AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hello, long time no see!
IMPORTANT NOTE: I do not own anything
CHAPTER 12: Out of nowhere…Having dinner with the…in-laws!
(This chapter is dedicated completely on the AsuHwo thingy) As you will notice it's quite long as well.
Japan, Osaka…
A motorcycle's engine was turned off when the driver parked it inside a hotel's parking lot. He rested his body on his seat for some mere seconds and shook his head several times. A sigh escaped his lips and with his hands he raised his goggles to his forehead. He usually wasn't wearing them but today was kind of windy. He hoped that the others didn't have any problems with their flight. This worriedness disappeared rather quickly. He locked the motorcycle and stood up from the seat. Suddenly, a man dressed in a suit approached him. He bowed in front of him and said…
"Sir, would you like for me to take care of your motorcycle?"
"There's no need to. I won't be staying here."
With that he placed the keys inside his pocket and made his way inside the hotel. He felt quite lost when he looked around him. The ceiling was huge with detailed and bizarre patterns. It was so…strange and extraordinary for him…This whole atmosphere. However, he knew that Lili and as expected her father were really used to this lifestyle. Well, he was still trying to fit within the Holiday House…Imagine what happened back when they became her father's bodyguards…
When he spotted the reception, he walked there and rested his elbows on the counter. He smiled playfully at the young receptionist, who blushed in response…
"I'm here for Mr. Rochefort…Uh…Tell him that I arrived."
The woman was ready to call the luxurious suite, where the man was staying, on the top floor until a realization entered her mind… "Umm…" she smiled awkwardly… "Can you give me your name?"
"Hehe…Sure." he winked his eye at her… "I'm Hwoarang…Just this. Don't worry, he's going to understand."
Hwoarang watched the woman calling the hotel room. He looked around him once again and how people were walking up and down the stairs. He returned his gaze to the woman and his eyes travelled towards her chest area. He laughed in the inside…
"Haha…They're good. Too bad my standards have changed just a couple of days ago."
It was a good thing that she didn't notice him looking at her. When he heard her voice he shook his head and widened his eyes. The woman bowed her head and pointed towards the elevator…
"Mr. Rochefort is waiting for you. It's on the ninth floor, room 793."
"Ninth Floor?! Just how many rooms does this hotel have? Ok, thanks."
Walking away from the reception he made his way towards the elevator. He entered it and as expected once again, it was very big. Maybe, because he was the only one inside. He pressed the button 9 and waited for the elevator to start…
After eight stops the elevator reached the top floor. Hwoarang was really pissed off with the last two guys, who entered the elevator just to get off to the next floor. Why did they have their legs for? And they didn't seem old at all. He walked quickly outside as soon as the door opened…
"Where am I supposed to go now? I have a feeling that whichever direction I'll choose the room will be at the other one."
A sigh escaped his mouth and without thinking about it anymore, he walked the corridor on his right hand. He was looking quickly on his left and right… "788, 789…umm…yeah, yeah…umm…Got it!"
…
Inside the suite…
A man as rich as Lili Rochefort's father would definitely choose the grand suite as a place to rest his possibly tired body. Obviously, a flight between Monaco and Osaka…can be tiring enough. The distance, you know…And, of course, the man wasn't so young…Better say middle fifties. He was sitting in the balcony enjoying the busy streets of Osaka's center place. He wasn't really thrilled about what he was seeing. Monaco was still the perfect place for him…Nothing feels better than being home…
Knock, knock…
Both the man and his two bodyguards looked towards the door. He remembered that Hwoarang was already here to meet him. He looked at one of his bodyguards and gave him a nod. The man bowed slightly and proceeded to open the door. He placed his hand on the doorknob and opened it. The auburn haired man walked inside the suite. He decided to not be awed again. He had enough of this today. He smiled at the familiar bodyguard…
"How's it going, Erik?" he said and hit lightly the man's shoulder, only for him to start rubbing it. Still, Hwoarang was way too strong for him…
"G-Good…Follow me for now."
Hwoarang didn't say anything and followed him. He, soon, noticed his employer sitting comfortably on a big chair in the balcony. Was he going to stay long? He wondered…He shook his head and bowed when he found himself in front of him. These actions of respect towards others were ludicrous for Hwoarang. Only Baek Doo San deserved his respect and devotion…
"Take a seat, Hwoarang." Said the man pointing to the chair opposite him…
"So, why did you want to see me?" he asked sitting opposite the man…
He smiled at the younger man. It wasn't a wicked smile as Hwoarang would expect. It was one expressing gratitude. However, he was still suspicious of him. There was no way the man asked for him to meet with each other just to say that he was thankful…
"You're doing an excellent job, Hwoarang. My daughter was right. It would be a mistake not to hire you."
Hwoarang smiled sarcastically in the inside. If only he knew…By first glance, Lili made Steve her target. Every single word coming from her was referring to Steve…Hwoarang was something…like…a follow-up. However, he had to admit that she showed her gratefulness towards him. Definitely not with words! The money he was taking were enough to prove this.
The auburn haired man crossed his arms and looked away for a second only to return his gaze to his boss…
"Well, sir…If I know her, in a way…uh…She was possibly referring to Steve, not me."
The older man smiled knowing of Lili's affections towards the young boxer. The only thing he didn't know was that Steve returned them himself. The relationship between the two wasn't just a mere crush from Lili's side, as he believed…It was a good thing that he was unaware of that…
"Steve is a good one himself but soft hearted…He reminds me of myself."
Hwoarang pointed at himself and chuckled… "Hehe…Are you saying that I'm cold-hearted? That's quite the exaggeration, don't you think?"
His boss' eyes widened… "Uh…My apologies…I never wanted to sound rude. I'm sorry."
"Chill, sir. I know what you mean."
He nodded and a faint smile crossed his lips. The last thing he wanted was to insult someone he trusted…
"Is Lili doing alright?" he asked…The fact of her decision to travel to the USA wasn't surprising for him. He knew of his daughter's whims and how spoiled he had made her. But he never regretted it. Lili was the only reason for him to live. He would do everything for her sake…
"If by that you mean "acting all full of herself", then yeah…She's good."
He breathed out being relieved of his daughter's safety. The man raised his gaze and looked at Hwoarang, who was waiting for him to say something. He realized that he had to tell him what he wanted, since he, also, had to leave in about some hours…
"Hwoarang?"
He didn't say anything and just waited for the man to talk…
"I know that what I'm going to say will sound selfish but you're the only one I trust in this."
Hwoarang lowered his eyebrows. He had a feeling that they met because of this. He couldn't stop thinking about it. But why did it have to be him? Why not Steve? Uh…No, no…Steve Fox was soft-hearted, in contrast to Hwoarang, who was cruel, ruthless, selfish…and etc. The poor young man was so misunderstood…Well, it wasn't like he was the "nice type" of guy but…Anyway, let's just say that he wasn't as insensitive as others, including Steve, expected him to be…
"You're putting a lot on my shoulders…You, at least, have to give me some time to think."
The man nodded… "Sure…I get it. It was sudden from my side."
A sigh escaped his lips and stood up. His boss did the same. There was some kind of conflict inside Hwoarang's mind. There are a lot of choices with all of their consequences. What was he going to choose in the end?
"By the way…" said the man and took out his checkbook… "I believe it's just as we agreed, right?"
Hwoarang took the paper in his hand and checked the number. He smirked…This check was definitely on its way to Seoul. He remembered when the man questioned his decision of wanting him to write the check in Baek's name. Of course, he gave him no answer. Only, Steve knew of the reasons his friend decided to travel to Monaco and become a simple, petty bodyguard. Hwoarang had other dreams concerning himself…For example, when he was just fourteen years old, he wanted to become a singer…But that was back then…Now…He didn't even know himself…Better say that he didn't have the time or luxury to make dreams…
"Yeah…Do you need me anything else?"
The older man shook his head negatively and dismissed him… "You can go. I need to leave soon as well."
"I see…Have a nice flight, then."
