Thanks for the reviews, keep them coming.. I did go back and read through my story here and I don't think the time tables to far off on sequence, but alas what do I know...Anyway I'll keep after the grammatical and sentencing here and maybe it will get better...and maybe it wont.. -DJ Tenki

Well Looks like Kyosukes past is just that...in the past. He's made his decision, and for better or worse he's going to have to see where it takes him. Oh he may think he can out run his troubles but its a sure bet like a bad penny sooner or later they will catch up with him. It will be interesting to see just what happens in his absence and how its felt by those around him...

legal jargon:

I do not own Oriemo or any characters related to light novels, manga, or anime...but I love the story so here we are...

Chapter 11: Not So Model Behavior & A day in the life of the Wing-man...

...(FLASHBACK ENDS)

Daisuke:

Great... Just great, I just knew this was going to happen. It figures... as I frowned and sighed. I saw this coming a mile away, Now there is going to be some serious yelling, crying and then just all around confusion when they find out.

After that talk yesterday I think Yoshino believed that it had all been settled and that Kyosuke would just let it go and act normal. I knew better, in the end I knew what was going to happen after we told Kyosuke the truth. He might have thought he had me fooled but I could see those thoughts racing across his eyes. His face looked so neutral at the time and he seemed to have fooled Yoshino, pretty remarkable really heh. You don't get to where I am without being able to read people... So here I stand in front of my sons room, obviously empty, unslept bed. I moved into the room and opened his top dresser drawer, Yep pretty much cleared out from the looks of it.

God where the hell did he go I wonder? Now that's the real question isn't it. Hmmm Just how long do I let this go on today before I tell Yoshino, and what should I tell Kirino? I'm not a heartless man really I mean yeah I have stern face and I am somewhat strict with both of them, but its been for their own good! Now though the train just left the tracks... I blame myself really making such a stupid promise. Well if its time Kyosuke need then its time I'll give him. Not like I have much choice in the matter.

I felt my frown deepen even more because what if Kyosuke does love Kirino as a woman? I mean honest I never really thought about it like that before... I guess its possible... Would this leaving business be part of that? Does this confirm what Yoshino was thinking all along? Siiigh So many question now and not enough answers to fill these empty drawers... I shook my head and closed the drawer. Well I am certain if that is the case I am going to be hearing about it from Yoshino forever...

I know he's going to be alright, he's got a sensible head on his shoulders. He's resourceful, in all likelihood he's probably out there with someone I know, but I'm not sure... lets just hope that he and I came to a similar conclusion. If I did then I at least have some idea of where he is at...and if not?

Well I'll cross that road if I come to it, I am a detective after all finding people is my business. I digressed though, back to the main problem at hand, what do I tell Kirino to keep her suspicions in check for a while. I'll have to tell Yoshino too, that's going to get ugly. I better let his school know he's going to be away for a while I guess...hopefully not to long... I thought.

I took one last look at the dark, empty room and sighed. It felt so strange to me that he would just up and leave without a word to anyone.. No he wouldn't do that, I have a feeling someone out there knows he left. Well for a while I wouldn't bother him. I was well aware that he would need time to adjust to these changes and who am I to stop that process. No I will just have to give him some space and see what he does with it. Just like I told those fool parents of mine and those oblivious in-laws.

Yeah this day is just going from bad to worse isn't it... They wonder why I frown all the time... I shut the door and headed down stairs to sit at the kitchen table and come up with some kind solution. Sooner or later I'm going to have to deal with both the ladies of the house. I was sure I wouldn't have to wait long before Yoshino would get up and come out to make breakfast like usual..

I was at the table for about an hour and a half before Yoshino finally got up and came out to make breakfast. "Good morning Daisuke did you sleep well?" she said with a slight yawn. " Yes dear I slept pretty well, are you about to make breakfast?"

She turned around and grinned at me and gave me an affirmative. Well I think for now I'll have to keep this to myself until I can come up with something. "Hey Honey we don't have to wait for Kyosuke to have breakfast he got up and left early this morning something about training." I tried to put on a face that would end the discussion but I knew that this wasn't going to end with that.

"Why would he leave so early Diasuke, he's a growing boy and he needs breakfast or he wont be able to focus on his studies." Yoshino frowned at me as she lectured me. "Well who know what goes through that boys mind dear, but I wasn't going to stop him, not after yesterday." Yoshino turned around and frowned at me for the comment. "If its training that will help ease his mind then who am I to stop him." I ended with my usual grunt and opened the paper.

