fic for icecreamsuki!

[nino_mod]

For: icecreamsuki
From: :3.

Title: Samejima Taro Monogatari
Pairing/Focus: Yamada Taro (Ninomiya Kazunari) / Samejima Reiji (Ohno Satoshi), also mentions Aiba Masaki / Mimura Takuya (Sakurai Sho) / Domyouji siblings
Rating: General Audience
Word count: ~11,000
Warnings: None
Summary: Taro was sent to work as a weekend live-in maid in Samejima Reiji’s house with a mission to make him open up to others and improve his communication skills. But it was not easy since the Reiji had been giving him single word answer treatment. As time passed, from boss and employee to friend till love came to their heart but before they could confess, the appearance of Domyouji Tsukasa tested their love.
Notes: First of all I’m really sorry if this fic didn’t meet your expectations but I hope you will enjoyed it. It was my first try in doing three drama crossovers in one and a decent fic without NC17. Once again, I hope you will enjoy and have fun reading it.


"Yamada Family commandments"

Those who can smile at 1 yen
Will explode with laughter at 10 yen

Don't borrow money,
We can't return it

Although we may lose money
We'll face upwards and keep walking

Always in your heart
The smiles of our family.



It had been always been one of the commandments of the Yamada family not to borrow money because they couldn't return it. Although this time it was not about money and he would not be able to give as much as he had received, Taro wanted to do as much as possible for the Mimura family after all of the help he had received from his best friend, especially after Taro’s family had lost their small house due to a typhoon. Mimura Takuya, his best friend, the only heir of the Mimura family. Although the difference in their status was like the sky and earth, Mimura had never felt ashamed to be Taro’s friend and was always by his side.

Although they met because of a prank by his grandson, Mimura Hijirichi had always loved Taro as his own. Being friends with Taro, his only grandson had become livelier and more aware of his surroundings. He had seen a big change in his grandson who used to be snobbish and self-centred. At times, Taro reminded him of his late wife since both of them had the same virtue towards life. Although he didn't like the carefree attitudes of Taro’s parents in raising Taro and his six younger siblings, he couldn't deny the fact that they gave birth to a responsible son, perfectly suited to his name. 太郎 was the eldest son that every parent dreamed of. Not only was he responsible and independent, but he was also a good brother and an example to his younger siblings. With his dedication, his younger siblings had grown up to be fine and polite teenagers, unlike most kids nowadays, who had forgotten their roots.

Just like how being friends with Taro had changed his grandson, Mimura Hijirichi hoped that Taro could help him change his grand-nephew too. The boy who lost his happiness, was left by his mother at a young age and had stayed with his clueless father. The circumstances had made his grand-nephew someone strong-willed and independent. At a young age, he managed to establish himself as one of the youngest businessmen with his hotel chain and several other businesses. However, as much as he was successful, the fine young man was as snobbish as Takuya used to be or maybe even worse.

Samejima Reiji, the only grandson of Hijirichi’s sister Mimura Harumi, was a great guy in his work but an empty soul who had lost his smile and had closed his heart from worldly desires, including love. Hijirichi hoped that Taro will be able to bring back the smile to that empty soul.

***

He was surprised to see the nameplate of the house. Taro had accepted the task since Grandpa Mimura had personally asked him and the guy was someone who his best friend treasured so much but once he saw the name, Taro wondered if he made the wrong choice? He didn't even know they were related. Did Mimura trust him that much? He dialled a familiar number and heard his best friend’s voice on the other end after two rings.

"Takuya, why didn't you tell me he is the Samejima Corporation CEO? I don't think I can do it," Taro said before Takuya was able to say anything.

"I didn't tell you because I knew you would reject it! And Taro, both me and grandpa know you can do it," Takuya replied.

"You think too highly of me, I'm just a simple poor guy," Taro retorted.

"Yes, and because you are a simple guy, you made me see life in a better perspective and being your friend is one of the best things in my life."

"But…" Taro tried to reason but Takuya cut him off.

"Taro, he is a brother that I love so much. Although he always smiles and cares about me, I know he is lonely. It's been so long since the last time I saw him smile out of happiness. Also, you can take this chance to learn from him, didn't you say you always admired him for his success?" Takuya said and Taro couldn't refute.

***
Takuya sighed as soon as he hung up the call. He didn't mean to burden his best friend, but it was the first time he had seen Reiji, his cousin, attracted to someone or something apart from his business. Although Reiji had never said anything, the look in his eyes during the scholarship presentation were the same as when he found something that piqued his interest. Reiji may have been good at numbers, but he sucked when it came to communication with humans and love was totally out of his life dictionary after what happened to his parents. Takuya hoped that Taro would be able to make Reiji open up his heart.

***

What could he say when his best friend talked to him in that tone? Taro hung up the call and after a moment, pressed the doorbell at the gate. Since he was already here, he should at least give it a try. To avoid any suspicion, Taro had been sent there as a weekend live-in house helper. Since he was busy with his studies during the weekdays, he would work only during the weekend. He would stay in the house from Friday to Sunday. The reason to live in was to let Taro have more time to get to know his new boss. After he pressed the bell for the second time, a tall and beautiful guy came to open the door.

"You must be Taro, Takuya’s friend that will start work today?" the friendly guy asked. Taro just nodded his head.

"Great, I'm Aiba Masaki, you can just call me Aiba, the boss has been waiting for you," Aiba said while pulling him inside. He showed Taro around the outside of the house before entering.

From the small talk, while they were walking to the house, Taro found out that Aiba was the boss’s assistant and he was aware of the real reason behind his employment. The house was not as big as most of the CEO’s houses, but it was nice. The garden around the house was filled with flowers and greeneries. There was a little man-made waterfall attached to a small pond full of Koi fish. But Taro’s eyes were attracted to the small white gazebo opposite the patio at the back of the house. There was an empty easel standing the middle of it.

"Our boss likes fishing and drawing. So usually he will grill the fish here while enjoying the stars and that gazebo is where he spends his time drawing," Aiba explained.

They entered the house once Aiba finished his explanation about the house’s exterior area. Aiba asked him to sit and wait on the sofa while he went to call the boss. Taro felt like his heart was about to jump out of his chest. No one in Japan, or at least in Tokyo didn't know Samejima Reiji. Not only had he become a successful businessman at a young age, but he was also reported as one of the top three richest men in Japan by Forbes. He was also the reason why Taro was able to continue his study at University. As someone who came from a poor family, Taro had set his mind to join the workforce as soon as he graduated from High school, however, due to his excellence in his study and recommendation from his school, he was awarded a full scholarship for his University education by Samejima Corporation which was currently venturing into biotechnology. He never knew that Samejima was related to Mimura’s family. Taro had always been inspired by the young CEO’s success. Although he had not yet completed his college education, knowing he would be working in his benefactor’s home was a dream come true for him.

