Chapter 23 - Blindness

Translator's Note:

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Here you go, and I wish you a good read.

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Preparations for the Party

 

 

Thus, a week had passed.

 

Today, a grand party was held to celebrate Aoi's 20th birthday and his restored eyesight, starting from the first hours of twilight.

 

The servants had been busy since morning.

 

To accommodate the hundreds of guests, preparations have been steadily underway for months. Creating the guest list, arranging the chefs, cleaning and decorating the mansion's grand party hall and gardens, and various other meticulous preparations... Seita, the head butler, oversaw and directed all of these tasks, coordinating the staff. Yuto, who had been working closely with Seita all this time, could only marvel at Seita's efficient handling of the immense workload, diligently shaping the stage for Aoi's debut in high society.

 

Despite Seita's usual rough and brusque demeanor, observing the steady and reliable progress of the party preparations couldn't help but make one appreciate his competence. Seita was remarkably skilled at motivating people and his handling of any issues or troubles that arose was incredibly astute.

 

Having started working here just over a year ago, Yuto's main focus had been taking care of Aoi's personal needs. However, as Yuto began harboring the goal of becoming Aoi's secretary someday, witnessing Seita's efficient work and his ability to handle various tasks made Yuto realize there was much more to learn from him.

 

"Yuto, you've done enough here. Go and assist with Master Aoi's preparations."

 

"Yes, understood."

 

"After the party starts, focus on assisting behind the scenes as much as possible. It's a gathering of alphas, so it could be troublesome if anyone were to realize you're an omega. You should be cautious."

 

"Yes, I understand."

 

"And once that's done, take a quick shower and change. You should dress properly, got it?"

 

"I understand."

 

"Now, stop dawdling and hurry up!"

 

Seita had rolled up his sleeves to the elbows, wearing a white shirt and a black vest. As Yuto received a sharp tap on the forehead from the busier-than-usual Seita, he rubbed his forehead with a sour expression and swiftly turned around, heading towards Aoi's room.

 

+

 

"Master Aoi, I'm here. May I come in?"

 

"Ah, yes, please."

 

As Yuto pushed open the door and entered the room, he caught sight of Aoi standing in front of the mirror by the closet, meticulously grooming himself.

 

Aoi wore a slim-fitting shirt that hugged his shoulders and back, overlaid with a glossy vest. The deep navy slacks gracefully enveloped his well-defined buttocks and long legs. The mere sight stirred Yuto's heart, causing it to race with anticipation.

 

Normally, Aoi would often wear casual clothes that exuded a student-like, relaxed atmosphere while maintaining a sense of cleanliness.

 

However, today was a grand stage set exclusively for Aoi. What Aoi was wearing now was a custom-made navy tuxedo tailored specifically for this momentous occasion. The fabric's color was selected to match the depth and luster of Aoi's eyes, exhibiting a refined navy shade. The sleek silhouette perfectly accentuated Aoi's charm and allure.

 

At the moment, Aoi hadn't put on the jacket or bow tie yet, simply wearing the shirt and vest. The shirt, with its high collar that accentuated the graceful line of his neck, suited Aoi exceptionally well. Clad in unusually formal attire, Aoi looked incredibly dashing, leaving Yuto speechless as he became captivated by Aoi's stance and appearance.

 

"Hm? What's the matter?"

 

"...Eh?"

 

"You seem absent-minded. Is it time already?"

 

"Ah...n-no, it's still fine! I was just wondering if there's anything I can help you with..."

 

"I see. Then, can you put on the cufflinks for me?"

 

"Yes, gladly!"

 

For some reason, Yuto's voice trembled, and Aoi chuckled softly. As Yuto tried to attach the platinum and diamond cufflinks to Aoi's shirt, he felt nervous and struggled to do it properly.

 

"What's the matter?"

 

"Well, um..."

 

"Hm?"

 

"Master Aoi... you're so cool... that my hands are shaking."

 

"Eh? Ahaha... Hahaha."

 

Looking up at Aoi who was laughing heartily, Yuto blushed furiously.

 

Even Aoi's platinum-blond hair, which he usually wore in a carefree manner, was neatly arranged today. The sides were sleekly combed back, and the bangs were gently swept to the side. Aoi's well-defined and beautiful eyes, elegantly arched eyebrows, and finely sculpted facial features appeared more radiant than ever, and Yuto couldn't help but be completely captivated.

 

"When you say something so cute, it makes me want to tease you even more."

 

"T-tease? N-no, I mean, at a time like this, um..."

 

"I'm just joking."

 

"Uh..."

 

"Hehe... Are our usual displays of affection not enough for you?"

 

"W-What?! N-No! It's not like that!!"

 

Flustered by Aoi's words, Yuto's face turned beet red. Aoi playfully shook his shoulder and laughed cheerfully, then bent down and planted a kiss on Yuto's cheek.

 

"I'm not satisfied, though. I'm always hungry for you."

 

"Huh... W-What are you saying?"

 

"I love you, Yuto."

 

"Uh..."

 

Aoi's mischievous kiss landed on Yuto's lips. Yuto desperately tried to control his rising excitement and finally managed to attach the cufflinks to Aoi's wrists.

 

"S-Stop teasing me like that! Geez!"

 

"Haha, sorry, sorry. Oh, right, there's something I want to give you."

