Bitter & Sweet Story

Yumi Goto’s POV

The late night rain falling hard onto the protective shield as the sound hollowing through the empty street and my sinking heart at the man in sight. His entire body drenched, droplets sliding down from his head to his chin confusing me more with his sad darken eyes.

Once inside, it’s a pull of chair and kettle on stove that keep me functioning. For a guy who’s been waiting outside my house in the rain, he’s unexpectedly quiet but I know better to fall for his mind games.

“I don’t drink coffee so would tea suffices you?”

“No… I’ll only take your coffee.”

All these years I’ve been looking for her - draggingly long days and restless nights spent alone and exposed to the prison that is my own heart… Why did she leave me?

“You left me all of a sudden and I find you years later in this little hovel.”

My cold remarks mask the urge to take her right into my arms and make up for all our lost time. I just spent the last 30 minutes standing outside her door - contemplating whether or not I should sacrifice my pride to see if she’d be willing to talk to me. I wasn’t about to just go back to treating her as my girlfriend so suddenly - especially if she didn’t want it.

“So… you want to explain to me the reason why I’ve been forced to drink tasteless coffee every day or are you just going to make me sit here half naked as you stare at me?”

If she wanted to break up, though I’d never be able to love another as I did her, I’d accept it and finally have some closure. It would be meaningless to force her into staying with me if her heart didn’t belong to me but, no matter what, I’d protect her with everything I’ve got - even if it has to be from afar.

“You know I’m not a patient man, Yumi. Unless you’re looking for a punishment, I suggest you say what you want before I take you right here. Right now.”

Her face heats up and flushes a radiant pink as I close in on her tiny frame across the table. Inches away her familiar scent tempts me and the feeling of her breath brushing across my cheeks has me unsettled. Ever the tease, my self-control is being tested as her supple lips quiver to try to find the words to say.

“Too late.”

"Screw you!" Not the most classy choice of words but surely sincere, Eisuke Ichinomiya maybe the most wanted bachelor of the country but the man is far from perfect. "You have no right to order me around, I am not your maid and no, I don't have coffee here so you either drink your tea or there's the door!"

Pushing him away hard before his quivering lips has the chance of ever touching mine, I remain my distance- that has worked for the past three years. Out of sight, out of mind. I make sure to skip all news and gossips about him or his business, clean cut from my old life- phones, friends and family- everything.

It has taken my entire life to trade my new life, one that finally grant me the happiness I deserve without constant mind games, manipulation and worst of all, not ever knowing what's going to happen.

That's what it's like to be with Eisuke, the price to pay. Insecured, untrusted and being the most idiotic person in the penthouse. He and his supreme friends, their grand plans and crimes with no consequences. I, on the other hand who lived in fear day in and day out, worrying who's against him and I once again would end up as a bargaining chip.

Her POV

“Dude, what do you want? A medal? You’re 35 and have possibly slept with every woman in town. Grow up already, will you?”

“Wow, what’s with you today? If you want to let some steam off, my door is always open.” Knowing damn well the comment wouldn’t help yet I still let it slip anyway, is it to rattle her some more or do I simply enjoy the red painting across her lovely face?

Lips parting for milli seconds before a needy voice calling “baby where are you” from above interrupt, my eyes roll harder at what’s just been said and the urge to slap this son of a bitch in the face is strong as fuck.

“You know what, you are not even worth my time anymore.” Not my damn business if he doesn’t grow up or screw every chick in the city- I do not care. But I will not bare the burden of his mess either.

Permission granted (not that I need one), I skip upstairs and reunite with my temporarily fun for few more rounds after the loud shut of door closing to indicate I have the entire place till deadline. Heated bodies grinding against one another between bed sheets to the bathroom, kitchen counter and last but not least my beloved couch, I lay in exhaustion and fall sound asleep with the impression that my date girl whose name I’ve already forgotten has left her number and reminds me to call before leaving alone.

When I issue the ultimatum demanding a throuough clean up, I actually don’t really expect much from him. The guy I’ve known more than a decade who is hopeless when it comes to housework now holds two bags in hands enlighten a whole new side I’ve never seen before. “Just had a very long day, that’s all.”