Yoshino shook her head but turned around and continued making breakfast. Well that could have gone worse I guess. I'll just have to decide by tonight how to handle this. I know I can't let it really go on more than today but for now I'll continue to wait.

No sooner had that thought crossed my mind when Kirino herself enter the kitchen. "Where is your proper greeting daughter?" I tried to keep my stern face on as much as possible. "Good morning Mother, Good Morning Father" as she made her way to sit in her seat at the table. I gave her a curt nod and went back to the paper absentmindedly due to Kyosuke being on my mind, but neither of them need to know that for now.

"Mom you know that I have a modeling job after school today so I will have to miss dinner but you'll come pick me up wont you?" Yoshino turned around giving Kirino a short smile and a nod in the affirmative. "Yes sweetie I'll be there to get you once the job has ended so don't worry about it, I'm sure your father and Kyosuke can fend for themselves at dinner tonight." I let out a small grunt to let them know I was paying attention. This got Kirino's attention and she started to stare at me quite intently.

"What is it Kirino I don't like being eyed at the kitchen table." she wilted a little at my words but then those defiant eyes returned. Same stubborn daughter as usual. "Yes father I wanted to ask about going out after track practice on Thursday with my girl friends" I put the paper down and gave Kirino my full attention. "Hmm? What friends are you speaking of exactly, and where is it you want to go?" she started to fidget as I could tell it was obviously going to be something I disapprove of. "Well Father it's my two model friends Ayase and Kanako, they wanted to go to the new Eternal Blue Grand opening at their new store in Chiba's economic district."

Wait a minute... I was told something about that at work? Yeah its more like a giant dinner party event for all the big wigs of that firm... I hate those snakes in all honesty.. I feel like they are taking advantage of young girls all over...including Kirino..

"Who exactly will be your chaperone on this little trip exactly?" Kirino gave me a determined stare and then said, "Well that's the thing father I feel at sixteen that as long as I have both my friends with me we should be fine at the party so I don't think we need a chaperone, anyway that was what I want to ask."

Yoshino then set our plates out and took a seat at the table. "Dear I'm sure there will be plenty of security at an event like that plus I'm sure they wont be serving minors, so maybe we should think about it." siggggh the old mom backs up her daughter, well I'm sure I can pay one of the guys at work to keep an eye on them...

"Kirino while I do not really approve of your modeling or even this party, I have seen you working harder than usual so I'll allow it BUT you will be home no later than two hours after your normal curfew or the punishment will be very severe, Understood."

Kirino's face lit up like a holiday tree and she started to get excited. no matter how grown up she wants to seem she just such a young...sigghh spoiled girl really. "Yes father I'll make sure to be home at the proper time and will be a well behaved young lady." "See that you do young lady...now eat your breakfast."

Yoshino quietly smirked at me as Kirino looked around the conversation somewhat forgotten. "What is it dear go ahead and eat your breakfast before your late." Kirino looked at both of us and said, "Ah aren't we waiting for Baka Kyosuke is he still asleep? Should I go get him out of bed mom?" she had and evil gleam in her eyes as she said this and a grin to match.

"No dear your brother has already gotten up and left for school already, though I am not sure why he did that he didn't even take his lunch. I wonder could you be a dear and get it to him please?" Huh? Kirino made the strangest face just now...

"Geez he's so forgetful but for you mother I'll deliver his lunch to him, but it's embarrassing...can I punish him?" Yoshino laughed out loud at Kirino wanting to give Kyosuke a hard time. "No dear take it easy on your brother he might be in a mood and you might not want to push it with him today OK?"

There it was again that look...huh I wonder what is going on with her? "Hey Kirino don't bother I need to stop by your school today for something at work I'll take his lunch to him ok?" Kirino grinned and me and shook her head yes and then went back to her toast but I could swear she was staring at Kyosuke's chair out of the corner of her eye from time to time.

Well the rest of breakfast went on quite uneventfully which was good for now, I had really dodged a bullet with that lunch thing, man Yoshino is pushing me to see if I would react. We've been married so long I can tell when she was getting suspicious, I sure could have used some of Kyosukes neutral face tricks right about now but regardless I managed.

After Breakfast Kirino said her goodbyes and put on her shoes and headed out the door and off to school. I thought everything was normal I put my paper down to get ready and head out to work when, "What exactly are you hiding from me Daisuke?" I looked up to see a very serious frown upon my wifes face. "I know very well that you don't have anything going on over by or at Kirino and Kyosukes school so what are you hiding?"

It figures she got a mind like a steel trap and quick wit to boot, that's just a few of the reasons I love my wife very much...but I also occasionally the reason I have to hurt her feelings..which I hate to the ends of the earth... "I know your bright enough to figure it out yourself dear." I sat with my elbows on the table and crossed hands in-front of my face. I stared a long time at Yoshino in silence as she tried to figure out what I meant...

