Chapter 9: Tokyo Bliss II

"Wear these for the photoshoot!" Belle says while handling Jay a black silk Kimono and a black and white striped Hakama.

All the lords are wearing the same clothes and also some wigs to create a classic handsome, yet deadly samorais. With their make up and clothes on, they all look absolutely and dangerously gorgeous.

Earlier that day, Mayu introduced Belle and the guys to the patient, Akina. She's beaming as Belle puts on her make up and her chosen dress for the photoshoot--- a white silk kimono with pink cherry blossom design. It's a perfect contrast to the dark color the lords are wearing. On her head is an elaborate headdress in pink and gold.

"Thank you so much for making my dream come true!" Akina says happily despite her weak voice. Mon holds he hand while tapping her shoulder.

"We are honored to help," Jason replies. As usual, he will be behind the camera. To everyone's surprise, he is much more willing to lend a hand when they arrive at the hospice.

"Are you afraid of dying?" Akina blurts out that makes the lords and the prince stop what they're doing. There's silence.

With a warm smile, Leo says, "Of course... who isn't?"

The others agree. Akina sighs.

"Same answer as I did back then. When I first heard of the diagnosis, I was in denial. 'Too soon,' I said. I hated my life. I beat myself so hard that even my family stopped visiting me. I was defiant, but my mom was more persistent. She had never left me, instead, she stayed by my side every single day..." tears pool in her eyes as she tells a flashback of her life. Then, she gives them a warm smile.

"Regret makes us fear death!" she adds.

The room turns quiet with the realization of her words. Jay ponders. Belle closes her eyes, preventing the tears from falling. Then, Jason clears his throat.

"Alright! Let's do this nice and fast!" he exclaims. Then, Belle give instructions. They strike some poses.

Akina looks exhausted by the photoshoot because of her condition, nevertheless, all that you can see on her face is pure joy. The lords are very patient to the adjustments that has to be made for her.

"I can die happy! Now that my wish comes true," Akina blurts out when the photoshoot has finally come to an end. There's silence. Belle and the guys don't know how to react, keeping them quiet.

"I hope that means, you are happy!" Leo says, beaming at her. She nods.

After the tiring hours, they are finally done. Their faces glisten with sweat as they sit down on the concrete benches. After eating a delicious meal prepared by the hospice, they bid goodbye. But are surprised to find news reporters outside the building.

"What the hell?!" Jason mutters as they all froze on their posts.

"Why are there reporters here?" Belle asks Mayu, who smiles at them.

"I am sorry Lady Belle, but when we post this event on our social media account last night to put awareness on the program, we never thought that we would trickle their interest as well."

"It's okay, Mayu."

"Thanks, Lady Belle."

"I won't forgive you unless you drop the lady thing!"

Mayu smiles.

"Belle~ thanks and I am sorry!"

Mayu talks to the reporters, clamoring in front of the gate and briefs them. When everythings ready, Belle and the guys go out with smiles.

"Alright, as agreed, we will entertain only few questions since they will fly back to Europe!" Mayu announces. "Let's hear the first question!"

A middle- aged man wearing a black vest raises his hand.

"I heard that Lady Arabelle is partnering with WishBliss Foundation and agreed to use her talent in making dresses for terminally ill patients. May we know the reason behind it?"

They all turn to Belle, who beams at them.

"Uhm... well, when I listened to the vision and mission of the foundation, I immediately fell in love with it. And I decided to help in a way that I am most good at," Belle replies.

"How about these gentlemen, do you mind introducing yourselves and tell the reason why you take part in it?" a female reporter asks.

The lords look at each other and urge Jay to speak on their behalf.

"Hmmm... we are the Spencers from and my name is Jay Harrison, Belle childhood friend. We~"

"Sorry to interrupt, but... are you really the "brats"?" one reporter ask, interrupting Jay's answer. The lords chuckle.

Jay clears his throat before saying, "Do we look like "brats"?"

Female reporters, young or old, gasp when all of the lords, including the prince, flash their coy and charming smiles. Mayu drop her jaw before gulping hard. Belle giggles when she hears Mayu's curse beneath her teeth.

"Shall I continue?" Jay asks to cut the sudden silence. The reporters nod.

"Okay... so for the second question, honestly, we relented. Only when they explained to us their amazing cause that we come to understand," he adds.

"We can never know their sufferings. Many people claim that they know. But no, all that we can do is to understand--- by looking into their lives, by talking to them and living by their side. So, I appreciate the jobs our carers do here. Their tireless sacrifices," Leo exclaims.

"Apparently, death is an inevitable end for mortals. We all die. We do. But the real question is 'did you really live?'?" Jason says. There are murmurs and exchange looks among the journalists.

The interview has been long done, but they remain quiet as they travel back to their plane.

"I owe one, guys! Thanks for doing this," Belle says, trying to keep still because her heart has been eratic because of Jason casually petting head and smelling her hair.

Then, her eyes widen as shiver crawls her spine when Jason buries his face on her neck and whispers, "What are you doing to me?"

Due to the dark, no one can see her flushed cheeks and hear her unsteady breathing.