by Jiani Yu
thinking how things totally looked different in the dark.
They were brought to a private lounge area where Akira was sitting with another male host. Akira smiled when he saw them and motioned for them to come in.
"I will be just a moment." he said as he continued to talk to the other host. Once he had finished, the other host left. Akira turned his attention to Deanna and Yoshiro.
“Konnichiwa.” as he took Deanna by the hand, sat her to a leather love seat and sat down next to her.
"So are you ready with questions?" Akira asked as he brushed a stray hair from his eyes.
"I have a lot of questions. So shall we get started?" as she pulled out her tape recorder, "For those who may not know, what is the English translation for Sono Yorokobi Goten ."
"It would mean The Pleasure Palace." He said as he flashed a seductive smile.
Akira took an ice cube from a glass that sat on a nearby table. And without a word, ran the cube of ice down Deanna’s chin, to her throat and stopped at her collar bone. The act caught Deanna off guard and aroused 19 | P a g e
her nipples and her cheeks to blush.
Akira smiled, “Just pure pleasure.”
She cleared her throat, pretending that it did not affect her, she continued with her questions.
"So tell me, what does your family think about you getting into this business of a male hostess."
He was silent for a moment as if choosing the right words to say. When he did speak, his voice was sad, distant.
"It was mainly for the money. I was raised by my grandfather after my parents died. And when my grandfather passed, I had to make a living.
It's not a business that I am most proud of. It pays the bills. And provides my with a comfortable life style."
"But yet you stay." she said.
"I make good money out of lying to women." he let out a deep sigh,
"something that I do not like to do, but it's part of the business, whole act.
Women come here because they are lonely. They're all searching for someone to tell them all of the things they don't hear from their boyfriends, husbands or from anyone at all. It’s my job, to make them feel good about them self’s, make them feel loved."
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Deanna shook her head in disbelief, how sad, these women life must be.
And men like him were taking their money!
He saw the look in her eyes and knew what she was thinking.
“Don’t think that I’m taking advantage of these women. Don’t think for a moment that they don’t know what they are doing, because they do. I let them know that I have no outside interest in them. This is as far as the dream can go. I tell my workers to stay away from outside interest.”
“So you practice what you preach.”
“Yes, I learned the hard way.” He said with a smile.
Spending nearly two hours of asking questions and photos; finally the meeting came to an end. Yoshiro packed up his gear and headed back to the office.
Akira walked outside with Deanna into the warm Tokyo night.
The Shinyukuk skyline was alive with vibrant bill broad lights everywhere you turned.
"Hope you don't mind riding in a cab.” Akira said as he flagged down a cab, "maybe on our next date, I'll hire a driver."
"I don't mind a cab. And as far as the next date, let's see how the first one 21 | P a g e
goes." Deanna replied.
When the cab pulled up, and Akira opened the door for Deanna. Since his first meeting, he had done his homework on Deanna. He knew that she was still one of the highly sort after models, her husband was killed two years ago, that she withdrew from the modeling world that David Ito was her husband’s best friend, and now her guard dog. Akira smiled because he knew that this was not going to be the last date.
When they arrived at the restaurant, they were greeted by a woman dressed as a geisha, she bowed and led them down a hallway.
"Please, do not think that I am being forward, but you look very lovely in that Chanel." he said as they walked down the hallway.
Deanna could feel her cheeks blush, was he checking out her butt she wondered. Akira realized that he made her blush and quickly apologized.
"Oh no" she said, "I blush easily. Thank you for the compliment, I see that Versace is one of your favorite designers. "
Today he was wearing a navy blue suit with a light blue shirt with French chuffs that had mother of pearl cuff links and tie clip to match.
"Yes, he is one of my favorites." he said.
“You should look into David Ito’s Collection. I think you might like the 22 | P a g e
collection.”
“I hear you need a VIP pass to get in. Is it true?”
“I’m afraid so, I’ll be more than happy to get you a pass and put you on the VIP list.”
Akira, smiled, “I would be very honored if you would accompany me, to make sure I pick out the correct. I want to look my best for you.”
“Oh, you don’t need my help.” she laughed, “I’m sure whatever suit you pick out, you’re female clients will love it.”
They followed the geisha who opened a sliding shoji screen to a private dining room. In the middle, of the room was a table that sat over a hole in the floor, and cushion with backs. They took off their shoes and walked inside.
"I choose this style over traditional, thinking that it would be much easier on your knees and back." he said.
“Thank you. I’m still not use to sitting on my knees.”
Once they got comfortable, Akira picked up the menu and ordered the meal. She thought that it was pretty assumptions of him to think that she 23 | P a g e
would like want he ordered. But when the food came she was pleased.
Akira thanked the food and then cleaned his hands with a damp towel.
After living in Japan for a year and half, Deanna was adapt and well adverse with the culture.
