As usual, standard disclaimers apply ^_^
Ch. 3-First Days
Sunday came all too soon. It was pretty cool outside and the sun shone brightly through the windows of Mariko's room. She was rolled up in a ball trying to keep herself warm and hidden from the light. Mariko had been so tired the past few days. After the funeral, the Nagane's spent the following days unpacking their luggage and the boxes arriving from Boston daily. Mariko and Ken had a break Saturday and decided to go out and wander the streets of Tokyo. They went to the local shops and did some serious damage, buying all the latest clothing and shoes in style. Ken wasn't much of a shopper, but he was in a new place and there were lots of things there he hadn't seen in America.
Ken came bursting through Mariko's door to wake her up. "Hey sleepy head.you gotta wake up now." Pulling the covers off her. "Mom said we gotta go get our uniforms for school tomorrow." "Ugh.don't remind me" Mariko groaned at the mention of school. She sat up and looked at her brother. He couldn't help but laugh at how disheveled her long hair was. "What's so funny?" Mariko demanded. "First off, your breath stinks and second.your hair looks like a hair stylists nightmare." -WHACK- Mariko had thrown a pillow at him and hit him pretty hard in the face. "GET OUT!"
"Are you serious Kaa-san? We have to wear these?? They're so ugly. I know I don't look ugly in anything I wear, but can't we wear whatever we want? I just went shopping. Where am I supposed to wear all the new clothes?" Mariko complained looking at herself in the mirror wearing her new uniform. She was wearing a short navy blue skirt with a yellow sweater vest over a white long-sleeve button down shirt. Tsukushi noticed they made a change in the uniform over the years.
"They look better now than they did back then Mariko. Before, we had to wear these skirts and they were a little bit longer than the skirt you're wearing now. We also had to wear this big suit jacket over a white shirt. Trust me Mariko-chan, what you're wearing looks MUCH better." Mariko tried to protest, but one look from her mom told her to quit complaining.
"You went to our high school? What's it like? Did you like it?" Mariko asked non-stop at hearing this new revelation. Tsukushi was suddenly reminded of her times at Eitokou. She met them all there. That's where she made all her closest friends. All she wanted was to get through the high school without being noticed, but things didn't turn out the way she had planned.
She smiled at her daughter and said, "One day I'll tell you the story Mariko-chan. Let's just say that I had the very best and at the same time, the very worst years of my life there." It was the only answer she was prepared to tell her daughter.
Mariko turned to Ken. "Oi, Nii-san.that looks pretty good on you! I bet all these girls are gonna stare at you and try to get with you." She laughed, because inside she knew it was the truth. Her brother always got all sorts of attention from the girls at their old high school and she doubted this school would be any different.
Ken's uniform wasn't as bad. He looked quite handsome in the school uniform. Navy slacks and a white button down. The sweater vest was optional to him, but to be fair, Tsukushi made him wear it. "If Mariko has to be in full uniform, then so do you. No more complaints." She eyed them both. "Is that understood?"
"Hai Okaa-san." The two said walking away changing out of the uniforms.
-Knock Knock- "Mariko-san, It's Hana-chan. I am here to wake you and prepare you for school." Hana listened for an answer but didn't hear one, so she went in to find Mariko still in bed sleeping. She did the only thing she knew to wake the young woman up. Hana pulled the curtains open to let all the sun in. It worked, because Mariko was up in no time, groaning about having to get up so early. Hana laid Mariko's uniform out as Mariko began her day.
Ken was already downstairs eating breakfast when Mariko came down in her uniform. "Aweee.don't you just look so cute Riko-chan" Ken teased as she entered the breakfast area. "Shut up" She glared back at him. "It's too early for you to be bugging me." She stuck her tongue out at him and started eating her breakfast.
Their parents soon came in and joined Ken and Mariko at the table. "Good morning Otou-san..Okaa-san" The two greeted their parents. "Good morning. Are you two ready for your first day?" Their parents asked.
"Your mother and I will be escorting you both to school today. Your mother is familiar with the campus, so she can help us find our way around to the headmaster's office. Also, we need to make sure they've received all your records"
Breakfast ended, and they were on their way to Eitokou. For some reason, Tsukushi was nervous. She was returning to Eitokou, this time it was for her children. Though she hated to admit it, Eitokou was a very good school and she knew her children would receive the best education there. She was against it, but Hiro insisted. It was for the sake of their children, so she couldn't go against it. It was quiet in the car and only two of the passengers knew the reason why. Hiro held Tsukushi's hand, trying to calm her nerves. The car stopped as they were in front of the school now. Tsukushi stepped out, looking at the gates before her. 'It's still the same' she thought.
The four walked into Eitokou. Tskushi took a deep breath. Mariko and Ken walked behind their parents and every student stopped, staring at the four walking by. Many whispers of 'Who are they' or 'That girl's hot' and 'That guy's so cute' were heard as they walked. Mariko and Ken just smiled at each other knowing all the glances they were getting. They were loving the attention. After arriving at the headmaster's office and getting Mariko and Ken settled with their classes, Hiro and Tsukushi stood to leave.
