Love Ta' Lose

Yuuto's Terms of Service:

9. Enhanced bonds after my service - Guaranteed!

10. If you genuinely feel my approach is off and decide to act against my advice, then #9's term is voided for the duration of my services.

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As the door to Himiko's house closed behind them, the warm ambient lighting painted the room in a soft glow. Kyoya looked around, taking in the homely environment once more, contrasting starkly with the grimy alleys and seedy underworld he knew. 'Every time,' he thought to himself in near awe, 'Every time I walk into this place, I feel... Chill, calm. I wonder. Is it... Is it really this woman?' He thought to himself as they walked hand in hand toward the darkened bathroom, cleaning themselves before walking together to the bedroom, bare for each other to see, in the darkness.

His eyes met Himiko's as he lay on top of her, covering both of them in the warm sheets, and the weight of the evening's events seemed to hang in the air. "Have you heard from little bro lately?" he finally asked, a hint of caution in his tone.

'Frankly... The more time goes by, the more I stop giving a shit about that kid. I just know that he's weak. Weak and pathetic. This woman needs a real man, not some make-believe man of the house. If it wasn't me, someone else would've come and made his life miserable by making her fall for them. She's a good woman. If it weren't a job, I'd-'

Himiko's gaze dropped momentarily, a touch of sorrow evident. "Haruto... he's never come to terms with our relationship. He feels so distant now. Lately, he doesn't even call or respond to my messages. It's as if he's given up on me altogether.... Even... Even if he feels uncomfortable, I just don't understand-... I just wanted to see him, but he... He's just gone."

Kyoya stepped closer, his fingers softly tilting her face upwards. "I'll never give up on you," he said, his voice dripping with faux sincerity. "I'll always be here. He'll also come around in time." 

'But after all, this IS just a job. That hasn't changed. And she just happened to be in the crosshairs of the man who hired me.'

Himiko sighed, eyes glistening. "Today... Today is a risky day, you know that? But... Stay tonight. I've chosen you, Kyoya. Whatever will be, will be... And it will be with us together." 

'But man... She... She had some bad luck running into me. After this whole charade is over, I'll have to toss her away and move on with my life... I'll go legit. This one final job.'

"Hold on, just a second." Kyoya stopped Himiko from kissing him. 

"Kyoya...?" She opened her eyes, innocent confusion as she witnessed him lift from her body and getting out of the bedsheets, walking to a corner of the bookshelf in the room.

"The way these books are arranged disturbed me since a while now." He uttered, discreetly turning off a hidden camera he had placed there. 'There's already enough footage to ruin both of their lives.'

"Jeez..." She pouted, playfulness shining from her eyes. As Kyoya finished his fumbling, went back to the bed and lay by her side, gazing deeply into her eyes - while she is getting lost in his.

'But man... It would really be nice if I could make her my woman after all of this. She's... She's just too... Fucking hot. That's... That's all she is... Right..?' As they frolick, he was masterfully touching all of her sensitive spots, making her squirm and lose herself in pleasure.

----

The rain intensified.

Yuuto walked determinedly, yet Sendo's words echoing in his mind. How Haruto should have just been done with it. How he should have just spoken about his feelings when he could. He stared into the mist ahead of him as he walked toward his house, the memory of its general direction guiding him automatically.

'Simplicity, huh?'

Yuuto reached home. Opening the door with a sharp push, the familiar scent of his abode wafted toward him. The warmth within contrasting starkly with the cold, drenching world outside. He stepped in, leaving a trail of wet footprints on the wooden floor - he didn't even bother taking off his shoes as he entered.

The muted glow from a solitary lamp in the living room caught his attention. There, sprawled on the couch, was Haruto, asleep. The rise and fall of his chest was steady, a picture of innocent trust. Yuuto couldn't help but stare at him for a moment.

Squeezing off the water from his long-sleeved T-shirt, Yuuto tiptoed past Haruto, making his way to his room, all the way up top. He pulled out a chair and sat down heavily, the weight of the evening's revelations pushing down on him.

Opening a drawer, he retrieved a small notebook, covered in dust and an old, stained pen - a pair of items that he didn't touch for... Longer than he can remember. 

He let his hand drift in all directions. Write in every scheme, however insignificant and stupid, into the sheet. In hopes something would stick.

Distracted, Yuuto glanced at his empty, blank computer screen. 'I don't even need a working computer to know what that scum is doing. I can see it clear as day through this dead screen, as if it were alive. I can see how he captivates Himiko with his sweet-talks and empty promises. How he ensnares her, fools around with her, and how she feels sudden gravity emerging out of that fucker, pulling her right in... If I try hard enough, I can actually see the desire for Haruto leaving her eyes, I can see Kyoya replacing him in unfathomable speeds...'

Yet, he smirked while looking at the screen.