Hwoarang turned his back and started to walk towards the exit…
"Wait." Said his boss…
He turned slightly his head and heard him again…
"I'll communicate with you soon. Be sure to give me your answer."
"Got it." He answered and made quickly his way outside the room…
Hotel Entrance…
Hwoarang exited the luxurious hotel and sighed in relief. Being inside there was quite stressful and weird for him. The atmosphere didn't fit his whole "philosophy". However, his relief was just an ephemeral feeling. He had to make another serious decision and that bastard didn't even tell him what he was supposed to do if he ever agreed. All he wanted to do now was to relax and have something "alcohol" like to drink. For a moment, he thought of having a ride away from the town but then he didn't find bad the idea of relaxing in the mansion's roof. A smirk crossed his face…Accidentally, he found out about that place when he was wandering around. He wondered if Lili knew of its existence or if only exploring Steve's body was all that mattered to her. It was pretty possible.
He hopped on his bike excitedly and started driving back to the Holiday House. He was going to hit the bar and make his own cocktails…Then, he would put on his swimsuit and have a dive inside the pool…Then, he would warm himself inside the hot tub. Wow…Maybe, he would spend the whole day inside there…
Osaka, Rochefort Holiday House…
The roof inside the Rochefort Holiday House was as Hwoarang described it a place where someone could relax all day long. No one would be bored being up there…Well, probably, Lili, since he never imagined her being happily in a swimsuit all day. He remembered once when he spilled some water on her hair as an April fools prank. The look on her face after that? Let's say that Hwoarang was never supposed to go near her again. On the other hand, there was, also, Steve, who was a hydrophobic. As it seemed, the young girl was lucky here. Her boyfriend disliked being around water, so he would prefer to be around her…
…
Some minutes ago, Hwoarang entered the house and he was welcomed by Sebastian. Being completely excited about going to the roof, he just waved his hand towards his direction ignoring him. However, he noticed that the old man tried to say something. Of course, he didn't find it important since he had already met with the boss. It must be probably Lili wanting to check on him. So thoughtful? Definitely not! She was probably worried if there was a chance he might have entered her bedroom. It was true that being enthusiastic over having a trip with Steve, made her forget completely about what she bought yesterday. Anyway, he thought about giving them a call later on…
He walked inside his bedroom and took off his clothes. He searched through the drawers but he didn't find anything. He didn't let that get to him. He shrugged his shoulders and walked inside the bathroom. He took a towel, which was hanging next to the bathtub, in his hands and made his way outside the room…
"Who cares? I'll just be naked. I'm by myself after all."
…
Rochefort Holiday House, Roof…
As he was walking the stairs up, loud music was heard from up there. He raised an eyebrow. Could it be that since the princess was away, they found their chance to party? Hphm! Not when he's still here. He wrapped the towel around his waist and with quick steps he made his way to the top. He grabbed the doorknob and opened slowly the door, only for his eyes to widen in the sight in front of him…
"Ahh…That's the best! Who would have guessed that there was this place on the roof? A paradise all to myself."
Hwoarang smirked mischievously and crossed his arms. With such loud music, which was terrible, by the way, there was no way he would be noticed. He made some steps further and said…
"It's a shame not to share this paradise with someone, right Asuka Kazama?"
…
The young Japanese girl was enjoying herself inside the hot tub for some time now. But why was she here? Shouldn't she be with Steve and Lili inside the plane? Truth to be told something…happened…or was going to "happen", if there was a chance that something else might "happen"…Whatever it was or "was going to happen" had to do with Asuka Kazama. This "happening" it's not supposed to be discussed or mentioned for the time being.
All that mattered was that due to circumstances she found herself back to Osaka and especially back to the Rochefort Holiday House. When she came back from the airport all she had in mind was to take her laptop and go to her house. However, since Sebastian told her that Hwoarang might be late, she found her chance to explore the place without having that pervert around. At first, she was disappointed, well not exactly since the place was huge and quite extravagant for her standards, but it didn't excite her. Her curiosity though "convinced" her to go and check out the rooftop. Who knows? Maybe it would be the ideal place to get rid of Hwoarang. She smirked to herself in the thought. Everything is possible inside Asuka Kazama's simple mind…Maybe, she actually considered it as a choice.
She hugged herself protectively and moved her body to the hot tub's corner. The man was there standing in front of her with only a towel around his waist and his cellphone. When did he come back? Wasn't he going to be late? She made a note inside her mind to never trust Sebastian's words ever again. She frowned in the inside and bit her upper lip as she watched him walking even closer, only to find himself touching the tub…
"What…W-What the hell are you doing here?"
Hwoarang walked inside and found himself sitting opposite her. Before he was ready to do it, he considered of taking off the towel as he had already decided before going outside his bedroom. He sighed in the inside thinking that proceeding with it was a bad idea…
"Hehe…Shouldn't this be my line, baby? Why are "you" here? You are supposed to be in the plane with the others."
Asuka looked away from him being both embarrassed and trying to avoid the question… "T-That's a…"
"I actually don't care about that…What I want to say is that you knew I would be here all by myself. ALL BY MYSELF, I repeat. You don't even want to be in the same room with me. How come you stayed here and didn't go back to your house?"
What was she supposed to say now? That she came to only take her computer and leave? Then, what was she doing here? She gathered her whole courage and looked at him with the corner of her eye… "Like I'll leave this entire place to you."
Hwoarang chuckled and tilted his head to his left. He saw her hugging herself even tighter. That was so useless…Why wasn't she stepping outside already? This girl was all talk after all…
"What are you talking about?" he said "innocently"…He pointed at himself for a moment… "I'm a person, who likes to share. I wouldn't mind to share with you…umm…the bedrooms, the bathrooms…uh…the living room…This pool and definitely this comfortable hot tub. Ah! Man…We're already sharing it. And last but not least…Listen to this…The kitchen late at night. That's it!"
Poor Asuka Kazama was left speechless by what she was hearing. Her mouth was wide dropped and she had let her guard down without realizing it. She had never heard things like that before. Does this guy actually doing this kind of things on regular basis? She was somehow curious to ask him but decided against it, in the end. Good thing she did. You never know with Hwoarang and how far he can actually go. Asuka's heart wasn't ready for his dirty mind…The young girl doubted that it could ever be ready. But you never know…Some things actually happen way before we expect them. Could something like this happen with Asuka? We might find out, who knows?
"You're so lewd!"
Hwoarang started laughing uncontrollably… "Hehe…Maybe, I am but…You still sit opposite me, babe."
"Heh! You'll be the one out. I came first." She said pointing with her hand at him…
"Bullshit…Make me leave if you want." The man had an uninterested tone in his voice as he tried to place his shoulder length hair into a low small ponytail…
Asuka was hesitant. He seemed so unfazed and why wouldn't he be? This kind of closeness might have been part of his life…but not hers. She pursed her lips trying to mumble a few words but to no avail. Nothing was coming out. Being completely "defeated" by this man…AGAIN…she closed her eyes and placed her hands on her face…
"Forget it…Who knows where you're gonna stuck your fingers if I approach you?"
"Such a naughty girl you are."
Even though he somehow tried not to laugh…He just couldn't hold it. That girl was so funny. She was sometimes saying things, he didn't expect to hear from her. Asuka Kazama could be considered a "real" rival in a way. She was taking him by surprise, he had to admit that. At least, coming here in the end wasn't so boring. When they were informed by Lili's father that they would be vacationing here the three of them, he realized that it would be much more preferable to continue following around the old man. The last thing he wanted was to be the third wheel. Hwoarang knew that sooner or later being Steve or Lili the one confessing, these two would become a couple. By the way, he was leaning 99,9% towards the second one, being Lili, something that became true. That girl never confessed with words but her expressions and acts were completely revealing her intentions. Probably the only one, who didn't notice was the target of her affections. As it seems, Asuka Kazama helped here as well. Sensing a possible "enemy" made Lili become even bolder than before. This was something that even his friend came to realize…
Anyway, to get back into the story with the two new "rivals" according to Hwoarang, inside the hot bath, the man took a decision based on impulse. It wasn't like he thought about it, more like his heart decided without asking him. For now he didn't care…
He started laughing even harder than before while watching Asuka's eyebrow twitching. She was definitely pissed off. However, her expression changed once again when Hwoarang relaxed inside the water. What the hell!
