The Game of Love

Chapter Two: First Day of a Normal Life

The F3 still couldn't believe what they had seen the previous evening. It was great that Tsukushi was back in Japan. It didn't matter what Tsukasa thought about it. He couldn't restrict her from coming back to Japan. Rui was especially happy that she had returned, although he hadn't shown it.

"Tsukasa will be back by morning. I think we'd better find out where Tsukushi is staying," said Akira.

"I don't think she's going to Eitoku for classes. Yuki said that they'd be going to school tomorrow," said Soujirou. "I think she attends Tokyo University. That's a big school. And it's filled with international students."

"She's different now. It has something to do with her money," observed Rui quietly.

"Money can change anyone," said Soujirou.

"No. It's how she made it. That's what I would like to know," corrected Rui

"I'm curious about that myself," agreed Akira. "I think we should look into it ourselves before Tsukasa finds out. If he does, he could do a lot more damage to her. At least if we do it, it won't be so bad."

"Hn," murmured Rui thoughtfully. "I think we shouldn't bother her friends or brother. Kin-san isn't going to say anything. And Susumu is wearing an Eirin uniform, so that's where he's going to school. Yuki won't say anything either. She's been working at Akira's place for months."

"Then how do we do this?" asked Soujirou.

"Look up information on Tsukushi. She's back in Japan, so information should travel with her," replied Akira.

"But it won't be that easy. Tsukushi's learned how to cover her tracks," said Rui.

"This is not for Tsukasa. She is our friend, too, Rui," said Soujirou, picking up on Rui's subtle mood changes. He could tell that Rui missed Tsukushi, but he also wanted to protect her.

"Let's get something to eat and talk more about this tomorrow," suggested Akira. Rui and Soujirou.

*

"Where are you staying tonight?" asked Yuki.

The four of them had spent their time just walking around. Tsukushi wanted to that. It was getting harder and harder for her just to walk around London without being notice. They had stopped for ice cream, which Kin-san treated them to. He only got to pay because the ice cream shop wouldn't take credit or debit cards. Otherwise, Tsukushi would have paid for the ice cream.

"I'll be staying at a hotel because my company reserved a suite until they find an apartment that they deem has proper security. My manager is handling it," answered Tsukushi as she pulled back a lock of her hair over her ear.

"I didn't know that security was such an issue. Are you sure it's okay for you to walk around like this?" asked Kin-san.

"You have no idea," said Tsukushi as she looked away. "But I feel safe out here."

Susumu watched his older sister's actions. He could tell that she was tense. He knew about how grueling the schedule she kept was. She never really disclosed it to her parents because they were unreliable with keeping things quiet. In fact, they liked to brag about her and her job in Europe. Fortunately, Susumu didn't tell them exactly what it meant. They were just happy that Tsukushi helped them live comfortably without any financial woes. She was the sole breadwinner in the family. Susumu couldn't help, but admire his older sister for being so talented and intelligent.

"I just can't wait for tomorrow. Going to a normal university in Japan. It's going to be so refreshing," she smiled. "I can leave my Eitoku days behind and get a nice fresh start."

"I thought you did that in England," said Yuki.

"Nah. I work too much in England. Even during the breaks, I have to go on tour in Europe. When I went to Los Angeles, I ended up having to perform anyway. At least, the company will let me have a small break. I haven't had a day off in a while."

"When was the last time you had a day off, Oneesan?" asked Susumu.

"Um…well…let me see…I don't have my PDA with me, so I'm not sure…" trailed off Tsukushi thoughtfully.

Kin-san rubbed the space just above the bridge of his nose. "If you can't remember the last time you had a day off without the aid of a planner, then you really need a day off," he said.

"I suppose I should, but my schedule doesn't allow for much. I have classes and recording sessions to do."

"Is what happened in Barcelona, true?" asked Yuki.

"What?"

"You didn't collapse during a concert did you?"

"Not really. It was during a rehearsal, not a concert."

Kin-san, Yuki, and Susumu looked like they were going to fall over. "THAT MEANS YOU WERE WORKING TILL YOU WERE EXHAUSTED!" shouted Kin-san.

"What's wrong with you, Oneesan? Most people can tell when they're tired!" exclaimed Susumu.

"I have a contract to keep," said Tsukushi with a causal shrug.

"That's it. You're taking a day off," said Kin-san. "We'll all go out next Saturday."

"Why?"

"You need a day off," said Susumu.

"Look, I don't need a day off. I have work to do. Besides, if I don't work, who's going to pay for your tuition to Eirin?" asked Tsukushi as she placed her hands on her hips. She didn't want to be challenged by anyone. Her friends in England knew better than to challenge her when she gave them that look with that stance.

Susumu didn't care. "I should get a job. I can't have my older sister paying for everything. It's embarrassing," he muttered.

