kidnap my heart

a romantic story behind the life of the rich and famous.

 

 

 

 

KIDNAP MY HEART

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written By Vanesa Laurente Delfin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miyu Akihiko Hanazawa-Kaminari or plainly just Aki is a 16 year old teenage girl who breathe a Class A- life; her family owns a huge company  called ‘Kaminari Industries’ which is now led by her older and only brother Touya. Both their parents died on a dreadful car accident when she was only 4 years old.

 

 

                One Saturday evening Aki and her brother Touya attended a high class party organized by the Zhang Family. However, as usual Aki was forced by her brother to join.

 

                           ….a flash back 12 hours ago….

 

“What’s happening?!” Aki shouted to her brother while the house maids are grasping her.

“Well Aki honey they will be preparing you for the party tonight by the Zhang’s” Touya explained.

Aki looked at him fiercely and said

“And who said I’ll be joining?!”

Touya got frightened and uttered nicely

“Well, remember Mr. Chou, who hosted the party last month?”

 “What about him?” Aki asked with a raised eyebrow.

“You see…he was asking for you to join so he could introduce you to his son” Touya responded.

“What?! Your match-making me already? Good Lord I’m only 16, NO WAY!!!!” Aki screamed and struggled to run, but the maids were too strong for her.

“Silly girl, of course not. I just really need you there, would you pretty please go? Just one last time since you’ll be leaving next week. Pretty please with a big raspberry on top?” Touya pleaded convincingly.

Aki looked at his puppy-dog-pout face, and sighed, pouted herself and said

“Okay.”

Then Touya replied and said

“Great! Enjoy!” Touya quickly walked out of the room to prevent any sudden change of mind, smiled and said just right after closing the door

“Aha! I got her again, I’m so good…”

 

                “I can’t believe I let him tuck me into this type of mess again...”

Aki said irritated, walking towards the building terrace with an amazing view; where there are no people in sight, that’s what she thought. She then glanced at that view, admired it for a few seconds and sighed. Looked back at that high class party and said;

“I hate this part of my life”; then her phone rang;

‘ten-tenen-ten-ten-ten-nen-ten’

 She took her phone from her silver purse and answered it, it was her soon to be sister in law; His brother’s fiancée Rica.

“Hey sis, what’s up? Ah I see… That’s good! Hahaha, ah here? Not really, as usual same-old same-old, a boring old people’s party.  Yeah, I’ll be going home soon,” Aki said, she then said goodnight and put down the phone. Again she looked at the view and sighed,

“I’m like a bird trap within a golden cage”.  She thought, looking from a far.

Then a waiter came and offered her a drink, she looked at him, smiled and said

“no thank you.”, the waiter then noticed a man standing on the dark shade of the terrace sitting, he recognized him and offered him a drink too, the young man then looked at the waiter and answered

“No thank you too.”, then walked towards Aki, gazed at the view. Aki looked at him embarrassed and thought

“Oh crap, he heard me talking.” She then uttered nicely wearing a fake calm smile

“Good evening, “, he looked back at her smiled with that distinct smile and answered,

“Good evening to you too.” but on the back of his mind “playing nice huh?”  She then again looked at the view, not knowing what to say, thinking “s**t, s**t, s**t!”

A breeze of silence came for a moment, and then the man broke that silence and said

“So you think the party is boring?” “Well, not really in a bad way…” she tried explaining. He then quickly replied with a smirk

“When is a boring party statement a good way?”  He was waiting for her explanation;

“Well you see…” Aki whispered then a sudden pause, no way she could get away from this situation, she was ‘GUILTY-AS CHARGED, CAUGHT IN THE ACT’ she then continued; had a deep breath first and said

“Yeah, this party is for old people, the only thing missing is bingo and prune juice.” She then again breathes, regretting what she just said then;

1 second….-2 second… afterward he replied “hahaha yeah I agree with you!” he laughed and then she said “huh?”, “yup, we’ve share the same view. That’s why I’m also here on the terrace hiding, waiting for time to pass” he expressed. Aki then looked at him and said

“Oh good, I thought I’m going to get in trouble for calling the place boring.”

“Nah, no way. So let me guess, you were also forced to join the party right?” the young man said. She was pleased to hear that; she then gladly gave him a smile and said

“Yes. So I guess we have a lot of things in common,”

He looked at her, noticed the glow in her smile, and had a deep thought that ran in a couple of seconds “things in common, I think I never had that before”, he then replied with a smile.

“Yes, I guess we do.” They then had a couple of laughs, a couple of chat that turned to lots of chat and a lot of laughs. That made them forget about the time they were so eager to pass. They talked about martial arts how they both love it, and she shared how her brother forced her to come with him. She also shared a simple dream she stated

“I’ve always wanted to live a normal life even just for a couple of days, I’m happy to know dreams do come true”

Then Aki’s phone beeped and she had to excuse herself to read it, the young man then thought “what does she mean by that?” she then looked a bit disappointed when she red the message and said

“OMG look at the time. I can’t believe it’s already 2 in the morning; I never stayed this late.” “Yeah me too, I usually leave around 12 in the evening. It was fun chatting with you.” He replied.

 “Yeah same here, thank you very much for making me company.” She said, he then replied

“No, no the pleasure is all mine”  

“It hurts me to say that I have to go now.” Aki said with sadness in her smile.

 “I understand, you take care…” he replied, he then continued “I’m sorry but I still don’t know your name.” 

“I’m Aki nice to meet you Mr.?” Aki replied with a question mark on her face.

 “Just call me Hayato” he answered then Aki asked “Hayato …?”

“Just Hayato” he responded with a simple smile.

He then thought of asking her number, and was going to but then he was called by his father’s assistant and had to leave. “Go ahead; my ride is outside already anyway.” Aki uttered and left as well.

Hayato had nothing else to do but follow his father hoping he would see her again, soon.

                Hayato joined his father to a private room and they talked, asking him to make a speech for the closing of the party. So he did, and as he do he looked at the audience and scanned each and everyone for the certain girl he met a couple of minutes ago, hoping she hasn’t left yet. And he failed; she had left already.

 

It was 5 in the morning when Touya returned home exhausted from the party; he wasn’t expecting Aki to still be awake during that time.

“Welcome home brother!” Aki said smiling, walking towards Touya wearing her pajama. She then gave him a hug and a kiss on his check. Touya was confused and said while loosening up his neck tie “baby sister are you sleep walking?”

 “Of course not, that’s rather impossible” she answered still wearing that smile. She then continued talking while clinging to her brother

“Thank you very much big brother for inviting me to join the party, though I have to admit you did force me.”

“I did have fun”.

He was surprised and said “what? Well that’s a first! So what happened?” he asked intrigued.

“Well, I met a young man.” She answered blushing.

“Oh Mr. Chou son?” he asked, imagining Aki and the fat young man walking hand in hand, laughing together with a beautiful  fairytale background.

 She then answered quickly “of course no! I met another man. A good looking fine young man with a beautiful smile.”

“Oooh… a fine young man with a beautiful smile? Isn’t he quite dashing?” he teased and she smiled.

“My baby sister likes a young man now, so what’s his name?”  He continued.

“Hayato” she answered.

“Hayato who?” he then asked

“I don’t know, he said to call him ‘just- Ha-ya-to’ ” she answers.

 “Hayato huh? Well then baby I’ll trace him for you.” He suggested.

“No need for that brother, I’ll be leaving soon anyway, so it would be impossible for us to meet again. And also, I do not want to learn that he is also a cash-headed boastful socialite just like other rich men. So, no thank you brother” Aki explained, smiled;

And said “sweet dreams”.

Touya then respected Aki’s wish and let it go, though he is greatly intrigue by the young man that made her smile like that for the very first time.

                Hayato wasn’t able to sleep well that night. He was longing to see that girl again, he misses her smile and how he laughed with her like he never laughed before.

 He woke up around 9 in the morning with not much rest. He immediately asked for the headmaster of the house.

He told him while eating his breakfast “head master Ren, I wish to find a girl named Aki, I met her last night at the party; she’s a guest I believe. I want to have every detail about her.”

Then the headmaster replied “as you wish young master Zhang” Then bowed.

 

After a couple of days Aki left London and returned back to Tokyo Japan to make her wish come true,

To live a normal life… not just for a couple of days but as long as she can, at least till graduation. Aki was sitting in their company’s private jet just ending her log for the day in her laptop journal, stating her final words “this is it, The Real Life”, and then the pilot announced a near landing in Japan.

She excitedly looked out the window, having her initial glimpse in her hometown.

Soon the jet landed. Aki was escorted by their family supervisor, said

“Young miss, are you sure you wish to do this?”

“Of course, you know Mr. Lee I always wanted to do this. This is one of my wildest fantasies” Aki answered while they were walking.

