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Chapter 7 – Meeting a friend

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"You sure this is okay?"

Sakura pulled at her dress anxiously as she surveyed herself in the mirror. She had been given the full-length blue dress as a gift for the party she was about to attend, and, although grateful, she had been hesitant to accept the invitation.

Kane looked her up and down with an approving nod. "I'm positive. You look great."

She blushed and turned towards the glass wall overlooking the city. "No, I meant, is it okay that I'm going to this party? I feel like I'm butting in."

"Don't worry about it. Anybody who dares to question you will have me to answer to."

As with many similar statements he made, Sakura wasn't quite sure if he was kidding. Maybe she just didn't get his humor yet, but she knew he was definitely capable of issuing a legitimate threat. Only the other day she'd been talking with him in his office when a man had burst in past security, begging for his life after letting a large amount of weaponry get stolen from his transportation company. Kane had silently listened as the well-dressed man had fallen to the ground in a jumble of apologies, his forehead hitting the floor again and again. She could only watch in shock as Kane listened to his pleas, and said in a soft, unsettlingly calm voice that the man could only save his life by retrieving the weapons and capturing those responsible. No, not kill. Capture alive. The man got one more bow in before security got a hold of him and dragged him out of the room.

Needless to say, Kane had a side to him that had capabilities he kept hidden.

"I won't know what to do with myself," she argued, not even completely sure why she was. It was an honor to attend this event, and she even had the luxury of being the special guest of Kiamatsu Kane.

"Just be yourself," he smiled, and threw a jacket around her shoulders. "But try not to mention that little fact."

"You mean the fact that I don't know where I came from? That I appeared out of nowhere last week and no one can figure out who I am, no matter how much the tabloids guess? Yeah, I think I can manage not to bring it up. But I'm pretty sure someone else will."

They entered the penthouse elevator.

"If they do, they'll have to deal with whatever answer you want to give them. I trust you to say what feels best."

She nodded. At least he trusted her in that way. But she wondered how his trust would be misconstrued by others. Already, papers claimed he had a new secretary, or a PR rep, or a live-in girlfriend. Little did they know that their relationship was only that of friends. She just happened to have nowhere else to live but his penthouse.

The elevator doors opened and one of Kane's cars pulled up (Sakura had since given up trying to remember all the types he owned). She expected Kane's usual driver to step out, but instead, a new face greeted them with a bow.

"Good evening, Kane-sama," said the man, who had shocking orange hair that clashed with his black suit. "Good evening, ma'am."

He opened the door without really looking up at Kane, but his eyes rose to meet Sakura's for a fleeting second before he shut the door behind them.

Once in the car, Kane stretched out and cracked his neck. A dark window separated them from the chauffeur up front.

"What happened to your normal driver?" Sakura asked.

"He got himself into a car accident, ironically. This is, Ichi, if I remember correctly. He came recommended by an old friend. "

"Is your old driver alright?"

He nodded. The car pulled out into the city.

"So, on a better note," he began, "Niko shouldn't be coming tonight, so everything might go smoothly for once."

She smiled. Although she hadn't seen wild Niko since their first encounter, she knew from Kane's personality that he cared about his brother, even if he tried to hide it.

"Wasn't he invited?"

"No. If everything went right, he has no idea this party is even going on."

"I'm impressed! You said this was a really important event."

"It is. It was nearly impossible to ensure that no media coverage would hit his favorite part of city until after tonight. Everybody with influence in politics will be there and if it doesn't go perfectly, I'll never hear the end of it."

"So this whole thing is just about making your life easier, isn't it?"

He laughed and threw up his hands. "You got me. So sue me for wanting a break from the needling critiques of political life."

"I can't blame you; you really do look like you need some sleep."

"Well if I do, people will be asking how I got a beautiful woman like you, Sakura."

The car swerved suddenly and Sakura's hand accidentally landed on his leg. He looked down at it.

"Sorry!" she pulled it back quickly, hoping she wasn't blushing. It may have been childish, but she couldn't help that at certain times he was just too cute to be a friend. With a face like his, it amazed her that he mostly hid from the public eye, and the beautiful women that offered themselves to him at any chance.

They pulled over at the building where the party was being held. The door opened for them and Kane stepped out, taking her hand to lead her out.

Immediately she was bombarded with bright lights and camera flashes, shouts and questions. Disoriented by the chaos, she was glad Kane's hand gripped hers tightly as they moved through the crowd, guided by the velvet rope and a line of security to the front doors.

"Who is she?" called several voices.

"What, no pictures?"

"Just answer the question, Kiamatsu-sama!"

It was unbearable. She was infinitely glad when the doors closed behind them, trapping the noise behind them.

Inside was a giant hall, superbly decorated and relatively crowded as well. But these people were in dresses and suits, chatting calmly in small groups. Violin music played in the background.

Those nearest looked up as they entered and Sakura felt a hundred eyes on her. She swallowed and looked to Kane, who gave her a reassuring smile. He seemed to have an uncanny ability to ignore the stares.

"Take a breath," he whispered to her, as they started into the crowd. "You're with me. They can't hurt you."

