"Attention passengers, we have arrived at the terminal. Please remove your carry-ons from the storage up top, and prepare to un-board." "Haruka, we're here! Sandy and Jeremy should be waiting for us at the airport with our luggage. I also have a bit if a surprise for you!" Allan announced excitedly. Haruka looked up," Okay." Allan noticed that she was still uneasy about having to leave so suddenly. I hope this goes well... They exited the plane and headed off towards their terminal. Haruka had spotted Jeremy, and was about to inform her father when a slim woman who was a bit taller than herself ran to greet her father with an over-familiar hug. "That must be the infamous Sandy..." She mumbled to herself. "Miss Haruka!" Jeremy called walking over with her luggage in hand. "Hi Jeremy. Thanks for bringing my luggage," she responded trying not to seem too openly curious of the woman. "Welcome back! Your father arranged a surprise for you!" Jeremy moved aside to expose two teenagers around Haruka's age. Her eyes widened," SAYA! RON!" She screamed running to hug the two. They have certainly grown a bit since I've last seen them. She glanced at Saya's smiling face, her cheeks rosy with excitement, and her brown eyes lit up. Her hair was cut into a stylish pixie cut, and highlighted with light and dark brown. Her height was level with her own. Haruka was mostly surprised with Ron. His height had increased about an inch and a half in only a few months . His hair was still jet black, and slightly messy, but still charming. His most attractive features being his round black eyes, lean but muscular phazique, and shy smile. Impressive... "Welcome back Haru!" "Long time no see Haru!" Allan walked over to the two his arm linked with the woman's," I see you like my surprise." Haruka could tell by his smirk he was satasfied," Yeah, I guess you could say that." Allan smiled, but soon changed his expression as if he was nervous about the next subject," Haruka, this is Sandy. ... My Fiancé." "Nice to meet you Haruka. I hope we can get along," she smiled sweetly extending her hand. Haruka looked at the woman's delicate fingers, hesitating her next move. The woman was a few inches taller than her, and had shoulder length brown hair, with bangs that were cut straight across her light hazel eyes, which framed her small face. Her body was lean, and she wore a clean-cut fashionable woman's blazer with a chic skirt. Haruka forced a smile, and took the woman's hand. "A bit young isn't she? I'm surprised dad hasn't been questioned by the police yet..." Haruka spoke in Japanese to Jeremy. Jeremy and Saya who were the only ones whom understood, stared at her, warning her to watch what she said with just their glances. "Excuse me?" Sandy questioned confused by her sudden change in language. Allan looked down hoping Haruka would just play nice. Haruka read his face," I'm sorry, it's Japanese for 'nice to meet you!'" There, you happy now? Allan breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh! Well thanks for the lesson! I'm only fluent in Chinese, Spanish, and Russian. I've never been to Japan. Maybe we could go sometime as a family!" Sandy suggested earnestly. Haruka cringed at the word 'family' that escaped her perfectly glossed lips. "Yeah... Maybe we'll do that as a family some time." Allan knew Sandy had stepped on a mine for Haruka. He immediately tried to change the subject," Well! Um, why don't we all get settled. Jeremy, can you take Haruka, Ron, and Sayaka to the house. Sandy, and I will arrive sometime later." Jeremy understood," Yes sir. Come this way Miss Haruka, and friends." The three followed Jeremy to the car. Sayaka could tell Haruka was upset," Haru, how was Japan? We didn't really get to talk as much while you were there!" Haruka smiled at her effort to make her feel better," It was good. There were some interesting people there! Gosh, I'll have to tell you about some things later!" She replied in Japanese. "Really? Sounds like you had a good time! I remember you called me once and mentioned something about a gloomy but interesting guy! Care to explain!" Sayaka teased. "Hah! I was referring to this guy named Tsukimori Len! He was... He was something..." Haruka exasperated. Ron looked at the two girls conversing so quickly in a foreign language," Hello! I'm still here you know!" " Awww, are you feeling left out Ron? Did you miss Haru-Haru so much that you want her all to yourself?" Sayaka asked. Ron blushed," What are you talking about! It's just annoying how you guys are saying stuff in a language I don't understand." "Well, you should've taken the Japanese class like I said!" Sayaka reminded. Ron rolled his eyes,"You know I couldn't! My schedule was really packed!" "I'm sorry Ron. It's just a force of habit, I'll speak in English, okay? By the way, how's your finger? Have you been able to resume playing your horn again?" Haruka stared at him intently. Ron looked away from her intense stare," Hmmphh! It's fine, I can play just fine now..." Haruka smiled at his stubbornness,"That's good. I was really worried when I left you." Ron face began to burn- Sayaka nearly barfed at the two's flirtatious atmosphere," You know Haru... He's fine! When you left he said,' I'm going to practice non-stop! I won't let Haruka leave me behind!' It was soooo cute." Ron turned around," SAAYAAAA! I was merely referring to playing! Only playing!" He yelled, his face burning red. Sayaka rolled her eyes," Yeah, Yeah! You're just trying to hide the fact that you have the hots for-" Ron covered her mouth and glared daggers at her," Don't speak another word." She nodded admitting defeat. He released her, and she ran over to Haruka. "Haru, I'm so glad you're back, Ron was so mean while you were away!" She whined sticking her tongue out at Ron. "Come now! The car is here!" Jeremy bellowed for them. They boarded in an began heading home," Yeah... I'm back," she whispered staring out the window. *Ring* *Ring* "Man! I can't believe we escaped with an 'A' on that one! Kobayashi is blind to detail!" Tsuchuira