Bokutachi wa Akuma: Chapter Forty-Two

January had been flying by; the month was already half over. Without even letting Mikiya know, Daichi had been missing for over a week now, with no word onto where his location could be. Ryota had not yet returned to stay at home, though he did return to pick up extra clothes and toiletries. Maruki and Aiya were happily taking care of their younger, heartbroken friend, helping him to keep positive thoughts about Daichi and his return.

This Monday was surprising, there were news reports on every local channel and newspaper articles on every newsstand. There was breaking news that was not announced until the day before the grand opening.

Giving Satsuki her morning walk for a change, Maruki decided to go run an errand while he was out walking her, rather than leaving the house twice. Aiya had brewed the last of their coffee the night before without telling him. When he went to brew a pot in the morning, there was none. Maruki had walked passed many stands and electronic shops before he had actually rose his gaze and saw what everyone in the streets was talking about on the cover of one of the newspapers. 

Renowned Idol group h2o opens first host club in nightlife district Roppongi

Under the description was a photo of the building in question. The title of the brightly lit building was “Aqua Dome”, Maruki caught on right away that it was a play-on of the title of their group H2O. Maruki stopped in his tracks and stared at the cover of the paper, reading it more thoroughly. When the man stared at him coldly, he pulled out his wallet slowly.

“I would like to purchase this paper please.” Maruki handed the man two ¥100 coins and took the paper, slipping it under his arm and continued on his way.

After purchasing his coffee at the corner grocery store, Maruki ran home with Satsuki to show Aiya the news. The front door flew open: Satsuki went running in first, her leash trailing behind her on the floor.

“Aiya…” Maruki called out, taking his shoes off and rushing in the house. “Did you hear?”

“Popular Asian group H2O has marketed a new branch for fans as of last night at 22:00. Their popularity as reached the streets of Roppongi and the fantasy worlds of many fans of the group themselves and other beautiful men…”

Aiya spun around almost losing his balance. He was watching a local TV Channel, seeing the breaking news on the first channel. He saw Maruki holding a newspaper with the same article on the front.

“Maruki.” Aiya whined, fiddling his fingers in front of him innocently.

Maruki dropped the paper on the kitchen island, searching for Satsuki to remove her leash.

“They are up to something.” He stared at the TV, watching it but tuning it out. “And I intend to find out what it is.” The idea that they were seniors did not interest Maruki at all; it was the idea that they were not human and they were the ones that had killed far too many people around Tokyo that started the year before.

Aiya ran over to Maruki, grabbing his hand tightly, he was scared.

“What do you think they will do with that host club?” He looked down to the floor when Satsuki came running. “It can’t be just for money can it?” Aiya kneeled down and took off her leash for her, handing it to Maruki.

Watching Satsuki run off to most likely go tease Toki as she always did after every walk, Maruki shook his head slowly, not knowing what to think of Akira and Kyoukei's actions. Those two were very much like him, he could sense it; they hid their identities from the rest of the group. 

“I don't know Aiya.” His gaze shot up. “I’m gonna see if Miki knows.” He darted around the room like a chicken, looking for his phone. He stopped in mid-step when he remembered that it was in his back pants pocket.

He dialed Mikiya's cell number and waited for him to answer. It rang, much longer than it needed to.

“Mikiya?” he had finally answered the phone. “Have you seen the news?” Maruki got straight to the point, if they had waited too long to figure Akira’s actions out, who knew how many lives could be in danger.

“Yeah Maa?” Yeah I have seen it a few times today.”

“What do you think about it?”

“I don't know. But Mai and I were going to go tonight to check it out.”

“What?” Two males going to a male-hosted host club; that alone was an odd thought.

“To see what they were up to.”

“Um.”

“What?”

“How about you and I go?”

“You and me?”

“It’ll be safer. I mean them and I are the same after all.”

“I guess you are right.” Mikiya took a sip of his drink.

“So…”

“What is it Maruki?”

