"You enjoyed that, didn't you?"

"What are you prattling about? I don't know what's wrong with you. Leave me alone. I am tired from lying to everyone for tonight."

Aki walked to her room in her slippers, looking clearly unapologetic of what had occurred in the hotel. Koichi was unexpectedly affected by the fact Choi Watanabe and Kippei Ebihara know her. The little business venture Koichi had been chasing after ended up in shambles before it was even lit on fire. Even though Aki and Kippei weren't able to talk about the little interview, she managed to exchange her calling card with his when Koichi went to the bathroom. Choi had been mum about his heated discussion with Koichi, making Aki even more curious. She couldn't wait for Monday. Koichi on the other hand, was fuming and angry since Choi didn't close a deal with him. Something must have happened and Aki couldn't resist the urge in knowing what it was.

Koichi watched from the doorway of her room as she removed her jewelry.

"You enjoyed having those two men pay attention to you. You're so cheap; didn't you notice my other partners looking on?", he asked menacingly. "My wife enjoying the attention of men who isn't her husband. How could you be so shallow!"

Aki rolled her eyes as she put her earrings back in their case. She knew what Koichi meant and secretly admitted she was happy that happened. That was payback for Ai Yashida's shameless attitude towards her. He didn't even stand up for her from that woman, of course she'd want to get away from her. It was like she was fighting her battle on her own. It was like she didn't have a husband to begin with. Koichi acted as if he didn't have a wife. Now that Aki was aware of that, the feeling of dread caught on. Choi must really know something. However, she cannot point fingers and accuse anyone without seeing it for herself.

"Everyone in that room had eyes. And I do have work to discuss with Kippei considering my next article," she answered him nonchalantly as she zipped down the side of her dress. "And come on, my interaction is nothing compared to how friendly you and Ai Yashida were, Koichi. I wasn't touchy-feely with them unlike she was with you. And for someone who is married? Come on, have YOU no shame?"

Koichi scowled and looked as if Aki had hit a tender spot. Aki stopped and looked back at Koichi. Their eyes met and it was then Aki remember Choi's words.

"Come to think of it, the way she talks to you? It's as if you knew each other well before you and I got married. She was so familiar with you. Would you just be honest and just quit with the lies? That'll really be helpful between us."

Koichi didn't budge but looked completely disinterested. He avoided meeting her eyes, looking at the side instead.

"You don't know anything. You don't know what you are talking about. Coming up with such things... You're just unreasonably drunk," he said. "You're not only cheap and shallow, you're also an alcoholic. What else don't I know about you, Aki? What other bombs are you gonna drop on me next time?"

Koichi left her without even closing her door. Aki only stood in front of her dresser in her underwear, a single tear rolling down her cheek. Looking at her mirror, she bit her lip, the anger burning in her eyes raging as she thought of Koichi and Ai earlier on. Now she's being accused as cheap, shallow and alcoholic? What gall.

It was a night of lies, and even though that fact rested so well within her heart, she also couldn't bear believe to have met such a woman so shameless and brazen. Remembering Ai Yashida's knowing smile, Aki felt her skin break and goosebumps. Then, she was able to imagine her and Koichi with clothes off and legs intertwined, with him humping the daylights out of her. Aki closed her eyes and opened them once more to dispel the image. It only did little.

"I wasn't even drunk...", she muttered to herself as she changed into her pajamas.

Aki distracted herself by putting her dress in the hamper, closing her door and putting her purse on the dresser. It was then she saw Kippei's card between her makeup bag and her wallet. Taking it out she looked at his name and felt the smoothly detailed card between her fingers. There was a subtle trace of his cologne, making her sniff it a little and she can only think back to when they met in the hallway when she and Koichi fought.

She remembered how warm and comforting his hand was.

Aki was having her break with Yahiko by the lounge. She was still extremely upset about the whole dinner fiasco and her mind was just not letting go of what had happened. It's almost been a week, and still it was fresh within her, making her sigh all day. She told Yahiko the sequence of events that moment, and he can only grimace the more annoying the events got.

"He's got some balls to even say such crap to you. I don't understand, Aki.. But really, what the fuck," he said, slurping his ramen. "Seriously though, that man's got issues. I have to say, when he didn't kiss you on the lips during your wedding, I knew there was already something wrong. If it were me, I'd have indecently touched you on the spot."

