0

Chapter Five: Yuki

Author: Yuki

A/N: Starting this chapter, I will write the story in each of the characters' point of view. XD And of course, my point of view as an author as well in some part of the story. Note that the stories linked together.. ;) If you think this way of writing is not suitable, then feel free to comment. :D

Chapter 5: Days

{Yushika's point of view}

Honestly, I don't understand why children rude to their parents. I think it was wrong to do so. Without them, we won't be seeing this beautiful world. And I never thought that brother is one of them. I'm very disappointed to know this fact. He is charming and caring but knowing that he'd given a cold shoulder towards Abi makes me want to scream.


In this large room of mine, I thought of several events that occurred for the past few days. I felt relieved when the scary stranger walked out the door that day but somehow I feel that maybe he'll be coming back. I don't understand why do I feel anxious about it but remembering the menacing expression held by brother and the stranger raise my fear from my heart.


"Ting! Ting! You've got one new message! Ting! Ting!"


I flip open my phone to scan who is the sender of the recent message. My eyes fix at the name of the expected sender. 'Brother Hayat,' it says.


"Shika... Pls tell me what's botherin' ur mind? Im nt interested in dis silent treatment. Jus lemme talk 2 u?"


I sigh heavily upon seeing the message. Deep within my heart, I know I shouldn't treat brother like this. Then I decided to reply his instant message with...


"No worries. I'll be fine by tomorrow. Good night."


Is this okay? My heart hesitated for a moment thinking whether my reply sounds cold or not. I know it's a bit short for someone to be demanded for answer from but I don't know what to write. My fingers tremble right away as I clicked the 'send' button.


++++++++++

{Hayat's point of view}

"No worries. I'll be fine by tomorrow. Good night"


What does she mean by that? Wait... I rarely see Shika acting like this. I walked back and forth in front of my bedroom like a fool. My mind drifted towards Shika but I just can't come up with a good explanation why did she ignore me earlier. I thought that today is suppose to be fun because it has been a while since we go out together.


PMS? Hm.. Maybe... But wait? Is she sick? I know that she has a weak body. There were several times she passed out and the minute she woke up after worrying the hell damn of me, she told me she didn't remember having unconscious. What should I do? What should I do? But if she passed out, she definitely not replying my message, right?


My mind spins like a never ending merry-go-around. I went to the toilet and wash my anxious face hoping that my anxiety would just fade away. I strolled down to the kitchen and took out a carton of fresh milk and pour a cup of it for myself. The daily routine that I never missed before heading to sleep. As I enter my room, I throw my 187 centimeters tall body on my king-sized bed still thinking about my beloved little sister. I miss her smile the most. The most pretty smile I've ever seen.


But I know that thinking like this is a taboo even if I know that she's not my real sister. I can't break my vows to her. Never. She'd my sister and that's how I suppose to treat her. Nothing more, nothing less. I yawned for the last time and drifted to my dream..land.


++++++++++++


{Danial's point of view (Hayat's father)}

The air in this dining room seems a bit different. Well, sort of lovelier than last night. I guess those two already made up, huh. Hayat has changed since Yushika came to his life. Remembering back how he use to be when his late fiancee died gave a chill down my spine. He was like a walking dead during his period of depression but seeing him like this now really delights me.


"Ehhh!! So lovey-dovey in the morning~ Abi also would like the same treatment," I look at them with a pair of puppy eyes. That lovely daughter of mine is wearing a soft green coloured apron. She looks like a Barbie doll. I'm very proud to have a daughter like her.


Yushika prepared my plate as well as utensils as she always did if we have our breakfast. "Here you go, Abi," she goes. I like that smile on her face, I'm sure if she were to be allowed by Hayat to go out she is one eye-candy. Then I saw her settled as usual beside Hayat and chattering of this two so-called-siblings filled the room.


I can see the smile spread on Hayat's face. That is the smile of happiness.
"Ok, then, Abi.. I gotta go. Shika, Take care," Hayat greet. Eh.. wait. Since when did he greet me like that? As a father I'm very proud. It feels like I'm in the verge of tears.


"Okay, drive safe...," I called out as I wave him with my handkerchief. This is a bliss knowing that my son finally respect me. My other problem will be Widad. I just don't know how to teach him a lesson so that he will be a good gentleman but not some rude smug face brat. I shake my head as I thought about the possibility that Widad can change.


Right now, Yushika was tending the garden. That's why the cost of maintaining the house has decrease. Having women around really lighten the housework's burden. Even maid is not needed anymore. But then I feel pity for Yushika. Someday she would definitely get tired of living in this golden cage for sure.


+++++++++++++

{Author's point of view}

Puzzled, he once again looked at the figure who waved at him. 'I think I know him,' Hayat thought as he tried to remember who was that man. The man now approached him gracefully. His paces made a soft 'thud' on the floor. Like a world-class model, the man attracted so many eyes in the lobby. Not that he was handsome, but he's merely a typical Japanese, but only that he had this charisma that set most eyes only to him.


"Ash! Heaven bliss, never thought that I'd run into you here," he greeted enthusiastically as he punch slightly on Hayat's shoulder. When they were standing together like that, they were consider as the 'Yearly Hotties' in women's magazine. There stood the 187 cm Hayat and also the 185.5 cm man in front of the counter.


It took moments before Hayat could recognise the man that claimed to know him. Furthermore, it seemed like the man had known him for so long as the man itself knew Hayat's nick-name as it was his name during his golden days in college. The man was wearing a modest tracksuit with a backpack clasping his well-built body.


