Chapter Four

Wake up call

Megumi's penthouse…

"I wish I'd never caught him," Tae wailed. She sobbed heavily as she felt a couple of comforting hands rubbing her back. "I'd rather be in denial and happy than alone and miserable."

Kaoru sympathetically looked at her friend, "But at least you're not unaware anymore. Listen, this might be the last thing you want to hear right now, but give it time. I know you'll get through this—talking about it was the first step. Don't you feel a teensy bit of better since you let it all out?" she sounded like Misao now. Maybe her old-roommate did influence her a lot.

"A little…" Tae whimpered, burying her face on her hands. "Where's that freakin' chocolate mint ice cream anyway?"

"Here, here!" Yumi immediately shoved the pint of ice cream on Tae's lap. The other girl continued sobbing, digging a spoon on the scream and chucking a spoonful of it on her mouth.

"Y-you know… I'm kind of scared of facing this year without a boyfriend." Tae said between chews on the pint of ice cream on her lap. "Keisuke and I were inseparable last year, and before that there's always Akito…" tears began to flow on her cheeks again, "I can't believe he ditched me!"

Megumi sighed, not really interested with Tae's non-stop rants about her ex-boyfriend. She left the room with Kaoru in toll. Both went down to the kitchen to help themselves with some serving of ice cream as well.

"So, how's the 'housemaid' going?" the med student asked before eating a spoonful of strawberry ice cream.

Kaoru groaned, "Easier said than done."

Megumi smirked, "You shouldn't have accepted this job, Tanuki."

"I know! But I can't refuse the job he's offering me. I need to do this… at least eight months more."

Megumi nodded, "Two more days… and school's starting."

"Yeah." Kaoru nodded, staring blankly onto space, "Another year of learning."

"Hey, did your mom called you?" Megumi asked, finishing another spoonful of her ice cream.

Kaoru furrowed her brows and shook her head, "No, why?"

"Yesterday she called me, saying something 'bout your school requirements and that she needed to talk to you."

Kaoru's eyes bulged out, her mouth agape, "Don't tell me she's cutting that off too!"

The med student answered with a shrug, "I don't know." Kaoru inwardly groaned, stood up from the chair and headed towards the door. "Where are you going?" Megumi promptly asked, dropping her ice cream at the table as she stared back at her.

"University. Need to check something."

And then she was off without as much of explaining what she's about to do.

Tokyo University…

The lady in the registrar checked Kaoru's form, then turned to her computer and made a few keystrokes. Her brows furrowed as she scanned the screen. "Hmm… this is strange."

"What's strange? What do you mean?" Kaoru nervously chewed her lip and squirmed in her chair. Could it be that her suspicions were right? Is this still part of her punishment?

"Well, I pulled up your record, but it doesn't list you as an active student," the lady explained, "According to the system, you're not enrolled."

"WHAT?" Kaoru gasped, "That must be a mistake!"

"I'll double check." The lady punched some more keys, waited for a second, and then shook her head. "I'm sorry Miss, but apparently you're not enrolled in this University for the fall semester."

This is cruel… this is evil… how could they?

Angrily she dialed her mother's cell number.

After a couple of rings, a familiar female voice answered the other line, "Hello dear, glad you called." Her mother happily greeted. "How are you, baby?"

"Mom, there's no time for pleasantries! I'd like to ask you something." Kaoru replied, her voice almost shaking from anger.

"You sound so tense, darling. Are you alright?"

"I'm NOT, okay?" Kaoru desperately answered, "Who would be? After hearing the registrar confirm that I'm not enrolled for this semester—"

"Oh, that…" her mother softly sighed, "I'm sorry dear, but your father said it'll be appropriate if you pay your own tuition fees yourself. In that way, he'll know that you're doing the things as what he had instructed you to do."

"This is torture, mom!" Kaoru exclaimed, "I'm working hard to pay all the things I need for school, the things I need to support my living!"

