A/N: I'm really sorry for the delay everyone. I just had a hard time writing this chapter. It just seemed so bland every time I wrote it, and I didn't want to post it like that. I tried to fix it as much as I could. Hopefully the next one would be better.

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to Yamane Ayano Sensei. I'm just borrowing them for my story. Any resemblance in name or situation is purely coincidental.

Happy reading!

Chapter 4

Kirishima had called the car to pick them up from the exit.

Akihito was awed when a limousine pulled up and the driver got out opening the door for them. They all entered the car one by one and soon, they were on their way.

"So, where are we going? We're gonna have to go to many shops to get everything on our list." Mizuki said thoughtfully.

"Don't worry about it; I know a place where we can get everything on that list." Akihito assured her. "Tell you what; it will be my get-to-know-you gift. What do you say?"

His query was met with enthusiastic nods from the girls and a relieved sigh from the Asamis. Everything being in one place would certainly be kinder on their feet, though they would never admit to it.

"Okay then, let's go the LUX. It's quite near here." Akihito declared. LUX was a high class shop and only catered to the very top cream of the society. It even had a formal dress code! Everyone sent dubious glances at the blonde's attire, which was jeans, a white t-shirt and a sweatshirt, paired with sneakers. He assured everyone that it was fine; he knew someone in the shop and he had been informed about his visit; so they would easily be granted entry.

Everyone reluctantly agreed and Kirishima relayed the information to the driver. Everyone settled in and made small talks about any ranging from the weather to the new gadgets. It seemed that Akihito was very knowledgeable and the conversation flew easily as they reached their destination.

The girls practically bounced out of the limo as soon as it stopped. The men exited more gracefully and the car drove away to the parking lot.

The LUX had opened about a year ago and had become an instant hit among the Japan's richest. It had the best products of the best brands, even the foreign ones. And it also boasted of its excellent infrastructure. The building spanned over 150,000 square meters, big enough to be called a shopping mall, and had 6 floors and an underground parking facility. It also was eco-friendly and earthquake proof. The interiors were tastefully decorated and the sections divided according to the utilities it provided. It never failed to awe the people who entered with its magnificence and beauty.

Everyone walked to the entrance, with Akihito and the girls at the head of their group, with Kirishima and Suoh flanking the end. As they reached the door, everyone was surprised when a man, who they realized was the manager from his name-tag, respectfully bowed to them and ushered them in.

"It's an honour to welcome you to our humble shop again, Akihito sama. I hope you had a safe flight?" the manager asked as he offered them a seat.

"It was a shaky landing, but the rest was fine. How are you doing, Mr. Inoue? The business is not causing you unnecessary stress, I hope?" Akihito enquired.

"Oh no, the business is going smoothly, so no stress at all!" the manager chuckled.

"That's good to hear. Wouldn't want you retiring early now, would we?" Akihito said with a cheeky grin.

"Of course you wouldn't. After all, who would be able to handle a whirlwind like yourself if I do?" Inoue quipped back and Akihito chuckled.

"True that." He said between his chuckles.

"The shop has been closed for others so you can take your time, without any disturbances. So, what can I help you with today, Akihito sama." the manager asked, his body taking on a professional seriousness, worthy of being in charge of such an esteemed establishment.

"Well, I just need to buy some clothes for myself, as well as some basic necessities. And these lovely ladies," he gestured to Seiko and Mizuki, who were gaping at the VIP treatment he was being given, "would love to look around the shop, wouldn't you, doves?"

That broke them from their stupor and they nodded, still trying to grasp the situation. The men were doing no better, but they were good at preventing their thoughts from showing on their faces.

The Asami brothers looked at each other, silently mulling over the new information. The background check on Akihito showed that he was a student of Caltech University, California and worked in a software company, nothing that warranted the VIP treatment by the manager of LUX. Their minds were still reeling as the manager nodded and gestured to the staff to escort them.

