Food and Torture

[MENG SOUMA]

Souma escaped the first 'date' with YOSHIDA AKIHIKO but he was far from liberated from this guy. He took his comment on homemade food seriously and now really wanted to 'compare' the two. If his day could not be any worse than the perspective of dealing with him some more, he was busy with another person before that.

Chiharu was, in an honesty, someone close to the family. Someone close to him even. That didn't stop Souma from not wanting to spend too much time with him. At least it was purely work-related. Well, it had always been, but there was a time when Souma thought they were friends, before he remembered he was a paid employee of his father. And now his was the man's assistant, coming to his son's apartment to talk business. Chiharu was the man they sent to talk to Souma, since they were the closest in age and he already dealt with him since Souma was a teenager. He could manage his temper and make things work. Not that Souma would be too much of a pain. Anything to end this business meeting and deal with all the paperwork between he and his parents.

This made him forget about Aki. Even when there was a call from someone at the entrance of the complex to his apartment, he thought it was the courrier Chiharu called for. Chiharu thought the same, of course, unaware that Souma expected visit. Since when did Souma ever expecte any kind of visit? He let the boy into the complex and waited for the knock at the door. It wasn't hard to find Souma's apartment. There was his name on a plate, with the chinese character for Meng and the kanji for Souma and, in case they couldn't read those, the name written in english underneath.

Chiharu was the one who opened the door and stared at Akihiko and, more importantly, his lack of briefcase with the files he requested. "You're not the courrier," he pointed out as he kept staring at him.

[YOSHIDA AKIHIKO]

Akihiko couldn’t help himself when he reached out to Souma again; he did comment on the fact that homemade food was better than going to the restaurant. It was a good way for him to be away from the projectors, he always was whenever he was in public and was aware that he had to keep a certain personality whenever he was outside. He was sort of the public’s propriety and while at times he was good with this, on others, it annoyed him. He also wanted to have a private life, with someone he could share it with, luckily, Souma gave into the idea of him paying a visit to the other guy when he was home. It was exciting, as it would be the first time he’d see his house. He bet it was a small apartment, Souma didn’t sound like the kind of person who would have anything too over the top or luxurious. It had the best of his curiosity and when the time they agreed on his visit approached, he made his way towards his address. As he thought, it wasn’t a big place and he liked it. It wasn’t like anything he was used to and it would give him a break too.

He didn’t know that Souma forgot about their unannounced date when he rang the bell and was let inside the complex, even less when he was greeted by another man he did not know of. He blinked at first, wondering who this person was. “Uh, no, I’m not the courier.” He said back to him. “You’re not Meng-kun.” He added, unable to help himself with the suffix and restraining himself from smirking a bit knowing that it might annoy Souma if he was even in this apartment! He started hoping that the guy didn’t pull that kind of stunt on him. Who would do that to someone as famous as he was?!

[MENG SOUMA]

The complex Souma lived in wasn't too big. The apartments were luxurious enough and you needed to go through a few security measures to get in though. Not anyone could afford living here. But Souma didn't expect to see a lot of celebrities, at least none from the top tier. It was mostly businessmen who resided here.

From the opened door, Akihiko wouldn't be able to see much. A hallway, made of slightly dark wood, the walls in an ash grey color with little decoration on. Two doors on one side, one on the other, and a corridor continuing to what would be the living space of the apartment, with a balcony at the end. But not much else would be easy to notice, especially not Souma at the moment, with Chiharu in the way.

Aki replied to him, then pointed out, on a similar tone, that he was not Souma. Or Meng-kun, as he referred to him. Chiharu seemed surprised at first that someone came here to see the guy, but an amused smile quickly took over his traits. "Souma!" he called out, no honorifics nor use of his last name. Souma, in the kitchen at the moment, walked out into the corridor, looking annoyed for being called out this way. Then he noticed Aki and stopped there. Chiharu gestured towards the boy. "He's looking for Meng-kun.

Souma sighed. Having one of them was tedious enough but the two of them, at the same time no less, was beyond anything he could deal with. "I forgot about the time," he grumbled. Whether or not the other two heard him, he couldn't say, but Chiharu did let Aki in and turned towards him. "I had no idea you were expecting a visit." Who would have, when thinking of Souma. Aya wouldn't care, she knew the guy about as well as he did, except for the fact he never tutored her. But she knew who he was. Chiharu wouldn't also be surprised had she been the one coming over. But it was not the case. And he wondered who he was. "Is this your new toy?" he asked further annoying Souma who chose to answer by walking away back to the kitchen. At the end of the corridor, on the right was the living room, with its black couch with purple, white and red cushions, its abstract art on the wall in similar colors and the television with a stereo and a small selection of albums. On the left was the kitchen and dining area, in steel and dark wood.

