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Kai Chisaki.
His name was well known throughout your neighborhood. He was a Yakuza, the Japanese organized crime unit who operated in the Land of the Rising Sun. His apartment was located conveniently on the corner in your neighborhood, where he often stood with a few of his cronies. The local chapter that he ran was called the Shie Hassaikai, and he was the ringleader.
Kai Chisaki was also a very well known playboy.
The list of girls who had been involved with him was endless. Most of them, girls you had gone to school with, had thrown themselves at him, enthralled by his good looks and bad boy reputation. You often saw a revolving door of girls going into his apartment, always leaving with the same dazed look on their face. While you were out and about, it wasn’t unusual to see him with a different girl on his arm each time as they got dinner or went to catch a movie.
A few of your friends had been involved with him as well, and you had gone out of your way to make sure you didn’t hear a single thing about him. In your mind, he was bad news, and you wanted nothing to do with him. You didn’t care that the local obasans fawned over him, gushing that he was nothing but polite and couldn’t possibly be a Yakuza. It didn’t matter that he was attractive, you had no interest in him whatsoever.
You continued to prove that point, especially after a night out.
It was Friday night, and you were exhausted from another week of work. Your best friend and roommate, Camie, was sitting on the couch, eating some Chinese food when she suddenly jumped up, pointing her finger up to the ceiling.
“Let’s go clubbing tonight!”
You groaned, putting down your carton of black pepper chicken.
“Camie, no, it’s been such a long week.”
“Come on, when was the last time we went out?” she asked, eyes sparkling.
“I don’t know, but I’m sure it was recent,” you sighed.
“We haven’t been out since Inasa’s birthday!”
Shit. It had been a while.
“But we still have to get ready,” you whined.
“Well, finish eating and hop in the shower,” she sang, skipping away towards her room.
***
“Cheers!”
Camie grinned, clinking her shot glass against yours before tipping it back. You mirrored her action, the tequila burning as it went down. Wincing, you put the glass on the counter before turning back to her. She wore a tight black dress, her boobs holding on for dear life. You wished you had her confidence, as you had settled on a basic white one that hung loosely to your knees.
“See, I told you this would be fun!” she giggled.
“We just got here,” you sighed.
Grabbing your hand, she led you to the dance floor, bouncing to the beat before turning around to face you. She moved smoothly, her hips moving to the music as one hand raised. The tequila had you feeling slightly confident, so you listened to the music and let go. After a while you were having fun, and you told Camie you should get more drinks.
“Oh, great idea!”
The two of you pushed back to the bar, leaning against the counter as you tried to get the bartender’s attention. She pressed her chest against it, pushing up slightly as you swatted at her arm.
“You are so bad.”
You turned to try and wave at the bartender, who was occupied at the other end.
“Do you need some help?”
A deep, cool voice spoke softly in your ear. Startled, you turned your head, only to narrow your eyes at the man beside you. It was none other than Kai Chisaki. He was dressed sharply, a burgundy shirt tucked neatly into a pair of black, form-fitting pants. He was peering at you with steely golden eyes, waiting for your response.
“I’m good, thanks.”
You sharply turned your head away, back towards the bartender. Camie whipped her head towards you, grabbing your hand and squeezing it.
“What are you doing?” she hissed.
She threw her hair over her shoulder, batting her eyelashes seductively at Kai.
“We would greatly appreciate your help.”
Camie had been trying to sleep with Kai for as long as you could remember. As far as you knew, the two had made out drunkenly a few times, but nothing beyond that. You rolled your eyes, waving your hand again and finally getting the bartender’s attention. Upon seeing Kai he froze, bowing his head before rushing over.
“Mr. Chisaki, I apologize for the wait. What can I get you?”
“My usual, as well as the drinks for these two ladies. Anything they order, please put it on my tab.”
Camie’s face lit up, ordering a margarita while you scrunched up your nose.
“I can pay for my own drink, thanks.”
“Don’t be rude,” she yelled.
“Fine,” you rolled your eyes. “I’ll take a Jack and Coke, please.”
The bartender made your drinks quickly, sliding them across the counter. He told Kai to call him if he needed anything else before departing to help other customers. You clinked your drink to Camie’s, looking away as she began chatting Kai up.
“It’s rare to see you out.”
You realized he was talking to you. Raising an eyebrow, you took a long sip before responding.
“Okay.”
He seemed taken aback at how aloof you were responding to him. You figured he expected you to be putty in his hands like the other girls.
“I know you’re here with your friend, but would you like to get out of here?”
Camie’s eyes went wide, taking a sip as she nodded frantically behind his back. She mouthed go get laid to you.
“No thanks, I’m here with my friend.”
Her mouth dropped open, and she mouthed you’re insane .
“Well, she can come along if she would like.”
“No thanks.”
You pushed off the counter, tipping your drink at him.
“This has been fun. I’ve seen the long line of girls coming in and out of your apartment. I don’t want to be another one.”
