Chapter 18:

Tell Me

Jin walked down the busy street of downtown Tokyo on a Monday at noon. He kept his hood up and his hands in his jacket pockets. He stopped and took out a sheet of paper looking at it and making sure he was going in the right direction. 'She got her shop back... now I remember where it is!' he thought as he walked faster down the street. He walked up to a building, large in length but only hand two stories. All kinds of cars, trucks, and other automobiles were parked in the gravel parking lot. Jin walked up to the front door and opened it. A small bell sounded as he stepped in. He looked around and saw no one. Jin took a few steps and looked at more of the place. Still no one. 'I know she's got to be here. It's noon on a Monday.' He suddenly heard a clang followed by cursing,

"GOD-DAMMIT! FUCKING PEICE OF SHIT! DUMB ASS STUPID WRENCH!" Jin whirled around and saw Kazi bent over and inside the hood of a very large truck, cursing like a sailor. Jin reached down and picked up the fallen wrench from underneath the truck. Kazi pulled up and jumped, hitting her head on the inside of the truck hood. "SHIT!" she grasped her head in pain. Jin noticed an unusual color of red start to cloak her natural flames of hair. His eyes widened,

"Kazi! Are you bleeding?!" He ran to her and helped her from the truck. He pulled her hand away from her head. "What happened?!" He asked staring at her hair, thinking she busted her head.

"I had a hold on the wrench and it fell and then I sliced my hand open on the fan blade." she said looking sheepishly away. Jin quickly looked down at her hand. He took off his jacket and then his shirt. He took the shirt and ripped it into smaller strips, using them to wrap her newly sliced palm. He then turned her hand over and kissed the back of it gently. Kazi blushed.

"Are you alright?" He asked standing up and running a hand over her head lightly.

"Now that you're here." She replied. Jin blushed, 'She's always got something witty to say.' he thought as he slipped his jacket back on.

"I think this is yours..." he said handing her the wrench.

"I guess so." She took it and laid it down on the cement floor next to the truck. "So what brings you out here Mr. Kazama-Mishima?"

"Heh. I was only kidding. I wouldn't change my name." Jin laughed and followed her to the counter. "And YOU don't have to call me 'Mr.' you know." Kazi jumped and sat on the counter.

"Ok, Mr. Kazama." Jin sighed. Kazi giggled, "I was only messing with ya." She touched his face and ran her thumb over his cheek. Jin smiled and leaned in for a kiss. Kazi didn't move. Jin paused before getting too close.

"May I?" He whispered, his eyes closed. Kazi didn't give him another breath before she had him in a lip lock and her arms thrown around his neck. Jin was surprised but kissed her back. Her hands took his and placed them under her knees. He got the hint and without thinking, he lifted her off of the counter. Kazi pulled away and frowned. "What? What is it? Did I do something wrong?" Jin asked. Kazi shook her head,

"No, its not you. Never mind. I'd better get back to work." She sighed. Jin set her on her feet but didn't let go of her waist.

"Kazi.... What's the matter?" Jin asked his dark eyes searching her almond ones. Kazi looked away. Jin used his thumb and his forefinger of one hand to gently grasp her chin and bring her to face him. "Kazi... Please..."

"No, it's nothing. Don't worry about it." She smiled and waved it off, but Jin could see the strange emotion going through her eyes. Jin nodded reluctantly. The bell on the door rang as Hwoarang stepped in.

"Hey." He walked over to them. Kazi kissed him on the cheek.

"Sorry, Hwoanchan, but it's 'bout time I'd get back to work." Jin still didn't let go of her waist. She sighed. "Jin, it's nothing, ok? Don't worry about it." Jin was silent but kept his pose.

"What's up?" Hwoarang asked them.

"It's nothing. Really. I swear." Kazi said. Jin didn't say a word. Suddenly, the front wall exploded and rock and smoke flew everywhere. Jin grabbed Kazi and ran around the corner. Hwoarang followed. The dust settled and they kept silent, standing against the wall. Voices came in American English with a bit of a North Korean accent,

"Scan the premises! Check and secure all exits! I want her found!" Kazi inhaled sharply. Jin and Hwoarang looked at her. Kazi bit her lip and Jin's eyes narrowed.

"Show us the back way." Hwoarang whispered. Kazi nodded still biting her lip. She led them safely out the back way and jumped a fence. The two followed her until they got to another street. Kazi started walking away but Jin grasped her arm. He turned her to him. They both wore serious expressions.

"What the hell is going on?!" Hwoarang shouted in Korean, making him stand out even more than usual. Kazi bit her lip and looked away.

"Kaziya." Jin's deep voice showed no emotion. "I think its time we knew what is and has been, don't you think, Hwoarang?" Jin kept a tight grasp on her arm.

"Yeah, Jin. Hell yeah."

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

They all stood around, looking at the red headed Korean girl. All of them, Hwoarang, Baek, Jin, Kazuya, and Jun. Baek sighed,

"So you three say that these guys blew up the front wall of Kazi's shop and started to hunt you down?" Hwoarang nodded. "Are you sure they were after Kazi?" Baek asked.

"They had to have been. The ones looking for me think I'm in Beijing, China right now. Plus they would have been speaking in Hangul and I'm NOT a 'her'." Hwoarang crossed his arms. Jin stood in front of her, obviously pissed and wanting answers.

"Tell us." Jin said, "Tell me. No more secrets. No more secrets Kaziya. Tell me." Jin stared down at her. Kazi looked away.

"Take a seat everyone. I have a feeling this is going to be a long story." Baek said.