Nishikado Tori was the top track of Eitoku. He was also the youngest son of the very famous Nishikado family. Like his father and brothers, he was well verse in his family's art of tea ceremony. However his father was constantly criticizing his form because it was never graceful enough. Tori didn't care so much. He had almost no respect for his parents and their traditions.
In the middle of his parents' tradition house was a place that was wired to the teeth. Tori's room was his little bit of paradise. He had a computer, sound system, a television, and a game station in his room. His father didn't approve of it, but Tori didn't care. He refused to listen to a hypocrite. His mother didn't have any control over him either. She would plead and cry with him, but her tears were ignored by most of the men in her life.
The truth was: Tori was affected by his parents' actions more. By the time, he was born, it was clear that he was the unplanned child. He knew that his mother had him in an attempt to secure his father's affections. It was clear that last ditch attempt didn't work because his father was out of town for an entire week that he was born. That was why there was such a large gap between him and Soujirou. Tori knew very well what he was in the family: the spare, unwanted child who was never going to amount to anything.
When Tori was in elementary school, he was hard to handle. He was extremely intractable at an early age. His father decided, despite the pleas of his mother, to send Tori away to bordering school. Tori held on for a while, not really wanting to go home. He had enjoyed his time in upstate New York. However, when he hit his high school years, Tori started to become extremely destructive. He had toilet papered and egged the headmaster's car and there was also the memorable incident on homecoming week that won't be discussed here.
His father had decided to drag him back home to Japan, but Tori had been unwilling to go. He had a tendency to take any punishment dealt to him and turn into something advantageous. No punishment would last for long. His parents had failed to find his Achilles'' Heel.
Little did they know, that all they had to do was force him to conduct some formal tea ceremonies and that would have been punishment enough for him. They had no idea that was he was so insecure about his abilities. However, his father would never allow Tori to do formal tea ceremonies in front of clients because he didn't trust him. He thought that Tori would mess up on purpose to embarrass the family.
"Tori-kun, dinner is ready," said his mother at the door. She looked into his room. He was in front of his computer downloading movies and music. "Are you busy?"
"No. I can leave this stuff on," said Tori as he stood up.
"Your father isn't here, but we're having dinner," said his mother. Tori nodded and followed her to the dining room. Soujirou was already waiting there. He was dressed in his formal Japanese clothes because he was just at a tea ceremony. He looked at his mother and brother. Tori wondered why Soujirou didn't sit at the head of the table.
Soujirou was practically the head of the family at this point. Tori took his seat next to Soujirou. He looks more and more like Otousan everyday, thought Tori. Tori had inherited their mother's more delicate features. His brother looked more like their father. However, all the boys still looked alike to some extent.
"How was the tea ceremony, Soujirou?" asked their mother.
"It went all right," replied Soujirou.
Tori sighed as the servants placed the food in front of him. He knew that the whole thing was scripted. That was how his family looked like. It was like something out of the movie, American Beauty. "What about you?" asked Soujirou as he looked at him.
"Everything's fine," replied Tori.
"You're just like your father. You don't give any answers. Everything is just fine," said their mother with a slight smile, thinking that she had complimented him in a someway.
Tori couldn't take it any longer. He put down his chopsticks. "Why don't you just leave him?" he asked out loud.
His question had disturbed the tranquility of the house. It was discharging an atomic bomb. His mother looked at him with her mouth agape. Soujirou had froze in place. He had the same thoughts all the time, but never voiced them.
"If I had left your father when things became the way that they are, you wouldn't have been born," said their mother. Her voice was soft. To her, Tori was her baby. He would always be her little angel. She was trying to reason with him.
"Oh, great. That's wonderful," said Tori in a voice laden with sarcasm. "And what a wonderful life you've given me. That's it. I'm out of here. I'm not going to sit here and pretend anymore." He stood up and threw his napkin on the table and walked out of the dining room.
Soujirou was holding the chopsticks tightly. He dared to take a sidelong glance of his mother. She had tears in her eyes. "I'll talk to him," said Soujirou after some silence passed.
"No. Do not talk to him. He will cool down eventually," said their mother. Soujirou shook his head. Tori always went too far. His mother saw the determined look on Soujirou's face. "Please do not disturb him."
