A/N: I'm very excited that I'm finaly posting this 'cause I'm pretty proud of this ff :D So read away and I do hope you'll enjoy this as much as I have while writing it! I especially had fun creating this one new character, hope you'll like him!

Disclaimer: I do not own Sasameki Koto or any of its characters.

Chapter 1: Fateful Encounters

[Tomoe's POV]

"Tomoe-chaaaannn!" Ushio cried out as her head fell to the table with a loud thud. Though her face was hidden, I knew she was pouting to hide her real emotions.

"Come on, we rarely meet up and everytime you see me, you're always putting on that face of yours. I'm really starting to miss your dazzling smile, Kazama-kun!" I grinned, leaning over the table to take a peek at my sulking friend.

"It's not like I want to... every time I see you, I remember high school and... senpai..." the blonde haired woman opposite me lifted her head with a sigh.

"It's been 4 years, Kazama-kun. Isn't it way past the time you're supposed to get over her? Who stays hung up over an ex-lover for 4 whole years? One who cheated on you no less!" I frowned, pulling my hand through my black hair which I kept short. Ushio on the other hand, had allowed her wavy hair to grow and, after 4 years, reached the middle of her back.

"I know... I want to get over her. I do. But she was like a dream come true... while it lasted. When will I ever find someone who will return my feelings again?" Ushio asked in an overly dramatic way.

"Like I told you years ago, you mustn't keep hiding behind your fear. Go out there and explore the world! We're adults, we're free to do whatever we want, Kazama-kun! We mustn't let our youthful time go to waste!"

Ushio sighed and I caught the slightest hint of a smile on her pale, pink lips as she twidled her thumbs.

"In fact, I have a proposal: tomorrow night, my family will be celebrating my brother's birthday. I'm allowed to invite whoever I want so whaddaya say? It's gonna be a huge party with plenty of cute, single ladies!" I tell her as I pull out a far too elaborately designed envelope from my jacket pocket and hand it to her.

She took it carefully before breaking the seal and taking out the formal invitation inside, "I don't know, Tomoe-chan... I haven't been out much."

"Exactly why this is a brilliant start! Miyako and I will be there to support you in any way! I could even be your wing-woman." I winked teasingly and that got another timid smile from her.

Patiently, I waited for her response and instead, trained my eyes around the exquisite english tea house my family owned.

"Do I have to wear a dress?" Ushio's deflated voice brought my attention back to the current situation and I felt myself puff up victoriously.

"Unfortunately, yes. But I've already got everything prepared for you: your outfit for the evening, accessories, shoes, transport, a present for my brother from you and everything else you'll need." I paused and looked straight into her chestnut brown eyes, "So you'll come?"

The woman before me sighed then nodded with a polite smile gracing her lips, "I'll go."

"Alright! I promise you you'll have a great time!" I exclaim enthusiastically, unable to stop myself from grinning from ear to ear. Unfortunately, my cell phone decided to start vibrating in my pant pocket and I picked it up a little too harshly than necessary, "What?"

I shot Ushio an apologetic smile before listening to what my father/boss wanted from me on my day off, "Tomoe, where are you?"

"I'm having tea while catching up with a friend, dad." I reply nonchalantly.

"Glad to hear that while my daughter and heir to this company is enjoying her tea, I am up to my neck with business deals, meetings and millions of other headaches! It really helps lighten my load!" my father replied sarcastically and I could vaguely hear a phone going off in the background.

"I do appreciate your consideration, dad. Keep up the good work." I say as sweetly as possible back before slamming my thumb on the 'end call' button and letting out a long sigh, "He should be grateful I'm even helping out in the company when I'm supposed to be 100% focused on my classes!"

"You know he's only venting his stress, Tomoe-chan."

"Yeah, yeah. He's still my dad so I have to tolerate him, blah, blah, blah..." I fell back in my chair and let out another tired sigh. I was cut short when the obnoxious device began vibrating in my hand again. I didn't even need to look at the caller ID to know who was calling to lecture me about how rude it is to hang up on your own father.

"Guess you should take that?" Ushio said slowly as she began packing up her belongings.

