Chapter 18

“Kaiyo”

“Yeah?”

“Do you want to go on a trip with me?” Hideaki asked as Kaiyo look at him with her eyes open wide.

“Eh?”

“You know a vacation together.” Hideaki said slowly as Kaiyo was still stunned from what he asked her a while ago.

“I uh…” before she could finish Chou and Hong Ki drag her off into the room closing the door.

“What are you waiting for?” Chou asked.

“I don’t know! I mean I’m not even ready to move on that fast yet!” Kaiyo exclaimed as Chou rolled her eyes and sat on the bed

“Neechan, both of you known each other for a long time, there’s not any awkward between you two... are there?” Chou asked

“Well…”

“What?”

“You see something happen between us” Kaiyo said slowly as both Hong Ki and Chou look at her intensively

“After my break up with Toma…one night I got drunk and Hideaki came to pick me up and then we got more drunk and one thing led to another” Kaiyo said slowly drifting off.

“Omg…seriously?!” Chou asked

“What?”

“Yes I’m serious that is why most of the time I try to avoid him” Kaiyo said as Hong Ki look at both of them confuse

“What happen?”

“So you’re saying…things happen and yet you still haven’t even progress any further than that?!” Chou asked out loudly!

“WHAT HAPPEN?!” Hong Ki yelled loudly as both Kaiyo and Chou gave him a death glare. “Sorry but can somebody like fill me in with the details?”

“Fine let’s make this short, Kaiyo slept with Hideaki after Toma broke up with her and so that is why there is still an awkward distance between them” Chou said as Hong Ki slowly nods his head

“So you’re saying…you sleep with aniki…but yet still undetermined about your feelings for him?” Hong Ki asked

“Even he’s a newcomer to the group get this faster than you neechan” Chou said.

“Was he your first?” Hong Ki asked as Chou looked at him.

“What does that have to do with my decision?” Kaiyo asked

“If he was your first, that means it’s really special and you should totally go” Hong Ki replied.

“That make no sense” Chou said.

“Well I know you’re still a virgin” Hong Ki said as Chou glare at him “Ah so my guess is true” Hong Ki said proudly as Chou kicked him in his wounded leg

Hong Ki yelp in pain as Chou smile evilly at him, “My poor wounded leg…my point is, when you dated Toma you didn’t do it but yet you did it with Hideaki indicating that you were still uneasy about Toma but with Hideaki you’re more open” Hong Ki said.

“Or maybe it was us being stupid drunk and did something stupid.” Kaiyo mumbled as she sat on the bed covering her face.

“Okay let me ask you, when you woke up next to Hideaki what were your feelings?” Hong Ki asked.

“Like ew I don’t want to know about that” Chou said covering her ears.

“When I woke up I still had my hangover but when I look over at Hideaki…”

“You didn’t feel shock or uneasy but yet confused” Hong Ki replied.

“How did you know?” Kaiyo asked

“It’s easy to read your expression neechan” Hong Ki replied with a smile

“Sheesh you make it like you’re a love expert. What does Kaiyo sleeping with Hideaki got to do with this vacation?” Chou asked trying to change the subject.

“It means that she does feel comfortable around Hideaki, and inside of her likes him but yet is just confused with everything happen. She just warps good things around and makes it more complicated than it was before. She likes Hideaki kun but keeps on denying she doesn’t. She may think she’s on a rebound but actually she isn’t, and she will think she like other guys like Hyun Joong but actually she likes Hideaki cause if you think about it Hyun Joong have some quality like Hideaki. You pick guys with qualities like him” Hong Ki said as Kaiyo and Chou looked at him with their eyes open wide.

“I swear he looks like an idiot but yet his words actually make sense” Chou said as Kaiyo went back to her confusion state.

“I don’t know I mean I do see him in different view lately” Kaiyo said as Chou and Hong Ki nod their heads. “But for some reason I just feel it’s going to fast”

“Neechan, both of you are playing a game or something. It’s too long already! Just get with him and have kids!” Chou yelled as Hong Ki tried not to laugh.

“Chou it’s not that easy” Kaiyo said

“I know you still have lingering feeling for Toma but that dude left a long time ago, Hideaki kun won’t be around waiting that long. If I where you; give him a chance, give both of you a chance. Nothing can go wrong right? You and him had been at it already so you already went pass the awkward part.” Chou said.

“True, he’s a nice guy. If I were a girl I go for him right away” Hong Ki said.

“So you’re saying, I should take this chance to go on vacation alone with him to…”

“Just put it in this view, a vacation to explore deeper feelings for each other and see where it takes you” Chou said as Kaiyo look at both of them.

“Give me 10 minutes” Kaiyo said as she look away from them and begin pacing back and forth.

“This is going to take longer than 10 minutes” Chou said as both her and Hong Ki let out a sigh.

About 5 minutes later after pacing back and forth Kaiyo stop and noticed Chou and Hong Ki falling asleep.