Aki sighed heavily. True, even she had that notion. Not kissing your spouse on the lips even though you've already exchanged rings and said 'I Do' is just odd. Not to mention the one year dry spell that was abundant. Now it made her wonder how Koichi was holding up. Thinking back, Choi did insinuate an affair, but even though Aki was up to her neck with suspicion, there was no proof. It was simple to just allege someone, and she hasn't seen Koichi do something. But really, did she really want to see him do something she will never be prepared to see?

"Really, no decency in you, pervert Kunori."

Aki and Yahiko looked up to see Choi coming their way from the vendo machine. He was his usual stoic self and he seemed to just come from his office.

"Hey hermit crab," said Yahiko.

Choi just glanced at Yahiko and turned his gaze to Aki. "You seem pretty down. Is it because of your assignment with Ebihara?"

Aki gripped her tea in her cup and didn't say anything as she stared into the liquid. Even though she was also having problems in that aspect, her issue with her husband is more important. It was driving her nuts that she knew nothing and people around her do. Well, there's Yahiko who doesn't know anything as well so she's not alone.

"Choi, I hope you don't mind but Aki told me what happened during the hotel dinner. Frankly, I am not one to butt in but-"

Choi raised an eyebrow at Yahiko. "Not butting in, huh. What a strange proclamation, Kunori. Look, can I talk to Aki for five minutes alone? Well...", Choi glanced at Aki who looked unconcerned about the two of them. She was borderline grave. "Well, since she'll be telling you anyway, might as well have you here to be informed just in case."

"Tell me what?", asked Aki, looking up, a dreadful expression on her face, her color fading from her cheeks.

There were nerves and a bad case of sweaty palms unfolding now, with Aki's heart beating heavily in her chest. How Choi semi-softened his usually uncaring gaze made her even more anxious. With her stomach dropping and her head finally aching, it was a bad sign as it just was surely going to end up in devastation. Beside her, Yahiko placed his ramen down and took a deep breath. She did the same too.

"Choi, if you know something, please,"

Choi sipped his coffee and adjusted his glasses. He took a while before speaking until Aki placed her hand on his as assurance. He met her reassuring gaze adorned with a sad smile. With a deep breath, the bomb was dropped.

"Your husband has been having an affair."

"DUDE YOU COULD'VE AT LEAST SUGARCOATED IT A BIT!", cried Yahiko. "Damn it Choi you're just as heartless as a rock."

"Shouldn't you be by your desk now and doing what I asked you to do?"

"I'm here for moral support, hermit!"

Bowing her head, Aki closed her eyes. She tried to hide the tears that wanted to escape but she won; her hand shaking from the revelation. She took several deep breaths and lifted her head to face Choi while Yahiko rubbed her back gently. The silence among them was awkward and stifling.

"With... with that woman?", she asked in a weak voice.

Choi was poker-faced as he nodded. And the bomb is now detonated and blew up in Aki's face.

"I was in a business meeting with my father and before your husband came, he let slip to me that Ai Yashida has been making rounds with his business partners. From what I was told, my father saw them in the act during one event. He didn't say how or where but that's what he said and I didn't want to know." Choi glanced at Aki once more as if to check if she was okay. Seeing she still was alright and not close to breaking down, he continued. "I remember meeting your husband one evening during a cocktail event for our brewery and heard for myself what he and Mrs. Yashida were talking about. If he was out one weekend and didn't come home until Sunday, well, they were together in Kyoto, just so you know. Apparently, Ai Yashida is a real gold-digger and is having extra-marital affairs with men her age since her husband is taken fresh from the Cretaceous era. She married him for the money, but she's been seeing your husband even before you two got married."

Aki felt nauseous. The information was too much and her mind was just going haywire from trying to comprehend what she can. There was a weekend where in Kpichi didn't come home. He said it was a business trip but to a hot spring? No convention nor summit to host the trip? Aki felt so dumb, so stupid and so devastated. The clues were all in her face but she failed to see it. She sipped her tea calmly and her mind went blank. She was hurt and could possibly be suffering a heart attack without even knowing, but surprisingly, she was still mellow and not wailing out and cursing the living daylights out of Koichi.

Yahiko just stared at his ramen while Choi drank his drink. Both of them couldn't handle the situation since Aki wasn't reacting like they had predicted.

"Aki, if you want to drink, I'll drink with you," said Choi.

Yahiko nodded. He raised his hand and said, "I second the motion. We can't really be doing anything stupid now, can we? You have an ace, Aki."

