Chapter Text
Nim landed outside of a restaurant in Tokyo. Bobby and Gwi-Ma were eating dinner together, Nim could see them through the window. She sat and waited patiently for them to finish dinner, curling up on a ledge and getting comfortable. Forty minutes later Bobby and Gwi-Ma walked out of the restaurant and Nim perked up at Bobby’s voice.
“Where would you like to go next babe?” Bobby asked as Nim leaped down in front of him startling him slightly. “Ah! Oh! Hello Nim.”
Nim stood on her back paws and presented the envelope to Gwi-Ma. He delicately took the letter from Nim and went to open it. Nim growled at him.
“I think we should go back to our hotel to read this apparently.” Gwi-Ma said to Bobby who looked at Nim. She chuffed loudly and then slipped back into the honmoon.
“Apparently.” Bobby said as he took Gwi-Ma’s hand, they started walking toward the hotel hand in hand with soft smiles on their faces. Neither of them realizing exactly how heavy that letter was about to be.
Bobby and Gwi-Ma made their way up to their room and Bobby pulled out a keycard and scanned it before they made their way inside. Bobby turned on the light and let Gwi-Ma make his way over to the desk. He sat down and opened the letter.
My dearest Gwi-Ma. I still love you, and I always will. But I wish you had learned how to communicate with me while I was alive. I wish both of you had. I was angry at you for a very long time when Nim had informed me of demon’s imprinting and mating bonds after I passed. She also told me how to break that bond. Truly I want you happy, I want you to move on. I want you to live your life without a black hole of pain in your chest. So because I love you. I reject your bond. I reject you as my mate.
Don’t fight it. I know Rumi considers Bobby a father figure. Embrace stepdad hood and love him in the way he deserves with your whole heart. Once our daughter allows it, hug her tight for me. I will always love you. But I need you to move on.
Ryu 💙
Gwi-Ma sobbed loudly as he clutched his chest. The ache in it spreading like wildfire, that black hole of anguish and sorrow folding in on itself. He felt something inside of him snap as he collapsed to the floor. Bobby was by his side in a moment.
“Gwi-Ma! What happened? Are you okay?! Babe. Talk to me.” Bobby said in a panicked tone.
“Rejection.” Gwi-Ma said weakly as he gasped for air. His whole body felt like it was going to curl in on itself. Bobby held Gwi-Ma tightly as he grabbed the letter to read it.
“Oh, honey.” Bobby said softly as he pulled Gwi-Ma closer. “I’ve got you.” A soft whimper left Gwi-Ma as he curled into Bobby and clutched his chest softly. Black tears streaked down his cheeks as his body shifted into his demon form. He weeped softly into Bobby’s chest as Bobby kissed him on his forehead and cheeks. Anywhere Bobby’s lips reached he placed soft kisses in an attempt to sooth whatever pain Gwi-Ma was experiencing.
What felt like hours later but was in reality only minutes, Gwi-Ma finally settled down. His human form slipping back into place as he took deep calming breaths. “That never gets any easier or less painful.” Gwi-Ma whispered, voice still shaking.
“Are you okay?” Bobby asked him.
“As I can be right now. I need a shower though. I’m drenched in sweat.” Gwi-Ma said as he tried to stand, Bobby scrambled to his feet and helped him stand.
“Let me help you.” Bobby offered as he guided him toward the bathroom. He gently forced Gwi-Ma to sit on the closed toilet before he turned and started the shower. Bobby adjusted the temperature and then turned to unbutton Gwi-Ma’s dress shirt and help him out of it. Gwi-Ma let Bobby undress him, numb to what was happening until Bobby ushered him under the water. Gwi-Ma shook as he let the water run over his body. Bobby closed the curtain for a moment so the water wouldn’t get all over the floor. Then he undressed and joined Gwi-Ma in the shower. A soft rag covered in soap rubbing over his back jostled Gwi-Ma.
“Wha- B-Bobby, what are you doing?” Gwi-Ma asked as he attempted to turn around.