“Seriously at this time?” Kaiyo asked herself as she took a deep breath. “Okay I think I figure the answer already…or maybe not…yes…no…” Kaiyo mumbled to herself as she open the door to see Hideaki looking up at the ceiling leaning against the wall.
She slowly retreat back behind the door as she begins to mumble random stuff to herself,

“Crap why is my heart beating faster than usual? He stands like that half the time back then…he’s just Hideaki, the guy you’re friends with for a long time. Friends with benefits one can say…gah don’t think like that. Just say it and leave, he probably won’t get mad right?” Kaiyo asked herself

Suddenly Hideaki’s cellphone rang, he pick it up as he turn his back away from the door.

“Maybe I can take this time to escape!” Kaiyo said to herself as she slowly walk out hoping Hideaki won’t see her. She lean her back against the wall and quietly move without making any noises.

Chou opens her eyes and noticed Kaiyo was gone. She shook Hong Ki to wake him up, “Yah she escape” Chou said as Hong Ki look at her sleepy.

“Eh?”

“I knew she couldn’t make up her mind. She’s escaping” Chou said as she creep to the door finding Hideaki talking on the phone with his back toward the door while Kaiyo was trying to escape quietly.

“Does she do that all the time?” Hong Ki asked as he stuck his head out as he watches Kaiyo signaling them to be quiet.

“Yep, everytime when she couldn’t solve a problem on her own, that is why its up to us to help her solve it” Chou said with a smile as Hong Ki nods his head understanding.

Kaiyo eyes widen when she noticed both of them smile evilly at her, as she was about to make her escape,

“KAIYO NEECHANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” both of them scream as Kaiyo look at the other direction noticing Hideaki turning around to look at the commontion behind him

“I’m doom” Kaiyo mumble as Chou and Hong Ki walk up to her,

“Neechan good luck” Hong Ki said with a thumb up and walks off.

“Neechan, you taught me not to run away from my problems and that I have to face them. Its about time you do that too, all I can do for you is give you a head start and support you on the side” Chou said as she walks off happily

“Support, more like sentencing me to death” Kaiyo mumble as Hideaki close his cellphone and look toward Kaiyo’s direction. “Maybe he forgot what he asked….yes that’s it” Kaiyo said to herself when suddenly Hideaki was a few inches away from her face. He pin both of his arms on the wall trapping Kaiyo in between them as they were face to face. His arms were on both side of her as she lean against the wall. “Crap, he blocks both exit…and yet his arms are muscular…what the hell was that?” Kaiyo said in her head as she looks at Hideaki.

“Yo” Kaiyo said nervously with a smile

“I see you’re trying to make an escape” Hideaki said.

“Me escape? Nah…I’m just cleaning the wall…” Kaiyo said as Hideaki look at her. “Don’t look at his eyes” Kaiyo said in her head as she closed her eyes.

“You do know closing your eyes won’t help. You can still hear my voice”

“Crap…” she mumbled.

“So what seems to be bothering you?” Hideaki asked as Kaiyo open her eyes and look into his eyes as they stood there for quite a while.

“Uh…” her heart was beating faster as she tries to think but no matter how much she tries to think her mind is still blank. She suddenly slide down and escape running away leaving Hideaki standing there confused.

“Did I come on to strongly?” Hideaki asked himself out loud as he stood there thinking as Chou and Hong Ki walked up the stairs.

“You came on a bit to strong there aniki” Hong Ki said as Hideaki look at both of them.

“She just need some time” Chou said as they both walk pass Hideaki to their rooms.

“I guess so” Hideaki said as he heard footsteps coming up the stairs,

“Um…the vacation place…where are you deciding to go to?”

“Hokkaido” Hideaki replied.

“I see…um…if it’s okay with you…how about leaving together…after Ryosuke settle in.” Kaiyo said.

Hideaki look at her with his eyes open wide, “Eh?”

“I wonder what is the weather in Hokkaido now” Kaiyo said walking back downstairs leaving Hideaki standing there still shock from what he just heard.

Chou and Hong Ki walk next to him as they pat him on the shoulder, “You got your answer already.” Chou said.

“I cannot believe she actually said yes” Hong Ki said.

“I know it’s the first time I hear her actually wanting to go and who’s Ryosuke?” Chou asked as she looks at Hideaki, “Hideaki kun? Hello???” waving in front of him.

“He’s in lala land now. No use getting him back” Hong Ki said.

“True, if I where him, I probably be shock throughout the whole trip” Chou said as both her and Hong Ki walk off leaving Hideaki there.

“She said yes…I must be dreaming” Hideaki said mumbling as he pinches himself. “This is not a dream then…its real…she said YES!!” he yelled out loud.

Kaiyo continue to stir the mixture in the bowl as she stares into space, “What did I just do” she said to herself. “I could get a break myself and do what Chou say, explore my feelings”

Ryo who walked into the house felt something weird about it. He walks toward the kitchen noticing Kaiyo talking to herself as she stirs slowly.

“Neechan, if you continue to stir like that, the mixture will harden” Ryo said as Kaiyo look at him.

“Welcome home, how was your day at work?” Kaiyo said as she put the mixture bowl down.

“Tiring and complicated. Is my bed here?” Ryo asked.