“I know, however, please excuse me to say but this is quite impractical for someone such as your self.” Mr. Lee pleaded.

“Someone such as myself, what do you mean by that Mr. Lee?” Aki asked.

“Well, you are a well educated sophisticated young woman, who does not belong to such type of world. You are very much refined and fragile. And is not quite suitable for work, such as cooking, laundry, and cleaning…” he clarified.

“Mr. Lee, you do not need to worry about me, I am definitely not refined nor fragile, as you think. I learned how to cook, clean, do the laundry and I could very much take care of myself, and you do not need to worry about a thing. Okay? So take me to my simple apartment.”  Aki made clear.

“but young miss, you requested to be left alone in the apartment, no maid to provide your needs, what if you cut yourself while cooking, or burnt yourself?..Or what if…” he assumed.

“Hush Mr. Lee, I’ll be okay. Okay? Chill, breathe… you thought me well so no need to worry so much okay?”  Aki explained clearly.

“But young miss” he insisted.

 “Sshhh, not another word.” Aki said.

“Now fetch me to my apartment.” She continued.

“Very well.” Mr. Lee answered

 

They then continued to the car, and they started to travel.

“Young miss; I wish to inform you that young master Touya did not like for you to live in a cheap or rather despicable unsafe apartment, so he bought you a house.” Mr. Lee said.

                “What? What happened to the simple life figure if he bought me a house!?” Aki raised her voice aggravated and upset.

“Do not worry Miss; it is a simple looking house just like others.” He contemplated.

Soon they reached the house. Aki was pleased to see it was simple as he said.

She then said “Wow, It does look simple.” And smiled.

Mr. Lee then oriented her about the house.

“Young Miss, of course you do not expect us to let you live alone in this house without any bodyguard if we are not sure you are as safe as possible, so this house is not as ordinary as it looks. The key hole looks ordinary but it can only identify 2 keys which are yours and the other spare is with us. To add up, it is satellite monitored to make sure nobody gets in without your permission. It has emergency buttons hidden in different parts of the house, in cases of emergency all you have to do is push it and our agent with in 3 kilometers will get here in just 3 minutes….”

Aki then thought, “oh brother.”

He continued “…any forced entrance is tip off by a buzzing sound, which relayed via satellite that will directly link to our nearest agents and your phone. We also have pepper spray, katana, samurai, a 44 caliber gun, an electric tranquilizer gun  in your reach found in different hidden compartments all you have to do is tap them 4 times, if chances of contact with demented people arise.”

“ That’s not all, we’ve got telephone which have speed dial, emergency calls directly connected in our agents, and young master Touya; you can get to it buy pushing the asterisk button for more than 4 seconds. All the entrance such as, window, doors are observed via camera recording 24/7.”

“To add up, 2 last things are, your phone and this necklace have homing system which tells where you are, and you will be protected by our agents 24/ 7 where ever you go.”

“And one last thing young master Touya didn’t want you to be left alone so he asked for you to have one company.” He explained.

“What, but he promised me.” Aki said complained.

Then Mr. Lee opened the door and there her company was waiting for her.

Aki smiled and looked at him face to face and she hugged him and said “so cute!”

Its tail wagged and licked her many times.

Mr. Lee then said “his name is Inoru he is a well trained dog, Only the best for you young miss. “

“Your so cute aren’t you, Inoru-chan?” Aki talked to Inoru, Inoru then barked optimistically and waged his tail. 

“hahaha aren’t you a smart boy, okay sit” Aki said, Inoru sat.

”Wow” Aki said amazed. “Roll over- play dead- bark” so did Inoru. Aki was so pleased.

Mr. Lee then handed her a book of information which is made for her during her stay.

“These are the information about you, where you studied in junior high, where you parents are, reason why you live alone, all the data which will seems factual, and these are also maps of the different landmarks and shop nearest to you. There are manual of reminders on the shelf, cook book, instructional cleaning, cooking, if ever you forget. We also got first aid, TV, three rooms, bathroom with warm water, heater, everything you will ever need is in here, your uniform for school all washed and ironed, computer, radio, dog food, the refrigerator is full. There’s a market nearby, your school is few blocks away. We also got what you requested, a bike, skateboard, rollerblades and safety pads and helmet. ” Mr. Lee said.

“Is that all Mr. Lee?” Aki asked eager to be left alone.

“Yes young Miss, just call if you need anything” he continued

“Yes I will, I promise. “ Aki answered pushing them towards the door.

“And Young Miss, please keep safe.” Mr. Lee said.

“Yes, I Will. Don’t worry; I am black belter of judo and aikido aren’t I?” Aki responded and closed the door.

Mr. Lee was worried for her, for he raised her and loved her just like his granddaughter.

 

 

“Young master” the house head master called Hayato.

“Yes?” Hayato replied while busy reading company files.

“About what you requested a couple of days ago, regarding a young woman named Aki.” He clarified.

“So what about it? Any news?” he asked, hoping for good news.

“I am sorry to inform you that, we are not able to find any information about that young lady” he said.

“You got to be kidding me, she was a party guest, and she must at least be in the guest list” Hayato concluded

“I’m sorry sir, but we weren’t able to find any person named Aki on the guest list” the head master explained.

“Then look to each and everyone in that list, I want her found; As soon as possible.” He ordered.

“All 150 guest sir?” the head master clarified.

“Yes even if its 1000 of them I don’t care, just find her.” He eagerly said.

“As you wish young master.” The head master understood.

After few weeks.

“After weeks still nothing?” Hayato shouted

“I’m sorry sir but majority of the families on that guest list do not like to provide private information, they are concerned, and they wish to prevent unwanted kidnapping and mischief’s” the head master explained.

“I understand. So very well then I’ve got nothing else to do but to meet each guest in person,” Hayato said.

“Well, then head master Ren, you know what to do.” He continued.

“Yes young master, I will schedule a meeting as soon as possible.” The head master said.

“Thank you.” Hayato replied.

Then the head master left Hayato alone in the room, Hayato then walked towards the mansion terrace, a familiar view where he and Aki spend a couple of laughs together, reminiscing made him longed to find her more.

One by one after months of searching he still couldn’t find her, he met up with different people who were in the guest list during that night. Yet he still failed, his heart pieces by pieces loosing hope of ever finding her.

 Jessie a close friend of his told him while playing billiards in their mansions game room

“hey, Hayato what if by any chance she never existed, and it was all in your head?”

“That’s impossible, Jessie. First of all I’m not crazy to have hallucinations, and for your information just to get those foolish ideas out of your head. A waiter working that night saw her with me. So shut up.” He said while slouching on the couch.

“Oh, what if man, if she was just a ghost, and you and that waiter are clairvoyant, that would be so cool!” Jessie continued talking nonsense.

“You’re impossible.” Hayato replied.

“Or what if she gave you a fake name or maybe a nickname huh?” Jessie concluded.

“What? That actually makes sense. What if that’s her nickname “Hayato thought.

“I told you I’m smart” Jessie said.

“Yes, you’re a genius Jessie.” Hayato replied.

 

After few days. Hayato was spending time with his father in a golf course, talking about business.

 

“So son, about your Cinderella on the party? Have you found her?” his father asked.

“What the? How did you know about that?” Hayato was stunned.

“Well, what can I say son, it’s been weird enough that you were having interest in the company business, meeting up clients and business partners behind my back and that’s something that never happens with no apparent reason.  Also, I’m updated in the latest house and company gossip.” His father joked.

“So?”  His father continued.

 “Still nothing.” Hayato answered disappointedly.

“I see, so you must really like her then? C’mon talk to me, we never get to talk other than business anyway, so update me, enlighten me son.” He clarified.

“Who is this Cinderella that stole your heart that evening?” his father asked.

Hayato looked at his father and he replied.

“Her name is Aki that’s basically one of the little information I have about her. She definitely is pretty, got that long wavy hair, soft supple white skin, quite an outspoken girl, she even said that the party was for old people and the only thing missing was bingo and prune juice.” Hayato storied while having a smirk you can’t wipe off his face...

“I see, so you share same views,” his father commented smiling remembering how Hayato always whine about how boring the parties are.

“she likes martial arts, she got an older brother, and she shared some of her dreams with me, I can clearly remember what she said ‘I’ve always wanted to live a normal life even just for a couple of days, I’m happy to know dreams do come true’, that’s what she said; she is humble and simple.” Hayato continued.

His father just smiled listening to his stories about that mysterious girl she met.

“But what I remember most about her is how she smiled at me with that glow I cant explain, how she made me laugh for no apparent reason and what she said to me ‘So I guess we have a lot of things in common’, which I believe I never heard anyone said to me before.” Hayato said, and then a deep silence came.

