Chapter 7


It has been exactly two and half month since the Kuran family has taken Aiyora under their care. Being born into a middle class family Aiyora was not used to the life style of the family she will be getting married to, the Kuran's.

Not only in Japan, the Kuran family is actually one of the very influential families in the world. Here in Japan, they hold some form of royalty and are very much considered royals. However each and every member of the family is treated like celebrity. Expect for Yuki of course, who lives a simple everyday earning life by working as a teacher, mixing with normal people. Yuki's parents Haruka and Juri mostly lives a high profile life. But they are not the biggest star of Kuran, that title on the other hand belongs to Kaname Kuran the heir next in line.

Getting engaged to Kaname Kuran had its own disadvantages. It made Aiyora's life a pure living hell. People of the media made her their new target. They followed her everywhere, be it class, or home, or when she was out with friends. She was constantly judged for her style which very well was not compatible to the ladies who were fortunate to hung around Kaname's inner circle. More importantly she was not allowed to make any interaction with the media nor was she even allowed to speak about Kaname. She already created a mess before, the Kuran's didn't want a second one. All these rules and regulations created extra pressures on Aiyora. Therefore not being able to handle this pressure any longer Aiyora broke down and cried before the media asking them to leave her alone.

And after this incident the Kuran family decides to draw a conclusion to all these cat and mouse chase and make Aiyora move in with them.

Yuki was the one who was the most thrilled among all by the decision. It was like her prayers have bee answered, Aiyora and her will be in the same house, under the same roof. Could life get any better?

But reality was far different than what either Yuki or Aiyora imagined.


"Aiyora, meet Nina, your hair stylist. She will design your hair for days and special occasions." her soon to be mother in law introduced pointing towards the rainbow haired female. Aiyora took a good look at this Nina's hair and wondered how on earth was this girl going to style her hair when she failed to give a decent style to her own hair.

"This is Takeshi, he will be your makeup artist." Okay the art of his face showed skill.

"At your service my lady, and please call me Keshi." The male spoke in tone that gave Aiyora a general idea about his flamboyant nature.

"That is Nana, your wardrobe stylist. She will help you decide your outfit." Juri pointed and Aiyora's eyes landed on the formally dress short black haired female.

"And this is Momoyama, she is the one who raised Kaname and Yuki. so I am assigning her as your mentor. she will guide you to perfect the Kuran behaviour. And if any time you have any questions feel free to ask me or Kaname, we will be more than glad to help you out."

Well this is going to be easy. Aiyora thought. Deep inside her heart she felt a weird sense of excitement, like she was looking for it all.


Two months after Aiyora moved into the Kuran mansion:

"Tomorrow afternoon we are going to Shindo's birthday party." Yuki said barging into Aiyora's room super excited. But her excitement all died down, to see that Aiyora sitting before the dresser getting her hair curled and Kaname standing on the other side giving instructions to the hair stylist.

"Aiyora and I will be attending Shindo's birthday tomorrow." Yuki said again, this time looking straight into her brother's eyes.

"For sure that can be arranged," Kaname said then turned his head towards his assistant Seiran who was holding a black binder on hand. "Can't it Seiran?"

The grey haired female opened the binder and flipped through pages before pausing at particular one.

"Unfortunately there is no free hour for either of you tomorrow Kaname-sama. First you have meeting with the wedding planner, then you both are to accompany Juri-sama to a book launch party, from there you and lady Aiyora will have to meet the magazine for the interview and decided on the final touch before the photo shoot. And lastly at night both you and Aiyora-sama are expected to attend the ballet show performed by Mia-Mora dance group."

Aiyora let out a tired sigh, imagining how long and tiring of a day it will be. That was good enough for Yuki to know that once again Aiyora will not be available. More like it has become an everyday routine.

"It's okay, no problem I will take Zero." with that Yuki just turned on her heels and stormed out. Leaving behind a sad Aiyora and as for Kaname, he had no reaction. they would know that she is pissed but who cares about what they think!