After a few minutes I could just tell that moment when she figured it out. "He he left didn't he" I could see tears welling up in Yoshino's eyes and I shook my head in the affirmative.

"Why Diasuke?" she whispered and she dropped back in her chair in shock. I inhaled and exhaled deeply, "I tried to tell you and my parents and my sister, I really was not sure it was a good idea." It was then that I saw panic start to creep onto her face. "Go find him Daisuke, bring him home, go to work right now and get them out there and find him!"

I knew this could possible go very badly for me here but I knew it was something I had to do.. "No Yoshino" The look she gave me was pure rage. "Excuse me?! Did you say No? why would you say that Daisuke he ran away from home!" there it is the hysterics... great

"Listen Yoshino I'm not really sure what you thought after yesterday's conversation but he was angry...no I would say he was very angry and while you might not have seen or believed it, I could see it plain as the nose on your face." She huffed at me and crossed her arms.

"Well what about school? I mean he just can't run away like this it could ruin his future at the very least, and he's hurt my feelings doing this...Didn't he understand that we just want his happiness?" His happiness I know Yoshino means well but maybe we just meddle to much as parents and this is the karma for that meddeling.

"Really dear I just think we need to give him time, I have no idea where he went but at least for a little bit I think its just best that we give him some space. I think after he's had time to figure it out he will come back." she rubbed her eyes trying to clear the tears that just continued to fall, "What if he doesn't come back Daisuke? What if we made him so mad he just stays away forever."

"Well we just have to have faith that if your right he will miss you, me and Kirino at some point and come back." she shook her head trying to cope with the facts at hand. "I really do believe that Kirino loves him and he loves her, this is so stupid!" she smacked the table in her frustration.

Yoshino seemed a bit more composed and sat back in her chair and crossed her arms quite hostile, "Daisuke...What are we going to tell Kirino? She's smart this won't be able to continue. WHEN she finds out Kyosuke is gone she is going to want answers as to why. I also meant what I said that she loves Kyosuke and when she finds out it will crush her."

"Well Yoshino I still have doubts about this love idea of yours." She all but snorted at my negativity, "but if it is so then we have to help her keep to her routine. I wouldn't come right out and ask her though. I mean she's only a sixteen year old girl and there a ball of emotions right?" Plus when she finds out the truth about her situation I have exactly no idea in hell what will happen with her...

It seemed my plea didn't go on deaf ears as Yoshino agreed with me. "I guess it couldn't hurt to give her some time, but when Kyosuke comes home he is going to get an ear full from me... and there will be no side stepping me on this Diasuke..."

Well you give an inch and she takes a mile, I'm not all that certain Kirino didnt come from this woman as much alike as they are. "Alright Yoshino if that is how you feel about it then I wont stand in your way, but remember he left once who's to say he won't do it again if you make him to mad.." To this Yoshino all but grumbled and huffed but didn't defend herself on it.

"Well I need to head off to work will you be alright?" Yoshino took a napkin and started to clean her face. "Yes dear I'm still a little shocked and I have no idea how you can be so calm about all of this. I'm a nervous wreck, but I'll get by don't worry or work to hard." She stood up walked over and kissed me deeply.

Well thank karma for small miracles I guess... With that I nodded grabbed my keys and headed out for what looked like a little better day than what I thought it was going to be. Better stop by the school and set them straight about Kyosuke...oh yeah need to talk to Toyoda about that party I'm sure he could use the overtime...

Still though those few moments with Kirino at the table this morning, The way she looked at us when we mention Kyosuke. It was different than her normal look and it kept replaying in my mind, maybe there is some truth to what Yoshino's been saying...hmmmm

Kirino

Why would he leave so early in the morning... and without me for that matter? I mean were getting along better right? He understands how I feel about him right? He should have stayed for breakfast and walked me to school...there will be hell to pay for this...

I was so caught up in my own thoughts I hadn't noticed that Kanako and Ayase had snuck up to walk with me to school today."Hey Kirino we were calling for you to wait up and you just kept walking what gives?" Kanako as with a sly grin on her face. why are they both here?

"Nothing big I was just thinking about our upcoming test have either of you studied?" If nothing else I can at least seem like I wasn't thinking about him. "Well I have been studying of course." Ayase replies in her usual polite tone. "Nope haven't studied for either of them yet, maybe we should have a study group after our job today!"