"You fucking jerk, why are you opening your legs?!" she said and covered her eyes with her hands…
He let out a smirk. Truth to be told, Hwoarang expected a kick right in the specific area. Good thing she didn't proceed with that. As it seemed she was really embarrassed to "aim". He scratched the back of his head and said winking his eye at her…
"Ah…Way more comfortable…Why don't you do the same? That would be more…convenient for me, too."
As she heard that, Asuka jumped outside the hot tub in an instant… "Why aren't you arrested already?"
"I'm not a molester, that's why."
Asuka gritted her teeth and grabbed her towel. With quick steps she made her way inside the house, while mumbling… "Tell that to someone who's gonna believe you."
…
Hwoarang heard the door closing. He felt kinda bad. He shouldn't have started saying all those things. For a moment he thought of not bothering her anymore but no! He wouldn't let go of this chance. Lili and Steve are not here, so he could have her all to himself. He didn't take in consideration how Asuka felt, by the way. The young man was positive that deep down she liked him as well but her pride didn't let her admit it…
With a smile Hwoarang walked outside the hot tub and stretched his back. He unwrapped the towel around his waist, since it was wet and after squeezing it, he placed it on his left shoulder…
"I'll help you have real fun, Asuka Kazama." He said to himself and walked away heading for his bedroom…
…
Rochefort Holiday House, Asuka's bedroom…
A loud thud was heard when the young Japanese girl slammed the door behind her as she entered her bedroom inside the Holiday House. She didn't care about possibly bothering the staff. Wasn't she, also, a member of the staff? She looked at the white floor and noticed that still some dribbles were falling from her body…That annoying guy! Why couldn't she have a day all to herself? Well, he was right on the part that she knew of the fact of him being here but she didn't expect that a guy as lazy as this one would get into the trouble to wander around this huge house. But who knows? Maybe, he was aware of the place before they even came to Japan.
Asuka didn't lose any more time. She walked inside her bathroom and had a shower with the cold water making contact with her warm body. A normal person would freeze but Asuka Kazama was always having a cold shower to calm down. Everybody is aware of that girl's…umm…special weird uniqueness. She closed the faucet and walked outside the shower. She searched through the drawers and took out a towel wrapping her around her wet body. An irritated sigh left her mouth. She had to dress, take her laptop and go back home. Staying with this guy in the same house for another minute would drive her insane. It wasn't that he was annoying as a person but his words and whatever he was trying to say to irritate her was just so overused. If he was a little more creative and had a bit of imagination, he wouldn't bother her that much. He could, even, help her prepare more creative…kicks…
She closed the bathroom's door and sat on the bed. Lots of thoughts were surrounding her mind. These last days were so busy for her. Where to start? No…She didn't want to start, since she was never gonna stop. She knew herself how much of a whiner she was and now there was no one to listen to her on top of that…
Suddenly, she heard someone knocking on the door. It must be this idiot…But there was a chance not, since he seemed to be enjoying himself inside the hot tub. Maybe, it was Sebastian or other member of the staff. She stood up and breathed out making her way to open the door. She grabbed the doorknob and pulled the door. Her eyes widened in anger and annoyance at the presence of this idiotic male…
"Fuck my life…What do you want?"
He leaned his body on the wall and smirked playfully with a slight piece of seduction. He knew, however, that his playful smiles were just going to piss her off and definitely not…seduce her… "Since, it's the two of us, I…"
"You're completely easy to read. At least say your stupid line and let me hit you."
Hwoarang sighed and closed his eyes for a moment… "Wait a minute, pretty face. I just wanted to ask you out."
Asuka had a slight blush on her cheeks when he called her pretty but soon enough it disappeared when he asked her out. But not for what you believe…
"What for?"
He was left dumfounded. Indeed, he had to admit that she was a difficult one to pick up or handle. But he wasn't here to give up…
"That's new for me…I finally met a woman, who didn't fall for me at first sight. How should I handle this? Umm…you know, I…"
"Do you want to buy anything?" she asked raising an eyebrow…
The man found himself pathetic for not being able to talk to a girl even younger than him. He was usually choosing older women…W-Wait…slightly older. He shook his head determinately and pointed first at her and then at himself…
"I want you and…I…to have fun outside."
"Why?" she asked bluntly…
"Because I want to know you better." He said and smiled…
"Again…Why?"
The young auburn haired man rolled his eyes. Except from pathetic, he, also, started feeling pitiful…
"You see…I'm not used to Osaka, yet."
Asuka frowned and crossed her arms below her chest. She started getting suspicious… "And why should I be your guide?"
He smiled mysteriously and took his cellphone outside his pocket. He showed it to her and said with a mischievous tone in his voice… "You see…Before I got into the hot tub with you…Uhh…I got some pretty nice photos. Well…Who knows how I'm gonna use them?"
She pursed her lips tightly… "Hphm…You're just trying to trick me. I won't fall for that old ridiculous thing."
"Hehe…Are you taking that risk?"
She had to admit that he had her cornered. She knew that he wasn't going to leak out these photos if he had taken them but he would definitely not delete them either and keep them for personal use. Both of them would be terrible. A sigh left her mouth and with an expression full of desperation she said… "Ugh…F-Fine…I'll see you in the hall. Just let me get dressed."
"That's my baby!" he winked his eye at her, only for his face to make contact with the door… "What a stubborn girl…" he said and made his way to the hall…
…
Osaka, Nipponbashi Shopping District…
Asuka was completely confused with Hwoarang's behavior. He actually didn't want to see anything specific. So, she decided by herself and brought him to one of the places, which was busy at this time of the day. The Nipponbashi shopping district was in the biggest degree famous for stores which had to do with electronics, manga and anime stuff. There were also maid cafes and restaurants. This place never interested her but it was popular between her friends. She had heard about it lots of times but whenever she would hear stuff about the place being famous for maid or cosplay cafes…umm…She preferred to go to practice two hours earlier. She always found these things creepy. She still remembered how the manga club wanted to have her as a model for their new series. At first, she found it fun but when she saw how they drew her…It was a terrible shock. Her drawn "boobs" were covering her entire stomach. As guessed, she immediately scratched it and beat up the whole club. From that day onwards, Asuka Kazama was buttoning her shirt till the last upper button…It was so suffocating…
"And why are we here?" asked Hwoarang…
"Because a certain someone didn't know what he actually wanted to see. Didn't I tell you what kind of place this is and you said to check it out?"
The young man didn't answer. He remembered, now, about her asking him something. So, it was that…
"Yeah, right…Can we at least go and have something to eat?"
Asuka nodded quickly. Her stomach was begging her for attention for some time now. She was looking around her and rolled her eyes at the realization that the whole place was filled with maid and cosplay cafes. True…That was Nipponbashi for you. She lowered her shoulders and pointed at the café opposite them… "Come on, we'll go there."
Inside a Maid Café…
"Welcome!" said two girls as the two of them walked inside. Asuka was unfazed in contrast to Hwoarang, who was surrounded suddenly by maids…
"What's going on?" he asked her in a low voice…
"Get used to it…" she answered and shoved them away from him… "Take us to our seats already."
Intimidated by Asuka's face expression, one of the girls' led them to one of the free tables. They sat opposite each other and a waitress dressed in a maid's costume appeared in front of them. Hwoarang rolled his eyes…Oh! That one was wearing cat ears on her head. Did they come to another planet? He tried to talk to Asuka, who was busy looking at the menu, until he heard the maid…
"Your order, please…Asuka Kazama!?" said the young woman taking her attention…
Asuka raised her head and looked at the woman in front of her. She cursed in the inside. That stupid female. Why did she have to appear here? She recalled the fact when that girl said that her dream was to work in a maid café. Asuka had to admit that she had her mouth dropped. What kind of dream was that anyway? All in all, this girl was one of her old classmates. You know, the pretty one with the cute and playful façade…
"It's you…" she said… "Good for you, Megumi…Your dream came true, didn't it?"