You grabbed Camie, giving her a warning look before dragging her back to the dance floor. You turned to look at Kai over your shoulder.
“Bye.”
***
The next morning, you woke up with a pounding headache. The one Jack and Coke quickly turned to three, along with a few shots. Camie had drank even more, and the two of you had somehow managed to stumble home and make it into your respective beds. You groaned, pulling your blanket over your head to hide from the bright sun. Your throat was dry, and you shot your hand out to grab the water bottle on your nightstand.
“Camie,” you croaked out. “Are you alive?”
Through the thin walls, you heard her respond with a groan. After taking a few sips you felt slightly rejuvenated, and you stood to grab some Advil and get ready for the day. You dropped off the Advil to Camie before shuffling into your shared bathroom. While brushing your teeth she knocked on the door, opening it and leaning against the doorframe.
“Coffee. I need coffee.”
The two of you sluggishly got ready before dragging your feet out the door and towards the local coffee shop. As you were nearing the corner, your stomach sank as you realized Kai was standing there, chatting with local members. Upon seeing you two approach he stopped the conversation, shooing them away as he waved. Camie giggled, waving excitedly as she skipped towards him.
So much for being hungover.
“Good morning!” she chirped.
“Good morning,” he replied smoothly. “You two look radiant this morning.”
You rolled your eyes. Camie began a conversation with him, but you noticed his eyes kept flickering over towards you. The three of you began ambling towards the cafe, and you kept your pace slower on purpose so you could keep some distance between you and Kai. He noticed, however, slowing down to include you in the conversation and asking probing questions about you. Just like the night before, you kept your answers short and tried to make it obvious that you wanted nothing to do with him.
The baristas recognized Kai (of course) and asked if he wanted his usual order.
“Yes, please,” he replied. “These two women will be ordering as well. You can put them on my bill.”
“Yes, Mr. Chisaki.”
Camie walked up to the counter to order while you stayed behind. You felt Kai approaching you, and you let out a sigh of annoyance.
“I’m ordering my coffee and leaving,” you said, turning to stare at him with narrowed eyes.
He opened his mouth to speak but you walked off, leaving him behind. Camie took advantage of the opening and picked up the previous conversation, giving you an opening to order your drink and wait before you left.
***
Monday afternoon after work, you came home to a vase of your favorite flowers. There was a note attached to it, stating they were from Kai.
I hope you had a wonderful start to your week.
Camie sniffed at the flowers, standing up and pouting at you.
“I wish he would send me flowers,” she sighed.
“Well, you can have them.”
“They’re not for me!” she crossed her arms. “Plus, they’re not my favorite flowers.”
Every day that week, you came home to find another bouquet. They all had notes from Kai with different messages. You hadn’t seen him at all surprisingly, and you were hoping you would soon so you could tell him to leave you alone. Thursday night, while you were walking to pick up take out, Kai finally approached you.
“I’ve been looking for you,” you frowned.
“Oh? You have?” A smile slowly began to curl his lips up.
“Yeah, I wanted to tell you to stop sending me flowers.”
The smile was immediately wiped from his face.
“How did you even know what my favorite flowers are?”
He smirked. “I have my ways.”
“Well, tell your ways to back off and leave me alone.”
You dismissed him with a wave, walking off to go get your dinner. When you got home, Camie was holding another bouquet.
“I told him to stop sending me flowers,” you informed her as you placed the food on your dining room table.
“Why would you do that?” she cried, putting the bouquet down and grabbing you by the shoulders.
"Because I’m not interested in him!”
She sighed, shaking her head as she sank into a chair.
“I honestly think you should give him a chance. He’s pursuing you for a reason.”
“Yeah, so I can be another notch in his bedpost.”
Camie rolled her eyes, opening the takeout bag and grabbing her order.
“He’s actually a nice guy. I’ve been getting to know him.”
“You want to sleep with him.”
She shrugged, searching the bag for utensils.
“He’s an attractive guy, sue me. But seriously, the Yakuza stuff is just a facade. He actually has a big heart.”
“Look, can we drop the conversation?”
***
The next night, the two of you went out clubbing again. This time, you made more of an effort. You wore a black, V neck tank top, the cut so deep it showed off your cleavage and a pair of skin tight, black jeans. The look was finished off with a simple pair of black heels and a few gold bracelets. The various looks given to you by each guy you passed didn’t go unnoticed, and you felt yourself swelling with confidence.
“Maybe you’ll finally get laid tonight!” Camie beamed.
The two of you headed straight to the bar, waving the bartender down. It was the same guy as last time, and he bustled over to take your orders. You had just finished placing your order and was handing him your card when he shook his head.
“Mr. Chisaki has already paid for your drinks.”
You turned to see Kai walking towards you, his eyes taking in your figure. You swallowed nervously, recalling your conversation with Camie the night before. After some convincing, you had decided to give the poor man a chance.
“You look amazing,” he greeted you.
Camie took her drink and disappeared onto the dancefloor, leaving you alone with him. You shifted nervously, grabbing your drink off the counter and sucking in a breath before speaking to him.