“Taking care of you, relax. Let me wash your back.” Bobby spoke softly as he took care to wash Gwi-Ma’s back. “Turn around.” Bobby requested softly. Gwi-Ma hesitated for a long moment. “I was active military, you’ve given me a blow job. I promise you. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before. Let me take care of you.”
Gwi-Ma finally turned around and allowed Bobby to wash his chest and face and arms. Before he crouched down to wash his legs and feet. At eye level he got quite the sight of Gwi-Ma but he continued on his path of caring for him. He stood up and looked him in the eyes with a soft smile. “Do you want me to wash the rest of you or do you want to handle it?” Bobby asked softly.
“I probably should. My whole body feels raw right now.” Gwi-Ma answered, finally finding his voice. Making it a little more steady than it was moments ago. Bobby handed the soap covered rag to Gwi-Ma so he could wash his private parts. Once he was finished washing himself he placed the rag on the hook and Bobby softly grabbed his face.
“Bend your head down slightly so I can wash your hair dear.” Bobby requested. Gwi-Ma complied and bent his head forward. Bobby washed his hair and then encouraged him to lean back and rinse his hair. Then he conditioned Gwi-Ma’s hair and guided him out of the way of the stream so Bobby could quickly wash his own body and hair while the conditioner set. Once he applied conditioner to his own head he guided Gwi-Ma back under the stream of warm water and rinsed his hair. Each action made Gwi-Ma feel even more loved than the previous one.
Eventually they ended up wrapped in fuzzy robes on the bed, Gwi-Ma’s head resting in Bobby’s lap soothing him. Fingers carded through soft lavender hair as he let Gwi-Ma rest and take in this new life they had stepped into.
“ Thank you. ”
“Shhh, none of that, just relax. I don’t need thanked. I need you to just take as much time as you need. I’m not going anywhere.” Bobby reassured Gwi-Ma, and in a moment of vulnerability Gwi-Ma let out a shaky breath that sounded almost broken before he started crying in Bobby’s lap.
After some time he finally found the words to explain how he was feeling to Bobby. “It hurts so much, because it doesn’t hurt at all.” Gwi-Ma squeaked out sounding horse and broken.
“The hurt made up for her being gone. She didn’t do this to hurt you. She did this because she loved you.” Bobby reassured him.
“I think that makes it worse. She wants me happy. Even though I took everything from her.”
“Mistakes were made. You all fucked up. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer for ever.” Bobby reassured him softly.
“What?” Gwi-Ma asked in a confused tone.
“You suffered for 24 years with an ache in your chest, without your daughter in your life, without love, that’s a lifetime of suffering. That’s Rumi’s lifetime. You’ve gotta realize you’ve suffered enough. Yes it hurts that she rejected you, and your bond. But she wants you to be happy. She let you go, so you can start living again. But it’s up to you on whether you want to sit here and beat yourself up for something that she’s already forgiven you for.” Bobby explained.
“She didn’t say she forgave me.”
“If she didn’t forgive you, she would’ve left that ache sitting in the center of your chest for the rest of your life.” Bobby promised.
“How do you know?” Gwi-Ma asked as he stared ahead at the painting on the wall that was most definitely a copy of a copy.
“Because someone who doesn’t want to forgive you, doesn’t want to see you happy. She wants you happy.” Bobby said as he softly massaged Gwi-Ma’s scalp.
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Alright. Let’s get into bed and rest. It’s been a long week and I am exhausted.” Bobby said as he shut off the lamp on the nightstand and Gwi-Ma raised his head so Bobby could slide down the bed. Gwi-Ma placed his head against Bobby’s chest and listened to his heartbeat for a very long time before he started to drift off to sleep.
“I love you Bobby.” Was quietly whispered against Bobby’s chest into the quiet room. Bobby’s heart rate didn’t change, which told Gwi-Ma he was sleeping peacefully. Blissfully unaware that The Demon King lying against his chest would move heaven and earth to get to him if anything were to happen.
~Celine’s Hotel Room~
Celine was scrolling through her instagram when Ji-a texted her.
Ji-a 9:30 p.m: Finally home.