"I tried to reason out to your father… but he won't listen." Her mother sympathetically said, feeling pity towards her daughter.

"Does he realize how hard it is to do manual labor and study at the same time?"

"We know that, dear. But what you did with the money he tried to maintain on your account really displeased him."

"He can produce so much more. Why do I have to suffer the consequences, mom? I didn't mean it!"

"But as far as I can recall, darling, this isn't the first time you wasted your whole account…"

Kaoru had to admit that she did spend a lot more before. But still, giving her this kind of torture is irrational. "Yeah, yeah… I know…" she dejectedly replied, "I—I guess I'll just have to work extra harder to survive the whole school year."

"Yes, do please do that." Her mother encouraged wholeheartedly, "And, honey?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you still living with this roommate of yours? Misao, is it?"

"Oh, no… no, I'm no longer living with her."

"Really? And where are you exactly staying right now?"

"At my boss' apartment."

"…"

"Mom?"

"And this boss of yours, is it a he or a she?"

"He?"

"…"

"Er—"

"WHAT?"

Kaoru winced, removing the receiver and placing it back to her ear after her mother's yell subsided. "I'm a housemaid, mom. It's my duty to stay there and keep all the things clean." She apparently forgot to inform her mother about her new job… which was a mistake…

"A—a housemaid? My baby's a housemaid?"

"Er—mom?"

"That's it!" her mother exclaimed angrily on the other line, "I'll call your father this instant! I'm going to put this punishment to a stop!"

"But—"

"No, dear. It's disgusting—it's—disgraceful—you, YOU—a housemaid? And living with a stranger?"

"I'm fine mom," she stressfully said, "It'll be alright, okay? Don't worry."

"I'm still going to tell your father!"

"Do you think he'll ever listen? I don't think so! You'll just be wasting your time."

"Oh, darling. I never thought you'd undergo such humiliating—"

"My job is fine, okay?" she glanced down on her watch and realized it was already ten past ten, "Listen mom, I gotta go. Duty calls."

"What? I'm not finished talking yet young lady! I'm—"

Before she could continue ranting further, Kaoru groaned and hung up the phone. She shook her head and tucked the phone back inside her pocket. She sighed and started towards the bursar's office. Better fix the problem before school starts or else she wouldn't be finishing her culinary course this year.

Hospital…

Paging Dr. Shinomori, a phone call is waiting for you on line two. Paging Dr. Shinomori…

After finishing a heart transplant surgery and consoling his patient's family, he walked towards the reception booth still clad in his green medical robes. Placing his mask on the table, he took the phone and pushed a button to take the call.

"Hello," he indolently greeted, sandwiching the receiver between his ear and his shoulder as he tried removed the gloves he wore.

"Doc!" the familiar voice of his secretary greeted on the other line.

"Kamiya?"

"I was just wondering of what you would like to eat for dinner tonight?" Kaoru asked.

"No need. I'm eating dinner somewhere else." After successfully taking off the gloves he wore, he threw it straight on the bin and then held the phone with his hand.

"Oh, okay."

"…"

"…"

"Is there anything else?" he once again apathetically asked.

"Umm… hey, doc. Can I ask you a favor?"

Aoshi heavily sighed, "What favor?"

"Can I take a day off tomorrow? You see, I have to arrange a few things at the university and—"

A beeping sound came from his belt. He took the small beeper and read the message, "Okay." He immediately replied, trying as much to end the phone call so he could attend the other patients.

"Really?" Kaoru disbelievingly asked, not really expecting him to agree immediately.

Aoshi wearily replied, "I'll change my mind if you won't hang-up. There's a patient waiting to be checked-up, Kamiya. I'll call you later."

"S-sure. Bye." And then she hung-up.

Aoshi placed the receiver back, taking his things as he immediately headed towards the E.R.

Lisa and Misao ogled the handsome doctor as he started walking away from the reception booth.