Curious by my words, rubbish gone and seated next to me on the patio. 15 minutes of silence that for once isn’t awkward or full of unnecessary tension, no one is trying to get under one’s skin- strange yet intruiged by this new sensation, I rest my head on his shoulder- a small gesture which I have not had the luxury to do for a long time- not that he has a problem with it though I believe it would consider as inappropriate. Funny irony where I’m comfortable enough to live with him but not actually be physically linked to him in the slightest way.

Poking her left cheek out of an old habit and the cheeky side of her which often makes my heart jump a little; puzzled by the fact she’d still easily get under my skin without her own knowledge and I should act normal (whatever the hell it means) and non sensual towards the woman who’d be in my life for more than a decade.

Do I want to just lay on his bed with his arms wrapped around me, head resting on his chest and just watch random movies all night? Of course but the words like we used echoes loud and clear in the back of my head, warning me not to make a mistake I’d regret the moment I step out of his room because how good it feels would eventually fade and he would be the same old person as my feet hit the cold wooden floor, we are a mistake.

“Sounds good but I doubt I’d last half a movie.” Smile forced and back into our apartment that now looks livable, I should have just head straight upstairs yet I find myself at the stove, waiting for his response.

Her hesitation is good enough for me at least she still offers to cook and hangs out unlike the morning fuse we've had or the constant disapprovals eyes roll I got each time I bring a girl home.

Settling with instant noodle, I sit on a stool and watch her. Packet open, dried food in boiling water and we wait, smiling, chatting our time away with how the days been and what upcoming plans for the weekend. Since when have we become such strangers with only social talk to keep us acquainted, we're close at one point and have that changed because of our break up?

With a nod and thank you, I help her with the dishes and linger by her bedroom door before the night ends. "I... miss you," Fingers slowly caressing her cheeks and the sensation which I have not touched in years is enough to warm my beating heart, "I miss us. I'm sorry for everything."

Tyler’s POV

Not again!

No ear buds or blasting music could distract myself from the bothering fact that my roommate is getting frisky three nights in a row. Promising myself not to pry or imagine the exact positions they are in- the sound of headboard banging and constant fuck yeah screaming through thin wall isn’t making my night any easier.

Laptop aside with my hand hesitantly resting around my semi erected cock as I strain my ears, listening to her erotic moans and begin slowly to stroke my shaft in a matching rhythm to the moans and groans next door. Grips tighten and eyes shut, focusing on the noise they make and picturing her perfect figure.

“I’m gonna fuck you so hard”

The guy says huskily, next the sound of her bed rocking, hitting our shared wall and I groan quietly, tugging on my manhood and imagining myself top of her. Rock hard and aching for release, the wet sounds of their bodies make, the rough slapping of skin, every single little proof of pleasure. The image of looking down at her pretty face, my cock sliding deep inside her sweet tight warmth that would be oh so heavenly.

“Oh god… Oh god, yes right there!!!”

“Yes!!! Faster!!! Ahhhhh, harder!!!”

“Make me cum, make me cum!!!”

Screaming and begging in ecstasy, I speed up like she has asked, picturing her red raw pussy on display with her legs spread wild. “Fuck, you’re so tight.” Gasping and whispering to myself, I jerk faster and neglect the loud fapping sounds filling up my room, my relentless grip tightening around my twitching length till a large loud of thick white cum explore over my bare stomach and chest.

Cursing and sighing loudly as I loosen grip and bang my head back against the wall in frustration exhaustion because they are still going at it next door. “Seriously, guys!!! I have to get up early tomorrow morning, cut it out already!”

The past three days were like heaven! I found a guy who knew exactly what I liked. That or he was just amazing in bed. We met at a bar and it didn’t take me that long to wrap him around my finger, nor did it take me that to ling to wrap my fingers around his big cock. I even forgot abot my roommate. 

Lately the only thing I can think about are naughty things since I am pretty needy and turned on. I am not sure what changed my mood into this but I love it. Especially when I am with a guy. A guy who made me feel special only by going really fast and deep in any position that came up his mind. 

It was a bummer when he left early that morning. Not that he has a choice since work is waiting for him. Right now I am only wearing a simple white night dress. No bra and no panties. I walk into the kitchen to get some coffee. My head is still foggy after everything I did last night. Yet there is so much more I want to try so badly. Perhaps I could find another guy tonight. 