The woman decided to ignore answering back at this. She remembered Asuka's mockery back there…Stupid people have stupid dreams…That's what she said. It was unforgivable but she didn't have anything to say back. Asuka had made sure that all people knew the Gang Mediator…not Asuka Kazama. No, no…Just a minute. Scratch the "Kazama". It was giving bad reputation…lately… They didn't know about the real "Asuka"…End of story.
"Hehe…You remembered?"
"Why not? I'm listening to my classmates." She said and smiled…
That was so fake, even Hwoarang could tell. By the way, he noticed that the woman was looking at him intensely…What's with her? He thought…
"Yeah, yeah…So tell…Who's your friend? Or is it boyfriend?"
"None of your business…You're here for our order, aren't you?"
She nodded and turned to Hwoarang…
"Are you ready for you order…Master?"
A frown appeared on Hwoarang's face expressing his confusion. Suddenly, she leaned closer to him and he looked away…
"Oh please…I'm allergic to cats and not to mention that it's a bad thing of you to try and seduce me in front of my date."
Asuka wanted to laugh at this…Allergic to cats…That was a good one and the change of expression in her classmates face was something enjoyable…However, she suddenly remembered the last thing he said…
"Date? We're on a date?! I thought he just wanted to look around. That damned trickster!" she thought tightening her fists…
…
After managing to control her feelings towards the man opposite her, she ordered what she wanted. Her old classmate nodded and then turned to Hwoarang, who was still trying to choose. The young woman was staring at him with a deep red blush on her cheeks. Asuka had to admit, once again, that this man was handsome…He wasn't going around unnoticed for sure. He must have had a lot of women back in Seoul. That bothered her in a way…Why?
"Hey, Asuka?"
She blinked her eyes several times as she heard Hwoarang calling her. As it seems, he made his order, since her old classmate left…
"Hm? You called me? What's wrong?"
He raised an eyebrow… "Are you alright?"
The girl gave him a nod and he smiled. That expression of his…This calm and reassured smile…Oh no! Something was bad here…Asuka didn't know what was it…She had a feeling, though…A feeling, which starts with butterflies dancing in your stomach and blushing even for the smallest thing…What should I do now? She was thinking…
"I want to tell you something." He said with a determent tone in his voice…
"What's with this serious expression? And what's with this whole atmosphere? I can't follow guys! I hear you." That was what she managed to say…
"Well…It may sound creepy…but…"
Asuka rolled her eyes. Everyone was aware of it… "Everything you say is creepy…Nothing's gonna surprise me now."
Hwoarang let out an awkward smile…Well, that was "surprising", however, she knew that this wasn't supposed to be the real thing. She watched him placing his hands together in a nervous way. He looked around the whole place and then back at her…
"If you feel that way, then I don't need to worry, right?"
"Just say what the fuck you want?"
The man tried to control himself. She was getting on his nerves but he had to do his best and find his composure. He had other plans for the day. He already told her that they were actually on a date and as it seemed she understood based on how she acted before…
"I don't know why but…From the first time I met you, I felt this…Like…I mean, it was really comfortable being around you…or natural, call it whatever you want…I mean, even from the moment we fought in the last two tournaments…"
The Japanese young girl was left dumbfounded. She knew that this was something like a confession but there was something else that caught a part of her attention. She raised her head and looked at the man, who stood there silently. How cute?
"Before I answer to the first part…When did the two of us fought in the tournament?"
Little by little the composure he was trying to maintain was getting loose. What a dumb woman? In the end, he decided to drop the nice boy act, since he was completely terrible at it and do this with the old way of his…
He sighed faking a disappointed expression… "That saddens me, baby…You lost to me back there." He watched her raising an eyebrow and his most cocky and arrogant smirk crossed his lips… "This lame fighting style cannot be compared to my great and superior one…Hehe…Does this ring a bell?"
Asuka's eyes widened and she tightened angrily her fists… "You're that cocky annoying jerk! That was it…That's why you were familiar from the very beginning. That's why you're one of the people, who irritate me the most."
"Hehe…Isn't it amazing? You lost to me two times…You have to be proud of yourself for making me fall for you."
She bit her upper lip and stood up unconsciously… "You don't have to continue mentioning it."
"Ok…By the way, sit down, we didn't eat, yet." He said and pointed at her seat…
He was right…They still didn't eat but she had already lost her appetite…Not really, don't worry…
"Anyway, what about the first part? You said that you wanted to comment on something."
Asuka nodded as she recalled his confession. She slightly managed to remember it, since he was back to his old good self. But this fit him better…
She crossed her arms below her chest and looked shyly at him… "Umm…It's so embarrassing."
"Huh? Why? Don't tell me I'm the first one confessing to you?" he asked somehow surprised…
"Actually…yeah." He didn't say anything noticing that she still wanted to say something… "You see…I just don't want to misunderstand things. I may be the way I am but I still have a woman's sensitivities…I mean…Ok, I'm not the most feminine one but…"
Hwoarang stopped her by placing his finger on her lips… "Wait a moment…Indeed, you misunderstood something. Feminine you say…These women dressed so formally all the time, so much makeup on…Well, I mean…Ok, I like them, who doesn't? But not all the fucking time. I like from the girl I love to surprise me and keep my interest…and then, I…"
He suddenly stopped and looked at her with the corner of his eye. She stood there eagerly waiting for him to continue. At least, she was paying attention to him…But he…
"Then what?"
The man sighed again and touched her hands. Asuka didn't snap them away as she would usually do…
"I'm sorry…It's too much on you, isn't it? And for how long do we actually know each other? Like three, four days? I can't help being really impulsive. It's just how I am…Let's take it slowly, ok?"
"Uhh…Well…"
Before Asuka was ready to answer the waitress appeared and served them their food…
…
Osaka, Kazama Residence…
The man lowered his motorcycle's speed when they almost arrived in front of Asuka's house. The day was so tiring for both of them. Not particularly of their time together, since when it came to what they did…We could say that none of them was quite thrilled. At least, Hwoarang managed to say what he wanted for Asuka to hear. That was something too. However, his relief started causing problems for the girl, who had to think and "examine" Hwoarang's confession. Her simple mind was spinning already. So many information and all in one hour. At least he didn't ask for an answer…Was that good or bad?
Hwoarang placed his foot on the ground to support the bike… "We're here. Go in."
She bit her upper lip. Was that all? We're here? Go in? Did that guy really like her? He was so callous and clueless when it came to treating girls and girls you even say that you like. Lili always knew how to whine, when Steve was such a gentle and nice man. Tsk…And here she was stuck with the worst of all…
She hopped off the bike and before she was ready to say goodbye, she heard someone's unpleasant in this exact moment voice…
"Asuka?!"
Her eyes widened knowing to which person this angry voice belonged to. Not now… "D-Dad? Why are you here so late? Shouldn't you be already inside watching that drama?"
"How dare you make questions back at me? And the drama is tomorrow…Back to you now. Why are you here?"
At first she looked at the ground and then at the man next to her. They made eye contact and that surprised her for a moment…
"Don't say anything…" she mumbled in a low voice to him…
"So?" her father had a demanding and strict tone in his voice…
"Eh…Uh…My b-boss…Well, she's on a business trip, so, you know…"
The man shook his head and crossed his arms. He looked sharply at Hwoarang who swallowed hard. What a scary glare? He thought. It was definitely the so called "father's glare". He had heard of it once because of a friend of his…Not Steve but it could be a possibility…
"And who's he?" he asked again pointing at him…
"He's…"
"I asked him not you." The man interrupted her and she buried her face inside her hands…
"What's your name, young man?"
Hwoarang cleared his throat. He scratched the back of his head and opened slightly his mouth…
"Hwoarang-kun!"