"I assure my children are in good hands then?" Hiro asked the headmaster. "Of course Nagane-san." The headmaster bowed as Hiro and Tsukushi walked out. "We will see you two later. Let us know ahead of time whether you want to walk or have a car sent for you." Hiro said to his children. " Hai Otou-san. Bye Okaa-san!" Mariko said running up to her mother and giving her a quick hug before they left.
Mariko and Ken were left in the headmaster's office. "Two students are on their way here now to show you both to your classes."
-Knock Knock- "Come in" Mariko and Ken turned their heads to see who was going to show them around. A young girl about Mariko's age walked in with a guy who looked about Ken's age.
"RYU-KUN!!!!!!!" Mariko squealed as she ran to the boy who walked in and threw her arms around him. "It's so good to see you! I didn't know you went to this school too. Nii- san LOOK! It's Ryu-Kun!" "Yes Riko-chan, I know who he is. How ya doin Ryu?" Ken said as he shook Ryu's hand. Hanazawa Ryu. The three of them always hung out whenever Ryu came to visit Boston with his parents. Sometimes, Ryu would even spend the whole summer at Ken and Mariko's house.
"I see you already know Hanazawa Ryu." The headmaster interrupted their happy reunion. "The young lady here is Tanaka Aya." Ken stopped to look at the girl, and she felt her cheeks redden as she felt Ken's eyes on her. 'She's pretty cute' Ken thought. Aya was much shorter than Mariko, but had the most intense blue eyes. Her long black hair just accentuated her features even more. Smiling, he held his hand out to shake her hand.
Their hands met and in sync said " It's nice to meet you." Mariko noticed this interaction and a mischievous grin spread across her face.
"Nagane-san, she is in your grade and she'll be happy to show you around. If you have any questions, she can answer them for you. Now I suggest you all head to class now."
The four students headed out the office doors and went their separate ways.
"I'll see you at lunch Riko-chan. You'll be joining us right Aya-chan?" Ken looked over at the girl shocked at being asked to have lunch with the new guy.
"Y-ye-yes.I'll be there. Thank you." Aya stammered, blushing that Ken had used her first name. "Bye Ryu-kun. See ya later!" Mariko waved at her brother and Ryu as they walked to class.
"Aya-chan!" Mariko said cheerily "You think my brother's cute don't you." She teased. "I saw the way you were looking at him."
Aya's face turned redder than a fire lobster as she answered "I..was..not.LOOKING.him in any 'way'"
Smiling at Aya's response, the two walked into their first class. Aya walked up to the teacher with Mariko following close behind. She could feel all eyes on her. 'I mean who in their right mind wouldn't look at me?' she thought smiling to herself.
"Class this is Nagane Mariko. She's a new transfer student" Pointing to an empty seat, "Nagane-san, you may take that empty seat there next to Tanaka- san."
As she walked to her seat, she could hear EVERYONE talking about her, looking at her. She was beautiful and she knew it. She couldn't help it. Everyone tried talking to her, but it was probably because of her family name, not really because they wanted to befriend her. She looked over to Aya for help, but Aya just giggled at all the attention her new friend was getting.
The rest of the day up to lunch was like that. The students were all talking 'That's the Nagane girl?' 'Have you seen her brother?? He's so hot' When Mariko heard girls talk about her brother, she just wanted to laugh, as she knew it would be like this. Too bad she knew these girls had no chance in hell with her brother.
Ken was with Ryu the whole day. At lunch they walked to the gardens where Ryu's friends were eating. "Oi Ryu! I hear there's a new girl here at school. Heard she's a real knock- out too." Nishikado Shinji said and was interrupted by Mimasaka Aki "Yeah. All the guy's are talking about the new first year girl. Have you seen her Ryu??" Aki looked passed Ryu and saw another guy standing there.
"KEN! Holy shit! I didn't know you'd be goin here." Shinji said running up to his old friend.
"How are you doing Ken? It's been a long time since we last saw each other." Aki said, giving his friend a hug.
"Sorry we couldn't make it to the funeral. Our parents said it would be best if we stayed home." Ryu explained.
"Don't worry about it guys. I understand. You wouldn't have wanted to be there anyway. It was just too sad." Ken's head dropped slightly, remembering that day.
"So that means- Shinjji's words were cut off as he two cute girls walking towards them. One was tall and very pretty and the other was shorter, but rather cute as well. He nudged Aki and pointed his head in the two girls' direction.
"RYU-KUN!! NII-SAN!!" Mariko called out to them. Mariko rushed dragging her new friend by the hand. "Mariko-chan?!" Aki and Shinji asked in unison. They could hardly recognize the girl, well young lady now. She was growing up, and growing up very nicely, thought Shinji.
"How did you find us?" Ryu asked.
"Oh, Aya-chan here knew where you guys would be." Aya's face reddened.
"Aki-kun! Shinji-kun!." The two boys raced over to greet her. Shinji took her left hand and placed a kiss on it.
"How's it goin, beautiful?" Mariko rolled her eyes and played along with him. Mariko threw her arms around Shinji's neck and gave him a warm hug, then turning to Aki and giving him a friendly hug as well.
"Things are going okay. The kids at this school are annoying and overly fake. I can't stand how they're all kissing my ass because I'm a Nagane."
