Disclaimer: I don't own the characters!

Please remember! This is a fictional story. Similarities with real persons or situations are purely coincidental and not intentional! This is just a product of my crazy imaginations.

Read at your own risk!

Have fun!


"Still into you"


Chapter 2

Invitation


Touko entered the café and looked for her friends. She discovered them in a quiet corner, as Sachiko waved and smiled friendly at her. As she approached the table, she recognised that she was the last one to arrive. Mizuno Youko, Satou Sei, Hasekura Rei and Shimazu Yoshino were beaming cheerfully at her .

For a while, they just talked and enjoyed each other's company. They ordered drinks and snacks and were slowly catching up with their lives until Sei loudly cleared her throat to catch everyone's attention and turned to Sachiko.

"Sachiko-san? I don't mean to complain but why did you gather us today? It was on pretty short notice…"

The girls looked at Sachiko curiously, who wore a serious expression. "Hm, there's actually a reason but I don't know it yet. I got a call from Shizuma-san…"

"S-shizuma-sama?" Yoshino squeaked in surprise.

Sachiko nodded slowly and sighed. "I'm sorry; all I can tell you is that she asked us to meet her here. She didn't give me further explanations and now she's late…" she added with a glance at her wristwatch.

Touko was worried. "Do you think it has something to do with Yumi-sama?"

"Probably, what else could it be? We just know her because of Yumi…"

There was silence among the former Roses, as each of them thought of the encounter with the mysterious woman called Shizuma two years ago…

Flashback

"Yuuki! Where is my petit soeur?!" Sachiko furiously shouted at her boyfriend, who flinched but was shaking his head, and pressing his lips tightly together, as to show her that he would not say anything.

"Mou, c'mon Yuuki-kun. I know, you said, she's fine, but where is she and why did she just disappear?" Sei asked impatiently, who wasn't less angry than Sachiko.

Yuuki knew, he was in trouble. His slightly older sister was now gone for a week which led him to his current predicament. It was getting harder to avoid his girlfriend and the other girls, who took every opportunity to just camp at the Fukuzawa residence, and ask him a hole into his stomach about his sisters' whereabouts. The Fukuzawas remained silent but they understood too well how the girls felt about this. Yumi was their sunshine, and her sudden disappearance caused them to think the worst.

"Yuuki… I beg you…" his girlfriend said in a small voice, pleading, and tears were running down her cheeks. It was a heart-wrenching sight for his loving heart.

"I'm sorr-" He didn't have the chance to apologise instead he jumped, as Sachiko started to yell at him.

"Don't you dare apology! I don't want to hear your damn excuses anymore! I swear, Yuuki; if I do not get an explanation today, I'll go and start a search on my own. I would make your life a living hell, and it doesn't matter to me what you and your family would think about it! I've been waiting long enough!"

Sachiko stood in front of him and was breathing heavily, staring at him with dark, angry eyes. Her hands clenched into fists, and Yuuki instinctively took a step back, suddenly terrified.

She wiped her tears away, voice trembling as she said "What happened Yuuki? It doesn't seem like her to just leave us behind. Are you sure she's okay? I can't think of any reason why she would leave us without a word about it! It doesn't make sense… It was so sudden and to be honest… Your excuses don't calm us a bit!" With her last sentence, she gestured to the other girls, who were following the conversation silently. Yuuki saw the worry in their eyes. It nearly killed him, but he had promised his sister that he would not say anything until she was able to do it herself. He didn't know the reason, but he has faith that Yumi wouldn't let him and her friends down.

'What should I do?' he thought and stared blankly at the floor. A familiar voice stopped his musings and his head shot up, eyes wide, as he recognised the snickering figure at the doorframe.

"Shi-nee-chan!" Yuuki blurted out in relief and ran towards the person.

The girls turned their attention to the tall woman with silver shining hair, who was casually leaning against the doorframe, until Yuuki pulled her into a bear hug. Sachiko's brows were twitching disapprovingly but she didn't say a word. After a moment, emerald green eyes turned to the curious looking ladies. Her lips pursed, she was obviously amused.

"You know, if you could get a little louder, the other side of the world would probably hear you." She stated with a mocking grin while she sat down gracefully on one of the armchairs.

The girls exchanged irritated glances. Sachiko was fuming.

Who in the name of God was this woman?

The stranger was, Sachiko had to admit, a beauty. She just wore casual clothes, seemingly no makeup, but her bright green eyes, long silver-shiny hair and the fact that she had the size of a model and the elegance of a lady, was quite intimidating. Her eyes were sparkling with humour, but something in her gorgeous face told her that the woman could be serious if she was forced to. Who was she? And what the hell had she to do with her Yuuki? Jealousy overcame her.

