Chapter 21 - Kidnapped?!
Tsubaki looked out the window of her private jet and then, at her watch. "It's about time we arrive in Boston," she thought as she gestured to the attendant. "We're supposed to be in Boston now. How come I don't see us descending?" she asked. The attendant looked nervously at her and fidgeted. Tsubaki eyed him. "What's going on?!" she demanded. "I'm sorry to alarm you," replied another voice, "He's under Madam's instructions." Tsubaki turned around to face one of her mother's henchmen.
"What are you doing here? And how did you get on my private jet?" railed Tsubaki. "I'm sorry," he apologized again and held out the satellite mobile, "Madam Kaede would like to speak to you." Tsubaki snatched the phone from his hand and growled angrily, "Just what do you think you're doing, Mother?!"
"Hello, my dear," greeted Kaede, "It's been some time since we've communicated. And I'm sure that's not the way you should talk to your mother." Tsubaki frowned and wondered just what her mother was up to this time. "Glad to hear from you, Mother," replied Tsubaki cordially, "Just what are you up to this time?"
"I just want to catch up with my daughter," Kaede replied, "Is that wrong?" Tsubaki began to feel uncomfortable with her mother's tone. "I'm busy today," she replied, "Can we talk some other time?" Her mother paused a while. "Well, if it's not important, I would not have gotten my people to bring you over," said Kaede, "I'm sure you'd want to be here for the event. Hiroji will be joining us later in the evening."
Upon hearing her husband's name, Tsubaki knew it would be something important. How else would her mother be able to get her son-in-law? "All right," replied Tsubaki finally before pressing the 'flash' button. She was about to dial Tsukasa's number when the henchman took the phone away. "That won't be necessary, Tsubaki-sama," he replied politely, "Madam Kaede has taken care of that." Tsubaki's eyes widen with shock.
************
Sojiro sat by his bedside and wondered if he should call her. "It's already past midnight," he muttered, "Maybe she's asleep already..." He sighed. Flopping himself backwards onto the bed, he stared at the ceiling.
The duo has been going out on a regular basis and Sojiro has been looking forward to the time spent with her. Albeit they were mostly late in the evening and they were for a few hours, the time spent was something he was willing to do. Sojiro wondered if this was falling in love...He certainly did see her as someone special in his life. But would all this be a dream? Would he wake up to reality and find that all was not meant to be?
He frowned. What would his mother do if she found out? He certainly wasn't going to risk this relationship. It was the first time he felt being himself - Yuki made him see that nothing is worth more in the world than knowing and loving who you truly are. It's not fame or fortunate that makes a person.
Turning on his side, Sojiro closed his eyes. "If only I can be like Tsukasa," he thought, "To forsake my inheritance is probably one of the hardest thing to do!" He sighed. Picking up his pillow, Sojiro threw it over his head and slowly drifted off to dreamland.
************
Yuki yawned and looked at her alarm clock. "Gosh! It's already so late!" she muttered. Holding up the knitted form of sweater, Yuki smiled. She was done with the back of it. "Let's start with the front now," she muttered softly, "I should be done before dawn." Picking up the knitting needles again, she cast on the stitches to begin on the front of the indigo sweater.
************
"Let's look at Internationalist and Marxist Theories today," said Professor Corgan, "I know that it's the holiday season and everyone's in that mood. But we still have to complete this chapter before you can call it a day." The class sighed loudly. "All right," continued Professor Corgan, "Settle down and we can finish this early."
Tsukushi stared at the board as Professor Corgan explained the theories. Her thoughts were far off. She had awoken this morning feeling uneasy. Somehow, she knew something was going to happen - good or bad, no one knows. "I hope it's just me being overly sensitive," she thought, taking a side-glance at Tsukasa. She caught his eyes and smiled sheepishly before looking away.