"Oh guys! This is my friend Aya-chan." Mariko introduced Aya to the guys. Aya's face was red once again as she blushed profusely in front of the guys.
They all sat and ate lunch together. Aki and Shinji were asking question after question until Ken got annoyed by them hitting on his sister. These guys were Mariko's childhood buddies. She used to be the little tomboy who played basket ball with them during the summer.
"You think you could cut down on flirting with the boys Riko-chan?" "Gee Nii-san you're no fun." Mariko said as she giggled and stood to leave. "Yeah Ken, you're no fun." Shinji chided in. "We haven't seen Mariko-chan in so long and we're just catching up." "I know what you guys are thinking. So stop while you're at it." Ken said defensively.
"Aya-chan, should we go now?" Aya nodded her head and rose. "We'll see you guys after school. Bye guys!!"
Walking back to class, Aya was too quiet, so Mariko asked her what was wrong. "Mariko, do you know who those guys are?" Mariko looked at her clueless. "Duh Aya-chan, they're my friends. I've known them since I was little."
"No, those guys are the F4. They're the best looking guys at this school and they're the richest too. Everyone's scared of them because of their leader." Mariko just laughed.
"Those guys?? Leader? Hahahahaha.Are you serious Aya-chan??" She nodded. "No way, those guys couldn't hurt a fly.Wait a minute.where's the 4th one? I only know three and its obvious that my brother isn't the fourth one." Aya froze.
"Oh.he's the worst. You don't want to meet him. He thinks just because he's rich he can do whatever he wants at this school. He's just a mean bully, and a lot of kids got beat up by him and the other three for stupid things."
"He better not flaunt his money in my face, because I bet my family's richer than his." Mariko tried to make her new friend smile. "Don't you worry Aya-chan. If any of them pick on you, they'll have to deal with me first."
"Really Mariko-chan? You mean it? You'll be my friend?"
"Of course, I thought we were already friends?" The two smiled and continued to class.
After their last class, Mariko and Aya were walking to their lockers. Mariko was too busy talking to Aya to notice the guy walking directly in front of her. They crashed into each other and fell back. Aya luckily caught her friend before she hit the floor.
"Oh excuse me. I'm sorry about-" Mariko said apologetically to the fallen boy feeling bad for not seeing him.
"WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING!" The hot tempered boy yelled as he stood up. Aya hid behind Mariko as she knew this meant trouble for Mariko.
"EXCUSE ME? I should watch where I'm going? You were at fault here too ya know. I'm not the only one with eyes." Mariko fought back.
"Do you know who you're talking to little girl?" He grabbed a hold of Mariko's shoulder. "Do you think I care who you are?" She retorted while pushing his hand off her shoulder. "And nobody said you could touch me. Don't make that mistake again." 'Who the hell does this idiot think he is? Bastard.' She thought to herself as she turned around to find Aya.
"I'm not yet done with you little girl." The stupid boy grabbed her arm and threw her against the locker.
"Yes you are" Mariko said as she punched the stupid boy square in the face with all her might. He fell back and looked back up at this girl. "I told you not to make that same mistake again. Now leave me alone." A crowd had now gathered around the couple fighting. As the boy raised his hand to hit her, a teacher intervened.
"Both of you. The headmaster's office. NOW." "But." The two said and then glared at each other with narrowed eyes.
The two sat next to each other in the headmaster's office waiting for their parents to arrive. The headmaster sat in front of the two waiting for one or other to talk, but neither did as they both turned away from each other.
"Nagane Mariko, this is Doumyoji Kesshin. Doumyoji Kesshin, Nagane Mariko." The two still looked away.
'Doumyoji? That name sounds familiar.' Mariko thought as she sat looking away from that idiot who caused her to get into trouble her first day. 'Oh that's right..at the funeral. Doumyoji was that woman's name too. I wonder what the relation is.' She glared daggers at him, ready to attack anytime.
'Nagane? Dammit.Otou-san's gonna be mad at me. He's got close relations with Nagane International.' Kesshin thought as he realized who she was. 'I'm so dead.'
The door flew open as a tall man with dark curly hair came barging in.
"What is this all about Kesshin?!" Doumyoji Tsukasa questioned his son immediately. "How many times have I told you to stay out of trouble? That fights were stupid and unnecessary." At that moment, Tsukasa noticed the young girl sitting next to his son.
"Makino.." Mariko looked up at the man. Just then, Tsukushi barged through the same door Tsukasa had minutes ago.
"Mariko-chan are you allright?" She asked concerned about her daughter. The school called and told her that Mariko had gotten into a fight and Tsukushi was needed at the school. She rushed to the school worried about her little girl.
"Makino..." At the sound of that voice.her name was being called.She turned to face him. "Dou-my-oji" was all she could say as she stared at the man in shock. How was Tsukushi to react to this current situation. She looked away to break the gaze she and Tsukasa held. 'He's still the same, doesn't even look like he's aged' she thought, smiling inwardly.
The boy and the girl looked at their respectful parent confused as to what was going on. 'Ahem' the headmaster cleared his throat. "Doumyoji-sama.Nagane-sama.please have a seat."
"Now, would you two like to explain what happened earlier?"