They ate and after the dishes were removed Akira order Saki,
"Please, come sit by me." Akira motioned, "I will not bit you." He said with a laugh.
She got up and went where he sat.
"Who's to say that I won't bit you." She said playfully.
Akira helped her down to the floor mat and playfully teased, "Ohhh bit me." he teased as he helped her down to the floor, "You know, you are a very interesting woman."
The waitress walked in and placed a tray with the Saki and two cups, then left the room. Akira poured the warm Saki into the cups and handed one to Deanna and then took a sip from his.
"You really do look lovely tonight?" he said with a smile.
Deanna looked into this brown eyes, and thought here’s a man that makes 24 | P a g e
his money lying to women to make them feel loved.
"So right now, are you lying to me?" she teased.
He shook his head that made some of his hair fall over his eyes.
"I don't have to lie, I truly meant it. And besides, you're not a paying customer" he laughed.
Deanna took her hand and moved the stray hair back into place from his eyes. Akira took her hand and rubbed it against his face and inhaled the scent from her wrist.
"Your scent is hypnotic." he said with his eyes closed.
"Oh please." She replied as she pulled her wrist away.
"You don't believe me? " He said with a laugh, "this hurt my feelings."
"Akira, lying is a part of your business."
"But this is not business. This is pleasure."
He lifted her chin and kissed her on the lips. His kiss took Deanna by surprise. She lowered her eyes hoping to avoid looking into his. Still holding her chin, he said.
"What can I do to make you see that I will never do anything to hurt you.
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You have stirred up feelings in a way that no other woman has ever done."
"I'm sorry, but I find that hard to believe." she said, "you entertain women every night. There has to be at least ten or more
that have tried to get you to marry them. Not to mention the ones you sleep with."
"Yes, there are many that have asked me to marry them. And yes, I have slept with a select few, I wear protection. I do not plan to live this kind of life forever. I want to leave this life, get married to someone special and have a family. I told you all of this in the interview."
He looked away in shame. Why was this women getting to him like this? He took a sip of Saki hoping to hide what he felt inside. But when he looked back up, he had a tear in his eyes. This time it was Deanna that took his face in her hand and kissed him. When she stopped, he begged her not to stop. He kissed her, holding her tight as if he were sucking the very life from her. His tongue found its way between her lips. He could feel himself becoming aroused, he wanted this situation to go farther.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door that brought their moment to an end.
"Come in." he said.
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The geisha peeked in and said something in Japanese. Akira replied, and the girl left. Deanna glanced at her watch, they had been their over two hours. Akira noticed Deanna looking at the watch.
"I have taken up too much of your time. I see that you are ready to leave." he said as he reached into his jacket for his wallet.
"No that's not it. I...I am enjoying the evening. I know that you have a business to run."
As he helped her to her feet. He took some money out and placed on the table.
"My business is fine, I have good people working for me. I don't need to worry when I'm not there. Come, let's enjoy the night."
They walked out into the humid night air. Akira took off his tie and put it into his pocket.
"Come let's go to the Pachinko parlor or would you rather dance?" he asked as he took her by the hand.
"Let’s dance." She replied.
After traveling a few blocks, they came upon a dance hall and went in.
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The place was pretty packed. Akira said something to the person at the door and was quickly led to a private room.
"You seem to have a lot of clout." Deanna said.
"No, I would not say that. I just happen to know the owner." he laughed.
Once in the room, he told the hostess to bring Saki, soda and some bottled water.
"I know that you are not a drinker. But I hope that you will join me in drinking some Saki." he said as he looked at some sort of music device that was on the wall.
Akira pressed some buttons, and the music began to play. It was a real slow jazz instrumental. He motioned to her. "Come, let’s dance."
He pulled her close to him, one of his hands slid down to the small of her back. She could feel the beating of his heart and his manhood as it rubbed against her thigh.
‘OMG’, Deanna thought what was she getting into.
Deanna rested her head on his chest. How could she resist this, his hips moved in time to the music. She felt herself getting aroused, it had been 28 | P a g e
such a long time.
They were so into each other that they hadn't noticed that the hostess had brought the drinks in and left the room. He kissed her on her neck and whispered all the things he wanted to do to into her ear.
Her body quivered, the horny part of her wanted him to take her right then and there, while the other part couldn't let him get the best of her.
She had to show him that he was not going to get her cookies that easy.
Deanna decided to turn the tables on him and give him a dose of his own medicine.
She unbutton his shirt and pulled it free from his pants to expose his chest. She then ran his hard nipple between her teeth, flicking it with her tongue. Akira 's body twitched from the excitement, and his now manhood was throbbing. Deanna looked up and saw that he had his eyes closed.
"You like that?" she asked.
"Yes, very much." He whispered, sliding one hand down to caress her butt. He moaned her name. His loins began to burn with passion that he had long suppressed. Akira wanted to pull her down to the couch and take her right there. He was breathing heavy, he had to stop her.