"What's so embarrassing about your older sister, you brat?" demanded Tsukushi as she held up her fist.

"Um…guys," said Yuki as she looked at Kin-san who was smiling. He started chuckling.

"What?!" demanded Tsukushi and Susumu.

"You guys are becoming more and more alike," laughed Kin-san.

*

The next morning, the F3 gathered at the airport to wait for Tsukasa's plane to land. They thought it would be a good idea to meet him. He stepped off his private plane dressed in his regular clothes rather than his business suit. He spotted them with some surprise. He didn't expect them to show up at the airport to meet him.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded.

"Is that they way they say hello in New York these days?" asked Akira.

"No, that's just how Tsukasa says hello," disagreed Soujirou.

"Welcome back," said Rui.

"It's good to be back. Anything new?" asked Tsukasa.

"Just the regular stuff," said Soujirou. No reports had come in yet on Tsukushi, so they had to stall for time. It was best to get Tsukasa back to his house before he found out anything. The F3 knew he had a knack for finding Tsukushi whether he was really looking for her or not. They didn't want him to call the police again to go and look for her like he had done before. "The F4 are back together. I never thought your mother would let you leave."

"Shut up. I don't want to talk about her," muttered Tsukasa.

"Let's go," said Akira. "How is your sister? We saw her at a party a few weeks ago. She looks great. How's your niece?"

Tsukasa's sister, Tsubaki, had a daughter recently. His niece was only six months old. "Yeah, she's okay. I haven't seen her yet. They're in Los Angeles."

"What's her name?" asked Rui.

"Reiko. Very simple name, if you asked me. My sister yelled at me when I told her that," said Tsukasa. He looked around the airport. It was very strange for him. He had a wave of nostalgia sweeping over him. He remembered the first time he had asked Tsukushi on a date. He looked for the place where he had asked her. I don't miss her. I don't. She doesn't deserve it, he thought.

"Let's go," he said, snapping himself out of his thoughts. His spirit felt diminished somehow. His mother had squeezed the life out of him. Oddly enough, he hadn't heard from his father in while. He heard second hand messages from him. He hadn't seen him in a while. He hadn't seen his father in more than five years. However, he missed Tsukushi even more. Where had she gone?

They piled into the limo and took off for school. Nothing in Japan had really changed since he was forced into exile in New York. He tried more than once to break free, but was always corned. It was the money that kept him locked in place. The money was what paid for the secret police and other reinforcement to keep him in his place. Tsukasa had made plans to do a finally escape after a while. All he had to do was go back to Japan.

"Have you seen anyone from Eitoku lately?" asked Rui.

"No. Not really," responded Tsukasa. "Who's going to Eitoku now?"

"What do you mean?" asked Akira.

"Nothing," he mumbled. He doubted that she would even attend school there.

"Do you remember, Yuki?" asked Soujirou. Rei and Akira looked at him briefly, wondering where he was going with his questions.

"Yes," said Tsukasa. "How is she?" He wouldn't have asked normally, but she was Tsukushi's best friend. He only cared because she would.

"She's all right. She's working at Akira's company now. She seems sort of lonely. She said that she hadn't heard from her either. Sort of strange," said Soujirou. Of course, the F3 knew that it was a lie, but it was better to just repeat what Yuki had said before.

"Shiguru said that she'd meet us at school," said Akira. Tsukasa nodded. He felt his temper rising. Where the Hell was Tsukushi? His hands rolled into fists as the other F3 watched him. His jaw clutched.

Rui could practically read Tsukasa's thoughts. It wasn't difficult to do that. He was easily read. So, he decided to say something, "Makino Susumu goes to Eirin."

Tsukasa looked surprised for a moment. "Are you sure?"

Rui nodded along with Akira and Soujirou. "I saw him wearing a uniform to that school. However, I didn't think he could afford to go to that school. I think his sister is the one paying for him to go there."

"I see." Tsukasa picked up his cell phone and dialed a number. "Hello. Doumyouji. I would like to know who is paying the tuition for Makino Susumu. Yes. That's all I needed to know. Thank you." He hung up.

"Well?" asked Akira.

"They said that the funds get transferred from a Swiss Bank Account, but they won't say anything else," answered Tsukasa with great annoyance. "Of course, she's paying for his schooling. Who else would?"

"She's always been very responsible," said Soujirou with a nod.

"I don't want to talk about this anymore," muttered Tsukasa. He had to figure out how to find her without arousing any suspicion.

*

Tsukushi was dropped off to Tokyo University by an unmarked car because she had asked for one over a limo. She carried her bag with her laptop, PDA, two notebooks, and some thing to write with. She had to go to the registrar's office to sign some papers. She opened her PDA and looked at the note that she had written herself. Yuki called her earlier to tell her that they'd meet at one of the campus eateries. Tsukushi looked at the school and gasped.