The two broke out at the same time "That girl started it" "NO I DID NOT. YOU DID" The two stood, ready to go at it again. "Kesshin, SIT DOWN." At his father's words, the boy sat. Mariko smirked but wiped it off her face as she saw her mother giving her 'that look.'
"Mariko-chan what happened?" Tsukushi asked, knowing very well her daughter was not going to lie to her.
Mariko sighed. "I was walking with my new friend down the hall, and I wasn't looking. Well this big idiot and I ran into each other. I said excuse me but then he threw a fit and started yelling asking me if I knew who he was. Then he called me a little girl and when I talked back and called him an idiot, he got mad and grabbed my arm and threw me against the locker, so I punched him. He was gonna hit me, but the teacher came and made us come here. Is that good enough?"
"Kesshin, is this girl telling the truth?" His father asked sternly. The poor boy bent his head down and nodded in agreement to the girl's story.
Tsukasa rose, "Mariko-chan, I apologize for my son's behavior. I hope you are okay and not hurt." He said towering over her.
"I.I am fine Doumyoji-san. Thank you and I'm sorry for punching your son in the face.even if he did deserve it." Mariko muttered the last bit of her sentence.
"Kesshin-kun, are you allright?" Tsukushi asked the young boy, who was the spitting image of his father. She smiled inwardly at the resemblance. Tsukushi's face saddened as she remembered her Doumyoji back then. "Mak.I mean Nagane-sama. It is good to see you again. You are looking well. " Doumyoji forced a smile and held his hand out to his old friend. 'I've missed you' he thought as he stared at this woman before him.
"It is nice seeing you as well Doumyoji." Tsukushi smiled and shaking his hand. 'Just like the last time we saw each other'. "Well, we better get going, Mariko," Mariko rose and followed her mother out.
Walking back to the car, Mariko was full of questions. "You know that man kaa-san? He called me Makino when he first looked at me. What's wrong kaa- san?" Mariko noticed the saddened look on her mother's face.
"Mariko, your father is going to have to know about this, but just make sure it doesn't happen again. Is that clear?" She nodded. Tsukushi thought it would be best to tell her daughter the story now. She knew she couldn't hide it forever. "And that man, Doumyoji Tsukasa, was my first love." Mariko stopped dead in her tracks with her mouth gaped open hearing what her mother just said.
"You were in love with him? If you loved him.what happened?" at her daughters words, Tsukushi stopped. She could no longer cry over this man. She had done so for so many months back then.
"I'll tell you later. Let's just go home and let me tell your father about today okay?" They had arrived at the house and stepped inside.
Ken came running to his sister. "RIKO-CHAN! What happened?? I heard you got into a fight with some guy. Are you okay? Did you kick his ass??" He asked all the questions hugging her at the same time.
"Who's this jerk anyways? Man I'm gonna find his ass and beat him down for touching you."
"I'm fine Nii-san. Kaa-san and I took care of it. Can ya let go now. I can't breathe." Mariko caught her breath as Ken let go. She went to her room to freshen up before her father came home.
Tsukushi retreated to her room, rethinking today's events. It really was good to see him again. She knew she would have to tell Hiro about this, but she wasn't sure how he would take it. Tsukushi knew a part of Hiro was mad at Tsukasa for causing Tsukushi so much pain, but then again, it wasn't Tsukasa's fault he had amnesia. To think, her daughter and his son would get into the same kind of fights she and tsukasa used to get into. Tsukushi laughed at the thought.
At dinner, Hiro was furious "WHAT did I tell you? Do you not remember me telling you specifically to stay out of trouble??" "Yes Otou-san.." Mariko knew she was in for it. It was only her first day and she had already gotten into a big fight with none other than Doumyoji Kesshin. "Mariko-chan.it's a good thing you were not hurt, but please, stay out of trouble. You are excused."
"Don't worry Riko-chan, I'll take care of him" Ken whispered as Mariko walked by.
"YOU CERTAINLY WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF HIM!" Hiro roared, banging his fist on the dinner table. Ken froze at his father's anger.
"I told you NOT to do anything that would disgrace this family's name. This childish behavior is unacceptable. I assure you that this boy will be dealt with accordingly, but neither of you will have anything to do with it." Tsukushi tried to calm her husband down. "Have I made myself clear?"
"Hai." Ken said, excusing himself from the table, not wanting to upset Hiro any more.
"Who was this boy anyway Tsukushi?" Hiro asked when Ken and Mariko left the room. Tsukushi nearly choked on the water she was drinking.
"Anata, it was Doumyoji Kesshin.." Tsukushi half closed her eyes unsure of her husband's reaction to that name.
"Doumyoji-san's son huh? Well, I can't just let him get away with hurting Mariko like that."
"Anata, everything was taken care of. The boy apologized, plus he didn't even hurt her. Mariko punched him before he had the chance to-"
"Did you see Doumyoji-san?" Hiro interrupted and Tsukushi nodded.
"We apologized to each other about our children's behavior and said it was nice seeing each other again." Tsukushi smiled as she saw a twinge of jealousy on her sweet husband's face.
"Ahh.Doumyoji Tsukasa." Hiro muttered.
She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him sweetly. "I love you anata. You're so cute when you get like that."
Mariko lay in bed with the moonlight beaming in her room and she fell asleep, not looking forward to tomorrow.
