Author's Note: Sorry if the "date" between Rika and Henry was done in a rush. I don't know how to write social gatherings well. This is Chapter 12. Please read and review! Thanks! :D
Chapter 12: Date With A Friend
The next day, Henry and Rika were placing their bags in the car. They were ready to go back to Tokyo that day.
"Henry, you take care of yourself!" Mrs. Wong said.
"Thanks, Mrs. Wong!" Rika said courteously. "Thank you for everything!"
"Don't worry, Rika! If you feel like returning to Shinjuku and Rumiko's not around again, you can stay with us. You will be always welcomed here!" Mrs. Wong assured.
"I'll miss you, Rika!" Suzie said and hugged Rika. "Wish you'd come back again sometime!"
Rika could not believe what she had done during the past week. She only just went to Shinjuku with Henry to have a time out, developed her feelings for him and formed somehow an unusual friendship between her and his family. Usually, she was all ice but now, she can be friends with people as well.
"Sure I will. I'll miss you too, Suzie!" Rika replied simply.
"Take care too!" Suzie said.
"You take care of yourselves, children…" Mr. Wong said.
"Yes, Dad!" Henry said. "We have to go. I'll see you on my next visit."
The two went inside the car and started their journey back to Tokyo. While Henry was driving, Rika felt at peace now that she had a week of rest.
"So, are you ready to return to work on Monday?" Henry asked.
"Not on Monday. Tuesday!" Rika answered.
"Why though?" Henry inquired.
"Because, the launch is on Sunday and definitely, all of us are still tired from the event so the chief executive officer made Monday a holiday just for us," Rika explained.
"Super long weekend!" Henry chuckled.
"I agree to that!" Rika answered. "I just hope there won't be surprises when I come back."
Rika could not get to admit her feelings for Henry as of this moment. She was still absorbed by the events that happened in Shinjuku. She looked at Henry in the eye after that little tug-of-war, she danced with him during Jaarin's wedding. Best of all, she began to love everything he does.
"Henry? I want to say thanks… again… for this. Because by bringing me here, I realized that there are things in life that I should enjoy. At least, I didn't get to mope during the weekends as I expected…" Rika said.
"Sure. No problem!" Henry said.
"And Wong? You better remember that you'll pick me up at six tomorrow for the anniversary launch!" Rika stated.
"Aye aye, Ma'am!" Henry said with a mock salute.
After a three-hour drive to Tokyo, the two eventually made it there. It was twelve in the afternoon when they arrived there, similar to the time they arrived in Shinjuku last week Friday. Henry dropped Rika first to her house.
"I'll help you with your bags, Ri!" Henry added as he extended his hand to get Rika's bag.
"Don't bother, Henry! It's light, anyway…" Rika protested.
"No. You better go inside and I'll handle this…" Henry assured.
Rika just pouted. "Fine…" she managed to say.
When Henry and Rika entered Rika's house, Rika was thinking of what to do on the anniversary launch tomorrow until Henry interrupted her trail of thoughts.
"Rika?" Henry started.
"Yeah?" Rika said.
"Here…" Henry said and handed a picture of him and Rika captured during Jaarin's wedding. "A little souvenir of Shinjuku."
Rika took the picture and simply nodded. "Wow… Thanks…" she said.
"You're welcome…" Henry said. "I guess I'd better go now…"
"Yeah. Even though we're 'two streets' away from each other. Thanks again!" Rika said as Henry went out of her house.
Henry just smiled and went inside his car. Rika watched as the car sped away from her house. After that, she went inside and unpacked her things.
That afternoon, Henry was busy putting the things in the laundry when Takato called him.
"For pete's sake, Henry Wong! What happened to your phone? Why can't I reach it?" Takato said.
Henry said sheepishly. "Sorry! My phone battery got busted during the travel to Tokyo. I just charged today. What is it, anyway?"
"I might return to Tokyo on Monday. Daichi's colleague made a little business to do in Shinjuku that needs my presence. If someone finds me in the office, you know what to do!"
"Alright. Anything else, Takato?"
"Shinji called me today that there are files that are on my desk since yesterday. Can you please keep it for me? They were intended for Daichi actually…"
"So you're saying that there are papers in your table that are for Daichi?" Henry asked.
"Yep! Just keep it and if you see him on Monday, please give it to him will you?"
"Sure, why not?" Henry said. "Anything else regarding to Tokyo Cor?"
"Nothing, Henry. Thanks anyway for doing the favor. Bye and see you on Tuesday!" Takato said.
"Okay. Bye!" Henry said and with that, he hung up the phone.