"Care to introduce us, Yuuki?" She said in a rather commanding tone. The Ice Princess was back. Yuuki had lost his voice and was glad that the newest intruder spoke up.

"Oh, I forgot my manners. But please…" she pointed to the free spaces on the couch as if it was her living room "Please, have a seat." She smiled sweetly, but when no one moved, she chuckled softly.

"Geez… I do not bite. I can understand why you are upset, but Yuuki-kun didn't do anything wrong. He's just his usual trustworthy self. By the way, I'm Shizuma. Nice to meet you all... I assume, you are friends of Yumi?"

At the mention of Yumi's name, the group eagerly took their seats and stared at the woman called Shizuma, who calmly requested a cup of tea from Yuuki which he gladly obliged to. Sachiko's cold glances were frightening him.

"I'm sorry if I sound rude, but you told us your name, but we still don't know who you are exactly." Touko stated firmly, her eyes almost as cold as her cousins'.

"Ah… I'm a childhood friend of Yu-chan and Yuuki-kun" the lady replied, a small smile tugged on her lips, as she tilted her head to look at Touko.

"I think, I would know if Yumi-chan had ever mentioned a woman like you" Sei muttered under her breath. She secretly eyed the gorgeous woman but unfortunately, Shizuma and her girlfriend Youko had good ears. Youko glared at her while Shizuma just smirked.

"I'm not often in Japan, but for details you just have to ask Yu-chan." She explained nonchalantly and gladly took her teacup from Yuuki.

"Yes… Because we all know too well where she is and how we could contact her…" Sachiko said in her best venomous, sarcastic voice.

Shizuma looked up in surprise and turned her head to Yuuki. "She didn't say a word, not to anyone?" she asked incredulously. The youngest Fukuzawa shook his head and stared onto his hands in his lap.

She sighed in disbelief and looked pityingly at the young women, who were barely patiently waiting for further explanations.

"Well, I didn't have a clue that you know nothing, as I volunteered to tell you that Yu-chan is currently in America and that you don't need to worry about her…"

The room went silent.

"AMERICA?!" everyone shouted in unison. Shizuma almost dropped her teacup.

"Y-Yes… She's now in Los Angeles to be exact and probably enjoying her pancakes…"

"But why?" Touko exclaimed, eyes wide in shock.

Shizuma leant back and closed her eyes for a second. "Well, I mentioned that I know the Fukuzawa siblings since childhood? Unfortunately, I had to go to the States with my parents and I've been living there since then. Before she graduated from High School I offered Yu-chan to study in America and to live with me. At first, she declined, but then she suddenly had called me and told me that if possible she would gladly accept. Right now, she's learning for upcoming entry exams which decide whether she repeats her first year or just continues on with the second. Uhm, but I think it's safe to say that it doesn't matter how the results will be because she will be living with me in the next few years."

"I-I don't understand..." a tearful voice.

Shizuma turned her head to look at the source and was now staring into the crying face of Touko. She didn't know Yumi's friends, but the hurt in Touko's eyes was evident enough to get a clue what the girl meant to all of them.

"I don't really know her reasons..." she replied honestly. "I was surprised myself, as she called me but she was determined, and remained stubborn, as I tried to find out… She just said that she wants to study at a higher level in order to support her family business in the future."

"If it was only that, she could just have told us!" Yoshino exasperated, ignoring Rei's attempt to calm her down.

Shizuma shrugged helplessly. If she knew the reason herself, she would tell these girls about it. It was a mystery why Yumi behaved like this, but after listening to Yumi's serious voice, which told her to not ask further questions, she understood that something was troubling her childhood friend. Whatever motivated her to leave her friends behind without any kind of explanation was to be taken seriously. The normally kind girl would never do something to purposely hurt the people she cared the most about, but she also knew that if Yumi had her reasons she could be stubborn and very impulsive.

In her most gentle voice, she said: "I'm really sorry for the lack of information. I assure you that I take care of her. She also promised that she will contact you as soon as the exams are over. Please be patient. According to my own experiences, if Yu-chan behaves like this, she shouldn't be pushed otherwise you get nothing out of her."

She stood up and was taking her leave. But before she left the room she turned around and smiled. "Please don't be angry… I'm sure it pays off if you're patient. I make sure to remind her to call you."

Shizuma disappeared, leaving a group of saddened and bewildered women behind.

