Chapter Text
Click. Click. Click.
It was just another day in the accounting office of Atobe Enterprise’s entertainment division. Hiyoshi Wakashi spent most of his days crunching numbers on his abacus, which always garnered him odd stares from his co-workers. He didn’t really care, especially since his numbers never had any errors. Even his superiors had errors from time to time, meaning he was sure to get that promotion sooner or later….right?
He broke out of his concentration due to a text from his brother. A plea for him to take over some of his classes at the dojo. Now that their father had officially retired, and the dojo was indeed passed onto his brother (Gekokujou failed), Hiyoshi had been avoiding home as much as possible. His numerous victories in the name of the dojo hadn’t managed to get him the top spot and that stung enough to wound his pride. There was a small bit of satisfaction in the fact that his brother was over his head. He would eventually give in and help out. He loved Kobujutsu, after all, and he didn’t want the dojo to fail, but he did have his own career to focus on.
Leaving his brother on read for the time being, he returned to his work. Ah, it was that time of the month when the idols received their spending stipends. Akutagawa definitely seemed to be the favorite, as his stipend was a bit more than the other two members of his group and…oh, what was this? Mukahi was on probation, earning him a 75% cut. Ouch. Not that Hiyoshi was surprised. Mukahi Gakuto was reckless and had lost several bodyguards due to them not being able to keep up with his daredevil antics.
“Not my problem.” Hiyoshi snickered, continuing his work.
About an hour into his work, there was a sudden commotion outside of the office. Hiyoshi resisted the urge to stay in his seat and continue his work. He stood up to go to the door and found a masked man barreling toward his office. His reflexes kicked in and before he really realized it, he had disarmed the man and had him on his back.
Oh, he had a knife. Well, good thing those Hiyoshi reflexes kicked in, huh? That could have ended badly.
Security eventually showed up and was quite stunned to see the man incapacitated. As they got to passing the man over to the police, one of Hiyoshi’s co-workers ran to his side.
“I didn’t know you could do that!” Taki exclaimed. “That man was looking for the CEO!”
Ah, that makes sense.
“He was on the wrong floor.” Hiyoshi said dryly, unimpressed with the would-be assassin.
Taki chuckled. “Definitely, since you were here. Your reaction time is impressive.” He sighed. “Ah, how can we continue to work with all this commotion?”
Hiyoshi raised an eyebrow. “We go back to our desks and we work, that’s how.” He said, turning to head back to his desk, leaving Taki behind, pouting.
Back to his numbers and blissful quiet.
Or so he thought. Not ten minutes later, Hiyoshi was called to his boss’s office.
Bowing respectfully, he announced his arrival. “You needed to see me, Sir?”
Sakaki Taro turned in his chair, looking at Hiyoshi. “CEO Atobe heard about you apprehending that man in the hallway.” He drawled as he took a sip of coffee.
Hiyoshi stood up straight, confused by the accusatory tone in Sakaki’s voice. “Should I not have? He was heading into the office. He could have hurt someone.”
“No, no. It was the right thing to do, but he started asking questions.” Sakaki said. “I should have realized with your last name that you were connected to the Hiyoshi Dojo, but I assumed you weren’t part of the main family.”
Hiyoshi’s brow furrowed. “I’m the second son, yes. I’m not sure what this has to do with anything.”
Sakaki smirked. “You’re very skilled. Looking into it, the second son of the dojo is way more decorated than the first. And yet you’re an accountant.”
“Birth placement matters more.” Hiyoshi sneered. “There’s not much I can do about when I was born. And I enjoy numbers. I’m still failing to see the relevance, Sir.”
“The relevance, Hiyoshi, is that Atobe-san is interested in your talents outside of accounting.” Sakaki said. “And because of this, I’m losing my best accountant.”
Losing his best…wait, what?
“I’m being fired?” Hiyoshi asked. “For apprehending someone trying to kill him??” How fair was that?
“Not fired. Moved to a different department.” Sakaki sighed. “However, I have no more details. Atobe-san wants to see you in his office.”