Taro had read a lot of news about the young CEO, but this was his first time seeing him in person. Reiji kept a low profile and was hardly ever seen in public. Even his only photo on the company website was an old photo of him. Interviews were always published without photos and on the day of Taro’s Scholarship Presentation, only the PR Director of Samejima Corporation was there to present the award. As much as he anticipated the meeting, Taro was disappointed when he saw the man and understood perfectly why the Mimuras were worried about him. The young CEO looked cute and his short hair made him look young. He could pass as a high school student if he wore the uniform, but he gave off a snobbish air which Taro hated worse than the time he first met Mimura Takuya.

"So, you are the one who will work here? Okay, Masaki, please show him his room," Reiji said before going back to his room but Aiba didn't miss the soft pink on his cheek.

"Is he always like that? You must be close to him since he called you by your first name?" Taro asked Aiba as soon as the young CEO left.

"We are close because we have known each other for a long time, since we are teenagers, and yes he is always like that. He is really bad when communicating, that makes others misunderstand him."

Aiba brought Taro to a guest room which was as big as his old house. Aiba also explained a few house rules that he needed to follow while he was there before leaving him alone to unpack. Taro didn't bring many things with him since he would only be there during weekends. He only brought some of his books and a few sets of clothes for him to wear during the day and to sleep.

***

Reiji dialled a familiar number as soon as he entered his room. "Why did you send him here?" he asked as soon as his cousin answered his call.

"Didn't you agreed to employ a weekend maid to help you with the housework since you are busy?" Takuya asked.

"Yes, but why him?" Reiji asked him again.

"Because he is my best friend and the best person that I know who is suitable for the job. Someone who me and grandpa trust" Takuya replied.

"But why must it be him?" Reiji just repeated his question when he couldn’t think of other words.

"Why can't it be him?" This time Takuya didn't receive an answer, just a tone from the other line telling him his cousin had hung upon him. It didn't make Takuya angry because it was how Reiji was whenever he couldn’t refuse.

Reiji hung up the call because he didn't know the answer. He had purposely come back from work earlier today to meet his new maid, but he was dumbfounded as soon as he saw Taro walking into his gate from his bedroom windows. Previously, Takuya had forced him to come to his school during a Scholarship Presentation ceremony in his school a year ago. Although the scholarship was from his company, it was the Director of their PR department who had represented their company to present the award. Since Takuya said it was his best friend who was awarded, he forced Reiji to come in disguise so he could take a look at the recipient. Reiji had never expected that his new live in helper would be the boy who he had met before, the boy who shook his heart with just a smile.

***

It was during summer when Reiji went to one of his resorts to draw and do inspections. He had come in disguise as a guest alone. Most of his staff knew how cruel he could be, just a simple mistake was enough to get them fired. He once fired a bellboy because he was looking at his phone during the working hours which made him the ruthless boss in the eyes of his employees. After all, the bell boy had been anxiously waiting for a call from his wife who was going to give birth. Knowing the impressions of his employees, he had been doing his inspection alone in disguise. It was easy for him because not everyone knew what he looked like, but it was troublesome if Aiba came along because he was well known to all the employees.

He was painting at the back of the resort where he could see the overview of his resort when suddenly an agriculture trolley hit him, not only causing him to ruin his painting but also dirtied his clothes. Reiji was furious and was about to make a call to HR to fire the young guy who kept apologizing in front of him.

"I'm sorry sir, please forgive me, I will even wash your clothes for you but please don't complain to my superior I need this job for my family" the young guy pleaded. All Reiji's anger was extinguished by looking at the puppy eyes.

"If you can give me a good explanation, maybe I will forgive you," Reiji said.

Taro looked at the small man in front of him. He looked like a college student. He sighed, scared that if he told, he may be mistaken.

Looking at Taro's troubled face didn't sit well with Reiji. Did this guy try to steal the seeds in the trolley? He hated to guess so he asked him directly.

"Are you trying to steal these seeds? Then I should inform the resort authority to stop you." Reiji felt his anger fuse switch back on and took out his phone to call the Human Resources Manager.

"Wait! It's was not what you think because you are just half right," Taro replied and just made Reiji more confused.

Taro continued when he saw the man became more confused. "Yes, I want to steal these seeds, but it is not what you think. I'm stealing it to plant it in an area with better soil. I've told the head gardener, the area where he wanted to plant this seeds is not suitable but he was not listening so I had to steal it as soon as he went for lunch to plant it at the right spot that I've found. Once it's planted, he won't be able to dig it back up, or it will just damage the seeds."

Despite his long explanation, Reiji still doubted him, so Taro asked him to follow and to witness Taro plant the seeds himself. Once they reached a suitable area, Taro acted fast because he only had one hour before the head gardener came back from his lunch break. Reiji just looked at him working and was mesmerized by his speed. All the seeds were planted within 45 minutes. Taro then explained why it was better to plant there.

"These are tomato seeds. Although tomatoes can be grown at any soil, it is a pampered plant that loves rich nutrient soil and this area is filled with a sandy soil that's is slightly acidic which is known as loam. It is the best soil to grow tomatoes. Even the direction of the sun is perfect in this area," Taro explained without being asked.

An old man came running to them in anger. "You brat, why didn't you listen to me, you are just a part-timer and you should listen to what I said. You…"

The old man’s words stuck in his throat when he realised who was standing beside Taro. Most of the staff did not recognize the CEO in his current disguise that looked like a college student, but for oldest staff like the old man, it was easy to identify their boss. Reiji quickly signalled him not to blow away his disguise.

"Although he is a part-timer, I don't think it's wrong to listen to new ideas and from what I see this area is good for plants."

The old man couldn’t say anything when the big boss had agreed to it and to dig out the seeds would only cause damage to them. In his heart, he was cursing Taro. Since that young boy came to work at the resort for his summer holiday, he had managed to win everyone's heart and now even the CEO, and it just made him hate Taro more. He had tried to fire Taro but since Taro was recommended by the Mimura family he couldn’t be touched. He told Taro to go for his lunch break and left the two young men to continue his work.

"Thank you for standing up for me earlier," said Taro. Although Taro wondered why the old man didn’t argued much after listening to Reiji, he didn't think much about it. After helping Reiji to clean up his things they parted ways. Reiji even rejected when Taro wanted to pay for his laundry charges and the canvas that wasted because of him.