The three of them heard a familiar female cheery voice. They looked at their right and there stood Asuka's mother having her hands together. As expected she was looking at her future son-in-law, as she started thinking of him for some time now. For the Japanese woman seeing him again in such a short time was something like a sign. It was meant to be…Asuka and Hwoarang…Their names sounded so beautifully next to each other…
"Now you've done it." Thought Asuka when her mother started walking further towards them…
"Do you know him, Yuko?" asked the man suspiciously…
The woman looked casually at her husband and nodded. She bowed formally in front of Hwoarang, who didn't know how to react. She, suddenly, felt a hand grabbing her shoulder… "Mom, what are you doing out here?"
"I heard the motorcycle…and I was so happy when I saw Hwoarang-kun on top of it."
"What's his business here, then?"
A frown appeared above her eyes and made her hands in fists… "Honey, stop being so intimidating. He's your daughter's…umm…close friend."
Asuka flinched at what she heard from her mother's words. That manipulative, scheme lover woman! A sigh left her mouth and tried to calm herself down. At least she said friend…even though…close…It could be worse.
"And how come I've never seen him before?"
His wife started looking around her. This man was way too loud today. And not to mention, that their neighbors loved to gossip. The woman liked it, too but definitely when it doesn't concern you, correct?
"What about we go in first? Hwoarang-kun, you can park your bike inside the yard, ok?"
The young man nodded being grateful for her kindness and she smiled…
...
Inside the house…
As expected of an almost "normal" Japanese family, the four of them ate their dinner in silence. Both Asuka and her mother were exchanging nervous glances. The tensed atmosphere inside the house was quite obvious. Even Neko-chi could tell, who was watching them from the first floor. She was hungry as well but no one paid her any attention…
"Yuko?"
The man called his wife without taking his intense pressuring gaze off Hwoarang. For a moment, even Asuka felt bad for him. However, in the same time, someone could say that she was giving him a test. If he manages to convince her father for his "good and serious intentions" then, there was a possibility to give a positive reply to his confession. Not that she wasn't already thinking of doing so. As they were driving back to her house, Asuka was thinking that the same thing was happening back in high school. Two of her friends were asked out all of a sudden by two guys they didn't even know. After just one date, they made it official. But was that really going to work? She wouldn't know, if she didn't try…
"Hm?"
"The young man here will help you with cleaning the table."
The woman's eyes widened. That husband of hers. Wasn't it a little too late for him to start acting like the strict father? Asuka was an adult woman now. She could do whatever she wanted…Well, someone could say that even when she was a teenager, she was doing again whatever she wanted. Maybe, that's the reason why her father hadn't already realized that his daughter wasn't in his possession anymore.
"What kind of person treats their guest like that? I have a name around the neighborhood. Your unreasonable hostility towards Asuka's boyfriend won't ruin it for me. You hear me?!"
The other three stood there in silence. It didn't take long for Asuka Kazama to realize that her mother called him actually her boyfriend. She glanced first at Hwoarang, who was looking nervously at his hands. A faint smirk crossed her lips. Could it be that he was honest with his feelings that he really wanted to date her seriously? Heh…That was unexpected from a man of his kind. Then, she looked at her father and noticed that he had broken his chopsticks tightening them inside the palm of his hand. Oh no! That was no good but since her mother didn't worry that meant that her father would pull through from this…
"Actually, let me help you, ma'am." Said Hwoarang while standing up. He took the plates from the older woman and noticed her light pink cheeks. That young man was really something else. Even making a married woman so overwhelmed just because a handsome man smiled at her. Ah…Her daughter was so lucky. If only she was in her position? She would marry him in an instant. Like right here and now…Ermm…And no, it's not an exaggeration…She was definitely going to do this. Pretty expectable since it would be coming from Asuka's mother, right? But ok…She was satisfied having him as her son in law, as well…
She touched her chest and nodded… "Since it's not a bother…I appreciate it."
Hwoarang shook his head… "That's my line. It's been ages since I had such a nice meal. Thanks."
"You're flattering me. I'll cook for you whenever you want."
The two started walking inside the kitchen and he mumbled… "That's good for me…Yeah!"
He let out a smile to her direction once more… "He's so cute! His smile is so enchanting and his long legs so beautiful…That daughter of mines is so blessed."
…
Kazama Residence, Living room…
Father and daughter stood up from the table and after the older man's request they moved to the living room. Asuka gave him a nod and followed him only to look briefly at the kitchen's direction. She hoped that these two other people didn't plan anything behind her back. Well, she had a feeling that her mother was planning already something but she knew that Hwoarang wouldn't go as far as to conspire with her. She smiled in the inside, yet in the same time had a bad feeling…The night was interesting…Both in the bad and good way…
"Asuka?" the man called for her and pointed at the sofa opposite the couch he was usually sitting…
She had no choice but to obey him. Who would have guessed? In the past, she even used to ignore him…but now…because of a man…
Oh no! A young man made her obey the orders of an old man…Her old man…meaning her father! And another critical thing in this whole situation was that the young man was her young man…meaning her…She still didn't know or wasn't sure of what he was to her…
Asuka sat down and started biting nervously her nails, since her father didn't bother releasing his annoyed frown above his eyes. Unlike Lili, she didn't care of destroying her nails. She wasn't in manicuring them either but ok, she was keeping them in a nice condition. The young girl couldn't handle this uneasiness and looked angrily towards her father, who flinched in return. How dare she glare at him like that?
"Dad…" Asuka mumbled… "Say what you need to…I'll answer to every one of your questions."
"Fine, then…" he said in a low voice and asked her… "How does your mother know about him and I don't?"
She swallowed hard…Well, it was true that she expected something different, like if she knew of his background, but this wasn't easy either, since she was sure that he was going to ask both her mother and Hwoarang the same thing as a trap…
"You s-see…He was the one, who helped me with moving my stuff to that girl's house…Mom was here, so I couldn't possibly not introduce him to her and, since you know how she is…She wanted to treat him to…s-something."
Her father didn't say anything and placed his hand under his chin while thinking of something…
"Hm…That does sound like something she would do…Well, Yuko likes him quite a lot and she seems even more interested in him than Asuka does. I've heard that Koreans are really popular these days. Hphm! Like I'll lose my wife to some kid. I'll let him have Asuka…Hehe…And now that I'm thinking better of this, I could actually…"
Asuka raised an eyebrow being confused because of her father's reaction…His mysterious smirk was bad news…This old dude was acting weird today. However, she had a feeling that he wasn't actually bothered by Hwoarang. He had something up his sleeve but what? Maybe, her mother knew. Suddenly, the two looked behind when they heard the other two talking happily to each other while holding two trays…
"Hwoarang-kun, leave it here on this table and I'll serve it, ok? By the way, sit next to Asuka."
The young man nodded and placed the tray on the coffee table. Next, he took a seat next to Asuka, who noticed his clueless aura. She was afraid to ask or even wonder about what kind of things they talked about inside the kitchen the two of them. However, she was sure about one thing. Thankfully, Hwoarang didn't have any part in this. Her only problem was her two parents. These two people were dangerous and sneaky…They gave birth to her…She should have been aware of this…
Her mother served for them some tea and took a seat on a couch next to her husband's. She smiled. These two kids looked so lovely together. The older man glanced at her and rolled his eyes in the inside. He placed his hand on his mouth and cleared his throat making them look at him…
"So…Your name is Hwoarang…For now, tell me…How did you and MY DAUGHTER met?" he asked emphasizing the two words "my" and "daughter"…
Hwoarang didn't let himself panic. He came here prepared. He straightened his back and placed his hands each one on his lap… "With Asuka…I mean, your daughter…we met in the tournaments. Hehe…We fought together at both of them and…well…We found each other interesting, so we came to talk to each other…And, you see…Who would have guessed? Out of pure coincidence we're coworkers now."
The man raised an eyebrow suspiciously… "Is this coincidence really that pure?"
His wife bit her upper lip and tightened her fists… "This stupid man is going to ruin everything!"
The auburn haired man smirked slightly and relaxed his back on the couch… "Why wouldn't it be? If I had ulterior motives…"
"You definitely have!" thought Asuka…
"or wanted to deceive you…I wouldn't be here looking you sincerely straight in the eyes…" he chuckled… "I would have probably made a run for it. Sir, I really like your daughter."