"It's you, Jin. Seriously, I didn't recognise you back there. What happen to your long hair?," Hayat managed a question. For all he knew that Murasame Jinnosuke had his long hair kept in a pony-tail style during the college time. Even though Jinnosuke was his kouhai, but due to his involvement in the student council, they became quite close. At that time, Jin was the treasurer while Hayat was the vice-president.


"I think this look fits me better. I can't be the messy hellion forever. Ahahaha."


"I suppose so. Anyway, what brought you here? Meeting someone important?"


"Not really important. My aunt works here, so I was just going to ask for direction of my hometown. I'm not use to this place anymore," Jinnosuke chuckled.


"So I'll leave you to that. If you have any time, You can always call me and maybe we can have a dinner in my family's villa. I'm sure you won't regret the meals!," Hayat declared with anticipation as he handed a small lilac card written his name as well as his phone number. "May there be times when we can meet again," with that Hayat waved his hand and proceed to the basement where he got his car started and zoomed for the villa. Eager to meet Yushika...


Chapter 6 is coming soon!
0

Chapter Four: Yuki

Author: Yuki

Chapter 4: Winter Hearts

The cold frozen night showed no sympathy towards the living creatures around the world. Even the owl stop flying but stunned by the coldness and settled on the branched of an old oak tree. The outline of the flower paradise was dimmed by the dull long night. Only a trace of lights shimmering a quarter part of the sanctuary.

Even the air in the villa did not change a bit. Only, worsen by the appearance of Hayat. It was like an electric shock when both Hayat and Widad stared at each other. Their father realised the cold moment so he walked towards the sofa and sat down. 'Cold as ever,' their father thought.

"Ah~ Brother...," Widad spoke in a mocking voice. His serious face turned towards the incoming person.

"Long time no see. You look really good, today, Vic," Hayat said while smiling at his little brother's tanned figure. "Having a party without me?," he asked sarcastically.

"Hahahaha... Still that sense of humour of yours amazed me. Say, Ash, what made you think that I'm here to celebrate a party? Perhaps you are here to ruined me one more time... So I am trying to make sure before it happens," that icy tone once again vibrated across the room.

"Pardon me. Never my intention to ruin you, Vic. If this is within my power, I would always want to step down from this position. But you, never understand what it feels like to be an eldest son because you never try!," Hayat's toned changed. His face was tense.

"Never understand, huh? Then what does that make you? You think you understand me? I spend my whole life learning about business, investments, accounting... But you... Always got the credits from grandfather. You,with only your science degree you now became the right hand of Abi!" Widad serious face tensed as he spoke his arguments.

That tense atmosphere horrified Yushika who was still standing on the stairs. She was still stunned by the movie scene that she watched in front of her. Even though she could only understand the English part of the conversation, she could sense that the air seemed to more and more darker than the earlier.

"Umm... I'm gonna go upstairs ...," Yushika spoke finally.

Hayat turned towards his sister. His expression softened. Hayat's father now noticed that Yushika had seen their family arguments. Not that he blamed Yushika for being there the whole time but the fact that Yushika just saw the unwanted and in-family-like scene.

"Is there anything you'd like me to know, Yushika?," Hayat's father muttered with his usual tone. He was grinning at her as if nothing had happened.

"Hehehe... Never mind. It can wait. Good night," Yushika replied, trying to act as neutral as she could. She climbed up the stairs and enter her bedroom.

"Vic, there's no point of arguing... If you aren't satisfied then go to grandpa's grave and mourned. Or you could just kick his gravestone if you wanted to. Though that won't change anything," Hayat expressed his dissatisfaction towards Widad's provocation. By letting Yushika seen the scene just now, he had shown her that how cruel this world could be. He had been trying to protect Yushika from this cruel nature of the world but now, here he is, arguing with his one and only sibling.

"Still trying to act cool, aren't you? You're no hero, Ash," Widad mocked as he walked to the door and left the house.

"Never thought that that guy would barged in and attacked me like that. I should be seeing Shika. She's definitely worried," Hayat sighed as he walked across the room leaving his father to his thoughts.

++++++++++++++++

That night Yushika could not sleep. She remembered about the event that happened earlier that night. She never thought that Hayat's father and Hayat himself could be that serious when talking to that stranger. She could still remember the dark figure of that stranger.
A gentle knock stopped her from thinking too much. "Shika, can I come in?." Yushika heard her brother's familiar voice.

"Sure," she answered. Straightening her body, she sat at the edge of her green king-size bed.
Hayat came inside her room and sat beside her. "I'm sorry that you had to see what was happening earlier," Hayat said with the look of concern on his face. There was no longer a gentle smile but a smile that was full of pain.

"No, don't apologise. That wasn't your fault," Yushika murmured as she tried to cheer her brother up. "You should have some rest. Don't think about it too much. Tomorrow is your day off, right? Why don't we go shopping together?," she suggested happily. Her sparkly eyes stared at Hayat's lifeless iris.

"Alright~," Hayat replied. He softened his expression as he saw Yushika's hyper face. It was enough to know that she was alright. "I'm gonna go back to my room now. Good night, Shika," he smiled. He left Yushika's room for the night.