"It's fine, this canvas can still be used."

Taro smiled when he listened to Reiji, however his smile made Reiji's heart pump harder. For Reiji, that smile was so sweet, sweeter than anything in the entire world.

***

Taro’s first job in the house was to prepare their dinner. Although the fridge was filled with the ingredients, Aiba brought him to the nearest supermarket as per Taro’s request.

"Usually, Reiji does his own grocery shopping, sometimes I help him but when we are busy it will be empty most of the time if Takuya didn't help."

Aiba explained how fussy Reiji could be with his food, which was the main reason why he didn't want someone else to do the groceries for him apart from those whom he trusted. Even his driver, Kato Ryo, didn't dare to help. As much as Taro was trying to focus on all the information given by Aiba-kun, he didn't miss how the tall guy looked so warm whenever they talked about his best friend, Mimura Takuya.

They reached home after an hour and Taro started his first task as the new maid in the house without realising a pair of eyes was staring at his every movement. Taro looked cute with his light blue apron, although the apron looked out-of-place, and whenever Reiji saw the boy smile while talking to Aiba it made his heart go Doki Doki. All the meals were ready in an hour and it was enough to shock Reiji and Aiba. Reiji didn't remember the last time he had eaten a home-cooked meal. He was always alone at home although sometimes Masaki or his cousin Takuya came to accompany him, they mostly cooked a simple meal or ordered take out. Reiji was only served these meals when he visited Mimura’s house and he never ate at the same table with his father after his mother left home.

As much as Reiji and Aiba enjoyed the food, they realised Taro didn't eat much. Although Taro claimed it was his nature to eat a small portion, both Reiji and Masaki didn't miss the sadness in his eyes. Reiji signalled to his best friend-cum-assistant to try to find out the details. Although they were not as poor as before, still to be able to eat full dishes with meat, fish and varieties of vegetables was such a luxury for Taro’s family. Therefore, Taro felt bad about enjoying the food while thinking of his siblings at home, wondering what they were eating when he was not there. Fortunately, now Jiro could also cook for the family, or else they would be suffering to eat their mum’s cooking.

***

Aiba entered his boss’s room with a big envelope full of information requested by Reiji. Although there was an easier and faster way to find out the information needed, namely by asking his boyfriend Takuya, the boss had repeatedly mentioned not to get his cousin involved so Aiba had to get someone to do it for him. The investigator at first said he needed a week, but he managed to finish it within four days because there was nothing much to investigate. Reiji’s face darkened when he read the reports. Now he knew why his cousin cared so much about Taro. Taro had worked in Reiji’s house for two weeks now but he always saw Taro in the same clothes, so after Taro left his house last Sunday, he went inside Taro’s room to see what he was like but he was surprised to see only a pair of pyjamas, a t-shirt and a pants for daily used in the cupboard. The clothes looked old. He had seen that Taro slept on the floor when there was a comfortable bed in the room. Although the guest room was empty, it was equipped with basic amenities. Takuya did tell him about Taro before, but Reiji never expected it was really bad and he had never expected Taro's mother came from that rich family.

"So, with his mother who still has her lady of the rich attitudes while spending money and his father who is always away, Taro had raised his six siblings since he was in middle school. Fortunately, all his sibling learned well and each of them are obedient kids and listened to him well."

Aiba was also speechless when he received the reports. Takuya had told him about Taro’s conditions, but he had always thought Taro was an orphan. Taro's father was indeed an orphan and his mother was a rich lady who was disowned when she decided to marry Taro's father who was a street painter. From the investigation, Taro’s father had a good range of clients, he always travelled overseas to paint and should be earning a good income, so it wasn’t logical how the family had to live in frugality.

"Did they ever contact his mother’s family?" Reiji asked.

"No! They cut their connection and it seems even Taro didn't know which family his mother came from," Aiba replied.

Reiji felt that Taro's parents were irresponsible, but he knew he had no right to judge since they may have had their issues. Seeing his boss in silence Aiba continued:

"When he was in high school, Taro only slept 3 hours a day and did various odd jobs to support the family. Although they are poor, the family followed strictly to their family commandments. He even cross-dressed to work as a maid in your grand-uncle's house so his brother could join the baseball club but of course, the crossdressing idea came from Takuya to tease your grand-uncle. That was also when your grand-uncle got to know him. His frugality softened your grand-uncle’s heart because Taro reminded him of his wife. Even having a rich best friend like Takuya, Taro never once he took advantage of him." Aiba admired Taro’s sincerity.

"What about his house? Aren't they staying at the small house beside my grand-uncle’s house for free?" Reiji asked. “If he didn't take advantage so why they stay there?"

"They lost their old home due to a typhoon, and it was your grand-uncle and Takuya who insisted they move. Taro finally agreed with conditions, apart from the house, they should not receive any more help from your grand-uncle. Taro also helps your grand-uncle to manage his small vegetable farm.

As for his part-time job, since he needs more time for his studies, he can only have one part-time so that's the reason why he was sent to work in your house," Aiba explained.

It's true the salary for Taro is paid by Reiji’s grand-uncle because he is the one who insisted when he saw Reiji was too busy with his work and didn't have proper meals at home but at the same time, he also knew how Reiji was with strangers so that's the reason why Taro was employed only for the weekend.

"Get someone to renovate his room in my house accordingly. Make sure the room equipped with everything needed for a student."

Aiba excused himself after receiving his boss’s order.

"Masaki!" Whenever Reiji called him by his first name, that meant he was talking as his best friend instead of his boss.

Aiba turned around and looked at his best friend who seemed unsure. "Are you and Takuya dating?" Reiji never missed the fondness in his best friend’s eyes whenever he talked about Takuya, and he was surer when Aiba started to address his cousin by his first name instead of Mimura-kun. Aiba nodded.

"Since when, and does my grand-uncle know?" Reiji asked. Reiji was shocked, why he was not informed?

"Since Takuya graduated from high school and yes your grand-uncle knows about it and he is fine with it."

Reiji wondered if he was the only one who was not aware of their relationship.

"Reiji, you should learn to be more aware of your surroundings." Aiba whispered in his heart. Both he and Takuya had been so obvious, they even spent most of their weekends together and yet only now his best friend had realised it after more than a year of dating.

***
It was Taro’s third weekend working in Samejima Reiji's house, but they still couldn't communicate well. Whenever he asked, Taro only received a one-word reply. Taro still hadn't found a way to break the wall between them.