Ch. 3-First Days
Sunday came all too soon. It was pretty cool outside and the sun shone brightly through the windows of Mariko's room. She was rolled up in a ball trying to keep herself warm and hidden from the light. Mariko had been so tired the past few days. After the funeral, the Nagane's spent the following days unpacking their luggage and the boxes arriving from Boston daily. Mariko and Ken had a break Saturday and decided to go out and wander the streets of Tokyo. They went to the local shops and did some serious damage, buying all the latest clothing and shoes in style. Ken wasn't much of a shopper, but he was in a new place and there were lots of things there he hadn't seen in America.
Ken came bursting through Mariko's door to wake her up. "Hey sleepy head.you gotta wake up now." Pulling the covers off her. "Mom said we gotta go get our uniforms for school tomorrow." "Ugh.don't remind me" Mariko groaned at the mention of school. She sat up and looked at her brother. He couldn't help but laugh at how disheveled her long hair was. "What's so funny?" Mariko demanded. "First off, your breath stinks and second.your hair looks like a hair stylists nightmare." -WHACK- Mariko had thrown a pillow at him and hit him pretty hard in the face. "GET OUT!"
"Are you serious Kaa-san? We have to wear these?? They're so ugly. I know I don't look ugly in anything I wear, but can't we wear whatever we want? I just went shopping. Where am I supposed to wear all the new clothes?" Mariko complained looking at herself in the mirror wearing her new uniform. She was wearing a short navy blue skirt with a yellow sweater vest over a white long-sleeve button down shirt. Tsukushi noticed they made a change in the uniform over the years.
"They look better now than they did back then Mariko. Before, we had to wear these skirts and they were a little bit longer than the skirt you're wearing now. We also had to wear this big suit jacket over a white shirt. Trust me Mariko-chan, what you're wearing looks MUCH better." Mariko tried to protest, but one look from her mom told her to quit complaining.
"You went to our high school? What's it like? Did you like it?" Mariko asked non-stop at hearing this new revelation. Tsukushi was suddenly reminded of her times at Eitokou. She met them all there. That's where she made all her closest friends. All she wanted was to get through the high school without being noticed, but things didn't turn out the way she had planned.
She smiled at her daughter and said, "One day I'll tell you the story Mariko-chan. Let's just say that I had the very best and at the same time, the very worst years of my life there." It was the only answer she was prepared to tell her daughter.
Mariko turned to Ken. "Oi, Nii-san.that looks pretty good on you! I bet all these girls are gonna stare at you and try to get with you." She laughed, because inside she knew it was the truth. Her brother always got all sorts of attention from the girls at their old high school and she doubted this school would be any different.
Ken's uniform wasn't as bad. He looked quite handsome in the school uniform. Navy slacks and a white button down. The sweater vest was optional to him, but to be fair, Tsukushi made him wear it. "If Mariko has to be in full uniform, then so do you. No more complaints." She eyed them both. "Is that understood?"
"Hai Okaa-san." The two said walking away changing out of the uniforms.
-Knock Knock- "Mariko-san, It's Hana-chan. I am here to wake you and prepare you for school." Hana listened for an answer but didn't hear one, so she went in to find Mariko still in bed sleeping. She did the only thing she knew to wake the young woman up. Hana pulled the curtains open to let all the sun in. It worked, because Mariko was up in no time, groaning about having to get up so early. Hana laid Mariko's uniform out as Mariko began her day.
Ken was already downstairs eating breakfast when Mariko came down in her uniform. "Aweee.don't you just look so cute Riko-chan" Ken teased as she entered the breakfast area. "Shut up" She glared back at him. "It's too early for you to be bugging me." She stuck her tongue out at him and started eating her breakfast.
Their parents soon came in and joined Ken and Mariko at the table. "Good morning Otou-san..Okaa-san" The two greeted their parents. "Good morning. Are you two ready for your first day?" Their parents asked.
"Your mother and I will be escorting you both to school today. Your mother is familiar with the campus, so she can help us find our way around to the headmaster's office. Also, we need to make sure they've received all your records"
Breakfast ended, and they were on their way to Eitokou. For some reason, Tsukushi was nervous. She was returning to Eitokou, this time it was for her children. Though she hated to admit it, Eitokou was a very good school and she knew her children would receive the best education there. She was against it, but Hiro insisted. It was for the sake of their children, so she couldn't go against it. It was quiet in the car and only two of the passengers knew the reason why. Hiro held Tsukushi's hand, trying to calm her nerves. The car stopped as they were in front of the school now. Tsukushi stepped out, looking at the gates before her. 'It's still the same' she thought.
The four walked into Eitokou. Tskushi took a deep breath. Mariko and Ken walked behind their parents and every student stopped, staring at the four walking by. Many whispers of 'Who are they' or 'That girl's hot' and 'That guy's so cute' were heard as they walked. Mariko and Ken just smiled at each other knowing all the glances they were getting. They were loving the attention. After arriving at the headmaster's office and getting Mariko and Ken settled with their classes, Hiro and Tsukushi stood to leave.