Day of the shoot:

When Yuki entered the studio chamber the lights, the bed and the hot-tub all were close to done being prepared. The soft focus moonlight like lighting, candle, long flying curtains and drapes suggested this shoot is going to be a sensual one. She did not mind. After all Kaname and Aiyora have had already four sessions of photo shoot done and Yuki was present during all of them. First one was by the beach in Maldives, seconds in the dessert in Morocco, third one was at the Kuran golf courtd and fourth one Yuki even forgot where. Now Yuki is curious to see how this on would turn out.

The sound of the door opening gets Yuki's attention. The door to the dressing room opened, both Kaname and Aiyora walked out dressed in silk white robes. Hold on ROBES!? Yuki blinked her eyes in confusion. What the heck happened to their clothes? Will they be naked or be in their underwear? How can Aiyora pose naked she is way too shy for that.

She went up to Seiran who was instructing the assistant of the photographer and asked and from her she learned that, "it will be an intimate shoot, they will be posing nude!"

"Excuse me!" her harsh words got Kaname's attention who upon noticing his sister quickly rushed to her side and pulled her to a corner.

"What the hell Kaname!?" Yuki hissed not being able to keep her temper in check. "Now you two will pose naked? She needs to be naked before whole the world? Listen just because you are shameless doesn't mean others around you are comfortable."

"Yuki relax! Please relax and listen to me…let me explain." He rubbed his palm up and down her arms. Hoping it would calm her anger down. But it's not that simple.

"What can you possibly explain Kaname?"

"I assure you it will be over in two minutes."

Yuki snarled in rage.

"Please Yuki, I give you my words it will be done in two minutes." Deep down Yuki feared she already knew that no choice sits before her than to accept it.

"Kaname-sama we are waiting." The kuran siblings turned hearing the call from one of the assistant of the photographers. Yuki noticed Aiyora was already on the bed, with a girl assisting her out of the robe. When Kaname neared the bed one of the assistants came running and helped him disrobe before he climbed onto the bed and hovered over Aiyora covering her nudity with his body.

"Ready?" Yuki saw as Kaname asked Aiyora rubbing his palm gently over her head; like he was asking for permission to fuck her and she only nodded a reply. Yuki tried her best to block out Kaname and focus on Aiyora. She appeared nervous but somehow managed to hide it well. The awkward feeling was there. Even a small tint of blush that cover her milky white cheeks!

Cameras started to flash and directions started to come.

Yuki's excitement increased because soon it will be over…which is what she desperately prayed for.

However over two hours passed it is still not over. Alas Yuki's prayers were not answered. Once they had to change the background, twice they had change the camera lenses, and then there was too much oil on Aiyora so make it equal they had to oil Kaname's body. Then it turned too slippery and holding onto each other turned quite a struggle. Their bodies continued to slip and slide against each other making them tightly their grip. Yuki's could feel her heart stop when Kaname's fingers almost dug into the side of Aiyora's hips. And what hurt more was when her hands almost fisted on his large back trying to get a good grip of him. It took almost an hour for the shots on the bed to be done. And now they have been moved into the hot tub. And there thing escalated from bad to worse; here they must pose like 'did is being done!'

Yuki showed herself out the moment the director instructed Aiyora to pretend to ride Kaname. This is way too much vulgarity for her to bear. Nor could she blame Aiyora. So rather than watching things that would make her mood bitter Yuki decided it's best to wait outside where she will see nothing, know nothing.

"Yuki…?" she turned hearing familiar warm voice. "What is the matter?"

"Oh nothing, I just decided to come down and get fresh air while Aiyora is getting all naked with Kaname-oniisama."

"Oh…wait WHAT?"

"I know you heard me, what's the point in asking?"

Zero always had the magical ability to read Yuki's mind and even now he could see the pain in her eye clearly no matter how hard she tried to conceal it.