Akihito chose his dresses at a record time. They mainly consisted of some jeans, t-shirts and shirts. He also bought some sneakers. As expected of LUX, none of the items had a price tag, but were obviously of the highest quality. Ryuichi discovered that Akihito had very good taste in clothes. They fit him wonderfully yet looked comfortable. He caught himself staring at him several times and looked away quickly when he realized it. Akihito caught his eyes one time and sent him a wink and stuck out his tongue, which he found oddly endearing. The staff packed the items and they were sent to the billing section.

Then came the girls' turn. Three staff members accompanied them as they toured the building. The girls ooh'ed and aahh'ed over several items. Mizuki was particularly enamoured by a necklace set. They were pink diamonds set on white gold and sparkled brilliantly in the light. Seiko, on the other hand, was fascinated by the emerald necklace set, with a huge diamond hanging in the middle. Both the necklaces were works of expert workmanships. They were added to the pile that they had already selected before.

The girls tried several lovely dresses, and after trying them out, decided to keep most of them. Akihito cooed over how beautiful they both looked as they had been trying the dresses and asked the staff to help choose some accessories to go with them.

Ryuichi and Renji found some items that interested them as well. They selected some watches (those just oozed class and money), wallets and some sexy Italian leather shoes. They also choose some nice suits and got them fitted as the girls got their dresses fitted too.

Akihito returned Ryuichi's favor and ogled him unabashedly as he tried on the suits. Many comments like "sexy", "alluring", "sensual", "hot" were given out freely. He also teased Renji with more words like "racy", "saucy", "and beddable". His utterance of "bootylicious" had Renji turning red again, which got Akihito laughing again.

After several dresses, jewellery, shoes and cosmetic items later, the girls declared themselves satisfied enough and ready to leave. Akihito excused himself to attend to a phone call and the rest of the group proceeded to the lounge area to wait for him.

Ryuichi beckoned the manager and tried to hand him his credit card to pay the bills. The manager declined his card respectfully and apologized.

"I'm sorry sir, but Akihito sama has already paid for your purchases. They are currently being packed for you."

Everyone, except for Seiko, was shocked.

"So nii-chan's upto his tricks again, huh?" she giggled.

The manager merely smiled and excused himself.

"What's wrong?" Akihito asked when he returned and was met with skeptical looks.

"You paid for all the items." Mizuki said while pointing an accusing finger at him.

"Yeah, I told you they were your get-to-know-you presents. Of course I would be paying for them." He simply stated. When no one stopped staring, he added, "Oh please, a few millions aren't going to put a dent in my account, you know!"

Any further arguments were cut off by the manager returning and many of the staff following him, carrying their bags.

Akihito was handed back his card and thanked profusely by the manager for choosing their shop. They headed back to the entrance of the shop where their limo was already waiting. After the staff finished putting away their shopping bags in the car, everyone got inside. The manager and the staff bid their farewell with a 90 degree bow and requested to come again.

By the time the limo left the compound, the tension inside had increased to dangerous levels, but Akihito was seemingly oblivious to it.

"So Aki nii, are you going to your house tonight?"

"Nah, I'm staying at a hotel. Dave will be here tomorrow and then we'll go to the house. It makes no sense to go all the way there only to come back in the morning. It would waste too much time."

"You have a house here?" Mizuki asked, the tension forgotten.

"Yes, in the countryside. I love the peace and quiet I get there. It's so different from the busy city. You should all visit our house sometime soon."

His invitation was accepted with affirmative nods from everyone.

"Hey, instead of staying in the hotel, why don't you stay at our home tonight?" Mizuki suggested. "I'm sure no one would mind."

"Yes, you should." Ryuichi said before Akihito could voice any protest. "I'm sure Seiko has lots of things she wants to talk to you about." This earned him a grateful look from Seiko.

At the pleading look of his sister, all his protest melted and Akihito nodded his consent. Mizuki and Seiko whooped in excitement and giggled. Their happiness was contagious and soon Akihito was smiling as well. Ryuichi and Renji watched with matching smiles at their loved ones.

Everyone continued smiling and joking, with some teasing on Akihito's part; and the limo now headed towards the Asami mansion, where their parents and the entire clan resided.