Celine 9:30 p.m: I’m glad you’ve arrived home safe.
Ji-a 9:31 p.m: I should probably head to bed. Even if I don’t want to.
Celine 9:32 p.m: what time do you normally get up?
Ji-a 9:33 p.m. 6 a.m. Sharp.
“A woman after my own heart, doesn’t like wasting the day.” Celine whispered.
Celine 9:34 p.m: I really should let you rest then, even if I wanted to call you, just to hear that pretty voice of yours.
Ji-a 9:35 p.m: Please! If anyone has a pretty voice it’s you Celine.
Celine 9:36 p.m: I should probably behave and let you rest.
Ji-a 9:36 p.m: No, now you’ve gotta tell me.
Celine 9:37 p.m: Voice note. “I bet I could get you to make the prettiest sounds Ji-a.” Celine husked out in an even deeper tone, thick with want.
Ji-a 9:38 p.m: oh my god! You are trying to kill me.
Celine 9:40 p.m: No I’m not, just wanna hear you sing for me. 😉 Good Night Ji-a, maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.
Ji-a 9:41 p.m: Fuck you are a flirt! Good night Celine, and hopefully. But we shall see.
The next morning Celine woke up around 7:45 to a text from Rumi.
Rumi 7:40 a.m: already ordered breakfast come on over when you are ready. Just throw on a robe. Breakfast, Sauna, Shower, Massages.
Celine got up and tossed on a robe before she grabbed her phone and slipped on the slippers provided by the hotel. She grabbed her key card and slid it into her robe pocket before she walked out the door and across the hall. She knocked on the door and it opened quickly, Rumi smiled at Celine as she let her into the room and they made their way over to the table. Celine sat at the empty space and smiled at the girls.
“Good morning girls. I hope you all feel more refreshed and slept well.” Celine said to the girls before she poured herself a cup of coffee.
“I for one slept like the dead.” Mira commented as she took the carafe of coffee from Celine and poured herself a black cup as well, Celine smiled appreciatively at Mira before she reached for some pancakes.
“I always sleep well when Rumi the furnace is near by.” Zoey said with a smile.
“She’s always ran hot. When she was little I was constantly worried she had a fever.” Celine said as she cast a sidelong glance at Rumi. “How did you sleep?”
“I’m still tired. But I slept.” Rumi answered and then yawned softly. “But I’m excited for the massages, maybe Ziva will put me to sleep this time.” Rumi added.
“Maybe. Let’s eat and head down to the sauna.” Celine told the girls, then her phone pinged loudly in her robe pocket. Celine quickly fished it out to see a text from Ji-a
Ji-a 8:15 a.m: Good Morning Gorgeous.
Celine beamed at the phone before she set her face to something more neutral.
“Who was that?” Rumi asked.
“No one.” Celine lied, then blanched knowing she shouldn’t be lying to Rumi anymore. She sighed and looked at her with a soft smile. “Okay, I’m sorry. It was Ji-a.”
“Oh? How did Ji-a get your number?” Zoey asked.
“I went to the noodle bar for a drink last night after you three went to bed. She came in shortly after I sat down and we started chatting.” Celine explained.
“Good.” Rumi said as she grabbed a couple pieces of fruit and a pancake off the large platter in the middle of the table.
“Good?” Celine asked.
“Yeah.” Rumi answered and Celine let the subject drop.
45 minutes later they were all seated in the sauna, content to enjoy the warmth and allow it to loosen their muscles. All of them were still sleepy and content to relax until the timer went off. They quickly made their way back to their rooms to rinse off before their massages.
All four of them removed their robes and laid down under the sheets prepared for them, Ziva, Rina, and Mei-Lee walked into the room a few moments later.
“Hello Ladies! Nice to see you again. Unfortunately the receptionist over booked our masseuses. So the manager of the spa, who is a certified masseuse is stepping up and helping out. Hopefully that will be okay? Ji-a will be massaging Celine.” Ziva told the group. Celine wanted to sit up and object simply because she didn’t want the first time Ji-a’s hands had touched her so intimately to be here and now, but she realized that would cause more alarm than anything else.