[YOSHIDA AKIHIKO]

Akihiko came to the conclusion that he shouldn’t be surprised anymore by Souma’s antics, or by the fact that he would omit the fact that he was coming over. Of course he wouldn’t remember, from what he knew, he wasn’t that important to Souma, but he didn’t care. It was nice to be with someone who wasn’t star-struck and who could hold a conversation with him, despite the fact that it might mostly be insults thrown his way. He was a bit surprised however to know that he wasn’t going to be alone with Souma, or that he knew a few people and could have normal conversations. He’d have to see who this man was to the guy and it was a mystery he was willing to solve while waiting for him to cook.

However, what had him more curious about the new person who was before him was that he called Souma the nickname that he had found for him. Of course, he had forgotten about the time. He tried not to choke though when he was called toy and walked into the apartment, figuring that he was being able to get in now that this man knew who he was.

“A toy?” He asked, curiously. “What kind of toy exactly?” He asked, wanting to know just what was truly in Souma’s and if he could get any information out of his pretty mouth.

[MENG SOUMA]

Aki was wrong to think Souma forgot about him. Well, he was not entirely right, was more appropriate to say. Souma knew Aki intended to come over. He wouldn't have enough to cook for two otherwise. He just forgot about the time as he had to work and was only now reminded of the plans he had for the evening. Then again, he would not have minded ha Aki also forgot about it or chose to reschedule seeing Chiharu, but that would imply more work with Chiharu. Souma was not sure which one of them was the worst. He knew Chiharu better, so he knew what to expect, but that didn't make the man any more likeable in his eyes. In fact, Chiharu was better at replying to him. The really worst outcome possible was to have the two together. It could just give Aki a way of dealing with Souma! He didn't want to think about enduring more of him.

Souma refused to humor them. He doubted that way o describing him would annoy Aki. Wouldn't it be funny, if he got annoyed at Chiharu for the teasing, when he was unphased by all the insults Souma threw at him? As expected, he instead asked what kind of toy he was thinking of. Chiharu might have been surprised by the retort as well, but the older man knew how to keep his composure. He dealt with businessmen all day, real sharks ready for anything. "It is not in Souma's habit to have friends. If you're here, you're either a schoolmate or the latest plaything he intends to break," he answered. "Do not humor him," Souma let out, not turning to look at them, preferring the content of his fridge instead. That made it hard to tell which was he was talking to here.

Chiharu wondered about it for a second but chose it was useless to ask Souma. He turned his attention back to Akihiko. "My name is Sawamura Chiharu," he introduced himself, even giving over his business card. His name was written, as well as the name of Meng's business company and his title as the CEO's assistant. "I was here for work. As soon as the courier comes with the papers an he signs them, I can leave you to... whatever it is you were supposed to do." Souma closed the fridge's door. Done right after Chiharu finished talking, it sounded like he slammed it. An appropriate answer to the implications in the other man's tone. He even turned and glared at him.

[YOSHIDA AKIHIKO]

Aki didn’t get to see a lot of people who were close enough to Souma for him to invite them over. In fact, he only knew that he had a sister so far, and parents, obviously. Not that he met any of them though, and quite honestly, while he was curious as to what kind of parents would raise children the way he and his sister were he knew better than to spend time with them. They didn’t know that he had eyes on Souma or that he was chasing him for instance. This other person was also a wonder to him, it probably had something to do with his books, at first he thought that he could be an editor, or a family friend, for all he knew.

He got even more surprised by Chiharu’s comments, on the way that he’d break his toys. Was it possible? Who knew, then again, it might get hard to destroy a toy that was an idol and in the eye of the public. Everyone would notice if that was to ever happen so he doubted that it’d be the case. Now that was something he expected less; Souma stood up for him! He tilted his head to the side, looking at the boy curiously. He thought Souma wished him dead and yet, he talked back to this man to prevent him from insulting him. Such a weird person!