His father then stated a simple line.

“Have faith young son, if she’s meant for you, you will find her. Just be patient, cause sometimes things just drop into its proper places when you least expect it.” Then he placed his arms to Hayato’s shoulders.

Hayato understood, “no need to rush.” He told himself.

 

A couple of months have passed since Aki arrived from Tokyo Japan. She is having a great time.  She decided to cut her hair short, and dye it black away from her natural long wavy blue hair.  She also wore black colored contacts to hide away her deep blue colored eyes; to be able not to stand out the way she usually does.

Early in the morning she picks up children from their residence and fetches them to their school, to earn extra cash.

“Good morning Mrs. Lin, good morning Hikari!” Aki greeted them.

“Good morning Aki” Mrs. Lin replied with a smile.

“Good morning big sis!” Hikari shouted excited to go to school. Hikari then ran towards Aki and holds her hand,

Mrs. Lin then bid them farewell. “Take care Hikari, enjoy school.  Thank you Aki”

“Bye bye mama!” Hikari waved goodbye.

 “Take care Mrs. Lin.” Aki replied while walking away with Hikari.

One bye one, she picks them up, and walk together in a line, while singing a song

 “Mary had a little lamb” school wasn’t far so it only took them 15 minutes to get there.

After reaching the school; she teaches them to greet the teacher waiting for them to come. Together the children would say “good morning teacher!”, then the teachers would smile at them and say, “good morning to you too. “  Then they will come inside the school, Aki would wave a goodbye and say few reminder,

“Take care, eat your snack, and wait for your parent’s afterschool. Promise?”

“I promise.” They would reply.

 

After that she would wear her roller blades which are tied on her back pack and rush to her school.

She studies in a prestige University in Tokyo Japan called EU or Elite University were the wealthy and gifted learn not far from the children school; she is currently on her first year.

She entered the university as a scholar; pretends to be unprivileged.  There she is just and ordinary chick who was lucky enough to enter the university thanks to her superb talents.

She pretends to know nothing about the life of the rich and famous, pretend to be amazed in life of private jets, limousine, first class party, VIP rooms, and fabulous clothes. After class, she goes to a near by café in school where she works as a waitress, Monday to Friday steels a couple of minutes to have advance reading or study for a pop quiz the next day or just get updated on the happening on her favorite book… That’s her life, and she greatly enjoys every minute of it.

She met new friends named, Jian, Kiara, April and Jun all very nice, but Jun was a different friend she’s just like her, unprivileged and lucky enough to study in EU. That’s Aki’s life every single day she does the same thing, and she always seem to have fun, after work she goes to a small grocery store and buys food, walks back home and there Inoru waiting for her, happy to see her, wagging his tail.

She cooked her food, take a bath then watch TV while eating, and Inoru joins her during dinner. She then wash the dishes, prepare her things the next day and wakes up early in the morning to cook breakfast and her lunch. And the cycle starts again.

Her simple boring life she wanted to have will now change cause;

‘Sometimes things just get to its proper places when you least expect it.’

 

Monday is just like every other Monday, people expect it to be the worst day of the week.

                But for Aki it’s the same as other days, but not today.

 Early in that Monday morning she picked up the children and in their way to school she noticed a fine looking black car, which she knows is the type of car rich people, would be seen in riding.

She didn’t mind it; it was just like every other rich people. As they reach school she was quite intrigued when the car stopped in front of the children’s school and she thought

“Why would rich people study in this type of school? “

Then she realized, just like her, maybe they just wanted to live a normal simple life even for a day.

There came out a young girl, around 7; same ages as the children she is with. Carrying a back pack, followed by her 2 female body guard; wearing sunglasses and on proper black suit uniform.

The young girl looked at them and seemingly wanted to smile but too shy to do so. So Aki smiled at her, and the young girl was pleased, smiled back and continued to walk inside school gate with her bodyguards. The car then quickly rode off. Aki then realized she will be late so she said goodbye to the children. And rush towards the university.

Exhausted she was, and got intrigued again to see that same car parked at the university. She again didn’t mind and continued to school. Walked towards her class room where their class is considered the best in school.

After a while, a big fuss arrived. A fine looking young man came out of the car. Students of the university recognized him, girls ran towards him played cute and said “hi.”, “good morning.” Any type of way just for that fine looking young man to take a glimpse on them for a couple of seconds and hoping he would just fall deeply in love with them.

Quite an impossible dream ‘absurd’  she thought, even the girls in her class made a fuss over the window just to have a glimpse of that fine young man. Lucky enough she didn’t have to make a fuss out of it because she was originally sitting on the side of the window.

The crowd started to move; meaning the young man in that fuss is moving towards the school building… soon people watching over the window can have a picture of him. Closer and closer he walked. Soon Aki had a sight of him; recognized him quickly and she all of a sudden dived under her table.

She had all the attention, everyone looking at her in the room, judging her.

 And people around the fuss had a sudden pause because of her, they all looked up the room window; curious of what just happened up there.  The fine young man looked as well. Then she formulated an ingenious excuse of

“Cockroach on the window!”

Every girl screamed and ran away from the window, she was very much convincing. Then the fuss continued. She sighed, had a relief she wasn’t found. Though that was an embarrassing moment, but she rather think of it later.

Sat back on her chair, she talked to herself

“Why is he here?”

“He must be studying here, no other reason to go here. And he was wearing the school uniform too. Crap! What should I do? Nothing else to do but ….. PRAY!”

She knelt down on her chair started to pray. Murmuring while holding a cross, praying-praying-praying-hoping that he would not be in the same class as her. She was begging GOD.

Her classmates looked at her with disgust and she said convincingly

“I’m praying for a better future, world peace and to pass all exams, pray with me…”

She continued to pray.  Her classmates whispering about her.

“Aki is pretty weird isn’t she?’

 “Yeah, I never saw her as religious type of person before”

“People would really surprise you.”

They kept talking, Aki didn’t mind. She was hoping that the only person that would open that door would be their professor.

Her ears turned big and she was able to hear somebody walking towards the room. She sat down properly still holding the cross in her hands, her eyes closed.

Then the door opened. Everyone stared at him.

Aki slowly opened her eyes hoping it wasn’t him. As she opened her eyes she saw their professor. She was so glad, she told herself

“What a relief.”  She was calm as the water flowing she was in total peace.

Then the door suddenly reopened, there stood that fine young man.

Everybody looked at him.  Girls on the room adored him; Aki was torn to pieces, she turned pale, and she began to have cold sweats, she was in total silence.  

She felt the room rotating around her and all she wanted to do that time was pass out.

Aki’s soul screamed while it fl out of her body “father why have you forsaken me!!!!”J

Then their professor started talking,

“Good morning class, I would like to introduce to you a new classmate of yours. He is Hayato Zhang.”

Everyone stood up and greeted him, Aki was too worn out to stand but she stood as well, though a little bit late. Bowed their heads and greeted him hello, then returned back to their sits.

The professor then said. “I guess you already do know him, very well let’s continue with our lesson for today.”

“Mr. Zhang please sit wherever you please.” The professor said.

“Thank you” Hayato replied.

Aki was hoping he wouldn’t sit near her. For the first time that day her wish was granted.

He sat just behind Jessie’s chair, 3 chair on her right. And he hasn’t looked at her yet. During class she wasn’t able to concentrate to the lesson discussed.

 She afterward unexpectedly remembered what the professor said.

“I would like to introduce to you a new classmate of yours. He is Hayato Zhang.”

Then again it processed in her mind, (processing- processing- processing- processing)

“Zhang-Zhang-Zhang.”

“Crap! Zhang! OMG his family was actually hosting that party and I called it boring and the only thing missing is bingo and prune juice. Oh Crap! I’m so stupid! What a stupid statement, brother is so going to kill me when he learns I insulted one of his business partners”

She was stressed out not knowing what to do anymore.  She kept on thinking for a perfect plan; she felt her brain going to explode.

She was panicking, couldn’t think straight. Then suddenly the school bell rang that return her to reality.

Everyone was standing, walking out of the room; getting ready for lunch; she felt her problem disappearing for a couple of minutes. She continued to sit for a while, had a deep breathe and looked out the window and thought straight.

“I’m Aki Hanazawa, I’m a poor girl. I don’t know him, fearing him is irrelevant; I never met him so act normal Aki, you can do this. He couldn’t ruin your dream. He is just another rich dude with an awful attitude. You can do this.”  Aki coached herself then followed a sigh.

 

Aki soon after got a hold of herself had a simple plan “DENY, I’m innocent”

She soon decided to just deal with it whatever might happen, she stood out of that chair, had a deep breathe and promise to always play cool, no need to panic there is no reason to panic.  Took her lunch box out of her back pack and decided to eat alone and think, she was walking up the stairs to the roof top. She definitely needed some time alone and plenty of breathers.

