Sugar

Tokyo, Japan

Tiffany’s PoV

As we walked through the airport, I noticed how Lucia seemed tired from the long flight.

“Should we stop by at a cafe?” Lucia shakes her head no.

“I would like to go to the hotel room immediately. The thing is, I’ve been holding my feeling about going to the bathroom since we’re on the plane. And please don’t say I should go to the public restroom because people will smell it.” So it’s alright for me to smell her s**t?

“Alright. There’s a car waiting for us outside.” I placed my hand behind her back while we continued to walk the long hallways toward the entrance.

“Whoa- what’s with the bodyguard? And why are they a lot of people with their cameras with them? Are you that famous here in Japan?” I chuckled.

“It’s rare for me to be here, and once I am, the media made a fuss about it. This is normal. If you’re shy, wear this.” I got my sunglasses for her.

“And keep your head low. The bodyguard will cover your face.” I lead Lucia into the car before waving at the reporters and hot in the car.

“I feel famous already.” I laughed while taking my phone from the inside of my jacket.

“I think Lia is asleep, but it’s alright if I send her a text, right?” Lucia nodded.

“She’s awake.” Lucia showed me a text from Lia a few minutes ago.

“I see. Then I should call her.” I call Lia and tell her about the sudden visit from the reporters. After double-checking my schedule, I hung up the phone and smiled at Lucia.

“What do you think of your first trip to Japan? Exciting, isn’t it?” Lucia nodded.

“It looks like I am in those animes I watched when I was a teen. It’s exciting and also quite eye-opening to be in another country. I’m curious about one thing- is there a chance you will ever go to the Middle East?” I raised an eyebrow.

“The Middle East? Why?” Lucia shrugged her shoulder.

“Look, like I said when we first met if you need it to want anything, say the words. Lia will make it happen for you. And if you want to travel overseas, do whatever you want. But of course, with someone whom I trust. Perhaps you could bring your friend. What was her name?” I think hard about that woman’s name.

“Nicole?” Ah, yes.

“Yes, Nicole. Please do what you want with my money. I don’t mind as long as you don’t make it hard for me to help you if you’re in trouble.” I reached out to pat her cheek before leaning back in my seat.

“Miss Tiffany, aren’t you tired at all?”

“I think it’s time for you to call me by my name. Call me Tiffany or Tiff for short.” Lucia seems contemplating to call me by my name.

“Just think of me as your friend or anything that makes you comfortable.” I smiled.

“I think of you as my employer. So I can’t call you by your name, Miss.” Is that so?

“Then think of me other than your employer. Because I am not your employer, I am the person who gives you money for doing nothing but being pretty. It may sound crazy for others, but it’s normal for people in such relationships like us.” Lucia sighed.

“Tiffany.”

“Say it again.”

“Tiffany.”

“There, was it that hard?” Lucia nodded. This is hopeless.

“It’s fine. Take this time to learn how to call me by my name because eventually, you have to since we will be meeting a lot of important figures starting tomorrow. People will question why my escort continues to call me an honorific. Then they will assume that I am the kind of person who likes to be called one. Do you want more bad rumors about me being spread just because you can’t call me by my name?” Lucia shakes her head no.

“Good! Then practice by calling me by my name starting from today.” I look at the time before looking outside the window to admire the view. Nothing seems to change since the last time I went to Tokyo.

After a while, we finally arrived at the hotel. The hotel manager came to greet me as he opened the door for me.

“Welcome to Aman Hotel, Miss Iscariot. I hope your visit here will be as pleasant as ever.” I smiled at the manager before helping Lucia out of the car.

“I’m sure Lia made some urgent call to your staff. I’m sorry for the sudden plan changes. I’m sure you understand.” The manager smiled.

“Of course, Miss. No matter what, we will give our utmost service while you’re here. Now, please follow me to the lobby.” I smiled at the manager before making my way toward the lobby. Lucia’s grip on my arm shows how nervous she is.

“You shouldn’t be nervous. The one who should be is these people around us. They are under pressure to satisfy me because they fear I might ruin their hotel. Be brave, Lucia. Because these people will try to suck up to you.” Lucia seems to get the idea as her body language suddenly changes as we walk side by side.

“Exactly- act spoiled! Act like you own this world because with me around, everything is right under your fingertips.” Lucia is a fast learner.

“Good. That’s how you suppose to act when you’re with me. If you continue acting like so, no one will ever dare to look down on you. Be proud that you’re escorting me.” I smiled as if I had never seen her eyes turn so deadly before. The manager seems to be wary of Lucia now that he sees what she’s capable of showing.

