The wide spaced event hall of the F.K. Hotel and Casino has come alive with the presence of a lot of guests. Potential business partners and some were just curious business owners themselves chatting with each other enjoying the party taking wine and whisky every now and then from the tray of glasses carried by the servants walking around. Some were at the bar to choose from the variety of drinks and the bartender to do their mix. Music was playing at the background and people are starting to gather at the ballroom floor. The DJ was stuck in his turntables and laptop temporarily playing back-up for the live band performing its piece. The whole place looked grand with its elegant and royal tapestry complementing the mixture of baroque and classic modern architecture. The high end lighting system along with murano glass and mission typed chandeliers brought the beauty of the ladies in dresses and men looked like penguins from the distance with their black and white suits in bow and long neck ties.

However, amidst this whole affair the host itself was sulking like a ball of shadow in one of the verandas from the fifth floor. She has just given her speech welcoming the guests from where she hoped to see a raven haired woman who has gone no show tonight. She hasn't even noticed the pair of crimson eyes same as hers watching her from the door.

"Please don't be upset with her, Shizuru. She has her reasons." Yasoshi said placing a comforting hand upon his daughter's bare shoulder. She was wearing a halter strap acid white purple dress that is glittered with beads of diamonds designed into a cluster of Amaryllis flowers glittering at her left waist. A design specifically requested by Natsuki to be added on her dress.

The sparkling diamond of the night sighed as she turned on her heels to lean on the marbled railings. She looked elegant as she took a sip of her red wine, with her hair tied into a loose elegant bun, showing a pair dangling gold earrings hooked on her ears and creamy white flawless neck. "I know father. It's the feeling of someone suddenly disappearing from you is what I don't like having, especially at such an important event."

"That's why your family is here. I hope you will not take it the wrong way if I tell you that Natsuki-san came to me and your mother back in Kyoto, asking us to come to this event to make sure someone watches over you?" Yasoshi said observing as her daughter's brows were drawn together, despite the sparkle in her eyes. He wanted to laugh as he remembered his conversation with a certain raven headed woman who's reduced to a little girl in front of him and his wife asking them to come to the party.

Flashback:

"basically… you are asking us to watch over our own daughter during the event? Are you suggesting we are inconsiderate parents that we have to be asked to do what we are supposed to?" Yasoshi asked in his deep upset voice watching as the young biker's shoulder flinched.

"I-it's not like that, Fujino-san! I only wanted to make sure Shizuru is well accompanied on the event. I …uh might not be able to attend. An important matter came up." It was an excuse of course, she just can't tell for now that she was uncertain how her presence could affect Shizuru's image if someone happens to know her real background.

"Yaso-kun… don't be mean to the poor kid!" Akemi slapped her husband's arm. She turned to the kneeling biker who's raven head was bowed down. "We're grateful to you Natsuki-chan for taking care of our dear Shi-chan. Thank you for inviting us. We will definitely come to the party."

"T-thank you!" Natsuki lit up smiling like a kid and bowed again. "I will have the chauffer pick you up whenever you plan to get there."

Yasoshi remained silent as his wife and Natuki continued talking. Akemi even treats her like her own daughter. He wondered if his wife is seeing the same sparkle he always had when looking at her into those pair of vibrant emeralds when looking at her daughter. He noticed it the moment he saw it longs for something of her daughter. A glow of almost overflowing emotions, yet so heavily guarded.

End of flashback:….

'I wonder if there'll be something that'll unfold between them… he watched his daughter's face who's trying to veil her gladness with anger instead. 'Does Shizuru even see it?'

"You mean she went to Kyoto? Why didn't I know about this?" Shizuru asked not sure whether to feel bad or good.

"She said she had some business down there and dropped by the house to make sure we got the invitation… in case you forgot…"

"Argh! I don't like it when she acts like this… suddenly disappearing and doing things behind my back. She never did anything bad, though, but…" the Kyoto beauty leaned back on the railings and sighed as she looked at the night sky. "…but sometimes I wish she would trust me with everything… am I asking her for too much father?"

