In Tobita Yūkaku (飛田遊郭), nestled within the Nishinari-ku district of Osaka, lived a woman. Not just any woman, though there were many who graced this place, but one who stood out: a medium-height courtesan with striking features. Her hair, a rare blend of deep crimson and silky black, framed a face that exuded quiet allure. This woman, known as Chiyohana, had earned a reputation among clients for her gentle demeanor and unwavering docility—a trait that made her particularly sought after.
On one rainy evening, a man of significance arrived.
“Chiyo-chan, your favorite client is here. This time, it seems he intends for his stay to be much longer,” announced another courtesan as she entered a meticulously maintained room. The air was fragrant with the subtle blend of sandalwood and plum blossoms, a scent that welcomed visitors the moment they crossed the threshold.
Inside, a captivating woman stood by the window, brushing her hair in languid, deliberate strokes. Her layered kimono, resplendent in shades of deep crimson, ivory, and midnight blue, draped elegantly around her, its intricate embroidery depicting cherry blossoms and golden cranes in flight. The silk shimmered softly in the light, pooling gracefully around her feet as she moved. A thin obi belt, embroidered with silver-threaded motifs of flowing water, cinched her waist, accentuating her delicate frame.
At the sound of her name, Chiyohana's amber-tinted eyes widened with unrestrained joy. She turned toward her colleague, her radiant smile illuminating her porcelain complexion. “Mister Higashino is here?! Please, Ayame, bring him in! I’ll be ready in just a moment!” she exclaimed, her voice carrying a lilting, melodic quality.
Her excitement was palpable as she swiftly secured the final strands of her hair, fastening them into a loose yet elegant bun with a jade hairpin. The crimson of her lipstick matched the embroidered blossoms on her kimono, complementing her refined yet vibrant appearance. As she began to pace the room, her fingers delicately intertwined, the soft rustling of silk accompanied her movements, a harmonious melody that mirrored her anticipation.
After a while, knocking sounds could be heard on the door, followed by a honeyed, almost hypnotic voice saying: “Chiyohana-san? It is me, may I come in?” asked the man, removing his shoes. Chiyohana could not resist, her joy was overwhelming her as the man of her dreams was behind the door. Indeed, to Chiyohana, she and Mr. Higashino were in love, there wasn’t any day spent without her thinking about her prince charming. The courtesan finally walked to open the door after taking a deep breath, revealing a tall navy-blue haired and hazel-eyed man, wearing a business outfit and a very soft expression.
“Aoto! Oh I was beginning to worry!” she said, jumping to her man’s neck in a gentle yet passionate/hurried embrace. Both of them used to spend time together, pretending a simple “rendezvous” with an oiran to do what he had to do, but this time…it was different, and it seemed that the Great Aoto Higashino had something else in mind. He held his dear girl’s waist lovingly and kissed her forehead, before whispering with this honeyed voice of his. “Chiyohana-san…I know it would be against your job’s policy, but…I love you so much. I was thinking it would be possible to fund our own family. I am in need of a heir..and I want you to be this child’s mother. Is it fine with you?” he then stepped back, “I beg you..”
Chiyohana was astonished, would she be able to give away her job for a new life with her man? Was it really a good option? And what if he was going to leave her alone? So many questions were flooding the lady’s mind, until one single gesture made the world free around her. Aoto was there, his lips against hers, his hand cupping her cheek tenderly and his eyes closed. Eager to finally get away from this life of misery and to finally be greeted as an average woman by the rest of the population, she responded positively to his advances, ready to give everything away for her Aoto, for his eyes, well-being and body on this summer night.
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“YOU DID NOT PROTECT YOURSELF?! What is wrong with you, Chiyohana? What if he impregnated you?? Did you think about us? What will we do, if you were forced to leave due to your baby??” This morning, the first sound that reached the sleeping beauty’s ears were the barks of her friend, or at least what remained of her. When C. looked up to talk back, she couldn’t believe her eyes: her friend’s face was swollen, her eyes red from the tears she had shed, cigarette marks were all over her body and she visibly was too hurt to stand straight. Chiyohana quickly forgot the argument and ran to her dear friend. “What happened to you? Who did this..?! Your eyes, your face. Wait here!” she advised before running towards her closet, taking out a first-aid kit from there before walking back to her to disinfect everything. The next minutes passed in silence, the only audible sounds were the groans and gasps of the wounded being. The air was holding a certain tension, almost palpable which made Chiyohana slightly uncomfortable, she knew that what she had done could lead to terrible consequences, yet she chose to believe it.
“Why did you do this…Chiyo-chan, why? I know he’s hot and all, but you didn’t have to do this..
“I want things to change. We’ve always been considered like objects, the proof is on your body.! I want to..I want to believe that women like us can still find love…and I know he is the one. He has been looking at me differently, compared to these hungry pigs. Mika…Aoto Higashino never disrespected me, or what I do, we were always talking and he even bought me gifts when he had time…I love him, and those 4 years spent together are telling me that he does too,” confessed the oiran lovingly, bandaging
Mika’s trembling arms while her cheeks flushed. All she could do was wait, as Chiyohana's boyfriend was coming over many times a day to drown her in affection and presents. What could possibly go wrong in this story?
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