Asuka couldn't believe what she was hearing. She looked firstly at her mother, who was completely happy…Then, at Hwoarang, who had a serious expression on his face. That made her blush…He was here asking for her father's permission. She had to give him that. Finally, she gazed at her father, who was deep in thought…
"You seem honest." Said the man calmly and his daughter stood up from the sofa in an instant. That was the last thing she expected to hear…
"You are the one being pure, dad…Such an easy to fool man." She thought…
"Thank…you…" Hwoarang whispered and bowed at the man from his place…
"Where are you from?" asked her father folding his arms…
His daughter sighed being defeated by all of them inside the household. Especially, her mother, who was the happiest of all…That woman…Asuka crossed her legs and stared at Hwoarang, who returned her gaze. Why was he looking at her? She wondered…The only thing she did was to give him a nod…Was he expecting something from her?
"I'm South Korean…Uh…I was born in Seoul."
The man nodded briefly… "I see…How old are you?"
"I'm 22."
"When is your birthday?"
Hwoarang sighed…He understood the part of his birthplace and age, well his daughter was younger than him, but why did he ask about the exact date? Whatever…It wasn't like he had a problem answering… "December, 2…"
The man suddenly remembered what Asuka told him in the past. That both of the times she participated in these tournaments, she lost to someone, who was using Taekwondo. Could it be him?
"You said that you fight in these tournaments. What's your fighting style?"
"Taekwondo."
He nodded in the inside. It's probably him… "As expected of a Korean."
"I'm South Korean." Hwoarang pointed out irritated. He was lucky that he managed to hide it…
"Uh…Yes…Say, what about your parents?"
Hwoarang's eyes widened. Same happened with Asuka and her mother when they noticed his expression. He smiled sadly and scratched the back of his head. That was difficult to explain. In an instant, Asuka's mother stood up and walked behind Hwoarang placing her small hands on his shoulders… "Could it be that you don't have any, Hwoarang-kun?"
"That's not…You see…" he tried to explain only for the woman to shot her husband a murderous glare…
"Stop that! Don't you see that you make him feel uncomfortable?"
The man sighed and shrugged his shoulders. He looked at his wife and then daughter. Lastly, he brought his gaze to Hwoarang and stood up motioning for him to do the same…
"Fine…You seem as a good man. Your eyes are warm and trustful."
Asuka's eyes widened… "Warm? Trustful? Don't let him deceive you, dad? He's a massive pervert! It's written all over his face."
Hwoarang bowed kindly. This man was the second one he considered worthy of being respected… "Thank you."
"Ok…I guess I have no choice. I'll allow you to date my daughter."
"What?!" shouted Asuka surprised…
What was happening here? Is this all thing reality? And how come her father gave his permission? Hwoarang didn't ask for permission. He just said that he liked her. No, no…This old man had definitely his reasons. Who knows? Maybe, he just wanted to marry her off to someone for her to stop being his problem…Or something else…But what?
"Honey, that was such a great idea!" said the woman and hugged her husband's arm, who smiled proudly in return…
"Mom?! It might also be that mom doesn't let dad have sex with her and he did all that because of his desperation to allow him. And you, Hwoarang, why are you not saying anything?"
"Why should I? I wanted to date you." He said as a matter of fact… "But ok…Sir, isn't it a little early, though?"
Asuka nodded vigorously… "Right!"
The man shook his head negatively and sat back on his couch and the others did the same… "It's alright…To be honest, I'm glad it's you, Hwoarang, and not some kid. I prefer a man older than my daughter and, definitely, stronger in order to protect her."
"How do you know that he's stronger?" said Asuka making her hands in fists…
The older man sighed at his daughter's childish behavior. Like she didn't know. She was just way too prideful to admit it…
"Didn't you lose to him? Two times on top of that? I remember when you told me that the man was Korean and was using Taekwondo."
She looked away remembering that she really told him. Damn this mouth of hers. For a moment she looked to her mother's direction hoping to support her at least once but to no avail...
"Your father is right, Asuka. We don't want you to be the man in the relationship."
"Why would I be the man?!" she asked angrily…
Her parents exchanged glances and nodded to each other… "Let's leave it at that…" they mumbled in unison…
With these last words, Hwoarang smiled and stood up. The rest looked at him and heard him saying…
"It's getting late…I should be heading back."
"Wait a moment…Why are you leaving her here? She's under your protection now."
"Gah! What kind of a father are you, old man? You're sending your own daughter to be eaten?!" she thought…
Asuka rolled her eyes and nodded in the inside. In the end, her own father wanted to get rid of her. Such a loving father that is, right? She felt bad for Hwoarang, though…Well, she enjoyed it, in a part…but still…
"She preferred to stay here tonight…I would definitely keep her with me but since she wanted to visit you, I thought…" he tried to explain and Asuka smiled. At least he respected her decisions…Kind of…
"R-Right…I wanted that and don't you think that it's inappropriate for the two of us to be all alone in a house, which isn't ours from the very beginning?"
The man crossed his arms and tilted his head to his left…
"I'm not an old man…I know how young people are and their anticipated sexual urges. Your mother and I, Asuka, had you already in your age…As you guessed we got married because she was pregnant."
Her mother rested her head on her husband's shoulder and he touched her hand. What the man said was the absolute truth. Twenty years ago, both these two people were against marriage. They found it bothersome but then, they should have been more careful. However, they never considered abortion. They married by themselves in a small ceremony and continued their lives with the only difference being that they were an official married couple for the community. And definitely, back then, being an unmarried woman with a child was considered a big taboo. Not that it still wasn't in a country like Japan but things were way stricter…
"I'm not intending to make you a grandpa anytime soon." Said Asuka looking her father straight in his eyes…
He frowned angrily. How dare she look at him in that way? Her mother pursed her lips. She glanced at Hwoarang, who thankfully didn't notice her and sighed. She crossed her arms below her chest… "Then, why isn't he staying here?"
The young couple's eyes widened…They didn't manage to react due to the shock. Hwoarang because he wasn't prepared for such a fast turn of events and Asuka because she realized that her father might be honestly serious about it…What was going to happen now? She gazed momentarily at her father, who seemed satisfied with her mother's proposal…These two people…So heartless parents…
"We'll do as you said, Yuko. You two will stay in your room, Asuka." He said pointing at them and watched their terrified expressions. He expected this reaction from his daughter but not from the man opposite him. Could it be that he was actually pretty "innocent" in an adult's man way? He smiled in the inside and said again… "However, boy, you won't touch her…yet…I'm giving you a self-control test…To both of you. Girls are pretty forward these days." This time he looked at Asuka as well…
"Dad, being in the same room with him needs mental self-control."
He let his arms fall on his side as he noticed that none of the two said anything back. He made his way towards Hwoarang and touched his shoulder… "Boy…Come with me." He said and walked the stairs to the first floor with him following behind…
…
Kazama Residence, Asuka's parents' bedroom…
A man with some gray hair at each side of his head walked inside his bedroom. His gaze fell on his wife, who was laying her body on their bed while reading one of her favorite books. He rolled his eyes before he decided to make his way there. He stopped counting how many times she had already read that novel. What the hell? Was the protagonist such a charismatic man? One could tell that he should have said that concerning the novel's plot but he had a reason to do otherwise. He still remembered the last time she read that book and after she done with it, she even pled him to make love to her. Of course, he wouldn't let go of the chance…But something disappointing happened during the intercourse…His wife must have called him a couple of times by the name "James". The next day, he remembered to check out how her book's protagonist was called…As expected his name was "James"…Not only she was fantasizing about another man, he was, also, a foreigner…
He sighed and positioned himself inside the bed pulling the part of his blanket to cover his body. For a slight moment, his wife gave him a glance only to return her attention to reading her book. The man moved his body slowly towards hers and she rolled her eyes…
"Forget it for tonight…I have a headache. Tomorrow…"
He frowned irritated. What a usual excuse? Did she lack imagination? And, anyway, it wasn't like he approached her because of that. Well, it would be a bonus if she actually let him… "You misunderstood…I…"
The woman placed a bookmark and set her novel on the drawer next to her. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow…
"You usually want sex whenever you have this "wet puppy" expression. What is it?"
