He hadn't heard from Hiro in days and he thought Hiro had given up on asking him for help. He was starting to think he had played it too much the other day and Hiro was never going to want to see him again. It turned out that it wasn't the case and patience had its benefits. It wasn't easy but he had stayed his ground and Hiro was finally back to him. He must have realised that no one would help him.
Now Raiden was torn between seeing him and not seeing him. He wondered if he should play it a little longer and make him suffer more or let him in and help him.
He checked his golden Rolex wristwatch. There were a few hours until the deadline for his sister's surgery. He could still drag things out a little bit.
Raiden knew it wasn't right to gamble with a life like that but everything had already been set. Even if Hiro never came, the heart transplant and all other expenses would have been paid under an anonymous name. He wasn't afraid. All he needed was to see how broken Hiro was. He wanted Hiro to realise that there was no other option except him.
"Sir?" The secretary called again since her boss had been quiet for a while.
Raiden cleared his throat. "No. Tell him I'm busy. He should come back another day."
"Okay sir." the secretary said and hung up.
Raiden smiled and waited. As expected, his secretary rang again. This time, he waited a bit before picking. He already knew Hiro would not leave without seeing him. He was their last resort and they were running out of time.
"What?" He feigned annoyance.
"Sorry sir" his secretary hurriedly apologised. "But Mr Watanabe insists on seeing you today. He said he'll wait until you're done."
Raiden smirked. "Then, let him wait."
He hung up instantly then stood up and walked to his wine cabinet. He poured himself a glass of red wine, celebrating in advance.
Watanabe Hiro....
He pictured the boy from four years ago. Bright sunny smile. Eyes the colour of champagne. So alluring and mesmerising. Soft sandy brown locks that always scented like lemons and a stunning face. The kind that could make any man go crazy.
He wondered, did Hiro still smell the same as before? If he didn't, how did he smell now?
Surprisingly, he noticed that he was excited as well as nervous. The glass of wine in his hand was shaking. He had to keep the glass and lean against the counter, taking in a deep breath to calm himself down.
He never knew he'd feel like this. He was angry at Hiro. Yes, but he had also loved him for years. It was impossible to just shut those feelings off.
He wanted revenge. He wanted Hiro to feel as miserable as he felt all those years but he also wanted the boy. He had yearned for him for so long.
After suffering for years, he was finally getting him. The person he had always wanted. With how he had made Hiro suffer, Hiro would have to value him. Things won't be like they were in high school. This time, he'll be the one being chased after not the chaser.
Hiro would have to see his worth and when everything was set, he'd treat Hiro so well that Hiro would never think of leaving.
Two long hours later, Raiden heard a set of rapid knocks on his door. He quickly opened it and was surprised to see his secretary anxious.
"What is it?"
"Sir, sir, that boy passed out just now," she replied, panicking. "What should I do? Should I call an ambulance?"
Raiden's heart trembled. He quickly moved her out of his way and ran to the waiting room where he saw Hiro passed out on the floor. He carried him bridal style, took him to his office and laid him down on the bed by the window.
He turned and saw the secretary still standing by his door. "What are you still doing standing there like some statue?! Call the family doctor! Tell him to hurry!"
"Yes sir!"
"Come on Hiro, wake up." He said, turning to Hiro. He put a finger underneath his nostrils and was relieved to know that Hiro was still breathing. He removed his shoes and started to rub his hands and feet. "Wake up Hiro, please. I'll do whatever you want. I'll save your sister. Just please, wake up."
But Hiro didn't hear a thing. His eyes remained closed. The only thing that could tell anyone he was alive was his chest which was rising and falling steadily. He looked like he was in a deep slumber.
Raiden tried all he could but he couldn't get Hiro to wake up. He went to his secretary.
"Where is he?!" He barked at her, making her jump in fear. She was already shaking and sweating. She had never seen her boss so concerned for someone.
"H-He's on his way sir. He's almost here" she stuttered.
"Fuck!" Raiden cursed, banging his fist on her table. If he had known this would happen, he would have let him in earlier. The boy must have been under a lot of pressure. His body must have been overwhelmed by stress. He started to regret what he had done. He shouldn't have rejected him like that all in the name of revenge.
Some minutes later, the doctor arrived and went in to check on Hiro. Raiden sat on the couch and waited. Whatever it was, he prayed it wasn't serious.
"That boy is terribly exhausted." the doctor said as he walked towards Raiden, taking off his stethoscope. He sat on the couch across from Raiden and sighed. "Mentally and physically. He is also malnourished. He needs lots of rest and good food."
"So he fainted from exhaustion?"
The doctor nodded.
"When will he wake up?" Raiden asked. Everything else could be arranged. He only needed Hiro to wake up.
"He should wake up in a few hours. 3-4 at most. He needs it." Dr Tanaka replied. "It seems like he hasn't slept or eaten in days. Poor boy."
Raiden balled his fists, gritting his teeth. It was all his fault. He knew Hiro would never be able to get the money anywhere else. He was so blinded by his anger and want for revenge that he didn't think about his well-being.
"Then, what should I do, doctor? What should I give him when he wakes up?"
Dr Tanaka took out his notebook and a pen. "I'll write you a prescription. I'll also email you a meal plan. He needs to be taken care of. How old is he?"
"23," Raiden answered.
Dr Tanaka was taken aback by the answer. He gazed at the sleeping Hiro, astonished. "Are you sure? He looks like he's in high school."
Raiden chuckled. "He just has a small stature, Doctor. Hiro is 23."
The doctor shrugged and continued to write. "Make sure he takes them on time," He said, tearing off the page and handing it to Raiden as he stood up. "Make sure he gets lots of rest too. Call me if anything happens."