It was huge compared to London University and still it was crowded. "I'm going to get lost," she concluded in a whisper as she watched so many people walking around. She squared her shoulders and marched up to the registrar's office. Luckily, the driver had dropped her off near it.

After some signing some papers, she went off to go and look for Yuki. It was hard. The school was too large, but Tsukushi knew that Kin-san and Yuki went there. If they could learn to navigate the large expanse, surely she could do the same.

So, she went along looking for Yuki. After some wrong turns and bad directions, she had finally found Yuki. "I was wondering when you'd get here," said Yuki.

"When I'd get here? This place is huge. I got lost. No one can give good directions around here," said Tsukushi.

Yuki started giggling at her. "I'm sorry. I thought it would be easy."

"That's because you've been going here for years. This is my first day. It's okay. It wasn't so bad. There are tons of international students here. Loads more than London."

"You know your pronunciation of English words is really good, but it's weird still."

"What do you mean?"

"The English majors around here have a different kind of accent."

"That's probably because most of the Japanese people learn American English. I learned British English."

"Is there a difference?"

"Yes. There are a few differences. First off, they spell some words differently and the pronunciation of certain words is a little different all together."

"You sound like a teacher."

"I do, don't I? Are you going to help me get to class on time without getting lost?"

"Yes. Let me see your schedule."

Tsukushi handed it to Yuki. She skimmed over it. "Oh, this is good. My class is right next door to your first class. Let's go. I'll show you how to get to your other classes on the way."

As they walked they talked quietly. Some students stopped for a moment, thinking they had seen Ringo Arisu, but they quickly went back to whatever they were doing. Why would a world famous idol go to Tokyo University?

"Are you going to work today?" asked Tsukushi.

"Yes. How about you?"

"Probably. My manager is arriving today. I'm getting a little tired of staying at hotels. Do you know that I have a flat in London that I've only stayed in for a total of two months since I started renting? But, technically I've had it for six months."

"How do you know that?"

"I calculated it."

"You calculated it? Tsukushi, you really do need a day off," said Yuki with surprise.

"I really do. But, a girl's got to make her living somehow," said Tsukushi with a shrug.

Kin-san tapped Yuki's shoulder. "Hey. I thought I heard you guys talking. I just got out of my business class," he said.

"Do you have any more classes?" asked Tsukushi.

"Nope. I just had this class today, and now I'm off to work," answered Kin-san.

"Lucky," said Yuki.

"Let's go before we're late for class. We'll talk to you later, Kin-san," said Tsukushi as she waved goodbye.

Kin-san glanced at his watch. "I have to get to the parking lot and get my car now. Otherwise I will be late for work. Bye!" he said as he took off.

"How does it feel so far?" asked Yuki.

"Normal," said Tsukushi with a smile. "It feels great."

*

Susumu was sitting once again in class. It was all very boring for him. The only classes that held any interest to him were the biology classes. He was a bit of a loner in Eirin. Most girls found him mysterious, so they were always pestering him to find out more about him. Most of the boys annoyed him because they were nursing crushes on Ringo Arisu, which made Susumu very uncomfortable.

He really didn't mind lingering behind his sister's shadow. His parents always treated her as the salvation of the family. Most people gravitated towards her.

Most of Eirin didn't remember who Makino Tsukushi was. Her reputation there had diminished because she hadn't gone there for school. Eirin couldn't remember her from the beauty pageant. That was just fine with him.

There was a girl who watched him quietly compared to the other girls. Her name was Ogata Mariko. She had a huge crush on Susumu, but she never had enough courage to even talk to him. She wondered what went on behind his chocolate brown eyes. He seemed so intense. Unlike most of the other students in the school, it appeared that he had no ties to any really wealthy families. She had no idea how he was paying for school.

Ogata Mariko was a cute, short girl. Her hair was black and straight. Her eyes were amber. She wondered how anyone could get the attention of Makino Susumu. It seemed obvious that he had money because he ate at the cafeteria during lunch and he always stopped at that popular sushi café down the street. She didn't feel like she was good enough to even speak to him.

"Makino-san, would you mind having lunch with me?" asked one of the girls.

He shook his head. "I'm going off campus to get something to eat," he said. Very rarely did anyone get permission to get off campus to get something to eat, but he managed to arranged that himself. It wasn't that hard. "I'm going to get some sushi."

As soon as he was off grounds, he unzipped his jacket. He went to Kin-san's place to get something to eat. "Hey, Susumu. What would you like?" asked Kin-san.

"The usual. Have you seen her today?"

"Yes, just as I was leaving to go to work, she was coming to class."

"That's good. It's so boring at school. Was Eirin always that boring when you went there?"

"I'm not sure. I didn't pay much attention. I sort of just daydreamed most of the day."

"It's mind numbingly boring. Tedious. The only classes I like are the biology and chemistry classes. It's the only time we get to move around."