He knew it would not be of great help but still he forced her onto his bicycle and took her to the beach. The only place where Yuki found solace from all the disturbance.

"Zero…do you hate me for who I am?" Yuki asked as they lay down side by side on the sandy beach.

"Why do you ask when you already know the answer?"

"I want to hear you say that you love me!" she abruptly paused, let out a sad sigh before going on. "You are the last piece of hope that I can hold onto; now that Aiyora barely has time for me, after all she is so busy becoming a celebrity."

"Don't tell me you having doubts on your decision upon this union?" Zero asked.

"I probably am." She honestly admitted. "…he is giving her too much attention."

"But here is the thing…he knows that they are being watched. He needs make this marriage look genuine. I'm sure after marriage he will figure out a way for the two of you to be together." Though Zero spoke clearly but there was hint of uncertainty in his voice. And the next words left his mouth more like a warning. "You just need to make sure your mother does not get too involved into this. Since end of the day is it mostly your mother who tends to make things way to complicated!"

The silver haired male found it a bit strange that Yuki gave him no reply. He opened his eyes, only to realize that he closed them earlier and found his side to be empty. Strange where could she go?

"HEY!" he heard her voice from far and as he looked his missed a beat. It missed another beat at the sight of Yuki completely stripping down and almost diving into the water calling him with alluring invitation gaze.

His sixth senses told him that it would be a bad idea to follow but when it comes to Yuki, Zero barely pays attention to his consciousness. He prefers to become unconscious. And before he even realized he already pulled his t-shirt over his head, his shorts halfway undone and the next thing he knew his feet were dragging him to where was is already awaiting.


The day began beautifully. The sky is in its beautiful blue shade today while decorated with touches of cotton candy like white clouds all around it. Then there is the occasional presence of soft yet warm rays of sunlight brightening up not only the environment but also one mood. It is days like this that makes a person happy for no reason. The same could be said for Kaname Kuran, whose whole mood was chirped and perked up at the beauty of this day. Not to miss a single bit of this day he decided to start early. He even woke up Aiyora and invited her to join him in the garden for breakfast.

Kaname and Aiyora were seated in the garden enjoying a cup of tea made by Kaname himself while waiting for the breakfast to arrive. The maids arrived with tray of breakfast and morning newspaper. Super excited Aiyora picked up a piece of toast and snatched the newspaper before Kaname could get his hands on them.

Clearing his throat Kaname said, "It is I who opens the newspaper first every morning."

"Agreed," Aiyora retorted with a victorious smile "…but from today it shall change."

"I once read somewhere that," Kaname started "…in order to maintain a happy marriage one must never argue with wife. In fact a husband should always agree with his wife."

Ayirao burst into ghost of laughter. "Is that how our marriage will be?" And with absolutely no seriousness in her voice asked "You will listen to all my words? Each and every single one of them..?"

"…Yes of course." He answered with dead seriousness. His face blank, eyes almost dilated and voice deep and husky. All these features were noticeable but unfortunately for Aiyora before she could pay attention to the man before, her eyes landed on the particular section of newspaper by the down right corner and those deep green eyeballs of her widened in seconds.

Kaname noted her change right away and asked in a concerned voice, "Are you alright?" but got no response. She was too engrossed into a particular article. "Aiyora…is everything alright with you?"

"Who the fuck is Zero Kiryu?"

"I'm sorry who?"

"Zero fucking Kiryu!?" she spat the name like it was some sort of abomination.

"A family friend, but why are you suddenly so interested in him?"

"Here is why…" She shoved the newspaper back into his direction. Only to have him casually pick it up and look at the picture of Yuki and Zero by the beach, naked, racing. Although the urge to laugh out like those evil villains in movie was taking over but Kaname knew all too well to keep himself under control. The poor girl just received an indirect heartbreak; he cannot just laugh about it on her face.