He bowed at the man. “It is nice to meet you Sawamura-san, my name is Yoshida Akihiko, we were only supposed to have a meal together if that was what you were wondering about.” He wasn’t the kind of person to jump quickly into someone’s arms, even if he made it look that way. He had to say, he liked a bit of hunting before doing that.

[MENG SOUMA]

Why did Chiharu said something like that? Now Aki's overly imaginative mind would picture all sorts of nonsense. Besides, what did the man know about that? Okay, Souma never had people in his life he couldn't easily toss away, it might be what he implied, but it annoyed him to have the other man talk of himself like this as though he knew him so well. As for breaking Aki... first of al, he was no toy! For that, Souma would have had to play with him in the first place. But he supposed he could easily destroy the boy's career with nasty rumours. Souma doubted Chiharu knew anything of the idol culture, at least when it came of who was one that is. He was not the one interested in educating him. For all Souma knew, he might end up warning him to let the boy go before he ruined him.

But Chiharu did know Souma well. He tutored him since he was in high school, prepared him for his role in his father's company. He had also been his closest friend, as much as it might annoy Souma to admit. And he found ways to talk to Souma and get him to do things. He was unphased by his attitude. And that made Souma hate him all the more for it.

"A meal?" Chiharu said, puzzled by this, looking at Souma for an answer. Souma knew why he reacted that way. He never did that. If someone tried to invite themselves to his place for a meal, he was more likely to kick them away than to offer a time and date for it. He noticed the ingredients Souma had pulled out of his fridge. "And you'll cook?" "If I wanted to go dine out with him, you think he'd be here?" Souma spat back as he pulled a knife. Chiharu apparently knew better to pursue the conversation. He still let it obvious that he found it an odd behaviour.

The bell rang for the second time. "That's got to be the courier this time, unless you were expecting more people to have you meal with." Souma ignored him and pulled the rest of what he would need. Chiharu was the one who went to the door as though this was his home. He made sure this time it was the right person before letting them get up to the apartment.

[YOSHIDA AKIHIKO]

Akihiko couldn’t say he knew how to read Souma well, but deep inside, he was pleased with the protectiveness that Souma was having towards him. It showed him that chasing Souma so far wasn’t completely hopeless and that there might be chances they could actually become friends! That was a first, he never thought he’d find out so soon, not when he knew pretty well of Souma’s genre, the kind to hate everything. Perhaps, he wasn’t hated so much by Souma-kun! His face didn’t show his trail of thoughts, however, as he focused on the conversation going on between him and this Chiharu person. It was interesting to see him talking normally to someone. He’d almost think for a moment that this man was a robot of some sort, not having emotions and all.

He’d have to say, he could have been there if he wanted to go dine out with him, but seeing the knife in Souma-Kun's arm restrained him from adding a comment that would result in him getting cut into pieces. He didn’t want to be served as the meal…not that way anyway.

He tried to take a peek at what Souma was cooking, as they had not established the menu together. “What are you cooking?” Asking for the menu might give him a chance to have a conversation as he would let the other man open the door for them since Souma was obviously busy in the kitchen.

[MENG SOUMA]

Souma didn't want Aki to see his interaction with Chiharu. It would lead him to believe he could have a normal relationship with him as well. Souma had to deal with one like that already, he didn't need another. He wasn't sure what the boy thought of everything going on. For once, he was surprisingly quiet. No question to Chiharu or about him, no comment about himself and Souma, nothing. Just a brief comment about him being a toy and an introduction, which Souma assumed made sense even if he disapproved. He didn't want to have to talk to either of them about the other. At least he expected Chiharu not to mention Aki to his parents. He knew he worked for his father and didn't come here only to talk business but to have something to report about the man's son, but Souma still trusted Chiharu wouldn't share that sort of thing. What was there to report anyway?

Souma almost wished Aki got flustered over the suggestions their comments might have been towards their relationships. Did he get what Chiharu implied by 'toy', or by 'breaking' them? Souma hoped his lack of reaction was because he didn't get it. Then again, if he had been flustered about it, it coud have opened a door for Souma to scare him away. His lack of reaction instead made him dread he might not oppose to it. While he could finally get something even remotely interesting for himself, which he refused to believe possible, he didn't want to see Aki try to flirt his way into Souma heart and bed.

Aki asked what he intended to cook for them. "Nabe, he anwered. The hotpot would be good he thought. Anyway, he was cooking. Maybe it was not the best to showcase one's culinary talent, but he picked that nonetheless. He had various vegetables he needed to peel and cut for it. He had meat as well that he would simmer and the broth to prepare. He knew he had easily an hour of preparation to make it but he didn't care. That would leave enough time for Akihiko to snoop around. He bet he was begging for it.

