There wasn't a happy end

Chapter 4: Drinking night

Fumiko walked the road to the hotel holding the knife inside her sleeve. It was her first-ever time holding a weapon and she did not like it. Fumiko hated the fact that something so light and small could take someone's precious life. Yet, it could also help protect her. If she only had one of them tucked inside her sleeve the previous night her scalp would not hurt as much. On the other hand, she would not have been saved by Makoto.

Her thoughts then travelled to him. She pushed them back upon entering the beautiful hotel lobby which was filled with large mirrors and velvet couches. In front of her and behind a large brown desk, waited the owner. Fumiko asked for four rooms side by side but only three were available so she reserved those and took the keys. With the keys on a small pouch that hung from her waist, she strolled inside the hotel passing by a big dining room, a playroom filled with small circular tables, and stopped when she reached the veranda.

Fumiko sat on a chair and looked at the sky which was slowly lit up by the stars. The veranda was on the backside of the hotel offering a peaceful view of the garden and the beginning of the woods. When all the stars were starting to be covered up by dark clouds and the light had completely disappeared, the temperature dropped uncomfortably low thus making Fumiko reenter the hotel leading her to the soft velvet sofas of the lobby. Her wait lasted for only a few minutes because the Ronin walked inside, waving at her, followed by Makoto who only extended his hand for the keys.

All five of them went up the stairs and down a low-lit corridor until they reached their rooms. They came to a stop and Makoto gave the keys to Jeho, to Ed, and to Daiksuke who went into the left, right, and centre room. A few moments passed and they appeared signaling that the rooms were all clear.

''After you,'' Makoto said to Fumiko, showing with his hand the centre room.

Fumiko walked inside and heard the other doors close. The hotel room was spacious with a sofa and a low table. Behind them, there was a double bed and on the other side, a glass double door leading to the big balcony, down of which was the veranda Fumiko sat on half an hour ago. She took a seat on the sofa with Makoto while Daiksuke, Jeho, and Ed sat around the table. Jeho placed a bottle of Sake followed by six glasses. Ed took off his mask and hat revealing his blond hair and beautifully structured face making Fumiko's eyes linger on him for a bit. Daiksuke started unwrapping a few drinking dishes, which Fumiko guessed he had bought while away. Fumiko started pouring the alcohol into the glasses and stopped when all of them were filled. She went on to give one on each Rorin and was left with one spare. Confused, she looked around.

''For you,'' Makoto whispered.

''I am not allowed to drink with clients,'' Fumiko pointed.

''Now, I am hurt. I thought we were more than clients.'' Daiksuke said, making Fumiko red from the embarrassment.

''That isn't what I meant...'' Fumiko started explaining then stopped. ''You are teasing me aren't you?'' She asked Daiksuke and he winked at her.

''You should have all seen how cute she was when I teased her for the first time,'' He went to tell on the rest of the team.

''Yet, after all this time, I learned.''

Fumiko said proudly and picked up her glass. Daiksuke had been her first-ever customer who except for telling her beautiful stories he also teased her a lot.

''On our way here, Daiksuke told us that you love stories,'' Jeho acknowledged.

''Yes, I do. I also know a lot of them. I could tell you one if you wish,'' Fumiko commented while pouring their already empty glasses.

''I'd like to tell you one. It's a love story,'' proposed he. Fumiko heard Makoto letting out a breath and looking his way.

''Don't mind him. Our boss does not believe in love,'' explained Ed.