                As the cold breeze of air strike her face, she said

“Winter is coming…” she was taking a bite when she found herself looking up the sky, watching the clouds and trying to make images out of it. It made her smile when she saw a cloud shaped like a dog.

And another one shaped like her brother Touya smiling down at her, but then in her imagination the image suddenly got angry and started to nag about what she said to the Zhang family. She felt frightened, and said

“I think I had enough air, but too much sun. I got to go, class is going to start”

She stood up quickly and left the rooftop, started going down the stairs. She was rushing down and she felt herself turning crazy when she heard the voice of her brother nagging at her in her mind. She was rushing down till she reached the 3rd floor where her class room is. She started to calm down; breathing deep breathes getting ready to come to class. At the right corner, still trying to get ready she bumped to someone, she hit her head and bumped her nose to that certain person, and said

“awww.” Wearing that terrible look on her face, when she looked at that person she felt the ground crumble and break, there under her was flaming hell, so hot and she imagined herself falling. She found herself sweating when she snapped out of it. She looked at him and just said

“I’m sorry,” then bowed down started to rub nose and walked away. He looked at her and said nothing at first then while she was walking away he said,

“Be careful next time girly. “

That hit her; she definitely wanted to kick his face for calling her ‘girly,’ her eyebrows were twitching. Yet she decided to let it go and continue walking away then to her chair.

She started doodling like a maniac, drawing his face afterward she smiled dementedly then started stabbing the piece of paper with her pencil; she then started ripping the paper to pieces till there’s nothing more. She then noticed everyone in the room looking at her, judging her, whispering. She smiled at them and picked up the paper then threw it away. Then she returned back to her sit. She told herself

“I’m making a fool out of myself; I have to snap out of this. Relax Aki, relax.” So she did, started acting normal again and not minding anyone, she then though

“He must have not recognized me, I wouldn’t be surprise, I was all dolled up during that night and right now I look poor and cheap?, so I guess he really wouldn’t recognize me”  she said.   

“That’s a good thing I think, I wouldn’t be an interest to him” she continued.

Outside the room Jessie and Hayato were talking,

“Hey Hayato, still no news to your mystery girl?” Jessie asked

“Still nothing,” Hayato replied.

“I see, then just look at the positive side; there are plenty of cute rich girls here at the university as well.” Jessie proposed

                “Stop kidding.” Hayato answered laughing.

“I’m not joking girls here definitely likes you, so just go for it!” Jessie said.

“Rather not. I know what I want.” Hayato said,

Then the school bell rang symbolizing the start of class. Everyone started sitting on their proper chair.

Then the class started, during class the professor announced information

“Good morning class, before starting the topic I would like to announced and congratulate myself         Ms. Hanazawa for accomplishing top 1 in our last school examination.”

Everyone clapped looking at her, Aki just smiled. “So well then, let’s continues our lesson.” The professor suggested.

Hayato looked at her from a distance and felt some familiarity but wasn’t sure enough. So he taps Jessie in front of him and asked.

“Have I met her before?”

Jessie then answered “who?” Hayato then pointed at Aki.

“Oh her? No I don’t think so; she’s a class D girl.” He answered.

“Class D?” Hayato answered, “Yeah as in she’s P-O-O-R” Jessie said, trying to make a joke.

“I see,” Hayato answered.

“I think her parents are at the province, they own a small farm. And she’s always been scholar because they can’t afford paying for her studies here in Tokyo. So she works different part time jobs.” Jessie gossiped.

“You know a lot of things about her?” Hayato said intrigued.

“Yeah, well she’s really cute, I thought she was rich when she started studying here few months ago so, I asked stuffs about her. Too bad she’s kind of poor, she’s actually my type.” Jessie said in joking manner.

“You’re a jerk” Hayato said, with a smirk on his face.

 

Hayato then started listening to the topic, but had a thought

“Started studying few months ago. few months ago? Is it only a coincidence?” he thought, he again looked at her. He was intrigue on who she was.

 

Soon the school bell rang, the Monday class is over. After class Aki, picked up all her stuffs on her table and put it on her bag. She then goes to the dressing room to change clothes.

                After changing she goes out of the dressing room wearing the café uniform. A cute raffled skirt waitress uniform with an apron and matching head band; high socks. Decided to wear her shoes first, then on the front entrance of the building she took it off, and changed to her roller blades. She then started gliding to the café ready for work, while on her way she started thinking.

                “There was no need for so much fuss and sweat over him. Good thing everything went fine. “

Then on the side walk while gliding, she noticed Hayato’s car beside her. Jessie was on the passenger sit riding with him. Jessie started pushing down the car window then started talking to her.

“Hey Aki! Nice uniform! Where are you going?” he shouted.

 She continued to glide and answered “thanks’ I’m going to work.”

Hayato then thought “well, wasn’t that a stupid question,” while looking at Jessie.

REALIZATION, he pulled Jessie inside the car and said “what did you just called her, Aki?!” he asked.

Aki noticed the commotion inside and decided to make a turn on the next corner to avoid them.

“Yeah, of course. That’s her name. “Jessie answered freaked out by Hayato.

“I see, so it must be her” Hayato thought. Then said to the driver “lead as to the café”

“What? Were going there?” Jessie asked.

“Yes. I needed a great amount of caffeine I need some stimulant” Hayato said. He then took out his phone and called the head master and said

“Head master, I need for you to gather information on a person named Aki Hanazawa, she is currently studying here at EU. I want the information ASAP”

 

                “Good afternoon everyone.” Aki greeted her co workers.

“Hello Aki” Jun replied. Aki smiled back, Jun then continued “how are you?’

“Me? I’m fine” she answered though, what really runs in her mind was

“I experienced hell at school, I saw Satan face to face. And I felt my spirit being strangled by him; I thought I was going to die.” Then she just smiled.

Then that very moment, the bell on the door noised and a costumer came in, it was Hayato and Jessie.

Everyone looked at them; Aki felt a stabbing pain in her heart. And her heart started beating faster, she then had difficulty breathing. Hayato and Jessie scanned the café looking for her, then she saw them looking at her. Jessie then waved at her and she pretended to smile. As she smiled Hayato suddenly smirked at her and was looking at her eye to eye.

“Welcome sir.” The waitresses greeted them, “this way sir.” A waitress said and led them to a table, then offered them a menu.

Hayato and Jessie was reading the menu when another customer came in, Aki looked at the customers and greeted them hello. When she looked back at them Hayato was looking at her with a certain message on his face she can’t explain. 

He then called her and said

                “What would you recommend?” he asked her politely.

She was surprise and definitely knows he was planning a certain scheme, but she wasn’t sure. She then pretended to smile at him and answered sweetly, “Our truffles are certainly the best sir.”

“Is that so, how can you confirm that?” he asked. She got pissed he was testing him. She then replied politely

“Well sir, based on my taste buds It is definitely delectable. Not only that, majority of our customers prefers the truffles. And to make your stay here perfect I would also recommend for you to try our brewed coffee fresh from Mexico a perfect match for the sweet and pure taste of our special truffles” She then gave him a fake smile.

Jessie was listening he then added, “Okay then give me truffles and a cup of your best brewed coffee.”, “very well, “Aki answered and looked back at Hayato and said

“How about you sir, what would you prefer?” she smiled as if she wanted him to get pissed on her. He then called her closer to him and wanted to whisper something in her ear, she didn’t want to but she has to please the customer and moved closer to him, he then didn’t find her close enough and said

“Closer, I want to whisper something to your ear.” She then did so, though she felt like his making a fool out of her.

When he found her close enough he then whispered

“I prefer to have bingo and prune juice” 

Her heart started beating faster again when she heard that, she couldn’t talk for a couple of seconds and she started to sweat a bit. Then, she quickly answered with a smile on her face

“I’m sorry sir, but I believe we don’t have that.”

Hayato noticed her reaction and he was sure, he knows she knows. He then smiled at her and said

“Very well, miss. I’ll have the same as his.” She then replied “is that all?” Jessie then nod his head, then Hayato answered

 “of course not.” Then a sudden pause. He then continued “I’ll be asking for something later.”

“Okay sir, excuse me.” Aki said with a fake smile. She then turned her back to them and walked slowly to the kitchen. She gave their order over the counter and decided to go out at the back door for a bit to get her composure back. She then said “crap! How did he know?” she was so pissed and wanted to make a fool out of him too. So she decided that the only way she could make a fool out of him is to make him eat his words.

“If he thinks I’m that girl she met that night, then I’ll prove him wrong.” She told herself.