At this time, his boss should still be in the office, but Taro was authorized to enter the house even when there was no one there. He went straight to his bedroom to shower before starting to prepare dinner. He had come from his school and had dropped by the supermarket so he was all sweaty right now, but he was surprised when he entered his room. He was in the right room but why did it look so different? There was a study table with a laptop that was not there before. A small bookshelf next to it with books related to biotechnology and farming. Taro opened the cupboards to find new clothes apart from his own. He wondered if there was someone else moving into the room? The only way to find out was to call Aiba so Taro dialled Aiba’s number.

"Hello! Aiba-kun."

"Yes! Taro-chan, do you have a problem entering the house?"

"No! I'm already in the house but are there any changes to my room? Is there someone else moving into the room?"

"Hmm, no, our boss doesn't like strangers, so you are the only one there. Why is there anything wrong?"

"But the room looks different and there are other people's clothes in the cupboard too."

"Ah! That's all for you, the boss had ordered me renovate the room and prepare everything you need to study. The clothes are for you."

Taro was speechless, knowing the boss had prepared it for him when he didn’t need to. He thanked Aiba and went to shower. He needed to prepare a good dinner for Reiji tonight.

***

"Boss," Taro started their conversation while they were having their dinner.

"Hmm."

Taro was getting used to his boss single word answers now.

"Thank you."

Reiji looked confused.

"Thank you for the room and clothes."

"You like?"

Wow, not bad, his boss reply increased by one word. Taro wondered if it would kill him to speak more.

"Yes, I like it, but you shouldn't have to," Taro replied sincerely. His boss didn't need to do so much for him.

"It's fine."

With that two-word reply, it became silent again but it was comfortable silence and Taro was used to it however he didn't realize it was his boss’s turn now to analyze him.

As usual, Taro didn't eat a lot and he seemed to have lost a bit of weight. Since Taro started working in Reiji’s house, he had been enjoying a good home-cooked food because Taro also cooked some meals and side dishes for him before he left on Sunday that would last Reiji for the days when Taro was not at his house. Unlike Reiji who had put on a bit of weight, Taro was the opposite of him. He always cooked good food, but he ate too little.

After they finished their dinner, Reiji went to his room while Taro did the dishes. As soon as he closed his door, Reiji dialled his cousin’s telephone number and his call was answered after a long time. When he heard his cousin’s gasping voice, he knew he had called at the wrong time.

"Busy?"

"Yes! Make it short."

"Taro’s favourite food?"

"Hamburger steak," and Reiji hung up as soon as he got his answer.

***

Takuya look at his phone confused, although he told his cousin to make it short, had Reiji called him just to ask that one question? He then looked at his boyfriend who also panting for his breath after their long kiss.

"What did he want?"

"He asked me what Taro’s favourite food is."

"Maybe he is worried."

"Why?"

"Taro always eats so little at his house."

Takuya was surprised as he knew his best friend had a good appetite and eat a lot unless...

"It was not because of the food but it is Taro himself. Eating such nice food is such a luxury for his family and they always share whatever they have. Thus, he can't bear to eat happily thinking of his siblings."

Now everything made sense for Aiba, he understood why there was always sadness in Taro’s eyes while he was looking at the foods.

"Masa-kun, does my cousin like Taro?"

Takuya had his suspicions, but he needed a confirmation. Both were important people in his life and he didn't want to see anyone hurt.

"He is, although he insisted whatever he did was out of his curiosity about Taro."

Aiba then told his boyfriend everything they found out from the investigation except about Taro’s mother, how Reiji renovated Taro's room and bought him new clothes. He also told him how Reiji and Taro first met, as he had heard from Reiji.

"He thought he did it out of curiosity and sympathy, but he didn't realise it was out of his love. I believe Reiji was infatuated by him when they first met, and it became love when he met Taro again but it won't be easy for Reiji to admit it."

"Should we help them? I don't want any of them to be hurt."

"Takuya! Although your cousin is bad when come to communicating with people, he is old enough to know what is good and what is bad. Trust him and he will come to us if he needs help."

Aiba claimed his lover's lips, now it was not the time for them to worry about others but for them to enjoy their love.

***

Reiji came out from his room when Taro was about to finish his chores which surprised him. Reiji passed him a paper.

"Tomorrow’s dinner... I want this."

And Reiji went back to his room. Taro counted the words, his boss had said five words. Earlier it was two words, it may be his special day tonight. Taro looked at the paper, Hamburger Steak, his favourite food but Taro had never cooked it before because it was too expensive to buy meat and other ingredients, so he just memorized the smell whenever he passed by the restaurant.

It was Takuya who always treated them to eat a hamburger and when he won the air guitar competition with Takuya. After a while, he decided it would be better to tell his boss the truth rather than pretending and messing up their dinner tomorrow. He knocked on his boss’s door and the door was opened right after the first knock.

"Boss! Sorry but I didn't know how to cook this."

"Eat out."

Okay, the boss back to two words answer. Wait, what did the boss mean? He will eat out?

"Eh, so you won't be having dinner at home?" Taro asked.

"Tomorrow, we eat out." The door was closed as soon as the words were said.

Did his boss just say that they will eat out tomorrow? The two of them?

***

Aiba was irritated when his boyfriend’s phone rang once again. He picked it up and was ready to scold Reiji, but his word was cut by his bossy best friend.

"Call me back once you are done" Aiba threw away the phone aside and continued to pamper Takuya, who was drowned in his love. He called Reiji back after they were done.

"Takuya?"

"He is asleep," Aiba replied.

"Where?"

"At home, he came over to my house tonight"

Being by his side for so long, even just a single word was enough for Aiba to know what Reiji asked.

"Anyway, I've asked Takuya the reason, it was not the food, but it is his siblings."
Aiba told him exactly what Takuya told him earlier word by word.

"Reserved the best restaurant. Deliver it to his house secretly."

"Okay."

Aiba did his work as soon as he hung up the call. As requested, he made the reservation for Reiji and Taro and ordered another 9 sets of hamburger steak to be delivered to Taro's house for dinner. He and Takuya would be at Taro's house and having dinner with Taro's family while pretending that the meal was bought by them. He sent the confirmation to Reiji's email. Reiji was satisfied, as expected of his best friend. Aiba understood his instructions without the need for him to spell out every single word.

***

Taro was tempted by the steak in front of him, but his mind couldn't help but think of his siblings. As Reiji had told him last night, his boss had brought him to have dinner outside to eat hamburger steak. It was Taro’s favourite food, but his family always shared whatever food they had and now the thought that it was only him who was going to enjoy it made Taro lose his appetite.

