Suddenly, Kaoru and Akemi’s bodies seem to no longer be within their own control. The other people present seem to be unable to do anything but watch.
Kaoru begins swaying within the rocking chair below them, letting out a quiet creaking sound among the crickets of the night. Akemi responds to the motion with a light chuckle. Slowly, Kaoru brings the mug to his lips and takes a sip.
Akemi speaks out in a softer voice than usual. “You know, you’ve been getting home from work later and later these days… have you considered hiring more managers? I’ve just been a bit worried about how much you’ve been taking on, you know? You hardly get to spend time with me anymore.”
Kaoru laughs, setting his mug down on the table. “I know, I know, it’s just, like… I just feel weird about the idea of the company feeling less and less like me and Emily’s work, the more we expand. But it’s probably not sustainable like this if I don’t, so we’ve been looking for some more people to lighten my load. I need to be a better parent too, right?”
Akemi sets her mug on the table with a quiet clink. “It’s ok! I’ve made sure Robert-chan isn’t lonely. I’m pretty sure he likes me enough by now that I’m basically his third parent, right?”
Kaoru pauses, tapping a finger against the armrest of his chair once, perhaps a little harder than expected, as a small jolt of pain travels up his fingertip. “Well, you are her godparent, after all. I’m glad you two have gotten close.”
There’s a small sigh, from Akemi, as Kaoru goes for another sip of the sweet, aromatic tea. It’s pretty high quality, the flavors mellowing in his mouth.
“You know, since you’ve been so busy, I got a little present for you. So… do me a favor and close your eyes, and hold out your hands, ok?”
Kaoru tilts his head, but follows along. He closes his eyes and holds out his hands. After a moment, Akemi takes Kaoru’s hands directly, before leaning forward and pressing her lips against Kaoru’s. Kaoru seems confused. Taken aback. But frozen in place. A panic slowly sets in. After a moment’s time in this position, Kaoru’s eyes flutter wide open as he pulls away, jolting out from his seat.
“I-I…. Ah” the words are caught in the growing lump in Kaoru’s throat. “Akemi-chan, we have already talked about this multiple times, I-I can’t… I don’t want… Urk… I need some space.” With quick steps, Kaoru leaves for the door, when the control over the two’s bodies seems to cease.