“Yeah, Hideaki put it together for you” Kaiyo said.

“That’s great! I can finally lay on it!” Ryo said as he ran upstairs, “YAH WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON MY BED LEE HONG KI?!?! GET OFF MY NEW BED!!!!!” Ryo yelled

“It’s a good thing I’m leaving for a while” Kaiyo said as she stop what she was doing, “Crap Riyo!” Kaiyo said as she ran to the phone and dial Riyo’s phone number.

It rings once, then twice before a voice came to the phone.

“Hello?”

“Riyo where are you?” Kaiyo asked.

“I’m sitting at a small ramen restaurant” Riyo said.

“You’re eating out?” Kaiyo asked.

“Yeah, sorry neechan for not calling earlier. I was busy thinking.” Riyo said.

“Just come early okay?” Kaiyo said.

“I will” Riyo said as she hangs up.

“Here you go, your beef ramen.” The owner said as he left the bowl in front of Riyo and walk off to serve other customers. Riyo look at the big bowl of ramen in front of her as flashbacks of the first day she met him seems as if it was yesterday…

-----
4 years ago…

“Excuse me miss, may I have a French vanilla latte please!” a customer yelled.

“Okay, a French vanilla latte Kaiyo!” Riyo yelled as she ran around taking orders.

A young male in his late 20’s walk into the café shop; he took off his sunglasses as she looked around the place. Riyo looked up as their eyes met the first time. Shivers ran down her spine as she made her way to him.

“Welcome, are you by yourself or will you be expecting company?” Riyo asked.

“By myself, I want to sit over there if you don’t mind” he said as he walk pass Riyo ignoring what she was saying. He sat down and opens the menu as Riyo slams the pad on the table,

“Yah! Do you even listen to a word I just said a while ago?” This table is for more than 4 people!” Riyo asked placing her hands on her hips.

“I would like a caramel macchiato and a double chocolate cake” he said handing the menu to Riyo as she snatches it away from him.

“You think your so cool walking in like I’m all hot and stuff and that every girl will fall head over heels for you but guess what mister, you’re so not that hot and you’re a cheese head!” Riyo yelled as she stomps away from him.

“I’m a cheese head?” he asked himself as he watches her serve the other customers. She looks up and notices he was look at her as she stuck her tongue at him and continues to work.

Kaiyo walked over to his table and place the items he order onto the table,

“Seems like you found somebody interested at my place” Kaiyo said as he turns around watching Riyo panicking behind the counter trying to stop the espresso machine from acting weirdly.

“Very interesting girl. She called me a cheese head. First time somebody actually insulted me” he said picking up the cup taking a sip.

“She is, but she’s off limits” Kaiyo warn as he put up his hands to surrender.

“neechan!!!” Riyo yelled as she ran up to the table. “I think I broke your espresso machine” Riyo said as Kaiyo stare at her.

“How in the…what did you do?” Kaiyo asked.

“Well I tried getting some espresso for the customer since you’re here with this ass and so I tried working the machine like you did…and it didn’t work so I kicked it” Riyo said as the guy sitting in front of Kaiyo choke on his drink.

“You kicked it?” Kaiyo asked again.

“Yes…and now it has no response” Riyo said as she gave Kaiyo a big smile.

“If you broke it, I’m deducting it from your paycheck” Kaiyo said as she got up, “you sit here and don’t move, I don’t want you to break the coffee machine next” Kaiyo said as she push Riyo to sit down while she ran off to see the machine.

“You’re an interesting person” the guy said as he took a bite from his cake.

“And you’re an ass” Riyo said as she scoot toward the window.

“I swear you’re the first person that dares to insult me like that.”

“Well your little sweet talk isn’t working on him so shut it” Riyo said as she ignores him.
The guy continues to eat the cake as he glance at the girl in front of him as she begins to hum a song. Kaiyo return as she sat down,

“Well you didn’t break it just cause it to shut down for a while. It will be fine in the next 20 minutes” Kaiyo said as Riyo smile as she looks out the window.

“Anyways, Riyo, I would like you to meet Mike, one of Hideaki’s friend. Mike this is Riyo” Kaiyo said introducing two of them.

“Riyo…nice name”

“Mike, a common name” Riyo retorted.

“You two don’t remember each other?” Kaiyo asked.

“Huh?” both of them look at each other and at Kaiyo.
“You two practically grew up in the same orphanage” Kaiyo said as they look at each other.

“Mike…mike that name sound familiar…omg its you!”

“you remember me how come….”

“I REMEMBER YOU NOW! YOU FREAKING STOLE MY FIRST KISS!” Riyo yelled pointing her figure right at Mike’s face.

“Stole your first…ohh I think I remember now” Mike said. “I didn’t steal your first kiss you stole mines” Mike said.

“WHAT? You stole my first kiss! Who told you to face that direction when I fell?!?” Riyo yelled.

“First kiss?”

“When we were little, I liked to climb the tree and by accident… I slip and…” before Riyo continue Mike cut in.

“She slips and I caught her but when she fell she was facing me so yeah…”

“I still cannot believe my first kiss was given to you!” Riyo said as she covers her face.