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He stopped and broke free from her spell. His breathing was heavy.
Deanna could see that he was perspiring.
Akira shook his head, " No." as he pulled away from her, "I...I'm...sorry. I did not mean to disrespect you like this. Please forgive me." he apologized.
His face had turned red from the embarrassment as he turned away from her, tucking in his shirt back into his pants.
"Come, let me take you home." he said.
They walked outside the dance hall. They must have walked several blocks in complete silence. This silence was actually getting to Deanna, she could tell that what happened back at the dance hall, actually bothered Akira too.
She stopped walking and pulled him to the side, out of the path of bicycles and people.
"Look Akira, I don't know about you. But I enjoyed what happened back there. We are both adults." She said.
"I know this, but this is not how I want it to be." he replied, "I want it to be special for you and I. Done with respect."
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He turned and took her hand after walking in complete silence, he flagged down a cab.
When they got to her apartment, Akira walked her to the door.
"I hope that you had a nice evening, and may I call you?" he asked.
"Yes, you may call me. Akira, I had a wonderful time."
She looked into her purse, pulled out a card with her number on it and put it into his suit pocket.
Akira was about to walk away, when Deanna took hold of his arm and pulled him back to her.
"Don't be so quick." She said, "you can't leave without this."
She kissed him passionately and found him willing to comply. He had to gain control of his senses, he had to stay in control. He pulled away from her.
"Go now." he whispered into her ear, "I want this to be about love, not lust." He kissed her again and walked away.
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Chapter Three
The next day started with a phone call thanking her for having dinner with him and flowers sent to the job. And then another call to see how she was doing.
The interview was an enormous hit with the magazine and making it even more popular. And the lounge had lines outside waiting to get in.
Deanna honestly liked Akira, but wasn't about to chase him down. If he genuinely wanted her as he claimed, then he would have to step up his game.
One Friday night after not hearing from Akira in days, Deanna swore to herself that she would never go uninvited to the lounge. She swallowed her pride and went to the lounge. Thankfully, her co-workers were going to a concert and would not see how desperate she by checking up on Akira.
Deanna walked down the narrow street where the lounge was located.
And now was surrounded by host boy's, each one vying for her attention.
Deanna quickly ducked inside hoping that she was unnoticed. She looked at the host that were available and picked Hakaru.
"Hello, you want me to keep you company for the night?" Hakaru asked 32 | P a g e
with his boyish smile.
"Sure just for a while." taking him by the arm.
Hakaru escort Deanna to a table and asked what kind of soda she wanted to drink, she told him and to order whatever he wanted. Deanna paid one hour of his time and watched him walk off towards the bar.
She looked around the bar at all the lonely women and thought of the verse from a Beatles song, 'Eleanor Rigby ‘All the lonely people, where do they all come from.'
It was sad to see how these woman threw themselves on these men. To her best recollection, there was no shortage of Asian men.
When she turned her attention back to the bar, she saw Hakaru pointing her way and Akira looking at her.
Hakaru came back to the table with a coke, bottle water and a beer. He sat down and whispered.
"The boss said your money is no good here." Hakaru said, handed her back the money, "and that when you have finished your soda, he wants you to leave."
Deanna's her first reaction was shock. Her second reaction was what the fuck! She looked towards the bar and saw Akira staring over at her and 33 | P a g e
then he walked away.
Deanna tried her best to have a conversation with Hakaru, but she was also upset. The look on her face must have been obvious.
"Don't take it the wrong way. But this is not the place you should be at."
Hakaru said, "beside Akira would not want anything to happen to you."
"Anything to happen to me, anything like what?" she asked angrily.
"There are a lot of women after Akira," Hakaru said, as he stretched his arm around Deanna's shoulder, "and will do anything to get him."
"Are they that desperate or are they just crazy?"
Hakaru looked over at Deanna and gave a weak smile before answering,
"A little of both.” he laughed, “A couple of years ago, one girl broke into his apartment while he was sleep. Took pictures in bed with him. Another one broke in and cooked him breakfast before she woke him up. And then there are the ones that sleep in his doorway. "
Now Deana was in shock, why didn't he tell her this doing the interview.
These bitch's aren't crazy, they were certifiable sociopaths, stalkers! Before she could even ask what happened to any of them.
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"They were arrested," Hakaru answered before Deanna could ask, "the last one threw herself in front of a subway train. Now Akira lives in a building with a doorman."
Deanna shook her head in disbelief. She was sure there was a lot more Hakaru wanted tell her. She finished her soda, thanked Hakaru for chatting with her and walked out the lounge.
Once out on the street she could feel a tear trickle down her cheek. She brushed it away when suddenly she was pulled into an ally way. Deanna opened her mouth to scream, but a hand covered it and a familiar voice told her to be quiet. She turned around and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that it was Akira. He hugged her and then kissed her.