While he was mulling over the food, his phone vibrated, showing a new message in his Line. It was a photo sent by Takuya. Takuya and Aiba-kun at his house and everyone had a plate of steak each, even his youngest sister. The photo came with a message from Takuya.

"I'm in the mood for a steak party since you will eat good food at my cousin's house, I came here to have a party with everyone. I hope you are not jealous; I will treat you next week. What did you cook tonight?" - Takuya

"What a coincidence, your cousin brought me to eat out tonight and we are having a hamburger steak too." - Taro

"That's great, save my money to treat you. Enjoy your steak and don't worry about them here. Everyone is enjoying their food too." - Takuya

The replies came with another photo of his siblings and his mother eating the food happily.

Taro looked at his boss.

"Hmm boss, can we take a photo?"

Reiji looked confused but he understood as soon as Taro showed him Takuya’s message on his phone.

"Okay."

Takuya received a short reply from Taro: "We will," with a photo of Taro and Reiji. Taro had managed to get his cousin to take a selfie with a V sign pose. Takuya forwarded the photo to his grandfather who was happy to see the first step of improvement.

For the first time, Reiji saw Taro eat his food happily which made him happy too, and he smiled without realising it. Not only did Taro finish the food, he also agreed to help Reiji finish his portion.

"Oh my, I must have lived long enough to see Samejima-san smile sincerely like this."

Reiji didn’t need to turn to know whose voice it was. Looking at the guy with the curly hair and thick eyebrows, Taro didn’t get a good impression of him. He gave off a snobbish vibe which Taro hated the most.

“What a surprise to see you here, Domyouji-san.”

“It is surely a surprise for me too, and this is?”

“My friend.”

“What a special friend that is able to make you smile.”

Reiji was holding on to his frustration. He never expected they would bump into each other here. After exchanging a few more words with each other, Domyouji left them but Reiji didn’t miss how Domyouji had looked at Taro. Everyone in the business world knew that they were rivals despite being professionally friendly in public. Unlike Samejima who had to build his business on his own, Domyouji Tsukasa was the heir of Domyouji Enterprise. People had been comparing their achievements and Domyouji hated it when most people were praising Samejima. They thought Samejima was better than him because he was successful without any backup although he was the grand-nephew of Mimura Family. Whenever he saw the news about Samejima’s success, it just made Tsuskasa hate Samejima more.

Apart from that, Domyouji hated how he lost the guy that he had loved to Samejima’s cousin. Domyouji had been in love with him since he first saw him a few years ago with Samejima at one of his company’s Gala Dinners. Aiba Masaki was not an unfamiliar name in their circle, and he was known for his loyalty towards his best friends and was the best assistant to Samejima. His strong support was one of the reasons for Samejima's success which Samejima had admitted himself. Both complemented each other’s shortcomings and strived towards success. Although Aiba came from an ordinary family, his success and his beauty had made him one of the most wanted bachelors in Japan and Domyouji was one of his fans. Domyouji had tried lots of ways to get Aiba’s attention but when he finally found out his prince was taken, Domyouji was heartbroken. And the one who managed to win Aiba's heart was none other than Mimura Takuya, the heir of the famous Mimura family, one of the well-known Kadoka Family.

“Who was that?” Taro was curious. Although both of them were talking like they were friendly, he felt they both were faking it and the vibe around them was awkward.

“Someone who you should be careful with,” Reiji replied, and they left the restaurant shortly after.

Taro was full and he was so sleepy that he fell asleep on their way home. Not only he had a good meal, but he also got to taste an expensive wine which he had never tried before. When he woke up, the car had stopped in front of their house and he was not sure how long they had already been there.

“Sorry for falling asleep.”

“It's fine, you must be tired.”

Taro wanted to enter his room but stopped his steps when he heard his boss's voice.

“Although my grand-uncle sent you here to work, you should enjoy your life as a student. As long as you have finished your work, you are free to do whatever you want.”

Taro was still frozen in front of his bedroom after some time, was he dreaming right now? It was the first time he had heard his boss speak a lot of words.

After that, their relationship improved, although his boss still didn’t talk much, now he was not someone frustrating to talk to. Reiji started to smile more and per Aiba-kun, he became warmer and more approachable. Once a month he brought Taro out for dinner.

Time passed and Taro became more comfortable at his boss's house as they became more friendly with each other. It became his second house and he always looked forward to his weekend. Reiji had also let him have his mini-farm at the back of the yard, where Taro planted his vegetables and also became part of his research. If Taro was lonely when he first came to that house, now even when they were not talking, it was a comfortable silence between them. Sometime Reiji played games with him or even helped him with farming. However, Taro was scared when he started to feel differently about his boss.

Even Reiji felt the same, the days when Taro was not at his house felt empty. He had visited Taro’s house a few times in the past year that Taro had worked with him and he finally understood why Taro became who he was today. He could see Taro in each of his younger siblings, they followed their elder brother’s teaching and were polite to others, although they were mischievous at times. Looking at Taro’s family made Reiji realized the beauty of life Now he knew why his cousin had changed after he befriended Taro and why they had sent Taro to him. Thanks to Taro’s encouragement, his relationship with his father improved too. The feeling of eating with someone on one table is much better than eating alone. He started to laugh more. Even just thinking about Taro made him smile from ear to ear. If before he was denying his feelings, now he was sure that he loved Taro.

“Why don’t you just confess to him?” Aiba asked.

“What if he rejects me?”

“But you will never know if you didn’t ask.”

“Maybe it’s not the right time yet”.

However, Reiji never expected that something would happen. Secrets that were kept hidden suddenly surfaced at a critical time.

***

It was a Friday when Taro’s house received an unexpected guest. Taro was getting ready to go to Reiji’s house when a black luxury car stopped in front of his house. A middle-aged man and a young guy alighted from the car. Taro recognized one of them, it was Domyouji Tsukasa that he had met a year ago when Reiji brought him to eat steak for the first time.

“We met again, Yamada-kun.”

Taro was surprised that Domyouji knew his name when he didn’t remember telling him.

“Why are you here Domyouji-san? And this is?” Taro looked at the older man.

“He is my father; we came to meet your mother.”

Domyouji never expected that Taro, who he met with Samejima, was his cousin whom he had been looking for. After Domyouji’s grandfather fell sick, he had been looking for his daughter who he had driven out of the house after she married a poor man. Although they had the money, it still took the Domyouji family a year to find them.