“Thank you for the drink,” you began.
Surprise flickered across his face before he nodded.
“Of course,” he replied. “I’m sure you need it after a long week of work.”
“You have no idea,” you murmured, which he replied to with a chuckle.
“Would you like to talk about it?”
You launched into a long vent about your job, and he listened intently the entire time. When you finished your drink, he ordered you another one and led you towards his private section so you could continue your conversation. He asked you about your hobbies outside of work, and it quickly turned into him getting to know you.
“Well, what about you?” you interjected after some time. “You’re learning all about me, but I know nothing about you.”
“I’m sure you’ve heard about me,” he mused.
“Well, yeah, but those are rumors . What if none of those things are real?”
He leaned back in his seat, studying you for a second before nodding slowly.
“The rumors about me being Yakuza are true. I do run the local chapter, and it is called the Shie Hassaikai.”
You stared at him, waiting for him to continue.
“My old man, Pops, was my predecessor. I inherited my position from him. He saved me from a life on the street. In turn, I use my power to do the same for others.”
He sat up straight, resting his elbows on his knees as he leaned closer to you.
“I use my connections to send poor kids to private, good schools. I also keep an eye on them and their families, and I help them out whenever possible.”
Your heart swelled at his kind words, and you began to feel guilty for the prior opinions you had had about him. It turns out he was actually a really nice guy, just like Camie had told you.
“I’ve been looking into opening a community center for these kids to go to. I’m finalizing a few business deals to get it going. Hopefully, we should get a lot or building soon.”
“That is very admirable of you,” you admitted.
He smiled, and you realized he was . . . quite good looking.
“Thank you. That is very kind to hear.”
“I can see why you’re so popular with the local ladies.”
A light flush settled on his cheeks. He looked away, clearing his throat as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
“Er, yes, I understand I’ve developed a bit of a reputation as a playboy. I . . . despise it, but I have been with quite a few women.”
“A few is an understatement,” you pointed out.
“Well, if you must know,” he sighed. “The reason I pursued you heavily is because you were the first girl who didn’t throw herself at me. Girls often see me, and use the rumors to chase after me. But you . . . you were the opposite and wanted nothing to do with me.”
He smiled again, cocking his head to the side.
“I guess I like the thrill of the chase.”
It was your turn to flush and look away. You were oddly nervous now, and you felt butterflies in your chest. You took a long sip of your drink before clearing your throat and turning back to him.
“Do you want to go out tomorrow? On a proper date?”
The smile on his face grew wider, and for a moment he had a boyish appearance. He nodded, asking what type of food you liked before you two settled on a time and place.
***
The next afternoon, you were pacing nervously in your apartment. Camie had gone home with some random guy, which left you alone and panicking as you got ready for your lunch date with Kai. The weather was set to be nice and sunny, and you had settled on a floral sundress and a pair of simple, tan sandals. You had taken the time to curl your hair, brushing it out to create loose, beachy waves. Kai had promised to pick you up at noon sharp, and it was five til.
You were an absolute wreck .
It had been forever since you had been on a date, and now you were dating the neighborhood heartthrob. You two settled on a simple lunch date, but you were still nervous .
When the doorbell rang you jumped, throwing a hand over your heart in an effort to calm you down. Once you were composed you walked over, throwing the door open. Kai was standing there, a bouquet of your favorite flowers in his hand. He held them out towards you, a sheepish smile on his face.
“I hope flowers are okay this time.”
You giggled, taking them from him.
“Of course. Come in, let me put these in a vase.”
He stood politely in the foyer, eyes glancing about as you bustled to quickly put the flowers in water. Once you were done you grabbed your purse, letting him know you were ready as you walked out and locked the door behind you. The cafe you were going to eat at was walking distance, and he made sure to walk close to the sidewalk’s edge as you made the trek down the block.
“Did you wake up alright? I know you had a few drinks last night.”
“I did, thank you. I managed to chug some water before bed.”
The rest of the conversation was light, talking about neighborhood gossip and random topics. Once you arrived, the host led you to a table on the patio, allowing you two to bask in the warm sun. You noticed he was staring at you, resting his chin on his hand as he leaned forward.
“You look beautiful. That dress suits you very well.”
“Thank you,” you replied, flushing.
The waiter arrived then, taking your orders before bustling away. You took that chance to speak, sucking in a deep breath before looking directly into his golden eyes.
“I want to establish some boundaries before we start anything. I really think it’s important that we take things slow. I’m not the type of person to rush into things, especially relationships, so I hope that’s okay with you.”
You expected him to be surprised or annoyed, but instead he nodded, looking at you earnestly before replying.
“I understand and I respect that boundary. I honestly think it would be best if we took things slow.”
The smile from before emerged, the one that reached his eyes and made him look at you as if he was seeing the sun for the first time.
“I want to take as much time as possible to soak you in. I want to get to know every single part of you.”
Your heart swelled at his words, and you returned his smile back to him.
“Deal.”