“That’s fine.” Celine said in a strange tone.
Rumi’s ears perked up but didn’t say a word, Zoey and Mira both kept quiet as well. The girls went to their stations and Ji-a went to stand next to Celine. All of them started massaging the women on the tables with-out preamble. Rumi was the first one to loudly sigh as Ziva massaged her.
Celine was doing everything in her power to not moan, this was about to be the least relaxing massage she had ever gotten.
Fortunately one of the girls spoke up. “So Beijing is next right?” Ziva asked.
“Yep! Then after that we move on to Europe.” Zoey answered.
“6 more weeks of tour, then we get a couple months break.” Mira answered and then she softly groaned again as Rina massaged a knot out of her shoulder.
Ji-a on the other hand was over the moon, she wasn’t sure exactly how their scheduler had fucked up so astronomically that she had to step up and do this massage with the girls today but she was ecstatic. She owed her a raise, or maybe a promotion. Something. Never in a million years did she think she’d be massaging Celine Kim.
“Mom?” Rumi said loudly, jostling Celine and Ji-a. A not so gentle reminder that she was in fact getting a massage with her daughter and future daughters’ in law.
“Yeah sweetheart?” Celine asked trying to keep her voice even.
“After we are done with tour. Would you like to come back?” Rumi asked.
“That sounds delightful.” Celine answered as Ji-a found a spot on her back that made her twitch. Not a tender muscle but just a sensitive area. Celine bit her lip as Ji-a found a knot and massaged it out. Celine tried to relax into her touch, but her body felt like it was on fire. She was sure she was going to be dripping by the time Ji-a had finished the massage.
Celine tried to close her eyes, focus on nothing but how skilled Ji-a’s hands were. She noticed that the girls were also quiet, which Celine concluded had everything to do with the fact that Ji-a was also in this room, working every little ache and pain out of her body she could with her deftly skilled fingers. “When was the last time you had to step up and do a massage Ji-a?” Mira asked as she rolled over so Rina could massage her arms, shoulders and neck.
“Two months ago we had two masseuses out sick.” She answered Mira, then turned her focus back to Celine. “So I apologize if I’m a little rusty.”
“You’re doing great.” Celine answered, she really wanted to speak her mind but she knew three of Ji-a’s employees were there in the room with them. Plus Rumi and the girls were also present. Zoey has been surprisingly well behaved about the whole situation in Celine’s eyes but she’s still nervous.
“Thank you.” Ji-a answered politely as she started massaging her calves. Hands inched closer and closer to where Celine desperately wanted, but knew she wouldn’t get. Not here, not now. Hand’s slid up to her thighs and massaged them softly, never venturing too close. She had to give Ji-a credit, Celine wasn’t sure if she’d have the same self control given the opportunity.
By the end of the massage Rumi actually managed to fall asleep. Mira and Zoey were beaming at the fact she had. Ziva was not exactly surprised that Rumi had, she knew the girls were tired. Thankfully Rumi wasn’t glowing, that would’ve been hard to explain. Ji-a, Ziva, Rina, and Mei-Lee exited the room so they could get redressed in their robes and head back up to their rooms so they could get dressed and head to lunch. The first challenge was getting Rumi up though.
“Rumi, time to wake up. Ziva knocked you out.” Zoey whispered as she ran her fingers through Rumi’s hair massaging her scalp.
“Okay.” Rumi grumbled softly as she stretched and yawned while still lying face down. Then she sat up with the sheet and grabbed her robe so she could put it on and they could head back up to their rooms. “Did you enjoy your massage mom?” Rumi asked sleepily.
“Yes, it was quite nice.” Celine answered when in reality.No. It was torture, blissful delightful torture.
“Good. I doubt Ji-a will allow that kind of mistake to happen again. It’s very unfortunate that she had to step in, but that’s a managers job, doing what needs done.” Mira added as she looped her arm through Rumi’s and Zoey took her other arm. All three of them walked out the door with Celine trailing behind a moment later.
