Kaoru felt herself blush. She had thought the father was a looker but it was no way like the son. Goodness she almost couldn't think straight.

She hadn't had good relationships in the past, she used to date Enishi but he was so mean and controlling to her that his name bore bad memories . It's almost like he changed her and in a way held her back.

Her father always said that "That boy Enishi was a duche. Not good enough for my daughter no matter how much money his daddy makes"

Her father had been right, Enishi had two timed Kaoru with another girl and when Kaoru had found out, she broke off all ties and switched schools and even changed. She was once bubbly but now she remained mostly quiet, time had taught her the dangers of becoming friends with people .

She backed away from the window but not before there's head running below caught a glimpse of her.

Below , the red head had been running for a time , he thought about many things. Relationships ,his mom , the new neighbors and just when he was rounding the corner of the track he had seen her. Mr. Kamiyas daughter, almost looked like she was in mourning.

He slowed down tremendously as he took in her features. Dark hair and even from the distance he could see those crystal blue eyes piercing him. He's inhaled sharply and glanced backdown. Focus man! It's just a girl that's your neighbor! Calm down sheesh!

He quickly picked up the pace. Don't look ! Don't look! You'll make it look like you were staring!

Kaoru was bright red, when she left her room. Afraid to even glance at the window anymore.

That afternoon, the family ate at the table for once and had polite conversation. Koshiro knew it would only be a matter of time before Kaoru and their neighbors son met. As a father he dreaded it .

Kaoru ate mindlessly eating. Tomorrow she would have school and she was nervous. Sano could only help so much.

And if she ran into the red head she wasn't sure how she'd react. It's not like y'all would talk. Come on Kaoru you should know he's very athletic and probably a jerk or something. A guy that good looking probably wasn't very nice so just calm down.

The day was full of activities. Kaoru found her class locations and just followed the route throughout the day. To her surprise she had many classes with Sano and one with that red head . She glanced at his muscular back in the front row, he seemed to be oblivious to her which was a good thing.

He craned his neck in her direction as if he was waiting for her to say something.

"Tell us about yourself Kaoru"The teacher asked waiting for a reply.

Kaoru blushed and stood up bravely, " I have interest in learning kendo, I hope to be an instructor one day"

She had been so engrossed in watching Kenshin, which she had just learned was his name during role call, that she almost hadn't heard the teacher.

Sano teased her later "I hope to be an instructor one day " he shrilled with delight.

Kaoru huffed ,"alright , alright just let it go "

Sano laughed , "why? It's so funny! I hope ...one day to fulfill my dream of being an instructor" he wiped fake tears from his eyes.

Father worked late that day so it was just her and Sano home and Tsubame the maid, who cooked them a healthy meal. Sano sighed ," You want to eat out tomorrow? Not that Tsubame doesn't cook good food I just want to see some ladies"

Kaoru rolled her eyes, "your paying then."

Kenshin POV:

He had seen her glance at him but his sources told him she'd been staring. Although she wore black in much of her wardrobe, it didn't take away from her beauty. He was glad he got to sit in the front, he couldn't take it if he had to sit next to her.

Hiko had been watching his son since he came home from work. Kenshin seemed unlike his usual self, he seemed distracted.

Hiko slyly came up to him, " So, how was school?"

Kenshin shrugged ,"Okay I guess"

Hiko raised his brow, "I'm just wondering have you seen the neighbors kids, Sano or Kaoru there?"

"I think so. I haven't met them yet." Kenshin gulped , hoping he didn't seem nervous.

It wasn't like Kenshin to lie so obviously the boy was hiding something. He hadn't seen Koshiros daughter much but she was pretty. In fact she'd make a good couple with his son. It would take some convincing, Koshiro was very protective of his only daughter.

Kenshin was glad when the conversation turned to the family businesses.

Kaoru POV

Kaoru arrived at her first class on time, relieved she wouldn't run into Kenshin any time soon. She sat next to Sano and waited for class to begin.

When class was over she would talk to Sano, just to distract herself. She observed throughout the day that Kenshin was quite the popular guy, many people came up to him multiple times in the hallway, guys and expecially girls. One particular girl with dark hair seemed too friendly and Kenshin acted distant and cold to her.

Sano came up next to Kaoru, "I heard that the girl with the dark hair dated Kenshin once and still hounds him after he broke up wth her. It turns out she had lied to him and betrayed him by saying she was single when she was dating some two other guys at the same time"

Kaoru nodded ,"it makes since why he's so cold to her. How did you find that out?"

"I hear the gossip" he announced proudly."and I overheard his friends talking about it because she left a note in his locker and they read it "

She felt some pity for Kenshin, after all she'd been through something similar.