"This is nothing." He spoke like a professional who has been dealing with these nasty tabloids for ages. "It is the tabloids way of fooling people to buy their newspapers."

"Why is she naked with him?" He raised his eyebrow. That was actually quite a good question to ask but not to him, after all he is not the picture. Still he decided to answer taking his sister's side, defending her.

"I think the term it's referred to as, is skinny dipping."

"I know what it is called…my question is why with him!?" Then commented, "At least has his underwear on, not like her, not even a thread on...aaarrrhhh!" the fact that Yuki was completely on her skin did not sit very well with her lover.

Aiyora was already fumed up and Kaname took note of how possessive she is. It is not a nature of her he noticed earlier but either way he decided to spray a bit of aerosol into that fire and just observe how far it goes.

"Your eyes show insecurity." Kaname chose his words carefully. "Don't tell me you feel frightened to lose Yuki to Kiryu?" There was a playful glint in his voice that his fiancé was not sure how to take because the evidence is quite clear that he is trying to mock her.

"Yuki was never like this," she was already drawing conclusion. "I never imagined her to be like this."

"Your imagination seems quite vague to me." Those words made Aiyora glare at him, but as if it even had any effects? Since he too busy drinking his tea, to notice her glare.

"Do you think she is trying to make me jealous?" She pointed her finger towards the newspaper again. "By getting all naked with him!" Kaname could only stare at her. He is not sure if that was Yuki's actual motive? Even if not, it still worked.

"I cannot believe her!" Aiyora went on draining herself to a sip of water. "She is doing all these out petty jealousy. Never have I thought Yuki is capable of stooping this low. A part of me wants to dump her right now." Kaname just observed her taking few deep breath and exhaled before closing her eyes and finally asking. "She really does not know the meaning of loyalty …does she?"

"It appears to me that you clearly do not recognize the term faith?" his voice sounded like he was deeply disappointed. It caught Aiyora off guard.

"Kaname…I…um…onii-sama…" now she clearly wasn't making any sense. Even struggling to find the right term to address him.

At that moment Aiyora was a sight not to be missed. The expression of horror all over her face was absolutely priceless. If he wished Kaname could have stopped there but no, he chose to give her bit more of lecture.

"I'm a lot older than you, have seen the world more and do have a lot more experience than either one of you." Aiyora was not sure, exactly where this was going, but hoped with all her heart that she wouldn't receive a scolding by her fiancé. It would make it quite embarrassing.

"Take my advice and break up with Yuki."

Aiyora blinked, once…twice… several times. Just to make sure she heard him correctly. And her suspicions turned true when there was no change in his eyes.

"In case you are wondering I seriously meant what I said." He said with no sorry or sympathy in his voice. "This relationship will not last," he predicted like he was some sort of psychic hand reader.

"Excuse me?" Aiyora opened her mouth to protest.

"Mark my words that this relationship will no longer last." Now he sounds like an over confident jerk! "It lacks the fundamental base…of trust."

"We believe each other." Aiyora became defensive. "We have faith upon one another."

"Yuki does," He agreed taking his siblings side. "but as for you, I am not sure." he went on with the straight face. "Even if you do, you have a funny way of showing it."

Aiyora chocked on her food and Kaname offered her water. He saw how she looked at him. She felt offended by his words. That is what the frown on her face suggested.

"I apologize if my words came out harsh than I intended for it to be, but my intentions were not wrong." Aiyora started at him, not sure if she could trust him.

"What I meant to say is that, close your eyes for once and put yourself in her shoes. I know my sister, she is a sensitive lover." Aiyora looked, not being able to hold his gaze.

"Under the current circumstances we are forced to spend more time with one another. We must appear everywhere together. No matter how much she wants she cannot have you all to herself, at least for now. Then as for the media, they have made us pose in more than vulgar ways. They had us stripped down completely naked and pose nude for one perfume commercial, then he underwater photoshoot where we had to kiss for about a minute and the lingerie brand that made you pose like a hungry starved female tearing my robe apart. And we did it everything, with absolute no shame, no remorse, we did all those before her very eyes."