+++++++++++++++++++++

"Ara-ara... Yushika! Gorgeous! Like a blooming flower in spring! Ho~hohohohoho... Going out today, dear?." That morning as soon as Yushika went on the first floor of the villa, Hayat's father's reaction startled her. He looked normal as if nothing had happened the night before. The living room was filled with Mozart's music and Hayat's father was swirling and swaying around the living room feeling proud of himself.

"Yes, with brother. Do you wanna join us?," Yushika asked.

"Nope! Don't you see? Abi is very busy... Ho~hohohohohoh," he said as he swirled across the living room. "Lalalala~," he sang enthusiastically.

'Busy?' Yushika thought. "Okay, then. Do you want us to buy something for you?." She walked to Hayat's father's side.

"No, thank you. Now, where is that brat? Care not to greet me in the morning, isn't he?," Hayat's father looked hurt despite his harsh words.

"Eh? I thought he...," she paused. Suddenly, she kissed Hayat's father's left cheek. "There. I'll bring some candies!" she called out as she went out to the porch.

"That little...," Hayat's father murmured. He flopped his body on the sofa then his mind wandered, 'Sara, if only you could share my happiness right now. Now that we have a daughter. Are you smiling? I miss you...'. Unbeknownst to him, his tears streamed down his cheeks, reminiscing his memories with his late wife, Qaisara.

++++++++++++++++++++++

"One for me, one for Abi," Yushika muttered as she took two bars of candy. "There."
"Hey, how 'bout me? Where is my share?," Hayat asked as he realised that Yushika only two bars.

"You hate sweets. Besides, I promise Abi to buy him one."

"But you already bought him t-shirts and you didn't even buy me one. Now the candies," his tone changed as if he was pouting which was so not him.

Yushika remained silence as if she did not hear what Hayat said. She left Hayat and went to the counter. After going to the supermarket, they went to the restaurant to have their lunch. It was sunny at that time of the year even though it was spring.

At the restaurant, both of them still quiet. The thought that last night was okay between them gave Hayat thousands of unanswered questions. Had he done something wrong? His eyes glanced quickly at Yushika as she enjoyed her food. Her expression was normal. Nothing written on that soft face of her. As always, her expression would not be easy to read.
"Shika...," Hayat whispered.

Silence.

"Shika, why are you-," he stopped as he saw Yushika was staring at him. Those dark hazel eyes! As if they could see right through him. He turned his face down avoiding their eye contact. Those were the eyes that greeted him 4 years ago. His heart beat raced as if he was being chased by a thousand zombies.

*********************

At the same time, other part of Japan..
'Taking everything from me. Starting from my father till my woman... What else do you wanna take now? In the end, I'm always the one who's alone. What's the point of trying if all that I work for are being snatched by you? Darn you!' the man let out his anger by hitting the punching bag. His hands had already swollen by the force that he put to the punching bag.

######################

The same time, the other part of Japan...

*flash back* 22 years ago...

"Hey, do you know that even though a joey is as small as a worm, they eventually will grow into a kangaroo. Someday, that will also happen to you. So stop crying, okay?," the small boy told the little girl who was crying in the playground. The small girl was actually in the same elementary school as him, but she was in her kindergarten while he was in his third year.

She was always been picked on because of her weak body. She could not fight back because of her condition. Despite her weak body, she still attended the school. He rarely saw her because she had always been in the hospital. "Surely in the future, you're gonna be as strong as Muhd Ali!," the boy convinced her with a smile while holding her both of her hands. That time, she was crying because he told her that he was going to live in England because his parents were transferred there.

"N-nii-chan... I-I don't t-think that I can be as st-strong as Muhd Ali... I-I'm very weak... I-if y-you are going then, who'll kill the m-monsters?," the little girl sobbed.

"Those aren't monsters. Those are your friends," the boy chuckled. That girl was pretty fond of him. Even though they were only companions when they were in school. The boy had always been defending her if she was being bullied by her friends. "Nii-chan will always remember you. Someday, Nii- chan will come back and be your groom!," he declared.

"Nii-chaaannn...," the little girl hugged him as more and more of her tears spilled out of her eyes. The cute little couple held each other as if did not want to let go anyone of them. "Take this... This is my luc-ky charm...," the girl handed out her tiny hand. It was a tiny and messy wooden carved flower. "Grand-pa taught m-me how t-to carve. I-it was not as beautiful as grandpa's."

The boy took the so-called-lucky-charm from her and said, "I will keep this! Wait for me, okay?"

The sunset became the witness of the little couple's pledge.

*End of flashback*

"I'm home, Ri-chan...," The man exhaled and held the carved flower as he stepped out of the plane. 'Ri-chan... Will you still be there waiting for your nii-chan to come home?'

Chapter 5 is coming soon! XD
0

Chapter Three : Yuki

Author: Yuki

Chapter 3: The Catastrophe beside me

The breeze brushed her cheeks taking along Yushika's heat with it. She could not figure out why the feeling was so familiar. Gazing accross the distance from the villa, she could see green scenery stretched miles over the mountains. Still in the flower paradise, she enjoyed being pampered by the smell and the sight of those flowers sprawling around her.

Hayat's father had long gone inside, telling her that he should take an afternoon nap like what he did always. Hayat was still sitting on the gazebo and he did not even make a sound since they entered the villa earlier that day. She was wondering what to do now that she is in Japan. She was thinking if she should start working or not. She turned her head looking at Hayat.

'Hmm... the successful rate must be around 1.999%, which rounds off into 2%. I better ask Abi for help. Asking brother for something like this has a lot of hazardous risks. Ear plugs should be use to prevent any damage in any parts of my body if this were to be known by brother' Yushika thought.