She afterward quickly returned to the cafe and took their orders to them; she smiled at them so nicely. She definitely wanted to give them special treatment.

 “It’s my first time here; do you always have regular customers?”  Hayato asked.

“Well definitely sir, most of our customers are students and employees working and studying near by.” Aki answered.

                “I see.” He replied he then looked at Jessie and said. “What do you think? This place is pretty popular. Its good business.” He said.

“Yes. If you put it that way. Its good way to get extra cash.” Jessie replied.

“Very well, how about buying this place then?” Hayato asked, enough for Aki to hear.

Aki was surprised to hear that, she so don’t want him to buy the place. Jessie then replied

“Are you sure?” “I’m always sure; you did say its good way to get extra cash.” Hayato replied smiling.

“Okay, if that’s what you want.” Jessie replied.

But Aki thought there was no possibility for him to be able to buy the place because she owns it. And she wouldn’t sell it for anything.     

“His been here for the past 4 hours, how come he ain’t leaving, his friend Jessie left 2 hours ago.” Aki asked herself.

“Hey Aki, isn’t that the new guy from your university; the one with all the fuss this morning?” Ira a coworker asked.

“Yes, how did you know? He just got in this morning?” Aki asked intrigue.

“Of course! I’m always updated in the latest gossip and rich man reports… that is my field of interest” Ira answered while looking at Hayato in a tainted way.

“Hayato Zhang the heir of the Zhang Incorporated that owns different institutions such as the ‘Grand Hotel’, the museum in Paris, they also own a shipping business thru out the world. Not only that they are one of the worlds leading companies, together with the ‘Kaminari Industries’, and ‘Jinjue Enterprise’. Hayato is 16 years old born July 23, 1990, Leo, favorite color is navy blue. Stands 5’ 10, graduated in middle school as valedictorian. Knows how to drive, fly a jet and drive a boat.  Highly talented, can play 5 different instrument such as piano, violin, guitar and etc, active in different sports. Not only that, he is super HOT!” Ira continued.

“Field of interest huh? Kaminari Industries?” Aki Thought.

Hayato then looked at both of them in the corner, Ira then smiled at him and waved, Hayato smiled at her in a certain way. Aki then felt her stomach being turned upside down.

 “I told you I never fail to attract men watch and learn” Ira said to Aki in a provocative way, she then afterward walked toward Hayato and flirted with him in an evident way

“Can I get anything for you sir, anything of your particular in-te-rest?” She said bit by bit and sweetly.

Hayato then stared at her and gave her a smile and asked “anything at all?”

                Ira then moved closer to him and whispered sweetly “yes.”, he then moved closer to her face enough for her to smell him, enough for her to blush and said “very well then, do you mind getting me..” he then paused.

“Yes?” she asked eagerly.

“Well, kind miss.  I don’t want to be too much trouble for you.” Hayato said, while turning his head away, acting shy.

Aki watched them both and thought “hmmm, s**t.”

“No, don’t think that, I assure you. It won’t be any bother to me at all... Anything for you K-I-N-D sir” Ira  said.

He then looked at her eye to eye and said “all right then, do you mind getting me….”

“Yes?” she inquired.

“A….” he continued little by little.

“yeees???” she asked delighted and thrilled to hear what he was going to say.

“A glass of water.” Hayato continued.

“Huh?” Ira said.

“Yes, do you mind getting me a glass of water? I’m a bit thirsty; please hurry up” Hayato asked in a sudden cold manner.

Ira then said annoyed “okay sir, I’ll be back with you GLASS of WATER!” she then turned her back to him and walked away, murmuring

“jerk.”, she then walked towards the kitchen where Aki was standing at the corner, Aki then said

“I learned a lot. Thanks!” Aki teased while trying to stop herself from laughing.

Ira looked at her in a certain way and just continued to walk to the kitchen. Hayato then stared at Aki while she stood at the corner, when Aki noticed him he then smiled at her, and Aki then pretended to smile back

 Hayato then thought

“Still that bogus smile.”

Hayato finished reading the file he was reading. So he closed it and placed it over the table. He had nothing else to do and decided to look at Aki for no particular reason.  Aki felt uncomfortable when she noticed him looking at her from head to toe; she then thought he was thinking something perverted. And said “distorted fool.”

But Hayato was only thinking, “She must be size 4”. Hayato then noticed her, getting tired standing at the corner, shifting foots.

                He then called her, and she came to his attention “what can I do for you?” Aki asked him courteously. He then answered, “I want two cups of mocha Chocó latte, and two slices of your best cake.” Aki then thought “two? What a pig.”

 And she replied saying “is that all?” “Yes” he answered.

Aki then returned with his order, placed it over the table and said. ”will there be anything else?”

Hayato didn’t answer and just took a bite off the cake, made an unpleasant reaction after tasting it then quickly took a sip off the latte. He then said “I tasted something peculiar on this cake.”

“What would that be?” Aki asked shocked, it never happened before.

“I’m not sure, why don’t you try it yourself for you to find out.” Hayato requested.

“But sir?” Aki answered.

“Go ahead, taste the other slice and tell me how it tastes.” Hayato persisted.

The other waitresses were observing her and she wasn’t sure what the right thing to do was.

“What are you waiting for? Eat it.” Hayato said in a serious manner.

She then decided to do what he asked of her, and took a bite off the other cake. She then made sure she tasted it well, and ingest it soon after. Hayato watched her he then told himself; “as I though without a doubt only a noble would touch the fork in that position and chew that food 30 times.
 “Well then?” Hayato warmly asked.

“I’m sorry, but I wasn’t able to taste anything bad in particular.” Aki answered embarrassed.

“I see, so it must have been only my imagination.” Hayato said.

“What are you waiting for? Go ahead and sit down. And finish what you ate. You don’t expect me to let you waste food don’t you?” Hayato continued in a charming difficult manner.

Aki then sat down and ate the cake in front of him, while he was watching. His legs crossed and his white supple face leaning over his hands. He then said

“Drink this, I don’t want people dying in front of me because they choke over a slice of cake”, he then carefully pushes the other latte on her side of the table.

                He then continued to read what he was reading before, and once in a while he takes a glimpse of her and sometimes then out of the blue smiles so wonderfully, admiring her.

Aki then thought while eating “what the heck is he thinking? His been planning this the whole time. Jerk”

“…and why does he keep on glancing at me? IMBECILE.” she continued to think.

                Soon enough Aki finished eating, she soon after that, stood up and said. “Thank you for the cake and drink. But I must go now.”

Hayato didn’t say a thing for a while, he then gradually closed the file he was reading looked straight to her eyes annoyed and said “where must you go?”

“Huh?” Aki thought. But answered. “To work.”

Hayato then looks down, “go ahead and sit. I find it dim-witted to stand at the corner and tire your self for no apparent reason. Since there are no customers, and you’re not doing anything over there, ENTERTAIN ME.”Hayato said provocatively.

“Entertain you?” Aki repeated.

“Entertain me, by sitting there and keeping me company. You do not have to talk, just sit.” Hayato gave details.

He then reopened the file he was reading, but Aki continued to stand in front of him; looking at his annoying gentle face.

The manager then came to their attention and approached Aki and told her to do as he pleases.

Hayato looked at the manager standing in front of him, and the manager just gave him a smile.

Aki then sat down, after seeing Aki sitting down; he continued to read.

                Aki kept on looking at him, and thinking “what an A-hole, jerk, you idiot, moron, fool, imbecile with an IQ of less than 30!” her face frowning.

Hayato noticed her looking at him, and he decided to talk

“Why tire yourself working, why pretend to be someone your not, and why forsake what everyone always dreamed of having?”

Aki realized what he said and pretended she didn’t understood what he just said. And answered

“Excuse me?”

 Hayato then closed the file he was reading, looked at her face and smiled “oh nothing, I was just talking to myself.”

 

 

“What a rough day today was Inoru chan. You wouldn’t believe who I bumped into” Aki said while removing her shoes on the front door.

“Good thing you’re always here to cheer me up” she continued then Inoru responded by barking optimistically that made her just a bit happier.

She then rubbed his head and walked towards the kitchen, Inoru followed, she started to heat a casserole with water and started talking while putting on an apron.

“I can’t believe he stayed that long at the café, JERK. Nothing significant to do with his life. He pisses me so much” Inoru looked at her with that distinct message on his face saying

“I don’t have any particular interest master, please feed me.” but still Aki continued nagging and said “who do he think he is, he thinks his all that? But his not. One day I’ll punch that sneer off his face” the water then started to boil, and she continued to nag while cooking.

After a while she finished cooking, and prepared the food on the living room table, and turned on the TV for Inoru to watch, Inoru then lied down the living room floor. She then came to the bathroom and turned on the sink for the tub to fill warm water, took off her clothes and placed it on the washing machine just inside the bathroom, and started washing by itself. After feeling the tub she then, dipped in and started thinking with only one thing in mind.

