the plan, because they have to distract him or else Akito won't be able to share more information to them). 'Oh Raiden...' Haruna couldn't help but sighed in amusement, sighing as he closed his eyes.
What a miracle.
"What's wrong, pretty boy? Come on, it's not like we're going to be your enemy, we want to be friends of course! Just throw your pride, nobody sees you that you're higher than anyone you know!"
He teased, making the intern of Nirvana Organization growled. "Why you...!" Akito wanted to brush Raiden's arm from his shoulders, but he couldn't--for some reason that is. However he realized something from what Raiden said to him.
He went petrified, his pride just shattered into pieces for being exposed as an utter moron in front of everyone, he has to admit it was a horrible mistake. They didn't bully him, they just wanted his arrogance and 'holier-than-thou' attitude shattered to the ground to recognize their efforts of not giving up (and most importantly making a progress, even if it is bit by bit). "Uhm... no, I didn't mean to do that. It's just... why are you guys being nice to me? Did I do something to you all?"
Kanae's sleepy expression broke into fits of giggle that echoed from the walls, followed by giggles from the others--Damian fell from his seat, Juha was hugging his torso to keep him from having a stomach-ache, Haruna's cackles and wheezing breaths were interrupted by occasional snorts. Raiden started laughing, nearly hitting his knee against the table in the process.
Masaki didn't laugh, just staring silently--but he was hiding his face with his opened book to suppress his inner laughter. Sanju was covering his mouth as he try not to laugh, how did they could be that funny even it's not original--it's not bad for him to cackle and amused. 'Where were my friends when the worst happening is currently taking place now, that can only lead to me walking into their traps instead of planning for our revenge.
Akito tried to keep the calm yet deadpan look he has, but alas, Raiden just HAS TO do the punchline (a very unforgivable, yet hilarious one). "Got ya!" he confessed through laughter, despite the tears that rolling from his cheeks and the way he wheezed for air. Kirana was in high-spirits today, listening to the prank and the shenanigans.
Akito watched them laugh for a moment, he wasn't offended--he was... surprised that this is the first time he saw such beautiful smile from them, or to be more exact; Sanju smiled and laughed despite how different his temper is last night. He didn't need to punch anyone in here or else Sanju would be angry.
He couldn't help... that a smile crept up across his face, at first it is friendly--but suddenly (though faint) softened his heart. 'They're all so...'
Akito paused as he began to smile happily, he thought. 'Okay, maybe just for today I will enjoy myself.'
He finally open up to them, after realizing that they didn't hate him much nor have a hatred towards him anymore--but rather, he loved their reaction, their smile, their personality... until he saw Sanju and wondered if they could get along with each other, but his mind remind him about the threats he received.
Sanju noticed that Akito no longer act like a jerk (unless people around him are awful or badmouthing him behind his back), his gaze softened slightly towards him and couldn't help but wondered if he had a good day today.
'Looks like it worked.'
*ೃ༄