Chapter Text
(Friday, 24th of April)
The soft buzz of the coffee grinder, the gentle sweetness of vanilla syrup, the airy beams of sunlight that filled the cafe with warmth were some of the best parts of Chuuya’s day. There was something so wonderful about pouring sweet foamy milk over perfectly made espresso, carefully crafting the perfect heart on the latte’s cloud-like surface.
Of all the jobs Chuuya has worked, this small coffee counter was definitely his favorite.
In the center of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district there stood a massive skyscraper, a building housing the one and only Port Mafia. Port Mafia Industries or the PMI for short was the largest tech company in the world. It was home to some of humanity's greatest inventions such as smartphones, electric vehicles, etc. The company is only about 50 years old, but for generations the Ogai family has carried its legacy, producing new advancements and riding the wave of money and fame that came with it.
And tucked away in a corner of the PMI’s foyer was a small independent coffee shop. Its intended purpose was to accommodate the Port Mafia’s employees and clientele, but it managed to be a safe place for art student Chuuya Nakahara.
Chuuya stared down at the finished vanilla latte in front of him, his eyes carefully scanning it to make sure there were no imperfections. When he deemed it suitable he placed the porcelain mug on the counter, carefully watching as his art was muddled by the customer as soon as they picked it up. With a sigh, he turned back to the espresso machine, wiping it down before he was given another order.
“Chuuya! We’re out of cocoa powder, when's the next delivery?” A voice called from the backroom. Chuuya sighed, smiling to himself at Tachi’s brusqueness. He pulled out a binder from under the counter and flipped through it for a moment until he found what he was looking for.
“We’re not getting another shipment until next Thursday. And don't be so loud, you’ve gotta be mindful of the customers!” Chuuya scolded, walking into the backroom calmly. Tachihara looked up and smiled bashfully, standing from where he was seated on the floor, surrounded by piles of boxes.
“Yeah yeah whatever.” Tachi sighed, rolling his eyes at his redheaded manager. “Wait- did you just say Thursday?!” His eyes widened with shock. Chuuya couldn't help but snicker at his delayed reaction.
“That's exactly what I said - open your ears next time.”
“But, it's Friday! That means we’ll be out for over a week!” Tachi exclaimed, his hand’s running along his face dramatically.
“It's fine. We’ll just take Mocha’s and Hot Chocolates off the menu until we get the shipment in. It's not that big of a deal.” Chuuya said calmly, a little bewildered as to why Tachihara was being so dramatic over fucking chocolate dust. Tachi stared at Chuuya as if he’d grown three heads, astonished at his coolness in their situation.
“No- It is a big deal! It's the biggest deal!” Tachi cried.
“Why?” Chuuya asked, confused out of his fucking mind.
“Because of the CEO’s son.” A quiet voice chirped up from the doorway. Chuuya looked up to see Gin leaning against the doorway casually. “Honestly, you really should pay more attention, Chuuya.”
“Who are you to tell me what to do-” Chuuya bit back, annoyed that she would imply that he was doing his job with anything but perfection. “What do you mean the CEO’s son? Why the fuck is he important in this conversation?” Chuuya grumbled, even more confused than he was when he started this conversation.
“He sends one of his men down every morning to grab a large hot chocolate with hazelnut syrup to-go. He does this everyday without fail. How have you not noticed? He’s our most important customer, and if we’re unable to provide that hot chocolate each morning, we’re fucked.” Gin sighed, her ponytail swaying delicately as she shook her head - utterly bewildered as to how he didnt know such basic information.
“Excuse me! I didn't know it was my job to pay specific attention to some poor, spoon-fed, nepo baby’s order, especially when I have hundreds of orders each day.” Chuuya scoffed. “We aren't getting a shipment until Thursday, and we will not be spending any of our own cash to get any either, so that punk can live without his sickeningly sweet trash for a week, or can order from somewhere else.”
