Thursday - Tokyo

Arthit's POV

I've spent all morning working in my hotel room. I even had a web meeting with my boss Dan going over what had transpired yesterday during my presentation. I've told him about meeting Mr. Fudosan, and how we were on friendly terms. I told him I think we have a good chance as we have some great projects in our portfolio, and we have been chosen for the upcoming SuSus Project in Bangkok.

My meeting with Mitsubishi Estate's was in the afternoon. So, I just worked until my meeting time. When I got to the meeting, I was greeted warmly, and I took that as a good sign. The meeting was over two hours long. But at the end, after a few concessions, we landed the job. Double bonus, here I come.

I was so elated, that I wanted to jump and skip. Eat shit John! I can't wait to rub it in your face when I get back.

I saw Sora smiling walk across the room to approach me.

Sora: Congratulations Arthit! I'm glad your company got the job. Now we can officially be friends.

Arthit: Thanks! But what do you mean now we can officially be friends?

Sora: Well, it wouldn't be fair or look too good if we were friends before your company got the job right? Others might think we were biased.

Arthit: Oh, okay. Well, I'm glad we are officially friends now too. So, next time I come to Tokyo, I will have someone to visit.

Sora chuckles nodding.

Sora: Yes, you most certainly do. Let's go celebrate tonight. It's your last night in town before you head back tomorrow.

Arthit: Okay, but my treat. Where should we go?

Sora pulled out his phone.

Sora: Here, I will send you the location later. Let me add your LINE first.

I took his phone to add my Line, and handed his phone back to him.

Arthit: Okay, here. I'll go back, and meet you later then.

When I got back to the hotel, I couldn't wait to tell my boss the good news. I also wanted to share my good news with someone particular, but I tried not to think about it. But I can totally imagine how he would high five me, and coax me to take his bike for a spin. Whatever Arthit. He probably doesn't want to see me ever again. But I know he would break out a bottle of champagne or another bottle of tequila. No he wouldn't. Yes, I think that's what he would do. Nah, you won't even see his shadow. Really? Sigh.
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Sora had sent me the location to meet him there at 7pm. So, here I am. In the crazy bustling district of Shinjuku. There's bars, lounges, and a variety of themed cafes around here. Promoters dressed in all sorts of costumes are standing outside trying to get customers to go in their business. Cosplay is very big in Japan. I found the meeting location, and headed inside. I stood in a reception area that's dark, but really bright at the same time with neon LED black lights everywhere. It's so strange and mysterious. The workers here are all in costumes that are also brightly lit in neon colors. I saw a few people walk through a black curtain to the back. I wondered what is on the other side.

While I was still looking around the strange place, Sora tapped me on the shoulder causing me to jump a little.

Sora: I'm sorry I'm a little late. I had to take the metro since it's impossible to park here.

Arthit: I just got here myself. So what is this place? I think we need tickets.

I looked at Sora a little nervous. I really hope this place is not something inappropriate. I know how Japan has all those weird kinky places for all sorts of fetish. I'm not at all comfortable with any of that stuff. Also, I wouldn't want any type of weird gossip to travel back to the company.

Sora: Don't worry. It's not what you're thinking. And I already have tickets, so let's go.

Arthit: Wait. How do you know what I'm thinking?

Sora chuckled, and led me by the elbow.

Sora: Your panic is written all over your face. And that frown might become permanent if you keep knitting your brows like that. Come on, it's nothing freaky or sexual. Okay?

I nodded, but I was still nervous as I followed him in. The hostess guided us to the elevator behind a black curtain. We had to go upstairs in an elevator that was just as bizarre. The elevator itself was colorfully lit, filled with mirror pieces, and weird graphics. It was the most dizzying minute of my life.

When we arrive, I was shocked at what I saw. The place had the loudest and gaudiest decor I have ever seen. I'm sure it's all intentional for the shock value. We were led to an area where there was stadium like seating with a little table in front of each seat. We got front row seats, and I didn't know if that was going to be a good thing or bad. I nervously sat down next to Sora.

Sora: Arthit, relax. It will be fun. This is a very popular touristy thing to do.

Arthit: Okay, are we eating here?

Sora: Yes, the food is actually pretty good too. They will serve us right before the show starts.

Arthit: Oh, there's going to be a show?

Sora: Yes, and again, nothing inappropriate. Okay? Don't worry.

Sora bumped his elbow a few times at me laughing.

Arthit: Okay, I'm just a little nervous.

Soon, all the seats were filled. There were even some kids here, so it can't be that bad, right?

The menu was preset, so everyone had the same thing. I started to eat, and Sora was right. The food was pretty good if you can overlook the fact that the food was glowing in the dark from the black light. The potato salad looking blue is okay with me I guess.

Just as I was done with the salad, a giant robot rolled across the stage in front of me. It spun a few times, and then the lights were all dimmed. Then a bunch of laser beams were flashing all over the place. And then another giant robotic rhino with a man dressed as a robot himself came out to fight the first robot.

There was a lot of lights and extremely loud noise going on. I couldn't decide if I wanted to eat or watch the show. At first, I was kind of mesmerized by all the visual stimulation going on, but later on I just got dizzy. While everyone else seemed to be enjoying the show, I found myself closing my eyes every now and then because I didn't want to throw up. It was the longest 90 minutes I've ever spent. When the show ended, I couldn't wait to leave, but I didn't want to be rude.

I took a deep breath once we reached outside. I felt like I had been holding my breath the whole time. Sora followed behind me.

Sora: So what did you think of the show?

Arthit: It was very interesting. I've never seen anything quite like it. Do you come here often?

Sora: Sometimes. Our company has tickets to entertain clients. Clients are usually really happy to see it because of how unique it is. So, I sense you didn't really enjoy it. I saw you close your eyes for a while.

I felt a little embarrassed for being caught.

Arthit: Uh, sorry about that. I just got a little dizzy from all the lights.

Sora: That's all right. Are you feeling okay now? I'm sorry that the show made you uncomfortable.

Sora pat on my shoulder with a concerned look.

Arthit: I'm totally fine now, but I'm still a bit hungry since I couldn't eat during the show.

Sora: Oh, there's a really good gyudon (beef rice bowl) around the corner.

Arthit: I love gyudon. Let's go.
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After dinner, Sora and I had a drink at my hotel's lounge. He told me some of his funny stories while he stayed in Bangkok, and I told him about my miserable first time here in Tokyo. So, apparently he is 32 years old, and he is single. His partner had left him two years ago to marry a woman, and carry on the family name. I was a little shocked to hear that because I think my gaydar is broken.

However, his was working just fine as he asked if I was single. I told him I was, but I'm also in love with someone else.

Sora: Sighs. Why are the cute ones always taken?

I chuckled, and shook my head at him.

Arthit: Well, it's pretty rare for a handsome one like you to be single too.

Sora: Haha. Thanks for trying to make me feel better, but if it doesn't work out with the lucky guy, I call dibs on a date with you.

Sora winked at me laughing. Hey, maybe putting myself back out there won't be that hard after all. That is, after I get over that 'someone'. One step at a time Arthit, one step at a time.

We laughed and joked some more. Sora didn't make it awkward at all. When the waitress brought my card back, my elbow had accidentally knocked the drink Sora was holding, and it spilled onto his shirt and pants. So, I asked him to go up to my room to clean off a bit. He had refused at first, but I insisted since he was literally soaked.

When we got to my room, Sora headed straight into the bathroom to clean himself. I heard a knock at the door, and I thought someone must have the wrong room. I opened the door, and I think my eyes are playing tricks on me. I swear I only had two drinks.