Aiyora's hands balled into fists resting upon her lap.

"Do you not think it bothered Yuki? It bothered her, it pained her to see you in such intimate manner with me but not even for once did she let out a word of protest…and do you even wonder why?"

Aiyora closed her eyes and remembered the day off the shoot. To sell the magazine the publishers wanted to add some jaw dropping steamy-scandalized pictures which resulted in photos of them being clicked bathing in the hot-tub, in the swimming pool, one on the bed wearing two pieces of lingerie set where she was straddling Kaname's hips while tearing his robe open as he lay underneath her. Among all these the most explicit one was where both get completely naked and pose like she was being taken from the back. That particular one will be used for famous high profile perfume men's perfume. Yuki was present during most of the shoot and everything happened before her very eyes. It was clearly shining in her eyes how greatly it bothered her yet not even for once did she let out a protest that jeopardised the shoot. She shut her mouth and sucked up everything just for the sake of their happiness…where all Aiyora did was full-fledged enjoyed her celebrity like life style. It made her ashamed, ashamed of herself. How could she get lured into such temporary happiness?

"Because she trusts me….!" She admitted with a sigh of shame and coming to realization.

"Exactly." He agreed with a heartwarming smile. "She knows that you love her and no matter how many times you kiss me in front of the camera or lay down nude with me it matters not because none of these can corrupt your mind. So you too must have same amount of faith in her, and always believe no matter where she is seen or with whom it is you whom her heart belongs to and that will never change."


Yuki was on the terrace with her mother when suddenly Aiyora's squeaky excited scream reached her ear and she looked to see.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, and thank you…YOU ARE THE BEST KANAME!"

She kept on chanting like a prayer as she got up from her side of the table and ran towards him, pulled him off the chair, gave two deep sloppy kiss on both his and embraced him tightly. He too returned the embrace quite tightly before lifting her petite form of the ground and twirling her around in the air.

"Your brother will forever remain grateful to you Yuki. You did for him something that even I failed; you brought him an unrealistically beautiful girl." Yuki turned to her mother trying lever best to not let those words affect her. "I can only imagine the fair child that the two of them will produce. Now with pride I can say that the Kuran family shall remain fairly beautiful forever." Yuki felt her eyebrows twitch in anger. Her mother's obsession with fair skin was something that greatly bothered everyone in the family. She even once tried to sabotage Kaname to marry a particular maid only because she was blessed with light complexion. But Kaname actually had the sense to scream some senses into his mother. This woman really does not know where her limits end. At this point it is becoming embarrassing. What century is even this that you judge someone by the tone of their skin?

She watched from above as Aiyora broke free from Kaname's arms and ran deeper into the garden with Kaname too chasing her. The sounds of her excited laughter and giggle confused frightened Yuki. The horrifying thoughts of either one of them falling for the other one scared the shit out of her. What would she do? How would she even stop them? It's been more than months since Aiyora has been brought into the Kuran mansion. At first when Yuki heard this plan of her mother she was super excited thinking how it was all working in her favour. But now that she is here, it all appears to be the exact opposite of how she planned. Aiyora is most of the time out with Kaname making public appearances at parties, games and tournaments, races etc etc. And when she is home she is surrounded by her teachers who are training her preparing her for the Kuran life-style or she is with her new stylists and artist that Kaname has appointed to make her look like those rich snob of clowns.

The twist of finger before her face made Yuki snaps out of her thoughts.

"Oh Zero, when did you get here?"

"Actually… quite a while ago." He answered sheepishly. "You probably did notice, since you were so lost in your thoughts to notice."

"You should have called me!" Yuki demanded with a pout that Zero found adorable.

"Well, you looked so cute I did not find the heart to bring you out of the zone."

"Are you flirting with me Kiryu?" Yuki asked in bossy tone placing both her hands on her hips.