Gin and Tachihara stared at Chuuya with wide eyes, they both looked at eachother then looked back before shrugging.
“Well, it's your funeral, Mr Manager-Man.” Tachihara said calmly, his temperament a huge contrast to how he was a minute ago - it was almost creepy.
“Are you sure you don't want to just buy a small tub at the grocery store, it wouldn't be too much? One of us can buy it.” Gin sighed, her voice still as calm and collected as ever.
“No way! Have you seen prices lately? Cocoa powder would cost like ¥300, that's extortionate! I refuse to pay for that, and I don't want you to waste your money on it either!” The redhead exclaimed, disgust filling his tone.
Tachi and Gin stared at him for a moment before chuckling to themselves.
“That's our Chuuya alright, ever the cheapskate.” Gin smiled softly, enjoying the way Chuuya’s cheeks went pink at their teasing.
“I’m not a cheapskate! I’m just mindful, alright?!” Chuuya grouched, his blush staying strong despite his angry words.
“Yeah yeah whatever. Lets just get to closing up shop - it's almost five.” Gin said, turning back to the front of the shop, walking back to the till calmly. Tachihara sighed, standing to follow.
“Nope. Tachi, you stay here and clean up this mess. No way are you leaving me to clean up all these boxes!” Chuuya yelled, his arm yanking Tachihara back into the room.
“You’re a total buzzkill.” Tachihara sighed, picking up the boxes on the floor indignantly, cursing under his breath as he did so.
“I wouldn't be so rude. It's not like this is my doing.” Chuuya groaned, leaving the room to clean up the counter. As he did he kept an eye on his surroundings, taking in the fast paced atmosphere.
The foyer was still as bustling and busy as always, and that never seemed to change. Chuuya couldn't help but wonder if anyone who worked here ever left. It seemed as though everyone was always rushing to get things done without even the thought of leaving. It was unnerving.
Of course, Chuuya didn't work full time however. He had to balance this job, with babysitting, dog walking, as well as being a full time fine art student at Tokyo’s University of The Arts. A stupid prestigious school that he’d worked his ass off to get into. So he was pretty damn busy. Of course, that did make him wonder what kind of place the building was without him.
He bet it was always the same old race against the clock, but he couldn't help but wonder regardless. He and his coworkers/best friends quickly cleaned the space from top to bottom, making sure everything was ready for the opening team before heading out to the chilly april streets of Shinjuku.
“Damn- I’m exhausted!” Tachi yawned, stretching his arms above his head as they walked. Chuuya nodded, stuffing his hands in his pockets to keep them warm. It was still a little cold, even despite the spring, though it was warm enough to not need a jacket. However, Chuuya ‘always fucking freezing’ Nakahara definitely should have brought a coat.
“How about we all go out for drinks! We should even invite Ryuu and Higuchi! I bet they’ve finished by now!” Tachi suggested, suddenly full of energy. Gin nodded before pulling out her phone to call her brother.
Chuuya wouldn't classify himself as a very social person, and yet, he seemed to have more friends than expected. As well as Tachi and Gin, Ryunosuke and Ichiyo were two of said friends. Ryunosuke ran a small tattoo shop only a train stop away, and Higuchi is his assistant (and best friend). He and Chuuya met when Gin wanted to get a tattoo while outrageously drunk and dragged Chuuya and Tachi to her brother’s shop. After getting a couple of his own tattoos Chuuya would confidently say that Ryuu is the best tattoo artist in the world.
Tachi and Chuuya listened to Gin talk with her brother as they strolled along the busy tourist covered streets, chuckling as they listened to Ryuu complain about how he was tired and Higuchi telling him to suck it up. Chuuya honestly loved his friends so much, and hanging out with them was always the highlight of his week, but tonight he was feeling way more drained than usual.
“I’m going to swing home for a second. I really want to change, but I’ll meet up with you guys!” Chuuya smiled, turning down a road to get to his apartment, rather than the bar they frequent breaking away from the group. In all honesty, he just needed to desensitize, he spent way too much time around people today and seriously needed a break.