Soujirou knew that look. It was the same look she had when she didn't stop his father from time to time. It was that look of fear. She was afraid of pushing the men in her life away. She had already lost her eldest son. She could sense her youngest son, threatening to slip through her fingers.
Soujirou didn't say anymore, but continued dinner in silence. When dinner was over, his mother went to her room to rest. Soujirou decided it was time to deal with Tori. He went down to his room and heard the sound system blasting. It one of the remixes of Ringo Arisu's, Tsukushi's, songs.
"Open up," ordered Soujirou.
"I'm not talking to you until you change your clothes," said Tori from the other side of the door. He was saying that for two reasons. First, he could sneak out while Soujirou was changing, and two, he looked too much like their father in formal wear.
"No. You brat! Open the door," ordered Soujirou. Why was he cursed with the responsibility of attempting to control him?
"No," retorted Tori.
"Damn you, open the door," repeated Soujirou, losing his patience. The music stopped and Tori yanked the door opened.
"What?" asked Tori as he rolled his eyes at Soujirou.
"Why do you choose to cause as much trouble as possible wherever you go?" asked Soujirou, ignoring Tori's right out defiance.
"Don't act you're in charge," said Tori angrily.
"I know that you didn't want to come back to Japan, but you're doing fine. Or you were. Don't worry about losing the track meet. There's always next year," said Soujirou.
"I don't care about that," said Tori. He looked at the autograph from Ringo Arisu. "By the way, what's her real name?" he asked.
"Who?"
"You know who."
"Professional courtesy, Tori. She didn't introduce herself as I knew her, but as something else," said Soujirou playfully.
"You said that she left Japan on her own and made it," said Tori quietly.
"She had little opportunity here, Tori," said Soujirou.
"I hate this family, Aniki," said Tori as he looked away from him.
Soujirou placed his hand on Tori's shoulder. "Tori, I know how you feel, but things aren't always going to be like this. Things will change in the future," said Souijrou.
"How do you know that?" demanded Tori. "He's never going to change. He's always been like that."
"Never say never or always, Tori. I don't intent to run things like he does," said Soujirou.
"You ever think about what it would have been like if he hadn't left," said Tori, mentioning their older brother. Their father refused to have his name spoken in the house.
"Sometimes," admitted Soujirou.
"If he hadn't left and just accept his responsibility, then you would have had a life of your own. You wouldn't be bounded by generations of tradition, Aniki," said Tori.
"You talk too much. You've been in America for too long," said Soujirou as he ruffled Tori's hair.
"Stop that!" exclaimed Tori.
"What is you want to do?" asked Soujirou. "I think we both knew that he wasn't going to stay long before he left for medical school. That's what I've always thought in the back of my mind when he was still around. To answer your question, I don't have the luxury of making my own future, but that doesn't mean you don't."
"I don't know. I just want to get out of here and figure that out for myself," admitted Tori.
"Then go and do that," said Soujirou. "Do not let Otousan get the better of you, but I think you should apologize to Okaasan. You really hurt her back there. You're so insensitive. If you just leave it like that, then you really are like Otousan." Soujirou knew he had hit a nerve.
Tori seized up for a moment and pouted petulantly. "I don't want to," he muttered.
"You made her cry," said Soujirou.
"She's always crying," said Tori as he shook his head stubbornly. He felt bad for what he did, but he wasn't about to admit that he was wrong because he wasn't.
"And you don't want to be the one who causes it, do you?" asked Soujirou.
"Fine. I'll say I'm sorry just get off my back and stop nagging me," agreed Tori with a sigh. "By the way, you didn't really answer my question about what you wanted for the future. It was hypothetical. That doesn't mean that you can't give me an answer."
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you how simple my dream was. Good night. Try not to blast your music too loud," said Soujirou as he closed the door. He was going out for the night. Tori was left to wonder what his Aniki was talking about.
*
"So, you had fun in Okinawa?" asked Nakamura Takeo as he drove Yuki to the movies. He was her friend from school. They had met in their freshman year. In fact, they were in the same cram school while they were in high school. Takeo was from a political family, and he was an aide to Diet member Ogata. He had attended Eirin, but didn't act like most rich kids.