At the very same moment, Henry heard his doorbell ring. He decided to get a run from it since he was washing his clothes today.
"Wait a minute!" he said.
When he got out, he saw his officemate Shinji Takamoto outside his house.
"Hey Henry! Looks like you just arrived!" Shinji chuckled.
"Yeah! Anyway, what's up, Shinji?" Henry asked as he got out of his house.
"Takato's got papers to be sent to Daichi so he told me to bring them to you so you could keep it safely." Shinji explained.
"So that's why he was requesting me that…" Henry mused.
"By the way, where's Takato? I thought he's returning this week!" Shinji said.
"Well, he just called me and said that he will be back on Monday from Shinjuku because of Daichi's colleague…" Henry recalled.
"Oh, that's Mr. Moto… Anyway, I have to go. I just went here to drop these papers to you." Shinji said and he gave the folder to Henry.
"Okay. See you on Monday!" Henry said good-naturedly.
"Yeah! See you!" Shinji said and he went off.
Henry went inside the house and returned to doing the laundry.
Meanwhile, Rika was thinking of what she will do tomorrow so she was finding an appropriate outfit for the event. She certainly does not want to outdo Mrs. Hayashi; otherwise, she will be named as Rumiko Nonaka of Tokyo Ad.
"Black-and-white? They look nice…" Rika said as she fished out a simple black-and-white dress that looked like the one she wore on Jaarin's wedding.
Since she had no other dresses to wear and Henry had seen her already with the maroon dress last Sunday, she decided to wear this.
"My mother would probably be proud if she saw me live!" Rika mused. "And I haven't told Henry that tomorrow's slightly formal! Crap! My mind's totally in a crappy state because of my feelings. I'd better tell him…"
Rika dialed Henry's number and prayed that he could answer after one ring. She felt that a miracle happened because he answered immediately.
"Hello, Rika?"
"Henry, just to inform you, you have to wear something slightly formal tomorrow."
"Slightly formal?"
"Yeah! Anything black or white, you decide."
"Alright. Thanks for telling me, anyway. Anything else you wanted to say, Ri?"
"Nothing, Henry. I just reminded. Bye and see you tomorrow…" Rika said.
Back to her house, Rika was slightly happy that she will not go out with someone unfamiliar with her tomorrow.
I am so thankful that Henry's here… Because of him, I realized a lot about my life… Especially when Ryo and I broke up, he helped me so much. When he brought me to Shinjuku, he made me even happier. His family was no doubt fun to be with. I wish he would always stay that way and wish that he'll never leave me. Jeri and him are the only friends that I've got. Takato, yes but he's not closer like them… She thought.
Over at Henry's house, he could swear that he was glad to be with Rika at her event tomorrow.
The next day, Rika was jogging when she felt that all of the guys she passed stared at her.
"STUPID WORMS!" Rika said as she shook her head and jogged again.
When she returned home, she was just in time to answer a phone call. It was Jeri who was calling.
"Rika!" Jeri exclaimed.
"Jeri! How's it going?"
"Are you going to the anniversary launch tonight?"
"Yes…"
"With whom? Hideki?"
"No. The guy also starts with an H!" Rika chuckled.
"Oh! It's Henry, isn't it?"
"Yeah…"
"I would imagine seeing Hideki's face when he sees you and Henry tonight!"
"Where did you get that crappy imagination of yours, Katou?"
"Nothing! I really imagine hard!"
"Well… I don't know. Shall I send your regards to Mrs. Hayashi?"
"Definitely. Have a good date to you two!"
"What the heck?!"
Jeri had hung up before Rika could say anything more.
Stupid Jeri! Always gives imaginations that seem to be unbearable! Rika thought in disgust.
That night, Rika fixed herself similar to the way she made herself during Jaarin's wedding until six and put her hair in its usual fashion since she did not want to get pretty messy with her hair that night. At exactly six in the evening, there was a ringing of the doorbell.
When she went forward to answer it, she saw a handsome-looking Henry Wong clad in black suit and pants. Henry noticed that she looks more beautiful when she wears dresses.
"Am I the first one to tell that you look gorgeous tonight?" he smiled.
"I'm afraid so. And yeah, same applies to you, Henry. You look handsome too!" Rika, who hid her blush, answered.
"Shall we go?" Henry asked, blushing as well.
"Sure!" Rika said casually.
They rode into Henry's car and reached the venue where the event will take place. Rika, for the first time, felt nervous because she will attend a social gathering that is as exquisite as this one. Henry eventually discovered her uneasiness.
"What's wrong, Ri?" he asked.
"I'm nervous. It's my first time to attend a party just like this one…" she admitted ruefully.