++++++++++++

"Ohoho, lucky-lucky! Perhaps you can work in the path of your own interest! Say, dear, what do you think you're good at?," he giggled while looking at Yushika's face with interest.

"I don't know either. I never thought about it before. I think, I'm good at cooking, I guess," Yushika answered as she tried to think of any of her other specialty that might be useful to find a job.

"Hahaha~ This is easier than I thought! You just have to make a bento for me, your magnifico father, and your lame brother Hayat everyday! How does that sound? Perfect job, isn't it? Gahahaha~," Hayat's father laughed triumphantly.

"Abi! You're not taking me seriously~ If i asked brother, definitely, he won't allow me to have one. What should I do? What should I do?," she replied with disappointment.

"Aw-right! Aw-right! Let your kind-hearted Abi think of something, okay? Let see... Hmm.. I'm thinking... I'm thinking..... Very hard... Thinking really hard... Hmm... Still thinking... Hmm......." he said while trying to be serious about it. He kept silence for a long moment until he started to snore.

Yushika, who was also trying to think what kind of job should she pursued, shook her head as she heard Hayat's father snore. 'So much for asking some help,' she spoke quietly.

++++++++++++++
"Shika! I'm going now!," Hayat shouted from the dining room. Yushika was in the kitchen washing dishes. The schedule was still the same, Hayat would call out her name then she would approached her brother and lastly kissing his right cheek while whispering "Take care, brother" to his right ear. Hayat would smile everytime she said that and that makes Yushika's heart skip a beat.
She knew that it was wrong to feel that way for her brother and there were many times she tried reasoning with herself for her lack of self-control. It was not easy for a grown woman like her to not feel that way. However, she really tried her best not show it for she know that Hayat deserved someone who was better than her.
+++++++++++++++++

"EEEEEeeeehhhhh!!!?!??!!! What happen to all of my porcelains? My lovely ceramic tea sets? My awesome picnic glass jar? Why didn't I see my lovers anywhere???,"Hayat's father horrified.
"Don't worry about it, Master. Sir Hayat told us to keep it inside the store room and change all the equipments to plastics and metals only.," the maid smiled.

"That good-for-nothing son really pisses me off. Hmph! If the other one also came, this house will be in disaster! Ceh, I should have made daughters at the first place... Beautiful, gorgeous, soft, graceful daughters like my lovely lil' Yushika... Hooo~hohohohohoho....," Hayat's father exclaimed and laughing proudly.

+++++++++++++++++++

That night was a disaster just as what Hayat's father mentioned as his other son, Widad, came home. He was wearing a black long sleeves shirt and dark blue jeans. His green orbs resembled his fathers eyes. He was wearing his unframed spectacles. He got the look of some dark creature of the night trying to find a predator to eat. There were no mercy in his eyes but cold and dangerous green flame.

"I heard that he lives here," Widad spoke icily as he spoke in Arabic language.

"Not even a gush of wind, now here you are showing your concern to your beloved big bro'. Ow~," his father spoke while smiling happily at his son. He knew that speaking happily like this would not change any of Widad's attitude towards him.

" Me? Concern? You're joking with me, old man...," Widad spoke rudely. But that was his nature which was very different from Hayat who was always polite while speaking with the others.

"Then why are you here? Trying to mess up with me, huh?," his father replied cold.

"Abi! I figure out what I want to-," Yushika who was climbing down the stairs stopped as she was stunned by the cold atmosphere. She looked at the stranger who was standing beside Hayat's father.

"Hahaha..., what now? What a woman like her doing in a bachelor's house? What is she? Trying to take all of your fortune, huh, old man?," Widad expressed while his expression was still as cold as ice.

"Shut your rude mouth up. You are nothing to compare to her, you good-for- nothing human,." his father said, tensed.

"Hoi, woman, what are you? This old man's scandal? Huh, can't believe that you're actually interested in chicks, old man.," Widad mocked.

"I'm home," a sound from the doorway made everyone in the room turn. It was Hayat and he was also shocked by the unwelcome guest who was also standing beside his father.

"Ah~ Brother...."

4th chapter is coming soon! ;)
2

(05) Chapter Five: SAKU

Chapter Five:
The Meeting

Author:
SAKU

Sakura paced around her room too often that Makoto got annoyed with her. He stood, stopping her by the shoulders and made her sit down on the bed. He had enough with her worrying with it. But he knew that it was like her to be so worrisome. He completely understood her but pacing around was never going to help. She needed to calm down.

That night, Makoto had stayed with her after sending the twins off for bed. They were already tucked in soundly in their room that their snoring could be heard across the corridor.

She was crying again, hearing the soft sobs coming from her. He placed his arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his chest. What was going to do with her? He knew telling her about his encounter with the twins was only going to make things worse. And there was something he needed to keep to himself. She needn’t to know.

“What am I going to do Mako-kun?” Sakura sobbed.

Makoto rubbed her back to give her some comfort. It looked as if it had calmed her a bit, “It’ll be alright, Sakura.”

“I just never thought of it. After all these years, why now?” Sakura lifted her head, her eyes were red and her nose was runny.

“Calm down, Sakura.” What else was he going to say? The words that he had prepared in his mind were vanished.

“Maybe he wanted to see how you are doing. It wouldn’t have anything to do with the—”

“It has everything to do with them!” Sakura ranted.