A fire burned hot within her and she floated with him through the sea of faces.

"Here we go," He lifted two glasses off a tray held out by a server. "This will help us get through the night."

Sakura took a sip of the bubbly drink.
"It's delicious, what is it?"

He hesitated then smiled. "It's just champagne. I'm sorry, sometimes I forget . . ."

A couple walked up to them and greeted Kane. Their names were lost the second she heard them, but they prattled on to Kane about their success for a good few minutes before Kane excused himself and pulled her away.

"Alright, please just give me two hours to mingle with these horrible people," he murmured. "And trust me, I'll be having as much fun as you are."

For the next hour, Sakura was introduced to far too many people for her to remember. Diplomats, corporate leaders, actors, and wealthy heirs were all eager to greet Kane. Many gave her curious glances, and some were brave enough to toss in a question about her, which Kane immediately would disrupt or ignore altogether.

The night was going well, if not extremely boring, and Sakura found herself glancing around for a clock between introductions and small talk. Had it been another hour yet? She couldn't tell. But she did catch more than a few glares in her direction, mostly from younger women. She bit her lip and tried to enjoy herself anyway.

In between groups Kane found moments to talk to her. He pulled her aside and apologized again if she was bored.

"Holding up okay?" he asked.

She nodded and motioned to her drink. "But I keep sipping it to be polite, and they keep filling it back up!"

He laughed. "If it makes you feel any better, I've been asked three times whether that's your natural hair color. I didn't even know how to respond."

She opened her mouth to argue, but paused. "You know, I'm not even sure if it is, either. I guess I'll find out sooner or later, won't I?"
"Well, I was about to say that I won't be seen with a girl who dyes her hair and can't remember it."
"Let's just say it's natural."

He took a sip.

"Oh, I forgot to mention that a certain famous director wanted to know if you can act, because he's sure he sees some talent in you."

"Right, I'm sure that's what he sees," she said dryly. Kane shook his head with a smile.

"I've taught you well. No one in this city is willing to give you something for free. Especially in this group of fine people," he nodded towards the crowd, "who have nothing better to do than gossip and scheme."

He flinched as a pair of arms threw themselves around him.

"Kane-sama!"

A smiling face appeared next to him. She had a shock of purple hair pulled up and falling around her maroon eyes.

"Hello, Takara-san. Nice to see you."

"Oh, don't play formalities with me. I just got here but this looks like another successful party by the Kiamatsu Corporation. You did good."

"Thank you. Takara, this is Sakura."

Takara just seemed to notice her.

"Oh so this is the girl everyone's talking about!"

"Nice to meet you, Takara-san," Sakura said. The girl looked her up and down and circled around her. She nodded approvingly.

"Kane-sama, she's so cute! We're going to have to be friends, Sakura-chan. I'm just about always around Niko and if you're dating Kane then we'll see a lot of each other. What are you doing this weekend? We should go shopping and get to know each other."

"That sounds great. But Kane and me, we're just friends."

"Mhm sure. Where did you two meet?"

Sakura paused and thankfully Kane stepped in.

"Takara, this isn't really the time for that. Are you here with anybody?"

She gave him a look that proved her suspicion but she shrugged.
"Yea I'm here with Niko-sama."

Kane groaned. "Every time . . . I swear it's like he can read my mind when I don't want him to show up."

Takara laughed. "You're so mean to poor Niko-sama! What did he ever do to you?"

"How long do we have?"

A loud thud had everyone in the room looking around, and eyes settled to the low stage where the violinists were playing. Niko tapped the microphone again.

"Good evening, everyone!" his voice echoed throughout the hall. His blonde friend Mitsuko stood nearby, flanked by three women. He whistled to Niko and began clapping.

"Speech, speech!"

Niko pointed to his friend. "Thank you, Mitsuko! I'd like to thank you all for coming here tonight."

"Has he been drinking?" Kane hissed to Takara. She shrugged. "I don't think so."

"In fact," he continued, "I'd like you all to give a big hand to my dear brother Kane, the real planner behind the party. Where are you, brother? I know you're here somewhere."

Kane cursed under his breath and raised his hand, nodding to his brother with a false polite smile.

"Let's hear it for Kane, everybody!" he began clapping.

The crowd, obviously a bit confused, followed with an applause to which Kane politely gestured thanks. Takara enthusiastically gave a catcall.

"Now, I know this wasn't exactly announced, but you people all have plenty of money, and our dear leader Kane has kindly offered to turn this party into a charity event."

He paused as an applause rose without his guidance, and he smiled and bowed, eating it up.

"Kane here has offered to raffle off his beautiful Mazda 4 to the highest bidder, all proceeds going to his charity!"

Another applause, more lively this time, and Niko happily began leading the auction by taking offers.

"Damnit, Niko," Kane frowned.

"Did he really just auction off your car?"

"Unfortunately this is one of his pranks the public loves him so well for."

"What are you gonna do?"

"Walk home, I guess."

"Really?"

He smiled. "I'm kidding! I'll just have another car brought around."

"It would've been nice to walk, though. It's not too far."