"Yes, it was so much fun. After I helped out with the ikebana and the tea ceremony, I got to go to the beach for the rest of the time," said Yuki happily. "I never really thought that being an actor or actress could be so stressful, but it is because it's so competitive."
"Really? I thought your friend was already at the top," said Takeo.
"You have no idea how temperamental some of the other actors can be," laughed Yuki. "By the way, what movie are we going to see?"
"That depends. Do you feel like a comedy?" asked Takeo.
"Sure, I've had my fill of romance. That's what the movie is going to be about," said Yuki, referring to the movie that Tsukushi was acting in.
Yuki had to return after a weekend in Okinawa because she had classes to attend. Furthermore, she had to take care of business in Gaia Records. Sammi's absence required Ryan McCormick to take over, so he needed Yuki's assistance.
"I hope I'm not dragging you away from your studies," said Takeo.
"No, you're not. I've been wanting to see something funny," said Yuki.
"That's good," said Takeo. He was Yuki's first friend in the university. They ended up sitting near each other in most of the classes. They became friends very quickly. Takeo had an easygoing nature that Yuki liked. He was always a gentleman and made her feel like she was the most important person in the world when they were together.
They weren't officially boyfriend and girlfriend. They were just friends who liked to hang out together from time to time. Yuki had more male friends when she started going to college. Takeo was different from the rest of them. Her other male friends had a tendency to view her as either as a sister or as one of the guys.
They both agreed that if neither ever got married or had any prospects that they would marry each other. It was possible for them to date and break up, but still remain friends. Takeo and Yuki's friendship was a very solid relationship.
"We're here," announced Takeo as he turned off the engine. "Let's go and get our tickets."
"I'll pay for the refreshments," said Yuki. It wasn't really going Dutch, it was more like cooperative dating.
"Good, I'll pay for dinner," volunteered Takeo.
"Then, I'll pay for some ice cream afterwards," laughed Yuki.
They went to the line to buy tickets. There was a sports car that was passing by. Soujirou was driving to a club to meet with Akira. He came to a stop because of the light. He looked around and saw Yuki. He did a double take when he saw that she was with a handsome, young man. It looked like they were on a date.
Soujirou was staring at them as they went into the movie theater. The other guy even opened the door for her and placed his hand on the small of her back just briefly as he allowed her through. Soujirou unconsciously gripped the steering wheel. BEEP! HONK!
Soujirou scowled as he realized that he was blocking traffic because the light had changed. Yuki was already inside. Soujirou sighed. He decided to go through with his evening after all. If Yuki was going out on a date with someone, then he could do the same.
*
The next day, Yuki came to work five minutes late because she had missed the first train that morning. "I'm sorry. I had to do some transferring," said Yuki as she bowed in apology.
"That's not necessary," said Ryan McCormick as he looked up from his desk. "You're not that late."
"What do you need me to do today?" asked Yuki.
"I need you to help me come up with an ad. We need to hire more staff. Gaia's set a concert date," said Ryan with a smile.
"Really? I know how much of a big deal it is. All her Japanese fans have been waiting," said Yuki brightly. "What day?"
"January 31st. When she returns, we also have to shoot another music video to contend with the MTV Japan music awards," said Ryan.
"Wow," whispered Yuki. "I'm sorry for sounding so impressed with everything. You're probably used to it."
"It's all right. There are times where even I get a little excited," admitted Ryan. He was a very nice supervisor, but not as assertive as Sammi. He trusted the staff more freely than Sammi did. He stood up and walked up to her. "Come with me. I think they've finished the finishing touches on the new single. We can get a little sneak preview."
"Without Ringo-san and Sammi here?" asked Yuki.
"Why not? I'm sure they won't mind," replied Ryan as he guided her to the door. He opened it and allowed her to go first.
Yuki didn't know what to make of his actions. Was he flirting with her? She wasn't sure. They walked together towards the sound studio. Yuki noticed something about Ryan.
He was a really handsome man, but he hid his features behind a pair of wire rimmed glasses. His manner was soft and not forceful. It was easy not to notice him. It was easy not to look at him twice. Yuki noticed that he wore some cologne. There was also a odd scent under his cologne. Something that was faded, but at the same time lingering.
"I hope this single does well. Our futures depend on it," said Ryan in his usual brisk businessman voice.
"Let's hear it," said Yuki.