Rumi, Zoey, and Mira had left their phones up in the room. So they had no idea what the girls were currently typing to them.
Ziva to ✨Girl Power✨ 11:07 a.m: IF ANYONE ASKS IT WASN’T ME
MeiMei to ✨Girl Power✨ 11:08 a.m: I think it was genuinely an accident. Or fate is fucking with them.
Rina to ✨Girl Power✨11:09 a.m: That was the single most quiet massage I’ve ever given.
Ziva to ✨Girl Power✨11:10 a.m: I can’t believe I actually put you to sleep Rumi.
Once the girls got up to their rooms and read the text messages they all giggled to each other for a moment. Then they started texting back.
Rumi to ✨Girl Power✨ 11:17 a.m: Please take it as a compliment.
Zoey to ✨Girl Power✨ 11:18 a.m: Please do. I’ve never seen Rumi sleep around people she didn’t 100% trust. So welcome to the club.
Mira to ✨Girl Power✨11:20 a.m: not like we could talk about our relationships while Ji-a was there anyway. We have another massage with you guys on Wednesday afternoon. Celine checks out Wednesday morning.
“Let’s get dressed, real quick and get ready to find Celine something nice to wear to dinner tomorrow night. Have we decided on if we are setting them up?” Zoey said as she started digging through her suitcase.
~Celine’s Room~
Celine was digging through her suitcase trying to find something to wear that would be easy to change in and out of while they were looking for an outfit for her. She settled on a pair of capris and a teeshirt along with a pair of comfortable flip-flops.
Celine 11:15 a.m: It took all of my self control to not moan. Fuck! Ji-a, you aren’t making this easy on me.
Ji-a 11:16 a.m: and here I was thinking you didn’t enjoy it. 😅
Celine 11:16 a.m: If my daughter and her band mates hadn’t been in the room…
Ji-a 11:17 a.m: What? Tell me? I’d love to know.
Celine 11:18 a.m: Wednesday cannot come soon enough. I need to book a different hotel tonight.
Celine then heard a knock on the door of her hotel. She pocketed her phone and headed over to the door. She opened it to see all of the girls standing there with smiles on the faces. “Ready?” Rumi asked eagerly.
“Yeah. Let me grab my key card and my purse.” Celine answered as she turned around and grabbed her purse off the stand by the door and then exited the room.
They made their way to the shopping district and found quite a few cute new outfits for all of them and nice formal wear for Celine. By the time they were done shopping Celine realized that she would need a suitcase to take everything home in. “I need to find a luggage store.” Celine told the girls as they continued walking through the shopping district.
“There’s one down the street from the hotel if you wanna head back? Then we can grab a late lunch early dinner?” Mira commented as she looked at her watch. It was almost 4 in the afternoon.
“If you girls want, what would you like to eat?” Celine asked the girls as they called for a cab to take them back to the hotel.
“We might need to get two cabs…” Rumi commented begrudgingly as she looked at all the shopping bags. There was no way all four of them were fitting in a cab together with all this.
“Are you going to be okay with that?” Zoey asked.
“I’ll live. You two get one together, I’ll ride with Celine.” Rumi told Zoey and Mira.
“Okay.” Zoey relented. They climbed into the back of the first cab and took their bags with them before it drove off heading back to the hotel. Rumi felt an ache settle in her chest and she knew the girls did as well. With a sigh she flagged down the next one and her and Celine climbed in with all of their bags from their shopping trip.
Once seated in the cab Rumi told the driver what hotel they wanted to go to and then turned to look at Celine. “So Ji-a huh?” Rumi asked with curiosity.
“She’s quite eye catching, and I find her company enjoyable so far.” Celine answered.
“Is that why you kissed her last night at the bar?” Rumi asked, leveling Celine.
“How do you know that?” Celine asked as she looked out the window.
“Rina. The hostess, she was Mira’s masseuse today. Ziva, my masseuse is a line cook and seen it on the cameras in the office. Mei-Lee was Zoey’s masseuse and a server in the restaurant. Now I’m going to tell you something and you cannot tell Ji-a. Promise?” Rumi asked her, Celine looked over at Rumi with absolute fear in her eyes for Ji-a and her job.