“Sakura.”

“Sorry. I—I j-just—I don’t know what has gotten into me.”

Makoto shook his head, “It’ll be alright. It’ll be fine, OK?” Even he wasn’t too sure about what he was talking.

XOXO

The encounter with her at the office wasn’t one of intentions. He would want to try to avoid her but fate had its own way. Fate? He nearly chuckled at the word itself.

(Flashback)

The moment he saw her; his mind suddenly shut down.  No, he wasn't thinking at all. He couldn't muster a single word. Nothing came across his mind. She was absolutely stunning even with that weird expression she had on; surprised.

Her chocolate coloured hair had grown in the past few years with large curls, resting below her breasts. Her eyes; the same emeralds that he adored so much, were huge and full of mystery. Her body; tall and appropriate with her casual denim dress hugging her every curve. Her slim waist was shown with a tight belt around it. She had on light make-up. Something she would always do just to make her looks more mature enough.

He didn’t need to wait long for her to respond to him because as once as she called his name, he was in awe of her. Even her voice was still melodic to his ears. The look on her face, her eyes especially; she was about to cry. For sure, he knew she was going to cry. But that didn’t occur. She kept a firm look on his otherwise. It made him taken aback for a bit but as he looked surprised by it, he knew it didn’t mean he was more or less really surprised. She was different now. There was just something in the air that told him so.

“Sakura.” He heard his voice cracked a bit at the end. It pained to say it after he tried to forget it. But atlast, he wasn’t able to. His heart wouldn’t allow so.

(End of Flashback)

He relaxed into the armchair he was sitting infront of the fireplace. It wasn’t that the day was any colder but he needed the warm to melt the freezing mind he had kept of her. It was spring and deeply, he regretted to have returned during the said season. It was that, they would be blooming at this time of the year. And seeing them falling down, seeing the very flower had already affected him deeply. And he was meeting with her tomorrow.

He already knew that she was still working for the company despite being told in the past to never come back. But here she was. She really did love the company, did she? He already did understand how stubborn she was but that wasn’t the matter.

The only reason for him to return back here in Japan was because his father told him so. His despicable father he hated so much.

Shaking the thought away, he thought of her again—Sakura. It made him smiled.

XOXO

"I’m here now. What do you need to talk about?" her voice, cold as a winter had not the slightest warmth in it. She sat straight, avoiding eye contact and decided to pick her cappuccino that she ordered earlier.

It had been too quiet for both of them amidst the crowds in the background. Nobody seemed to notice how tensed both of them were. The silence became too unbearable for Sakura that she just had to be the first to talk. She didn’t want him to begin it. Afterall, the only thing that made her too unbearable to come was him—not the twins, not the truth—just him.

"I’m glad you did," his only reply. His smiled turned into a smirk. He then cleared his throat to grab her attention.

"Hasegawa had told me that you have been with the company since 5 years ago. I would like to know how things are going for the past few years", Kei began.

Sakura raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. She placed her cup down gently before replying. "If you want to know how the company is doing then I advised you to start reading the files stored in the archive."

"I don't do 'reading'. It’s a waste of time. Since you are well experienced, it’s wise to hear from the best", Kei countered with a grin. How gladly she wanted to wipe that face of his.

"I see. But, we'll do that some other time. I’m busy," she began to stand but stop, seeing Kei standing together as well.

"Do you need a lift?" Kei offered.

"No but thanks", she smiled. It was the first time he had seen her smile like that. He felt somewhat relieved altogether.

He watched her pay her order at the counter before leaving. She gave an acknowledgement nod as she passed his table.

XOXO

He would never know how nervous she was with him. After walking a good a hundred steps from the Coffee Garden, reached at the traffic where pedestrians where making their way across the road. It was a pretty busy day and she knew nobody would have paid attention to her if she were to cry.

And she did, as the sky tear up, bringing fresh rain down to earth...

XOXO

SAKU: Chapter 6 is on its way! YAY!
3

(04) Chapter Four: SAKU

Chapter Four:
The Encounter

Author:
SAKU

“Mommy!”

Sakura turned to see a pair of her adorable twins standing by the entrance. Her eyes widened. Was she seeing things now do to overwork? But seeing was believing. Her boys were really standing there.

She kneeled and the boys came crashing into her embraced, “B-boys, what are two doing here?”

“It’s Mommy Day, mommy!” replied Kaoru.

“Yeah. And we came to pick you up!” beamed Hikaru.

Sakura felt the tears coming out. She brought them together into a warm hug and gave each a kiss on their cheeks. They had smiles on their face and looked pretty sweaty themselves.

“We have a present for you too, mommy!”

“Let’s see what you two got for me,” Sakura smiled.

Kaoru put his hand in his back pocket but instantly, there was a concern look on his face, “Oh no! I forgot to bring it!”

“Mommy, we are sorry!” both chorused. Sakura brought them into her embraced again.

“It’s OK. My greatest present is already infront of me. Being together with mommy’s Kaoru and mommy’s Hikaru.”

“There you are!” Makoto appeared out of nowhere.

Sakura stood, approaching him. She gave him a friendly hug, “Thank you, Mako-kun. For bringing them here.”

“Eh?”

XOXO

“I’ll bring the twins down with me then. Do you need anything else?” Makoto turned, already picking the twins up in his arms. They were both involved in a deep conversation that Makoto couldn’t understand.