"I'm not drooling am I?" Lisa muttered dreamily, her head propped on her hand.

Misao sighed, "Such a perfect man… looking at him this close is sooo much better than watching him from afar." A contended smile spread on her face as her eyes twinkled in pure love towards the man of her dreams, "I wonder how it'll feel like to be his girlfriend…"

"I'd give up everything for him to notice me!" the blonde haired nurse woke up from her stupor once the doctor was out of sight, "Oh well, dream on, Lisa. That'll never happen…"

Misao again released a sigh, "Kaoru's lucky to be his housemaid…"

"His what?" Lisa alarmingly gasped; her eyes bulged as she stared at the younger woman.

Misao raised her brows, "He hired Kaoru as his new secretary/housemaid, Lis."

"Does this mean she gets to see where Shinomori-san lives everyday?"

"Actually, she's now living with him." Misao replied nonchalantly. "She left my apartment two days ago that's why I'm trying my best to work harder. I mean I have to pay Kaoru's share since—"

"Are you okay with this?" Lisa asked, concern etched all-over her face.

Misao innocently looked at her, "What? Paying Kaoru's share?"

"No!" Lisa sarcastically rolled her eyes, "I mean, are you okay with the idea of Kaoru and Shinomori-san living in the same roof?"

Misao shrugged her shoulders, "Yeah. Why? Should I not be okay with it?"

"Are you serious?" Lisa unbelievably stared at her friend, "They're living together." She completely emphasized the last word.

"So?"

"So?" Lisa scoffed, "Don't be so dense, Misao-chan. Don't you think—don't you think something may happen between those two?"

Misao laughed, "Don't be silly, Lis. Kaoru said she's not attracted to him. She assured that she'll maintain the professional relationship they have for each other until her eight month's over."

"Eight months?" Lisa curiously asked.

Misao sighed and waved a hand, "Long story."

Lisa arched a fine brow and stared at her, "Seriously, don't you feel a tad bit worried about this whole 'housemaid' thing? Aren't you jealous at all?"

"Drop it." Misao warningly glared at the blonde nurse, "And besides, what do I care anyway? It's like we're going out together or anything."

Lisa sympathetically nodded at her, "All right. If you say so."

Misao smiled, "Enough talk. Let's get back to work."

Lisa smiled and went back to answer a few phone calls.

Misao resumed with arranging the files with a sudden pang deep inside her heart.

What if Lisa was right?

What if Kaoru and Shinomori-san's relationship develops further than a professional one?

Should she ask her again?

Give it up, Misao. She told herself and then begrudgingly reoccupied herself with her work. Forcefully she buried the disturbing thoughts on the back of her mind.

That evening, Aoshi drove his way to his cousin's house as what was promised.

"About time." A serene voice said as he neared the Victorian living room.

"I came as what was promised, Tomoe." Aoshi replied, smiling at his cousin who's three years his senior. Yukishiro Tomoe was one of his remaining relatives around Japan. His other relatives settled in New York and London. Tomoe and his younger brother Enishi were tasked to continue their father's business here in Tokyo. And as for Aoshi, he simply chose working here in Japan as a doctor than to migrate. He'd prefer to live independently. Ever since then these three cousins relied to each other.

Tomoe smiled back and with complete elegance, she approached him. She linked an arm around his and started leading him towards the dining hall. "And I'm glad you did."

They entered the dining room and noticed a few people were already sitting forth the dining table. He saw Enishi sitting on the left side of the table with a very usual grim look on his face. Aoshi turned his head and noticed a familiar redhead sitting opposite of Enishi's. Himura Kenshin sat there, wearing the same smile as always. I bet he's trying to ignore Enishi's hard glares… and then did he notice an unfamiliar brunette sitting next to Kenshin.

"If only looks could kill, Himura could have been dead by now." Aoshi muttered softly just as only Tomoe could hear.

