The Game of Love

Chapter Seven: Date Auction

Sammi had the capability of being calculating and just downright sneaky when she had to be. Being Tsukushi's manager required her to that every once in a while. The day after next would be the charity ball that Tsukushi had agreed to attend.

Luckily for Sammi, Tsukushi rarely read the society page of the newspaper or even the entertainment section. So, she had no idea what the charity ball actually entailed. Sammi was careful not to say anything or even allow Tsukushi to hear anything. It worked to Sammi's advantage that Tsukushi was working so hard that she didn't have time to pay attention to the smaller details that Sammi kept an eye on.

Tsukushi was standing still as the fitters completed her outfit. She couldn't stand it. Why did she have to have a new formal gown for all every event she attended? It was a waste of money and space in her closet, which was expanding regularly. "Is this really necessary?" she asked.

"Of course. You have to have a new outfit," insisted Sammi.

"But, why?"

"Because you're an international star and you just can't show up in the same outfit twice," replied Sammi with a shrug.

"This is ridiculous," muttered Tsukushi. "At least, Kin-san agrees with me. He'll be my escort for tonight."

"Your escort? You really don't need one," said Sammi.

"You always say that. Then all of a sudden, men descend upon me like a pack of hyenas. No thank you. I'd rather have Kin-san there than be looked at like I was a piece of meat."

Sammi immediately looked out the window out of some guilty. She turned back as soon as the feeling past. It was for Tsukushi's own good. The girl hadn't gone out on a date for three years. She was so driven by her career that she ignored having a social life. Let alone a love life. It worried Sammi. She wanted someone who would really take care of the person she had grown to love as a younger sister.

*

Yuki was happily packing up things in her desk. As happy as she was working at the Mimasaka's company, she knew she was going to prefer working at Gaia Records. The accounting department hired her because she was going to graduate soon. It seemed as if she was going to be going there for a long time.

"Why are you packing up your things?" asked Soujirou as he walked up to her desk.

"Nishikado-san? What are you doing here?" asked Yuki in surprise.

"I came here to meet Akira for some breakfast, but he hasn't shown up yet. What are you doing? You didn't get fired, did you?" He was frantically thinking if she had been, he would immediately fix it. Or have her work for him. He liked the second option better, but he wasn't really sure why.

"No. I quit. I got a new job," said Yuki brightly.

"A new job? Where?" asked Soujirou.

"At Gaia Records. I got a good tip on a job there," replied Yuki.

"You mean Tsukushi, right?"

She didn't answer his question. "I have to go to class. I only came to hand in my resignation and to collect my things. Bye, Nishikado-san."

"Yuki, wait, would you like to join me?" asked Soujirou.

Yuki shook her head. "I'm sorry. I'm already running late."

Soujirou watched her as she left the office. Part of him wanted to go after her and tell her that she could have had a job at one of his father's firms. He could have made her an offer that she couldn't refuse, but he knew that she probably wouldn't want to have anything to do with him. Not that he could blame her. She was a sweet girl who had offered to be with him, but he had passed on his chance.

"What are you staring at?" asked Akira as he walked up to him.

"Nothing," answered Soujirou. "Did you know that Yuki was going to quit?"

"No, I didn't. I suppose it was a matter of time. She really didn't like her supervisor. And she's got great connections now in the music industry. She did quit to go to Gaia, right?"

"Yes. She shouldn't have to work so hard," said Soujirou.

Akira looked at him carefully. "You're starting to sound like Tsukasa when he talks about Makino. Those girls are independent types, especially Makino. They take pride in the work they do. No matter what work it is."

"I'm not Tsukasa. I don't care what she does. I was just making an observation." Soujirou sounded very defensive. Akira tried not to laugh at him out loud.

"People like them will never be like us. That's why Tsukasa and Makino never really worked out," said Akira.

"Never mind. Let's go and get some thing to eat. Did you talk to Tsukasa or Rui today?" asked Soujirou, changing the subject all together.

"No. I think that we all should go to the auction. It's bound to be interesting. Hey, I found out something. Do you know Megumi Hiro?"

"Um…he's a musician, right?"

"Yes, he's under contract in Hanazawa Records. He's going to be working with Makino. Just don't tell Tsukasa."

"She's really made it. I wonder if she is going out with anyone. So, far the Japanese press hasn't been able to confirm anything. The only answer she gave during the press conference about it was 'No comment.'"

"I was thinking about something else. Do you think it's fair for us to barge into her life after she's worked so hard to succeed?"

"That's something we have to ask Tsukasa. I don't think he's even thought of that. Rui, hasn't been saying much."

"I think Rui fell in love with her a while ago. He's been happy lately. He hasn't been so lonely."