“No, I think that’s all,” Sakura shook her head softly. She glanced around her office as Makoto and the twins exited through the door. She then walked over her desk. Should she bring her files with her today? But that would just ruin the moment being the twins. Today was supposed to be spent on having quality times with her family.

Inwardly, she smiled, taking her coat from the hanger by the side of the office. She pulled her bag unto her shoulder and locked the door behind her. She found Namie still working vigorously at her desk. Politely, she knocked on her desk, smiling.

“It’s late. Pack up. Just finish it tomorrow.”

“A-ah! F-Furukawa-san, you startled me!” Namie bumped her knees onto the desk underneath. She winced in pain but managed to muster a smile at Sakura.

“OK. I’ll just leave then. Thanks for the hard work, Namie. I’ll see first thing in the morning tomorrow,” Sakura waved at her. Namie was suddenly awestruck. She had never seen her boss waved at her before and her face. Her face was shining; not like a sun would shine but she was radiating with happiness. What had happened to her? She remembered something suddenly. Scrambling around the desk, she found a calendar buried deep by her papers. There was a circle on today’s date and she realized what it was.

She fished out her phone from her right pocket and punched in some numbers in it. The receiver’s voice was heard, “Hello?”

“Happy Mothers’ Day!”

XOXO

Humming her favourite song aloud, she stepped out of the elevator. She had reached the basement parking where Makoto told her that he parked his car down there. A smile was still on her face as she couldn’t wait to go home today. She just couldn’t! She felt like a kid again; waiting just seemed like forever when infact, three minutes just passed.

Sakura scanned around the parking. Where did he say he parked again? She knew she was lost for sure. Thinking that it was best to call him, she quickly unzipped her humongous bag that she bought from Kyoto last time. She scrambled with the insides but her phone was nowhere to be found. It might have never been there and she got the conclusion that she might have left it in her office.

She was going to make another trip to her office and that was the very least thing that she wanted to do right now. Should she just try searching for Makoto’s car or just go up and picked up her phone? Searching would be impossible in this case as the basement parking was really spacious fitting 500 cars in that area.

She sighed. She knew what her decision was as she pressed for the elevator’s button.

Sakura did eventually reach at her office’s floor. There were no one left at the office even Namie who nearly objected her offer. Sakura was grateful that she had decided to go home because she would have blamed herself for pushing the young female. As soon as she reached her door, she surprisingly found it unlocked. She knew she had locked it before she left and the only person who had the spare keys were Namie, her secretary and Makoto who was down at the basement. She probably thought it was Namie putting the finished paperwork on her desk.

“Namie, I thought I told you to go home—” Sakura trailed off seeing that it wasn’t who she thought it was. Standing behind her desk was a man. A man she knew all too well, despite the increase in his height. And his hazelnut hair was fully grown over the years. It was still messy but spiky at the end. His eyes; his dark golden eyes, mesmerizing as ever, the feature she had always loved about him. As her emerald eyes met his dark golden eyes, it seemed that time had stopped completely with them.

“K-Kei—” She knew she was trying so hard not to let the tears inside her eyes to come spilling. It would be embarrassing if she were to let him see her like this. No, she was different now. She was stronger than before.

He had a surprised look on his face but immediately discarded it, “Sakura.” His tone was deep but strained as if saying her name was slicing him apart. She could see him so though he camouflage it so well.

How long has it been? Why now? Why come here after all these years?

“W-what are you—” Sakura was cut off immediately as Kei moved away from her desk, approaching her.

He said each word with each step he took, “I didn’t know you were using this office.”

“W-what—” He interrupted her again, already closing the distance between them.

He leaned forward just within her eye level, “I’m glad you are safe, Sakura. I really am.” His sudden soft smile caught her off guard making her blushed madly red. Kei leaned even further, their foreheads already touching. She felt his calm breathing on her face sending chills down her smile.

Their lips were inches away. She felt his arms around her slim figure whereas her arms rested onto his chest. She wanted to pull herself from him but her legs weren’t responding to her anymore. His gaze was on hers. She could feel his heart beating calmly.

“K-Kei—” Sakura tried.

As he leaned, trying to close the gap between them, her phone interrupted with her favourite tone playing.

Sakura shocked, stumbled with her footing and knew that she would have fell miserably if it weren’t for his steady arms wrapped around her. She pushed him away slightly, embarrassed by what they were about to do.

Quickly, grabbing her phone, she answered it, “Sorry, Mako-kun. I’ll be there right away.” She pressed the red button and turned.

Sakura knew he was staring at her. She just knew it without even glancing at him. Pretending he wasn’t even there, she passed through him. She had to get out of there. She needn’t a repetition of what had happened.

She felt a firm grasp around her left wrist. She turned to see him face to face. This time, his eyes weren’t like earlier. They were much firm and steady and—not Kei.

“K-Kei, I-I—have to go now”, Sakura tried to excuse herself.

“We need to talk, Sakura.”

“We don’t need to,” she looked away.

“We do.”

Sakura nearly gasped, “N-No—”

“At the Coffee Garden at ten in the morning,” Kei released her and Sakura took the chance to run.

XOXO

SAKU: It's actually more than this that I had to cut it into two parts. So, the other part will be put in the next one. Thanks for reading. :)
2

Chapter One : Ai


Author: Ai

Summary:  He thought she was a lesbian and she thought he was gay. With these thoughts, they lived under one roof. And so, their apartment-mate life began~


A/N: no proof read. Get ready to have some headache with all the grammars and weird or unsuitable sentences or words. red is thought.