"Hmm that's not to bad an idea Kanako maybe we can study at Kirino's house?" Ayase pointed out a little to quickly for my liking... "What makes you guys think I can do a study session at my house tonight, I'm not sure my parents would allow it I mean it will be getting a bit late after all." These two are going to be trouble when it comes to Kyosuke but I'm on to them, then can't fool me heh.

The rest of the walk to school was pretty much a lot of small talk about our work and excitement about the fact that I could go to the party by myself. It was when we got to school that I got a bit of a surprise, it was dad and he was going in to the administration building... Oh yeah he said he had something to do about work.

I couldn't help thinking that there was more to it than that and that there was someone watching me. I looked all around trying to shake the feeling. "Hey Kirino wasn't that your dad over there? What is he doing at our school?" Kanako pointed and asked.

"Yeah that's my dad alright hes here on business for work I guess?" Both of my friends looked at me with raised eyebrows they could tell I was thinking about something...but what they weren't for sure. What I was thinking about really was whether it really was about work or something else.

The reason for this is because dad seemed weird this morning...well more weird than usual so I think something is going on...well maybe... but Ayase broke my train of thought..

"Well Kirino we need to hurry up or we will be late, catch you later Kanako!" Ayase said as she waved Kanako off and we ran to class. "Yeah maybe I'll look for Kyosuke before I head to class!" what was that?! I turned around to stop Kanako but she was already gone... that girl...grrrrr

"Riiiiight well lets go Kirino or we will be late for class." I wasn't quite sure what to think of the look on Ayase face as I turned around to respond in the affirmative. I'm going to have to have another talk with Kanako and Ayase...again sigh.. We ran to class went in and sat down as the final bell rang to start another boring day of classes... I wonder where Kyosuke is I never did see him this morning did I?

Akagi

I can't believe my wing-man left, I guess I'm wingless man now? Geez I'll have to go out and look for a new sparring partner too. Man Kosaka why did you have to leave? I never did ask why you had to leave. I'm not really sure where you even went either?

I guess that gives me plausible deny-ability if your folks come poking around my direction... shit like I would tell them anything anyway.. I can say that I was terribly tempted to open my envelope when I was walking home but then I thought about it.. No a real friend would keep his promise. So here I am on a beautiful morning with my binoculars on top of the school building.

Its one of my daily rituals to get her long before my classmates and scale the fire escape to check out all the fine ladies attire for the day, with the hopes of a flipped skirt or too heh...sue me I'm a high school guy... Oh look and Hanako whoa those things should be considered deadly weapons heh.

Some commotion caught my eye...Well there she is sure enough with her two princess pals. It was none other than Kosaka's little sister and her two friends. These three by far were some of the most beautiful girls in our school. No surprise since they are models. What annoyed me is the air of stuck-upness they seemed to have. I mean yeah I have met and talked to them a few times but there the kind of girls you don't let your guard down around. There always looking for an angle... and mind you I know there like two years younger than me but it still ridiculous to look that good! Send a guy to jail looking at them sheesh.

It was Kyosuke who told me to keep an eye on her.. I still haven't figured out what he meant by the change thing either. I mean I look at her and she just like usual strutting around like she owns the place... I guess I'll just have to wait it out and see.

Right then Kosaka's sister looked up right in my direction, I ducked behind the wall. What the hell? How did she notice me? I'm pretty low profile. I thought. I'll have to be more careful around her. That girl could cause one of my joys to be taken away and I can't have that now can I.

I poked my head back up just as she and her two princess pals split up and headed into the building...and it was then that my attention was diverted. I noticed a police cruiser pull up to our school and two officers got out, I turned my Binoculars on them and to my great surprise one of them was Kyosuke's dad! Crap that was fast I didn't expect them to come here already. I shot up stuffed my binocs in my bag and hit the door to head down to the senior halls so they would be none the wiser.

I had traveled twenty steps down when wouldn't you know it Kanako Kurusu herself, one of the model three looked to be headed up to the roof. Shit I'll have to time this just right to pull it off. The good thing about doing martial arts is you never quite know when it will come in handy as Kanako moved to make the turn to head up to the top flight of stairs I was on I jumped over the side and down below her. The thing is that drop is fifteen feet! I was ready for it and took the landing to a crouch saving my legs and knees.

I sure as hell hope I don't run into anymore of those ladies it could get real awkward if they corner me and I have to try and explain anything. I need to keep my promise to Kosaka, I wont tell them anything...and the best way to do that stay outta sight. I guess unless I see the change Kyosuke talked about. I hit the final set of steps and smirked as I blended into the crowed hallway heading to first period... yeah this is going to be interesting and for now this wingless man will just try to avoid any issues for Kysoukes sake. I thought as I ducked into first period and began my planning, the less folks see me for now the better... Might hit up the martial arts club for a bit I think, maybe Shin will be my sparring partner... The bell sounded and another day of missing my wing-man begins...