"Be honest with me, Yuko…Could it be that this boy had something to do with how she was before?"
She thought about it for a second. She had wondered the same thing back then but released the thought. She took off her glasses and placed them on top of the book. She knew where this conversation was going to lead and found the chance to make sure that this man won't involve himself inside her plans…
"I doubt it. You know how your daughter is when she's holding grudges. She wouldn't let him off and have him next to her, if he did anything."
She nodded when he looked at his lap. Did he get that serious because of that? What a strange man?
"That was it?" she extended her hand to take her glasses until the man grabbed her arm…
"Wait…Do you have any idea if they had…you know…Sex?"
The woman remembered the first time she met Hwoarang. That was also the first time she saw her daughter and him being "comfortable" with each other. If only, she didn't walk on them? Such a bad timing… "Well…I'm not sure…But I, almost, caught them the other day…"
"What?! And I was here threatening him. This guy…He was playing it all reliable."
Being angry with the possibility of Asuka losing her virginity to a man he didn't know made his blood boil. He tried to stand up, only for his wife to stop him with her cold voice. He was afraid of this tone of hers…
"Sit down, old man!" he nodded and covered himself with the blanket…She was silent for a couple of seconds. Suddenly, she grabbed him from the collar of the shirt he was wearing as a pajama taking him by surprise… "Listen, Yamato! Do not dare to meddle in my plans…I mean…their newfound relationship. And Hwoarang-kun…He would never do something like this without Asuka's consent."
After saying that she took her hands away from his neck, only for him to grab them with his… "Asuka's consent? Why would my child?"
She snapped his hands away and crossed her arms… "What am I hearing? The two of us had already a child in her age…You said it yourself. And not to mention that as a parent I would get worried if Asuka didn't want to be sexually satisfied."
He scratched the back of his head. What the woman next to him was saying didn't make any sense to him. How can a parent say this kind of things concerning their child?
"But shouldn't we know what kind of person he is?" he asked and she nodded… "See? So, I asked him to come by the dojo tomorrow."
She smiled… "Hm…You did well, honey. I'm proud of you." She rubbed his cheek and he blushed. Such a cute man, wasn't he? "I was surprised that you accepted him so easily. Hehe…So? Now it's your turn…Who was the one, who hurt your pride again and you want to brag about something that has to do with our future son-in-law?"
"You already married him to Asuka?!" he said surprised. She had made obvious that she liked him but not to the extent of considering a supposed marriage so soon?
"For sure I did! Don't you see? These looks and strength. Asuka will find a job eventually and who's going to take over the dojo if not this man? We must be fast and claim him."
He crossed his arms and shook negatively his head. The man wasn't going to let a person, who was using a fighting style other than the Kazama Style Karate, teach inside his dojo. They were well known all around Osaka for their personal Karate technics…
"No way! He's using Taekwondo…I'm not going to allow a person, who uses other fighting style teach inside my dojo."
The woman decided to not say anything. He was becoming unbearable whenever someone would say something bad about "his beloved dojo". Asuka was the same, as well, so she preferred to not meddle inside their stuff…
"Whatever you say…What happened, then?"
A frown appeared above the man's eyebrows. He looked away from her. She was right…He was intending to use Hwoarang in a way. And, it wasn't like someone hurt his pride. More like he wanted to show what kind of man was able to fit his daughter the best and not some weaklings, who thought that by having money made them desirable. He, definitely, knew that Asuka wasn't that type and to show that their family's standards were high enough to shame even the richest person in Osaka. His wife poked him on the shoulder and that made him look at her. With a desperate sigh he started telling her everything…
The woman bit her upper lip and pulled slightly her hair when she heard the whole story from her husband. Well, she would do the same in his position, though, she was actually surprised that he said something like this. Judging from his character, he would probably let it go without thinking too much into it…
"In other words, Hwoarang-kun was godsend." She said shaking her head…
"Somehow…" the man mumbled…
"Hphm! In the end, that's why you accepted him so easily and asked him to come to the dojo. Sneaky old man, taking advantage of your own daughter's lover." After that she slapped him at the back of his head…
"Would you prefer to see her wearing an apron?" he said back rubbing the spot…
"Why is that crook still wandering around free? I still cannot understand. And not to mention that his son is completely weak and ugly."
Her husband smiled faintly at what he heard from her… "As expected from you…Sometimes, I believe that you married me because of my looks."
"Huh? Yours what?" she said uninterested trying to wear her glasses…
"Yuko…You…"
The woman opened her book once again and said for the last time…
"I've bestowed my hope in changing this family upon Hwoarang-kun. I'm glad that things came in this way and I wouldn't have to plan anything in order for you to accept him…Now sleep."
…
Kazama Residence, Asuka's Bedroom…
"So, being in the same room with you feels awesome but how are we gonna fit the both of us on that bed of yours?"
Asuka smirked to herself and opened her closet. She searched at the bottom and took out something which looked like a sleeping bag. She raised her body and closed the closet… "No problem, honey…" she called him mockingly… "You're sleeping on the floor. Here, I took out a futon for you." She said and passed him the futon…
He didn't deny the fact that he was somehow disappointed but that didn't discourage him. Well…A thought of sneaking inside her bed while she would be sleeping crossed his mind but ok…He managed to have her father's permission, so he decided to not push his luck…
Hwoarang placed the futon carefully on the carpeted floor with Asuka's help and stretched his back after doing so. There was some silence between the two. For both of them it was awkward…Especially for Asuka, who was having a man inside her own bedroom, who she wasn't even sure if she liked him or not…The young man scratched nervously the back of his head and walked to her place causing her to make a step back. She was so self-conscious…
"Since, the atmosphere is kind of awkward…Do you have anything for us to do?"
Asuka raised an eyebrow and placed her hand under her chin. A blush appeared on her cheeks. Seriously? Was she becoming a pervert herself? As it seemed Hwoarang's situation could be considered an infectious disease. Even her ears got red when she saw a seductive smirk appearing on his lips. He found himself in front of her and removed her hand from her chin only to lift it with his own…
"You're such a cute girl…As it seems our minds communicate in a passionate way…We can…"
She shook her head negatively and pushed him away… "No way!"
"Whatever…Breathing the same air as you is enough to drive me crazy. So, any ideas?"
"Uh…Let's watch a movie."
Hwoarang nodded and sat on the futon… "Sure. What do you have?"
She placed her hands at each side of her waist and thought about it. She cursed inside her mind. Whenever she wanted to watch a movie she would watch it online. However, since unexpected situations occurred, her laptop stayed back at the Holiday House. Hwoarang was going to spout bullshit again like "It was meant for them to have sex tonight". Like hell she was going to let him say that. Her eyes lit up when she remembered something…
"Since, I'm watching them online, I don't have any movies but now that I'm thinking better of it, I remembered when I confiscated some things from the guys in the dojo…No one dares to slack on my watch!"
Asuka started walking to her closet again and opened it. While Hwoarang was watching his beloved butt of hers moving he asked…
"What things are they?"
"I believe it was some porn magazines and…" she said continuing her search…
"Where are they?!" he asked faking an excited expression…
She shot him a murderous glare… "Lecherous monster!" she called him. She closed the closet and made her way towards the television she had inside her room. She kneeled down and opened the DVD player… "There was also some movies…None of them had a cover…I don't know why…" she said and looked at Hwoarang… "Let's watch one of them, ok?"
Hwoarang sighed and nodded. Something was suspicious here. Confiscated stuff, boys in puberty, porn magazines…well, one thing leads to another… "I have a bad feeling about this "movie" of yours." He thought…
Asuka glared at Hwoarang, who was looking away, and punched him on his shoulder… "Hey?! Pay attention. It's in."
She smiled when he turned to look at her, sat next to him and he returned the same smile. What was he going to do if his suspicions were to become true?
"Can I turn off the light?"