“Moved? Sir, this is-”
“You may go, Hiyoshi.” Sakaki dismissed him. “Please clean out your desk.”
Hiyoshi frowned. “Sir-”
“You may go.” Sakaki repeated, turning his chair.
Hiyoshi huffed and left the office. He headed back to his desk and scowled. What the hell was going on? He stops a would-be murderer and suddenly he’s fired? He grabbed his briefcase and stuffed his belongings in it, packing his old abacus last. Taki watched him, confused.
“You were fired?” Taki gasped. “But you’re the only one with an errorless record.”
“Apparently that is not the case. Stopping a criminal is apparently a fireable offense.” Hiyoshi snarled. “I suppose I should have just let him do what he wanted.”
“But what if he had killed me?” Taki cried dramatically.
“Less glitter in the office, I suppose.” Hiyoshi quipped, earning him a huff and a pout.
“Jerk.” Taki sighed. “Still…this is hardly fair. You’re a hard worker. What is Atobe-san thinking?”
“I guess I’ll find out.” Hiyoshi said. “I’m supposed to meet him in his office.” If he hadn’t just been fired, moved, or whatever, Hiyoshi would have moved with a little more haste, but he was feeling rather spiteful at the moment. Atobe could wait.
“Oh, really?” Taki looked surprised. “Atobe-san is dealing with this himself? That’s unusual.”
“I’m so honored.” Hiyoshi hissed. Whatever this all was, it was pulling him out of his rather peaceful life and he was not happy. He finished clearing his desk and side. “I guess this is goodbye, Taki-senpai.”
Taki frowned. “Don’t act like you’re dying. That’s so dramatic.”
“Says the drama queen.” Hiyoshi said. “...I’ll text you when I know exactly what’s going on.” As flamboyant and dramatic as Taki was, he was a good coworker and had helped Hiyoshi a lot when he was first starting out. “See you.” He bowed and headed off to the elevator.
He swore he was alone when he pressed the up button, but once the doors opened, a large monster of a man walked out from behind him to get on the elevator. Hiyoshi startled, realizing it was Kabaji Munehiro, Atobe Keigo’s personal lap dog. What was he doing here, and why was he just staring at Hiyoshi like that?
“....Getting on?” Kabaji asked, his voice just as deep as Hiyoshi imagined it would be.
“...Yes.” He stepped onto the elevator, pressing the button to the top floor.
Kabaji cleared his throat. “That won’t get you to Atobe-sama.” Kabaji said, taking out a card key and sticking it into a slot above the button panel.
“...Right.” Hiyoshi said. “So what’s on the top floor, then?”
“Storage.” Kabaji said, living up to his reputation as a man of very few words.
Hiyoshi, in a moment of nervousness, blurted out. “You’ve gotten tall.”
“Yes.” Kabaji said, and left it at that.
The elevator ride felt like it took forever, possibly because of the silent giant man, or possibly because Hiyoshi’s nerves were getting the better of him. The elevator stopped at the “top floor”, and then continued up to the actual top floor. Kabaji stepped closer to the door.
“I’ll go first.” He said, as if something terrible was going to happen if he didn’t.
Probably a security measure, but Hiyoshi was now expecting men with guns awaiting the elevator. When that wasn’t the case, he sighed. No time for weird conspiracies, Wakashi. He berated himself.
“Let me lead you to Atobe-sama’s office.” Kabaji offered. There was a rather winding hallway, and a few offices that Hiyoshi suspected were decoys. Atobe was nothing if not serious about his security.
“Thank you.” Hiyoshi bowed, allowing Kabaji to help him. He fell in step behind the man, taking in the stillness of this floor. There wasn’t the normal hustle and bustle of the accounting floor. Hell, it was downright eerie.
They stopped at an unassuming black door. “This is Atobe-sama’s office. I’ll announce you to Atobe-sama.” Kabaji said, opening the door and closing it behind him, leaving Hiyoshi in the hallway. After a moment, the door opened back up and Kabaji led him inside.