Once classes had ended for lunch I found that my troubles had only started Manami was the first to approach me with questions about Kyosukes whereabouts. "Akagi have you seen Kysouke I was surprised he was not in class today, is he sick or something?" Yeah I knew this was my one road block for the day just need to put her mind at ease and I can head off to hide. I decided that the direct approach would be best with Manami sad to say she a pretty trusting soul it hurt me to lie to her but a promise is a promise.

"Yeah Manami I'm not sure I tried to call Kyosuke on the way to first period but he wasn't picking up his phone so yeah its possible he is sick today. Don't worry though I'll go check on him after school and give you a call." Manami raised an eyebrow and looked me over very skeptically.. sighhh great. "Well Akagi I appreciate that but I think I'll stop by after school myself maybe you and I can walk together over there?" she gave me a wide grin that wasn't going to take no for answer sheesh. "Yeaaaaah OK then I guess well go over and check it out together."

No matter how hard I try it always seems like I screw shit up. Well at best maybe his folks will tell us he's to sick to see us or at worst the truth will come out and I'll get to see Manami go into full blown panic mode I guess. "Well Manami I need to head out to the restroom and then lunch so I'll catch you around." Manami waved me off with a somewhat concerned smile but headed over to her friends for lunch, so for now at least crisis averted...

"Excuse me your Akagi right?" I turned around and felt my heart start to hammer so hard that I couldn't swallow. It felt like I couldn't breath standing right there in the doorway was none other than the head princess model herself Kosaka's little sister. I noticed she garnered a large amount of attention from everyone in the class as she spoke to me...Damn why is she here of all people what the heck...stay calm I can do this... I took an internal breath and just stayed as easy going as usual.

"Ah its Kosaka's little sister to what do I owe this pleasure? To have you grace me with your beauty did I win a lottery or something?" I could tell that this annoyed her by the look of disgust on her face and the raised eye brow.

"W-W-Whats your deal baka don't talk to me like that, I still owe you..." she stated sharply and with eyes as narrow as slits. The look on her face made me feel very self conscious of my safety I took a few steps back. "Whoa there Kosaka if looks could kill I think I'd be in trouble" and what the hell does she mean she owes me? "I'm here looking for that baka Kyosuke he left his lunch at home. I took it from my dad and brought it here for him. where is he?" Wow what the hell are the chances of that happening I feigned the best ignorant act I could.

"Well Kosaka I couldn't tell you for sure I haven't seen Kyosuke for a few periods but if you'd like I can give it to him when he gets back, I'm sure you've got your model friends waiting for you for lunch right?" She narrowed her eyes at me in suspicion and clutched the bag a bit tighter. It was obvious I wasn't going to get that bag from her.

"No Akagi I'll be fine I will get it to him myself. If you see him though you tell him the longer this takes the worse it will be for him, I don't have all day to wait for baka Kyosuke alright?" I could tell that she wasn't messing around and I can only imagine what an angry model is capable of but from what Kyosuke has told me its bad.

"Sure thing Kosaka if you'll excuse me I need to head out to lunch good luck finding your brother." I smiled warily at her as I scooted around her minding the distance. It felt if I got close enough she might grab me and I wasn't sure exactly what she might try. Better to be safe than sorry I guess...she owes me? What? or better yet for what? I grabbed my stuff and moved down the hall at a quick pace. I couldn't believe that she would just show up like that looking for him. Something else about that was bothering me too. Why would she even bother to wait she easily could have given me that bag and walked away, but she seemed even more intent on getting it to him herself...why?

Yeah I think I need to keep a closer eye on the situation than I have been. Maybe she going to openly start showing affection for Kyosuke? Man that would be bad news there's no telling what rumors around school might spread..not that it really mattered, Kyosuke said he would handle her in his own way... But still maybe it was good you left for a bit Kyosuke. You might have avoided yourself some issues. I knew for doing what I just did back there that once she found out her brother was missing and I knew about it there would be one more piece of hell to pay for me for sure.

What really was bothering me was the killer intent on her face she seemed to show toward me and for the life of me I couldn't understand why, hell I barely know the girl... I mean with my training I'm sure I could over power her but I wasn't to sure if she had any combat training herself? My philosophy is never underestimate anyone. If you do that and they can fight your going to be in for some injuries. I'm very sure that when she finds out Kyosuke left and that I lied to her she will be coming for me and I am sure it might get physical... Yeah things just keep better and better today...