“H2O’s hosts are male. That club is um…”

“What Maa?”

“For women only.”

“Oh, right.”

“It would be very awkward for us to go in there, being men in all.”

“I think if we were to go in there we would get stares or be called names.”

‘Like gay?” Maruki shuttered at that thought.

“That is a possibility.”

“So, we aren’t going?”

Mikiya was silent for a moment.

“No, we’ll be going still.”

“I don't wanna be called gay Miki. I mean I'm already…”

Mikiya cut him off.

“I know you don't Maa. That's why when we go, people wont know we’re men.”

Maruki fell silent, not sure as to how to register what Mikiya had just said.

“Maruki?” Mikiya looked to his phone screen, seeing if he was still connected to the call.

“Ah, iya, ui, ui oh, un.”

“So…”

“Do you mean?”

Mikiya just laughed.

“You don't mean it do you?”

He laughed again.

“Yup!”

“Mikiya! I am not doing that!”

“Oh come on Maa! We have all of the right equipment! Makeup can help us. We would just have to call them.”

“No way Mikiya! That is too weird!”

Aiya looked at him from the kitchen, wondering what him and Mikiya were talking about.

“It’ll only be for a few hours!”

“Mikiya.” Maruki dropped his head, almost caving in.

“Please! I think you’d be cute!”

He paused.

“Fine.” He shuttered. “We need to find out what they are up to, at any cost.”

“Yay!”

Maruki's head dropped farther, his chin against his chest. Why was Mikiya so excited about dressing up like a girl?

The two of them had discussed this matter further, with each roommate looking at them wondering what they were talking about. They had approximately 6 hours to get ready for this, and each hour would be used wisely.

After getting off an hour-long phone call with Mikiya, Maruki stood up, staring off into the kitchen blankly.

“Aiya…” He spoke distantly., confused at himself. Aiya looked up at him from his electronic tablet from the adjacent couch. “Why am I doing this again?” Maruki twisted his back, looking at Aiya in the living room from the breakfast bar in the kitchen.

Clicking the lock button, Aiya tossed his tablet to the couch and walked over to Maruki, giving him a hug. He could see whatever it was; Maruki definitely did not want to do.

“What is it that you are doing anyways?” He looked down to his friend and pondering what it was that him and Mikiya were talking about.

Maruki looked up at him, before diverting his gaze again. He could not tell his best friend and someone he knew who had more than friendship feelings for him.

“I… We…” He paused. Looking off into the kitchen again, he was weary of telling Aiya anything. “We are going to be going to Aqua Dome this evening, dressed as women.”

Aiya's eyes widened, staring down at his friend sitting at the breakfast bar. His jaw hung open and he grabbed onto Maruki's shoulders tightly.

“You are doing what?” He wanted to make sure what he was hearing was true and not just a dream. Maruki looked over his shoulder at Aiya, giving him a small, defeated nod. “That's awesome Maruki!” Aiya hopped up, laughing excitedly. They were both new idols, but even still dressing up as a woman or even wearing a woman’s wig was still very much so out of their talent range.

Maruki spun on the bar stool quickly, flailing and thrashing out at Aiya childishly. It was obvious that Maruki was not happy nor was he proud of having to do this.

“Shut up Aiya! Its not awesome!” He dove forward and hit Aiya on the chest lightly over and over. “I don't wanna do it Ai!” He collapsed in Aiya's arms, and draped himself over his shoulder like a sleep-deprived child.

The hour of awkwardness had passed and there was a knock at the front door before it opened; Mikiya had come in with the makeup artist. The makeup artist had two briefcases, one of makeup the other with supplies.

“Maruki, we’re here.” Maruki dropped his head in shame. “Come help us.”

Dragging his feet to the front door and looking up to the makeup artist, nodding to her, not having seen her for the better half of a month. It was strand, the makeup artists seemed very comfortable in what she was about to do; as if she had done it many times.

