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Another day of guarding Jozoji Temple, it was his duty as a loyal and dependable member of Bethel. It was the location of one of the portals into the Netherworld and ensuring that malcontents stayed the right side of the barrier was his responsibility. Side by side he stood with the noble and proud Hayataro, his demon ally and friend. They observed as people went about their day. Some people stopped to offer prayers, some mindlessly ambled by as they performed the necessary steps of routine journeys and others stopped to take pictures of the scenic stop. Yuzuru never grew tired of admiring the view. Trees fluttered in the breeze, as though their leafage had transformed into butterflies. The familiar rustle soothed in the midst of the bustling city. The greenery softened the stone pagoda monuments that stood on parade throughout the temple grounds. Each resembled little houses where hopes and dreams lived. He observed as people crossed underneath the main gate; Sanmon. It was believed that anyone that passed through the magnificent structure would be cleansed of their greed, anger and ignorance. Everyone within the grounds were meant to be cleansed of earthly afflictions, ready to detach themselves from the world and ascend. Daibonsho, the big bell, was rung six times at dawn and dusk to purify 108 earthly passions and bring equanimity.
Everything was calm; his heartbeat was even and his head clear, nothing disturbed the peace. People came and left, an endless sequence of bodies. He watched them with a smile, one that was happy to see each unique soul amongst the hoarde. One soul dazzled amongst the unique; a rare jewel amongst the rocks. Director Koshimizu; Sanmon served as the opening of the curtains for his entrance. A star upon a stage made from the pathway. He strolled towards his audience of one with the confidence of a seasoned performer.
“Sir.” A bow of Yuzuru's head showed his acknowledgement of Director Koshimizu‘s station. The response was a smile, a recognition of the decorum in display.
“Yuzuru Atsuta, I apologise for disturbing your duty, especially for a personal reason.” He held eye contact and seemed to search the various layers of his Knowledge's soul. It was devastating, as though every secret was exposed in a matter of seconds.
“It has been peaceful here. There is no need to apologise for your visit.” Yuzuru acted poised while his brain tried to figure out why Director Koshimizu would want to visit him personally. What baffled him more was that the Director had the time for such indulgences.
“I am glad, it gives me confidence that you are keeping the people safe.” Every compliment was a genuine one, Koshimizu loathed insincerity. “You are aware that it is White Day today. I am sure that you have received plenty of chocolate.“
“Yes Sir, I have received chocolate from my sister and Isonokami, nothing romantic, just friendship and family treats.“ Why was the Prime Minister asking him about White Day? Was he going about to each member of staff personally to give them chocolate? That must be it! The Prime Minister was a kind man, of course he would want to give everyone a treat to mark a celebratory day. It was a way to show appreciation for everyone's hard work. The thought made him respect Koshimizu even more.
“I have been delivering chocolate to each staff member.” Yuzuru internally cheered as Koshimizu confirmed his suspicions. “The final person on my list is you.” A rather exquisitely decorated gift bag was handed to Yuzuru.
“Thank you Sir.” Yuzuru was relieved that he managed to generate an automatic response due to his good manners. He was stunned by the sight of the gift bag, it looked expensive , as though it was from a store where if you had to ask the price then you didn't belong in there. The gift bag was 3D with origami flowers decorating it along with curly ribbon that formed an ornamental bow. Peeping out of the top was a heart shaped miniature balloon on a stick. He did not dare to imagine the chocolate hidden within such an extravagant presentation.
“I hope you enjoy them. Now if you would excuse me I have an appointment. Take care Yuzuru.” A smile was the last piece of communication before he departed.
“Farewell Sir. “ His pleasant voice drifted after the Prime Minister as he left. Once the familiar black suit was out of sight he could investigate the gift. The bag was pure theatre, fancier and grander than anything in his imagination. Such gift bags could be made by talented crafters. Did Koshimizu make the gift bag? It was a possibility. There were no labels to signify a brand. Normally there was a brand name or barcode on the back of the gift tag but there was none. The gift tag just happened to be a butterfly and a very personal message.
“Words alone cannot express what you mean to me. I made this gift while thinking of you.”
His heart stopped or it beat so fast that he could not distinguish one heartbeat from the next; he couldn't tell the difference. A handmade gift from the Prime Minister adorned with romantic symbols; could it be? No, the Prime Minister couldn't have feelings for him, impossible. They had recently become very close due to the intimate conversations they have been having. Lunches and coffee breaks had been shared, Koshimizu would often bring him a boxed lunch to enjoy that he ate well, then there was the delicious wagashi, just thinking about them made him hungry. A declaration of love still seemed far fetched.