“You should be happy it was me, I was the only cute guy there”

“Like ew” Riyo said sticking her tongue at him

“Okay, well Riyo let’s get back to work. Let’s talk later Mike” Kaiyo said as she drags Riyo away as she turns around and made a face at Mike who just turn away and laugh

Time slowly passes by and it was already 8pm, Kaiyo and Riyo were cleaning up as Riyo walk out from the janitor closet with a wet mop. She begins to mop in the hallway when she noticed Kaiyo’s office door was open. She stuck her head in there to find her enemy sleeping on the couch.

“Who the hell does he think he is?” she mumbles as she walks into the room. “He’s not that bad looking but just has this stupid attitude. He has a pretty face…maybe I should add something to it…” she said as she pulls out a marker from her apron.

She took off the lid on the marker and she lean closer to Mike. Suddenly a hand shot up gripping her wrist as she wanted to pull back.

“You know, you shouldn’t talk to loud when somebody is sleeping” Mike said as she open his eyes holding onto Riyo’s wrist. “Ah aren’t you a clever little girl”

“Yah! Let go of me!” Riyo yelled as she tries to pull her hand back but Mike pulled her causing her to land on top of him. “You perv let go of me!”

“Hey I’m not the one holding the marker here” Mike said as he let go of her wrist. Riyo push herself off from him as she stood up.

“I cannot believe you’re not only an ass but a jerk!” Riyo yelled as she threw the marker at him but miss and ran out the room.

“Hey I’m not that bad!” Mike yelled as she ran after her.

Riyo keep on running until she trips over the broom on the floor. Instead of landing on her face a hand pulled her back and she open her eyes and realized her face was only a few inches away from him.

Her heart begins to beat fast as she look up at her “savior”, they stood like that for a few minutes until Riyo reaches up and slap him,

“Gah you’re a BIG ASS PERVERT!!!” Riyo yelled as she pushes Mike away and ran off.

“I saved her and in return I get a slap? What the hell is wrong with her?” Mike asked himself rubbing his cheeks.

Riyo ran out of the café as Mike tries to run out the door but Kaiyo’s voice called him back,

“Mike we have business to talk about.”

“But…”

“She will be fine, now let’s go to my office” Kaiyo said as Mike turn back around and walk into the office with Kaiyo

Riyo begins to wander around till she stop at the ramen shop. She walk in and order a bowl of beef ramen. She sat there waiting for her bowl to come while playing with the chopsticks.

As it was place down in front of her, she smiles as she dig in, “This is the only thing that is right today” Riyo exclaimed while eating.

Loud racked from two tables down cause her mood to go away but suddenly a loud gun shot was heard as Riyo turn around and noticed a man was shot through his head as people started to scream and run around. People begin to run away from the place as Riyo picked up her bowl and begin walking out the place. A stranger ran into Riyo knocking down with her bowl as she screams,

“YAH! You just knock down my bowl!” Riyo yelled as she wanted to chase after the stranger but was drag with a bunch of people toward a different direction. “Where are you people going?!” she yelled she finally made her way out the crowd and stood there on the sidewalk breathing when all sudden she heard more yelling and this time with carts pushing toward her way. Her eyes widen as she saw one heading toward her. Her feet frozen on the ground not wanting to move. She covers her face when suddenly a hand pulled her from where she was standing. When the cart noise was distance she open her eyes and noticed who save her.

“YOU AGAIN!” Riyo yelled as she pushed him away.

“I’m not stalking you, I happen to park my car over there” Mike said as Riyo look at where he was pointing.

“Oh…never mind then, bye!” Riyo said trying to run off but Mike pulled her back by her hoodie,

“I think you have something to say to me” Mike said.

“Really because I don’t recall I have to” Riyo said

“A thank you for saving my life would be great” Mike said.

“Pshh as if you save my life, saving my life would require jumping into the water or saving me from anything that deals with bleeding intensively and what you did just now was basically pull me aside” Riyo explain as Mike look at her unbelievably

“You’re serious weird”

“Well you’re seriously weirder” Riyo said sticking her tongue at him.
“Did something happen a while ago?” Mike asked looking around.

“Yeah somebody got shot right in the forehead like this” Riyo said as poke Mike in the forehead.

“Did you see anything else?” Mike asked.

“Yes, people screaming and running like a manic and some idiot knock down my dinner” Riyo complained.

“Okay let me get this straight, a man got killed in front of you, yet you still have the appetite to eat?” Mike asked.

“Well it’s not my fault he died. And how you know it’s a he?” Riyo asked.

“Uh…usually men get killed more than women” Mike replied hiding what he knows.

“I see…well now I’m hungry so excuse me I’m going to find somewhere to eat” Riyo said as she turn around and begin walking away

“How about I treat you?” Mike asked

Riyo turn around and look at him, “you treat me? What’s the catch?”

“Nothing, just being nice” Mike said with a smile.

“Sure…you are being nice. I know you’re up to something” Riyo said as she walk back to where he was standing.

“I might be but who knows right?” Mike asked.