"I wonder why. It's not like he's talk to Makino or anything."

The two friends went off to get something to eat as they discussed in greater detail all the things that had changed. Soujirou wasn't happy that Yuki got a new job at Gaia. At least if she continued working for Mimasaka's family, he would get to see her from time to time. She even went to a different school. He remembered where her house was, but he had really no excuse to go there.

Soujirou had figured out what was going on. Tsukushi. She was pulling all her friends under her protection away from the F4. Away from Tsukasa.

"Hey, isn't your brother Makino's brother's competition," asked Akira.

"Yes, Tori really bugged me when we got back from Kyoto. He kept asking questions about the performance. He has no idea that his rival's sister is his idol. I'll just let him figure it out," answered Soujirou with a smile.

*

The night of the charity ball was a clear one. The stars lit up the sky along with the moon. Tsukushi was decked out in a black gown that dropped to her feet. She wore a pair of clip on diamond earrings. Her hair was up in a twist and she wore black velvet gloves. She wore a pair of strapped sandals. The dress was open in the back. The opening went down all the way to the small of her back. The front had a v-neckline that dropped low, which she disliked. The skirt was long and bellowing without any slits.

Kin-san showed up at the door to pick her up. "I'm coming," she called as she went to answer the door. "Kin-san, you look great," she complimented.

"You look beautiful. As usual," whispered Kin-san. Tsukushi was used to getting compliments from strangers, but it was strange to hear it from him. His compliment made her cheeks turn slightly pink.

"You don't have to go that far," said Tsukushi. "Let's go. I've got the invitation."

"I can't believe you're making me come with you. I can't stand these things," said Kin-san as they climbed into the limo.

"I'm sorry. I can't stand them either. And I really appreciate you coming with me," said Tsukushi.

"You owe me."

"Yes, I do. And I'll make it up to you later."

"How?"

"I don't know. Just don't leave okay?"

"I wasn't planning on doing that."

"You promise?"

"I promise. When have I ever abandon you?"

Tsukushi smiled at him. Kin-san was a wonderful friend. She knew that he had loved her before, but they were passed that. Weren't they? She was much more comfortable with him by her side. She felt safer with him. Perhaps it was because he came into her life as her defender and protector. He was a kind-hearted person. Tsukushi suppressed a sigh. If things hadn't gone the way they did, she wondered if she would have gotten together with him.

"What are you thinking about?" asked Kin-san, noticing how quiet she had gotten.

"Just thinking about what would have been," she replied. "Thank you for everything, Kin-san."

"That's not really necessary. I would do it anyway," he said.

"There are so many people trying to protect me. It's insane," she said.

"What so wrong with having so many people care about you?" asked Kin-san.

"It makes me feel like I can't do anything for myself. I hate feeling vulnerable, Kin-san."

He gazed at her. He knew that she had been hiding something ever since she had come to Japan. He had no idea what it was. "It's because you don't let anyone get close enough to you. You don't ask for help when you need it, Tsukushi. That's why it always feels like everyone's prying around you. If you would just trust people to let them know all the parts of you all at once, then you wouldn't feel like that."

Tsukushi stared at him. "You know what I think? I think you only show parts of yourself to certain people. You never show your complete self at all. You're afraid, if they do, they'll see something they don't like. You're afraid of getting hurt."

She couldn't respond. The limo had stopped at the hotel where the ball was being held. She didn't have time to answer Kin-san as the door opened. She climbed out of it first. Kin-san joined her as soon as the cameras started flashing. He couldn't hold her hand, but his presence was enough to make her feel safe.

He's right. How can Kin-san know me so well? They only see the parts of me that I want them to see. And I do the same with my friends. I can't help it. It's part of who I am. It's part of who I became, she thought. She made no effort to smile as the cameras started flashing.

Sammi was waiting for them in the backstage area. She had arrived early to make sure that Tsukushi participated. She was nervous because of the backstage.

"Hey, Sammi. What's going on here? I thought I was going to attend the ball," said Tsukushi.

"You are. Soon. It's just that these are the guests of honor. And you're included. Hello, Kin-san. You can go outside and join the other people," said Sammi.

"Okay, I'll see you later," said Kin-san with a wave.

"Wait! You promised to stay with me," exclaimed Tsukushi as a bad feeling sank into her. What was going on? Kin-san gave her a winning smile as he left the backstage area. He already knew what was happening, but he had assumed that Tsukushi knew about it.

"Come on. Meet and mingle with the others," said Sammi brightly. She was smiling so wide that her face hurt.

"Ringo-san," said a familiar voice. She turned to see Megumi Hiro standing there. "I didn't expect to see you here for an event like this," he continued as he smiled at her.