"too demanding." Yasoshi pointed casting a shadow at her daughter's face. "I don't know Kuga-san more than you do, Shizuru. But I believe I can trust the one who did nothing but care for my daughter, yet kneeled before me who owed her plenty only to make sure you are doing fine in her absence." He leaned on the railing next to her daughter shaking his own glass of wine. "Why not just try to enjoy tonight, I'm sure it's what she would want you to do. You two can talk over it, start opening up to her if you wish to have the same from her. You are partners, aren't you?"

Shizuru couldn't help but smile at her father's remark. However, unknown to her, the subject of their conversation was gazing up on her from outside the building leaning on her black Aston Martin.

"Yeah she's quite a sight alright, so why don't you just go to your Juliet Miss Romeo and save us both from this freakin' chill!" Takeda suggested rubbing his cold hands together. Despite wearing the usual black business suit over a white button up long sleeved shirt and tie, the cold of the night was torturing his exposed skin like his hands and face. He wondered how his company can stand it in just her own tailored fit midnight blue vest over a white button up shirt and purple neck tie. Her semi-slim fit trouser tucked in a black leather belt ended just right at the ankles, over the low cut leather boots. 'well, she's the ice princess after all…'

"If you want to get back inside, just go ahead Takeda! I didn't ask for your presence anyway." Natsuki said fishing out her gold pocket watch chained to her vest.

Takeda scratched his head as he laughed a little. "cold as ever. But you would need someone to tell you how she's doing inside, wouldn't you?"

"Nope. You make this look like some cloak and dagger. Her family is in there and I… I already expected some things to happen anyway… but I know she can handle them all." she trailed off running a hand through her silky long onyx hair.

"Well, she's a beauty Natsuki. It's undeniable. When you exposed to this kind of world, it's hard to keep the men from attempting to make a move on her. You can't expect their behavior to be purely about economic business, can't you? I bet starting tonight you're going to have trouble bugging off those hungry bees from your girl." He smirked when he got a sidelong glare.

"will you shut it! It's not like it's any of my concern anyway! Okay?! I have no right to keep her from… from doing whatever she want's Okay?!" she barked glaring hard on him. She sighed and leaned back on the car door. "She's engaged, Takeda."

"Yeah, you told me twice already." He said opening the buttons of his suit, revealing a white button up and tie, resting his hands on his waist. "So what? You're just going to be a wimp and watch your girl being taken by another guy again?"

In a split second he found himself roughly grabbed by the collar drawing his face near her. He already expected this kind of reaction, but it pains him to see that there was still a trace of agony in those pair of emeralds. "I said SHUT IT!" Natsuki growled in his face.

However, Takeda's face remained stoic yet his eyes were sympathetic. "You only have two choices, Natsuki. You either do something about what you feel for her or end this non-sense all at once. Don't let the past chain you down to the pit of fear you are in. Not all people are the same. So what if she's engaged? You are the one who's with her now, not him." He said ignoring the burning pain in his neck. He held onto her wrist that's shaking in anger still grabbing his collar. "I think it's not wrong to make use of your chances if you truly love the person. I'm not your enemy Natsuki. Me and the rest of your family is here to support you whatever you decide to do, always remember that."

Natsuki's heavy breathing gradually calmed down and flung Takeda away. "What fuckin' chances are you even talking about?! Are you suggesting I break them up?!" she yelled running a hand through her hair while the other rested on her waist. She shook her head while laughing pathetically. "That does not make me any different from that sleaze balled demon at all." She said remembering a face of man she despised the most.

Takeda knew Natsuki was not talking about Shizuru's absentee fiancé, but someone who was one of those who inflicted serious injury to her being. He would so gladly give the bastard another beating if he ever sees him. "Oh… so it means you wanted to shag Shizuru-san then?" Takeda tried to jest, shifting the topic.

Natsuki choked on her own breath and blushed instantly. "What?! No!"

"No?"

"Yes!"

"So that's a Yes then?"