“Okay, so where are we going?” Riyo asked.

“Hold up, a while ago you hate me, and just thought I’m up to something and you still want to go with me?” Mike asked.

“And? I can’t change my mind?” Riyo asked

“you’re not afraid I’m gonna rape you or kill you?” Mike asked

“Haha you rape and kill me? Oh please, you’re face already tell me what kind of person you are” Riyo said.

“You can tell by my face?” Mike asked.

“Yep beside it’s a free meal who wouldn’t want it?” Riyo said as she skip off to where he park his car.

“I swear you’re an interesting person.” Mike said.

“And you are too…why did you park your car all the way here when you can park in front of the café?” Riyo asked.

“I like to walk”

“Its like 4 blocks away from the café.”

“I like long walks okay?”

“I pity your girlfriend, being cheap on gas” Riyo said as she got into the car.

“Well I pity your boyfriend for having a girl that spend a lot of money” Mike said

“Ha I’m still single so no worries” Riyo said as Mike drove off.

After a 10 minute drive, he parks in front of a small restaurant as they walk into the place Riyo looked around,

“Hey Mike!” the owner who was standing behind the counter said. “Ah I see you brought a friend, girlfriend?” he asked.

“Just a friend” Mike said as he sat down at the counter as Riyo sat next to him. He handed her a pair of chopsticks as he watches her look around. “Something wrong with the place?” Mike asked

“Nothing, just looking around, you come here often?” Riyo asked.

“Pretty much everyday since I don’t cook” Mike said

“So what does this young pretty lady want to order?” the owner asked placing two cup of tea in front of them.

“I want…gyoza, gydon, okonomiyaki, tanuki udon, and tempura!”

“You sure are hungry miss” the owner said writing down her order.

“I’m getting treated of course I should eat to the max” Riyo said with a big smile as Mike looked at her and smile and went back to drinking his tea.

A few minutes later her foods arrive as she begins eating. Mike sitting beside her watch her eats as he begins to eat his food. He took a few glances as she ate happily like a little child as he smile to himself. After an hour they were done as the owner handed Mike the bill,

“You sure exceed your limit today” he said as Mike handed him the money.

“Pretty much but maybe it’s worth it” Mike said as the owner handed him back the cash.

“She looks like a keeper, so try your best eh?” the owner said with a smile and Mike walk out the restaurant to see Riyo playing on the slide as Mike approach her.

“You’re an interesting person. You eat a lot, and yet you still can have fun” Mike said

“You know, I’m still hungry, you want to go for dessert? Your treat!” Riyo said as she got up from the slide and ran to the car

“Seriously you ate like half my salary already and now you want more?! What kind of human being are you!?” Mike asked loudly as he watching the girl in front of him skipping happily and laughing.

She turns around and smile, “This is just the beginning; I’m still getting you back for that first kiss you stole!”

-----

Suddenly she felt a vibrating as Riyo snap back to reality as she looks at her phone.

“Jin…” she picks up the call and waited for a while to reply, “Hello?”

“Hey, where are you? I have been trying to call you for a while but it keeps on directing me to your voicemail. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I’m just eating that’s all. Where are you?” Riyo asked as she played with her bowl of noodles.

“I’m still at the station, can you do me a favor and go to my apartment to feed my fish and pick up my mail. It has been almost 3 days already I went home” Jin said.

“Sure, no problem. Anything else?”

“Nothing else, after I’m done with this case, I’ll treat you a big dinner” Jin said.

“Sure. Take care” Riyo said as she hangs up. She looks at her watch as she placed the money on the table and left.

Ryo, Chou and Hong Ki were sitting in the living room playing on the wii as Kaiyo sat down with a plate of fruits as she watches them play.

“Yah Chou we have to beat Ryo” Hong Ki said as they swing their remote control.

“If you sit there, you will get your eyes taken out” Hideaki said as he sit opposite of where Kaiyo was sitting.

“Fruits?” Kaiyo asked pushing the plate to him but before he can grab anything 3 pairs of hand beat him to it.

“Sheesh their like hungry monsters or something” Hideaki said as he watches them stuff their mouth and continue playing.

“This is what happens when you buy them the video game” Kaiyo said as Hideaki surrender.

“Hey I brought it for Ryosuke, they took it out and play it” Hideaki said.

“Oh yeah when its Ryosuke coming?” Hong Ki asked.

“Tomorrow” Kaiyo said happily.

“Who’s Ryosuke?” Ryo asked.

“That’s what I asked but they won’t answer” Chou said making a face.

Ryo’s phone rang as he drop the remote control and went to pick it up, he later disappear and came back out.

“Where are you going out this late?” Kaiyo asked.

“Oh some buddies called so we’re going out for a drink” Ryo said. “I’ll be back probably around 2ish…” Ryo said as he left the house

“Chou, I challenge you to a duel!” Hong Ki said pointing the remote control at Chou.

“One, we’re not playing Yu-Gi-Oh and two, I’m going to crush you” Chou said as they continue to play.

Riyo walked into the apartment as she head toward the fish tank. She picks up the food and tap a few times into the tank as she watches the fishes swim around trying to get the food. She place Jin’s stack of mails onto the table as she sat down on the couch.