"Luc!!! What the heck! You're practically naked!" Unable to decide if I should turn around or cover my eyes which are darting around yet somehow found their ways back to her curve. "It isn't shit enough that you kept me awake all night and now you......" Letting out a groan and head shaking, I pour a cup of coffee and have no time to enjoy due to her lack of privacy which I shouldn't but feel strangly invading.

Door closed with my back against it, my mischievous side and morning wood gets the better of me. Lucy has been bringing strangers in and banging all night lately so at least I'd taunt her a little though in such unusual or pervy way.

Cracking a tiny gap open, I quickly toss my shirt and pants out of sight, rest myself in bed with a pillow between my legs. A few gentle strokes is all it takes for my shaft to be rock hard, a bit of savila as lube, memory of her moan and vivid image of her see through gown. My fingers tease the tip like her tongue would, firm grip on my balls like her tiny hands would massage them before grinding my dick onto the smooth surface of warm pillow.

Akari Inokuma’s POV

“Mukai?” My soft call of his name echoes in the air without any response from knocking on the glass panel, “Where should I leave your files?” Scared to invade his privacy for I’ve been warned that is his number one priority, I take a few steps forward into the premises.

Paper files just reaching the end of his bench, I turn to see the “weirdest guy” of our company with chin resting on his palm and sleeping soundly.

Right- that’s why he likes his privacy so he could sleep during work hours, awesome! Feet together and now at close range with the lab technician, I tilt to the side, trying to determine the song or kind of music coming from his headphones which rumor has it that he keeps them on at all times. With no luck, I pout and turn to meet with a pair of cold dark eyes piercing right through me.

Temperature suddenly drops and my heart almost stop at his gaze, swallowing hard, I freeze in place without knowing what to say.

“Your smell wake me.”

Is her frown the sign of confusion Takashi has taught me to look out for? Adjusting my gaze for better focus in attempt to pinpoint the exact source, I rephrase. “Your scent wake me. What is it?” Leaning closer, I sniff the nape of her neck, no, her hair and catch the scent of strawberries and honey. “You smell sweet like ice cream.”

Hands trembling and breath heavy; the only response I'd give is a vague I don't know which soon leads me to a mosit sensation along my neckline which should have been very unsettling yet a soft moan betrays me, ashamed and confused at my lack of defense; what should have been a slap to his face; a scream or yell for help instead of having my eyes closed and savouring the touch of his lips.

Her POV

“Dude, what do you want? A medal? You’re 35 and have possibly slept with every woman in town. Grow up already, will you?”

“Wow, what’s with you today? If you want to let some steam off, my door is always open.” Knowing damn well the comment wouldn’t help yet I still let it slip anyway, is it to rattle her some more or do I simply enjoy the red painting across her lovely face?

Lips parting for milli seconds before a needy voice calling “baby where are you” from above interrupt, my eyes roll harder at what’s just been said and the urge to slap this son of a bitch in the face is strong as fuck.

“You know what, you are not even worth my time anymore.” Not my damn business if he doesn’t grow up or screw every chick in the city- I do not care. But I will not bare the burden of his mess either.

Permission granted (not that I need one), I skip upstairs and reunite with my temporarily fun for few more rounds after the loud shut of door closing to indicate I have the entire place till deadline. Heated bodies grinding against one another between bed sheets to the bathroom, kitchen counter and last but not least my beloved couch, I lay in exhaustion and fall sound asleep with the impression that my date girl whose name I’ve already forgotten has left her number and reminds me to call before leaving alone.

When I issue the ultimatum demanding a throuough clean up, I actually don’t really expect much from him. The guy I’ve known more than a decade who is hopeless when it comes to housework now holds two bags in hands enlighten a whole new side I’ve never seen before. “Just had a very long day, that’s all.”

Curious by my words, rubbish gone and seated next to me on the patio. 15 minutes of silence that for once isn’t awkward or full of unnecessary tension, no one is trying to get under one’s skin- strange yet intruiged by this new sensation, I rest my head on his shoulder- a small gesture which I have not had the luxury to do for a long time- not that he has a problem with it though I believe it would consider as inappropriate. Funny irony where I’m comfortable enough to live with him but not actually be physically linked to him in the slightest way.

Poking her left cheek out of an old habit and the cheeky side of her which often makes my heart jump a little; puzzled by the fact she'd still easily get under my skin without her own knowledge and I should act normal (whatever the hell it means) and non sensual towards the woman who’d be in my life for more than a decade.

“I love you.”

