Muffled announcements of departing and arriving flights boomed over the loudspeakers. Plane engines roared to life as they soared overhead towards their next destination. The click-clack of heels rushing from one gate to another, making sure they found the right flights to board. A mix of loud and soft voices from groups of people having small conversations to pass the time between flights was in the background. Crowds of people bustled from one end of the terminal to the other. They flowed from their check-in desks. They passed cafés and other gates as they were heading towards their destinations.
Two people stood facing one another, getting ready to say their goodbyes. The other four stayed back in front of a café watching the two. The four promised them they would have their private moment. Well, as secluded as one can get in a crowded airport. "Remind me again, how long did Kento say he was going to be gone for this training in China?"
Cye glanced over, "About a month. Depending on, of course, how fast he's able to master the new techniques he's going to learn."
Rowen smirked as he crossed his arms, "I don't know, Cye. Sure he's quick in learning martial arts, but a month? I'm thinking maybe a little longer, possibly two months."
"I hope it doesn't take two months. Kento and Kaye are getting started to become serious in their relationship. It is already hard on them." Cye replied as he continued to watch his sister and best friend at Kento's departure gate.
"Remind me again, why couldn't Kaye have gone with Kento on his training?" Ryo asked as he glanced at Cye.
"He said something about it being a family tradition. The male of the family has to go back to China to train for a month before he can be sure what he wants to do with the path in his life or something."
Sage closed his eyes and thought over what Cye explained. "I see, something like a sabbatical."
Cye glanced back at him, "I guess you could say it could compare something to it."
"In any case, I'll be looking forward to seeing what Kento learned during his training session. Maybe he'll learn how to be patient and not jump to conclusions as quickly as he does." Ryo taunted with a smirk.
The others chuckled, "Kento to not pass judgment before knowing the full story. Not a chance. If it happens, then I'll change my hair color." Sage smirked as he opened his eyes and turned his attention to the two across the way.
Kento glanced past Kaye for a moment when he saw his friends laughing.
Kaye raised a brow towards him, "Kento?"
His attention turned back to her as he smiled, "Gomen..."
She smiled back at him, "Don't worry about it. At least the guys promised they would hang back before you board your flight." Kaye was trying to hold back a tear threatening to fall. They talked about Kento's trip to China a week ago with his family at his parents' restaurant. During the family gathering, Kento presented Kaye with a family heirloom, a necklace from his mother's family. Kaye was surprised and honored to accept such a gift. Reaching up towards it, she played with it.
Kento reached towards her and cupped the side of Kaye's face. "Hey, I'll be back before you know it. The month will fly by in no time. Then, when I return, how about I teach you some moves I learned."
Kaye reached up with her other hand and laid it on top of his. She nodded, "I'll be looking forward to it. Besides, maybe the others might teach me some new moves too. Then the next time we spar, I'll take you down."
Chuckling as he winked at her, "Sure you will. Maybe we should make a bet on it too."
"What kind of bet did you have in mind?" Kaye asked with curiosity.
"I'll have to think about it and let you know when I come home," Kento replied with a smirk.
Kaye lowered her hand and poked him in the center of his collar bone. "You better not hold back in our sparring match either. I can hold my own."
"Ow," Kento moved his hand from Kaye's face and rubbed his chest. "I don't hold back. I fight fair, and I know you can hold your own. Why do you think I'm going to China for more training?"
Kaye crossed her arms as she raised her brow, "Ha, Mr. funny man."
Kento cupped his heart in mock pain, "Ooh! Such a comeback! How should I be able to counter such an attack?" Before Kaye could even respond, Kento captured her mouth with his and kissed deep. He pulled back and then stared into her eyes.
Kaye smiled back at him. She felt her heart race and her body tingle as she blushed.
The two of them could hear the others whistle and clap behind them. They didn't dare to look over at the four. The final announcement of Kento's flight boarding came over the intercom.
"Well, I guess this is it," Kento stated as he picked up his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. "I'll make sure to call you after I get off the plane in China. After the call, I won't contact you until I get ready to fly back to Japan. Oh, and one more thing, stay out of trouble."
Kaye placed her hands on her hips, "Me? Trouble? Right. How about you stay out of trouble. I'll talk to you after you land. Have a safe trip and a quick return. I love you."
"I love you too," Kento replied as he looked past her and waved to the others. He saw them approach and stand by Kaye's side. Beaming, he nodded as he embarked on the plane.
The five of them stood there and watched as Kento's plane took off. Then, once it was out of sight Ryo, Sage and Rowen started to wander towards the parking garage. Cye and Kaye lingered back a bit longer. "Are you ok?"
Kaye glanced towards her brother, "I'll be fine. The month will fly by, and Kento will be home before we know it."
"Hey, I can see how hard this is going to be for the both of you. To be separated like this. Look at it this way. It wasn't because of an insane world domination reason this time." Cye pointed out as he tried to make light of the situation while the two started to catch up to the others waiting for them in the parking garage.
Kaye nodded, "You're right. Besides, we'll get busy with whatever comes up anyway."