[YOSHIDA AKIHIKO]

Unlike what Souma thought, he didn’t believe he could have a normal relationship with Souma because he was talking with Chiharu. Instead, he believed that there was more depth to his personality than he thought there was and proved him right on the fact that he could socialize more than he was willing to admit. He was similar to his sister, but his sister showed a bit more emotions than he did on a daily basis. He didn’t know why Souma was so on the defensive, but it must have been because he wasn’t alone and that this person was here at the same time as he was. He didn’t mind it much though and liked the ambiance. It was nice and he was also away from the projectors while being in his apartment and he could be more like himself.

“I haven’t eaten that in a while.” He said, agreeing to the menu. It wasn’t like he had much of a choice and he was looking forward to tasting something that was homemade for him. It was funny how it could sound romantic and it was probably the least thing that Souma wanted to be right about now, especially with that knife in hand. It reminded him not to be too lousy for the time being and to be a good little boy.

“Do you need help?” He was no chief but he could at least help and cut vegetables if he wanted to.

[MENG SOUMA]

Chiharu was not as sociable as Akihiko but definitely more than Souma. He was fine with some small talk around Aki but he was also aware of Souma and how much the yougn man would dislike that. As much as he may love to torture the man, Chiharu knew whe to stop, especially if he wanted Souma to continue collaborating. It was why the courrier offered a good distraction. because it was intriguing to see someone, someone like Aki no less, coming to Souma's place, without any apprehension in his gaze. More than that, it sounded like they had a date, and that he was looking forward to it, that he could be amused by spending time with Souma. Chiharu couldn't say he saw this very often.

Souma and everything for the nabe. Various mushrooms, bamboo roots, tofu, cabbage, carrots, scallions, homemade chicken meatballs, shrimps, green onions... He still needed to prepare everything but he was not bothered by the task. He couldn't say he made a lot of nabe, of course, and certainly nothing as big, not for one person, but that was fine enough for two.

Akihiko offered help. For a moment, Souma stared at the guy but he eventually pulled out another knife for him. "Just don't cut yourself," he said, letting Akihiko choose which vegetables he wanted to cut for the nabe. Souma had slowly paced everything on the table to that effect.

[YOSHIDA AKIHIKO]

Akihiko definitely had a lot of questions to Souma and wanted to know who Chiharu was to him too. He looked older and was most certainly someone he knew for a long time otherwise he wouldn’t have acted that way. He had seen him in public, he barely wanted to socialize with others and it took a lot for him to actually reach out to the other man as he was doing now. However, he knew better than to pester him with questions when the other man was around. He didn’t want to embarrass Souma or get kicked out when he was actually preparing a meal for him.

He smiled glad that Souma was willing to let him help prepare the meal. It would keep him busy. He was curious alright, but he knew better than to peek into someone else’s business, even more, when that someone's business’ was Souma’s. He didn’t want to lose the trust he was slowly gaining from him. Not to add that he knew what it was like when you didn’t want someone to get too much in your private life.

“I’m not that clumsy.” He retorted to Souma when he got to the knife. He was glad he could help as it would keep him occupied for the time being and until Chiharu would leave. Besides, he hated giving first bad impressions on others.

[MENG SOUMA]

Souma hoped that Aki wouldn't suggest to invite Chiharu. That would be the worst. Chiharu could feed in Aki's curiosity, all while embarrassing Souma. The man was very familiar with Souma, implying a connection between them deeper than just work. If that was all there was to it, Chiharu should have been more polite to Souma, him being the boss' son and all. But Souma didn't want to explain his relationship with Chiharu. Truth was, he hated the guy, but wanted him around at the same time. He was better than some new guy trying to prove themselves to Souma. But he didn't want to explain to Aki how that was the man who betrayed him the most. He bet Aki wouldn't even understand why he felt that way, or think it was nothing. Maybe it was. Souma had grown over it. But that only meant he would merely tolerate Chiharu now. And he definitely didn't want to tolerate him when he would be busy tolerating Aki already.

