Chapter 16: This Is My Past

Usami took a trip down memory lane. Alexis, the drama queen, was standing on the railing of the patio back at the orphanage. Alexis, being 15, threatened to jump if Usami didn't agree to get adopted with him. Usami was trying to talk some sense into him. Then, another memory popped up. Alexis and Usami had just aced the entrance exam. Alexis, now 17, and Usami, 18, decided to try alcohol. Alexis got wasted, and Usami couldn't resist planting a kiss on him. That's when Usami realized he had a thing for Alexis. Ah, young love. Then, they both got into the university they wanted and were in class. One night, Usami couldn't hold back and kissed Alexis in the old lady's house who adopted him. And then, they met Rei-kun. Memories of their time with Rei-kun were on replay in Usami's mind. When they all landed a job at Hyozan Gaming Companies. And finally, the bombshell moment when Alexis spilled the tea about their CEO kissing him while drunk. Drama, drama! As he replayed all those scenes in his mind, he realized Alexis was completely clueless about the kisses he had planted on him. It's not his fault though, he was either wasted or passed out every time. The rage bubbled up inside him as he recalled Alexis blabbing about the CEO smooching him. He was itching to pay a visit to Shuji's office the following day and give him a taste of his fist until he begged for mercy. Yet, he maintained a facade of serenity while lying alone on his bed. His emotional control was top-notch. Deep down, he vowed to confront Shuji about staying out of Alexis's business.

Usami managed to secure a meeting with the CEO for two days later. He had everything planned out on how to prove that Alexis belonged to him (even though Alexis never saw him that way). As he went about his work, he couldn't help but daydream about using Shuji as a punching bag and his cringeworthy fantasies involving Alexis. Meanwhile, Alexis was chatting with his brother Rei-kun, laughing in the most adorable way. Kunishima was the most knowledgeable and insightful member of their squad. He was aware of all the gossip, including Usami's crush on Alexis, Alexis and Rei-kun's relationship, Rei-kun's deceitful behavior, and Alexis' reputation as the queen of tsunderes. However, he chose not to share any of it and instead enjoyed watching the drama unfold. Usami was lost in his thoughts, but Kunishima was already one step ahead, ready to witness the juicy drama unfold as Usami spills the beans about his crush on Alexis. Usami was all about securing Alexis's support during those couple of days of waiting. He was determined to have Alexis on his side, even if Shuji spilled the beans about his crush. Usami played it cool, not spilling the beans himself, but giving it his all to win Alexis over. Kunishima couldn't help but watch him closely, and every time Alexis was summoned to the CEO's office, he relished the look on Usami's face. And then, the moment of truth arrived...

Usami strutted into the elevator, oozing confidence about what he was going to say. He rapped on the door, and was granted entry. Shuji inquired, "You wanted to see me?" Usami paused, took a deep breath, and replied, "Yes sir,..... Listen up. I made this appointment to set the record straight: Alexis is off-limits to you. Your desperate attempts to get close to him are not only annoying, but also disrespectful. It's time for you to back off and respect the boundaries. If you don't, you'll regret it. Consider this your final warning. Alexis is mine, and you better keep your hands off him." Shuji didn't waste a second when Usami mentioned 'desperate attempts'. He dashed forward and yanked Usami's collar aggressively. "Who said anything about desperation?" he retorted. Usami claimed, "He belongs to me. If you want him, prove it. Right now, it seems like you're just playing games." Shuji smirked, "Fine then..." as he released his grip on Usami's collar. "Looks like we're rivals now. Let's battle it out for Alexis's affection. May the best man win." With that, he let go of Usami's collar. Usami fires back with a wicked smirk and says "absolutely." He then brushes off his shirt and straightens his collar.