“Where would you like me to set up, Kaore san?” the makeup artist looked to Maruki, being a guest in his house.

He stepped aside looking up at her, his bright coffee eyes were glassed over with embarrassment.

“Just in the living room is fine, Erika.” Maruki rushed over to Mikiya as soon as she turned the corner to the living room, tugging on his shirt like a little kid. “I dunno if I wanna do this Miki.” He looked up to Mikiya with big puppy eyes.

Ignoring him, Mikiya lifted one of the paper bags he had brought in with him; it was designed with hearts and flowers over the entire bag. He pat Maruki on the shoulder and walked passed him towards the living room as Maruki took the bag.

“I bougth something for you.” Mikiya stopped at the Kawaii Shop before arriving at Maruki's home.

“Are these clothes?” Maruki dropped his shoulders and followed Mikiya into the living room.

“You bet!” He took the bag back from Maruki and placed it on the chair against the wall. “Don't worry I got you something cute.”

Cute? Maruki walked passed him to the sectional couch near the make up artist who was pulling out a warming vat. Looking down at it, Maruki's brows furrowed.

“What is that Erika san?” He pointed to it as she placed it on the coffee table.

Looking up at him before continuing her work in setting up. She smiled and glanced up at Mikiya for a moment, not sure if he knew what it was either.

“That is paraffin wax Kaore san.” He gave her a look; he obviously didn't know what it was. “Hirota san told me the story. You cannot be women with, excuse my rudeness, legs like those Kaore san.” Legs like those? Maruki's eyes widened and shot over to Mikiya who burst out in hysterical laughter. He pointed to Maruki as he almost fell over laughing. Erika looked to the laughing Mikiya slowly giving him a look as well.

“You have to do it as well Hirota san.” As she spoke, his face dropped.

Legs? Waxed? Now? For both Mikiya and Maruki this would be the weirdest thing and most likely most painful thing they would have endured this year. To fit the role they would have to play the full role. Maruki ad Mikiya looked from each other to the floor, neither of them was looking forward to this right now.

Erika, the makeup artist had finished setting up quickly, leaving only the actual art to commence. Maruki could not do this first; he had to watch Mikiya do it first. Looking up at Aiya, Maruki was; he still couldn't believe that he was doing this just to get possible information.

Erika started with Mikiya's basic foundation and primer, something he was used to; Foundation was always put of do to their large amount of photo shoots and concerts, this was nothing new.

Maruki rose from his seat and joined Aiya in the kitchen.

“He seems to be enjoying this too much.” He opened the fridge and grabbed himself a bottle of sweet tea.

Aiya laughed and reached over the door and grabbed himself a bottle as well.

“You should too Maa, it looks like it would be fun.” Maruki shot him a glare. Did Aiya fully understand what he was doing? This was not just fun; it was embarrassing if anyone ever found out. “You’ll be fine, just think of it as a game.” This was not a game, it was going to be exactly what it looked like, cross-dressing at it’s finest.

Mikiya was finished, his face was powdered, his cheeks were blushed; those thin, narrow eyes of his popped with colour and definition. On his eyelid was neutral beige the colour suited him perfectly. He looked up to the makeup artist who put a finishing touch on him, red tinted lip-gloss. He smiled brightly and looked up at Maruki.

“Am I pretty?” he had not seen himself in a mirror yet, and was very anxious to see the makeup on his face, just to see if he was recognizable being covered in it.

Mikiya reached for the mirror, excited to see himself in woman’s makeup. Turning it towards himself slowly, his reflection slowly came into view. With a bright smile, wide smile on his lips, Mikiya gasped happily at the professional job done. Maruki looked to him with a blank look over his face, his full lips pouting slightly.

“Surprisingly Miki, you are pretty.” The job was not done yet, but it was amazing what makeup could do.