"Sorry, Kazama-kun. I'll see you tomorrow immediately after you're let off from work?" I ask, rising from my chair and retrieving my work and school bag.

"Yep, I'll see you tomorrow, Tomoe-chan." Ushio waved while I hurriedly left the shop to silence my phone.

"What is it, dad?" I ask in a monotone. Leaning against my car, I turned back to wave at Ushio as she began walking towards her apartment several blocks away.

"Tomoe... I know you hate me throwing so many responsibilities on your shoulders but I do need your help here. Please come in today? Your last class is over today right?"

"Today is my day off from work and school. I'll come in today. But don't expect this to happen again." I told him exhaustedly, "What bigshot tycoon has you in a tight spot this time?"

"Maybe you should come in and see for yourself. He just popped up out of nowhere and bought up many of our shares."

"No one just appears out of nowhere, dad. Where did he get the finance?" I ask, easily falling into business-mode. So much for having an enjoyable evening soaking in my hot tub and sharing a romantic meal with my Miyako.

Today was the day of the 'birthday party' if you could call it that. You see, my family is famous. My surname is seen on billboards, construction sites, packaging and television screens. So when it comes to parties, my family never holds back in order to reinforce our image.

"I may have seen your home many times, but I'm left breathless every time." Ushio whispered in awe as she skipped around my luridly decorated living room. It was only a few more minutes before the guests start arriving.

"Wait till you hear what they have planned for my brithday..." I said grudgingly.

"I'm sorry Miyako-chan isn't coming tonight..." she said quietly.

"Don't fret. It was her own choice. But I don't see why her dad had to choose tonight of all nights to spend father-daughter time... Anyway, are you ready to work your charms on them ladies tonight?" I grinned.

"I dunno, Tomoe-chan..." Ushio's face fell considerably and I knew she was thinking of her past girlfriend, among other things.

Placing my hands on her bare shoulder comfortingly, I told her, "It's okay if you don't want to. We can just have fun tonight, like we used to. Grab a few drinks and talk the whole night away."

The fair-haired woman took my hand in her own and shook her head gently, "We both know you can't afford to do that."

"I was the one who dragged you here so I have to take care of you."

"No, no. You're a busy business woman. I can look after myself."

"You sure?"

Ushio nodded firmly then released my hand just as my family made their appearance while escorting in our first guests.

Let's hope tonight goes well.

Wiping the smile off my face to greet our business associates, I shook their extended hands with a neutral expression - time for business.

It was 3 hours into the party when I saw something that made my smile fade and my brows furrow together. By the bar set out on one side of my house's garden, Ushio had her back against it and she was surrounded by 3 other men who I vaguely remember as being one of our family business' bigger customers meaning they were a bunch of wealthy men who were looking for someone to help them cheat on their wives. Not a good sign.

"Please excuse me," I say politely to the people I was currently conversing with, "I need to use the ladies' room."

Moving away from that crowd, I slowly began meandering towards the bar when someone beat me to it.

It was another man, but I had a feeling he wasn't going to help the others harrass Ushio. He was a well-known business associate of ours and my dad has been insistently trying to get him to work for us, to no avail.

He was tall, towering over many other grown men but he was young too, no more than 21 years old - a true genius in the business world. So it wasn't a surprise that he appeared mysterious, secretive yet alarmingly confident.

His messily-styled, spiky black hair swayed ever so slightly with every determined stride, his bright, observant green eyes were staring directly at his destination, his lips curled up in a self-assured smirk and to finish off his look, he wore an expensive classic three piece suit that showed off his tall, lean figure.

At least now I don't have to go there and teach those old geezers how to be a gentleman. Seems Mr. Nakajima Hiroyuki has everything under control - this will be extremely interesting.

I quickly moved towards the sidelines so I could stay out of sight but still have the perfect view of everything. It's too bad I wouldn't be able to hear anything from this distance.

When Hiroyuki made it to the group, he touched Ushio's shoulder and gently pushed her back so he could stand, like a wall, between the married men and my best friend.