“I know that but maybe… It’s just too much for me to handle.”

“Too much to handle? What does that even mean?” Bottom lip bitten to forcefully stop a scream rolling from the back of my throat that should have been out minutes ago yet would have caused me my relationship if it wasn’t gone already.

“No!” Fingers massaging my aching temples, a sigh escape me as I speak a piece of my mind. “Haven’t we done that enough times by now for you to realize it doesn’t work, we don’t work. Us!”

The bang on door echoes throughout my empty flat, shredding my aching heart to pieces as I watch him from above, one step further away from me, from our home. Not once has he turned or paused, not a single hint of hesitation or regret. Has he hated me this much? Does he has no feelings left at all for me? How long have we drifted apart and how could I be so blind?

It simply can't be.

We were perfect. We always have one another, we fight like any other couples but we will always get back together. We will again, one way or the other.

Her POV

“Dude, what do you want? A medal? You’re 35 and have possibly slept with every woman in town. Grow up already, will you?”

“Wow, what’s with you today? If you want to let some steam off, my door is always open.” Knowing damn well the comment wouldn’t help yet I still let it slip anyway, is it to rattle her some more or do I simply enjoy the red painting across her lovely face?

Lips parting for milli seconds before a needy voice calling “baby where are you” from above interrupt, my eyes roll harder at what’s just been said and the urge to slap this son of a bitch in the face is strong as fuck.

“You know what, you are not even worth my time anymore.” Not my damn business if he doesn’t grow up or screw every chick in the city- I do not care. But I will not bare the burden of his mess either.

Permission granted (not that I need one), I skip upstairs and reunite with my temporarily fun for few more rounds after the loud shut of door closing to indicate I have the entire place till deadline. Heated bodies grinding against one another between bed sheets to the bathroom, kitchen counter and last but not least my beloved couch, I lay in exhaustion and fall sound asleep with the impression that my date girl whose name I've already forgotten has left her number and reminds me to call before leaving alone.

Rolling my eyes heavily and shaking my head, it’s a quick pull of two dresses from my wardrobe - one black, one navy as I spin around and enquire as to which should be worn tonight.

Another scroll and tap on my phone, limo is hired and ready in thirty minutes. “All set and a car will come pick us up, I’ll wait outside now.” Closing the door gently behind, I quietly observe the apartment, trying to get a sense of my client’s personality or taste that would make my job easier than memorizing all the information sent through the internet which may or may not be true.

“So how did you get into this? I mean, you don’t have to answer the question but I’m curious. Tall, dark, handsome, kinda charming… I’d take you for more of a smart businessman rather than rental boyfriend.”

Picking at the underside of my nails a little nervously; frustrated by the fact I’d have to act cordial and polite and sweet towards a man who’d be in my life for a maximum of a few months before my mother got bored with him as she does every other gentleman she manages to sink her teeth and nails into, I sigh, air knocking out of me.

"You're right I don't have to answer." Black, dull and predictable like the rest of women (and men) I've come across with, I keep my eyes out the window. Counting the minutes and hoping the night to go as smooth and quick as possible. It sounds like another job of charming the guest and pleasing the family with my smiles and so called occupation that changes time to time base on clients requirements.

Rolling my eyes heavily and shaking my head, it’s a quick pull of two dresses from my wardrobe - one black, one navy as I spin around and enquire as to which should be worn tonight.

Another scroll and tap on my phone, limo is hired and ready in thirty minutes. "All set and a car will come pick us up, I'll wait outside now." Closing the door gently behind, I quietly observe the apartment, trying to get a sense of my client's personality or taste that would make my job easier than memorizing all the information sent through the internet which may or may not be true.

Her POV

“Dude, what do you want? A medal? You’re 35 and have possibly slept with every woman in town. Grow up already, will you?”

"Wow, what's with you today? If you want to let some steam off, my door is always open." Knowing damn well the comment wouldn't help yet I still let it slip anyway, is it to rattle her some more or do I simply enjoy the red painting across her lovely face?

“I love you.”

“I know that but maybe… It’s just too much for me to handle.”

"Too much to handle? What does that even mean?" Bottom lip bitten to forcefully stop a scream rolling from the back of my throat that should have been out minutes ago yet would have caused me my relationship if it wasn't gone already.