“What?” Celine questioned nervously.
“They are dating. Ji-a cannot find out, she will have to fire them. So what do you want to do about Ji-a?”
“Well she could get fired for allowing me to kiss her last night. So the girls could easily get her fired if they wanted.” Celine said nervously.
“I don’t want anyone getting fired for anything. The girls are our friends, we like them a lot. And I want you happy. So tell me, did you enjoy kissing Ji-a?” Rumi questioned.
“Yes. And I’ll have you know that massage today was actually torture. Absolute torture.” Celine answered.
“I figured it was. But I have an idea. If you are willing to humor me?” Rumi pleaded with big puppy eyes like she used to when she wanted an extra cookie after dinner. Celine never relented once. But now… now she wanted to. She always wanted to give Rumi everything she ever wanted but knew she couldn’t raise a spoiled brat.
“Depends on what it is Rumi.”
“We buy the hotel and spa. Everything stays the same, we just own it. That way it won’t seem suspicious when you are here every month ‘checking in’ on things, and that guarantees the girls will never lose their jobs over being in a relationship.”
“I was… already thinking about it.” Celine admitted.
“Mom!” Rumi scolded but Celine could see the twinkle in Rumi’s eyes. She was glad they were on the same page for once.
“What? She’s attractive.” Celine said half defensively, half passively. As if she were stating a well known fact. “I’ll look and see what we can do. I don’t even know if the hotel owners would be willing to part with it.” Celine told Rumi.
“I haven’t told Zoey or Mira my idea yet. So let’s just keep that to ourselves for now until we know if it’s even feasible.” Rumi commented as they pulled up to the hotel.
“Agreed.” Celine said as she opened the door. “But I am going to make a quick stop at the front desk to speak to the manager. I need the owners contact information. Can you handle taking my bags up to my room sweetheart?” Celine asked Rumi.
“Of course. But don’t spend too long talking to the manager. I’m hungry, and now my chest is really starting to hurt.” Rumi requested.
“I’ll be along shortly.” Celine told Rumi before they grabbed all the bags and piled out of the car. Zoey and Mira were sitting in the lobby when they walked in. Celine smiled at the girls before she darted over to the front desk to speak to the receptionist.
“Can you please fetch me the hotel manager. I have a few questions I think only she can answer.” Celine asked the woman standing behind the desk.
“Of course, please wait here.” The girl said before she darted into the back offices.
“Let’s head up to our room and get these bags put away, Mom can I have your keycard?” Rumi asked as she walked over to Celine, Celine pulled out her key card and handed it to Rumi before they rushed over to the elevator to climb into it and head up to their floor.
Ji-a walked out of the doorway the receptionist had just come from a moment ago with a look of utter displeasure until she seen that it was Celine waiting for her. A soft smile spread across her face. “Ah! Celine, what can I do for you?” She asked as she walked up to her.
“I need information about the hotel owner, I have a few questions for them. If you don’t mind?” Celine asked which caused Ji-a to look extremely nervous.
“Sure. Follow me. I have all that information in my office.” Ji-a instructed before she allowed Celine to walk behind the desk and follow her into her office which was thankfully closed and secure. “What do you need to know?”
“Names and contact information? Board members information if necessary. Rumi loves the hotel and spa so much that we are considering making it our next venture.” Celine explained as Ji-a started looking for the information Celine needed before she paused.
“What do you mean exactly?”
“Rumi wants to buy the hotel and spa, as her mother, who am I to say no to such a request?” Celine said with a shrug.
“I fear you and I have lived very different lives.” Ji-a said in disbelief.
“I fear my daughter is far more observant than either of us would like to think about. But she did say ‘That way it won’t seem suspicious when you are here every month ‘checking in’ on things’. She knows I kissed you last night and am very interested in you.” Celine said as she eyed Ji-a appreciatively.
“How.. how does she know?” Ji-a asked.