Taro’s head was full of questions, but he still called his mother out.

“Brother!”

That one word was enough to shock him. If this old man was his mother’s brother, that meant he was Taro’s uncle and Tsukasa was his cousin. He had always known that his mother came from a rich family but his parents had never talked about them, so Taro had never expected his mother was the missing daughter of the Domyouji family.

“Why are you here now when you had never come looking for me for the past 22 years?” Taro’s mother asked.

“Ayako, our father is sick now and he hopes for you to come home with your family. You should come back to the Domyouji family and your kids deserved to be treated accordingly to their status as part of the Domyouji family.”

“Brother! It would be a lie if I said I’ve never thought of him, so if father wanted to see me, I will gladly come to see him, but I won't go back to the Domyouji family. We are happy with our life now.”

“Life full of poverty? Is this the life that you chose after you left home?” the old man asked Taro’s mother, clearly degrading them.

“We are living happily, and my kids are the best treasures I have.”

“Why are you being stubborn, living in poverty when you could live in luxury?”

Taro who had been quietly listening to the elders' conversation finally spoke.

“Uncle! We may not live in luxury, but we are happy and no one has the right to degrade our life. If you are worried about my grandfather, I will personally bring my mother and my siblings to see him but my mother now no longer belongs to the family who didn’t know how to respect others just because they are poor.”

Taro was aware he sounded rude, but he couldn't stand people who looked down on others.

Instead of his uncle, it was Tsukasa who replied to him.

“Do you think Samejima is any better than us? If he is better, why didn’t he tell you the truth about who your mother is when he knows who she is?”

“Because he knows the truth will hurt me.”

Although Taro had answered Tsukasa calmly, he was shocked that Reiji had been keeping it from him.

“Why do I feel he is not telling because he didn’t trust you? Not trusting you… isn’t it the same as looking down on you?”

Taro clenched his fist. Seeing they couldn’t reach an agreement, both father and son left. Taro went to Reiji’s house and waited for him to come home. He wanted to know from Reiji's mouth if he knew Taro’s mother's identity and hid it from him. Taro had sent Reiji a message that he needed to talk to him urgently and hoped he would be home soon.

Reiji was already home when Taro reached the house. He left his office as soon as he received Taro’s message.

“Rei-kun.” Taro had stopped calling him boss once they became closer. He always loved it when Taro called him by his name but Taro’s intonation when calling him this time made Reiji worried. Taro’s voice was full of sadness.

“What is it Taro?”

“Did you know that my mother is the daughter of Domyouji Enterprise, and Tsukasa is my cousin?”

“How do you kn..”

“So, you knew it, since when?” Taro asked.

“Since you first came to work here.”

“And the Mimuras knew too?”

“No, they don’t know.”

“Why did you keep it from me?”

“I’m scared you will leave me,” Reiji said.

“You’re scared that I would leave you and go back to my rich family?”

Reiji just nodded and Taro felt his heart shatter. So, what Tsukasa said was true. He understood that Reiji didn’t trust him when he first came to work at his house, but he could tell Taro after they became closer. But Reiji chose to keep it because he didn’t trust him.

“I thought we knew each other well and there was trust between us, but you are just like them. You are scared that I will go back to them because you didn’t trust me. You didn’t trust me because I came from a poor family and you believe the money will make me blind. My sincerity is just a joke to you.”

Taro tried his best to hold in his tears, in the end, Reiji was the same as other rich people who look down on Taro’s sincerity. Although they were family, Reiji was not Takuya, who trusted him, and it was Taro’s fault he believed that Reiji was different from Tsukasa.

“I’m sorry, I need to leave now.”

His tears fell as soon as he was out of the house. He went to Takuya’s house to tell him that he was resigning from his job. Takuya was confused but seeing his best friend’s sadness stop him from probing further.

His mother was crying when he reached home but quickly wiped her tears as soon as she heard Taro’s voice. His uncle had called to inform her that his grandfather was sent to the hospital and in a critical condition. Taro didn’t say much, but once all his siblings were back from school, he brought his family to visit his grandfather. All the family members were there when they arrived, but Tsukasa’s sister, Tsubaki, was the only one who welcomed them sincerely. Tsukasa’s mother looked at them with eyes full of hate which Taro understood. After all, now there were more members of the Domyouji inheritance. While his uncle was faking his welcome for the sake of his grandfather, Tsukasa’s face was expressionless.

The old man opened his eyes and was in tears as soon as he saw his daughter at the glass window. The nurse came out and called them in because the patient wanted to see them. Taro’s mother then introduced them to their grandfather and the old man apologised for his stubbornness. They promised to come and visit again. Before they went home, Taro went to meet the doctor and asked about his grandfather’s condition.

“Apart from his old age and his current health issues, I would say it is more about psychology, he had no desire to continue living,” the doctor said. “For now, the support from his family is more important to encourage him to fight for his life.”

***

For the next few days, Taro travelled to and from his college, to the hospital, to his house, spending more time with his grandfather, his mother and his siblings. He had not contacted Reiji since he left his house and all calls and messages from him were rejected. His heart was still in pain.

All their efforts had not gone to waste when Taro’s grandfather recovered and was allowed to go home. His grandfather called them to have dinner with the family at the Domyouji main residence once he was discharged. Before they left, his grandfather called Taro to his study room so they could speak alone.

“I’ve heard about you and I know you are a responsible child. Taro, I’m not looking down on you, but you’ve grown up in hardship and you know how painful life can be. Although you will be an adult soon, your siblings are still young, and they should receive the proper education that they deserve as a Domyouji. I hope you can make the right decision.”

Taro couldn’t bear to reject his grandfather right away, so he promised to discuss the matter with his family. After a week of thinking and discussing with his family, they moved to one of the villas that belonged to the Domyouji family. His grandfather was very aware of the crisis that may have arisen if he had asked them to move into the main residence. The house was big and each of them had their own room, so they didn’t need to sleep together. All their clothes were changed to new and expensive clothes. Taro no longer needed to cook and clean because they had the chef, maids and butlers to do the jobs. Although they had everything now, Taro still felt empty.


Both Tsukasa and Tsubaki were happy to welcome them back to the Domyouji family. Tsubaki, despite being a rich heiress and the daughter-in-law of a prestigious family, was a kind and elegant lady. Her humbleness made her well loved by others and her firmness made her well respected among the heiresses and socialites in Japan. Tsubaki had always wanted to meet her beautiful aunt and she had always known how much her grandfather regretted his action to chase her aunt away. Her mother, though, had always stopped Tsubaki from searching for her aunt till her grandfather requested it himself after his health started getting worse a year ago. Although her father was the president of Domyouji Enterprise now, her grandfather still held the main authority so her mother couldn’t go against him.