laughed. Although Len wasn't one for laughter he slightly chuckled at the comment," I guess so. But, I think we did a pretty good job." "Tsukimori, and Tsuchuira laughing together! What happened with you too?" Nao interrupted walking with Mio. Len straightened up and composed himself," What do you mean?" Mio smiled," No, I like them like that! I'm so happy you guys are getting along now! You were right Nao, Tsukiomori-kun seems different now! Do you have a special someone?" Len went wide-eyed and became flushed," W-what are you saying!" Tsuchuira sneered at him," He did, but she had to return to the states yesterday." "What?! Who is it Tsukimori-kun!" Mio practically pounced on the boy. Len glared at Tsuchuira," It's no one! I've just been feeling better these days." Mio smiled although she could tell he was lying," Well, I'm still happy for you." Mio grabbed Nao's arm and began walking away. Len turned around, and Mio grabbed Tsuchuira mouthing," Give my regards to her!" Tsuchuira smirked and nodded in compliance. Tsuchuira and Len began walking towards the lunch line. *Bump* "Tsstt, ouch!" The girl exclaimed, her friend helping her up. She looked up to see she had bumped into Len. The girl's fear was obvious from her eyes," I-I-I'm so sorry senpai. Forgive me please!" She pleaded looking down. "Ao-chan..." He friend whispered trying to comfort her terrified friend. Len dusted himself off, and picked up the girls book she had dropped," Here." The innocent first year glanced up shocked by his reply,"Um, senpai?" Len softened his look," Are you alright? Here's your book." Tsuchuira gawked at Len in utter shock at his words. The girl blushed," Yes, thank you senpai!" She said bowing, and running away with her friend. "Ao-chan, are you okay?" The girl smiled slightly," Yeah. Senpai seems different..." She whispered blushing once more. "Now that you mention it, he does seem nicer than he was before, and how rumors explain him to be!" "Yeah..." Len began walking once more, and heard a slight snicker. He snapped around to see Tsuchuira covering his mouth, trying to hinder his laughter. "What!" He yelled in irritation. "Pffftt, I'm sorry, it was just so sweet," Tsuchuira answered. "Hmmph, whatever," he said turning away. Tsuchuira smiled looking at his obviously flustered back. Aren't you happy Hino? He's finally begun to recover again... Thank you Haruka. "Tadaima!" Sayaka called barging into the large house. "Heh... It's kind of my house Saya," Haruka answered. "You know what I mean Haru! Hey Ron bring the bags in!" Sayaka bellowed. Ron came in dragging all the bags," You know you could help..." "Why? That's what we have you for Ron!" Sayaka replied. " I'll go get drinks and snacks from Jeremy!" Ron rolled his eyes struggling to hold all the things. Haruka got up to assist him," Here, let me help you!" "It's alright, I got it." "No, let me-" "WOAAHH!" *Thud* Haruka laid underneath Ron's body, their faces nearly intertwined. "S-sorry," Ron said turning away from her, to hide his red face, and got up from atop her. Haruka was in shock," Um, no. It was my fault." "I'm back! What's going on in here? Why're you both so quiet?" Sayaka asked interrupting the awkward moment. "Oh it's nothing! So did Jeremy give you the stuff?" Haruka debriefed. "No, he isn't here. He left a note saying he went to assist Sandy and your dad with some stuff. We can order something, or call one of the maids to cook. He'll be back in about two hours. "Oh okay. Pizza good with you guys?" Haruka suggested. "Cool with me, Ron?" Sayaka said. Ron was facing towards the wall. Her face was so close! Her hair smelled like strawberries, too! Did she shower before she came? Wait, why am I thinking about her showering?! I've become a complete pervert! "Ron, are you okay?" Haruka asked reaching over to touch his shoulder. He flinched away," Yeah, pizza is fine!" "Okay, Saya can you go order it?" Haruka handed her cell to Sayaka. "Yeah! Be right back!" Saya ran into the hall with the phone. "Len, dinner!" "Yeah, hold on. I'm going to make a call. Give me 10 minutes." He looked through his contacts. Haruka Nakayama Haruka walked onto the balcony of her bedroom, opening the doors. "Ahh, the sunset is nice here. I missed it, but the night sky doesn't compare to Tokoyo's!" "Sounds like it was pretty great there. Are you planning on visiting soon?" Ron walked out with her. Saya dialed the pizza place," Hello! Can I have one large pepperoni pizza? Yeah... Uh-huh. Okay, 30-45 min? Sure, thanks!" She hung up but the phone began to buzz. Haruka still facing the sky sighed," No. I'm going to stay here until I graduate." "Really? I'm glad we can be here together. I mean- with Saya also." "Yeah, we should enjoy it now. I'm moving back after graduation though." Ron was silent," What? What about Sandy, and your dad? I thought you were starting a new life with them!" "I know! I came here because I wanted to give them a chance, and I will. But, I have my own wishes and aspirations... Plus I have something to do when I go back," she drifted off as if thinking of something from the past- or someone. Ron's faced looked pained, and he cringed," D-don't go!" He said grabbing her arm. Haruka turned around," Ron?" Ron grabbed her, pulling her into an embrace," Haruka, please don't go. I want you and I- I mean I want all three of us to be able to stay together like... Like before." He squeezed tighter," You'll really leave again?" Haruka could feel him trembling. It reminded her of someone who had this same feeling once before. She wanted to comfort that person, and the same feeling overwhelmed her once more. She wrapped her arms around him," I'm sorry Ron. I think about some other way to handle things. I'll be here for a while, okay?" Saya walked into the room," Haru, some person named Tsukimori is call-" she spotted the two on the balcony. She hid as not to interrupt them. Man! What'd I miss? The person you've dialed is not available. Please leave a message after the tone- "Hmm, no answer." "Len! Hurry now!" "Alright, I'm coming!"