The Big Book Of Amaguji

Companionship With A Platter Of Obsession: Always Served Cold

"What a shame." Rantaro held his throat as voice as he talked gravelly. He breathed in and out to only hear and feel the phlegm in his throat. His chest tightened in pain as he picked up his cellphone to call his beloved manager to enable his sick day.

He dialed his number and held it up to his ear. He would be smiling profusely but his tiredness couldn't allow it.

"Hey, Kiyo-sama," He coughed, "I caught something and I'm gonna have to stay home."

He heard the other sigh, "Did you get it from traveling? I advise all of my employees to keep healthy, you're not an exception, Amami-san."

He chuckled, "I haven't went anywhere though. I'm flattered that you still remember that I travel.

"You are one of my best employees. I wouldn't forget anything about you." Rantaro could only imagine his serious face as he talked. He could go on and on and on about that face but he'd rather respond.

"Oh really, now I'm really flattered." He blushed.

"I guess I can give you a gift in the form of a visit. Five o' clock is suitable, yes?"

Rantaro nodded, "Absolutely perfect."

"I'll be there soon. Sleep well, Amami-san."

"Rantaro, you mean?" He grinned hopelessly.

"... I'll give you pity this time, Rantaro."

He hung up and Rantaro sat up lazily to get some water.

"Good morning, sweetie! You look... awful." His girlfriend greeted him. She was disposable in Rantaro's eyes. She'd always follow him around at his previous workplace and always tried to make some type of conversation. It annoyed him but he really didn't have the guts to reject her. It's been a year now and she never changed.

He had something planned that would definitely show his affection on Friday. She was the main component.

"Thanks babe." He yawned, "I caught something and now I feel like my death is imminent. Also, my manager is coming over to see if I'm okay."

"Wow, you've really made a name for myself. Is he cute?"

"Incredibly!" Rantaro laughed, "I'm kidding."

"You better be," her voice got deeper, as if to spread a warning, "I'll get going. See you!" She grabbed her handbag and headed out the door. The house was empty now and his own muffled breathing sounded throughout the house.  He grabbed a glass of water and went back to bed, not wanting to ruin his back by sleeping on the couch.

He took a sip of water and laid down, almost not wanting to sleep. He wanted to spend every second he could with him. It was 11 currently; an hour felt like a century as he took repeated 30-minute naps with a break for soup and water in between. He felt horrible to say the least.

He yawned in exhaustion as the doorbell rung. He grunted in annoyance as he trudged to the front door, Kiyo waiting patiently on the other side.

He wore a skin-tight black sweater with his hair tied in a ponytail. The most notable fashion accessory was the black mask with a zipper around his mouth and down to his collarbone. His black tights and flat-heeled black knee boots just brought out the mysterious version of him he'd so readily accept.