Lucia is one fearsome woman that everyone needs to be afraid of. Her gaze alone is enough to make others weep.

“Oh- the famous soprano is currently playing here? What do you think of enjoying the opera tonight, Lucia?” I can see that Lucia has never been to an opera before.

“Of course. I’ve been dying to see one. But it says sold out, though. Perhaps tomorrow night?” Oh- that is true.

“I can arrange that, Miss. if you could give me some time, I’ll make some calls and ensure that you got the spot for tonight. Would you like to have your usual seat?” I smiled.

“That would be splendid.”

LATER THAT NIGHT,

After seeing the opera, we decided to walk around Shinjuku while finding a place to eat. It would be easier for us to go back to the hotel, but this is Lucia’s first time in Tokyo. I might as well take this opportunity to show her around.

“Wow! It’s so colorful here. I would never have imagined coming here at this hour.” I smiled. I’m glad she’s enjoying herself.

“Usually, I would have some fun at one of the clubs around here, but that would be too much for you on your first visit. Besides, I don’t think both of us have the energy to party after such a long flight.” Lucia nodded.

“So we should find a place to eat. Do you have anything specific to try?”

“Authentic Japanese ramen.” Oh- I think I know just where to go.

“You’re lucky that I know a place around here.” I smiled before I led us both to the restaurant.

“Do you know how to speak Japanese?” I nodded.

“You’ll be surprised by how many languages I know.” Lucia seems amazed. We finally arrived at the restaurant, and it seemed a little packed. When we entered the shop, the staff seemed too busy to see us.

“Should we be waiting outside?” I turned to the long line outside.

“I guess so.“ we were about to walk back to the line when someone placed their hand on my shoulder.

“Tiffany-san! Is that you?” It’s the owner!

“Kenji-san, I thought you were not here. I was about to go and stand in the long line.” The owner started to talk in Japanese and question why I should be standing in the line.

“Nonsense! It would be best if you came to the private room. Follow me.” I winked at Lucia before following the owner to the private room.

“How long did you know the owner?” Lucia asked.

“Kenji-san used to work as our family chef. Once the contract ended, he decided to come back to Japan to open his restaurant. So whenever I have the time, I would come here to taste his cooking.” The owner then opened the door and asked us to wait inside.

Minutes later, someone familiar came into the room while bringing us the menu.

“Jun-Kun? Wow! I didn’t expect to see you here! I thought you were working in Germany.” Jun, the owner’s son, smiled.

“It’s almost the anniversary of my mother’s death. I decided to come back to be with the family. It should be me who was supposed to be surprised. Tiffany-chan, you’re here with yet another woman. Why don’t you introduce us?” Jun winked at me.

“I’m sorry. Lucia, this is Jun. He is the son of Kenji-san. He is also my dear childhood friend. We grew up together. Jun-kun, this is Lucia.” Jun and Lucia shake hands. Jun then continue to praise her in Japanese.

“I’ll give you two some time to choose the menu. I’ll be right back.” Jun said before excusing himself.

“I really can’t read the menu.” I smiled before translating the menu for Lucia. Once Jun came back, we ordered our food, and then we continued to wait.

“The room beside us must be having a company dinner. It sounds so loud to be a normal gathering.” I said while pouring myself a cup of sake.

“What is that?”

“Sake. Do you want to try some?” Lucia shakes her head no.

“I want to enjoy this trip, and it would help if I’m not drunk.” Suit herself.

“Such a beautiful view. I should take some pictures to remind myself of this trip.” I watched as Lucia got up from her seat and began to take pictures of the scenery from the windows.

“This kind of trip is nice, but for you all, you could think about this work. Don’t you enjoy yourself even for a bit, miss?” I cleared my throat when she called me to miss again.

“I mean Tiffany.” I smiled.

“I could only enjoy such trips once my work is done. Tomorrow I have to talk to many fake people who want to take advantage of my mother. It’s hard work to distinguish those who are sincere in doing business with us.” I down a whole cup of sake before pouring another.

“I think you should cut down your alcohol intake.” I smiled.

“You sound like my mother just then.”

“I’m worried for you.” I flicked Lucia’s nose as she looked cute while worrying about my health.

“Don’t be. I’m still alive and kicking.”

“You won’t be if this is how you continue to do.” I sighed.

“Stop. I don’t need to hear a lecture from you too. God- did my mother tell you to do that?” Lucia shrugged.

“Maybe. But is it important to know all the details?“ I can’t believe my mother would have the time to tell Lucia what to do with me.

“Please ignore any sort of calls from my mother.” Lucia smiled.

“I can’t promise you that.”