Tomoe sighed, "I'm practically wondering on when exactly he's going to accept Kenshin as my fiancé."

Aoshi didn't bother to make a reply since Enishi and Kenshin already approached him. He shook hands with them, exchanging pleasantries as usual. Then the brunette wearing a very dazzling magenta dress strode and stood in front of him.

"Aoshi, I'd like you to meet CEO Tachibana Sazaki's daughter, Asako. Asako-san, this is my cousin, Dr. Shinomori Aoshi.

Aoshi forced a smile and shook hands with the beautiful CEO's daughter, "Very nice to meet you, Asako-san."

Asako curled her lips into an almost seductive smile and said, "The pleasure is all mine, Shinomori-san. I've heard so much about you."

Yes, she might be obviously pretty and definitely acquired the best curves… but the way she stood there, smiling seductively at him without as much of introducing herself more turns him off. Is there something wrong with her eyes? He mused, realizing how she kept on batting her eyelashes every second. He tried to ignore this and settled himself next to Enishi.

"You shouldn't be glaring at him too much, Enishi. You're sister's getting upset whenever she sees you trying to kill her fiancé with your eyes." Aoshi quietly said to Enishi who seems to be still glaring on the redhead before him.

"I just don't get it. What did she see in him?" Enishi scoffed, "Akira's so much better than he is."

Aoshi snorted, "If you think Akira's hell a lot better than him, the why did your sister dumped him?"

"Because that bastard lured her." Enishi defiantly replied as he pointed towards Kenshin's direction, "Tch! Goody-two-shoes. Does he think everybody likes him? 'Cause if he does, then I'd better kick his ass so he would see how much I hate him."

Aoshi fought the urge of rolling his eyes and then waited until the first serving of dinner was dished up.

Kaoru silently ate the Chicken Parmesan Buttered Noodles she cooked, staring blankly into space.

How am I supposed to budget all the money I have? She desperately thought, thinking all the things she must do for her free day tomorrow.

Go to the Bursar's office—oh no, no erase that—cook, clean and then go to the Bursar's. Enroll for this semester—pay half of the tuition fee since that's all I can afford—for now… then go home, do the laundry, iron clothes, arrange files and cook dinner… Kaoru never felt so busy in her entire life. Who would have thought a rich girl such as her self will ever experience these kinds of dilemma in her whole, freakin' loaded life? Well, that's what dad's trying to imply to you Kaoru… never waste money for money is necessary in this world.

With a heavy, tired sigh, Kaoru took a large bite of her noodles and proceeded on planning her salary for next month.

"So, Himura-san… I've heard you're going to teach in Tokyo University this year, have I heard right?" Aoshi questioned, before taking a sip on his red wine.

Kenshin nodded with a smile, "Yes, I'm teaching Algebra this year."

" Tokyo University… a good choice, I must say." the brunette named Asako said, taking a small bite of her half-cooked steak.

"A friend of mine suggested me to teach there this year." Kenshin replied.

Aoshi noticed Tomoe frown at her fiancé's answer. He glanced at her and saw a tinge of jealousy within the depths of her eyes. He returned his gaze towards Kenshin again and asked, "A friend of yours?"

Kenshin nodded again, "Yes, a very close friend of mine. She's currently finishing her last year these up-coming two semesters."

But before Aoshi could open his mouth to ask who this friend Kenshin's referring to, Tomoe coughed nervously and said, "Let's proceed with the desert, shall we?" she suddenly suggested which successfully drew everyone's attention.

Kaoru lazily watched the TV, surfing the channels and finding nothing interesting to watch for the last five minutes. I guess I'll just have to stick with 'My Fair Lady' again… she silently watched the classic Audrey Hepburn movie as she took a good amount of chips from the bowl.

As she watched, her eyes started drooping slowly as sleep threateningly claimed her. She quickly shook herself from sleep and looked up on the wall clock. 10:15… she read and then settled her eyes back on the movie she's currently watching.