She then got up and walk around the living room. She then walks into his bedroom as she made his bed and she noticed a photo album underneath the sheets. She sat down and open the album as she flip through the pages of photos of him when he was young with his friends, his parent, his graduation throughout this life. She flips to the back and notice a photo that was sticking there facing backward. She took the photo that was stuck in edge. She flips the photo around and her eyes open wide.

“This cannot be…” she stare at the photo running her hand through it, “He’s back…he actually came back” Riyo said with tears in her eyes as she touches the photo.

Ryo sat down at the bar as he watches his friends flirting around with other women. He order another bottle of beer as she watches women eyeing him to come over as he ignore them but then something caught his eye. A couple arguing when suddenly the man slap the girl as he shove her to the ground. He walk off as Ryo got up and walk behind the man. He tap the man on the shoulder as he turns around, Ryo punch him on the face as he landed on the ground.

“The thing I hate the most is man hitting a woman, treating them like dirt” Ryo yelled.

“What does this got to do with you?” he yelled as Ryo pulled him off the ground and pin him against the wall.

“What does it got to do with you? You’re messing with my woman!” Ryo hissed as he landed another punch in the guy and was about to do it again when somebody grab his hand.

“Stop please!” the woman yelled as he turns around facing her. “That’s enough, you’re going to kill him if you continue” Erika said as her grip on his arm tighten.

Ryo stop and let go of the guy in front of him,

“You’re a cop, a citizen is getting beaten up aren’t you going to do something?” the young man yelled

“Even though she’s a cop, and if this is taken out to court, I wonder how the judge will feel when they know you abuse your girlfriend like that in public?” Ryo asked with a smirk

The young man just glare at him and Erika who was standing behind Ryo, “You better watch it, the next time I won’t be so easy” he said

“Is that a threat? Because I can sue you for harassment, beside who would the judge believe more, a guy that beat woman or a lawyer” Ryo asked.

“You’re…a lawyer?”

“And? You want me to prove it? We can go to court to see if it’s true” Ryo said as the guy stumble back.

“You’re lucky this time and Erika you and I are so off!” he said running off.

Ryo turn around as Erika bow half way, “Thank you” and she walk off as Ryo caught up with her,

“You want a ride?”

“I guess” Erika said as she follows Ryo out the club

As they walk to the car Erika stop as Ryo look at her, “What is it?”

“Can you not tell anybody about this? It’s really embarrassing to let people know how a cop cannot handle a situation like this and even worst get beaten by her own boyfriend” Erika said in a low tone.

“Don’t worry I won’t, beside its not my business so why should I go around and talk about you. I do have other things to do” Ryo said with a smile as she smile back.

“By the way did you call me your girl in the bar?” Erika asked

“Well I said that to tick him off and it work” Ryo said.

“Oh…you know you’re not that bad of a person” Erika said as they both got into the car as Ryo drove off

As Ryo’s car approach the house, Erika got out and looks at Ryo,

“Thanks for the ride” Erika said

“No problem, you know you have a different side than the one I see most of the time at the police station” Ryo said

“I take that as a compliment. How about we start fresh?” Erika asked as she stuck her hand out, “I’m Erika Toda”

“I’m Ryo Nishikido” he said shaking Erika hand.

“I’ll see you around then” Erika said closing the door to the car and walk into her apartment

Ryo watches her walk into the apartment, a smirk appear on his face,

“Let the game begin”

The next morning…

Riyo open her eyes and look out the window, she look over at the alarm watch on her night stand which says 11:30 AM. She looks around her room. After finding that shock photo she ran all the way home and jump into bed. She got off the bed and went to the bathroom and walk downstairs to find Hong Ki and Chou playing on the wii.

“Where’s Kaiyo?”

“She went somewhere” Chou said swinging the remote control.

“When did we get a wii?” Riyo asked.

“Hideaki brought it” Hong Ki said.

“Why would he buy a wii for you two? You guys will wreck it” Riyo said as she looks around. “Did she cook?”

“I don’t know…she left and Hideaki went somewhere after her” Chou said.

A car pulled up the driveway as Kaiyo got out and open the trunk. Ryosuke got off and look at the house in front of him.

“Neechan, you live here?” he asked.

“With a bunch of other people you will love or hate” Kaiyo said with a smile as lead him into the house holding his two luggages. As they walk into the house 3 pairs of eyes just look at them as Ryosuke and Kaiyo.

“This is Ryosuke, he’s my little brother and starting today he will be living with us” Kaiyo said as Ryosuke wave with a smile.

“When did you have a little brother?” Chou asked.

“For a while, he has been living somewhere for a while till I had a stable job” Kaiyo said throwing the keys on the table.

“How old is he?” Riyo asked.

“16”

“Whoa…” three of them said.

“Ryosuke, that is Chou, Riyo and you know Hong Ki” Kaiyo said.

“How do you know him?” Riyo asked.

“Long story, hey let me show you our room” Hong Ki said as he lead the way while Ryosuke took his luggage upstairs.