Yuuki took Sachiko in his arms as she started to cry.

End of flashback

The reality stroked back when they heard a merry chuckle.

"At the last meeting, you were more… lively." Shizuma said who looked amused at the surprised faces. She giggled again, as she got no response, and sat down gracefully between Touko and Sachiko.

Shizuma looked like the same two years ago when the girls had met her for the first time. She was just as beautiful but seemed somewhat exhausted and… tense. After ordering a cup of tea, she let her gaze wander and smiled gently towards the young women in front of her. "Long time no see… How have you been?"

As much as the women wanted to learn about the reason for this meeting; it would be rude to leave certain formalities aside. Shizuma was after all a stranger… but a stranger who seemed to know more about their long-lost friend than them.

Finally, it was Touko who couldn't hold it any longer. "As much as we are pleased to see you again, Shizuma-sama, but what gives us the honour of your visit?"

Shizuma's only response to Touko's arrogance was leaning her chin on her folded hands and glancing at the actress, eyes twinkling in merriment. Touko rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"H-how is Yumi?" Sachiko asked in a soft but slightly trembling voice.

Shizuma then took her eyes off from Touko and wiped a strand of hair from her face before she replied. "She is doing well. As you have guessed right, I'm just here because of her."

"Why…" Yoshino glared at the silver-haired goddess. "Why is it always you who emerges when it comes to Yumi-san? I know, you are living together but that's all we know." She looked around and saw her friends nodding in agreement. Although Yumi had phoned them in the last two years, they had no idea how her life was like now and which role Shizuma played in there. The conversations were always short and somehow Yumi became really good at avoiding things which concerned her personal life.

Shizuma sighed inwardly. She knew that Yumi neglected her friends, and she blamed herself for it. Well, here was her chance to make it right.

"You all know, Yu-chan will turn 21 this Saturday?" She looked into astonished faces, apparently not knowing what point she was getting at as they silently nodded in confirmation. Shizuma smiled and went on for further explanation.

"Shimako-san suggested throwing a big party for Yu-chan since she will reach her majority in the country she currently lives in. We think she would enjoy it so much more if her loved ones are there with her." After a sip of her tea, she added, "That's why I'm here. I hereby would like to invite you to LA. Although not only for the party but as well as for the weeks afterwards, if you can manage. It would give you time to catch up with Yu-chan and the opportunity to get some needed rest."

Most of them burst into enthusiasm except for the former Red Roses, who always were more cautious about sharing their emotions.

"That sounds like a yes," Shizuma said, smiling in relief.

Sei nodded enthusiastically. "It's perfect timing! Youko and I had only signed up for a few weeks of vacation but didn't decide where to go to yet. What do you think, Youko?" She looked at her girlfriend with puppy eyes but when she saw her approving smile, she knew she didn't have to persuade her. She hopped like a toddler on her chair, smiling brightly.

"Ano… I don't intend to spoil the joy but…" Touko peered at Shizuma sceptically. "How do you think we get tickets to LA due to such short notice? If we're supposed to be there on Yumi-sama's birthday, which is not less than five days from now, I doubt we could make it. It's already holiday season… The flights will all be booked."

Shizuma just waved at her nonchalantly. "Don't worry about that. Just make sure to pack plenty of clothes and your passport. I'll take care of the rest."

"But Touko-chan is right, Shizuma-san. What about the tickets?" Sachiko stated in concern. Even with her name, it was a difficult task to get tickets for last-minute flights during the holiday season.

"I own a jet," Shizuma said, obviously not bothered by the dumbfounded looks she now received.

"A j-jet?" Yoshino yelled.

"Who are you?!" Sei exclaimed.

Slightly confused, Shizuma raised an eyebrow, smiling apologetically. "It seems that I've never introduced myself properly. Well, I'm Hanozono Shizuma." After that, she just took a sip of her tea and waited patiently for the reactions she knew all too well whenever she introduced herself by her full name.

Of course, the heiress of the Ogasawara Mega Concern was the first to recover.

"H-Hanozono… as in Hanozono Enterprises?" Sachiko managed to choke out.

"Or Hanozono Entertainments?" Youko hesitantly added.

"You… You're my big boss…" Sei said while swallowing hard.

Shizuma nodded calmly. She was aware what her name meant to others and already expected this kind of response. Nevertheless, she didn't want for Yumi's friends to feel awkward.

"Yeah… I heard that you are doing a great job as a talent scout. I must admit I also heard about your strange and twisted methods, but as long as it works I have nothing to complain about." She gestured to Touko who pouted when Shizuma praised Sei's efforts. The silver-haired goddess seemed to know that Touko was one of Sei's victims. She winked at her and Sei couldn't stifle a giggle.