Inside the gift bag were flower petals where something wrapped in tissue paper nestled. Carefully he unwrapped the tissue paper to reveal chocolates in the shapes of hearts and moonflowers. Discreetly he shoved one into his mouth, big mistakes, it was so delicious that it made him hum and his mouthwater. It was so tasty that he yearned for another but managed to resist the temptation.
‘Is there anything Koshimizu can't do?’ He wondered as he turned his attention back to his duty. ‘He is almost perfect, no he IS perfect! That is so unfair. How am I supposed to create a gift to represent my admiration, my awe, my desire and my affection? The impossible task has been given to me by my feelings.’ For a moment he was troubled, the weight of finding or creating the ideal gift was heavy indeed. Nothing could express the complexity and depth of his feelings for Director Koshimizu. In the stores there would be millions of sweet treats choices but none would be good enough. Trying to create a gift that was anywhere near the standard of what he had been given would be a futile exercise. He decided that he needed to approach the gifting in a different way. A material or edible gift did not have to be the only way to express his feelings, instead he could gift a service or an experience. The Prime Minister always worked hard for the people. He was an unwavering servant to the needs of everyone. It was about time he had a little break where someone spoiled him.
‘I could create a personal invite and place it on his desk. Where should we go and what should we do together?’ Yuzuru stroked his chin as he mulled over the possibilities. ‘I can't avoid anything fancy but I could decorate my dormitory; add a few fairy lights and some paper decorations. We would have privacy even if it isn't anything like 5 star accommodation.’ With the decorations he could express his feelings. Hearts, flowers, coffee cups and moonrises; they would be important symbols in his wordless love letter written over his interior. Hearts; an unmistakable and universal symbol of love, even someone a little bit dim could understand the meaning. Flowers; the colours and species all had different meanings. He would have to be careful that he did not send the wrong message. Flowers were beautiful, they made any place lovelier with their presence, Director Koshimizu had the same effect. A visit to a library or a florist could educate him on how to convey that message in floral form. Coffee cups; coffee breaks with Director Koshimizu were a highlight of his day. It was where his voice was heard and his anxieties soothed. In those precious little moments he had the Director all to himself. Perhaps he could use polystyrene coffee cups to make a garland. Each cup could be decorated with words to compliment Koshimizu. Yuzuru was enthused with the idea, a mental image of his newly decorated dormitory was coming together. Moonrises; at the end of each day they would walk to the station with the moonrising in the distance. He had never thought about the walk in a romantic way before. Without realising it he had been involved in the sweetest moments with Koshimizu. Sometimes they talked, sometimes they silently enjoyed the view; each memory was deeply cherished. If only he could get The Director to realise that.
“What should we do together?” He mumbled to himself. “What would be relaxing yet romantic?” Once again he rubbed his chin while he considered his options. “I could cook for him but I doubt that I would be talented enough to produce the gourmet cuisine he is accustomed to.“ It was better to avoid cooking, no matter how well the recipe went, he would still be tormented by self-doubt. “I could offer takeaway for us to share. I will be sure to have a few menus available.”Now that the food was sorted out, it was time to figure out appropriate activities. What would be relaxing and meaningful?
‘A bath, I could run him a lovely bath with olfactory adventures and plenty of bubbles.’ Imagining the scene turned his cheeks red, the image of Koshimizu nude was more than he could take. He couldn't ask Director Koshimizu to strip! That would not be appropriate! ‘Perhaps I could ask if he would like a bath. Perhaps he might want me to join him.“ That thought was one perhaps too far! A bath with the Prime Minister; scandalous. Yet he couldn't get the idea out of his head. He yearned to be cocooned in warm, aromatic water with Koshimizu in his arms. How sensual it would be to feel the softness of his skin. No, Koshimizu wouldn't just have soft skin. His skin would be a new luxurious and sumptuous experience and his lips! His lips would defy description. Yuzuru blinked in surprise at the extent of his thirst. Yes Koshimizu was stunning and lusting over him was understandable but it was NOT, a million times ‘not’ with several exclamation marks; NOT APPROPRIATE!!! Boundaries would be shattered, decorum breached and secrets would arise like steam and cloud their path.
“I could rent a film. Watching films is normal.” Yuzuru had to vocalise an activity that involved clothing being worn. “No, he prefers to focus his attention on me.” Another thought moved his attention to what people did while watching a film. “A film could be on but our focus could be on making out. Mmmmmm.“ Kissing did not have to involve the removal of any garments, neither did touching. Touching could happen over clothing or by navigating around it. A frown adorned his face, it seemed he couldn't tame the desire within. The more he thought about Koshimizu, the more he hungered for him. That was it! No more thinking! The only thing his mind should focus on was guarding the temple.