My curiosity spiked when Hiroyuki began speaking and seconds later, the 3 other mens faces fell with embarrassment and shame. I couldn't hear their apologies but I watched them bow their head and mumble their sorry's before disappearing into the crowd. Not even I could've handled that that well and that quickly.

I was about to congratulate Hiroyuki when he took Ushio's hand in his, bowed down and delicately placed a kiss on the back of her hand. My mind spun out of control and when I recovered, Ushio was standing alone with a pink blush resting on her cheeks; her hand was clutched close to her chest and her eyes were glazed over.

Calming myself, I hurriedly made my way over to my stunned friend.

"Hey there, Kazama-kun, everything alright?" I ask, hoping I was as casual as I wanted to be.

Taking a while longer than usual, Ushio stuttered her reply without looking me in the eye, "Y-y-yeah... fine."

I raised an eyebrow at her odd behaviour, "Come on now, I saw the whole thing. Seems... Nakajima-san's caught your attention." leaning against the bar next to Ushio, I followed her gaze and saw Hiroyuki chatting casually with a group of women who were probably throwing themselves all over him. Typical.

"No.. it's just... he... he made me remember some things..." Ushio mumbled distractedly.

"Oh? Like what?" I turned to look at her carefully, I hadn't hear what he said to Ushio so I couldn't know for sure he didn't say anything inappropriate.

"Like the amazing memories we made back in high school... the warmth... the kindness he displayed... it was nice."

"Wow, never thought you'd ever set your sights on a male." I teased, hoping to change the subject before she could start sulking about the past again.

But her reaction was a complete surprise. She pushed off the counter and smiled at me. It was the smile that left my mouth slightly opened. It was a smile I hadn't seen in a long, long time. Unknowingly, I felt myself relax and a grin of my own found its way to my face.

"Well then, how about we pay my brother a visit. The music is about to start and I don't want to have you standing around awkwardly without a partner." I told her as I began to lead the way through the crowd towards where my brother was doing his best to be happy. It may be his birthday party, but to my dad it was just an excuse to throw his money around and chat up some drunken business deals.

"Maybe I'll just sit it out? I can always go to the restroom?" Ushio whispered from behind me.

"No way. You'd have to stay in the toilet or sit by yourself for a whole hour. My brother would be more than glad to dance with his sister's cute best friend. I'm sure he won't have a partner either." I couldn't help but chuckle a little to myself when I spotted my sad, lonely brother sitting alone at an empty table, "Brother."

He turned and it was obvious he was holding back tears, "What do you want?"

"I want you to be Kazama-kun's dance partner for the next hour." I said bluntly once we were standing right behind him.

"Why don't you do it?" he grumbled.

"Brother, here I thought you disapproved of me being gay and yet you're suggesting I dance with Kazama-kun for the whole hour?" that got his attention as he instantly shot up from his chair and pulled Ushio from me.

"Don't you corrupt this poor child, Tomoe! I won't let you!" he glared and I fought against smirking at how easily he fell for that. I never told him about Ushio's preferences, specifically so he would feel obliged to 'protect' her from me, which was useful at times like this.

"Yeah, yeah. You just make sure you keep her company for the whole hour... otherwise, I may have to do it myself... In front of all these people..." I trailed off. Sending a wink Ushio's way, I swivelled away from him. Behind us, the crowd had begun to disperse as my dad took the stage.

"Stupid, arrogant little girl. She's nothing but my younger sister and acts all high and mighty. Don't you worry, Ushio-san, I won't leave you alone. Even I sometimes hate these parties." I overheard my brother say as I moved to sit opposite Ushio and him at our family table. I was shortly joined by my step mother, cousins, aunts and uncles.

"Settle down, everyone. I'll just keep this short: Happy birthday my son, I do hope you're enjoying yourself." everyone cheered and clapped before my dad continued, "Anyway, besides that I hope you're all having a blast! Now it's time for some music so grab a partner and let's dance! If you're looking for a chat with me, I'll be with my daughter at the centre of the dance floor."

And that's why I had to make sure Ushio was well taken cared off before the business negotiations begin for real this time. My dad left the stage and made a beeline towards me. Accepting his extended hand, he led the way to the dance floor before other couples began following suit. In the background, the music was upbeat and fun, and my dad didn't fail to show off his dancing skills by twirling me all over the place.