“I probably shouldn’t have kissed you at the noodle bar.”
“Oh fuck! Ziva, Rina, and Mei-Lee! Fuck I’m so fired.” Ji-a said in a panic as she dropped to her seat.
“No you aren’t. I promise. Now give me the owners contact information?” Celine requested. “And don’t go making a big deal with the girls about it, from what I can tell Ziva, Mei-Lee, and Rina all know and have yet to say a word to you.”
“Because they’ve been busy with appointments all day.” Ji-a said with a sigh, still fearing the worst.
“Well if Rumi and I own the hotel, then you can’t get fired. Does that make sense?” Celine asked Ji-a.
“Yes. Let me get that information for you, but good luck. Last time someone attempted to buy this place, the owner spat in their face.” Ji-a said as she set the business card in front of Celine. She looked down at the card and snatched it off the desk so she could bring her closer to her face she squinted slightly so she could read it a little better. She didn’t have her reading glasses.
Hiroto Yakamora
That name was very familiar. Celine pulled her cellphone out of her back pocket and checked her contacts. Yep. The number matched. She smiled at Ji-a before she sat down and hit dial. The phone rang once.
“Celine! What do I owe the pleasure?” Hiroto asked into the phone politely, he was a kind man who she had met at a business conference a few years back, they had connected over their mutual love of getting shit done in the most effective way possible.
“I’m just going to cut straight to the chase here Hiroto, my daughter loves the hotel and spa. To the point she’s considering purchasing it. Tell me a number and I’ll tell you yes.” Celine said into the phone. There was a long pause on the end of the line.
“Which hotel and spa? We own several.”
“Okinawa.”
“That one hasn’t been very lucrative as of late. Not that it’s its fault. It needs some updates that haven’t happened in a while. I thought about just cutting my losses on it and demolishing it but I don’t want people to be out of jobs. Are you in Okinawa right now?” Hiroto asked Celine.
“I am. Rumi and the girls are here with me at the hotel doing their mid tour break.” Celine explained.
“Wonderful. Would the two of you be willing to meet up for coffee tomorrow? I’m actually visiting my grand daughters. They just went to The Huntr/x show in Tokyo last Friday. They really do love them.”
“You’ve got two grand daughters correct? Can you text me their names? I’m sure the girls wouldn’t mind personalizing some merch for them.” Celine asked, she could feel Ji-a staring her down.
“Yes, and I can but it’s not necessary.” Hiroto answered Celine.
“It absolutely is, and the least I can do for you even humoring this request. What sizes do they wear?” Celine asked.
“Thank you, I’m sure they will appreciate it. Just get them both larges, that way they can grow into it. They are only 11 and 13.” Hiroto told Celine.
“I can do that. Rumi and I would love to meet you for coffee and to speak about this potential new business venture.” Celine told Hiroto.
“How’s 10:30 sound?” Hiroto asked.
“Perfect. Send me the girls names and the address where you’d like to meet up and we can have a chat.” Celine answered as she eyed Ji-a, who looked extremely nervous still.
“I’ll do that once we are done speaking, tell me, how have you been? Well I hope. The last time we spoke you seemed lonely.” Hiroto asked.
“I actually just met someone yesterday. She’s quite the charmer. But we will have to see if it goes anywhere.” Celine said as she stared directly into Ji-a’s eyes.
“Well if it does go somewhere I’d love to meet her one day, my wife and I really enjoyed your company the last time we seen each other. I’m sure she’d love the woman you’ve chosen as a partner.”
“We shall see. I’ve gotta see if she’s going to like me in three months. You know how much of a workaholic I can be.”
“The best women put up with the bullshit. Or are even harder workers than you. I’d offer to bring my wife but she’s actually at another resort working on getting things organized for the next renovation there. So I’ll have to call her after I’m done speaking to you and let her know you are interested in purchasing the Okinawa location.”
“I’m sad I won’t get to see Aya, give her my regards. I unfortunately didn’t expect you to be the person I’d be calling today when I asked for the owners phone number. Rumi, Mira and Zoey are waiting on me so we can head to an early dinner. We skipped lunch.” Celine said guiltily.