“So neechan…are you going to cook?” Riyo asked as Kaiyo roll her eyes as she walk into the kitchen.

Hong Ki open the door as Ryosuke walk in behind him, “We will be sharing rooms also with another person.” Hong Ki said as Ryosuke nod his head. “You will be taking the top bunk if you don’t mind. I got some minor injuries” Hong Ki said with a smile pointing to his leg.

“No problem, whose bed is that?” Ryosuke asked.

“That is the devil, it’s cruel and if it’s awoken…we’re doom.” Hong Ki said as something under the blanket started to move.

“Eh? It’s moving!!!” Ryosuke yelled as both him and Hong Ki jump back.

“What should we do?” Hong Ki asked.

Kaiyo walked into the room and look at the two boys using a long ruler poking what was on the bed, “What are you two doing?”

“Poking the devil” Hong Ki said as Kaiyo walk pass them and smack the figure on the bed. “Ah she just made it more angrier!!” Hong Ki yelled as Kaiyo pulled the blanket off as Ryo sat up with his eyes closed. He was in his pjs, hair was toss all around.

“Who dare interrupt my SLEEP?!?!” Ryo said raising his voice.

“Me” Kaiyo said as Ryo open his eyes and smile at her.

“Good morning neechan!” Ryo said.

“The devil is tame” Hong Ki said as Ryo glare at her.

“This is Ryo, most of the time he will come home late due to his job. Ryo this is Ryosuke” Kaiyo said as Ryo wave at him.

“Ah the famous Ryosuke that people mention” Ryo said.

“Hurry up and shower, I’m making lunch” Kaiyo said as Ryo stand up and walk pass Hong Ki,

“I know you poke me with a ruler, you better watch it” Ryo whisper as Hong Ki eyes bulge out while Ryosuke tries not to laugh.

About 10 minutes later, Kaiyo was placing food on the table while Ryosuke was helping her. Both were talking while Riyo, Chou and Hong Ki hide behind the couch observing them.

“You know I feel like Ryosuke isn’t her younger brother” Hong Ki said.

“Huh?”

“You notice Ryosuke look a bit like…somebody we know” Hong Ki said as the others nod their head slowly.

“So you’re saying…Ryosuke isn’t her brother but…”

“Yes, he may be her son but she lied and say younger brother” Hong Ki said as Chou and Riyo rolled their eyes.

“You make it like this is a drama” Chou said as Hong Ki shrugged.

Soon the doorbell rang as Kaiyo went to open the door, Hideaki walk in holding a box as he places it on the table.

“Hey Ryosuke, how are you doing?” Hideaki asked.

“Doing much better.” Ryosuke replied

The Chou and Hong Ki eyes open wide as they look at Ryosuke and Hideaki and mouth open wide. Riyo look at them weirdly,

“Yah what is wrong with you two?”

“Omg, you are soooo right Hong Ki!” Chou said as Riyo look at them,

“What are you two talking about?”

“Ryosuke can be Hideaki and Kaiyo secret child!” Hong Ki said as Riyo gasp.

“Now you say it, they do look like a family of father, mother and son” Riyo said as they turn back to look at Hideaki helping out.

“He does have some features that look like Hideaki a lot and a few with Kaiyo” Hong Ki said as the other two nodded their head. Ryo walk downstairs as he walk pass them.

“Yah what are you three hiding behind the couch for?” Ryo asked drying his head with a towel.

“Observation” Hong Ki said pointing to the other side as Ryo look at them.

“Observation of what?”

“We concluded that Ryosuke is Hideaki and Kaiyo secret child” Hong Ki said as Ryo burst out laughing.

“You three need a life” Ryo said as he walks toward the table.

“Hey it’s the truth!” Hong Ki yelled as the other three arrive at the table.

“What’s the truth?” Hideaki asked as Hong Ki just smile and sat down.

“A secret” Hong Ki said as he begins to eat.

After lunch they begin to part there ways as Kaiyo in the car with Ryosuke,

“Hey Ryosuke, neechan is gonna go on a trip 2 days later so can you take care of the house for me?” Kaiyo asked.

“Eh where are you going?”

“Hokkaido” Kaiyo replied

“With Hideaki?” Ryosuke asked.

“How did you know?” Kaiyo asked.

“I heard it among the others” Ryosuke said, “They also said that they are preparing for a wedding for you and Hideaki”

“Don’t listen to them. They’re lunatics. Me and Hideaki kun is still not at that stage yet” Kaiyo said.

“But will you be?”

“Not sure yet” Kaiyo said.

As they arrive at the café, Kaiyo took Ryosuke toward the counter.

“I’m telling you he’s Kaiyo and Hideaki secret child” Hong Ki said.

“Dude, do your calculation” Ryo said. “He’s 16, Kaiyo is 26 and Hideaki is 28. If they had Ryosuke, they were barely 10-14 years old which is quite impossible” Ryo said.

“Okay that is a good reason buttttttttt they can lie about Ryosuke age. Ryosuke himself look younger than 16” Hong Ki said.

“I swear you and your nonsense logic is driving me insane” Ryo said.