'Ohh, Kyoya. Kyoya, Kyoya, Kyoya... Enjoy your night with Himiko... Embrace her, fuck her brains out, make her eyes turn into hearts for all I care. For this be the last bit of warmth you're ever going to get in your shithole of a life.'

Yuuto stared down at the page, filled with various strategies. 'Feels like nothing's gonna work...'

'Feel... Huh..'

Scribbling down his earlier thought, he couldn't help but smirk. 'Simplicity,' he thought again, recalling Shun and his confession to Riko. How it solved the barrier standing between them. 'Sendo... That simpleton.' Yuuto thought, placing his palm on his face, tilting his head upwards in shame. 'I've been overcomplicating everything... Like some normal guy.' He folded the page Britishly, tossing it to the nearby trashcan in a Scottish kind of way. 

'...I'll just be Anti-Netorare Man.'

Yuuto walked over to the bathroom. Removing his wet wig and his glasses.

'It grew out again. My hair... Shy below 1cm. Fine for now.' He groomed himself, tossing his wig and glasses in the corner of the room after he finished. 'Kyoya may be strong. But he sure as shit isn't strong enough to pummel down 20 men. I can take him.' He wore a dark hoodie and packed a backpack before heading out. The time was 9:55pm. The rain had stopped and the sky turned clear as he left the house.

'Time to make a trip.'

--- 6:30 HOURS LATER----

Haruto inhaled deeply, the brisk morning air tingling as it mixed with the warm moisture rising from the pool. Every rhythmic pulse of his heart spoke of the transformation he had undergone. The exercises that once felt like insurmountable mountains were now challenges he eagerly conquered.

"In just an hour and a half," he reflected, glancing at his watch, a sense of disbelief lacing his thoughts. "I never... I never believed I'd be progressing this quickly."

A brief moment of pride welled up as he closed his eyes. His physique had become more chiseled, however little - as the most significant change was his stamina, which soared. He felt alive in ways he hadn't before. The newfound discipline had turned into a self-imposed routine, waking up before dawn not out of obligation, but sheer zeal. He managed to juggle work, studies, and training, even if work was considered done just by completing training on Yuuto's end, because he felt the intrinsic value of it. "I can't keep relying on that guy to steer my life. To win Himiko's heart, this is the least I can do," he reasoned, remembering Yuuto's remarks about Kyoya's relentless work ethic. "In some twisted way, I owe this newfound drive to both Kyoya and my father. This training... it's not just a phase. It's become a part of who I am," a wry smile formed on his lips.

The noticeable absence of Yuuto that morning left a void. That weird guy, always there with a quip, a piece of advice, or a challenge, was missing. A pang of concern momentarily clouded Haruto's thoughts. 'Trust in him,' he internally reassured himself. However, uncertainty, ever persistent, threatened his newfound resolve.

A whisper escaped his lips, barely audible, "...Is this truly enough?" Memories of Himiko's infectious laughter, the tender sensation of her touch, the irreplaceable warmth she brought to his life, threatened to flood his senses. A profound longing, so deep that it seemed to resonate in his very core, surged forth.

"....What... What if his way isn't the right one?" Haruto murmured, his voice laden with vulnerability.

The desire to seek out Himiko, to pour out every concealed emotion, raged within him. It felt like a fierce storm, threatening to break the dam of his restraint. But Yuuto's warning - Clause 10 - loomed like a dark cloud, chilling his intent.

Taking a shaky breath, he steadied himself. "I made it this far. I can't waver now." The mere thought of permanently losing Himiko was an unbearable burden.

Haruto was confused, torn between his heart's desires and the path set by Yuuto. He knew he had to place his faith in Yuuto, trusting that, no matter how arduous the path seemed, it would reunite him with Himiko. But his heart, day by day, pummeled louder and louder. Every time he had to text Himiko to lie about being busy instead of answering her calls, his guilt grew.

With eyes shut, he whispered a solemn promise to the wind, "I'm committed to this path. For her... For us." Yet, the specter of uncertainty lingered, refusing to be banished.

He left the pool.

Stealth wasn't much of an issue given the early hour, but as he walked, he was caught off-guard by a familiar face departing the school gym.

"It's you!" Haruto exclaimed, his surprise evident. His face brightened with a genuine smile.

"Oh, it's yer mug! Haruto!" Sendo responded, securing the gym with a lock, his voice tinged with a roughness that belied his age.

"Yeah, long time no see!" Haruto started. "How've you been since... well, you know..."

Sendo scratched the back of his head, his blond strands ruffling slightly. "Been alright, ya know. Took a bit to get back on m'feet, but ain't nothin' gonna keep me down for long. Been hit harder in Kendo," he said with a chuckle, but the glint in his eyes showed he was minimizing his ordeal. "What ya doin' sneakin' in so early?"