Aki claimed he was not clumsy. Souma had no idea what his culinary skills extended to. As far as he knew, the boy lived with his parents and probably had his mother still cooking his meals for him. Maybe he shouldn't mock him in that way, when Aki thought he was the one who didn't know how to cook and he was proving him wrong. But unless Aki lived on his own, Souma would have trouble believing he was all that good. Still, surely he could peel and cut a carrot or cabbage without cutting a finger in the process.

Chiharu returned with papers in hands. "This time, it was the right guy. I'll just need your signature on those documents and I'll be off your chrosshairs." Souma sighed but since that was what he wanted, he washed his hands. The table being full of ingredients now, they went to the couch so that Souma could sit and use his lap as a table. He quickly read to make sure those were the right documents and signed them, then applied his stamp. Chiharu placed the documents in a folder. "That's it. And I'll make sure the ticket is sent here," he told Souma as he stood up. Souma was glad as it meant he would leave. He left Aki alone in the kitchen for a moment as he escorted Chiharu to the door, more than happy to close it behind him, ignoring his quiet question as to who Aki was and what he intended to do with him. He still had the time to hear him say to be careful, but he didn't want to hear from him. He returned to the kitchen. Now he only had one nuisance to deal with. That was a more acceptable amount.

[YOSHIDA AKIHIKO]

Aki might be quite of a blunt person in general but he knew when to be quieter and when not to be noticed. When people talked business and it was the case with Souma and this Chiharu so he would rather not interfere too much. Though he did have a feeling that this man would be willing to give him more info about Souma, he’d have to keep that in mind the next time they would meet. He might not be a chief but he knew how to cut food and was starting to do the task, grabbing the first vegetable that was next to him and starting to cut it, barely paying attention to it but still managing not to cut himself while doing so.

Of course, he would overhear what Souma was doing with Chiharu, they talked about documents, and it either had to do with his writing or a family business. Rich kids nowadays were in either of those two branches. He wouldn’t question Souma about it though, those were more than private matters and he didn’t think they were close enough to talk about something like this.

He grabbed another carrot and started cutting it, he ended up liking cooking, when it was to help someone out with it and not only for himself. He hated eating alone and would rather have unwanted company than be on his own. “You cook often?” he asked Souma making small talk. He didn’t know if he would rather have premade meals when he was alone or if he preferred home cooking. He could easily say that home cooking was the best, it reminded him of his happy childhood, surely his mother would approve of him doing that hence he hadn’t been able to do so as often as he’d like.

[MENG SOUMA]

Souma didn't like that Chiharu gave his business card to Akihiko. He knew it was only curtesy but the idea that Aki could be in touch with someone who knew him as well as Chiharu displeased him. He didn't want to think about what these two people could say to each other, should they ever meet again. Sure, Aki knew his sister and could have talked to her also, but he feared less what she would say. She had a somewhat similar personality to his, she might not be interested in giving away private details about her brother.

So far, Aki was calm enough. He was also helping with the meal. Souma did check on him, to make sure he cut the vegetables as he should. He might not be super picky on this, but there were ways that would make them cook faster in the hotpot. Plus he still did not trust Aki to know exactly how to cook and not just simply cutting himself in pieces along the way.

Souma had no offer Aki any information on Chiharu and unless the man made it clear it worked for Souma's father, Aki might wonder who he was. Then again, Souma figured that a quick look at his business card might help, as there was the Meng's company written on it. That is, if Aki got this was a company and not some book editor. He made sure to read the documents as quickly as possible and to put his stamp on it. This was quite the burden. But at least Chiharu referred to the tickets and it reminded him that he would have two weeks away from all of this. He made sure not to simply be away from Christmas, since it was more for couples and his parents would not care for this, but also the New Year, to avoid the celebrations that were normally for families. Another good thing about it was that he could finally say goodbye to Chiharu. "Goodbye, Akihiko-kun," Chriharu said also to Aki before leaving. Souma was certain there was some amusement in the man's voice, irritating him further, but he was gone now and he didn't have to think about what he made of their relationship.

He returned to the kitchen where Akihiko was to work on the broth. He intended for it to be a little spicy but not too much. Aki could now start questioning him. "I live alone, I always cook," he just said. Souma wasn't too much into dining out. If he cooked himself, at least it would be exactly as he wanted it, without any ingredients he disliked. He looked at the vegetables the boy had cut so far. "You're not half-bad," he assessed. That was as much of a compliment as he was willing to give him. But Aki did better than he anticipated. So far, no finger was bleeding. And he seemed to have cut the vegetables the way it usually was for such meal.