“Then I mustn’t keep you. I shall see you and Rumi tomorrow at 10:30, I’ll text you the address and the girls names. Have a lovely day.”
“You as well Hiroto.” Celine said politely before she hung up.
Hiroto Yakamora 4:15 p.m: Mizuki and Himari. 1212 Awaise Dr.
Celine Kim 4:15 p.m: Thank you.
“You know the owner?”
“He’s quite kind actually. Met him a few years ago at a business conference. But I really must be going. Rumi is going to kill me if I make her or the girls wait any longer.” Celine explained as she stood up and handed Ji-a the business card back.
“I probably shouldn’t offer to kiss you then.” Ji-a said as she stood up to walk over to the door to open it for Celine. Celine caught her hand and pulled her close so she could whisper in her ear.
“I’m still dripping wet from feeling your hands all over my body, but not touching me where I wanted you to the most. Kissing me would be a huge mistake right now.” Celine hissed into Ji-a’s ear before she pulled back and let her go. Ji-a squeaked and rushed over to the door.
“Call me tonight?” Ji-a asked quietly as she opened the door.
“After dinner. Enjoy your day.” Celine said as she exited Ji-a’s office and made a b-line for the elevator and up to her floor. She knocked on the girls door and Rumi opened it faster than she expected.
“That took longer than it should have?” Rumi asked.
“Grab my key card for me and I’ll explain.” Celine offered.
Rumi grabbed Celine’s key card and then turned her body. “Give us ten minutes girls. I’ve gotta talk to Celine about something.”
“Okay!” Zoey chimed in, Mira leaned forward and looked through the doorway at Celine skeptically. Then Rumi walked out the door and let it shut. They walked across the hall and Rumi opened the door before they both shuffled into the room and Rumi handed her the key card.
“What did you find out?” Rumi asked.
“I know the owner, we have a meeting with him at a coffee shop at 10:30 tomorrow morning. Can you call Bobby and have him send you some merch before tomorrow morning? At least two large tee shirts for his grand daughters. But I was thinking you three could sign a few things and personalize them for the girls. I have their names in my phone.” Celine requested.
“I’ll call Bobby. Let’s go to lunch and field the idea with Zoey and Mira.” Rumi said as she grabbed the doorknob.
“Sounds good.” Celine agreed.
Their late lunch was decidedly no where near the noodle bar for multiple reasons. All four of them sat at a table looking at menus as they waited for their server to come back.
“So what have the secret conversations been about?” Mira asked without looking up from her menu. Caught.
“I wanted to field the idea of possibly buying the hotel and spa with Celine.” Rumi answered with a blush.
“We were going to bring that up after tour.” Mira commented as she continued to look at the menu.
“Was this one of those ‘she’s in the shower’ conversations?” Rumi asked.
“No this was a ‘in the cab on the way back earlier’ conversation.” Zoey answered this time.
“What’s our max?” Rumi asked, cutting right to the chase then.
“300 million yen.” Mira answered quickly.
“Beyond manageable.” Celine told the girls. ”We should sweeten the pot with free huntr/x tickets for life for his grand daughters.”
“Done.” Rumi said as she pulled out her phone and sent two texts to Bobby.
Rumi 5:30 p.m: I need a huge favor.
Bobby 5:30 p.m: name it.
“Mom, what size tee shirts?” Rumi asked.
“Large because they are so young. Gives them something to grow into.” Celine answered.
Rumi 5:31 p.m: two of each. Large tee shirts, posters, hoodies, fun merch for preteens, and two life time tickets to our shows. Delivered to my hotel room tonight. Celine and I are making a purchase and we are trying to butter up the owner by spoiling his grand daughters.
Bobby 5:32 p.m: done and done. Call me later and tell me what you are buying. 🤍
“Merch is on its way. Should be here tonight.” Rumi said right as the waitress walked up to their table.
“What can I get started for you ladies this evening?” She asked politely before they started ordering their food. Tomorrow was going to be interesting.