Charlie’s POV

An hour of wander and stalling to find myself eventually facing the inevitable, a place that does not should not belong to me which was once a home of someone else. Key card swipe and door unlock brings a scents of bitterness and desperation that I’ve never noticed throughout my previous visits. Eyes glancing over the empty place, picturing his presence in the kitchen when he would occasionally make breakfast on a Saturday morning if I swing by; his epic piano performances he secretly hated but the partners in the firm loved showing him off in parties; the overtime and take away we had shared and tossed in his studies and the sound of his yelling (assistant) echoes in the back of my head as I take further steps inside follow by an expected guest who shows up just on time.

“Once you’ve signed the paperwork then I could show you the rest. Sorry for the secrecy but that’s the instructions I’ve received.” Not sincerely apologetic given the fact that I’m the person overseeing this whole procedure, my eyes focus on the blank spaces and wait till her signatures are where they should be before leading her upstairs. The silver key weighs more than it seems, a low chuckle almost escapes me at the irony of keeping this room locked the entire times and now I’m assigned to unlock his secrets, revealing it to a person from his past and present.

Once inside, the two of us pause at the room’s settings- half of the walls are covered in pink and white striped wallpaper while the rest are covered in posters, a queen size bed stands in the middle. Standing by the door frame, I watch as the guest of honor takes a few steps further. Hesitation, confusion and mixed of emotions painting across her conflicted face and for a second, my heart aches for her, for what she’s about to find out. Whatever reasons he had and whichever ways he had chosen to enlighten her, they could not be pleasant.

Clearing my throat and temporarily interrupt her thoughts, I point at the laptop on desk. The only thing in this room which belongs to this era whilst everything else must have relation or connection to her. With a tiny gap between, I rest by the door frame and wait. Just as intrigued at his truth and past he’s about to unfold, hiding in presence, I hear the sound beeping and seconds later his voice comes to life.

“Hi, if you are seeing this. It means Charlie has been doing his job right, thank you. I know you have many questions and there are only so much I’d give you but I figure actions speak louder than words.

We looked everywhere for you, for days, weeks, months, years. We did, I did until we realized you didn’t want to be found. It took a long time for people to accept that but the moment I saw your picture popping on a computer screen of some guy in a bar, I knew. I didn’t know what game the universes has plan for us but since it took the grand time of ours, I thought I would return the favor by planning, scheming, to show you a little of what we went through, what you had put us all through. We couldn’t comprehend why your left or the hardship of your new life but neither could you imagine the pain and hopelessness we had endured.

I thought a little game would be fun, a bit of sweet revenge but it turns out I am neither better nor smarter, only luckier. And what a fool I have been, I should be ashamed of thinking I knew it all because you could have seen the whole world and still feel lost in it.

I was so lost. Our entire lives we seek, dream, desire and chase after whatever our definition of success and happiness is but no one warn us, we’re taught to follow and pursue all that but no one mentions the most important question- at what cost.

I see the cost, the cost looks deep into my eyes, shattering hearts, destroying hopes and crushing souls. You are the cost…….I …. I can’t undo what I’ve done and it is too late for me but not for you…….Be the person you have always wanted to be, you’re far more capable than you ever know, you just need a little reminder, a push.

I know I’m in no position to ask you of anything, you probably will need more time to gather and make sense of this all but I would ask you to please take a good long look around, this room, the photos, posters to the every little details from your exact same room back home which no longer exist. Lock this image in your head and hold onto it, think of me, us for that is hope whenever you think there is no hope left. Don’t let anyone take that away from you, you are not forgotten and most of all, you are loved.

Charlie will explain the rest to you if you have any more questions. This apartment is under his name but everything else belongs to you, everything.

One last thing, I am ….. so very sorry, Cassie, I truly am for … everything… And … I love you….. Goodbye.”

This is for my own closure, Charlie is the assistant paralegal of the late Clark Sanders who was a childhood friend of a woman named Cassie, now known as Lola. This was the last puzzle and message Clark has left for her.

I think most people aren’t born to be evil or dark, they always have their reasons behind it- they are not born assholes. Something happened and with that in mind, Clark was created. The once sweet boy next door who all girls adore to a meal ticket women want but could never have, the seemingly Casanova is just like many other wounded characters- needs to heal. (Time, revenge, love, it various)

Cassie’s disappearance changed him; his parents’ death changed him; yet god works in such mysterious way they cross path again, this time she’s healed him even though his time has run out.