"I assure my children are in good hands then?" Hiro asked the headmaster. "Of course Nagane-san." The headmaster bowed as Hiro and Tsukushi walked out. "We will see you two later. Let us know ahead of time whether you want to walk or have a car sent for you." Hiro said to his children. " Hai Otou-san. Bye Okaa-san!" Mariko said running up to her mother and giving her a quick hug before they left.
Mariko and Ken were left in the headmaster's office. "Two students are on their way here now to show you both to your classes."
-Knock Knock- "Come in" Mariko and Ken turned their heads to see who was going to show them around. A young girl about Mariko's age walked in with a guy who looked about Ken's age.
"RYU-KUN!!!!!!!" Mariko squealed as she ran to the boy who walked in and threw her arms around him. "It's so good to see you! I didn't know you went to this school too. Nii- san LOOK! It's Ryu-Kun!" "Yes Riko-chan, I know who he is. How ya doin Ryu?" Ken said as he shook Ryu's hand. Hanazawa Ryu. The three of them always hung out whenever Ryu came to visit Boston with his parents. Sometimes, Ryu would even spend the whole summer at Ken and Mariko's house.
"I see you already know Hanazawa Ryu." The headmaster interrupted their happy reunion. "The young lady here is Tanaka Aya." Ken stopped to look at the girl, and she felt her cheeks redden as she felt Ken's eyes on her. 'She's pretty cute' Ken thought. Aya was much shorter than Mariko, but had the most intense blue eyes. Her long black hair just accentuated her features even more. Smiling, he held his hand out to shake her hand.
Their hands met and in sync said " It's nice to meet you." Mariko noticed this interaction and a mischievous grin spread across her face.
"Nagane-san, she is in your grade and she'll be happy to show you around. If you have any questions, she can answer them for you. Now I suggest you all head to class now."
The four students headed out the office doors and went their separate ways.
"I'll see you at lunch Riko-chan. You'll be joining us right Aya-chan?" Ken looked over at the girl shocked at being asked to have lunch with the new guy.
"Y-ye-yes.I'll be there. Thank you." Aya stammered, blushing that Ken had used her first name. "Bye Ryu-kun. See ya later!" Mariko waved at her brother and Ryu as they walked to class.
"Aya-chan!" Mariko said cheerily "You think my brother's cute don't you." She teased. "I saw the way you were looking at him."
Aya's face turned redder than a fire lobster as she answered "I..was..not.LOOKING.him in any 'way'"
Smiling at Aya's response, the two walked into their first class. Aya walked up to the teacher with Mariko following close behind. She could feel all eyes on her. 'I mean who in their right mind wouldn't look at me?' she thought smiling to herself.
"Class this is Nagane Mariko. She's a new transfer student" Pointing to an empty seat, "Nagane-san, you may take that empty seat there next to Tanaka- san."
As she walked to her seat, she could hear EVERYONE talking about her, looking at her. She was beautiful and she knew it. She couldn't help it. Everyone tried talking to her, but it was probably because of her family name, not really because they wanted to befriend her. She looked over to Aya for help, but Aya just giggled at all the attention her new friend was getting.
The rest of the day up to lunch was like that. The students were all talking 'That's the Nagane girl?' 'Have you seen her brother?? He's so hot' When Mariko heard girls talk about her brother, she just wanted to laugh, as she knew it would be like this. Too bad she knew these girls had no chance in hell with her brother.
Ken was with Ryu the whole day. At lunch they walked to the gardens where Ryu's friends were eating. "Oi Ryu! I hear there's a new girl here at school. Heard she's a real knock- out too." Nishikado Shinji said and was interrupted by Mimasaka Aki "Yeah. All the guy's are talking about the new first year girl. Have you seen her Ryu??" Aki looked passed Ryu and saw another guy standing there.
"KEN! Holy shit! I didn't know you'd be goin here." Shinji said running up to his old friend.
"How are you doing Ken? It's been a long time since we last saw each other." Aki said, giving his friend a hug.
"Sorry we couldn't make it to the funeral. Our parents said it would be best if we stayed home." Ryu explained.
"Don't worry about it guys. I understand. You wouldn't have wanted to be there anyway. It was just too sad." Ken's head dropped slightly, remembering that day.
"So that means- Shinjji's words were cut off as he two cute girls walking towards them. One was tall and very pretty and the other was shorter, but rather cute as well. He nudged Aki and pointed his head in the two girls' direction.
"RYU-KUN!! NII-SAN!!" Mariko called out to them. Mariko rushed dragging her new friend by the hand. "Mariko-chan?!" Aki and Shinji asked in unison. They could hardly recognize the girl, well young lady now. She was growing up, and growing up very nicely, thought Shinji.
"How did you find us?" Ryu asked.
"Oh, Aya-chan here knew where you guys would be." Aya's face reddened.
"Aki-kun! Shinji-kun!." The two boys raced over to greet her. Shinji took her left hand and placed a kiss on it.
"How's it goin, beautiful?" Mariko rolled her eyes and played along with him. Mariko threw her arms around Shinji's neck and gave him a warm hug, then turning to Aki and giving him a friendly hug as well.
"Things are going okay. The kids at this school are annoying and overly fake. I can't stand how they're all kissing my ass because I'm a Nagane."
"Oh guys! This is my friend Aya-chan." Mariko introduced Aya to the guys. Aya's face was red once again as she blushed profusely in front of the guys.