“What does he want from me?” After half an hour in the bathroom she then came out and changed to her pajamas and started to eat dinner with Inoru while watching TV. After eating she placed the dishes on the kitchen sink afterward proceeded to washing the dishes. She then afterward took out her clothes from the dryer subsequently started ironing it for the next day. She then prepared her things for the next day.

After doing all that she needed to do, she at that time continued to watch TV with Inoru. Aki looked at Inoru while he lied down the floor and said

 

“You seem a bit sad Inoru chan?” Inoru then looked up at her, she then continued

“What do you say this Saturday we go out? Just you and me?”

Inoru then looked at her as if saying

“Really master?”

“It is Saturday afternoon, the weather is great. Are you ready Inoru chan?’ Aki asked Inoru, Inoru then answered barking spontaneously and wagging his tail profusely.

“hahaha I’m excited too boy, let’s enjoy the weekend!!!” Aki replied cheerfully.

“Very well Inoru chan, everything is ready, let’s go out and play!” Aki said, she and Inoru then walked to the nearest park, a popular park near the university.

 

                After reaching the park, Aki let Inoru run off on his own. She told him while imitating a mother “come back before 5 young man.” She smiled at Inoru and kissed him goodbye. She then shouted “be careful.”

She let Inoru run off on his own to explore the place because she felt he was too smart to be left alone all the time at home. Aki decided to sit down on a bench in the park just behind a huge tree; the bench she was sitting was filled with shade and is away from the rest of the noises that roam across the park. She was pleased to have found that spot. So she sat there continuously, looking at the sky. Imagining different images using it.

                She admitted to herself that she misses her brother greatly, though he usually plays tricks on her.

She also knows that he feels the same way, for he was too sad to fetch her himself at the airport.

Rica his brother’s fiancée even called her a month ago, checking up on her. She was amused when she told her that his brother sometimes cries at night and sleeps in her bed, hugs her pillow and looks at her baby pictures. He even brings her, her favorite fruit raspberry when he goes home, and realizes she isn’t there and eats it himself, alone.

                She even told her that some of his business partners are asking for her. But he just tells them that she’s abroad studying.

Aki didn’t realize that she already fell asleep while looking at her small photo album where all her good memories are stored. She also misses her laptop, and misses writing on it. She also definitely misses her everyday filled with her favorite foods; she misses her favorite dish from their family chef. And how she used to go to spas, fashion shows and gym, rock clime and how she sometimes sleeps as long as she wants without any concern what so ever.

                Inoru was having an adventure running around the park, catching butterflies and just rolling on the grass. Can do what he please. But then while he was rolling around the grass, there was this young girl holding two vanilla flavored ice-creams on both her tiny hands. Looking at him concern and wanted to pet him so bad.  Inoru looked at her, and started smelling her. It seems so he liked her; especially what she was carrying. The girl then said when Inoru started smelling the ice cream on one of her hand.

“Do you like it boy?” Inoru then did his puppy dog pout face and lied down the grass, looking cute. The girl then couldn’t help herself but adore him and said “this ice cream is supposed to be mine and my brother but it seems so you like it more, I’ll give it to you. Big brother doesn’t like sweet much anyway.” She then handed one of her hands and Inoru started licking.  The girl laughs because she felt ticklish; her brother then came over and found her with a dog. He walked closer to them and found the dog interesting. He then said “Maya, what are you doing?” the little girl then looked at him and said “I like him brother. His funny.” “I see.” The brother said. Inoru then kept looking at them, started sniffing him and then started wagging his tail him, barking cheerfully. He then said “aren’t you an interesting dog, what’s your name?” he says, he then touches his collar and red ‘Inoru-chan’ and said “Inoru-chan? Isn’t that a cute name, well Inoru chan where is your master?” he asks.  Inoru then started walking and barking leading them to her.

                It was 4 when she woke up from her good nap; she looked at her watch and said “well, that was long.”  She then heard Inoru barking cheerfully, as if calling her. Aki then stood up and found Inoru running towards her. She then rubs his head and said, “Aren’t you a good boy, your early, its only 4. Did you miss me Inoru-chan?” the  little girl then ran towards Inoru and started petting him, Inoru then wagged his tail and Aki said “isn’t that cute, you found a new friend Inoru chan?”, Aki then sits over and looked at the girl, she seemed familiar but couldn’t remember where she saw her. She then says

“Hello little girl…. What’s your name?” she then looks at her and smiles,

 “Maya.” “I see, well Maya I’m Aki, you can call me big sis if you want.”

“Hello big sis.” Maya replied and was greatly cheerful, Aki smiled.

“Well, Maya who are you with? “ Aki asked,

“I’m with my brother.” She answered.

“Your brother? Where is your brother then Maya?” Maya then looks to her left and points,

“There’s my big brother!” Aki then looks at him and saw Hayato walking towards where they are.

Hayato then thought, “What is she doing her?”, then saw Inoru with her, and concluded “she must be the owner.”, then not so long, Hayato was there sitting with her on the bench placed under the big old tree, watching Inoru and Maya play.

 

Aki then realized that he and Hayato sitting there at the bench watching over a child seemed like they are a young family. And she felt terrible.

Hayato looked at her while she sat beside him, and said

“What are you doing here?” Aki then answered “getting some air with my dog.”

“I see,” Hayato replied.

“Inoru is a smart dog…”he continued, “too bad you didn’t adopt that from him.” Hayato joked, and sneered. Aki looked at him as if she didn’t hear anything.

Maya then ran towards them and said,

“Big sis, you are very much pretty, way prettier than my mommy.” Aki then smiled in an embarrassed way and said,

“You think so. Well thank you very much, you’re pretty too. Not like your big brother and his messy hair”

Hayato then thought “my hair isn’t messy. Is it?” Maya then laughed and said “hahaha big sis, your funny. Can you live with us?”

“Huh? Why is that?” Aki asked still wearing that fake smile, and then Maya answered

“Because our house is no fun like here, and if Inoru and you are there then I would have someone to play with and brother would have somebody to talk to and someone who would make him smile just like now.”   Maya then smiled.

Aki then felt her loneliness and it hit her straight in her heart, Hayato then stood up and surprisingly carried Maya then tickled her

“Now that’s enough, Maya. We have to go home. Take a bath and sleep early.” Hayato said sweetly, Aki looked at him, reminding her of how his brother acts when she’s with him. Maya then laugh and said “put me down brother you’re making laugh so hard my stomach hurts.” Hayato then put her down gently. Maya then gave Inoru a kiss, and asked Aki if she could kiss her.

Aki then said yes. Maya gave her a kiss, and held Hayato’s hand. She then said,

“Brother give big sister a goodbye kiss too.”

 Aki got surprised and Hayato gently said “that’s not quite proper Maya.”

“Why not? I kissed her. She wouldn’t mind…” Maya said, “Right sister?” she continued looking at Aki.

When Aki looked at her cute adorable face she just couldn’t say NO, but Hayato was expecting that she wouldn’t agree and was surprised when she said

“Hahaha why not?” With a question mark on her face.

Hayato wasn’t sure if she should kiss her this early. And had other concern regarding kissing her that day.  Then Maya said, “Hurry up brother our ride is here.”

So what he did was, he moved closer to Aki’s cheek and whispered,

“Don’t blame me for this.” Then kissed her gently on her left cheek. Hayato obviously blushed, Aki as well and she wasn’t sure why. Hayato then quickly picked up Maya and goes to the car and said.

“See you at school.” With his head down too embarrassed to show his reddened face.

 

Soon after, Aki and Inoru came home tired. She found herself too tired to cook so she decided to buy cooked food on the way, but she didn’t realize that she was also too tired to eat. And just took a bath and sleep, while on the easy road of falling asleep Aki remembered how Hayato kissed her on her cheek and that made her blushed again and feel a deep embarrassment. She really didn’t understand why she blushed over simple thing like that; for she was always kissed by her brother, her sister, relatives... Family…” and she thought “maybe….zzzzzzz”

 

It was Thursday, and during that day in class the sports prefect made an early announcement before the class, he stated

“Good morning everyone. Most of you must be aware that the yearly school competitions are 5 months away, and so I would like to wish you all the luck you will need. But we do know that luck is not what you only need to win, but advance practice and full concentration to win the competition. Make us proud, for the pride of the University show them what Elite University is all about.”  The prefect then looks at Aki and says his final words “rock on! “J

 

 Hayato then noticed the prefect particularly looking at Aki; he then looked at her in an unusual way and sneered. She then noticed and made face. She wasn’t sure what his up to again and she couldn’t imagine what was running in his mind.