"Whu..?! You know what? You're not making any sense. I don't even know what you're talking about."

"Shizuru-san of course. Who else do you have feelings for?"

"Will you just shut up?! This conversation is going nowhere!" she grumbled folding her arms under her chest.

Takeda chortled at how the young biker got so worked up at his jest and pouted childishly. When he recovered from his mirth, he patted the ball of onyx hair gently. "Hey… I'm only saying it's a pity not to do something about it. I know it's scary, princess, but it's better to know and face the outcome than keep wondering what could've been when it all ends."

Natsuki only stayed silent looking on the asphalt under her shoes. She slapped Takeda's hand and mulled over what he said. 'right…. What do I have to lose? Her friendship? Her? Can I live without her if she rejects me which has damn a high probability? She looked at Takeda and then to the now empty porch. 'should I really take my chances? Haah… How pathetic… do I even have any?!' the troubles running in her mind was interrupted by a distant chatter. Her jaw hardened when she saw Takeru, the heir to the Yanagama holdings happily talking to the gorgeous President from the exit of the building. His smile was so sickeningly sweet. She took out her suit from the car and without thought, her feet started walking towards the pair. Her pace quickened when he rested his palm on Shizuru's bare shoulder.

"Excuse me sir, but the lady is with me. Mind if I take her?" She asked politely at the man who winced at the lethal emanation from her. He dropped his hands to his side instead and smiled awkwardly at the new comer.

Shizuru caught her breath seeing for the first time a dashing Natsuki coming to her. She looked so sharp and dignified with her fancy tailor-made suit, astonishing her and the others near the lobby at how she pulled off a handsome and gorgeous look commonly seen in men. She quickly snapped out of her trance when she sensed some tension between the two. "Natsuki, I'm glad you made it." She said looking perked up and quickly excused herself from Yanagama.

Natsuki removed her suit and put it around Shizuru's shoulder. They walked towards the black Aston where Shizuru saw Takeda standing near. 'so she was with him all this time?' She halted her steps and turned to the other direction instead.

"Shizuru?" Natsuki called when the goddess was no longer walking beside her. "Is there a problem?"

"Nothing, I'm only waiting for father to pick me up. Please don't let me trouble you Natsuki. I don't want to be a bother between you and Masashi-san." Shizuru explained in an oddly calm tone and turned her face again to the opposite direction as if waiting for her ride.

'uh-oh…. Someone's in trouble…' Takeda smirked at the panicked look of the young Kruger. 'I better take my exit before this gets any more awkward' He cleared his throat and greeted the honey-haired woman. "uh... Good evening Shizuru-san! I was just actually keeping Natsuki company while she waited for you. And since you're here already, I can finally take my leave now. You two have a great evening!" He said and gave a quick bow. He patted the brunettes back and whispered "good luck" before walking towards the venue of the party.

There was a short silence when the two was left alone standing in the pavement. 'shit! She's really upset. Say something Nasuki! Talk! Talk!' "U-uh… Shizuru…?"

"Yes?"

"U-uhm.. w-why not just let me give you a ride instead? So… so you don't have to wait… you must be tired from the party…?"

And another silence. The cold night wind whooshed round the street while Natsuki slumped her shoulders busting her brains out of what to do. She sighed as she finally gave up, desperate to fix the issue. "look… I'm sorry, okay? I know your upset because I ditched on you, but please, give me a chance to explain?"

The desperate request caught the Kyoto beauty's attention and her crimson gaze was unreadable when it laid on Natsuki who looked so small before her. The dashing debonair was reduced to a beat up puppy. It was starting to get too much for her to watch and she was about to give in when a black Audi Q7 and white Ford Focus pulled up near them. The driver of the black car got out and bowed to Natsuki in greeting before opening the passenger door for Shizuru.

"Good evening Natsuki chan!" Akemi greeted who was already inside the car. "Shizuru, are you coming?"

"what? Aren't you supposed to ride with Natsuki nee-san? She's your date for the night, right?" Alyssa asked from the opened window of the other car.