I decided that eating in the cafeteria was just going to be to dangerous for a while so I made my way to the club area. I knew that hardly anyone would be hanging around here so I figured I'd be safe for a while. I stepped into the karate club dojo and looked around. Ah the coast is clear I can finally take a break. I moved over to the window and sat down to eat my lunch and clear my thoughts.

I can't believe its not even been one day and I've had to deal with your sister, your childhood friend and avoid at least one other model I think that was looking for Kyosuke. I shook my head and frowned. I wonder why your dad was here to? I bet hes looking for you but I have a feeling your long gone. That feeling made me a little sad. It would have been nice to ask where he was headed I really did want to know. After all we've been friends for a long time, but I'm sure you didn't tell me to help protect me with deny-ability.

I had sat there about half an hour I had finished my food and decided to throw my feet up on the table and lean my chair back so I could recline and look out the window. The weather was pretty sunny and many of the first and second years were outside eating lunch today. It was the argument that got my attention. The three models themselves were at a picnic table under a large shade tree and I could tell that Kosaka was distressed.

The three of them were in a very animated and heated discussion. Man hell hath no fury like a teen model I guess. I sat there watching quietly trying to tell by their body language what they were talking about. It was pretty obvious it was about Kyosuke, Kirino looked like she was pretty upset and pointed to the lunch bag on the table in front of her. Her two friends what were there names Ayase and...Kanako? Yeah both of them were trying to talk Kirino down.

My spying was interrupted when a fellow Karate club member called out to me and startled me. "Hey Akagi what the hell are you doing in here?" Shin said in his usual monotone voice. I nearly fell backward out of my chair but managed to plant my feet before I could fall. "Whooaa there Shin you scared me to death!" He walked up and looked out the window to see what had me so focused that I missed him entering.

"Ah I see how it is, the trio huh? Yeah I think I would have missed me walking in as well. Damn there hot aren't they Akagi?" It amazed me that even though he seemed excited the serious face and narrowed eyes never changed. Yeah this guys a real slice of fun...

"Yeahhhh sure Shin there cuties alright, looks like trouble in paradise though from the look on their faces." Shin looked back out the window and seemed to frown. I could tell he was taking a closer look at the situation like I had, "Whats got those three worked up like that I wonder, Did someone steal their makeup or something?"

HA that was pretty funny even for a serious joker like him, I figured I needed to fill him in especially since Kosaka had asked me to apologize to Shin for leaving. I wasn't real sure how he was going to take it.. but here goes, "Yeah about that Shin I think I have a pretty good idea of why there upset over there. Have a seat and I'll tell you about it."

Shin pulled his focus away from the trio outside and looked at me with what I assumed to be some confusion but sat down at the table. "What is it you need to explain to me exactly?" I decided to set aside my normal care free attitude for a moment and made my own serious face. This got all of Shins attention and his frown seemed to deepen.

"Well I was asked to apologize to you the next time I saw you Shin." Shin cocked his head and raised an eyebrow. "What is it you need to apologize to me for, you haven't done anything wrong to me...that I know about anyway." Like peeling off a band-aid I felt it was just best to get it over with quick.

"Yeah it wasn't me it was Kosaka that wanted me to apologize to you, the thing is Shin he called me late yesterday and asked me to meet him around midnight last night. When I got there Kosaka was there with a big duffel bag and dressed in mostly black. He said he had some personal issue and we didn't go into them but that he had to leave."

Shin was now paying close attention as I continued the events of last night. "While there he wanted me to let you know that he is sorry he won't get to honor his promise of giving you another round like you wanted, so here I am delivering the message."

I sat back shut up and waited, Shin set his elbows on the table and rested his face in his hands. I heard a few deep breaths and then silence... just silence. I sat there crossed arms and waited I could tell Shin was processing this information. After what felt like an eternity he final looked me square in the eyes and spoke.

"He didn't say why he had to leave?" I shook my head no. "Your telling me that Kyosuke Kosaka just up and left in the middle of the night to parts unknown?" I gave an affirmative response. "Did he say where he was going to go? what he was going to do to get by...anything at all?" I sighed, "No Shin I did ask where he might be headed and he wouldn't say but he did say he had a plan in place an not to worry, but still I can't be sure if that was the truth or not." I finished as a frown of my own appeared.

"How many people Akagi know he's gone besides you and I now?" I was pretty sure that it was just me and Shin but after seeing Kosaka's dad here at school I thought he might know as well. "Shin I'm not sure I think its just you and I, but I did see Kyosukes Police father on campus this morning so he might know too, but don't hold me to that."