They sat still as the new single started to play. Yuki's eyes filled with awe as she heard Tsukushi's voice. It was so entrancing. When the song was over, Yuki said, "Wow. I like it."
"So do I," agreed Ryan as he stood up. "But, we should get back to work before, we get in trouble. Sammi might call at any moment."
"Ryan," said Yuki in a soft tone, looking around to make sure they were alone.
"Yes?"
"You know about the stalker, right?" asked Yuki.
Ryan paused for a moment. His glasses slipped down the bridge of his nose, he pushed them back up. "There's no reason for you to worry about it. It's her concern."
"I know," insisted Yuki. "But still, I worry about her."
"You've known her for a while, haven't you?"
"Yes, since middle school."
"You must know a lot about her life before all this," said Ryan as he gestured around their surroundings.
"I knew her before when she was so different, but many parts of her are the same. I think that parts of her grew and matured, but they didn't change," said Yuki.
Ryan nodded. "Yes, but for right now let's go to work."
They worked for several hours straight. Sammi called more than half a dozen times to check up on them. At around two, Yuki was more than ready for lunch. "I'm starved," announced Ryan.
"Me, too," agreed Yuki.
"Let's go and get something. Or do should we order in?" suggested Ryan.
"No, let's get away from here for a while," said Yuki.
"You're right. If we don't go outside every once in a while, we'll get cabin fever," agreed Ryan as he stood up and stretched. He grabbed Yuki's coat for her as they walked out. They had settled on an outdoor cafe that was close to the office.
"Everything looks good," said Yuki as she looked at the menu.
"I think I'll just have a sandwich," said Ryan.
"Do you like Japanese food?" asked Yuki. "I've never had British food."
"I like Japanese food. Otherwise I wouldn't have agreed to come to Japan, but I want something quick," said Ryan.
"Oh, I think I'll have some noodles," said Yuki.
They had a nice conversation as they had lunch. Ryan was very nice and told her about his schooling in England, while asking about her schooling in Japan. The conversation eventually led to Tsukushi.
"I am curious. Was she always so spirited?" asked Ryan.
"I've heard people call her different things at certain times. But, yeah, she's always been so energetic. She's a people person, but she wasn't too much like that in high school here. Eitoku wasn't the type of place that was welcoming to outsiders," said Yuki, remembering how hard it was just to stand by and watch her best friend being so lonely.
"She never ceases to amaze me," said Ryan softly.
"Me neither," agreed Yuki brightly.
Little did she know that Soujirou was in the area. He was in the business district to conduct a formal tea ceremony. The ceremony went off without a hitch. He was about ready to climb into his limo when he spotted Yuki having lunch with another young man. It was starting to infuriate him.
"Master?" asked his driver.
"I'm hungry," announced Soujirou without looking at his driver.
"But Master--" started the driver, but Soujirou ignored him as he went towards the cafe.
Yuki was very comfortable with Ryan because he knew what was going on with Tsukushi. He was another person she could talk to. Tsukushi wasn't very forward with information, but Ryan knew a lot about the business in the company.
"Hello," greeted Soujirou calmly.
"Nishikado-san?" said Yuki as she looked up at him. He was dressed in his traditional Japanese clothes. It reminded him of the time he had helped her when her boyfriend dumped her. "What are you doing here?" she asked brightly.
"I was about to ask you the same question," said Soujirou. "Do you mind if I take a seat?" This question was directed to Ryan.
"Not at all," said Ryan, but he did seem slight disturbed by Soujirou's appearance.
"This is Ryan McCormick. One of my supervisors. We're just having lunch," said Yuki.
"I see. What about last night? Who did you go to the movies with?" asked Soujirou.
"What? I went with a friend of mine from school," answered Yuki. Part of her was getting a little defensive. It sounded like he was accusing her of something. "Wait...how did you know?"
"I see. I saw you when I was out," said Soujirou.
"Do you two know each other?" asked Ryan.
"Yes," said Soujirou.
"Not very well," said Yuki at the same time. Soujirou felt a little hurt. "Are you going to order something?" she asked.
"Sure," said Soujirou.
"Master, you have to go to another ceremony," pleaded the driver. He had to run across the street to catch up with Soujirou.
"Maybe not," said Yuki.