Ryo leaned over the jeep, "Why don't we go and find something enjoyable to do to pass the time? I heard there was a new amusement park. We should check it out. Come on, what do you say?"
Kaye glanced around at the others. A small smile appeared as she recognized they were presenting their best to keep her mind preoccupied, then she wouldn't miss Kento too much. "I don't see why not. You could be right. It might be interesting."
"It's been a long time since we went out on the town," Cye said as he looked over at him. "I'm surprised at you, Ryo."
The black-haired Ronin raised a brow towards him, "Why? What did I say?"
Cye chuckled, "Fun, and amusement park. I never thought I'd see the day I'd hear you recommend something for fun."
A deep frown formed as he crossed his arms, "I can be as fun as the next person." Ryo responded in mock annoyance.
Cye raised his hands in surrender, "Gomen Ryo, I didn't mean anything by it."
Rowen smirked as he shook his head and climbed into the driver's seat. "Come on, let's get in the jeep and get a move on before the park is overcrowded."
Sage chuckled as he got into the front passenger seat. He saw Cye, Ryo, and Kaye climb into the back. Once he observed they were all inside, Sage nodded to Rowen.
He nodded and started the jeep. He glanced around and pulled out of the parking garage as he blended with the traffic.
The guys talked among themselves concerning the new amusement park. Kaye turned her attention out the window and gazed towards the sky. She knew there was no possibility she could see Kento's plane, but it didn't stop her from observing the sky anyhow. 'Be careful, Kento. I hope you find the answers you're seeking. There was more I needed to say, but there was not enough time. The guys are right. Kento wouldn't want me to be dwelling on the fact we are apart. So I won't. I'll do my best to stay strong because I have faith in the bond we have with one another.' Kaye felt a small smile as she turned her attention to the excited chatter about the amusement park.
Kento adjusted himself in his seat on the plane. He sighed as he stared out his window. The excitement about the trip to China raced through him. Though, at the same time, he started to miss his friends and Kaye. 'This is more painful than I imagined. To be separated from Kaye like this. Still, when we talked, she agreed how important it was for me to go through with the training. But then I realized something too. For the first time in my life, I encountered someone who accepts me for who I am. Plus, someone else I can care for in return. Yeah, I never felt a special connection with anyone else like this. I mean, the guys are great, but with Kaye, it's different. Which is why I'm more determined than ever to do everything it takes to master my training in China and then race back home.' A new fire of determination sparked inside Kento as he was a more enthusiastic take on whatever would come his way. Little did Kento realize once he made it, his entire world was going to shift.
Two flight attendants peeked through the curtains to check everyone was seated. Once they verified the passengers remained in their seats, the two drew back and whispered to one another. "It's time."
"I agree. Sana will be pleased with how well everything is advancing according to plan. No one suspects anything."
"Nor should they. Now, let's go to the next step."
The two flight attendants emerged from the back with their carts and proceeded down the aisles inquiring people if they fancied anything to drink. One of the attendants stopped next to Kento. "Excuse me, sir."
Kento glanced at the lady speaking to him as her voice broke his thoughts. "Huh? Oh gomen, what did you say?"
"I was wondering. If you wanted something to drink."
"Sure," Kento replied as he glanced at the choices on her cart. "I'll take a water."
"Of course, sir, just one moment." The flight attendant answered as she noticed Kento turned his attention back out the window. She stooped and stretched into the cart. Glimpsing from the corner of her eye, she could see Kento still watching out the window. The attendant focused her attention back on her task. She opened a bottle of water. Then set it back on the tray and uncovered the vile. She meticulously emptied it inside the container. Then concealed it and stood. She took the bottle of water and offered it to him. "Excuse me, sir, here is your water. I opened it for you."
Kento redirected his attention towards her once more, "You didn't have to, but thank you," Grasping the water bottle from her. He noted her nod as she continued her way down the aisle. Something about what transpired made him feel suspicious. But then he shook it off and took a drink. A few more shots till a short time after he consumed the water. He frowned a bit as he studied it, 'This tasted weird, huh, I wonder why. Oh, well.' Kento thought to himself as he glanced around and spied a small garbage bag. He disposed of the bottle. Kento laid back with his hands behind his head and relaxed for the rest of the flight.
The two flight attendants made their way to the rear of the plane. They put away what remained from the passengers. "Did he drink it?"
"Yes, he was reluctant at first, but he finished it."
"Good, then all we have to do is wait. It'll take some time for it to take effect. Once it does, the others will be ready at the airport."
"Are things set back in Japan?"
"Yes, everything is set there as well. No one will notice anything is wrong until it's too late. My partner made sure of it. Everything will pass because she desired it to happen."
"Considerable time has transpired following the newest opportunity our leader decided to acquire her choice."
"I agree, but I'm not sure as to why she decided to take her time in choosing the next one."
"You know better than to challenge her judgments. Remember the last time someone disputed her?"
"Yes, I remember. We all do. You don't need to throw it back in my face. It's hard enough to get the memories out of my head. So knock it off, or I'll shove you out of this plane before it descends."
The two attendants scowled at one another and then focused on finishing the rest of their assignments before the plane arrived in China.