They all sat and ate lunch together. Aki and Shinji were asking question after question until Ken got annoyed by them hitting on his sister. These guys were Mariko's childhood buddies. She used to be the little tomboy who played basket ball with them during the summer.
"You think you could cut down on flirting with the boys Riko-chan?" "Gee Nii-san you're no fun." Mariko said as she giggled and stood to leave. "Yeah Ken, you're no fun." Shinji chided in. "We haven't seen Mariko-chan in so long and we're just catching up." "I know what you guys are thinking. So stop while you're at it." Ken said defensively.
"Aya-chan, should we go now?" Aya nodded her head and rose. "We'll see you guys after school. Bye guys!!"
Walking back to class, Aya was too quiet, so Mariko asked her what was wrong. "Mariko, do you know who those guys are?" Mariko looked at her clueless. "Duh Aya-chan, they're my friends. I've known them since I was little."
"No, those guys are the F4. They're the best looking guys at this school and they're the richest too. Everyone's scared of them because of their leader." Mariko just laughed.
"Those guys?? Leader? Hahahahaha.Are you serious Aya-chan??" She nodded. "No way, those guys couldn't hurt a fly.Wait a minute.where's the 4th one? I only know three and its obvious that my brother isn't the fourth one." Aya froze.
"Oh.he's the worst. You don't want to meet him. He thinks just because he's rich he can do whatever he wants at this school. He's just a mean bully, and a lot of kids got beat up by him and the other three for stupid things."
"He better not flaunt his money in my face, because I bet my family's richer than his." Mariko tried to make her new friend smile. "Don't you worry Aya-chan. If any of them pick on you, they'll have to deal with me first."
"Really Mariko-chan? You mean it? You'll be my friend?"
"Of course, I thought we were already friends?" The two smiled and continued to class.
After their last class, Mariko and Aya were walking to their lockers. Mariko was too busy talking to Aya to notice the guy walking directly in front of her. They crashed into each other and fell back. Aya luckily caught her friend before she hit the floor.
"Oh excuse me. I'm sorry about-" Mariko said apologetically to the fallen boy feeling bad for not seeing him.
"WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING!" The hot tempered boy yelled as he stood up. Aya hid behind Mariko as she knew this meant trouble for Mariko.
"EXCUSE ME? I should watch where I'm going? You were at fault here too ya know. I'm not the only one with eyes." Mariko fought back.
"Do you know who you're talking to little girl?" He grabbed a hold of Mariko's shoulder. "Do you think I care who you are?" She retorted while pushing his hand off her shoulder. "And nobody said you could touch me. Don't make that mistake again." 'Who the hell does this idiot think he is? Bastard.' She thought to herself as she turned around to find Aya.
"I'm not yet done with you little girl." The stupid boy grabbed her arm and threw her against the locker.
"Yes you are" Mariko said as she punched the stupid boy square in the face with all her might. He fell back and looked back up at this girl. "I told you not to make that same mistake again. Now leave me alone." A crowd had now gathered around the couple fighting. As the boy raised his hand to hit her, a teacher intervened.
"Both of you. The headmaster's office. NOW." "But." The two said and then glared at each other with narrowed eyes.
The two sat next to each other in the headmaster's office waiting for their parents to arrive. The headmaster sat in front of the two waiting for one or other to talk, but neither did as they both turned away from each other.
"Nagane Mariko, this is Doumyoji Kesshin. Doumyoji Kesshin, Nagane Mariko." The two still looked away.
'Doumyoji? That name sounds familiar.' Mariko thought as she sat looking away from that idiot who caused her to get into trouble her first day. 'Oh that's right..at the funeral. Doumyoji was that woman's name too. I wonder what the relation is.' She glared daggers at him, ready to attack anytime.
'Nagane? Dammit.Otou-san's gonna be mad at me. He's got close relations with Nagane International.' Kesshin thought as he realized who she was. 'I'm so dead.'
The door flew open as a tall man with dark curly hair came barging in.
"What is this all about Kesshin?!" Doumyoji Tsukasa questioned his son immediately. "How many times have I told you to stay out of trouble? That fights were stupid and unnecessary." At that moment, Tsukasa noticed the young girl sitting next to his son.
"Makino.." Mariko looked up at the man. Just then, Tsukushi barged through the same door Tsukasa had minutes ago.
"Mariko-chan are you allright?" She asked concerned about her daughter. The school called and told her that Mariko had gotten into a fight and Tsukushi was needed at the school. She rushed to the school worried about her little girl.
"Makino..." At the sound of that voice.her name was being called.She turned to face him. "Dou-my-oji" was all she could say as she stared at the man in shock. How was Tsukushi to react to this current situation. She looked away to break the gaze she and Tsukasa held. 'He's still the same, doesn't even look like he's aged' she thought, smiling inwardly.
The boy and the girl looked at their respectful parent confused as to what was going on. 'Ahem' the headmaster cleared his throat. "Doumyoji-sama.Nagane-sama.please have a seat."
"Now, would you two like to explain what happened earlier?"