Tsukasa frowned when he realised Tsukushi was not paying attention. He scribbled quickly on his notepad and slid it to her. "Pay attention! Don't expect me to help when the assignment is handed out" was the scribbled words on it. Tsukushi's brows fell, as she scribbled "Don't worry, it will be the last thing I'll do!" and slid the notepad back. Tsukasa smirked when he read the reply.
"I doubt very much" was his scribbled reply to her. Tsukushi saw red and wriggled her nose before turning away in a huff. "You there," pointed Professor Corgan, "Tell me, what does Marxist advocate about social formations?" Stunned as she did not expect to be called, Tsukushi stood up slowly. "Not you," said Professor Corgan, "The one behind you, Mr Fleming."
"Oh..." muttered Tsukushi softly, sitting down again. "Phew," thought Tsukushi, "That was close..." Tsukasa shrugged and turned back to face the professor. "Mr Fleming," called Professor Corgan, "I'm sure you know the answer or at least, I think you do." Professor Corgan eyed him, as Johnson Fleming stood up and hummed and hued. "Well, if you don't know the answer," said Professor Corgan sarcastically, "I suggest you pay attention, rather than stare out the window." Johnson Fleming hung his head in embarrassment. "Sit, Mr Fleming," he instructed and turned his attention back to the class, "All right. An assignment for the holidays - Question 10 at the end of chapter." The class booed.
"I want it handed in after the holidays," he continued, ignoring the commotion made by the class, "Let's get back to the theories." As the professor began on it, the bell rang, signalling the end of lesson and the start of the holiday season. "All right then," said the professor as the class started to gather up their books, "We shall complete the last leg of this chapter in the beginning of spring. Have a good holiday."
Tsukushi slipped her books into her carrier while Tsukasa waited. "Why do you always have to be so slow?" commented Tsukasa. Tsukushi made no response as she stuffed her pencil case in. "What's wrong?" he asked gently when it dawned on him that she could be angry over his earlier comment. "Hey," he nudged, "I'm sorry about the earlier comment. I was just joking."
Tsukushi turned and searched him intently before grinning. "So am I," she said as she swung her bag over her shoulder and got up from the seat. "The mighty Doumyoji never apologises, isn't it?" she teased, hurrying towards the exit before Tsukasa could catch hold of her. "Why, you..." growled Tsukasa as he gave chase.
************
The jet touched down on the private estate of the Doumyojis. Tsubaki stepped out of the plane and approached the mansion. Her stomach churning and her heart beating fast. "I thought Mother has already given up," she muttered softly, "What is she going to do this time?" The more she thought about it, the faster her legs carried her to the house.
"Welcome back..." greeted the butler. Before he could finish his sentence, Tsubaki interrupted, "Where is my mother?" The butler replied politely, "She's in her chambers." Tsubaki looked at the stairs that lead to the bedrooms. "Would you like..." began the butler, but Tsubaki had already stormed up the stairway.
"Madam, do you think we should have this back part embroidered?" asked the tailor. Kaede thought for a while and nodded. "It would look nice," she replied. As the tailor set to work on it, Tsubaki burst into the room.
"Oh, hello, Tsubaki," greeted her mother politely, "Don't you know it's rude to enter a room without knocking?" Tsubaki glared at her mother. "I thought we were through with the issue on Tsukasa and Tsukushi!?" she yelled, "Are you up to your tricks again?!" Kaede's eyes narrowed. "Is that the way you speak to your mother in front of strangers?" she replied. The tailor stared in horror at the bickering duo before excusing herself meekly out of the room.
"There are no strangers now," replied Tsubaki sarcastically. Kaede made no reply and nod towards the card on the dressing table. Tsubaki eyed her mother before picking up the card. Her eyes widened when she read it.
************
Tsukushi stood by the bank of Charles River and took in the cold winds of winter. "Here you go," said Tsukasa, passing her a cup of coffee. "Thanks," she replied. The hot coffee warmed her up but just being with him warmed her heart. Tsukushi smiled as she watched the hot steam floating into thin air. She is at peace with herself again. "It is the holiday season already," she thought, "Another 6 months and we'll be home..."