As for Tsukasa, having Taro back with their family would lessen his responsibility as the only heir and he was also happy to see Samejima defeated. He knew his cousin was the reason for his rival’s change of attitude. Although others always praised Samejima for his success, they were also aware of Samejima’s weakness in his soft skills which caused unhappiness to some of his business partners. But when he started to change, Samejima became more likeable. Everyone guessed it was because of love and Tsukasa knew it was Taro who had changed him. Even Tsukasa felt comfortable around him, but it was hard for them to be close. Now without Taro by his side, he couldn’t wait to see how Samejima would behave. Would he go back to his old self?


Going back to the Domyouji family was not easy for Taro and his family, although they didn’t stay in the same house and they tried as much as possible to keep a low profile. Despite this, there was still unhappiness among the current Domyouji family members especially Taro’s uncle’s wife, Domyouji Kaede, who never failed to make their life difficult. She first had to deal with the gossip among the madams of the rich families when Tsukasa chose an ordinary lady from the Makino family as his partner. And now she had to see his son’s position as the only heir taken away. As much as Taro tried to understand her, he couldn’t bear it if his mother and his siblings were hurt.

The trouble started with the maids in the main residence who never respected Taro’s family, to the maids in their new house, at least until Tsubaki found out about it when she happened to overhear how the staff talked badly about Taro’s mother. Those maids were replaced, and Taro’s grandfather had given a strict warning to other maids that they would lose their job if they repeated the same things. But that wasn’t all, Domyouji Kaede always found a way to shame them whenever she got a chance. Taro’s mother was almost put to shame when Kaede purposely invited her to join them for tea at the main residence. Being the kind person she always was, she accepted the invitation, not knowing that Kaede had actually organized a Tea Party for the ladies of the rich families. Taro’s mother came without any make up or a proper dress. Fortunately, with Tsubaki quick wits, she had her trusted maid wait for her aunt at the entrance and brought her to Tsubaki’s room for a makeover by a professional stylist, as well as lending her a dress to wear.

Taro faced the same issue when he joined the family at their company’s Gala Dinner. One of Kaede’s nephews tried to shame him when Taro said he never did any of the activities of the rich heirs like archery or horse riding. Tsukasa, however, had known of his mother’s plan to let others see how Taro was not qualified to be recognised as the heir of Domyouji Family. Tsukasa turned the tables by talking about Taro’s good qualities and how he would be a good example to disprove the judgemental opinion that all the heirs were proud and snobbish.

***
Takuya and Aiba-kun came to visit them with a housewarming gift. Taro’s siblings were so happy as soon as they saw the couple. Nanami then went outside but the person she was waiting for was not there.

“Mimura-anchan, Samejima-anchan didn’t come with you?”

Takuya looked at his best friend who had stiffened when Nanami mentioned Samejima. It was Aiba-kun who answered her.

“He was busy with work today. He will come next time when he has finished his work.”

The little girl seemed to be convinced by this reply, then joined her brothers and sisters to open their gift given by Aiba and Takuya. Aiba-kun left Taro and Takuya alone so they could have a talk and joined the kids. Takuya looked at his best friend, although he was laughing his eyes showed sadness and loneliness. The house was big, even bigger than his cousin’s house, but he knew this was not the life that would make Taro happy.

“Reiji told me you rejected his call?”

Taro didn’t reply. Seeing his best friend’s silence, Takuya continued.

“Do you hate him?”

“Hate? Do I even have the right to hate him?” Taro asked back.

“Then why are you avoiding him?” Takuya asked. “Taro! Do you love him?”

Takuya couldn't think of any other reason. His best friend was not someone who would hold a grudge and to see him affected, his cousin should occupy a special place in Taro’s heart especially when he remembered how their relationship changed from boss and employee to close friend.

Taro had no answer, he had realised his feelings about Reiji were no longer the same as before, but he didn’t dare say it was love. However, if it was not love, why it was so painful when he found out Reiji didn’t trust him? Hadn’t they been close for the past year? And Reiji should have known him better but yet he didn’t trust him.

Taro was about to say something when they were called over to greet his grandfather who had come to visit. Taro took this chance to introduce Takuya to his grandfather.

Since it was time for his semester break, his grandfather asked Taro to work at their company. Although his grandfather knew of his interest in Biotechnology, he asked Taro to learn the ropes of their business so that Taro had more career options. Taro was afraid it would cause more problems for his family if he agreed to it. They were lucky because Tsubaki and Tsukasa were always there to help them, but Taro also know he couldn’t always depend on them and must learn to defend himself, but this world was too different for him. Taro agreed after receiving his grandfather’s assurance that it will be fine.

***
Apart from the food enterprise and the private school, Domyouji Enterprise was also the owner of DJ Hotel chain which was currently managed by his cousin sister Tsubaki. Taro chose to learn from her but Tsubaki knew there was another reason for his choice. She overheard her brother talking to a private investigator about Taro and Samejima before. Tsubaki believed their relationship is more than just a working relationship.

Although Tsubaki wanted him to learn from the management office, Taro requested to join their Guest Services team, without revealing his identity. It didn’t take long for him to be the favourite among the staff and the guests.

On one of the days when Taro was on a night shift, Reiji came to see him.

“I’m working right now.”

“I just want to talk for a while.”

“I will only talk to the guests.”

And what Reiji did next surprised Taro. Reiji checked in to one of the suites.

“Now I am a guest, can we talk?”

Taro followed him to avoid attracting attention from others.

“Talk.”

“I love you.”

Taro would have been jumping happily if Reiji had told him that before but now it just hurt him.

“What is the use of love when there is no trust?”

“Taro, I’m just scared that you will leave me.”

“I thought you would have known me better after all the time we spent together.”

“Taro! Please give me another chance so I can prove my love to you.”

“Give me time.” Taro left to continue his work.

Tsubaki saw everything from the corner and now she knew the reason Taro joined the hotel was to understand how Reiji worked. She had heard the rumours about how the mighty Samejima changed from a cold person to a warm guy because of someone and she never expected that would be her cousin, but knowing Taro, his sincerity was his best charm.

As much as Tsubaki was happy to see her aunt’s family again, she knew Taro was not happy and whatever he did was just to make their grandfather happy and for his younger siblings’ sake even though Taro had to tolerate Tsubaki’s parents’ attitudes towards Taro and his family.

