Ghost writer

"Miss Makimachi."

Standing in the kitchen with Kaoru was none other than the calm and collected Shinomori. And tumbling to the floor, sprawled, with her legs high in the air was Misao.

"MISAO! We have a guest!" exclaimed Kaoru, who was shocked to see Misao fall over her chair. "You must excuse Misao, Mr. Shinomori. She is rather…. shy. Please have a seat."

Taking his seat opposite Misao, Aoshi thanked Kaoru and waited for both ladies to take their seats as well before he started speaking.

"I heard from Mr. Sagara that Ms. Makimachi is in need of some martial arts training."

"No…not really martial arts, Mr. Shinomori. Just some self-defense moves so that Misao can prevent herself from being bullied. As you can see Mr. Shinomori, Misao needs a lot of protecting already."

Aoshi then looked at Misao. The girl looked more fragile than before, with a bandaged right hand and some bruises on her neck.

"KAORU! I DON'T NEED ANYONE'S PROTECTION!"

Standing up, Misao glared at Aoshi. "I definitely do not need YOUR protection." Then just as suddenly as she gave her outburst, she demurred and bowed slightly. "Mr. Shinomori. I would decline any offer for you to protect me in any way." Aoshi then glanced at her to see her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"BUT MISAO! LOOK AT YOU! I don't even know where you got those bruises and I am definitely not standing by to watch you get killed. Anyway, I have already agreed to pay Mr. Shinomori's services so the person who can revoke that contract would be ME!" With those words, Kaoru then pushed both Misao and Aoshi towards the door. "Mr. Shinomori, please take care of Misao for me. Since Misao is still recovering from her injuries, I would like you to be gentle with her until she is fully healed. But you can start training her today. Thank you so much again. Bye!" And with that, the door was slammed in both their faces. Aoshi didn't even get to ask when he would get his payment for his training.

"It looks like we are stuck with each other for a while." Stated Aoshi with defeat. He then took a glimpse at Misao. She looked fuming mad. Her eyebrows were knotted together and mouth was in a frown. And that frown was now directed at him. "Mr. Shinomori. Please do not bother with Kaoru's request. I did not agree to any such thing. And before I forget any further, here." As she pulled out the lit. paper she typed for Aoshi.

"Eh? What is this, Ms. Makimachi.?"

"Why, the paper you asked for Mr. Shinomori! Did you think I would forget? And please call me Misao. I like it better."

"Since I am given the privilege to use your first name, please call me with mine. It's Aoshi… " And he bowed slightly. "At your service." While he was bowing, he pondered on the girl he was asked to protect. For some reason, this girl seemed to dislike him.

When Aoshi looked up, Misao was already sprinting ahead of him. No more than that. This Misao-girl seems to despise him --- A LOT.

"Wait, Miss Maki--- Misao." And before he could think anymore, he hurried to catch up with her.