In Deep Kimchi (28 page)

The beat of the music changed.

“Shit, look at that,” Satoshi said, pointing to the dance floor.

Takumijo put down his beer and put his eyes back on the dancers.

Shaundra’s butt was bobbing up and down to the music and Ichiro was behind her rocking to the beat. “I saw them do that on American television. It’s a very popular dance in the United States.” He laughed. “Where did Ichiro learn that dance? Masaaki would die if he walked in and saw him.”

Takumijo turned toward the door. “Oh, oh.”

Satoshi turned toward the door. Yori and Amaya had just entered and Yori looked fit to be tied. He stalked toward the dance floor. “Stop him,” Satoshi ordered.

Takumijo jumped from the booth, knocking aside dancers to get to Yori. Satoshi was close on his heels, drawing a lot of attention. Takumijo reached Yori just as the song ended and pulled him away from Shaundra and Ichiro. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Yori tried to get away from Takumijo, but couldn’t. “I’m going to kick Ichiro’s ass. He’s nearly humping her on the dance floor.”

“It’s a dance, you idiot,” Takumijo told him. “You’re going to embarrass both of them and yourself.”

The look on Yori’s face said it all, Satoshi noted. He was in love with Shaundra and he didn’t care if he punched the hell out of Ichiro or embarrassed himself in front of his future bride.

“What is the matter with you?” Amaya asked as she walked over to them. “Why are you picking a fight with Ichiro?”

Ichiro glared at Yori as he walked Shaundra past them.

“We’ll settle this later,” Yori told him.

“Nothing to settle,” Ichiro replied. “You’ve lost.”

Amaya grabbed Yori’s arm. “What’s the matter with the two of you?”

Yori shook her off. “Nothing. I am the leader and Ichiro is out and out disobeying an order. Come on, let’s find a table.”

Satoshi and Takumijo went back to their table, which was situated in an area where they could watch both couples.

“This is going to turn out so bad,” Satoshi replied.

Takumijo ordered them another round of drinks, which the waitress brought quickly.

“Yori is an idiot,” Satoshi replied. “And Amaya is an ever bigger idiot if she does not see what is happening before her eyes.”

* * * *

“Are you going to tell me what happened or do I have to go over and ask Ichiro?” Amaya asked. She attempted to rise, but Yori caught her hand and pulled her back down in the seat.

“Don’t. It’s really doesn’t concern you.”

“Like hell it doesn’t. You and your best friend were about to fight on the dance floor. Why?”

“Because he was being disrespectful.”

“I don’t understand. All I saw was Ichiro having a good time with his girlfriend.”

“It was the type of dancing that they were doing. It wasn’t appropriate.”

Amaya laughed. “You mean
popping
? It’s the most popular dance in America.”

Yori frowned. “We are not in America.”

“We also don’t have big butts. Ichiro’s woman does and Ichiro was enjoying it.”

“Well, he shouldn’t be.”

Amaya sighed. “Tell me the truth. Are you upset that Ichiro is having a good time with his girlfriend, or are you upset that Ichiro is having fun with Shaundra Morrison?”

“What’s the difference?”

“The difference is, either you’re jealous of Ichiro, or you’re in love with Shaundra Morrison.”

“Neither.”

“I’ve known you for a long time, Yori, and I can usually tell when you’re lying to me. I’m not blind. I see the way you look at her.”

“I don’t look at her in any particular way,” Yori replied.

Amaya sighed.
This is not going well
. “My folks enjoyed your concert. They said you have a very nice voice.”

“Thanks. I’m glad they had a good time.”

Changing the subject didn’t make his mood any better, she noted. “Would you care to dance?”

He seemed to think about it for a moment. “Yes, I think I still have a little energy left.”

They rose and walked over to the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around his waist and he put his arms around her neck and they began to sway to the music. It had been a long time since they’d danced together this way, partially because of their conflicting careers.

His took him away from Osaka for months at a time while she had her college classes and part-time job with her parents. She kept thinking things between them would return to how it used to be once she graduated, but now she had her doubts. Yori had changed considerably since joining Aomori and, at first, his overly protective attitude toward his band members had been cute. Everything he did was for them and it made them a strong unit and the best band in Asia, but it also put a rift in their relationship. His phone calls were now few and far apart, and her best friend, Kikio, didn’t make matters any better by constantly telling her that Yori was cheating on her. Up until now, she’d never thought he could. But she wasn’t a fool or naïve. There was something going on between him and Shaundra Morrison even if he didn’t want to admit it. And poor Ichiro was stuck in the middle.

The song ended, but it was quickly followed by another so they continued to dance. Amaya could tell that his heart wasn’t in it. Should she be the bigger person and just end it and put him out of his misery? Or hang on with the hopes that this little fascination would blow over?

They returned to the table this time when the music ended.

Amaya looked over at the other two tables. Satoshi and Takumijo were still nursing drinks, but Ichiro and Shaundra were no longer in the lounge.