***

Taro went back home and was welcomed by the butlers and the maids. There were no longer his brothers and sisters greeting him, which always made him fatigued. They no longer sat at the same table to eat and it was too lonely to eat alone at the big table, thus he lost his appetite. As much as he tried to show his happiness and tell himself it was for his brothers and sisters’ future, he lost weight and it worried his mother.

“Taro! If you not happy here we can always go back to our old home.”

“It’s fine mother, I will get used to it soon.”

Days passed, but not even a night passed where he didn’t see Reiji on the other side of the road walking along with him when he left the hotel after work until he boarded the bus. Although now they had a driver, Taro still preferred to take public transport and it was the only way that made him feel human. Reiji had kept his promise to give him time although he waited for Taro every night, he just walked along without any words.

Taro couldn't hold back his feelings anymore, he missed Reiji so much. He stopped at the junction and turned to look at Reiji at the other side. Reiji was surprised as he thought Taro was angry. Taro took out his phone and dialled Reiji’s number. His tears fell as soon as he heard Reiji’s voice.

“Taro?”

“I miss you.”

Reiji was startled, he had never expected to hear those three words from the one he missed so much. He ran to him as soon as the traffic lights turned green, hugging him tightly and telling him how much he missed him too.

Once they were calm, they hailed a taxi and Reiji brought him home. Everything in the house was still the same as when he had left, there was nothing even changed in his room. It was months since he had left Reiji’s house, but it still felt so familiar compared to his current house. Taro called his mother to inform her that he would be staying over at Reiji’s house but only manage to pass the message to the maids because everyone was asleep.

Taro finally confessed his love for Reiji, and they managed to clear their misunderstanding. Reiji realised there was still sadness left in Taro’s eyes although they managed to clear their misunderstandings and officially became a couple. He didn’t need to ask to know the cause of that sadness.

The next morning, as soon as they had their breakfast, Reiji took Taro out for a drive. Taro’s tears fell when he saw the land where his one-room house had stood before it was destroyed by the typhoon. Reiji had secretly bought the land and made it into a small vegetable plantation and wanted to present it to Taro on his birthday, but things happened before he could do it. All the memories came back. The laughter running around the house, the moments when everyone sat around the table to eat together and when they had a BBQ party at home were flashing back in his mind. Even when they moved to a new house next to the Mimura after the typhoon, they continued the same practice and it always made him happy. Never once did Taro regret his life and never once did, he blame his father who always left them on their own. But everything was gone when they moved to the Domyouji residence. As much as he cared about his siblings, this was not the life he wanted, and it was not that he couldn’t get used to it but that his heart refused to adapt to it.

“Reiji, thank you, now I know what I need to do.”

Reiji took Taro home and he called his family members together. He looked at them one by one before kneeling in front of them.

“Taro.”

“Anchan.”

“Everyone, I’m sorry for being selfish but Anchan can’t get used to this life. I want us to live like before. Let's go back to our old home and Anchan will work hard to provide for all of you”

There was silence after Taro told them what he felt until Jiro broke the silence followed by Saburo, Yoshiko, Itsuko, and their mother.

“I hate that I can’t play in the field.”

“I hate to sleep alone.”

“The clothes are nice but I’m tired to always be careful not to the dirty it.”

“I hate it that we don’t eat together, and I missed Mimura Jiijii.”

“I’m tired to tolerate both your uncle and aunt too”

Once again Taro’s tears fell, seeing everyone agreed with him.

“Everyone… thank you”

They moved back to their house the following day after saying goodbye to their grandfather in the main residence. Although he was sad, the old man realized he couldn’t force them for his own sake when the kids were unhappy. Taro promised that they will come and visit frequently, and they were still his family even though they are living apart. Tsukasa and Tsubaki were waiting for them in front of their house.

“Samejima, even in this matter you won over me and I really hate you right now.”

Tsukasa had tried to get close to Taro, but their difference was like the sky and earth that made it difficult and created a wall in between them. As much as he had changed after he got know Makino, Tsukasa couldn’t be as down to earth as Taro. Even Makino admitted defeat to Taro’s kindness.

After he had come back to the Domyouji family and got to know Tsukasa better, Taro realised his cousin was not as bad as his first impression. Although Tsukasa still had a bit of pride in him, he was much better than most heirs that he had met. Although he was the rich heir, Tsukasa was a hardworking young man and to say most people had mistaken him as a spoiled brat was not exaggerating. Thanks to Tsukasa’s hard work, however, Domyouji Enterprise managed to grow rapidly with his successful ventures and Taro admitted that Tsukasa was the best candidate to be their grandfather’s successor. His cousin was much better than his uncle in the business management.

Without saying anything, Tsubaki grabbed Reiji and pulled his arm behind him.

“I will never forgive you if you ever hurt my cousin,” Tsubaki warned him.

Reiji, who was in pain, promised that he would never make Taro cry and would love him truthfully. As for Taro’s grandfather, seeing Reiji by his grandson’s side made him relieved and promised that they would still receive their rights as a Domyouji even though they were not staying together. At night everyone gathered at Taro’s house to have a BBQ party. Reiji bought a lot of meat for everyone. Takuya, Aiba-kun, even grandfather Mimura joined them. Everyone had fun until a voice disrupted them.

“Hmm, such a nice smell.”

Everyone turned to see the voice owner.

“Father!”

Mutsumi and Nanami went to hug their father.

“Tadaima.”

“Okaeri.”

True happiness was when everyone was together, and Taro would never trade this happiness that he has right now with anything in this world. Reiji pulled Taro’s face towards him and before Taro could say anything, soft lips claiming his made everyone else cover their eyes with their hands.

“Hey! There are minors here,” Jiro shouted teasingly, and everyone laughed.

Reiji then whispered softly in his lover’s ears.

“Marry me.”

“Crazy,” Taro replied shortly. Although he tried to be cool, his heart fluttered, and he felt as if hundreds of deer were running around his heart. When Taro heard the others wooing at them, he realized that Reiji’s whisper was loud enough for everyone to hear.

“I don’t mind having a handsome CEO as my son-in-law” his father teased.

Grandfather Mimura, who had been enjoying the food quietly, joined in the teasing. “I don’t mind being in-laws with the Yamada family too, and maybe we could do a double wedding with Aiba and Takuya.”

Everyone laughed when they saw Taro’s face turn as red as a tomato.

Reiji looked at his love. The happiness in Taro’s eyes that he had been missing was back and he promised to himself never to let the happiness go ever again.