====

Chapter 1

“Mama is a liar” Kyuu yelled between sobs.

“Mama’s sorry baby,” Izumi sobbed and hugged his son tighter.

“You know~ I still don’t get why she has to tell her son about his father if they won’t meet again. Why didn’t she just tell her son that his father died or something,” the smallest figure of the four commented for the umpteenth time since the movie started, as she eyed her friends or co-workers -as she always called them- who were still have their eyes glued on the large flat screen TV in front of them. Currently, they were sitting in the living room and in front of the TV. Two young women around mid-twenties were sitting on the couch while on the floor between the sofa and the table was a young man and the small-complaining woman. “And that name really does not suit her. Such a crybaby.”

“And I don’t get why you keep complaining,” the guy retorted back, eyes never leaving the TV.

“And stop sulking only because her name is exactly like yours. You just ruined the moment here. And like I said before, the name Matsuo Izumi is not only one and not only yours.”

“Tissue.” One of the women who sat on the couch said with a raspy voice. Izumi who sat on the floor handed her a tissue box that was on the table in front of her. She snickered as she saw the women behind her were crying; eyes and nose reddening. She then proceeded back to continue to watch the movie.

Not long after that, Izumi spoke again. “That’s so stupid. If I were her-“

“That’s why the producer didn’t choose you,” the three interrupted in unison. They didn’t even hide the annoyance in their voices and this received a pouting Izumi.

 “She has his number and why didn’t you just call him to come to her and that way, less time wasted and she doesn’t have to run around.”

Everyone was now totally ignoring her.

“Gosh~ that’s so stupid of her. She should just slapped him hard”

“You know what we call someone like you, Izumi?” the guy finally said after quite a long silence, his voice was unusually calm.

Of course she knew. When you were too engrossed over a movie then, there would be someone who kept disturbing with comments and kept ruining the moments, that someone was a jerk, a badass and something along that line. Nevertheless, she cocked her eyebrow at him and challenged back “What?”

“You sure wanna know?” the guy smirked, a glint of wickedness in the air. The two women who sat silently and ignoring the two were now leaning their body forward in interest.

“Try me.”

“Dwarf,” that single sentence sent everyone but Izumi to bliss of laughter and forgetting the sad movie in front of them, ignoring the fuming Izumi.

“Whatever. I’m heading to bed. Don’t leave any mess in my living room and don’t forget to lock the door before you leave my place,” Izumi snapped and stood up from her spot.

“Who said we’re leaving?” the guy asked.

“What- Hey! Who said you guys can sleepover at my place AGAIN? Why don’t you guys go to Koi or Chen or better, why don’t you guys party at your own places or your boyfriends’ place or your friend’s place or the bar?” Yes, everyone had their own boyfriends; by the way, the guy was gay.

“That’s easy. Because you are the only one who’s still single-” one of the girl said.

“You don’t have to rub it in my face.”

“And we’re a bunch of loners on this Friday night, so we might as well come over to your place to fill each others’ loneliness.”

“Now I know how you feel, Izumi. You are such a strong girl,” the guy stood up and faked a sob as he dramatically hugged Izumi.

“Whatever. Just don’t leave a mess!” Izumi struggled from the hug and stomped her way toward her bedroom while murmuring, “I can’t believe I have such crazy co-workers. And I’m single. So what! I’m happy!” as if on cue, right after she sat on her bed, her phone started ringing and ‘home’ flashed on the screen. “Right I am unhappy.”

====

Every human creature that existed in this enormous circle globe called Earth were born with their own respective partners where they would live together, become one and fill each other’s flaw. No matter how far or how different they are; if they were born to be a pair, then, they would eventually meet because they were meant to be together. At least that was what Izumi always told herself. Why?

Because Matsuo Izumi was a loveless, forever single 26 year-old woman who was still looking for her ‘partner’. Oh, don’t forget the word ‘desperate’.

The factor of this desperation was none other than her beloved parents who always had the chance to nag her anytime and anywhere. Yes, ANYTIME and ANYWHERE. Thanks a lot to the advanced technology and for the invention of mobile phones.

Oh, not to forget how loud her parents were, and this thanked to her grandparents who tied the knots of her parents in a very young age. By the way, her father was 49 years old and her mother was 46 years old. See, they were young and healthy.

There were times – not one, two or three times but many, MANY times – her parents called her when she was in a crowd. One of the places was when she was in the train or on the bus. My, how she wished she’d died in that very moment when her parents’ loud voices boomed throughout the train or the bus and she received laughter from the other passengers. Oh, not to mention the time where she had lunch with all her colleagues which made everyone choked, in the office, on the road, in the toilet, in the-- well, you got the point.

If she didn’t want that to happen, she could just turned her phone off or ignored her parents’ call, right? Well, she always wished it was that easy. She, of course could have done that. That wass if she wanted to die early due to the ‘nag over-dose’. Not to forget how harsh and sharp their words could be. Their words could make your heart bleed and you might die from blood loss if that happened…well, literally.

You see, that was how much she suffered for the whole 26 years. It was a wonder she was still alive and pretty much in good health.

You must be wondering again why was she still single, right? No, she was not that ugly. In fact, she was neither ugly nor pretty. She had a small, petite but firm body. A long black straight hair, layered in a V-shaped with sideway bangs. Tanned skin. She had a pair of chubby cheeks that looked pinch-able. And with the help of her 12 cm high heels, her height was 162 cm.