 

"Eh?"

 

Aoi approached a chest placed beside the closet and opened the top drawer. From there, he took out a slender box with black velvet fabric and gently handed it to Yuto.

 

"...? What is this?"

 

"I've been wanting to give this to you for a long time. Open it and you'll see."

 

"Yes."

 

Yuto gently opened the box that was handed to him by Aoi.

 

Inside, a slim black leather choker was carefully placed. The ends of the choker had intricately designed silver clasps. And in one corner of the box, there was a small key. This was a collar meant to protect an omega's neck, ensuring that they wouldn't be claimed by an unwanted alpha.

 

"Ah... this is..."

 

"I don't mean to imply that I want to restrain you, but considering that there will be hundreds of alphas at the party, I would appreciate it if you could wear this as a precaution."

 

"This collar is... for me?"

 

"Well, of course. I'm worried about you, Yuto. I'll be busy attending to the guests during the party, so I won't be able to be by your side the whole time."

 

"Thank you so much...!"

 

It was Yuto's first gift from Aoi.

 

Receiving this gift from Aoi was proof that Yuto undeniably belonged to him. It seemed like a firm declaration of their relationship, which had not yet taken a definitive form. Yuto caressed the chocker with trembling fingers, as he savored the joy of the moment.

 

"I'm so happy. Thank you."

 

"You're welcome... Can I put it on for you?"

 

"Yes, please!... But, will it be visible?"

 

"We'll be in formal attire for the party, right? It'll be underneath the bowtie, so it shouldn't be visible."

 

"Oh, right."

 

"Come closer and tilt your head up a bit."

 

"Yes! P-Please, go ahead...!"

 

As Yuto spread his collar, Aoi gently took the choker from the case and wrapped it around Yuto's neck. The faint coldness of the clasp touching just below his Adam's apple and the cool sensation of the soft leather felt incredibly dear to him.

 

Then, Aoi locked the choker with a small key. Yuto could hear a soft click. The feeling of the clasps securely fastening together transmitted through his skin, and at the same time, Aoi's lips lightly brushed against Yuto's.

 

"...Mm... Master Aoi...?"

 

"If you were mine, there would be no need for something like this."

 

"Well... but I'm still happy. I..."

 

"Really?"

 

"Yes, very much."

 

As he touched the collar, a tingling sensation of bliss filled Yuto's body. He had heard that many Omegas harbored a strong aversion toward such collars, but for Yuto, anything bestowed upon him by Aoi would be something special. With a smile that naturally bloomed on his face, Yuitsu directed it towards Aoi, causing a faint blush to tint Aoi's fair cheeks as he shyly averted his gaze.

 

"...For tonight, make sure to take the pheromone suppressant."

 

"Yes, of course."

 

"Also, absolutely don't come near the party floor. It's dangerous."

 

"But... I might have to help out a bit..."

 

"No, you can't. There'll be many flirtatious Alpha out there. We can't let a small rabbit like you wander into a pack of wolves."

 

"A rabbit? Are you referring to me?"

 

"Yes, exactly. Do you understand?"

 

"...Yes, I do."

 

"Good."

 

Upon hearing Yuto's response, Aoi nodded deeply. However, as he adjusted Yuto's collar with his white fingers, he still had a slightly worried expression. Yuto couldn't help but think that Aoi's face had become much more expressive compared to when he was blind. As he gazed up at Aoi's beautiful eyes, Yuto's heart filled with warmth.

 

"Hmm?"

 

"Oh, no... um, have you talked with Master Ren since then?"

 

"Yeah, a few times. But, even when he's at home, my brother seems busy. He's always bustling around with meetings and stuff, so we haven't had the time for any real conversations."

 

"I see..."

 

"Since my brother is the organizer of the party, he's busy for my sake. I can't interfere. Seems like he spends a lot of time with Seita, though."

 

"Yes, Mr. Seita-san seems to be taking charge."

 

"That's right... I wish I could help in some way."

 

"But today is Master Aoi's birthday celebration. Master Ren will surely do his best for his adorable younger brother!"

 

Seeing Aoi looking somewhat lonely, Yuitsu tried to cheer him up, deliberately speaking in a light tone. Aoi let out a small laugh and smiled faintly, as if relieved.

 

"His adorable younger brother, huh? I used to be even more openly spoiled back then."

 

"Is that so?"

 

"When we were younger. We used to sleep together often, and we even took baths together."

 

"Oh... how lovely."

 

Yuto was genuinely moved, and as he expressed his emotions, Aoi suddenly crossed his arms and lowered his gaze. In a serious tone, he said something unexpected.

 

"Shall we take a bath together again? That way, I might be able to have his undivided attention and tell him everything."

 

"A... a bath? With Master Ren...?"

 

"I don't know if we'll have time to leisurely soak in the bath together, but if we do, then we can have a heart-to-heart conversation."

 

"Ah... I think that would be... really nice."

 

Just a short while ago, Yuto had recently enjoyed an intense bath time with Aoi, and now he couldn't help but recall Aoi's naked body and the sweet indulgent caresses they had shared.

 

With a racing heart, Yuto found himself on the verge of imagining Ren's naked body as well, but he quickly shook his head in a flustered attempt to dispel those improper thoughts.

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