Tsukasa stood quietly by her side and sipped on his coffee. To have her by his side was all he need - no amount of wealth, inheritance or fame could replace her. He stole a glance at her. "Only you," he thought quietly.
The couple stood by the river, each deep in their own thoughts, as the winds howled. "Let's go," said Tsukasa finally, breaking the silence between them, "I'm sure Oneesan's here already." Tsukushi nodded. "Give me the cup," he said, extending his hand for it. She handed it over and watched him dropped the cups into the bin. "Come on," he urged. Tsukushi followed.
Not knowing what made her do what she did, Tsukushi reached out and slid her hand into his and held on. Tsukasa looked at her in surprise but a smile slowly emerge on his face. Hand in hand, the duo walked back to the dormitory.
************
"They are here," informed a man in black. The occupant in the limousine turned to the rear and watched the couple strolling towards the car. He opened the door and stepped out.
Tsukasa and Tsukushi had noticed the limousine and had thought it was Tsubaki. As they neared, they realised it was a mistake as a man emerged from the car. Tsukushi turned cold when she realised it was Kaede's right-hand man.
"Good evening, Tsukasa-sama," greeted the man. "What do you want?" growled Tsukasa, stepping in front of Tsukushi. "Please come with me," he replied. Tsukasa stood defiant to the request. "Why?!" he exclaimed, "Is this my mother's idea of a joke?"
The henchman made no reply and before the couple could react, four others had appeared from nowhere and caught hold of them. "Let go of us!" yelled Tsukasa, "Let go now or else..." Tsukushi watched in horror as the men electrify Tsukasa and dragged him into the car. "No...!" she exclaimed. And before she could attract attention with her yelling, she was gagged and dragged into the car too. "This is horrible," thought Tsukushi, as the car sped away with them in it, "Are we really done for this time..."
Tsubaki looked out the window of her private jet and then, at her watch. "It's about time we arrive in Boston," she thought as she gestured to the attendant. "We're supposed to be in Boston now. How come I don't see us descending?" she asked. The attendant looked nervously at her and fidgeted. Tsubaki eyed him. "What's going on?!" she demanded. "I'm sorry to alarm you," replied another voice, "He's under Madam's instructions." Tsubaki turned around to face one of her mother's henchmen.
"What are you doing here? And how did you get on my private jet?" railed Tsubaki. "I'm sorry," he apologized again and held out the satellite mobile, "Madam Kaede would like to speak to you." Tsubaki snatched the phone from his hand and growled angrily, "Just what do you think you're doing, Mother?!"
"Hello, my dear," greeted Kaede, "It's been some time since we've communicated. And I'm sure that's not the way you should talk to your mother." Tsubaki frowned and wondered just what her mother was up to this time. "Glad to hear from you, Mother," replied Tsubaki cordially, "Just what are you up to this time?"
"I just want to catch up with my daughter," Kaede replied, "Is that wrong?" Tsubaki began to feel uncomfortable with her mother's tone. "I'm busy today," she replied, "Can we talk some other time?" Her mother paused a while. "Well, if it's not important, I would not have gotten my people to bring you over," said Kaede, "I'm sure you'd want to be here for the event. Hiroji will be joining us later in the evening."
Upon hearing her husband's name, Tsubaki knew it would be something important. How else would her mother be able to get her son-in-law? "All right," replied Tsubaki finally before pressing the 'flash' button. She was about to dial Tsukasa's number when the henchman took the phone away. "That won't be necessary, Tsubaki-sama," he replied politely, "Madam Kaede has taken care of that." Tsubaki's eyes widen with shock.
************
Sojiro sat by his bedside and wondered if he should call her. "It's already past midnight," he muttered, "Maybe she's asleep already..." He sighed. Flopping himself backwards onto the bed, he stared at the ceiling.