"Actually, we're running late," said Ryan as he glanced at his watch. "We should be going." He placed some money on the table. He decided not to wait for any change. Even though, tips were not expected in Japan.
"Yes," agreed Yuki as she stood up. "I'll see you, Nishikado-san."
They walked off without saying anything else. Soujirou sighed as he stood up, wondering what to do next.
*
Tori went out by himself after school. His father had returned from a long trip in the country. Tori suspected that his father was over there to visit with his mistress, so Tori didn't want to be home when he had returned. He had decided to drop by near Eirin. He wanted to go to that place where Ringo Arisu had played. He was sure that the owner was friends with his idol.
Much to his surprise, he found Makino Susumu. It was even better than talking to the restaurant owner. He saw Susumu sitting with a cute girl who was also dressed in an Eirin uniform. He walked up to their table. "Makino," said Tori as a greeting.
"Aren't you in the wrong side of town, Nishikado?" asked Susumu.
"Not really," said Tori. "So, how's it going?" He took a seat at their table without much thought.
"Who said you could sit down?" asked Susumu.
"Hey! Is that how you talk to your friends?" asked Tori.
"Who said we were friends, Nishikado? We're rivals, idiot," answered Susumu.
Mariko looked back and forth as if they were having a tennis match. She was afraid it would come to blows. She was sitting in between them. "What? We're friendly rivals," said Tori.
"Since when? Since you found out about my sister? Go to Hell, Nishikado," said Susumu.
"Aw...you're so mean to me!" exclaimed Tori, but he had finally noticed Mariko's presence. Turning on some of his Nishikado charm, he said, "Aren't you cute? Are you dating this grouch?"
"No," said Mariko very quickly.
"Don't answer him. You're just encouraging him," said Susumu. "Just go away." He was starting to lose his temper.
"I knew you'd be here," said another voice that sounded almost identical to Tori's.
"Wonderful...it's becoming a party," muttered Susumu as he saw the rest of the F4 walk in.
"By the way, is your sister in Okinawa shooting that movie now?" asked Tori innocently.
"How did you find out?" asked Susumu, betraying a look of surprise.
"It was in the entertainment news and it's on a fan website," replied Tori.
"So, that's where she went," said Rui softly. "What is she shooting there?"
"You're sister's going to be in a movie?" asked Mariko as her excitement increased.
"Oh, you're a fan, too?" asked Tori.
"Oh, yes. I have the import CD along with all the singles with all the remixes," said Mariko happily.
"So, do I? Did you ever get the limited edition copy that was released for the first London concert?" asked Tori.
"No...those were so limited," said Mariko.
"I know. Neither did I," admitted Tori. "Hey, what about you, Makino?"
"No. I don't have a single CD of hers," said Susumu with a sigh. "Now shut up. Both of you. You're getting on my nerves."
"Ooh...do I detect a hint of sibling rivalry mixed in with jealously?" asked Tori.
Susumu stood up. "It doesn't matter what I really think of her. It only matters what everyone else things of her. I know her better than anyone," he said.
"Well, she is the one paying for your schooling and living expenses," said Kin-san.
"I'd really appreciate it, if you wouldn't broadcast my family's business like that," said Susumu.
"Where are you going?" asked Mariko.
"I'm going to the track," replied Susumu.
"Hey, in case you didn't know the season's over, and you already won it," said Tori.
"That's what separates me from people like you, Nishikado," said Susumu as he turned and walked out of the cafe.
"Sheesh...I've never seen anyone more high strung than him," commented Tori.
"He has reasons. Please try and understand," said Mariko, leaping to Susumu's defense immediately. She thought about how alone he was because his family was always away. She had noticed that he had become colder again when his sister had left. Furthermore, she wasn't the only one who had notice Susumu's subtle change in behavior and attitude. Kin-san had also noticed as well.
"I don't get what his problem is," said Tori.
"Maybe, you're just getting on his nerves," said Soujirou. "God knows that you get on mine."
Tori glared at Soujirou. "At least, he has a better older sibling than I do."
"What makes you think that?" asked Tsukasa out loud.
"Tsukasa, don't," warned Rui.
"What you talking about? You're the one who paid so much to go out on date with her. You're the one who's nuts," said Tori.
"She was my girlfriend in high school," said Tsukasa.
