Chapter One: Paid in Full

Hotaru Imai was stuck doing her share of work in the Imai Tech Industries. She was currently CEO and with her at the top, business was booming. Investment offers here and there. Her schedule was hectic, she couldn't even spare time for her afternoon tea and crab cakes. What kept her awake was the coffee her secretary sends in every now and then. Being the Ice Queen she is, she shows no fatigue at all.

It was just ten in the morning and her phone had been ringing for hours. It was from her bestfriend again. Mikan Sakura, COO of Sakura Empire which her older brother, Rei Sakura was head of.

'How could this girl have tons of free time considering there is still the preparation for her wedding with Hyuuga?' Hotaru thought.

Yes people, got that right. Mikan and Natsume are about to be married but that's not what we are here to talk about. Our topic is about our esteemed blackmailer.

When her phone rang again, Hotaru answered with a sigh.

"What's with that? Come on, Hotaru. It's just me, your bestfriend. Don't sound so gloomy." A perky and over-energetic voice complained on the other line.

"What do you want?" Hotaru sighed again.

"I know you are busy Hotaru but can you just spare some time for other...things?"

"And what do you mean by that?" Hotaru raised an eyebrow although sure Mikan wouldn't see it anyway.

"I don't know. Boys perhaps?"

"In our age bracket Mikan, we don't call them boys but men."

"Oh, you know what I mean anyway."

"I don't have time for that." Hotaru pressed her temples.

"Oh come on Hotaru. We're twenty-eight. I had my relationship with Natsume for six years. Trust me when I say that having a boyfriend is a girl's bliss."

"You say that because Hyuuga spoils you."

"Oh by the way Hotaru. You better start acquainting yourself to calling him Natsume. I will be a Hyuuga in two weeks."

"I'd rather be kissed by some stranger than to call him by his name."

"Be careful what you wish for."

"It was just an expression. What did you call me for?"

"Oh yeah. Natsume's bestfriend from France has come to attend our wedding. He arrives today. We were thinking that he will be your escort since you don't have one."

"And your point is?"

"Will you come with us to dinner?"

"I can't Mikan. My schedule is tight for the day."

"Oh don't worry I talked with your secretary earlier and I know which day your evening is free."

"That's-"

"Tomorrow!" Mikan cut her off.

"Mikan, I have files to check. If you mind?"

"Oh not at all. Just wanted to tell ya. I have a meeting in ten minutes. But Hotaru have a break will ya?" Mikan said with concern lacing her voice.

"Okay. I might drop by the cafe before going home."

"Okay. Bye, Hotaru."

"Bye." Hotaru shut the call off and proceeded her work.

At twelve her secretary brought in crab cakes for her lunch. She ate at her desk enjoying the city view from her desk. Her office was at the top floor and it had a clear view of the city. It was designed like those modern offices where the walls were clear glass. She proceeded work right after.

When she looked again the sun had dropped from its peak and it was quarter past three. She massaged the part by her nose bridge in between her eyes, feeling like she was about to have a migraine.

'Maybe I should give what Mikan said a shot.' Hotaru stood from her chair and regarded her secretary about her leaving. Telling her to pass whatever calls unto her personal phone and she can go when her shift ends and if Hotaru is not back yet.

She walked to the nearest cafe from her building. You may have a hard time believing it but yes, Hotaru walked. She ordered a caffè macchiato along with choco-chip cookies. She took out her phone and decided to see her blackmail materials. Various photos of Mikan and Natsume. Mostly Mikan.

'Hyuuga still owes me too much. Better have him pay-off having me to call him by his name. And these pictures of Mikan, I'm gonna sell them in a higher rate.' She thought. She reached a picture with the whole gang when they graduated.

"That's some huge group." A voice sounded behind her, startling her.

"Excuse me?" Hotaru raised an eyebrow at the blond who smiled at her.

"May I share a table?" He asked.

"Uh, sure." Hotaru answered eyeing the stranger peculiarly then continued looking at her photos. The blond had called for his order and whispered something to the waiter. His coffee arrived quickly and he drank sips while watching the scenery outside the store.

Hotaru scanned the blond and noted that he was actually good-looking. Golden locks of hair and sea-blue eyes. He has the ideal prince look. The way his lips curls up as he smiles in amusement in whatever show he was watching outside was enough to melt any fangirl on the spot. Hotaru sighed as she shook the thoughts away.

"That's some serious sigh." The blond said as he called over the waiter possibly for his bill.

"Who are you may I ask?" Hotaru asked as she quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Just someone." He chuckled as he gave the payment to the waiter and when he left, the blond took his jacket. "Well, it's time for me to go. Thanks for sharing the table with me." He stood and left.

Hotaru glanced at her watch and saw the time was thirty minutes before five. She decided it was about time for her to return to her office. She called for the waiter and asked for her bill. He looked at her quizically. She sighed and asked again. His expression changed and told her what she did not expect. She picked up her phone and dashed out the door. That blond prince paid for her bill. She hastened her pace and she spotted a bunch of golden hair. She ran to catch up to him and when she did, she grabbed him by his sleeve. He turned and looked at her, puzzled at her actions.

"Why?" She asked.

"What?" He looked at her, now he was already facing her sideways.

"Why did you pay for my bill?" She asked finally letting go.

"Well, its just for my thanks." He said as he faced her directly.

"I'll pay you." Hotaru fished for her purse.

"There's no need to."

"I don't want to owe anything to a complete stranger." She said with her purse in hand.

"My name in Ruka Nogi. Now we're not strangers." He smiled.

"Still, I want to pay for my bill."

"If you insist." Ruka cupped her chin and tilted her head. Before she could protest, his lips had landed on hers.

Hotaru was frozen, his kiss was gentle and it lasted for about two minutes. He didn't force her to respond but in the two minutes they had shared, Hotaru swore she responded before it ended. When he broke free he smiled at her but the way his lips rose told a different story, he was smirking.

"With that, it's paid in full." He smiled then turned to his heels and continued walking.