Immediately, the smell of roses hit Hiyoshi in the face as he gaped at the overly-extravagant office. Roses everywhere, marble pillars, and why was there a grand piano in here? Sat in a plush, throne-like chair was the CEO, Atobe Keigo. Ugh, Hiyoshi hated his perfect face and his perfectly styled silver hair.
“Hiyoshi Wakashi. Please sit.” Atobe said, motioning to a seat across from him. “We have a lot to discuss.”
“I suppose we do.” Hiyoshi mumbled, sitting in the chair as Kabji took his place, standing behind Atobe. “I apologize if I did something to upset you today.” Hiyoshi said, years of societal politeness guiding his speech.
“Ahn? Upset me?” Atobe chuckled. “Quite the opposite. What did Sakaki tell you?”
“Forgive my misunderstanding.” Hiyoshi answered. “He told me I am no longer an accountant, so I assumed I did something to deserve being fired.”
Atobe chuckled. “He’s just upset that I’m taking away his best worker.” Atobe stood up, picking up a bottle of champagne. “I know you expertly dispatched that man that was coming to take my life today.”
“Anyone would have.” Hiyoshi said humbly, although despite his words, he sincerely hoped an average person would just run.
“Nonsense.” Atobe said. “If anyone else had tried it, they would be dead. That being said, I was surprised that a mere accountant managed to do such a task, until I saw your name.”
“My family’s reputation precedes us, I suppose?” Hiyoshi asked.
“Let’s not play dumb, Hiyoshi-kun. I’ve known you longer than you care to admit.” Atobe said, motioning to his proudly displayed school flag.
Hyotei Gakuen. A very prestigious school, and Hiyoshi’s alma mater. He attended it a mere year behind Atobe. He knew all about Atobe’s showmanship, his need to grandstand, his leadership abilities. He was captain of the tennis team, and for a moment, Hiyoshi had wanted to join to knock Atobe down a peg or two, but Hiyoshi was bullheaded, and had sought to overthrow his brother, so he focused on martial arts.
“I didn’t realize I had fallen onto your radar.” Hiyoshi said. There was no real reason for Atobe to know who he was, after all. The only real relationship they had at school was that Hiyoshi’s best friend was on the tennis team.
“You were the best martial artist Hyotei had ever seen. Of course I remember you.” Atobe scoffed. “I will never forget a man of potential.”
Hiyoshi was rather surprised at that. “So why did you fire a “man of potential "?" He asked, his politeness slipping.
“You aren’t fired. This is a promotion.” Atobe said. “In the field that is best suited to your talents.”
“A promotion. But not in accounting. Which I was hired for.” Hiyoshi stared at the ridiculous man in front of him. “Forgive me if I’m not seeing your magnificent vision, Atobe-san.”
Ah, oh no, the polite mask was off. How terrible.
“You’re wasted in accounting.” Atobe popped open the champagne, grabbing two glasses. “Honestly, your father was a fool to not make you head of the dojo, but if I have to capitalize on an old fool’s mistakes, I will.”
Hiyoshi growled. “I would prefer you not insult my father.”
“Of course.” Atobe poured champagne into the glasses. “Anyway, I need a new head of security. As you could probably tell by today’s incident, I am sorely in need of someone better.”
Hiyoshi folded his arms, processing the information. On one hand, he actually enjoyed his accounting job. On the other hand, being head of security for the most successful man in Japan was a badge of prestige that Hiyoshi would be a fool to turn down. “I’m listening.” Hiyoshi said.
“I’m sure you’ve heard about my issues with Gakuto, correct?” Atobe passed over a glass to Hiyoshi. “I can’t keep security long enough to matter, and I can’t fire him because he’s very popular. That, and if he goes, so do Akutagawa and Shishido.”
“So….what? You want me to find a man that can handle him?” Hiyoshi asked, hesitant to take the drink offered to him, ultimately just holding it for now.