It was as if he had dropped a bomb on Tori's head. "What? Why would she go out with you?!" exclaimed Tori.
"That is a mystery to all of us," said Akira.
Rui didn't say comment much as he analyzed the situation. After Susumu's chat with Tsukasa, Rui asked about what had happened before. He asked about what Tsukasa almost did to Tsukushi, but he gave no answers. Rui was starting to wonder what else happened between Tsukushi and Tsukasa.
Rui stayed in the sidelines. He always observed people and their behaviors. Tsukushi was more than just avoiding Tsukasa. She was afraid of something. He remembered how she kept looking around when he had spent the day with her. There was something that was lurking about. Something that was dangerous, but it was something that was more frightening than Tsukasa. Rui was positive of it.
"What's going on here?" asked Yuki as she walked in. "You!"
"Hello," said Soujirou.
"What are you doing here? You're everywhere," said Yuki. "You interrupted my lunch with my co-worker. Then you show up here?"
"It's a good restaurant," said Soujirou with a shrug.
Yuki was starting to wonder if Soujirou had all his faculties. "What about the rest of you? Where's Susumu?"
"He went to the track," replied Mariko.
"So, Tsukushi's in Okinawa," said Tsukasa.
"Yes," said Yuki. "But, that's no big secret. What did you do?" This question was directed to Tori, not Soujirou.
"Nothing. Why does everyone assume it's me? And who are?" asked Tori. He wasn't egocentric enough to not notice his brother's reactions towards her. He had to admit that she was cute. He had to admit that his brother had good tastes.
"Matsuko Yuki. I work for Gaia Records in the accounting department. I go to Tokyo Daigaku with Susumu's older sister," replied Yuki. She didn't bother with her business card. "As for you, I will not have my job jeopardize because you don't have anything better to do. I will not break the confidentiality agreement to satisfy any of your curiosities." The first part was directed to Soujirou, while the last part was to everyone else.
"What's the big secret? The press knows everything that's going on," said Akira after a moment.
"But, there's something going on that the public really doesn't know about, do they, Yuki?" asked Rui.
Yuki quickly averted her gaze. "I am not at liberty to say. Excuse me, I have to go," said Yuki quickly.
"What's going on? What's the big secret?" pressed on Rui. No one expected him to ask, but Kin-san knew that there was something wrong. "Why do you need to keep these secrets? Why is there so much security around her?"
"I am not at liberty to say. I will not betray my best friend. I don't care anymore. You people think that you have the right to cross into our world? You're all wrong. Why couldn't you just stay out of it? None of you are welcomed," said Yuki. She couldn't believe that she had actually said those worlds. "There is a line. Don't cross it. The last time it happened, it nearly destroyed her."
"I suggest you leave my restaurant right now," said Kin-san in a firm, quiet voice. "She's right. We must protect ourselves."
"Isn't that a bit hypocritical of you, Seinosuke?" asked Rui. "We're all on the same side."
"You can't throw us out of your restaurant. No one throws us out of anywhere," said Tsukasa in a dangerous tone.
Mariko stood up and pulled away from the table. Tori nodded at her and stood in front of her. As far as he was concerned, they were innocents. It was no wonder that Makino Susumu had left the restaurant.
"Fine...you're just going to prove her right. She said you haven't changed," said Kin-san. He was one of Tsukushi's confidant. "There is a line, Hanazawa-san. You just can't see it. I was always on this side."
"I'm leaving. This is getting ridiculous. And if you love her at all, Doumyouji-san, you would know what she really wanted," said Yuki quietly as she left.
Tori and Mariko had no idea what was happening. From their perspective, it looked like there was a war brewing. Little did anyone know that there was something happening outside. Something that was lurking in the shadows.
The shutter of the lens snapped in split second intervals. The camera's target was locked as she walked down the street. He refocused the camera. She wasn't his real target, but she was a weakness of his true target.
AN: There is a preview of one of the upcoming scenes in my journal. The story will get more serious as we go forward. There a couple of characters you have to keep an eye on. The next chapter goes to Okinawa as the stalker decides to turn it up a notch and prove that he's the one in the driver's seat.
As for the preview, try and figure out who I am writing about. It will give you the catalyst that will change everything towards the end. ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own Hana Yori Dango.