"What do you think so far, Tomoe?" my dad asked after a few songs had ended and a slower one started up, "See anyone interesting?"

"The party is great but I think you're being unfair to-"

"Don't say your brother. It's his fault he's so useless. He should be glad he is of any use at this point in time." my dad shot back and I couldn't help but sigh, "Tomoe, don't get me wrong. I love your brother because I'm his father but the business side of me cannot tolerate his worthlessness."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." I sighed, that was what he always said in order to defend himself when it came to my big brother. The problem was, the business man he is dominated his life so that there was no room left for him to be a father.

"So... have you met all our soon-to-be customers? I already received many deals and I can only assume you had spoken to them?" my dad grinned, all talk about my brother long since forgotten now that money got involved.

"Yes, dad. I did bump into a few of them and simply told them why they should choose us, Hachisuka's instead of any other corporation." I explained, recalling how boring it was to repeat the same thing again and again while having to answer their stupid questions.

"Wonderful. Simply wonderful, my beloved daughter," my dad beamed proudly but I didn't feel any joy, "However, there is one person who has been very determined to reject all my offers."

"Nakajima Hiroyuki?" I asked and got my answer as my dad's face darkened, "I figured. It's one thing to get people to buy shares from us but another to make them sell their entire company to us and become our slave."

"I want his line of dojo's and I will not take no for an answer! Tomoe, do you have any idea how quickly he dominated the market?" my dad exclaimed in a hushed voice.

"Yes dad, you've told me the story multiple times. He appeared out of nowhere, defeated all martial artists so he could take over their dojos the old-fashion way. This was about 3 years ago and now that he acquired their dojos, their students and their equipment, he started up the line of Nakajima dojo's all around Japan and it was an amazing success for him."

"Tomoe, people from around the world are coming here solely to learn from him! And he owes it all to us!"

"That's not true and you know it. He legitimately bought over our vacant office buildings and put it to good use."

"That's what it looks like on paper, but someone must've told him about those locations. How else would he have known about them?"

"You're starting to sound senile, dad." I told him, hoping he wouldn't ever realise it was me.

"I am getting old but I will buy over his company before I retire!"

"Don't be too quick to say that, dad."

"I'm not worried one bit. You haven't spoken to him right?" I shook my head reluctantly, "There ya go. I know he's about your age so I'm sure you two will hit it off instantly. Actually, how about you start with sharing a dance with him? Don't hold back on your feminine charms, Tomoe."

A part of me felt disgusted when he winked at me teasingly. What kind of father would encourage their daughter to... perhaps it's because he knows I'm with Miyako. But still... some father he is.

The song ended and my dad began filtering back through the crowd, leaving me all alone in the centre. Knowing I would have to do as he told, I was thoroughly surprised when Hiroyuki himself came and asked me to dance.

"Seriously?" I raised a curious eyebrow, "My dad sent you, didn't he?"

"He did." Hiroyuki grinned, flashing his pearl white teeth as I accepted his hand and he guided me across the floor in a slow dance, "He said you wanted to talk?"

"He wants to buy your business and won't retire until he gets what he wants." I told him and got a chuckle out of him.

"I think we all know I'm not about to sell him my life." Hiroyuki sighed then brightened up again, "Why does he want it that badly? I know of many other business people who own companies a lot more successful than my own."

"Don't tell him I told you but it's 'cause he boasted to a lot of his close friends that he'll have you working under him like a dog in no time. Yet you continued to reject every one of his offers." I grinned, leaning in close to whisper in his ear and I could feel eyes boring holes in my back, "You've got a few admirers already huh?"

"They don't know how to take a hint."

"Not interested at all? I'm sure you're flattered at all this attention right?"

"Flattered yes, grateful no." he smiled down at me kindly, green eyes full of sincerity, "But if I push them away, the press says my heart belongs to someone else. If I leave them be, they'll say I'm a player. What am I supposed to do?"

"Welcome to the business world, Nakajima-san."

He smiled, "So how's your little partner? I didn't see her here tonight."