Soon the class started. Hayato wasn’t sure why the prefect was looking at Aki as if saying something.  He then taps Jessie in front of him and asked

“By any chance, is Aki somewhat a club member?”

Jessie then looks at him and answers, “don’t you know, she’s the aikido team captain.” Hayato was surprised, and thought “team captain? You’ve got to be kidding me.” He then looks at her and imagined her kicking. He started laughing; he then thought “aikido? interesting.” he then thumps Jessie again and asks, “is recruitment still open for clubs?” “Yup, it’s always open. “ Jessie answered intrigued; he then asks “why? Planning to join?’ “Yes.” He answers.

 

After the first quarter of class, it was time for lunch; everyone was going out of the room chatting, gossiping. When one particular guy was waiting for her.

Aki noticed him talking with some friends and then sent them away.  She got intrigued but didn’t mind. She was still fixing her things when she noticed him walking towards her.

                She wondered what he wanted, and decided to pack up more quickly before he reaches her. When she was hurrying, and took all she needed to take she was ready to run off fast but then she was surprised when his hand strike her notebook placed on top of her table while she was grabbing it.

                She then looked at him intensely, and he said

“Can we talk?” looking all serious, looking at her eye to eye; His face, his cheeks, his lips, just a foot away.

Her heart started beating faster again and she calmly replied. “What is it?” as if she didn’t mind him getting too close for safety to her.

He then got closer to her, the only two of them in the room. She can feel his warm breath over her ear, and she tried to play cool as possible, but she crack and moved a bit away. He was face to face again.

He then said “I asked the sport prefect if I could join the aikido club,” “why aikido?” Aki thought

Hayato then continued “he told me to ask you if I could join the club since you’re the team captain”

 She then thought

“Sweet, sweet vengeance; Karma!”, and she answered

“The club is open for everyone.” Hayato then thought

“Excellent!” then Aki continued

“But since it’s up to me, as it always been. I prefer to test applicants if their actually worth the time. Specially that as what you learned that the yearly competition is near, team members are bound to train hard and should have the chance to actually win. So Mr. Zhang don’t expect that I will let you in easily.”

‘I understand, very well what must I do?” Hayato replied with a sneer on his lips.

“Since your very much special, I will give you the traditional exam.” Aki replied smiling,

 

‘hey Hayato what happened to your membership to the aikido club?” Jessie asked.

“Well, the team captain said that I will do the traditional exam.” Hayato replied.

“Ouch man! That got to hurt a lot. “Jessie said.

“What do you mean?” Hayato asked.

“Well you see Aki rarely does the traditional way, because she usually let anyone get in the team. But in some occasion such as your self, she performs it. And you know what, since she became the team captain no one ever had the chance to get in via the traditional way. All of them failed.” Jessie said.

“Oh really.” Hayato asked.

“Yeah, she usually only do that to people she doesn’t like, she only has one rule during the exam” Jessie

‘Knock me down once and you win.’ Hayato continued, he remembered what she explained.

 “Right.” Jessie said.

“Oh man, I got to tell you she’s really good at it. As you can see she’s the only female team captain in the university.” Jessie added.

“I see, I’m impress.” Hayato said, thinking deep.

 

 

Aki was pleased to know that she could kick Hayato’s butt without being judge, she had the perfect excuse for not letting him get on the team since the competition is near. All members must be at the very least be competitive enough...

“Hey Aki, why are you so happy today?” Jun asked Aki noticing she was smiling.

“Nothing really, I just had a great day at school today. A totally great DAY!”  Aki replied still wearing those smile.

Then the door noised and Hayato came in. Aki was expecting him to come as he always do since he started studying at EU.

“Good afternoon sir!” Aki greeted him with that same smile and led him to his favorite spot. Hayato then sat down.

“His been our regular customer isn’t he?” Jun asked Ira.

“He goes here to see Aki.” Ira replied looking at both of them angrily while they smile at each other.

“Really?” Jun asked watching Aki and Hayato from a distance.

“Yeah!” Ira answered then turned her back,

“As if he doesn’t see her at school enough.” She continued then walked towards the kitchen,

 

Aki then said “what can I do for you?” still smiling, Hayato looked up at her and said

“That’s very much disturbing”

“What would that be sir?” Aki replied still smiling delinquently.

“The way you talk as if everyday is scripted. You’ve got the same old lines missy…. You’re so juvenile.” Hayato explained. Then Aki’s eyebrow started to twitch, but she continued to smile. And said

“What can I do for you?”

Hayato then looked back at her and said “and the way you smile right now, it seems like your planning an evil plot over me.”

Aki was surprised, she didn’t react but her eyes turned big and thought “am I that transparent?”

Hayato then smirked and said “so I was right”, he then continued

“okay evil little girl fetch me a cup of black coffee and hurry up!” he said smiling.

Aki then answered smiling “right a way sir.” But deep inside though “jerk!”

Aki then soon enough returned with his drink, decided to furnish the plan of Hayato joining the aikido club. They agreed to the simple rule ‘Knock me down once and you win’,

But then Hayato wanted to make things more interesting for him, so he suggested, “with all do respect, I find it a bit boring there’s no thrill. Why don’t we make it more interesting?”

“What do you mean?” Aki asked.

“Well, how about this I want a bet.” He replied.

“I don’t get it.” Aki replied.

“Well, to make it simple, if you win, you can get me to do anything you want.” Hayato said.

“And if you win?” Aki replied, intrigued.

“Very well, then maybe ill make you my slave. But I’m still not sure, I’ll think about it when I win.” Hayato replied.

“Very well. It’s a deal.” Aki replied, but with one thing in mind

“If I win I’ll tell him to drop out and go anywhere abroad and never return. And then I’ll have peace. ”, but then while going home she then thought “am I being too harsh…?”

 

Soon the next day came, early in the morning Aki came in the aikido club and announced that a certain guy in school wanted to join the club and she decided that since the competition is near it was fair enough that this certain person receives the honor of joining (if he can) thru the traditional way. Every member was surprised and asked who this certain person is; she then said “Hayato Zhang.” Everyone went all quite and then suddenly they all screamed filled with thrill saying things like “beat him up captain!” “Yeah! His dead meat!”  “Aikido club rules!!!” soon after that the news spread all over the university.

“Is that really true?” a student asked another student, the other student then replied “yes. It will be held next week! Monday! 8 in the morning. In the Aikido Club”

Then soon the class started, Jessie asked Hayato about the coming match between him and Aki.

“hey man, are you really sure of joining the club?’

Hayato looked at him and said “I told you Jessie, I’m always sure.” He then afterwards looks at Aki from a distance; saw her looking at the window.

 

Then there came a sunny Friday the last day of school in the week. “Next week would be the match.” Aki thought while she was walking towards the children’s house.  Soon enough she was able to get all of them, but while they where walking to school, the skies started to grow dark, and there came a cold breeze of wind, Aki felt that it was going to rain so they’d hurry up to school but then there came a drop of rain, then another, then another, then there came a sudden drop of rain, so heavy they started to run for shade. They were a bit wet but she made sure they were okay. She wiped off all the rain on them and said. “Okay who doesn’t have an umbrella?”, then Sato raised his tiny hands, Hikari did too, Maika also, then Hazel soon after till all four of them all raised their hand for not having an umbrella. Aki then thought “I’m so dead. “

She then said “okay then, the good thing is I’ve got an umbrella but all of you must share so nobody gets sick, since we only got one I’ll buy 2 more. “

Aki then looked at the surrounding looking for somewhere to buy another umbrella then she saw a small shop and thought,

“I got to at least try there, I have no choice. It’s the only thing around.”

So Aki said “okay guys, we might be late so, I want you to stay here I’ll be back in five minutes. I’ll be over there.”  She pointed at the small shop and continued

“So you stay here and stay away from the rain. Also don’t talk to strangers. Got it?” Aki explained.

They all then nod and she took out her umbrella and run out the rain. After reaching the shop she immediately asked

“Good morning got any umbrella?” the salesman then said

“Yes, but we only have one though.”

Aki then thought “S**t.”

She then said “okay I’ll take it.” she then run back the children and told them they all have to share the umbrella since its raining hard.

“But big sis, you’ll get wet.” Hikari said, looking sad.

Aki then answered with a smile “don’t worry, big sis will be just fine, lets get going to avoid getting you too late to school.”  Soon they stared walking through the rain, she made sure the children are safe and don’t get wet, thought she walk through rain and felt the cold breeze of air colder than it actually is she made it with the children to the school.

 

Meanwhile at school, Hayato notice just after coming in the class room that Aki is still not around, since she’s the first thing he wanted to always see. He was curious what happened. He noticed that it was raining hard outside, and thought “she might get a cold.”