"Um…I attend charity events all the time in Europe," said Tsukushi as she remembered that she had to slip into her other identity.

"Oh, you do?" asked Hiro.

"I believe in giving back," she replied.

"This is my first time to go to an event like this. Tell me, do you usually enjoy going out like this?" asked Hiro.

Sammi started to laugh nervously. She wondered what Hiro really meant. "Nope, this is the first time she's ever been to this kind of charity event," she quickly corrected. "Why don't we get some refreshments?"

Kin-san got outside and spotted the F4. He realized why they were there. He didn't like this one bit. What was going to happen once the auction started? He had a bad feeling about this whole thing. However, it was too late.

The auction had began. There were a dozen well known people getting auctioned off. Six men and six women. Tsukushi was predicted to bring the highest bid, so she was going to go last. Kin-san was now positive she would go for the highest bid because of Doumyouji. And if he didn't, one of the F4 would.

The first person went for 2,000,000 yen. She was a model who was just starting out. The second person on the block went for 2,500,000 yen. The prices for each person went up as the auction went forward. From time to time, Kin-san took a glance at the F4. He noticed that none of them made a single bid. This didn't bode well for Tsukushi.

Backstage, Tsukushi was kept at bay by Sammi's distractions. She was now extremely suspicious and wondered what was going on. Megumi Hiro was now up block. "Wish me luck, Ringo-san," he whispered to her as he flashed her a smile.

"Why?" asked Tsukushi as she turned and glared at Sammi. "What the Hell have you done to me?"

"Nothing. Yet," said Sammi slyly.

"What does that mean?" asked Tsukushi, but she stopped when she heard the auctioneer's voice.

"Now here, we have famous musician and singer, Megumi Hiro. Anyone is bound to enjoy a date with him. He'll serenade you. The starting bid for him starts at 1,000,000 yen. Now what are my bids?"

Tsukushi froze as a flurry of bids started. She realized what happened. A look of panic showed on her face. "I'm out of here!" she exclaimed as she attempted to get passed Sammi.

"No, you can't! It's for charity!" exclaimed Sammi.

"I'll just make a large contribution. Let me go!"

"No!"

Luckily, no one could hear them because of the uproar outside. Megumi Hiro's auction had been the longest so far. He was now up to 20,000,000 yen. Bidding still went higher than that as Tsukushi and Sammi continued to fight.

"I am not going out there! What the Hell is wrong with you?!" shouted Tsukushi.

"Just go out there."

"I'm going to kill you."

"Going once…going twice…sold for 75,000,000 yen!" shouted the auctioneer excitedly. Tsukushi's eyes widened and showed that her pupils were constructed despite the darkness close to the stage.

"The last date to be auctioned off for tonight has returned to Japan after a lengthy stay in England. Please welcome internationally acclaimed singer and stage actress, Ringo Arisu," said the auctioneer excitedly.

Tsukushi was struggling to get away, but Sammi had turned her around and shoved her onto the stage. Tsukushi could only regain her footing as she stepped onto the stage. The lights were too bright. She walked forward automatically.

"We start the bid at 1,000,000 yen," said the auctioneer.

Tsukushi could feel her blood go cold and then hot again as she stood there thinking of ways to torture her manager. She was going to kill her as soon as this was over. I'm going to rip her into shreds. What kind of manager would do this to his or her charge? I'm going to kill her, she thought. She remained distracted by her thoughts.

Tsukasa watched her on stage and knew that she was uncomfortable. He wore a smirk on his face. He still hadn't made a single bid. The F3 wondered what was wrong with him. The bidding was going wild as soon as she was on the stage. The bidders ranged in age.

Finally Rui decided, if Tsukasa was going to take his time, then he might as well make a bid, "50,000,000 yen."

The auctioneer stared at him and said, "I have 50,000,000 yen. Do I have 51,000,000?"

Tsukushi had snapped out of her thoughts the moment she hear the last bid from the auctioneer. "50,000,000 yen," she whispered as she turned pale. Who in their right mind would bid that high for her?

"We have no more. Going once. Going twice—"

"100,000,000 yen," interrupted a very familiar voice to Tsukushi. She would know that voice anywhere. She looked in the direction of the voice. She paled over.

Tsukasa stood up when he made the final bid. They made eye contact from across the room. The audience was stunned at the final bid.

"Um…sold!" said the auctioneer very quickly.

Tsukushi felt like her knees were going to give way. She walked off the stage by herself. She was in a daze. She had no idea what just happened. All she knew was there was a strange feeling in her stomach.

The F4 stood up and walked passed all the people to meet her as she got off the stage. Tsukushi stopped when she saw them coming. She sighed. There was no point in trying to out run them, so she stood still and waited for them.

"Fancy, meeting you here," managed Tsukushi politely.