Chou looks at her coffee as she slowly stirs it around and around. Suddenly the bell at the door ring as they look who enter in. Chou eyes widen as she tries to hide under the table.

“Chou we need to talk” Yesung said as Chou look up from under the table.

“Oh hi…I was looking for something” Chou said getting up.

“Can we go outside and talk?” Yesung asked as Hong Ki stood up but Chou pushes him down.

“Sure.” Chou said as she turns around, “I have to deal with this sooner or later right?”

As she walks behind Yesung they stood outside the store,

“So what do we need to talk about?” Chou asked.
“About us.”

“What about us? We never started” Chou said.

“I know that so now I want to make it official” Yesung said as he reach into his car and pulled out a bouquet of flowers as Chou look at him. “Will you be my girlfriend?” he asked as Chou covers her mouth.

She looks at Yesung who was holding the bouquet as she reaches out and took it. She took a look at the bouquet and then at him. She nods her head as he picks her up and swings her around.

“I do hope one day I can do that to the one I love” Hong Ki said as Ryo snicker in the back.

“Yeah let’s just home you don’t break another leg” he said as Hong Ki glare at him.

Hideaki walked into the café as he walks up to Kaiyo,

“Hey” he said as Kaiyo put her cup of coffee down. “Here is the ticket for tomorrow afternoon. I meet you at the station if that’s okay with you” he said as he handed her the ticket.

“Sure” she said with a smile as she went to serve a customer. Ryosuke walk up to the counter as he looks at Kaiyo who was talking to the customer and took a glance at Hideaki.

“So should I change from aniki to future brother in law?” Ryosuke asked as Hideaki smile.

“Maybe but too soon to know” Hideaki replied.

“Just have fun” Ryosuke said giving Hideaki a thumb up.

“I just hope everything will go as planned” Hideaki said as he watches Kaiyo walk around serving customers.

In the middle of the night, Shirota look out the window cell. He look back down at the photos in his hands as he torn one of them into pieces. He stood up and walk close to a wall full of photos. His hand touches each one as he took a knife and stab one of them,

“You’re next, Akanishi” Shirota whispered as he slowly drags the knife down the picture cutting it in half.

He stops at one photo as his hand touching it softly, “You belong to me, only me” he slowly got close to the picture placing a kiss on it.

The next morning Riyo sat up from her bed as she took a look around the room, “That is one weird dream” she mumble as she got out from her bed. Her cellphone rang as she picks it up,

“Hello?”

“Hey Riyo, where are you?” Jin asked.

“I just got up” Riyo answered as she yawn walking out to the balcony.

“You know, I never knew you like Hello Kitty” Jin said over the phone.

“Huh?”

“Cute pajamas” he said as Riyo looked down as she saw Jin waving from the driveway.

“What are you doing there?!” she yelled ducking down.

“To take you to breakfast but it seems like we’re going for brunch instead now” Jin said as Riyo ran back into her room.

“Give me 15 minutes I will be ready” Riyo said hanging up. She ran around grabbing clothes and ran toward the bathroom.

Kaiyo in her room packing up as she stuck her head out as Riyo ran pass her,

“Have a good trip neechan!” Riyo said running downstairs.

Kaiyo walk downstairs with her luggage as Chou, Hong Ki and Ryosuke where eating breakfast.

“Okay, I let you two handle the café can you do it?” Kaiyo asked.

“Yes we can” all three of them said.

“I don’t trust the two of you the most that is why I asked Ryo to check on you whenever he can” Kaiyo said as Chou and Hong Ki pouted.

“Ah we should get going early. We need to get ready” Ryosuke said, “Oh you’re taxi is going to be here soon” Ryosuke said.

“Thank you” Kaiyo said.

“Remember to have fun neechan” Hong Ki and Chou said winking at her as she smack them with her ticket.

“Let’s go you guys or else we can open the store in time!” Ryosuke said dragging them out the door.

“He’s really becoming like you already neechan” Chou said as they grab their jacket and left the house.

“Are you sure he’s somebody more than your little brother?” Hong Ki asked as Kaiyo push him out the door. She watches them getting into the car and back out the driveway

Hideaki was standing at the train station looking at his watch, “Stop looking at your watch. She will come” he whisper as his grip on his bag tightens.

Kaiyo look through her luggage and bag, “clothes, jacket, snacks, wallet, passport in case and ticket” she said. “I got everything already, time to head out” as the taxi pulled up in front of the house honking.

She grab here bag on the couch heading out the house when suddenly the phone rang, it click to the answer machine as she put on her shoe,

“Hey Kaiyo. It’s me Toma. I’m back; I want to see you again. I miss you” The voice said over the phone as Kaiyo look back at the phone.

She slowly retreats back into the house as she hit the answer machine again to hear the message. She fell onto the couch as the voice replay in her head over and over

15 minutes pass as Hideaki look at his watch, “Train leaving to Hokkaido will be leaving in 10 minutes. Please proceed to the train if you have not” the announcer said as Hideaki look at the entrance.

“She will come…”

Labels: chapter 18

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