Shin was still deliberating about all of this so I felt I needed to finish filling him in so I could feel that I at least kept this promise to my wingman. "So anyway Shin I would appreciate if you just kept this quiet, really I'm not sure how long until our entire class knows. No matter what though I have to play the ignorant guy on this you ought to as well."

Shin nodded yes and looked back out the window at the three girls now sitting at the table all huddled up in conversation. "So that argument earlier was that about Kosaka? The blonde one out there is his sister right?" It was my turn to nod. "Yeah Shin she's got a bad temper to go with that princess personality, that you saw on the train."

He laughed at the overly concerned face I was making, "Relax Kohei your secrets safe with me until it spills out on its own I guess." I sighed in relief. "You know though Kohei Tanka and Shaka will start asking questions sooner or later once Kosaka is missing practice." I was well aware of this but we would just have sit on this as long as we could. There was no need to get the two of them worked up as well. Especially Tanaka he'd be more likely to use it to try and pick up girls the bum.

"Yeah Shin for now we will just keep it a secret from them as well, tell them Kyosuke had crap to do for his old man." Shin looked at me skeptically, "I guess Kohei what they don't know can't hurt them." Trust Shin to take everything in stride and not freak out.

"So why are you hiding out here in the dojo and you know you can't be eating food in here Kohei, Tanka will have a shit fit if he sees you." I laughed, "Well its to dangerous with those three out there searching for Kyosuke, I am most certainly the first suspect on the list. The longer I can avoid them the better."

This seemed to make sense to Shin and he nodded in agreement. He looked out at the three of them and once again Kirino was pacing and getting animated again, "Ha yeah thats probably a good call Kohei I would recommend you hang here as much as possible for a while." then he smiled?

That smile started giving me a bad feeling..."Besides you trained pretty regularly with Kosaka right Kohei?" I gave him a sideways glance. "Yeah pretty much in secret everyday after school why?" His grin spread even further which was way to creepy looking for such a serious guy. "Well since your here and I could use a workout your going to be my new training partner, that's the price for my silence."

It figures, there are no free lunches in life are there? He stood up and stretched out his shoulders and cracked his knuckles...sighhhh. "Yeah well I am in need of a new partner myself since Kosaka has gone AWOL, so if that what it takes lets just try not to mess up our class room gear here eh?"

Shin stood up and moved over to his spot and bowed to me I did the same and we both took fighting stances, "Hey Kohei relax man once Kyosuke gets back from where ever we can give him some serious hell for leaving us behind OK?" Shin said as he started hopping up and down. I shook my head and took up my fighting stance... yep the life of a wing-man...my works is never done... and then we both attacked...

Kirino

Well that settles it I am now mad at that no good Baka of a Kyosuke.. First he leaves early without me...hurting my feelings, Then I have to fight with dad just to get that stupid lunch bag back so I have a reason to go find him.. All the while dad giving me a suspiciously wierd look...what was that about? Then only to find his friend who has no idea where he was at.

I stand there for ten whole minutes getting angry until one of the girls in his class room tells me that he wasn't ever there at all in the morning period! Just what the hell is going on today...and why did Akagi-sempai lie to me? Just what is it he is covering up for my baka of a brother..

Yeah I was starting to get so mad that I felt I needed to go and just find Ayase and Kanako maybe they had seen him..WRONG again.. I found them outside at a table talking about what I wasn't sure but I was going to get something out of them, they had to know something.

"Hey guys have either one of you seen my brother today because I've looked and I can't find him." They stopped their conversation and looked at my all to angry face. "Whoa there Kirino you need to chill out, your face is getting red." Kanako said very seriously. "You know I looked all over school this morning and at lunch Kirino and I didn't find him either." Kanako said looking like she was at a loss.

"Maybe he got sick or something and went back home Kirino." Ayase said trying to comfort me. "You know Ayase I would maybe believe that if Akagi-sempai hadn't told me one thing and ran off and ten minutes later his classmates said another." I was starting to get angry again and knew that I was being played with...and I don't like it.

When I said this both Ayase and Kanako looked at each other like they knew something I didn't and then looked at me with guilty faces. "Kirino don't get mad OK, but we might know a place." Kanako said as I narrowed my eyes at them, they might know a place..and why would they know this place and just leave me out of it huh?

I took a deep breath because at this point my nerves were starting to unravel a bit. "Why is it exactly you guys might know a place together and I don't? What have you been hiding from me?" Ayase looked over at Kanako and she nodded back. "Can one of you explain whats going on here because I am just about half a second from attacking someone today" ...I said in a very threatening voice.