The duo has been going out on a regular basis and Sojiro has been looking forward to the time spent with her. Albeit they were mostly late in the evening and they were for a few hours, the time spent was something he was willing to do. Sojiro wondered if this was falling in love...He certainly did see her as someone special in his life. But would all this be a dream? Would he wake up to reality and find that all was not meant to be?
He frowned. What would his mother do if she found out? He certainly wasn't going to risk this relationship. It was the first time he felt being himself - Yuki made him see that nothing is worth more in the world than knowing and loving who you truly are. It's not fame or fortunate that makes a person.
Turning on his side, Sojiro closed his eyes. "If only I can be like Tsukasa," he thought, "To forsake my inheritance is probably one of the hardest thing to do!" He sighed. Picking up his pillow, Sojiro threw it over his head and slowly drifted off to dreamland.
************
Yuki yawned and looked at her alarm clock. "Gosh! It's already so late!" she muttered. Holding up the knitted form of sweater, Yuki smiled. She was done with the back of it. "Let's start with the front now," she muttered softly, "I should be done before dawn." Picking up the knitting needles again, she cast on the stitches to begin on the front of the indigo sweater.
************
"Let's look at Internationalist and Marxist Theories today," said Professor Corgan, "I know that it's the holiday season and everyone's in that mood. But we still have to complete this chapter before you can call it a day." The class sighed loudly. "All right," continued Professor Corgan, "Settle down and we can finish this early."
Tsukushi stared at the board as Professor Corgan explained the theories. Her thoughts were far off. She had awoken this morning feeling uneasy. Somehow, she knew something was going to happen - good or bad, no one knows. "I hope it's just me being overly sensitive," she thought, taking a side-glance at Tsukasa. She caught his eyes and smiled sheepishly before looking away.
Tsukasa frowned when he realised Tsukushi was not paying attention. He scribbled quickly on his notepad and slid it to her. "Pay attention! Don't expect me to help when the assignment is handed out" was the scribbled words on it. Tsukushi's brows fell, as she scribbled "Don't worry, it will be the last thing I'll do!" and slid the notepad back. Tsukasa smirked when he read the reply.
"I doubt very much" was his scribbled reply to her. Tsukushi saw red and wriggled her nose before turning away in a huff. "You there," pointed Professor Corgan, "Tell me, what does Marxist advocate about social formations?" Stunned as she did not expect to be called, Tsukushi stood up slowly. "Not you," said Professor Corgan, "The one behind you, Mr Fleming."
"Oh..." muttered Tsukushi softly, sitting down again. "Phew," thought Tsukushi, "That was close..." Tsukasa shrugged and turned back to face the professor. "Mr Fleming," called Professor Corgan, "I'm sure you know the answer or at least, I think you do." Professor Corgan eyed him, as Johnson Fleming stood up and hummed and hued. "Well, if you don't know the answer," said Professor Corgan sarcastically, "I suggest you pay attention, rather than stare out the window." Johnson Fleming hung his head in embarrassment. "Sit, Mr Fleming," he instructed and turned his attention back to the class, "All right. An assignment for the holidays - Question 10 at the end of chapter." The class booed.
"I want it handed in after the holidays," he continued, ignoring the commotion made by the class, "Let's get back to the theories." As the professor began on it, the bell rang, signalling the end of lesson and the start of the holiday season. "All right then," said the professor as the class started to gather up their books, "We shall complete the last leg of this chapter in the beginning of spring. Have a good holiday."
Tsukushi slipped her books into her carrier while Tsukasa waited. "Why do you always have to be so slow?" commented Tsukasa. Tsukushi made no response as she stuffed her pencil case in. "What's wrong?" he asked gently when it dawned on him that she could be angry over his earlier comment. "Hey," he nudged, "I'm sorry about the earlier comment. I was just joking."