"She's great, we're great but she's spending quality time with her father tonight." I smiled and he nodded in acknowledgement, "Back to our earlier subject, you're completely not interested in being in a relationship?"

"Not at all," Hiroyuki answered without hesitation, "Things are... complicated right now. I have plenty to worry about as it is, don't need a girl to mess things up even more."

"That's to be expected when you're in the first few years of a new business but given how well you're doing, how are things complicated? If you don't mind me asking."

"It's not just my business, it's a lot of other things, mainly my family." Hiroyuki smiled disarmingly before changing the subject, "Back to you, if you're not going to persuade me to sell, why continue this dance?"

"Obviously because talking to you is a hundred times better than any of the other old grandpa's who do nothing but stare at my chest and fantasize." I said neutrally and maintained my cool even when Hiroyuki chuckled unreservedly.

"It must be very hard for a woman to be involved in all this... politics."

"If I wasn't half as good as I am at persuading stubborn business men, predicting future ups and downs, and having the guts to take risks, I wouldn't have ever been allowed to go near the company. But then again, I never asked to be the Hachisuka heir either."

"You don't want the company?" Hiroyuki asked cautiously.

"No, I never did, probably never will. But what can I do?" I asked no one in particular just as the song ended.

Hiroyuki ended our dance and bowed deeply, "I truly do understand your frustration. Believe me, I do." taking my right hand in his, he brought it to his lips and gently kissed my knuckles, "I thoroughly enjoyed our dance and conversation, Hachisuka-san."

"Likewise, Nakajima-san." I replied and nodded my head in response as he turned around and went to find his next partner as another song started playing.

Moving through the crowd, I went straight to the ladies' room to freshen up.

That kiss... how can a man's lips feel so soft? No, it wasn't just his lips, his hands, though large, calloused and strong, were soft as well.

Should I even be worrying about a man's soft lips and hands? Wow. What's gotten into me? I must miss Miyako a little too much.

Drying my hands with a paper towel, I exited the toilet and went to find Ushio just as the song playing started coming to an end.

"This will be our last song, ladies and gentlemen. An assortment of desserts made by Tokyo's finest patisserie's will be served shortly after this. Do continue enjoying your evening." my dad's clear voice rang through the speakers placed throughout the compound.

Moments later, a slow, classic love song began pouring from the speakers. Couples moved closer together and swayed with the song.

When I made it to the main table, I nearly lost my cool when I spotted my brother chatting with an unfamiliar girl sitting next to him. Clenching my fists when I didn't see Ushio anywhere nearby, I marched straight to where he sat flirting innocently.

"Excuse me, sorry to disturb but I would like to have a word with my brother if that's all right?" I smiled sweetly even as the girl shivered and practically ran away from me.

"What was that for, Tomoe? I was finally talking to someone and enjoying myself!"

"Where's Kazama-kun?" I demanded.

"She's dancing!" he blurted out instantly, "With some rich, good-looking chap."

"She-what?" I growled, "I told you not to let her out of your sight! Why would you-argh!"

"Wait, Tomoe. She agreed to the dance! I told the lad to leave us alone but Ushio-san said that it was alright!"

"She agreed?" I repeated, eyes scanning the swaying crowd looking for a bob of chestnut brown hair, "Who was the man?"

"I didn't catch his name but he was tall, really handsome, has scary green eyes and dark hair that needs combing and some gel. He was wearing a-"

"-tuxedo." I finished as my eyes were transfixed on my best friend's face as she waltzed across the dance floor, led by non other than Nakajima Hiroyuki. As far as I could tell, she was giggling uncontrollably as Hiroyuki spoke with amusement, and twirled her all over the place in the classic waltz.

"Yeap, do you know him?" I heard my brother ask in the distance but I couldn't formulate a response. Both Hiroyuki and Ushio were absolutely at ease. They moved as if they were the only ones on the dance floor, completely lost in each other. They drifted into and out of the crowd like water gliding around mountains and boulders.