But Touko had to admit if it wasn't for Sei, who knew for a long time how talented she was, she wouldn't have come so far in her career. Thanks to the blonde, who convinced (to be honest – stalked) her into introducing her to some people of her current agency, she wouldn't have a lot of work to do. The acting businesses were full of competing rivals and you had to work really hard to get some kind of attention. Touko didn't mind to work hard. Actually, she did it anyway but a head start was never wrong. Touko stopped her musings as she listened to Shizuma who was now praising Youko.

"Youko-san, working in the company as a promising lawyer who managed to tear very complex treaties apart with whom we had ever dealt with. Respect…" Youko blushed and thanked her for the compliments, stunned and incapable of further replies.

"Hanozono Enterprises is too big and I don't intend to succeed my father in that matter since I'm not interested. He gladly understands and I'm free to run my own business. I am the CEO of Hanozono Entertainment but my main responsibility is Hanozono Records. I've been always addicted to music."

Shizuma sensed the tense atmosphere and sighed inwardly. It was always the same when she revealed who she was. She clapped her hands. "But enough of that…" she said, smiling cheerfully. "There's no reason to act strangely around me. None of you is directly working for me, so please, relax. It would be really nice if we could be friends. Shimako and Noriko didn't get hurt yet just knowing me personally." She playfully winked and was relieved as she saw the women started to relax.

"Shizuma-sama… Did you just mention Shimako-sama and Noriko-chan? How do you know them?" Touko asked curiously. She tried to remember if she perhaps had missed Shizuma's name when she had been talking to Noriko on the phone.

Emerald green eyes looked confused as Shizuma turned her head to Touko. Her eyes narrowed a bit, as she cursed inwardly at the realisation that again she was the one to tell these women about some occasions they didn't know about their friends, who chose to leave their dearest ones in the dark.

"W-well, Shimako, and Noriko are actually living with us…" she answered honestly and flinched a little as she saw the surprised but hurt looks around her, especially from Touko who was fuming.

"Since when?" She asked in a very cold voice.

„Actually, they moved in as Yumi started attending College. Shimako has been living until then in a dorm and as Noriko finished High School, she also got access to the same College as Yumi." Shizuma explained calmly.

"Why…" Yoshino asked, voice trembling. "Why didn't they tell us? None of the three ever mentioned that they are living together!"

Shizuma didn't understand herself. She knew that the three loved their friends; Yumi, in particular, missed them a lot. But somehow the brunette avoided them and she didn't know why. Whatever reasons Yumi had to keep her distance, Noriko and Shimako surely knew but didn't do anything about it. On the contrary, they seemed to adapt to it. Shizuma had no choice as to just accept. They were incredibly stubborn… Instead, she often had suggested to take a vacation in Japan or to invite the former Roses to LA but she was refused all the time. She had been really surprised as Shimako proposed to invite their friends for Yumi's birthday.

Shizuma had not asked and simply agreed. She knew Shimako long enough and was sure that there was a mighty reason which had to do something with Yumi.

And there's almost nothing she wouldn't do for Yumi.

"Hey, guys…" She said in a soft voice. The girls were all lost in their own thoughts. "I don't think they tried to hide things from you. It's just the three are living in their own world and especially Yumi is a workaholic. The other two are not better, though… Just… Look forward to the next few weeks and I'm sure you get your chance to make up for lost time. After all, it was Shimako who suggested inviting you. Why should she do that if they're trying to avoid you, hm?"

She looked at her wristwatch and waved the waitress for the bill.

"Sorry girls, unfortunately, I have to go. I'll leave you my phone number. Don't hesitate to give me a call or a text if you need something. I'm looking forward to seeing you in two days at the airport!" With thus she left.

The women could not help but only to stare at the closing door.

"I'd come to think, Shizuma-sama loves this kind of departure," Touko said after a moment of silence, a bit annoyed.

"As she said, we just have to take the opportunity and catch up with the unfaithful three… But I'm glad that they didn't forget us completely. However, we all deserve a little vacation and that would give us enough time to spend some with them and we won't let them escape!" Rei stated enthusiastically.

The others nodded or voiced their agreement and decided that it was time to get home. As each of them made their way to their own directions the only thoughts that were in their minds had something to do with the brightly smiling face of Fukuzawa Yumi.


"One of the best feelings in the world
is knowing that your presence and absence
both mean something to someone."


Please review! :D

xLaShay