"Yeah but she'd basically gone no show tonight, that's why your parents were the escort." Nina pointed out getting a glare from her cousin who happened to have sharp ears. She flinched but hid her amused face behind the steering wheel. She and Alyssa found out what happened earlier from Takeda.

"Oh, yeah, right." Alyssa said like she just realized the situation ignoring her sister and Natsuki. She smirked. "No wonder it's so gloomy out there. Or was it the night?"

"Will you two just shut up!" Natsuki warned glaring at the giggling teens inside the white car.

"You two behave yourselves or you'll both get an earful; you understand me?" Akemi warned making the two tame their mirth. Everyone went silent when Shizuru got inside the Audi leaving Natsuki standing alone on the street side. Akemi only watched her daughter's straight face as she scooted over to give space for her. She felt sorry for the girl left standing outside, so she smiled and thought of a way to help the raven haired Director. "Natsuki-chan, why don't you drop by the house? Let's have some tea."

Natsuki was hesitating to accept the invitation as she doesn't know what to do. She's afraid to upset Shizuru even more if she becomes too pushy. However, before she could open her mouth, Alyssa interrupted. "Yeah! Come with us! There's something I want to talk to you about. Nina-chan is coming too, right?" she turned to the girl on driver's seat.

Nina only raised a brow, but sighed in defeat when her passenger smiled too sweetly. Besides, she thought, this would probably help her cousin who messed up big time with the eldest Fujino daughter.

Natsuki frowned and wondered what it could be. But it has been decided that she would come when Shizuru's father said it's not good to upset her wife too by rejecting her invitation. "We will be expecting you there, Natsuki-san." said Yasoshi who was also sitting inside the Audi.

"Y-yes sir."

When the Audi drove off, Alyssa signaled Nina to roll her car near the standing debonair. "pst! Natsuki! Stop standing there and get moving already. We'll negotiate on how you can make peace with my sister."

The young Kruger squinted her eyes at the young blond in the white car who seems to have something under her sleeves. "What's the deal about?"

"that's what we'll talk about when you get there. You better hurry, sis gets even more scarier if you won't act soon." Alyssa winked before they too drove off.

'oh double shit if I let that happen! I wouldn't even want to know' Natsuki thought as she scurried to her Aston following her cousin's car.

Takeda was watching the whole scene from the glass pane. He took out his phone, pressed a few key before holding it against his ear. There was a couple of rings before the end picked up.

'Takeda? What's up?" a groggy voice of a woman answered.

"I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

There was a small yawn before the woman answered. "No, it's fine. I'm only half an hour early for breakfast. But it's already midnight over there, right? Are you okay?"

"Yeah! Sorry. Sometimes I forget about the difference in our time zones. But uh… there's something, and I don't know how your family is going to take this, so I thought I should tell you first."

There was a short pause and a sound of shifting bed linens. "What is it?"

"The Fujino woman… she's engaged."

"What?!" she barked and growled in frustration. "Does Natsuki know?"

"she's actually the one who told me"

"well that only means she no longer has any business down there! Bring her home Takeda, or I will!"

"Please, love. I was thinking maybe we can give Natsuki a chance. The guy just disappeared on Shizuru-san and this could be the only chance the princess has."

"Are you an idiot?! Have you ever thought how this could break her again if the guy suddenly pop's out of nowhere?!"

"Of course I've thought of that. But it was already such a long time ago since he disappeared on Shizuru just when her family fell on a setback. And now, I can see that Natsuki has somehow managed to fill in his place. They have a connection, love, though I think they haven't realized it themselves. Please, let's try to give this a chance to grow. It could not only make Shizuru-san happy, but also maybe…. Maybe it could finally heal the princess' wounds."

There was a short silence. "I don't know, but I still don't feel good about this, Takeda. I'm preparing my papers as soon as possible. Great if this turns out like what we hoped for, but I will not let Natsuki take it all when shits hit the fan."

And the end call beep making Takeda slump in defeat.