“Kay! Don't take too long or we’ll order you a beer!” Tachihara threatened, he and Gin continued along the road. Chuuya yelled back a snide reply before reaching his apartment. He quickly jammed in the code and walked upstairs, ignoring his landlord’s shouting for him to pay his bills. He’d get around to it, of course, he just needed a bit of time.
As soon as Chuuya entered his small, one-room apartment he felt like collapsing. He was way too tired for drinks. He picked up the mail that's fallen from the mail slot, and chucked the presumable pile of bills onto his coffee table before slumping onto his couch with a sigh. Closing his eyes he tried to get a minute of sleep before having to go back out, but just as his eyes shut he noticed something odd poking out of the stack of bills.
Sitting up slowly, he grabbed the letter, flipping it over in his hand. It was a smooth beige envelope, completely different from the eye sore that were white, plastic bill envelopes. It was sealed with a dark blue wax seal. He quickly checked the address to make sure he did not receive someone else’s fancy ass mail, but no. The name on the envelope was his, unless of course he somehow wasn't ‘Mr Chuuya Nakahara’?
With a sigh, he broke the seal, tearing into the letter with anything but grace. Inside was an invitation?
Dear Nakahara-san,
As a member of the Port Mafia Industries family, you have been invited to the 50th anniversary banquet on the 25th of April at the Mori Art Museum. This invitation is for you, and one other person of your choosing.
We hope you join us to celebrate 50 long years of brilliance, and all the years to come.
The Ogai Family
Seriously? This had to be some sort of joke. Chuuya only worked part time in the coffee shop, what right does that give him to attend? Did everyone get an invitation?
Chuuya stared at the invitation for a long time, running his hands along the handwritten cursive, feeling the thick, expensive paper. He has never been anyone of importance in the Port Mafia. He was just a barista. His job only consisted of making coffee, wiping tables, and trying not to yell at unruly business women. How the fuck was he supposed to go sip champane and munch on hors d'oeuvres in a room full of people who have massive careers in the business and tech industry? Did Tachi and Gin get an invitation?
Chuuya was no longer tired, in fact, he was curious, and slightly annoyed.
He quickly changed out of his work uniform into a baggy band shirt and some cargo shorts, not giving a damn about his appearance before stuffing the letter into his pocket and exiting his apartment (not without a jacket this time of course).
When he arrived at the bar he made his way straight to the back table to find Ryuu, Higuchi, Tachi, and Gin all laughing hard at something Tachi had said. Cards covered the table as well as platters of yakitori and an assortment of alcohol. It was a common sight for the five of them, keeled over with laughter and a drink. Normally he would soak up the atmosphere, enjoying the company, but tonight, tonight was a little different.
Chuuya sat himself in his designated seat with a thud, before throwing the invite on the table dramatically. The four looked up from their game a little confused, staring between Chuuya and the invite. Chuuya huffed, angrily grabbing the glass of Merlot that had been placed in front of his seat long before he arrived. He was a little relieved that they hadn't bought him a beer, considering he’d taken so long to show up.
“You okay man?” Tachi quizzed, a little concerned, setting down his cards to look at Chuuya properly. The others did the same, giving Chuuya their full attention. Of course Chuuya has always been hot headed, but he wasn't the type to storm in, purposely interrupting their game of Uno.
“Did you get one too?” Chuuya grumbled, trying not to snap at Tachi. He knew he was overwhelmed, and he seriously needed to calm down. Higuchi stared at the envelope, before picking it up calmly.
“What is it?” She asked casually - unaffected by Chuuya’s sour mood. Gin peered over her shoulder, wanting to read the address on its face. Ryunosuke then pulled it out of Ichiyo’s hands, much to his sister and best friend’s dismay, and flipped it over in his hands before sending Chuuya a quizzical look. Chuuya couldn't help but sigh before taking a long sip from his glass - the sweet aroma of cedar and plums soothing his mind, immediately sending a coolness to his fiery brain.
