This chapter is a little shorter than the previous ones. In Flame's POV. Read on! -Soranryu


"Tetsu-kun, Flame-chan!" Satsuki waved to us as she approached. "Here you go, as promised!" she then passed us each an envelope. Opening, we took the pictures out. They were the ones Satsuki had taken during the birthday gathering for Tetsuya. "Thank you, Momoi-san," Tetsuya thanked politely. "Yeah, thanks a lot, Sa-chan; they're great!" I said my thanks as well.

Tetsuya then excused himself for his training, leaving me and Satsuki. "Flame-chan, you have nothing on today?" she asked, "Where's Akashi-kun?" "I've got free time today. And no, I don't where Seijuro is. Apparently, he had taken a long leave from school, and none of us was able to contact him," I replied, holding the envelope closer to me.

Satsuki looked at me sympathetically before slinging her arm around mine, "Oh well, I'm sure he has some business he has to take care of; don't worry! Let's go meet up with Dai-chan; he said something about buying shoes." Hearing that, I chuckled, "Shoes? He still has that habit of his? If I'm right, he's just going to buy the same-kind-but-different-colours shoes and claim that they are different."

With that, we laughed and headed off to find Daiki. However, I can't help but think, is this the plan Seijuro was talking about? Has his father started moving? It should be, but there's still no word from Seijuro, and I'm starting to get worried. "Dai-chan, we're here!" Satsuki called out, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Took you long enough," Daiki tsked, before he saw me, "You're here too?"

I nodded, telling him that I have free time. "Where's Akashi? I don't see him," he asked as he started heading into the store. "I don't know," I replied simply, not wanting to get sympathy. "Oh…" Daiki was speechless for a while, before he spoke again, "He better not be cheating on you, that bastard. If he is, call me and I'll give him a good beating."

"Dai-chan!" Satsuki scolded, which I waved off. I know for sure Seijuro will not cheat on me, because that isn't his style. If he did really fell for someone else, he would certainly break up with me first, because of the etiquette beat into him when he was young. I'm really convinced now that it was his father's doing.

Throughout the day, Satsuki tried to distract me so that I wouldn't think so much. I appreciate her efforts and hence went along with her, wanting to put aside my anxiety as well. It isn't every day I get to spend time with any of the Generation of Miracles beside Seijuro, so I might as well treasure it. Time flew and it was soon to part. I quickly rushed to the train station so that I don't miss my train after saying goodbye.

Reaching Kyoto, I walked out of the station and started to head back home. Along the way, I bought a copy of the newspaper for my parents. Flipping through it, my steps came to a halt when I saw a particular article, "Young Master of Akashi Family Engaged To Daughter Of XXX Company." What…is going on? Quickly scanning through, all I knew was that Seijuro's marrying, and the bride isn't me. The reason behind was to strengthen both companies.

My heart pounding in my chest, I shakily took out my phone and dialled Seijuro's number. As expected, there was no answer. There's no way Seijuro is willing…right? I mean…he promised me…but if so, then why hadn't he send a message?! Just then, my phone rang, and I frantically picked it up, "Seijuro?" "Flame-chan?" Reo's voice was heard on the other line, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I replied, hiding my disappointment. "Don't lie to me, Flame-chan. I'm not your best friend for nothing. I'm guessing you saw the article," Reo reprimanded lightly before his voice softening. "Reo…what am I supposed to do? I don't know where he is, I can't find him, and there is no word from him at all!" hearing Reo's words, I broke down.

Reo quickly reassured me and asked me for my location, before instructing me to stay put. Heeding his words, because I don't think I can do anything else, I sat on the nearest bench. Fifteen minutes later, Reo arrived and pulled me into a hug, "It's going to be okay." Shaking my head, I cried, "I don't know, Reo, I just don't know! Seijuro did warn me about this, but he said he would send a message if it happens. Up till now, I received no word from him!"

"I'm sure it's just because he hasn't got the chance," Reo soothed, patting my back gently, "Sei-chan loves you so much; there is no way he could just leave you like this." I nodded, slowly calming down under Reo's gentle whispers. Once my tears stopped, Reo pulled away, "Come on, let's get you home." With that, he helped me up and held onto me as he guided me home.

When my mum opened the door, she was shocked to see how Reo was holding me like a delicate piece of china. "What's wrong with her, Reo-chan?" she asked Reo directly, knowing that I'm in no state to answer. Reo explained the situation simply and my mum quickly let us in. Drawing me into a hug, my mum reassured, "Seijuro-kun isn't someone to just pack up and leave. Believe in him, alright?"

I nodded numbly and went to take a quick shower. When I came out, Reo gently asked me if I wanted him to stay. "Please do," I whispered. Out of everyone, Reo is the closest friend I have, and with his motherly nature, I can't help but want him around. It wasn't the first time he had stayed over, so he had no problem finding the extra futon, pillow and blanket from my closet.

Seeing me just sitting on the bed in a daze, he clucked his tongue and helped me dry my hair, before tucking me into bed. "Reo…I'm really scared…" the words slipped out of my mouth just as he turned off the lights, "I know Seijuro promised, but I've always been afraid that he would grow tired of me…" "Hush, little one," Reo stroked my head softly, "If Sei-chan promised himself to you, then believe in him. We both know Sei-chan isn't the type to do this."

"Really?" I know it's real, and I do trust Seijuro, but I want to hear it from someone else, to convince myself that it wasn't just on my part. "Of course, hon. Go sleep and you will feel better," Reo said firmly but gently. Feeling better, I closed my eyes and slipped into an uneasy slumber.


So shit's getting real. I'm pretty sure there are some who had already guessed this was gonna happen, right? -Soranryu