Before his costume and wig would go on, there was one more task to be had; the waxing of his manly, hairy, legs. Asking as politely as she could, Erika asked Mikiya to go and change out of his jeans and into a pair of sweat pants or a towel. Mikiya did not bring a pair of sweat pants with him, or a towel, leaving him with the only option of using a towel. Aiya and Maruki had offered him a towel, which were in the bathroom.

Leaving to go change from his jeans Mikiya returned wearing his red t-shirt and a black towel around his waist.

Now that he was this close to it, Mikiya was getting nervous about having to wax his legs; which had semi long, light hair on them, all the way up onto his thigh.

Mikiya sat on the chair nearest the paraffin wax vat, awaiting his makeup artist’s instruction. Grabbing a wooden spatula, she asked him to raise his leg up onto the table just so it was easier to wax.

Erika dipped the spatula into the hot wax; stirring it to make sure all of it was melted and there were no chunks, she was finally prepared to proceed. The mixture was smooth and warm, ready to be pliable and workable. Erika ran her hand up his shin, checking if all the hairs were growing in the same direction. Erika stirred the wax one last time before pulling out a glob on the spatula.

Walking over to the couch again, Maruki came over to sit closer and analyze how this was going to be done. Watching her pull out the spatula full of wax, both Maruki and Mikiya took a big gulp as it neared his leg.

She placed the wax on his skin and spread it into a long strip on his leg.

“Ah, atsui!” The hot wax burned, but only for a split second. Once it cooled enough, the warm sensation was somewhat pleasing.

Erika pressed her fingers along the length of the strip, feeling to see if it was cool enough. Once it had hardened to a thick, gummy texture again, she gripped the bottom end firmly and looked up to her sempai, Mikiya.

“This might hurt Hirota san.” She pat it once more with her free hand before swiftly pulling the plastered wax strip along with a long strip of long hair. Loudly and dramatically, Mikiya had screamed in pain even before he had a chance to feel if it was going to hurt or not. Gritting his teeth, Maruki stared at Mikiya’s leg that was now partially clean of leg hair.

Erika dabbed at the clean strip on his leg, getting any loose hairs that may have been left behind.

A tear formed in his eye as he bit his lip hard. Biting his lip was causing him more pain than the waxing itself. It took Mikiya a few moments to be mentally ready for the next round, but when the time came, he was able to do it very well. After the first one, every other strip was much easier and less painful.

From ankle to hip, Mikiya's legs were smooth and shiny. He stretched out his legs, analyzing their prettiness. He looked up to Maruki from his shining legs and smiled brightly. 

“It hurts less than you think Maa.” Maruki gave him a look of disbelief, he had screamed the first time she ripped off the wax, that wasn't very promising.

His brows were raised in worry, none of this was wanted in the first place; let alone wanting to go through the pain of waxing his manly legs. Maruki looked up to Aiya, fiddling his fingers on his lap nervously.

“Can, can I do that first Erika?” Maruki's gaze panned over to Erika nervously. “I’d rather get that over and done with now rather than later.” Maruki stood and bowed his head as  he quickly ran off to the bathroom to get a towel and do what Mikiya was told to do.

 Soon after, Maruki returned with a cute, small white towel wrapped around his small waist. He looked over to the couch where Mikiya had moved to, still analyzing his shiny legs.

Taking a deep breath, Maruki sat in the seat where Mikiya had previously sat in.

“Okei, I think I'm ready.” He leaned back in the chair and gripped his hands together, tightly, preparing for the pain.

Erika took the same procedures that she had used with Mikiya nothing was changed. She took a new spatula and took a big glob of wax and spread it over Maruki's thin calf and allowed it to cool.

He took a long deep breath, holding it in as Erika prepared to rip it off. He gripped his small hands to the arm of the chair readying himself to feel the pain that he saw Mikiya go through. Erika took the bottom chunk of wax between her fingers firmly and ripped it off quickly. Just like Mikiya, even before he could have a chance to feel pain, Maruki screamed dramatically while laughing at the same time.