Her major problem was not her appearance or personality or carrier or anything. The problem was herself. Like everyone, Matsuo Izumi wanted to be with someone she loved. And here was the problem. Love. She didn’t even know how it felt or what that feeling was. How to tell if she was in love? Like? Admired? Adoring a guy? Yes, that was how cliché Izumi was and how complicated her brain was infact.

She used a lot of methods in order to get a boyfriend of her own. She had tried the ‘online date’ (the most traumatized method, ever), the ‘double date’ by tagging along her co-workers’ dates and registering in blind-date agencies.

And the last method explained by Izumi’s current activity was at Sashimi Restaurant.

Cold sweats trickled down her red face. She bit her already-red lower lip to prevent herself from screaming. She wiped her wet red face with a handkerchief she was holding in her right hand while her left hand gripped her white long-sleeved dress that stopped an inch above her knees.
The agony she felt at the moment was indescribable. Her urine gland felt like it would explode anytime soon as the result of drinking 10 or more drinks and sundaes. Her whole legs were cramping. Her butt was in pain against the hard wooden chair. She really wanted to cry right then and there.
She looked up at the man in front of her with a very suffering face she could mastered, but what was more suffering was the guy was completely oblivious and continued talking HAPPILY!!! Wait! Continued? He was not even stopping! So, to be precise, he KEPT talking HAPPILY!

Right there sitting in front of her was a man in black suit with striped green tie matching the shirt inside, tanned skin, short brown hair, perfect white teeth and he was one of the great lawyers in the country. He was quite handsome. But that didn’t make her any happier.

He was still blabbering. It had been 4 hours and from the look of it, he wouldn’t stop anytime soon. She was still sitting in the same sit the whole four hours now. She stared at the man as in her mind, she was contemplating with her inner mind whether to just leave him and walked straight to the restroom or excuse herself politely as it should be. Izumi sighed as she wiped her red face. She was way too nice to just walk away. And the hardest thing at the moment was to communicate with this guy.

I want to go home!! Where is my hero when I needed one? Where is my knight in shining armor when I needed one? Angel? Prince charming? Ghost? Phantom? Monster? Anyone?? Anything?? Somebody please help me!!!!!!! Help!! Hel-

“….Matsuo-san?”

Izumi was startled as she heard her name and she might had jumped if weren’t for her cramping legs. She blinked her eyes before staring at the man’s face that looked at her with anticipation. It took her a whole one minute to realize that the guy was asking her a question. Heck! She wasn’t even listening to whatever he was talking about (she did but only an hour or so) and now he asked her a question which she didn’t have a clue about! Hesitantly and with her low voice, she said “y-yes?”, or more like a question.

“Of course it is true!” He nodded and beamed at her, “you know, you are the most understanding woman I ever met!”

“H-huh?”

“I’m very happy to meet such a young beautiful woman like you who have an interest in the laws just like I do!”

Izumi’s mouth formed an ‘o’ shaped before smiling guiltily at him which disappeared seconds later with a thought, nothing to be sorry about.

“We should meet again after this. I’ll tell you more about the laws.”

This time, her jaw dropped and her eyes opened wide. NO WAY! MORE?

“Oh! Let’s arrange the next meeting,” he said excitedly, and was oblivious to what was happening to the woman in front of him who stared at him in complete horror. He was about to open a black book but stopped by Izumi’s hand.

“NO!” Even she was stunned by her sudden yell. She looked around and bowed her head apologetically to the other customers who looked at her.

Sighing, she faced the man in front of her who looked at her confusedly, “I- I mean… Oh No!” she faked a sad face. “I forgot to bring my diary. I forgot my schedule!”

“Aww… Too bad!”

“Yeah, it is,” too good to be true ehehehe, she added in her mind.

“What about your email?”

“My, I tend to forget my email and my phone number, so I wrote it in my diary and… you know-” she trailed off but continued immediately as the man opened his mouth, “and my phone is dying.”

“Aww… that’s okay then. I’ll give you mine” the guy smiled his charming smile as he handed Izumi his business card before he stood up from his four-hours-seat. “Call me and let’s arrange another meeting.”

Izumi’s eyes sparkled as she saw he was standing and magically, she was full of energy. “Sure,” she smiled ‘sweetly’. It took all her sanity not to yell in his handsome face, ‘NO, THANK YOU!’

“I’m very happy to see you,” the lawyer said right before he dashed out of the restaurant and toward his car.

“Well, I’M DON’T!!” Izumi shouted as the car was now gone from her view. She knew it was very childish of her, but she really had to release her anger. She was stressed out, depressed, frustrated; just name whatever you want and that was it.

All eyes in the restaurant were now focused on her, but she couldn’t care less. What she cared so much at the moment was to find out how to go home with both her legs cramping and with just a single move, her urine gland might explode at any moment.

Who ever thought going for a blind date could be THIS hard and such torture!!

And why did someone bother to have blind dates???

As if on cue, her phone rang and ‘home’ flashed on the screen. She immediately pressed the ‘answer’ button. “Izumi,” a woman stern voice could be heard from the other line.

“Mom.”

Right. This was why.

====

A/N: is it too long? ehehehe... as you can see, my plot is changed. Who ever thought write a mature, adult, angst story would be THIS hard??!!! I'm giving up on that kind of story and back to my usual comedy, romance story. if this -my story- can be considered that way.

Back to Top