“That is the end goal.” Atobe nodded. “However, I don’t think you’ll be able to do that without actually following Gakuto around for a while and getting to know exactly what we need in a bodyguard.”
Hiyoshi stared at Atobe, almost as if he was trying to stare a hole in his head. “...Atobe-san, with all due respect, I am not a bodyguard.”
“No, not in title, but would you ask someone to file payroll without knowing how to do it yourself?” Atobe countered.
“I wouldn’t.” Hiyoshi confirmed. “At the same time, I didn’t sign up to be a bodyguard OR head of security. Why would I want to change careers right now?”
“The very healthy raise in pay, for one. The prestige of the title, as well…” Atobe said, as if he was announcing his next chess move. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to tell your father you hold the life of Japan’s richest man in your hands? That denying you ownership of the dojo actually led you to something even more successful?”
Hiyoshi sighed. He was never really a chess player. He grabbed his glass and downed the champagne. “How long do I act as a bodyguard?”
“Two months, tops.” Atobe said. “For this international tour. Once it’s over, you’ll begin your duties as head of security.”
“I want the title and pay raise up front. For the headache.” Hiyoshi shot back. Mukahi Gakuto was not only reckless, he was loud and rude. Two months with him sounded like hell.
“Done.” Atobe said, sounding entirely too victorious for Hiyoshi’s liking. “I would say we should toast for this wonderful business agreement, but you beat me to it.”
“Let’s toast after the two months are up. It isn’t guaranteed Mukahi or I will make it out alive.” Hiyoshi grumbled. This wasn’t really where he thought this conversation was going to go, and it wasn’t the worst case scenario…however, he supposed he was grateful he wasn’t unemployed.
“I have a feeling you’ll handle him just fine.” Atobe smirked, sipping his champagne.
“I appreciate your trust in me, Atobe-san.” Hiyoshi said with absolutely no sincerity. “Is that all you wanted to discuss? When would you like me to start?”
“Take the night off and come see me in the morning.” Atobe said. “I’ll get you all your new badges and such. Kabaji?”
“Yes?” Kabaji answered.
“Please have the driver take Hiyoshi-kun home tonight.” Atobe smiled. “A small thank you for your work today.”
Hiyoshi wanted to argue, but a drive home honestly didn’t sound bad. “I humbly accept.” He said, in his best “son of a prestigious dojo master” voice.
“Wonderful.” Atobe waved him off. “Have a good night, Hiyoshi-kun,”
“You as well.” Hiyoshi said, standing and bowing before letting Kabaji lead him back out. As they rode the elevator, Hiyoshi let out a tired sigh.
“I’m glad you accepted.” Kabaji said.
Hiyoshi looked at the bodyguard with surprise. “I’m surprised he didn’t offer it to you.”
“I would have turned it down. I prefer to stay at Atobe-sama’s side.” Kabaji looked at Hiyoshi. “But I think you are well suited for the job. You’re a good person.”
Hiyoshi tilted his head. “What makes you say that? The whole incident today?”
Kabaji shook his head. “You’ve always been a good person. Since the day I met you.”
Hiyoshi looked at him with wide eyes. He remembered the day he met Kabaji, back in their last year of elementary school. They were in the same year, and Kabaji had moved from England. His large size earned him ridicule from their classmates, which prompted Hiyoshi to step in and show a few people their place. From then on, he treated Kabaji amicably, but he wasn’t close with him. His best friend was closer, once again due to the tennis team. “I just did what anyone would do.”
“I don’t think that’s true.” Kabaji said. “I do hope to get to know you better, though…. Boss.”
Oh yeah, now that he was head of security, he was Kabaji’s boss. That was weird.
“Just Hiyoshi is fine.” HIyoshi mumbled, his cheeks red. Seriously, that was going to take some getting used to.
“Yes, Hiyoshi-buchou.”
“Ugggh….” Hiyoshi groaned. This was going to be really hard to get used to and somehow, Hiyoshi didn’t think one night was going to help that.