"Yahiko is right. Keep that to your advantage and do what's best for you. I'll be off around 6 so I'll go ahead and reserve a table in the usual?"

Aki nodded. "That would be good, guys."

"But really Aki... What're you thinking? How're you feeling?", asked Choi, his voice softening as he placed a hand on Aki's. "Don't kill yourself in the restrooms or jump off the terrace. If you have to kill Koichi, call me up so we can help dispose of the body. We can dissolve Koichi's corpse in acid in your bathtub or we can just throw him by the bay."

"I'll come too to be the lookout and to be the driver for the getaway car," chimed Yahiko, patting her head. "I can drive pretty fast and did take that racing class with a side of drifting."

What was she feeling, really? Truth be told, nothing. There was too much pain to be comprehended that her brain couldn't push on and convert it to the form of pain that was proper for that situation. Aki was strangely complacent and serene, as if she was walking on air. She glanced at Choi and Yahiko, giving both of them a grin.

"You psychopaths... Drinks will be fine, okay?", she assured them. "But not tonight, I have to go home and do the laundry. Make it Friday night."

Maybe the fact that it was so painful hasn't really sunk in yet.

Aki looked up at the posh building she was supposed to go to and marveled how intricately designed it was. It was what you'd expect a design firm to be. Granite gray facade with a cream marble interior decorated with lively walls and furniture for that splash of color.

"Huh... so this is his office...", she muttered, holding Kippei's calling card in her hands. She saw her reflection on the glass swing doors. She just had a haircut and though it was shorter now, she liked having a sexy pixie-cut ala Ga In Son from Brown Eyed Girls in the 'Abracadabra' MV. It emphasized her neck and her cheekbones, making Aki feel sexier as she wore her black sleeveless chiffon top over cream cigarette pants and patent black pumps. With pearls to top the look off and a red blazer, she was confident and pretty happy with her ensemble. It was a change for her to forget the recent information Choi shared with her. Maybe Koichi would think twice once he sees her later on that evening. Who knows, looks can be quite changing too. "Looks pretty lax on a Friday.."

She had finished her side article before lunch and called him up to schedule their first interview and was surprised that he was actually free to accommodate her in his own time. Being the five-year winner of Best Designer award, she figured maybe he was too busy and would eventually let go of her arrangement to interview him. Somehow, the fact he said yes took her mind of things and Aki could only thank him in her mind as she went in his office. The receptionist glanced up as she came in and gaped as she saw her.

"Oh, good morning.. I'm here for Mr. Ebihara," Aki said, bowing a little to pay respect.

The receptionist smiled at her and said, "You must be Ms. Aki Gojo? You're quite popular here in our office since you've been photographed with Mr. Ebihara."

Aki was handed their magazine and as she turned to the page, saw herself, Choi and Kippei talking candidly in their shot. Her eyes went immediately to Kippei who was looking at her in the photo with a very sexy smile while she smiled at hi daintily too. It made her a little warm within, but immediately shook the feeling off when her eyes darted to Choi, who didn't seem happy to be there.

"Your haircut suits you Ms. Gojo," said the receptionist. She pushed on a button and lifted the receiver of her phone. "Yes, Mr. Ebihara, Ms. Gojo is here by the front desk. Uh huh, okay, I'll tell her." She put the phone down and smiled at Aki. "You may go in. It's a bit messy inside, but I guarantee you it's because it's Friday."

Aki thanked the receptionist and went into the interior offices where in she couldn't believe the mess that unveiled before her. The cubicles of the employees were messy, with schematics and presentations toppling on each other. People looked completely harassed and all seemed to be catching up on deadlines that they feared they couldn't meet. She passed by conference rooms and saw Shohei Aiba, Yahiko's friend conducting a presentation. When their eyes met, he sneaked a little wave then proceeded on. She turned into a hallway and bumped into someone, however, hot coffee spilled on her chest making her yelp. Wearing a chiffon button-down blouse wasn't really good to wear that day.

"You need to watch where you going! Really, you don't take the whole left side and just go along and- Ms. Gojo? Is that you?"

Aki looked up into the dark, mysterious eyes of Kippei Ebihara. Immediately she bowed to him.

"I'm so sorry for bumping into you! How careless of me!", she apologized. The hot coffee turned her skin red and she remembered she wasn't able to bring a handkerchief. "Ah great. Just great."

