Checkmate
by Autumn Win-Dow
Chapter Two: Woman's Chamber
As she started to run her brush through her loose hair, Mikan heard a light knock on the door. Knowing Hotaru would never knock as it was also her cabin, and that she was involved in negotiations with 'Kuonji' at the time, the brunette was curious as to who else would want to talk to her.
After a brief moment of hesitation and another knock, she called out, "Come in!"
The door revealed a male with long, black hair tied up into a bundle at his nape. She immediately recognised him as one of the men with Kuonji when they had first met.
"Hello. Mikan?" He asked, and she didn't miss the brief run down he made of her figure, "I'm Akira Tonouichi, or call me Tono. Would you like to join us for dinner?"
Cautiously, she forced a smile and held out a hand, but to her surprise he grabbed her hand and held it to his lips for a kiss.
Before Mikan could pull away or his lips could touch her hand, another voice interrupted.
"Tono, stop seducing the girl and come to dinner."
Tono glanced up to see his colleague casually leaning against the door frame, and Mikan took advantage of the opportunity and pulled her hand back.
She hadn't missed the fact that he had called her 'girl'. She felt offended.
"You've broken two rules of respect upon meeting someone, sir!" Mikan crossed her arms and scolded the man with the crimson eyes. "You're referring to me rudely and you've barged into a woman's room!"
He clicked his tongue in response. "Jesus, you are noisy for a grown woman. Tono, let's go."
"I just invited Mikan to come, too." Tono clarified.
"Forget it. I'm not coming." She scoffed as she ushered Tono out of the room and slammed the door.