"It's alright. We both are first-timers on this one!" Henry assured.
"But this is different… I… I…" Rika was already in her stammering mode.
"It's alright… Don't worry about it. You're very beautiful tonight yet you worry too much!" Henry added.
"Okay…" Rika said in defeat. "Let's go inside…"
The two made their way towards the event. Then, Rika saw Izumi who was hanging out with Ami.
"Rika!" Izumi called as she saw Rika approaching towards her.
"Izumi…" Rika added. "Henry, I'll be right back…"
Henry just nodded and settled to an area where Rika can see him easily.
"Oh my gosh, Rika! You are indeed a guy magnet!" Izumi added. "Who's that guy this time?"
"Just a friend Jeri and I know…" Rika answered. "I brought him since he placed an ad for the anniversary issue…"
"That's nice!" Izumi chuckled.
Rika just nodded. "Anyway, I'll go get my friend…" she said. "He might get lost with this place!"
"Sure!" Izumi said. "Have fun! Oh and by the way, we're going to be seated at table number fourteen."
Rika went on to get Henry. She was fortunate that she found him instantly.
"Sorry about that, Henry. I don't want her to think anything funny about us!" She said.
"It's no big deal!" Henry smiled.
"We'll sit at table number fourteen." Rika told Henry.
They went to find the table they were supposed to sit on. It was easy to find since there are few people who are roaming around the area. Rika found Hideki sitting as well with the ladies.
"Rika! You look awesome!" Ami exclaimed.
"Likewise!" Noriko added. "I'm all sets for this occasion."
"Looking good, Miss Nonaka!" Hideki commented on Rika's appearance and somehow felt jealous of Rika's companion.
Henry let Rika sit down first and he followed after. Rika decided to introduce Henry to Hideki.
"Henry, this is Hideki, the one who called when we were grocery shopping one time. Hideki, this is Henry, my best friend since we're teens and until now…" she said.
Henry shook Hideki's hand and vice versa. Then, peace went around the entire table.
The program started and the members of the editorial staff found it to be boring until the announcement of the awards began. Among those who won was Rika who bagged the Best in Feature Reporting when she covered the interview of her mother and of Naomi Kiryuu. Rika was surprised that her interviewee was also present as well when she went up to claim the award.
"Now that's something you don't see every day!" Rika said as she returned to her seat while holding her trophy.
"Why not? You did great!" Henry smiled.
"WE did great, Wong! If it wasn't for your help in driving, I wouldn't have interviewed Mrs. Kiryuu in the first place!" Rika protested while laughing.
The two laughed for some time until the launch of the magazine commenced. The ones seated at table number fourteen were amazed at the ideas Jeri Katou and Rika Nonaka had put in.
"I never ambitioned that my work will get published…" Rika said to Izumi. "But I guess it turned out really nice!"
"Don't be silly, Rika! You outdid yourself this year, you know!" Izumi replied.
Henry was surprised that Rika's labors were great. "Rika, those must be the aftermath of your stresses during the last three weeks, aren't those?" he said.
"Yeah! My source of pain in the head!" Rika added. "But I'm glad that's over."
A couple of hours after that, the anniversary launch at Tokyo Advertising Company had ended and the staff could say that they had fun laughing at their stresses while going out of the venue. Henry and Rika were exchanging jokes with Rika's friends.
"Rika! Where's Jeri?" Ami asked.
"She's in Nara with her family." Rika explained. "She'll be back tomorrow…"
"A day worth of beauty rest!" Noriko cheered.
"See you guys on Tuesday!" Izumi said.
"Yeah!" all the girls said.
"I'll see you around, Rika!" Hideki said.
"Yeah. See you…" Rika said idly.
Henry was waiting for Rika so they could go home already. When he saw her already, he was also smiling.
"I didn't regret accepting your invitation on this one, Ri…" Henry said. "I had fun with your colleagues… Maybe I could have them set up with the single guys in the office!"
"Yeah, I could consider your idea. They're hopeless romantic singles! But exclude Jeri and Izumi… They're taken already!" Rika added.
"You're right!" Henry chuckled as he led Rika to his car.
When they reached Rika's home, Henry stayed with Rika until she unlocks the door.
"Henry…" Rika started. "Thank you for accepting my invitation and for being my escort tonight."
"You're welcome, Ri!" Henry smiled. "And always will be!"
Rika smiled and finally entered her home. With that, Henry smiled as well and left the house.
I've been doing everything with Henry… From business, vacation and gatherings! Maybe or maybe, I should let him in… she thought.