It was Ayase who took on a defeated looka and started to explain.. "Look Kirino we were going to tell you sooner or later but we promised your brother and Akagi-sempai we wouldn't say anything to you." Before I could blow completely up I decided I had to let them spill thier guts but I felt like throttling both of them at this point.

"What is it they wanted you to keep from me and why?" I folded my arms over my chest and raised an eyebrow. "Well not to long ago we quietly followed Akagi-sempai after school because he and your brother always seemed to disappear. It was tough though hes pretty stealthy he ran us all over town... but with me and Ayase we managed to figure out where they went. When we got there your brother got soooo mad at us for just showing up but ahh."

Kanako started to turn bright red at the thought of what she had seen. Ayase decided she needed to pick it up, "Look Kirino what we found was at the docks your brother and Akagi go there to train and ah the last time they were there me and Kanako got to stay and watch and they took of their shirts and we kinda lost our minds.."

"Let me get this straight...Both of you have been sneaking off on non work days to watch my brother and Akagi fight in secret...without shirts?" Both of them sighed and nodded to me. "First of all why did they want you to keep it a secret from me? Second why are you two ogling over my brother, shame on the both of you!" I said in a raised voice. I noticed I was getting a lot of attentions from other students at this point so I tried to calm down.

"Well Kirino I've told you before many of the girls in school think your brothers a hottie and I don't know about Ayase but there was no way I was passing up the chance to see your brother without a shirt on!" as she stuck her tongue out at me and folded her arms. Ayase sat down all red faces and kept quiet she had no response to that...

I was shocked by this my two best friends were looking for open warfare for my brothers attention! I mean I sorta knew that they liked him especially after the incident at my house but still, I had hope that they would move on from it. Now though they tell me all kinds of girls in class and in school think Kyosuke's hot? Grrr I really hate that stupid tournament now...all these new hassles how am I going to deal with this?

Well I guess I'll just have to roll up my sleeves at school and take this battle head on. I am going to make all of them sorry for wanting to take my brothers attention away from me...I guess I just have to admit it to myself I am jealous...sigh...well I'm not sharing and that's that...

"Well you will take me to this place after our job today and we'll find out why Kyosuke played hooky from school. Neither of you will be allowed at my house for two weeks. No Kyosuke watching." I could tell this really upset them. "That's not fair Kirino we shouldn't be banned from seeing your brother!" Kanako argued. "Keep it up Kanako and I won't help you study for those test." Kanako's face looked shocked with horror at the thought and she quieted down and glared at me. Ayase was giving me a death glare from the table as well. It was strange that Ayase hadn't said a single thing...maybe she really didn't like my brother like that after all. It seemed my paranoia was really taking a toll on my judgement. Well that may be but for now I plan to use this anger to get some things done...

"Now I'll see you two back at class I'm going to find Akagi-sempai before lunch is over. he and I need to have a little chat." Both Ayase and Kanako nodded in agreement trying to turn the subject and get back on my good side. Damn that Akagi hes going to tell me the truth or so help me I'm going to rip out his eyes for ogling me all the time." I thought as I picked up my bag and headed back inside with my emotions raging. I am going to get to the bottom of this.

I went back into the building to search for Akagi and many of the students moved out of my way, the face I must have been making seemed to let people it wasn't a good idea to talk with me. I went into the cafeteria and looked around. Hmm hes not here usually hes at the senior table..huh. I saw fifteen or so people at the senior table and two of those people sitting at the table had been team mates of my brothers at the tournament but didn't feel confident enough to walk up to that crowd and confront them.

I decided it would be best to go up and check the roof I dropped my bag off at my locker and sprinted up the five flights of stairs to the roof door. I opened it to a clear blue sky and so much sunshine that I had to squint my eyes. I took a look around and sure enough ...nothing. Damn it where is he? Lunch is almost over and I've got no idea where hes hiding at. Now the puzzle was starting to come together obviously Akagi-sempai knows something because usually he wouldn't be this hard to find!

Well I ran out of time unfortunately and had to head back down to class. After a quick stop at my locker I headed to English class where both Ayase and Saori were waiting for me. Well for now I'll just have to wait it out but mark my words I'm going to get the truth darn it!

I walked in and smiled at both of them saying hello as the bell rang and the teacher entered. I sat down to tried to focus while brooding in my own distracted thoughts and building anger..yeah hiding Akagi that was a bad move on your part and your going to be sorry... I thought. I opened my books as I wished the day would just hurry up and end I had to many things to do and far to little time to get them done...

"