"Tomoe?" someone called my name but I couldn't tear my eyes away from the pair. It's been too long since I last saw Ushio so relaxed and so... free. And for her to be so herself in the arms of a male species was something my brain couldn't comprehend. Since day 1, Ushio had always fell head over heels for 'cute girls' yet she was dancing and laughing so naturally with a man.

"Tomoe!" a rough hand pulled me from my thoughts and I came face-to-face with my irritated father, "What's gotten into you? You don't usually daydream during such an important event."

"I-I-I'm fine," I pushed his hand off my shoulder before he dislocated it, "Just got lost in my thoughts a little."

"Are you alright?"

"Fine, dad. Just tired, is all."

"Do you want me to call the party off now?"

"Don't be ridiculous," I waved his fake concern away, "I'm fine."

"If you say so," my dad's lips curled up into an animalistic grin, "I saw you two dance, how did it go? Is he going to sell?"

"It went well, Nakajima-san is a very noble gentleman," I paused, "But he won't sell."

"W-what?"

"He won't sell." I repeated, moving to sit next to my sulking brother.

"What do you mean he won't sell? I'm willing to offer him double what his business is worth! Did you tell him that?" my dad seethed.

"Dad. His business is his life, we can't pressure people into giving you whatever you want just because we're wealthy." I shot back, feeling a headache forming from all the confusing questions flooding my mind.

"We're not just wealthy, Tomoe. We're THE leading, international corporation in Japan! I will get what I want." he spat then walked away in a rush.

I watched him leave and silently wished that Miyako would come home soon because I really do need to talk to someone right now.

"Want some?" my brother suddenly asked, offering me a glass of bubbly yellow liquid.

"I don't plan on getitng drunk tonight, brother." rising from my seat as the song ended, I started searching for Ushio again.

In the end, I spent the rest of the evening looking for Ushio. And what I found made things even more confusing. For the whole night, Ushio and Hiroyuki were chatting with each other at one of the empty tables. I know spying on your best friend is wrong but spying on your gay best friend hanging out with the opposite sex should be alright, right?

Millions of questions needed answers but I couldnt get them until those two stop talking.

So when my dad announced that it was late and those who have to leave may leave, those who want to stay and drink some more are welcomed to do so, I took the chance. Shaking hands with Hiroyuki as he left, I didn't miss the wave and smile he sent Ushio's way.

"Someone looks happy." I stated once we were within the walls of my bedroom.

"Why do you say so?" Ushio asked without looking back, she simply continued removing the hairpins and accesories, acting like she didn't have a clue what I was talking about.

"You've got that rare, silly smile on your face." I told her and narrowed my eyes even more as she tried and failed to remove her smile.

"I had a good time tonight. You were right about me coming back to the real world, I've been cooped up for too long." Ushio explained as she rose to take off her dress for a shower.

"Is that so?" I felt myself deflate when Ushio continued to beam happily to herself, "He's a great guy huh?"

"Right? Right? I mean, I never found guys attractive before, not even slightly but Hiroyuki-kun... he's different."

"-kun?" I snickered, "He let's you call him -kun?"

"He didn't want me to, saying it was childish, but I promised only to use it with people I trust."

"So you find him attractive?" I teased and grinned when Ushio blushed a deep crimson.

"N-no I don't! M-maybe a little but that's not why I enjoyed his company tonight." Ushio babbled frantically.

"If it wasn't his good looks then it must be his charms?"

"I-I suppose... He was very kind and gentle. He never flirted with me and never asked me things like who my parents were, how wealthy my family is, what university I go to and questions that I don't want to answer. It was as if he was a close friend that lost touch and we were finally catching up after all the years apart." Ushio sighed with a small smile gracing her lips.

"Alright, alright lover-girl, go get cleaned up and I'll fetch you back to your apartment before it gets too late."

"You don't have to, I can always drive myself." Ushio offered, "I'll need my car for work tomorrow anyway."

"You sure? I can have it driven to you in the morning."

"No, no. Very few people know how to use my car. I'll just shower then drive home myself." Ushio smiled.

"My offer still stands." I said as Ushio disappeared behind the bathroom door and I left the room to shower somewhere else.

A/N: Soooooo, how'd you like it? Please review! :) It would mean the world to me :D