The two broke out at the same time "That girl started it" "NO I DID NOT. YOU DID" The two stood, ready to go at it again. "Kesshin, SIT DOWN." At his father's words, the boy sat. Mariko smirked but wiped it off her face as she saw her mother giving her 'that look.'
"Mariko-chan what happened?" Tsukushi asked, knowing very well her daughter was not going to lie to her.
Mariko sighed. "I was walking with my new friend down the hall, and I wasn't looking. Well this big idiot and I ran into each other. I said excuse me but then he threw a fit and started yelling asking me if I knew who he was. Then he called me a little girl and when I talked back and called him an idiot, he got mad and grabbed my arm and threw me against the locker, so I punched him. He was gonna hit me, but the teacher came and made us come here. Is that good enough?"
"Kesshin, is this girl telling the truth?" His father asked sternly. The poor boy bent his head down and nodded in agreement to the girl's story.
Tsukasa rose, "Mariko-chan, I apologize for my son's behavior. I hope you are okay and not hurt." He said towering over her.
"I.I am fine Doumyoji-san. Thank you and I'm sorry for punching your son in the face.even if he did deserve it." Mariko muttered the last bit of her sentence.
"Kesshin-kun, are you allright?" Tsukushi asked the young boy, who was the spitting image of his father. She smiled inwardly at the resemblance. Tsukushi's face saddened as she remembered her Doumyoji back then. "Mak.I mean Nagane-sama. It is good to see you again. You are looking well. " Doumyoji forced a smile and held his hand out to his old friend. 'I've missed you' he thought as he stared at this woman before him.
"It is nice seeing you as well Doumyoji." Tsukushi smiled and shaking his hand. 'Just like the last time we saw each other'. "Well, we better get going, Mariko," Mariko rose and followed her mother out.
Walking back to the car, Mariko was full of questions. "You know that man kaa-san? He called me Makino when he first looked at me. What's wrong kaa- san?" Mariko noticed the saddened look on her mother's face.
"Mariko, your father is going to have to know about this, but just make sure it doesn't happen again. Is that clear?" She nodded. Tsukushi thought it would be best to tell her daughter the story now. She knew she couldn't hide it forever. "And that man, Doumyoji Tsukasa, was my first love." Mariko stopped dead in her tracks with her mouth gaped open hearing what her mother just said.
"You were in love with him? If you loved him.what happened?" at her daughters words, Tsukushi stopped. She could no longer cry over this man. She had done so for so many months back then.
"I'll tell you later. Let's just go home and let me tell your father about today okay?" They had arrived at the house and stepped inside.
Ken came running to his sister. "RIKO-CHAN! What happened?? I heard you got into a fight with some guy. Are you okay? Did you kick his ass??" He asked all the questions hugging her at the same time.
"Who's this jerk anyways? Man I'm gonna find his ass and beat him down for touching you."
"I'm fine Nii-san. Kaa-san and I took care of it. Can ya let go now. I can't breathe." Mariko caught her breath as Ken let go. She went to her room to freshen up before her father came home.
Tsukushi retreated to her room, rethinking today's events. It really was good to see him again. She knew she would have to tell Hiro about this, but she wasn't sure how he would take it. Tsukushi knew a part of Hiro was mad at Tsukasa for causing Tsukushi so much pain, but then again, it wasn't Tsukasa's fault he had amnesia. To think, her daughter and his son would get into the same kind of fights she and tsukasa used to get into. Tsukushi laughed at the thought.
At dinner, Hiro was furious "WHAT did I tell you? Do you not remember me telling you specifically to stay out of trouble??" "Yes Otou-san.." Mariko knew she was in for it. It was only her first day and she had already gotten into a big fight with none other than Doumyoji Kesshin. "Mariko-chan.it's a good thing you were not hurt, but please, stay out of trouble. You are excused."
"Don't worry Riko-chan, I'll take care of him" Ken whispered as Mariko walked by.
"YOU CERTAINLY WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF HIM!" Hiro roared, banging his fist on the dinner table. Ken froze at his father's anger.
"I told you NOT to do anything that would disgrace this family's name. This childish behavior is unacceptable. I assure you that this boy will be dealt with accordingly, but neither of you will have anything to do with it." Tsukushi tried to calm her husband down. "Have I made myself clear?"
"Hai." Ken said, excusing himself from the table, not wanting to upset Hiro any more.
"Who was this boy anyway Tsukushi?" Hiro asked when Ken and Mariko left the room. Tsukushi nearly choked on the water she was drinking.
"Anata, it was Doumyoji Kesshin.." Tsukushi half closed her eyes unsure of her husband's reaction to that name.
"Doumyoji-san's son huh? Well, I can't just let him get away with hurting Mariko like that."
"Anata, everything was taken care of. The boy apologized, plus he didn't even hurt her. Mariko punched him before he had the chance to-"
"Did you see Doumyoji-san?" Hiro interrupted and Tsukushi nodded.
"We apologized to each other about our children's behavior and said it was nice seeing each other again." Tsukushi smiled as she saw a twinge of jealousy on her sweet husband's face.
"Ahh.Doumyoji Tsukasa." Hiro muttered.
She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him sweetly. "I love you anata. You're so cute when you get like that."
Mariko lay in bed with the moonlight beaming in her room and she fell asleep, not looking forward to tomorrow.