Chapter 1

Money, something that you either have or you don't have. To Kaoru money was always available. Her father provided plenty for his sole daughter. He made sure Kaoru was able to take care of herself. He had her trained through many martial arts teachers and the best money could offer in education, which is why he wanted to move the family to to a town in the outskirts of Tokyo.

He left a note explaining in detail what was expected from his daughter and Sanosuke his nephew whom he had adopted after his mother passed away. It was hard to sit down with them and discuss things when he never seemed to have anytime .

Kaoru read the note from father. It was typical he left notes but she had not expected a move. Quietly she made her way around the house, her footsteps a soft thump against the floor. A months notice in advance... well she guessed it was plenty of time to get matters straight.

But the changing of schools was always something she was all too familiar with. She couldn't remember how many times they moved, her and Sano had grown closer during those times which is why she considered him a brother. They'd been through a lot together.

"Kaoru"

She turned her head to look back it was Sano leaning lazily against a wall. " Hey, I saw the note too. Guess we're just gonna go? It shouldn't be that bad..it's near Tokyo" , he grinned.

She squinted her eyes at him , "What are you up to?"

"You know the usual." He raised his eyebrows and slid a paper from his back pocket. He pointed at it, "See this , I made a list of all the good restaurants since you can't cook."

" Oh really" , she rolled her eyes but the list was a good idea.

"Pops said that we'd be going together and that this time it won't be one of those private schools where we never have time to eat out and stuff. So I think it's an improvement " He rubbed his hands across his chin, contemplating the situation.

Kaoru was also glad to hear that she wouldn't be by herself, she'd have at least one person she knew which she was fine with.

The month flew by , her father had asked the maid to move with them and Tsubame said yes. The household only needed one maid , although the house was big and there were so many rooms to clean, technically 3 people lived in it and most of the time they were never home.

She had seen pictures of the new house and it was wonderfully set in the traditional style of Japanese homes. She had been warned that for once they would have neighbors and that she should need to "be nice".

They arrived at the home via private jet. When everything had been settled , they stood outside together looking at the property. Koshiro swelled with pride , " I make a lot of sacrifices for this family and we deserve to live in a place like this".

The property was smaller but by far more elegant . The walls of the building seemed to grow taller and taller to Kaoru as if she was standing in the shadow of a mountain. The dark rooftop standing out against the beautiful branches of the trees. Arched fences that connected in intricate patterns . "It's beautiful father" , Kaoru almost seemed to whisper .

Sano remained quiet , for once he wasn't full of energy he was starting to feel ill from the jet trip.

A greeting came out from a nearby shrubbery, "Hello! Mr. Kamiya! It's Hiko , how was the trip , isn't it nice out here." A tall man emerged from the property next door, Kaoru almost caught her breath the man looked like a model.

Koshiro smiled turning around swiftly to greet him, "How are you Mr. Hiko, our trip went well we love it here"

"That's good to hear, I haven't had a neighbor in years! I'm glad to have some society here!" Hiko smiled genuinely happy. They greeted him in unison, almost like clockwork. Both her and Sano were almost gawking then quickly recovered.

Koshiro inquired more about life there and Hiko enthralled him with details.

Kaoru and Sano went inside , both checking the space. They each had their own side of the house , which was nice. Kaoru went upstairs to her room, it had hand painted cherry blossoms across the top of every corner and the white laced patterns seemed to lead you into the room. She liked it very much so.

The window was oval but huge , she peered into it , staring off into the distance and somehow found her eyes shifting into the neighbors yard. She peered more into it, it was weird. Most yards had green grass and a garden or a pond but that man had a long circular track .

She thought back to Hiko, that was his yard , wasn't it? She could imagine him running across it like an athlete , the man was built . She giggled , he'd be an interesting neighbor .

She stopped abruptly she saw someone running on that path, she stared harder it didn't look like Hiko, it must be his daughter. Long red hair swayed as she came closer into view.

Kaoru gasped , "... It's a guy"