Tsukushi turned and searched him intently before grinning. "So am I," she said as she swung her bag over her shoulder and got up from the seat. "The mighty Doumyoji never apologises, isn't it?" she teased, hurrying towards the exit before Tsukasa could catch hold of her. "Why, you..." growled Tsukasa as he gave chase.
************
The jet touched down on the private estate of the Doumyojis. Tsubaki stepped out of the plane and approached the mansion. Her stomach churning and her heart beating fast. "I thought Mother has already given up," she muttered softly, "What is she going to do this time?" The more she thought about it, the faster her legs carried her to the house.
"Welcome back..." greeted the butler. Before he could finish his sentence, Tsubaki interrupted, "Where is my mother?" The butler replied politely, "She's in her chambers." Tsubaki looked at the stairs that lead to the bedrooms. "Would you like..." began the butler, but Tsubaki had already stormed up the stairway.
"Madam, do you think we should have this back part embroidered?" asked the tailor. Kaede thought for a while and nodded. "It would look nice," she replied. As the tailor set to work on it, Tsubaki burst into the room.
"Oh, hello, Tsubaki," greeted her mother politely, "Don't you know it's rude to enter a room without knocking?" Tsubaki glared at her mother. "I thought we were through with the issue on Tsukasa and Tsukushi!?" she yelled, "Are you up to your tricks again?!" Kaede's eyes narrowed. "Is that the way you speak to your mother in front of strangers?" she replied. The tailor stared in horror at the bickering duo before excusing herself meekly out of the room.
"There are no strangers now," replied Tsubaki sarcastically. Kaede made no reply and nod towards the card on the dressing table. Tsubaki eyed her mother before picking up the card. Her eyes widened when she read it.
************
Tsukushi stood by the bank of Charles River and took in the cold winds of winter. "Here you go," said Tsukasa, passing her a cup of coffee. "Thanks," she replied. The hot coffee warmed her up but just being with him warmed her heart. Tsukushi smiled as she watched the hot steam floating into thin air. She is at peace with herself again. "It is the holiday season already," she thought, "Another 6 months and we'll be home..."
Tsukasa stood quietly by her side and sipped on his coffee. To have her by his side was all he need - no amount of wealth, inheritance or fame could replace her. He stole a glance at her. "Only you," he thought quietly.
The couple stood by the river, each deep in their own thoughts, as the winds howled. "Let's go," said Tsukasa finally, breaking the silence between them, "I'm sure Oneesan's here already." Tsukushi nodded. "Give me the cup," he said, extending his hand for it. She handed it over and watched him dropped the cups into the bin. "Come on," he urged. Tsukushi followed.
Not knowing what made her do what she did, Tsukushi reached out and slid her hand into his and held on. Tsukasa looked at her in surprise but a smile slowly emerge on his face. Hand in hand, the duo walked back to the dormitory.
************
"They are here," informed a man in black. The occupant in the limousine turned to the rear and watched the couple strolling towards the car. He opened the door and stepped out.
Tsukasa and Tsukushi had noticed the limousine and had thought it was Tsubaki. As they neared, they realised it was a mistake as a man emerged from the car. Tsukushi turned cold when she realised it was Kaede's right-hand man.
"Good evening, Tsukasa-sama," greeted the man. "What do you want?" growled Tsukasa, stepping in front of Tsukushi. "Please come with me," he replied. Tsukasa stood defiant to the request. "Why?!" he exclaimed, "Is this my mother's idea of a joke?"
The henchman made no reply and before the couple could react, four others had appeared from nowhere and caught hold of them. "Let go of us!" yelled Tsukasa, "Let go now or else..." Tsukushi watched in horror as the men electrify Tsukasa and dragged him into the car. "No...!" she exclaimed. And before she could attract attention with her yelling, she was gagged and dragged into the car too. "This is horrible," thought Tsukushi, as the car sped away with them in it, "Are we really done for this time..."