* * * *

“Yori’s little stupid act of jealousy put a crimp in my plans,” Ichiro told Shaundra as they stood outside her hotel room door.

“Oh, what plans did he spoil?”

Ichiro smiled wickedly. His blue eyes flashed lustfully as he looked down on her. “You know, the hair and pillow thing.”

Shaundra smirked. “Maybe some other time.”
Damn, so close
.

“Yes, I hate to admit it, but I’m pretty tired and may not give a stellar performance.”

“Perfectly understandable. Because if and when we do the hair and pillow thing, I want you at your full potential.” She grabbed his tie and pulled him toward her. Ichiro stood over her as she raised her face for a kiss. He lowered his head, capturing her lips possessively. The scent of his cologne and the heat from his body rendered her silly. She removed her hand from his tie and encircled his waist with her arms. The sound of approaching footsteps did not force them to break the embrace. If she could not have his body, she would not be denied his heart.

Ichiro broke the kiss that left her breathless. “I’m going to sleep like a baby after that.” He pulled away from her, waved good-bye and left her standing flustered in the hall.

Shaundra used her keycard and entered her room, happy about the end of the evening, yet very pissed off at Yori and Donald for messing with her karma.

* * * *

A fist to the face was the last thing Ichiro expected when he stepped into his room. He should have expected it since he and Yori did have adjoining rooms. Ichiro retaliated by punching Yori in the gut—his weak spot—and sending him to his knees.

Satoshi and Takumijo appeared from out of nowhere after the two of them continued to fight.

“What is the matter with the two of you?” Takumijo asked as he grabbed Yori.

Satoshi, in turn, grabbed Ichiro.

Yori clutched his aching stomach. “Did you guys know that Ichiro left here unchaperoned this evening?”

“So what?’ Takumijo said, releasing him. “We sneak away too when we get the chance.” He flopped down in a chair.

“This is different. We just performed a concert and this town is swarming with fans. He could have gotten seriously hurt.”

“I can take care of myself,” Ichiro replied. “I am no longer a child.”

Yori continued to rub his stomach. “I know you’re not, but we’re not only talking about your safety. You took Shaundra with you. Do you have any idea how many fans want to do her harm since that magazine cover appeared?”

“Yes, I am well aware of it. That is why I only took her to private places. I can protect her.”

“You shouldn’t have to. That is why we have bodyguards. You may be a big boy now, but you still need to follow the rules.”

“And you need to stay out of my business,” Ichiro replied. “You chose Amaya. What I want to do or where I take my date is my business.”

“Like dry humping her on the dance floor tonight?” Yori asked.

“It was a dance, and thanks to your foolishness, I will be sleeping alone tonight.”

Yori lunged at him again, but Takumijo sprang back to his feet and grabbed him. “Your better stay away from her, you little fairy.”

Ichiro punched him in the gut again. “You look more like a girl than I do. And for future reference, I am not gay.”

Yori broke away from Takumijo and swung his fist at Ichiro again, but missed. Ichiro slapped him across the face.

Yori stood there looking speechless.

“Now get the hell out of my room so I can change and go to sleep. It’s been a long day.”

“Ooh, he’s so hot,” Satoshi teased. “Maybe we underestimated his silence.”

Ichiro rolled his eyes at Satoshi. “I don’t have time for your jokes or sarcasm either, Satoshi. You guys do not understand how you make me feel when you treat me like a kid, or a girl, or anything else other than a man. Shaundra is the first person who has come into my life who treats me as an equal and with respect. I would never do anything to harm her or treat her like a whore. She is a very beautiful person both inside and out, and I am honored that she finds me attractive and wants to spend time with me.”

Yori walked away, nursing his chin. “Kissing her in the hallway in full view of everyone is not showing respect.”

“She kissed me. What was I supposed to do?”

The reaction on Yori’s face was enough to make up for the attack on his person. Ichiro walked over to the dresser and checked his face for bruising. That bastard had smacked him good.

“You’re jealous,” Satoshi told Yori. “At least he stayed outside her room like a gentleman.”

Ichiro moved away from the mirror and walked over to Yori. “You’ve been inside her room?”

“That is none of your business.”

“It is my business. I won’t take sloppy seconds to you.”

Satoshi laughed and Yori glared at him. “Stop teaching him those disgusting terms.” He turned back to Ichiro. “If I would have gotten that far, there’d be no way you’d have a chance with her.”

Someone cleared their throat behind them. He turned toward the door. It was Masaaki. “I can hear you idiots all the way down the hall.” He closed the door and entered the room “What are you fighting for this time?”

“Ichiro won’t follow the rules,” Yori replied. “He snuck off tonight on a date with Ms. Morrison and he did not take security with him.”

Masaaki glared at Ichiro, who didn’t back down or apologize. “Why did you do something so foolish?”