Reunion

Chapter 5

Asano's invitation to his place was a pleasant surprise for Karma.

With his latest game disc on hand, he walked closely behind him on their way inside his plush penthouse. It wasn't that big but it was tastefully and austerely decorated; there were minimal furniture yet it was classy and stylish—a perfect fit for someone like Asano Gakushuu. He just learned today that he was living alone by the way, and that meant that they were alone together again.

It had been another week (again) after Asano's sleep over on his house when he received a text from the man that he was free for a day and wanted Karma to come over and play that game he mentioned which Karma almost forgot because he had his console upgraded with his recent payroll just three days ago. He was halfway of the game already, but he figured there was no need for him to tell Asano that.

And there they were, inside Asano's ridiculously fab place. Asano led him to the living room which to Karma's astonishment had an indoor pool behind; it was surrounded with more rooms with glass doors. One on the side displayed a bedroom, presumably Asano's.

"How about a shot of wine or two?" Asano asked.

"Sure," placing the game on the coffee table, Karma's mind was already buzzing with all sorts of plans he could pull to make a good use of that pool.

"Make yourself at home," Asano disappeared into another room, likely the kitchen.

"I will. Definitely," once out of sight, Karma went straight for the pool and strutted about it. The water was crystal blue and free from dirt. How freaking neat.

Asano was back one minute later, two goblets dangled in one hand and a bottle of wine on the other. He handed him one of the glasses.

"Thanks," Karma reached out and took it, handing it out as Asano poured the alcohol in it, the red wine gurgled out of the bottle. He stopped when the liquid reached one-fourth of the goblet.

Asano was about to pour to his own glass when Karma decided to commence his first plan; he swiftly pulled the goblet out of Asano's hand and casually tossed it to the pool. It sunk silently down the clear water.

"Oops," he mischievously looked Asano in the eyes, canny and suggestive. Violet eyes were wide in shock and confusion so Karma took a swig of the wine before holding it out to get the message across.

The smart boy did get it, of course. Gaze lingered on the offered glass, seemingly weighing over a decision. Five seconds later, he took the drink.

"Nice place you've got," Karma tucked both hands in his pockets.

"I had it for a reasonable price, right after graduating college. Bought with my own earnings," Asano sipped on the glass, eyes away from Karma, face red.

"You're working while studying?"

"Not really. More on investing on stocks."

"Fled right out of your father's grasp once finished school, huh."

"I don't know. I used my allowance for that investment, you know. Technically, it's not my own money."

"Why bother with the insignificant details? You're taking over your businesses, right?"

"Right, as if that man can be outdone anytime soon.'I'm planning to have you as my corporate slave for the rest of your life' was what he told me when we're still in junior high. It's like what you said: it's still a long way to go to overthrow him. But we'll get to that, of course," Asano gulped down the wine in one go.

Confident as ever, Karma thought. "That wine's good. Can I have a second?" He inched closer to the pool, away from Asano.

Asano followed him, refilling the glass. He handed it back to Karma, which Karma gently took from his hand.