She waved her hand at him… "Do as you like but…" she stopped this time and pointed at him with her hand… "If you dare lay a hand on me…"
Hwoarang took her hand away and rolled his eyes… "I wasn't intending to…and…Hehe, we have proved to each other that when it comes to perverted stuff between us…You're the one taking the lead, correct?"
The young girl looked at her lap being embarrassed from what he said. She had to admit though that he had a point, if someone was to think of all the awkward situations between them…She decided that she needed to relax and raised her head to look at the TV. She pressed the play button. In the same time, she realized Hwoarang's arm trying to find itself around her shoulder. She sighed in the inside…Whatever…Do as you wish…She thought…
As expected of a Japanese anime it started with some cherry trees appearing in the scene. That went on for some time, since the credits were shown on the screen… "Tsk…Stupid credits! Aren't they usually in the end of the movie?" she said and looked at Hwoarang…
"I might not be Japanese to understand completely…But this…definitely…Is not a movie of your liking, Asuka Kazama. It depends…"
She raised an eyebrow after his answer…Well, that couldn't be counted as an answer…It depends…Seriously? Her eyes widened when he cupped her cheek and brought his face closer to hers… "Come on, why don't we…"
"Enough already! We said that we're watching a movie."
He shrugged his shoulders and moved away from her. He smiled to himself when he noticed her looking intensely at the TV…
"Whatever…It might be fun to watch her reaction…since I'm not into that stuff."
Asuka was surprised that he gave up so easily but she didn't let her guard down. This man was sneaky…She nodded to herself and after making sure that he was looking at the TV, she did the same. As the movie progressed, she started to realize that it didn't have…how to explain this…a plot? She glanced at the man next to her again and noticed his dull expression. Was he really watching the movie or was he half-asleep? She decided to give it a second chance…
"Yeah, yeah…She makes her way to the dark alley and he follows behind." She smiled… "Finally, my anticipated fighting scene."
Hwoarang placed his hand over his mouth after sneaking a pick of Asuka's full of excitement eyes. The poor girl…This was definitely not the kind of "fight" she wanted to see. Anyway, soon enough, the young girl realized the same thing…
"Gah! What the fucking hell is this?!" she shouted and threw the remote control away…
"Enjoying your movie I assume?" he said without trying to control his laugh…
"Turn it off!"
Hwoarang shrugged his shoulders and pointed at the floor… "You were having the remote…Before throwing it away."
Asuka looked at where he pointed and spotted it. She fell on her knees and took it in her hands. She started pressing repeatedly the "eject" button…but to no avail. She had forgotten that she ended up watching movies on her laptop because the DVD player started to break down…
"It stuck!"
Her words made the man cross his arms… "It stuck or you're trying to find excuses because you actually want to watch it." He said raising an eyebrow…
"Stop making fun of me!" this time she thought about turning it off by removing the cable from the socket. Before she was ready to make her way there, Hwoarang grabbed calmly her wrist to stop her… "Come on…Relax a little. Just take it as an experience. And think of something else…You'll say that you've watch this kind of thing and rub it into Lili's face…And, anyway, it's not like it's gonna last for more than an hour."
She thought about it for a moment. She had already watched the gross thing and it was quite tempting to act smart in front of that girl. She smirked in the inside and sat beside Hwoarang again…
"Whatever…" she mumbled…
…
During the rest of the movie…
As the movie continued a disgusted look could be seen on the young girl's face. She didn't have a reason to hide it. And still, she couldn't believe that she was here watching "perverted stuff" with the most perverted man she had ever met. At least, he wasn't ugly and didn't have these lewd expressions those men were having while they were fucking the chicks. Even if it was an anime movie, she could still picture these looks perfectly…
"This is so gross! Do they actually look like that?" she thought when her eyes took a clear notice of a man's penis… "Well…definitely, the real thing would be completely different. Oh no! I'm getting curious and he'll notice. Try to calm down, me!"
However, Hwoarang was watching uninterested… "Now I get it…That's why we're popular. Because Japanese men suck in sex. There's no fantasy and variety in this thing…So lame."
Asuka was confused with how he was acting. She was sure that he was definitely going to make his move on her again. That was good, she thought, since she wasn't confident, if she would be able to resist him this time. Well, the atmosphere was kind of weird for her. He might be used to this but she definitely wasn't…
"What is he thinking? Could it be that he likes it? He's a man, though, so there's a chance that he might like it. How dare he? Jerk! Hey? Why am I annoyed?"
On the other hand, Hwoarang's thoughts were way different… "This really is turning me…off…"
Being absorbed in her thoughts about if he actually liked it or not, she started lowering her body while trying to look at the place between the upper part of his hips…She was trying really hard to not be found out by him…
"This idiot…What the fuck is she trying to do?" in the end, he noticed her…
Asuka raised an eyebrow when she managed to do what she wanted. Well, it wasn't from a close distance but she was able to have a clear look of it… "He's not having a…" her eyes widened… "Could it be…Is he…"
"I got it…" he sighed and pushed her gently away from him surprising her… "I'm not gay…If that's what worries you."
She flinched and stood up… "Huh? Why would I…Why would I be worried?" she said making her way to turn off the TV and the DVD player…
"Who knows?" he asked and she walked back at him, sitting on her bed this time… "I noticed you looking very interested at my hidden great awesome area…Well, if you want, I can show it to you."
"No thanks! Quite the modest one, isn't he?" she threw one of her pillows at him… "And I wasn't…looking."
He placed the pillow below his head after resting his body on the futon. When she saw him doing that she did the same. Well, the day was quite tiring for both of them. Suddenly, she heard his voice…
"Say…Are these things popular here?"
"As I've heard before…Kinda…" she felt a small blush on her face when she recollected this new memory...
She raised an eyebrow when he smirked. Why did he do that? It didn't take her a lot of time to think of a reason. He was definitely thinking of something perverting to say…
"What's with that stupid smirk on your face?"
"Nothing much…Just thinking of how lucky you are." He answered when he looked at her…
"L-Lucky?"
He nodded at her and chuckled. Yeah! That was a twisted person's expression. It wasn't surprising the fact that she started to read him already…
"Yes, baby…Same goes for me, though."
Asuka blushed and covered her face with her hands… "Idiot!"
"Hehe…"
After a while she removed her hands and saw him smiling at her. Good thing he got rid of his stupid smile, he had a gentle one this time…
"Hwoarang?"
"Hm?"
She hugged her pillow with her arms and buried her face inside it… "How come you didn't…you know…"
The man smiled at himself and stood up. He sat on her bed next to her and removed the pillow from her embrace…
"I didn't have a boner? Is that it?"
She nodded and he rolled his eyes… "Hmm…Sorry for not being interested in a 2-d porno with some schoolgirls being raped by an old man and even enjoying it. How come they watch this stuff? Go and watch at least actual porn. That could be completely normal."
"Do you watch them?"
He laid her on her bed and climbed on top of her. He smiled when she frowned… "I used to…There's no point now, though." Asuka had a questionable look in her eyes. At first, she was ready to snap his hands away when he grabbed her wrists but what did he mean now when he was saying "There's no point now."? Her question was answered when her lips made contact with his own. Yeah…As expected, it happened again. It was a good thing that he was the one on top this time and he wouldn't be able to make fun of her.
When she found the chance, she head-butted him and he moved away rubbing his forehead. Even Hwoarang realized that he messed up. He shouldn't have done this. He stood up and covered himself with the blanket. Asuka raised an eyebrow. She was prepared for a fight but she just watched him moving away. There was a hint of regret in his eyes, she noticed this…She, also, noticed the red mark on his forehead. The young woman raised her body and watched his back. She could tell that his eyes were open even though the room was dark…
"What's with him?" she thought for the last time and closed her eyes after touching her kissed lips with her fingers…
Hwoarang, however, had other thoughts concerning his mind…
"Damn it! What's with me? I need to keep it together…I'm not that desperate to force myself on that girl." He cried in the inside… "As it seems masturbation is still on the menu…Poor me…"
Thanks for reading!