Haruto, a bit sheepish, replied, "Training. Your senpai's got me on this crazy regimen. He showed me a way in here, said it's the best pool in the area. Didn't expect anyone else to be up so early."

Sendo tilted his head, indicating his wooden sword. "Kendo. Gets the blood pumpin'. Teach gave me the key to the gym," he smirked. "I could almost call Teach my buddy."

Haruto laughed, "Hah, I'm jealous... By the way, thanks... for back then. I never got a proper chance to say it."

Sendo waved him off, "Ain't nothin'. Just did what felt right. But, speakin' of right things... I've heard a bit 'bout your deal with Senpai. Seems complicated. Ya really think this 'strategy' thing is gonna win her over?"

Haruto sighed, a hint of doubt in his eyes. "It's what he believes is best. I trust him. It's just... tough."

Sendo narrowed his eyes, his voice softer but still edged with his distinct accent, "Senpai's weird, but he's a man that I respect. Look, I ain't gonna tell ya what ta do. I just think ye gotta go tell 'er that ya love her, before she thinks ya hate 'er. If she wasn't into ya' to begin with, then just accept it and move on."

Haruto nodded, absorbing the words. "Thanks, Sendo. I'll... I'll think about it."

Sendo winked, "You better. Now, I'm off. Train hard, and if ya' feel swimmin' ain't your thing, take a shot at Kendo."

With a final wave, the two parted ways, each lost in his own thoughts under the dawning sky.

Haruto made his way towards Yuuto's residence but felt an urge to wander a bit, telling himself it was merely to flex his muscles after the long training. Sendo's voice played on loop in his mind, each word accentuating the beat of his heart.

Almost subconsciously, he found himself a mere 10 meters from the shared boundary of Himiko's and his own house.

"How did I end up here?" he murmured, questioning his own steps. But his contemplation was cut short when he spotted the door beginning to open. Instinctively, he ducked out of sight.

From his concealed vantage point, he watched Himiko and Kyoya step out, their faces aglow with cheerfulness. It stung. He had not laid eyes on Himiko for weeks, and the joy of the reunion was promptly eclipsed by the sight of her snugly wrapped in Kyoya's embrace.

They seemed to be setting off for a hike. Haruto's heart sank; hiking was their thing. Watching them drift away, linked hand in hand, was like a dagger to his heart. 'I need to trust him,' he reassured himself. But witnessing the intimate scene drained away the optimism that had steadily been growing over the past month, making him feel as lost as he had before Yuuto's grand plan.

**Sandro Cavazza - Enemy** (Recommend to play this)

As he stood at the threshold of Yuuto's home, Sendo's earnest advice clashed loudly with Yuuto's stark warnings. He remembered Clause 9 and the consequences of defying Yuuto's counsel. Yet, in that moment, Haruto's heart held sway over reason. He pivoted sharply, determination in his stride, and dashed toward the mountains.

"There's a trail we talked about exploring," he gasped, the wind biting at his face. "If she's not there, I'll try every path until I find her! I'm... I'm stronger now!"

Haruto broke Clause 10.

His feet pounded the ground with resolute force, each step echoing his determination to bridge the chasm that had grown between Himiko and him. With the crisp mountain air filling his lungs and the world around him coming alive in the first light of dawn, there was an almost electric buzz to his journey. But underlying that excitement was a pervasive sense of trepidation. He was venturing off the charted course, going against the advice that was meant to lead him to success.

As he made his ascent, memories of moments with Himiko flooded his mind: their shared laughter, the silent glances exchanged, the warmth of her hand in his. Each memory was like a beacon guiding him forward. The rugged terrain tested his endurance, but every rock and hurdle only reinforced his determination 'I'm not gonna get tired so easily anymore!' His heart raced, not just from the exertion, but also from the knowledge that he was chasing a future he desperately desired.

The walls of doubt that had been constructed brick by brick over the past month seemed to crumble with every step. 'Is this the right path?' his mind whispered. 'What if he was right, after all? What if this is a mistake?' But even as these thoughts tried to deter him, the clarity of his purpose shone through. Himiko was worth every risk, every challenge. She was his anchor, the north to his compass.

As the sun began to rise, casting the world in a golden hue, Haruto's emotions ran the gamut from anxiety to exhilaration. But overriding it all was a profound sense of conviction. He was following his heart. Every step was a testament to his belief in the power of love, of shared memories, and of forging ahead, even when the path is uncertain.

The shadows of the trees danced around him, and the gentle hum of nature accompanied his journey. The mountains, with their lofty peaks and winding trails, seemed to echo his sentiments: that no peak is too high, no journey too long, if it's for her.

Haruto could feel the energy pulsing through him. He was no longer simply following a plan set out by someone else. He was charting his own path, fueled by his love for Himiko. And though the outcome was uncertain, he was certain of one thing: he won't stop until he finds her.