These are the thoughts that are running in Rika's head and eventually she settled to sleep with a smile on her face.
~ All I wanna do is find a way back into love.
I can't make it through without a way back into love.
And if I open my heart again,
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end ~
Meanwhile, in Henry's bachelor pad, his smile was better than when he left Rika earlier.
Rika does have a heart when she opens up to others… I don't want her to change… That's why I loved her… Because of what she is… Maybe one day, I'll have the courage to tell her what I really feel about her… he thought.
He then went to his bed and slept, knowing that he will have good dreams for tonight.
Two days later, Henry was in the office when he was assigned for a field work somewhere in the eastern part of Tokyo. He will be staying there for three days but the problem was, the phone that he brought does not contain Rika's number and the field work was good until Friday.
"Crap! The phone doesn't have Rika's number!" Henry berated himself. "How am I going to call her?"
At the same time, Rika was in the office trying to call Henry because she will give him a copy of their anniversary issue.
What happened to Henry? I know he answers his phone as soon as he can! She thought while holding her phone.
Then, Jeri surprised Rika by saying that she will have lunch with her.
"Rika! Let's have lunch!" Jeri said.
"Okay…" Rika said.
They were in a nearby restaurant when Jeri noticed something wrong.
"Miracle! Henry isn't around?! Where is he, Rika?" Jeri said.
"I don't know, Jeri. I was calling him but it was full of ringing…" Rika explained. "Maybe he's busy."
"Yeah, maybe he is!" Jeri said. "Let's eat!"
Then that afternoon, Rika never bothered calling Henry.
I know you're busy so I won't call you today. Maybe tomorrow… She thought.
That night, Rika dismissed what happened during the morning. But curiosity got the best of her so she went to Henry's place. It was empty and she assumed that Henry must be doing something important today.
The next day, Rika went with Jeri to the office. She was ready to get busy again after a promising project was given to her by Mrs. Hayashi.
"Rika Nonaka…" Izumi said as she gave a piece of paper to Rika so she could sign it.
"Thanks, Izumi…" Rika said as she took the paper from Izumi.
Then more and more works came that morning so she and Jeri had a cup of coffee.
"Jeri, hand this over to Noriko so I could give the papers to Hideki…" Rika said.
"Alright… It's getting dizzy in here, Ri!" Jeri groaned as she took Rika's papers.
"Don't worry, Jeri. After this, you'll get the bonus that you've been praying for…" Rika said coolly.
Right after doing so, Rika eventually went to Hideki to forward more papers.
"Hideki, I need these papers so they could go to Mrs. Hayashi already!" Rika said as she went to the cubicle of the hunk executive.
"I'm expecting these papers already. Thanks, Rika!" Hideki said with a grin.
"Just because you are the first male here in the office that I had lunch with doesn't mean we're going to be more than friends!" Rika replied coolly.
"Of course, Rika!" Hideki again said with a grin as he signed them as well. "Here you go!"
"Thank you!" Rika said sarcastically. With that, she turned her back to give the papers to her superior.
Izumi saw Rika going out of Hideki's office and she teased her. "Are you two having a casual date already?"
"NO!" Rika's eyes went wide as she ran off to Mrs. Hayashi's room.
When Rika went to Mrs. Hayashi's room, the older woman smiled at the sight of her employee.
"So, Rika… I guess you're happy because everything you did for the anniversary issue turned out to be just fine!" Mrs. Hayashi said.
"Maybe… I was just surprised…" Rika answered while she handed the papers.
"Don't worry… It takes time to measure a person's greatness, you know?" Mrs. Hayashi advised. "Maybe, this year is your time to shine!"
"I guess so…" Rika said. "Thanks, Mrs. Hayashi…"
"You're welcome, Rika!" Mrs. Hayashi said and with that, Rika left the room.
After that, Rika's mind went again to Henry. Somehow, he was occupying most of her mind because she has not heard from him yet since yesterday.
"I'm going to call and check him if he's okay…" Rika said.
Rika went to her table and called Henry again. This time, she only heard nothing but constant ringing only.
Henry?! Where are you?! And what happened to you?! she thought while she tried many attempts to call him.
Jeri was surprised that Rika had been clinging to her cellphone for the past ten minutes.
"Rika? What is it?" Jeri said.
Rika finally gave up. "Nothing. I'm calling someone but he's not answering…" she said simply to avoid unnecessary statements from Jeri.
"Okay! I'm just checking if you're okay!" Jeri said.
"Thanks, Jeri…" Rika said.
That night, Rika could not help but think about Henry and his whereabouts.
Henry… Rika thought once again. She could not take him off her mind.