“It's an invitation.” The four looked up from Ryunosuke’s hands and just stared at Chuuya, not saying a word. “To the 50th anniversary banquet of the Port Mafia.” Gin and Tachi’s jaws dropped, their eyes filled with astonishment. That was really all the answer Chuuya needed to know. He was special - for some reason.
“WHAT?!” Tachihara exclaimed, eyes practically bulging out of his head. If this were any other situation, Chuuya is pretty sure he’d be laughing. “Like, for real?!”
Chuuya nodded. Ryuu and Ichiyo had very similar looks of astonishment on their faces - the prestige of the event not lost on them. They all sat and looked at it for a moment, no one knowing quite how to react to this information. One of them (broke university students), Chuuya (a hopeless cheapskate, with a horrible temper) specifically, was invited to one of the biggest, faniciest, and most stuck up business events of the year. The sheer insanity of this information genuinely leaving them all speechless.
Gin was the first to speak up, the tenseness in her body leaving as she leaned into her older brother, returning to the casual atmosphere they had before Chuuya arrived.
“Well, you have to go.” She said cooly, taking a sip of her run and coke. The others nodded in agreement, all of them sitting back in their seats. Chuuya looked between them before downright refusing.
“No. No way. Are you kidding?” Chuuya shot forward in his seat, almost spilling his wine. “I don't want to go to a stupid party full of rich pansies. And I won't know anyone. I refuse.” Gin rolled her eyes, and Tachi just stared at him with even more astonishment. Honestly, the only one who didn't seem bothered was Ryuu, though he tends to be indifferent in most situations.
“Chu, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. How are you going to pass that up?” Higuchi queried, trying to reason with him calmly despite her surprise. Gin nodded in agreement whilst sipping at her drink.
“Ya know, I bet they’d have a killer wine selection.” Tachihara spoke up, smuggly munching on his yakitori, taking pleasure in the way Chuuya grumbled at his words.
“It's just, It's tomorrow night and I don't own anything black tie, and I don't particularly want anyone I don't know to speak to me. And don't you think it's weird that I got an invite, and neither of you did?” Chuuya’s eyes fell to his glass of wine as he swirled it in his hands, his anxiety over the situation bubbling to the surface. Gin picked up the envelope of the table and opened it.
“It says you get to bring a plus one. Why don't you take one of us with you?” Gin suggested, her voice too casual for Chuuya’s liking. Does nobody get it? He can't go.
“Can I go with you?” Tachihara perked up. Chuuya groaned, laying his head on the table dramatically. Ignoring the way his friends chuckled.
“Did you not hear what I just said? I can't go.”
“Oh please, those are just excuses! You can borrow some of my clothes, I've got an old suit that I wore for my previous bartending job - it would totally fit you. And, if you bring Tachi, you won't have to worry about bad company.” Gin declared, not leaving any room for disagreement.
“And!” Tachi chimed, “You won't have to worry about me! I've already got a suit that I wore to my big bro’s wedding last year!”
Chuuya stared between his friends. They were right, of course they were, but he still felt a little weird about going. They all seemed so sure of themselves, as if he and Tachi wouldn't be entering a lion's den. But at the same time, it’d be such a unique opportunity, there would be good alcohol, and it's being held in an art gallery…
“Fine.”
His friends burst into cheers, laughing at the way he grumbled into his cheap merlot.
“But I’m only going, because I'd be good to get some art inspo.”
His friends chuckled out their disagreements, re-shuffling the game of Uno they’d been playing before he sat down. Maybe they were right. Maybe he could go, and maybe he’d even enjoy himself. He would have to see. He leaned forward in his chair, focusing on the game with a sigh and a smile.
But there was still one question that weighed on his mind. Why was he invited?