Kippei looked behind her and took her hand. "Follow me."

Inside, Akira didn't want to take off her jacket and her chiffon top. It will only leave her with her black tank top on. Good thing she paired it with her black chiffon blouse, at least the coffee stain isn't obvious.

Kippei put his coffee on his table and handed her his handkerchief as he sat down on his seat.

"I must be the one to apologize, Ms. Gojo. I can't really do much but let you borrow my handkerchief again," said Kippei as he gazed at Aki. "By the way, your hair looks very nice on you."

Aki looked up, meeting his eyes and felt herself grow warm in the face. "O-Oh... Thanks, Mr. Ebihara.. Getting bored with my hair, I guess," she answered him shyly, taking his handkerchief and started to wipe on where the coffee spilled on her. "Ow.. I must have been burned or something. My skin feels pretty hot."

Kippei stood up without saying a word and went out of his office. Aki wondered why but simply shrugged it off that maybe he noticed that she needed to fix herself. Her skin got pretty red from the coffee and it could be a minor burn. Aki took off her blazer and her chiffon blouse, leaving only her tank top on. She saw his bathroom and went over to run the spot on her jacket under the tap to wet it a bit and flush some of the coffee. She heard his office door and was about to go out of the bathroom in haste, when Kippei saw her looking quite frazzled, holding her jacket under the faucet. He was holding a canned drink in his hand which still had some ice on it.

Aki turned off the tap and went back to where she sat, pressing the handkerchief together with her jacket in between. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Ebihara. I just couldn't resist wetting my jacket a bit before the coffee dried on it. I'll be fine though so please-"

Kippei didn't say anything and sat on the chair before her and put the canned drink on her skin where the coffee spilled. Aki froze, her amber eyes lifting up slowly into Kippei's gaze. She felt the coldness of the can seep in her skin and make its' way to her heart. It soothed the burning sensation she felt and even the pain that was in her, but Aki couldn't contain herself. She took the can, placing her hand on Kippei's whilst not breaking their gaze.

"Let me be the one to hold that," she muttered feebly.

"Be my guest."

He stood up and went back to his seat across the table from her. Kippei then answered a phone call and signaled for her that he'll just be three minutes off. Aki nodded quietly as she held the can to her heart, her ears enjoying listening to the deep lull of his voice.

If only he didn't take that phone call, it'll be easier on Aki since her mind was now going back to what Choi had said. Really? Should she believe him? Was it easier vouching for the things other people say rather than seeing it with her own eyes? It wasn't easier and it won't be easier now considering it was so hard not being able to get it off her chest with Koichi currently under her suspicion for adultery. Aki didn't want to believe it, didn't want to accept it; but recalling the late night business meetings/dinners/trips/whatevers, the unplanned and mysterious excursions and Koichi's aloof and cruel attitude towards her make it seem so possible. Put in line Choi and his own father witnessing first hand the affair and Ai Yashida's googly-eyed stare at Koichi during the party added more to the allegation. Even though Aki was extremely angry and very hurt with that possibility, she held on to their vow of marriage, trust, fidelity and loyalty and that Koichi is still 'innocent until proven guilty'.

Aki's aura was pretty ominous, her amber eyes turning opaque at the thought of Koichi and Ai Yashida again in each other's arms, doing the things she no longer wanted to imagine but failed at it miserably as the images kept popping up, making her strangely nauseous.

"Aki?"

"Yes?", she answered quickly, looking back at Kippei who was now leaning on his table, an arm stretched to her. She felt his warm hand on her shoulder.

Aki then realized now that Kippei was no longer on the phone. Once Kippei noticed she was back to herself again, he retracted his arm and placed them professionally on the table.

"S-Sorry... I must have slipped in a daze," she apologized, giving him a wry smile. "Anyway, would you be kind enough to brief me on the things that I should and shouldn't ask you about before we conduct the interview proper?"

Kippei stared at her for a while and sighed.

"I don't really like being asked about personal things however, I should be the one asking you what are your limits?", Kippei had an unusual tone to him. Leaning back on his chair, put both arms on his armrest and tilted his head as he looked at her longer.

"Limits? My limits?" Aki didn't understand. She was inwardly wishing this wasn't some Fifty Shades of Gray shit. She did read that and it fried her brain with the hard limits and anal beads.

Kippei thought for a moment. With a mysterious, seductive gleam in his eye, he then asked Aki, "I mean how far would you go for your story?"