"Maybe," Zero responded scratching the back of his head. "Is it working?"

"It definitely is." Answered a third voice and both turned to see Kaname entering the terrace.

"Kuran!" Zero addressed him first.

"Where is Ai?" Yuki demanded.

"Inside… getting ready." Kaname answered evading her gaze.

"For…?"

"Oh Yuki how could you forget, today is the dress fit session!" this time Aiyora ran into the balcony and went staring towards her beloved to give her a quick kiss. "And know very well that I am not going to the fit session without you."

"But Yuki already may have made plans with Kiryu-kun." Yuki and Zero both looked at Kaname bit surprised. Because so far they made no plans, Zero just got here; it was him who was making things up.

"Even if they made plans then that plan should be cancelled. Otherwise I will meet the designer some other day. Yuki you do know that i will not go without you!" This time Aiyora spoke turning her head towards her soon to be husband. There was a bit of bitterness in her tone. Zero noted and wondered its cause. And funny enough Kaname did not look happy either, he was probably not happy at all by her response but still he chose to be on the safe side and keep his temper under control.

"Ai," Yuki grabbed the other female's hand. "We have no plan; the date has been reserved long time ago. How could you even think that I would not be there beside you as you wear your wedding dress for the first time?" Then by letting go of Aiyora hand one hand Yuki cupped a portion of her face and pulled her in for passionate kiss.

Zero's lavender eyes moved to Kaname's only to see how off her appeared yet there was wide grin on his face. Zero is no fool, no matter how genuine the dark haired male is trying to appear but sinister wave of aura is still surrounding him. It is like he was just desperately waiting for these times to be over. Zero looked back at Yuki and Aiyora so happily smooching and smiling between their kisses. The girls looked so excited and his heart felt warm…

It is true his has feelings for Yuki, always had, ever since he has known what love is he knows none other Yuki will ever receive her love. But Yuki is different, her choice is different. Zero does not mind, he is happy and will be happy as long as she is happy. After all that is what love is right? You are happy as long as living, loving and laughing freely…right?


"Let's go to the beach." Zero offered noticing Yuki's down mood as he walked her home from the Library.

"No, last time's scandal has its effects still going on. Aiyora is still upset inside and does not let go of the chance to pass back hand comment every time she gets a chance."

Zero hummed before apologizing. "I'm sorry, I should not have insisted…"

"You did nothing; it is I who chose to take off my clothes." Yuki turned around and cupped his face. "So please don't apologize. Besides we did nothing wrong, so there is no reason to be sorry."

Zero could feel his heart racing at their close proximity. He slowly pulled his hand away and put a distance between them. He did not wish to do something that would ruin his friendship with Yuki. He does not mind even if his feelings are not reciprocated however if Yuki does not exist in his life he might very well not survive.

"Anyways I was wondering…" he thought about the past occurrence. "Have you even given it a though why the paparazzi followed us in the first place?"

Yuki turned her head, her brown eyes meeting his in a questioning stare.

"You are a school teacher and I, am a psychology student." The look of Yuki face told Zero that now she too is thinking the same thing.

"True, that we both come from very influential family. However we are not the star members living movie star like lives. You know what I mean right Yuki?" she blinked several times. "See how peacefully we are able to walk... but let's say if Kaname was here with us, we would be chased by hoarders of photographers."

"Yes exactly... the journalists are not suppose to follow us. They probably don't even know us...So why were they by the beach?"

"Do you think somebody sent them after us?" Zero asked running a hand through his silver strands.

"Definitely..." Yuki was sure, no doubt left in her mind. "What makes no sense is who would do that?"

a.n. thank you all for reading hope you guys enjoyed. if you liked it don't forget to favorite, follow and review. If you guys are confused anywhere or have any questions please fell free to ask. Also feel free to let me know if you guy think the pace is going a bit too fast. but trust me a lot of drama is still on the way.