"Are you interested in science?"

"I suppose I am," said Susumu with a nod. "I'm thinking of getting a job, even though I don't need one. Is that stupid?"

Kin-san shook his head. "No. I did that when I was in school. If you want a job, you can work here. That is if you'd like to."

"No. I'd rather not go through any more of my sister's friends. I'm thinking of taking that job as a waiter at the café up the street from my apartment. It's conveniently located near home and I think they're looking to hire."

"Then go for it."

"Could you please not tell her about it? I don't want her to think that I'm ungrateful or anything."

"Why not? I'm sure she'd be proud of you for having the initiative to go off looking for a job by yourself without her encouragement."

"I have to go back to school. Bye, see you later," said Susumu as he glanced at his watch. Yes, he would get a job today.

Some time later, Susumu made it to the café that served coffee, tea, and other things that a coffee shop served. He was surprised to find himself hired and ready to work at that moment. Perhaps it was because he had changed out of his school uniform before going to the café. The owner must have thought of him as a normal public school student and he admired Susumu's willingness to work right way.

He was given a uniform and started right away. It felt good to get out and do something other than just staying in his apartment studying or playing video games. He was happily taking orders and serving food.

At five, the F4 came in with Sakurako and Shiguru. "I said this was one of the best cafes. I love the chocolate cake," said Shiguru.

"It's okay," said Tsukasa.

"You are a black cloud that will not lift," said Sakurako.

"Never mind. Let's just order something, eat, and get out of here," he said. "Waiter!"

Susumu wasn't paying close enough attention, so he went to the table automatically without thinking. He froze when he saw who was sitting there. He felt like slapping his forehead, but instead he said, "Here are the menus. Please take as much time as you want."

"I just want some coffee," said Tsukasa as he finally took a look at Susumu. His eyes widened. "You!" He grabbed his shirt.

"Let me go," managed Susumu. "Someone tell him to let me go."

"Tsukasa, let him go. His sister won't like it if you hurt him," said Akira.

"Where is she?!" demanded Tsukasa, ignoring everyone else.

"I have no idea. And even if I did, I wouldn't tell you," said Susumu. The first part was a lie. The owner of the café came in when he heard the disturbance. Susumu gave Tsukasa a look of defiance. He wasn't going to give in.

"What's going on here?" asked the owner.

"Nothing," said Tsukasa as he released Susumu. He stood up and left the café.

"I'm sorry about this," said Akira quickly, feeling that Susumu might lose his job. "He didn't do anything. It's our friend's fault."

"Please let him take our order," insisted Soujirou.

The owner looked at Susumu one last time and then gestured for him to take their order. "What would you like?" he asked.

"Five cappuccinos," said Akira.

"And a chocolate cake," said Shiguru.

"Make that two," said Sakurako. Susumu jotted down their orders. He was wondering where Doumyouji went. "Anything else?"

"Yes, a biscotti," said Rui.

Susumu wrote it down. "I'll bring your order right to you. Thank you very much."

"It seems he's as diligent as his sister," said Akira.

"I can't believe that Doumyouji-san would grab him like that," said Sakurako. "It's like before."

"Here are your orders. Bon appetite," said Susumu with a slight bow as he attempted to leave.

"We're very sorry for what just happened. We saw you last night with your sister," said Akira.

Susumu stopped and turned around. "You didn't see anything," he said briskly.

"He's um…different. Wasn't he much sweeter when he was younger?" asked Sakurako.

"Yes, but that was before high school," said Shiguru. "He's really grown up. He's cute still."

"Aw…I had no idea that you go for younger guys, Shiguru. I go for older women," teased Akira.

"Shut up! I'm just making an observation," she sputtered defensively.

"I wondered where Tsukasa is right now," said Rui quietly.

"I don't even want to think about it," said Soujirou as he took a sip of his cappuccino.

Tsukasa was walking around by himself. He thought about what he could have done. He could have put Susumu in the hospital and draw Tsukushi out that way. He shook his head. He didn't want to do it that way.

Someone was playing his or her car stereo out loud. It was playing an English song. He had heard it all over the place in New York. Tsukasa listened to it. Strange, it brought him some comfort.

AN: I was so surprised at how quickly I got review for this story. I edited the last part, so that I got rid of the blatant grammar errors. Susumu's personality changed a lot from the manga because of the fact that he has to attend Eirin and because of what happened with his sister being away. I always thought it was strange that his parents are so focused on Tsukushi than him to marry up. I suppose it is easier for a girl to do that than a boy. ^^ I also threw in an original character, Ogata Mariko.

The title for this fic comes from that new song by Santana featuring Michelle Branch, "The Game of Love." Fits, don't it? For those of you who are wondering, I imagine Ringo Arisu to be sort of like Utada Hikaru and Mai Kuraki.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hana Yori Dango. ^^