 Soon enough the school bell rang; still no sign of Aki. The professor came in and took few seconds to check if everyone is around. He noticed that the best student wasn’t present and he said “does anyone know where Ms. Hanazawa is?”  Hayato too was waiting for an answer. But no one answered; he then said “very well, let’s continue.” He then started writing in the board but thought on the back of his mind, “Ms. Hanazawa never gets late, nor absents.”

Not so long of waiting, the class door opened. Everyone looked, Hayato expected it was Aki, and he was right.

Everyone was surprised to see her late but they were more surprised to see her soaking wet. Water dripping from her uniform her hair soaking wet, everything on her was wet, everyone was looking at her. She bowed down for respect to the professor for disturbing his class and said “good morning sir, sorry for being late.”  The professor looked at her with pity, he doesn’t know what happened but he was sure it was very important so he said calmly.

“Very well, Ms. Hanazawa. As you all know I don’t let in late comers, but since it’s your first time and looking at you you’ve have an excuse of why you’re late. So finding that; I would normally let you in my class but as we all can see your soaking wet. So I would excuse you to take your time and change in your P.E uniform.” The professor said.

Aki then bowed down and said ‘thank you.”

She then returned wearing her P.E uniform but her hair was still wet. Hayato was looking at her as she sat down on her chair looking out the window. Aki was thinking “I hope none of those kids gets sick.”

So the class ended. Hayato walked towards her as she stood up the chair and Hayato said

“Well that was a dramatic entrance.”

“Yeah.” Aki replied.

Hayato then said “what are you, too stupid to remember bringing an umbrella?”

“No. I was walking the kids to school when it started to rain they’ve got no umbrella so, I lend them mine.”Aki explained.

Hayato was surprised and said “well that was stupid.”Aki then asked a bit annoyed

“What’s stupid about that?

“I just find it stupid.” Hayato said, but on the back of his mind he thought, “I would have done the same thing. You’re so stupidly kind” then Aki walked out the room.

During lunch break Aki decided to eat at the cafeteria because she figured out that the terrace must be wet. Hayato followed her there and joined her to eat. Students in the cafeteria was surprised to see him there, Aki then said when he sat beside her “why are you following me?”

“Nothing really, just killing some time.” Hayato answered looking at the menu in the cafeteria.

While everyone was looking at them, Aki remember what she hated the most, ‘being stared at; noticed for what you got and not for whom you really are, people give you respect because they fear you and the envy you money’

Hayato ordered sushi in the cafeteria, though he wanted to try what Aki was eating. Aki continued to eat not minding everyone, Hayato then uttered “you live alone right? “, “yup.” she answered.

“You cooked that?” Hayato continued to ask. “Yup.” Aki answered irritated with all the people in the cafeteria.

Hayato then took a glance on her lunchbox with all envy seen in his eyes; though what he was eating was much better than what she was having.  Aki noticed him looking at her food, and she said

“What are you beggar? Never ate rice balls before?” Hayato then looked at her and answered “no.”

“hahahahaha! Your such a wuss! You’re so rich yet never tried a cheap piece of molded rice before?” Aki said so amused.

Hayato was surprised to see her laugh out loud to something he said, what pleased him the most was she smiled at him sincerely.

“Okay then, try whatever you want.” Aki said handing him her lunchbox. He was surprised and he started salivating over everything on her lunchbox and thought “I bet she’s a good cook.”

He then took his chopstick and picked up rolled eggs and placed it in his mouth; started chewing and Aki gazed at him watching his reaction; at the back of her mind she thought

“And I thought I had a dreadful childhood growing up to an environment were most people only care about money. Good thing I’ve got my brother who always protected me and gave me what I needed and wanted. “

Hayato then still chewing “it’s good, this is really good.” Aki then smiled at him pleased that he liked her cooking, Hayato then swallowed and looked at Aki as if asking if he could take another, Aki just nod at him. Hayato then took another and Aki laughed. Hayato then thought while he looks at her,

“That same old smile that glow.”

Then soon time passed. Already time for her job.

 She definitely looked better than when she first came in at school this morning, she wore her uniform and on her way she made sure to ask if the children got cold; she was glad to hear they didn’t. On her way to work it was no longer raining but it was still cold outside, “winter really is coming.” She thought.  

Then the wind started blowing, it hit her and it passed through her spine; she shivered and suddenly sneezed.

“GOD that’s revolting.” Aki then looked behind her and saw Hayato, and said “shut up.” She then continued to glide; Hayato then walked faster and grabbed her hands.

Aki was surprised she blushed, and her heart started beating faster. She then got a hold of herself looked back at him fiercely and said “what are you doing?” looking at him disturbed and he answered sweetly with a kind smile “lets walk together.”  Aki then thought “why?” but she preferred not to ask, afraid she might hear what she unconsciously wanted to hear. 

Aki glided slower, for him not to have a hard time catching up with her.  Aki then didn’t realize that they were then again having that same conversation where they didn’t notice that the time they were so eager to pass no longer exists. Hayato thought of the same thing when he realized that “I laughed as if I never laughed before,”

                Soon they reached the café and it took them back to reality, Aki thinking “I hate him.” but no longer so sure. And Hayato thinking “… is she really that girl I met on the party?”

 Just before coming in the café Aki suddenly sneezed and Hayato looked at her worried; but didn’t say a thing. They then came in and Aki escorted him to his sit, and gave him what he preferred to have that day. Aki continued to sneeze in the corner of the room,

“Aki you might get sick.” Jun said.

“Nah just a stupid cold, I’ll get better in no time you’ll see. “ Aki said with a smile.

Hayato heard her, and wanted to tell her himself that she should take care of herself because she might get really sick and that would worry him very much. Soon enough it was time to go home.

Aki walked home, and Hayato riding on his car kept thinking that she might get sick and just prayed that she wouldn’t. Aki walked by the grocery picked up some things and food and some over the counter drugs. She then came home ate, and rested.

 

 

                Monday, it was the day of the match. It will lead to the verdict of letting Hayato join the club.  And to know who will win in they’re personal gamble. Every student in EU didn’t want to miss it, so early in the morning though it was freezing cold because it started to snow the day before they came to watch the match. Hayato was already there waiting for her, wearing his aikido uniform; Jessie beside him wishing him luck. The aikido club on the other side waiting for Aki, but majority of the girls in EU was rooting for Hayato, with poster saying “I love you Hayato!, win for me” girls screaming, “marry me!!!”.

Hayato was excited, already decided what to make Aki do when he won; he got it all thought of last night.  Soon enough it was 8 AM, still no sign of Aki, soon they decided to have a count down a final ultimatum that if she doesn’t show up, Hayato is officially the winner. They started counting, Hayato hoping she would arrive.

“60-59…25-2-23….10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1---zero! Then rang! Aki lost. They officially announced that Hayato was the winner; the aikido club congratulated him and welcomed him in the club, disappointed that Aki didn’t show up.

Hayato wasn’t expecting her not to come, she knew Aki as the type of person who doesn’t break promises.

“What happened?” Jessie asked Hayato, Hayato looked miserable and said “I don’t�"know.”

He knew she wouldn’t just back out without any serious reason, and that made him worry very much. “Where is she? Is she okay?” he thought.

 Soon the class started, everyone was congratulating Hayato for winning. He smiled but he wasn’t happy, the professor came in and still no sign of Aki, he noticed she wasn’t there and said “where is Miss Hanazawa; late again? Or absent?”

Then the university president came and the professor excused himself, they talked outside, the president gave him a note. Then he retuned to class, and continued class. Hayato was so troubled what happened to her, he couldn’t concentrate and kept on thinking “what was that with the president coming in our class, and the professor no longer asked question regarding Aki? Was that chat about Aki, did something horrible happed to her?” soon the class ended, and it was time for lunch and the professor is packing up to leave the class, everyone is going out. But Hayato came to the professor and said “sir, is there any news why Aki is absent?” the professor right thru him, he was so transparent not like what he usually is; deep and silent. the professor then surprised on what he just learned about the heir of the Zhang Company, and answered “she called in this morning in the office and said she was very sick since Friday and couldn’t come to class; “ he then added “I think she caught a flu when she came in soaking wet three days ago.” Hayato’s eyes grew big and thought “so that’s why she wasn’t able to go on the match, crap…” “Thank you.” Hayato said and quickly came out the room. “She’s been sick since Friday, and she lives alone; no one to take care of her; I wouldn’t be surprised she’s still sick. I hope she’s okay.” He hen told his driver to bring him the Aki’s house.

Meanwhile, Mr. Matsujun the class professor came in the office lounge and ate his lunch thinking “I see, Mr. Zhang seems to like Ms. Hanazawa vey much; this would be very much interesting.”

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