"Sakura, I'm really sorry, but I can't just waltz out into the city like that. If the wrong person saw me, it could mean a lot of trouble."

She nodded. "I understand."

He watched her intently.

"You know what? Let's do it. Niko's got a hold of this party now, my presence won't be missed."

They turned to leave but Takara stood in their way.

"Leaving so early from your own party? Shame on you, Kane-sama."

"Thanks for coming, Takara, but I've had enough on Niko's antics for today. And he wonders why I don't invite him places."

She frowned. "Did it ever occur to you that the reason he does things like this is because you don't invite him?"

Before he could respond she disappeared into the crowd.

He walked in silence to the front and nearly walked past their driver, who stood waiting by the door.

"Sir," the man called as he caught up, "I was just informed that the car is going to be auctioned tonight?"

Kane nodded solemnly.

"It's a shame, sir. A Mazda 4 like that is hard to come by."

"You're very right, Ichi."

"Should I call for another?"

"No, Sakura and I are going to walk back. You can follow."

He bowed. "Yes, sir."

Another glance was given to Sakura, and she was beginning to think there was something it his gaze. But Kane took her hand and they exited down a hallway to a side door, where there were no paparazzi waiting.

"We'll stay away from the main roads," Kane said.

They started down a wide alley and crossed a bridge over the highway, heading for a less populated area. Ichi the driver followed far enough behind that their conversation was private.
"Who are you afraid of seeing you out in the streets?"

"Besides photographers? Who, by the way, can be hell-bent on trying to get a picture of me doing anything regrettable. . . there's still a good amount of organized crime I can't seem to get rid of. They're dangerous people who want my head."

"You make it sound like you're on the run."

"That might be easier. Love it or hate it, I'm stuck with Akirasawa and all the problems that come with it."

"It's funny, the city is only beautiful to me. I guess I haven't seen enough of it to know."

He was silent for a moment. They had kept on the sidewalk farther from the road so no one driving would see their faces, and they had gone unnoticed by any of the sparse passerby so far.

"You've felt too sheltered up in the penthouse, haven't you? I noticed you haven't left it much."

She sighed. "Honestly, I'm kinda afraid of getting lost . . . what if I lost my memory again? What if I woke up completely alone in the city? I don't know if I'd be so lucky as to run in to you again."

"You're so sweet, Sakura. Just like I put up with Akirasawa's problems, you put up with all of mine, but you never complain."

"I'm happy to be with you no matter what, you know that. But, I would like to see the city somehow even while you're working."

"Hold on, Sakura. I think we're being followed."

"By your driver? I thought he was supposed-"

"No, someone else across the street. They've been keeping pace with us for a few blocks now."

"Sir." Sakura jumped.

Ichi had quietly caught up with them and kept a few steps behind.

"Our tail is three men," he began, "two armed with guns, one with a small knife. They know who you are and have been trying to decide whether to attack you or not. Do you want me to get rid of them?"

Kane smirked. "You already knew they were there, Ichi?"

"They doubled back five blocks ago when we passed."

"You're very observant for a chauffeur."

"I'm just being careful, sir. Now please, would you two stay behind me?"

He turned towards the three men who had crossed the street to their side. They stopped a few meters away when they realized they'd been found out.

"What are you looking at?" called one of them, whose hand was in his jacket.

Ichi stood between the men and Sakura and Kane.

"We don't want any trouble," he said.

"Neither do we!" said another of the men. "But when we see Kiamatsu Kane walking down the street, we feel like we owe it to our boss to bring him the guy who put him in jail."

"He's not going anywhere. Now get out of here if you don't want to get hurt. This is your last chance."

The first stepped forward and pulled out a gun. He pointed it straight at Ichi's chest.

"No, this is your last chance. Get out of our way."

Ichi took a step towards him.

"That's it!"

Ichi dove forward and Sakura braced herself for the sound of a gun. But there was none. The first man was lying on the ground and the others leapt for him. Ichi grabbed the arm of the second gunman and tossed him over his shoulder. In the same movement he spun and kicked the third so hard he flew back a few meters before hitting the ground with a thud.

None of them moved and Ichi walked coolly back to Kane as if going for a stroll.

"We can continue on, sir."

Kane didn't move.

"Something tells me you're not just a driver," he said slowly.

"I've practiced martial arts all my life, I like to be prepared for anything I might meet."

"Your previous employer didn't mention that."

"He probably didn't think it was relevant, sir. I'm just happy for the work."

"Hey Sakura, this might be the perfect solution."

"To what?"

"Ichi knows the city, and he could protect you if anything happened."

"You mean you want me to have a bodyguard?"

"Why not? He's already in my employment. And I don't need him while I'm working, I have other people to drive me at the office. I'd feel much better knowing you're in good hands."

"Would that be okay, Ichi?" Sakura asked.

The man nodded.

"Thank you, Ichi-san," she said, "I really appreciate it. I'll try not to be too much of a bother to you."

"That won't be a problem, ma'am."

He turned to Kane.

"We should start walking before they wake up."

"Good man. Let's get going Sakura, we're close to home."

She glanced back at Ichi as they began walking. He was looking up at the moon.

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