"Hey, you're lucky I was here," said Tsukasa.

"I wouldn't have been if it wasn't for my man—" she stopped because she suddenly remembered that she was going to kill Sammi. She turned and took off running. Kin-san showed up and made a dash for the backstage on the other side.

"SAMMI!" shouted Tsukushi as she saw her trying to sneak off.

"Yes?" asked Sammi innocently.

"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!" she was speaking in English. That was the only way she could be sure that Sammi understood every word she used. She took two long steps forward, but Kin-san had grabbed her arm before she could punch Sammi.

"I was only thinking of the children. The poor children. Have you no compassion at all, Tsukushi?" asked Sammi as she made her eyes well up with crocodile tears.

"You know damn well what I'm talking about!" shouted Tsukushi.

"I was also doing this for your own good. You needed to get out more. Why must you be so angry? Why are you always so angry?" wailed Sammi. Leave it to her to turn the situation around.

"You! I know your mind games! Stop that! You couldn't care less for the children than I do!"

"Tsukushi, calm down. The press is coming," whispered Kin-san in her ear. Tsukasa didn't like his proximity to her. This was the only thing that could make her calm down.

"So, I hear you went for a cool 100,000,000 yen. Who's the lucky victim?" asked Sammi with a smile. There were no tears in her eyes.

"I am," said Tsukasa as he glared at Kin-san who was still holding Tsukushi's arm. Kin-san looked at him as if he wasn't a threat.

Tsukushi pulled her arm free from Kin-san. She advanced towards Sammi. "Am I fired?" she asked.

"No. Because I'll kill. Then you won't have to worry about being fired!" exclaimed Tsukushi.

"Tsukushi, the press," reminded Kin-san in a whisper.

"Never mind. I'll talk to you later. I won't do anything in front of this many witnesses," said Tsukushi icily.

Tsukasa had walked up to her and grabbed a hold of her arm. She looked up at him in surprise. She regained her senses quickly and yanked her arm free from his grip, surprising him. She glared at him.

The press had managed to get inside. The pictures were being taken as Tsukushi attempted to smile. They were asking questions. "Stop!" shouted Tsukasa. "Back off!" He saw the look on her face. She really didn't want her picture taken right then.

The press was half frightened of what he was going to do, so they backed off. "Where are you going, Kin-san?" asked Tsukushi as he tried to walk off.

"Well, you have an escort now. I just remembered why I hate these kinds of gatherings so much," he said thoughtfully.

"You said you wouldn't leave," she said angrily.

"You don't need me. I've got an early class tomorrow, so later," said Kin-san as he waved.

"You bastard! Some friend you are," fumed Tsukushi.

"Have a good night," said Kin-san as he smiled at her. He had really thrown her for several loops that evening. His work was done.

"Come," said Tsukasa.

"Over your dead body," said Tsukushi. She turned on her heel and started to walk off. He grabbed her arm.

"Tsukasa, don't do that," said Akira. The F3 had been watching with some amusement. And here Rui thought she had changed so much from before, but she still had her basic qualities.

"You're insane. I didn't volunteer for this. It was all her doing!" shouted Tsukushi as she pointed at Sammi.

"I'm sorry. Think of the children," said Sammi pleading voice. Most people would have laughed at the situation.

"You do realize that you paid half a million pounds for a date," said Tsukushi converting the yen to British Pounds.

"And it's nearly one million American, what's your point?" asked Tsukasa.

"Argh!" exclaimed Tsukushi. "First of all, I don't want to. Second of all, my schedule is incredible full."

"Wait…you're free on Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday night. I recommend Friday night," said Sammi, despite all the trouble she was in.

"You just like digging your own grave, don't you?" asked Tsukushi in English with great annoyance. Tsukasa wasn't clear on what she meant.

Akira and Soujirou laughed. Rui smiled as he watched Tsukushi. She was just as much of a spitfire as she was before.

"Friday night," said Tsukasa. "We'll go out Friday night."

"Wait, I didn't agree to anything," said Tsukushi.

"She'd love to. Pick her up at seven o' clock. We'll e-mail and fax the directions to your offices," said Sammi happily.

"I'm going home," announced Tsukushi. "I need to talk to you later, Sammi."

Tsukasa let go of her arm. "Fine. I'll let you go for now. But, Friday…you're mine," he said.

AN: I'll just leave off here. I'm trying to figure out where they should go on their date. Any suggestions? I was thinking of the yacht that Tsukasa had purchased before. The one that they had escaped to during his 18th birthday party. However, I'm not sure. For more info go to http://kirika.ujournal.org.

Okay, too much school work. That's the reason for all the delays. ^^

Disclaimer: I don't own Hana Yori Dango.