Later that night Aoshi arrived, stretching his strained shoulders as he came to a stop in front of his door. It's already half past twelve and he had to blame that girl named Asako for delaying him. He could still remember how boldly Asako threw herself at him, asking him out or worst, inviting him over to her place which Aoshi immediately declined. Girls like that disgust him. They're all the same… he bitterly thought, remembering the rest of the female population ogling him whenever he's around.

With a heavy sigh, he unlocked the door and went inside. All he wanted right now was his bed and a nice, long sleep. But as he went inside, a surprising sight welcomed him. The plasma TV was still on and over the couch laid a very asleep Kaoru. He walked over to her and saw an almost empty bowl of chips beside her. She's not waiting for me all night here, is she? He asked, reaching over to get the remote and shut the TV off.

He glanced over to his housemaid again, practically thinking whether (A) he should just leave her there or (B) carry her up to her room. He noticed her stir, shivering slightly as she tuck her self further on the couch. I choose B. He rationally thought to himself and then reached down to pick her up into his arms. Carefully he walked towards the stairs; avoiding stirring the girl up since he knew too well what the aftereffects of a Kamiya Kaoru are when she's disturbed from her sleep. He could still remember that punch she planted on his cheek when he tried to wake her up from sleeping too much during office hours.

Finally he reached her bedroom and gladly, the door was opened. He went inside and gently laid her on her bed. Kaoru irritably mumbled on her sleep and then turned to the other side with both legs and arms sprawled. Aoshi scoffed, finding her position of sleeping very, very silly. Yet still… very cute. He himself couldn't explain why he had been finding this girl fairly adorable. Maybe because she's different. He said to himself, too innocent... He leaned down and grabbed the comforter, laying it cautiously on top of Kaoru's body.

After that, he exited the room, closing the door behind him silently and then walking towards his bedroom. After brushing his teeth, stripping off from his clothes except his boxers, he climbed into his bed filled with black satin sheets and drowned himself into slumber.

The next morning…

Aoshi groaned, hearing something irritating that caused a complete disturbance in his sleep. With a grunt of protest, he turned on the other side, covering his ears with the pillow. But still to no avail, the annoying sound reached his covered ears. He sleepily reached out for his alarm clock and gruffly threw the blasted thing away.

Tap… Tap… Tap…

The irritating sound never vanished and this aggravated the heavy-eyed doctor. He immediately shot up to knock the stupid alarm clock off and much to his surprise, his clock was already lying on the carpeted floor.

Tap… Tap… Tap…

Aoshi furrowed his brows, groaning as he tried to revisit the dream world again. Alas! The sound went on; completely slicing the thin threads of patience he could muster. Wait a minute, that doesn't sound an alarm clock to me… he thought, squinting his eyes to observe his bedroom.

The room was still slightly dark; probably the sun hasn't completely risen yet. The tapping sound continued which fueled the calm doctor's temper onto the edge. He threw out the covers and walked groggily outside the bedroom. As he followed the annoying sound, he found himself standing inside the kitchen, and there in the counter stood his housemaid, Kamiya Kaoru clad in a pink apron as she continuously chopped the onions and garlic, completely oblivious to his presence.

Aoshi planted both of his hands on his waist, "Kamiya!" he yelled, causing the girl to jolt out in complete surprise.

She looked around and saw her boss standing a few feet away from her. Unusually, the doctor's face did not hold its customary cool countenance. In stead, his eyes were drooped and his face pretty much held the droopy expression. She faced him with her eyes bulged, clearly stating that she's shocked to hear his voice yell so loud. "Y-you scared me!" she gasped, placing a hand over heart feeling it rapidly beating. She was about to lecture him of not to sneak around and yell at her though she was immediately held back when she noticed the unusual annoyed look on her employer's face. What's with him? She mused, realizing that Shinomori Aoshi's better off not to be disturbed whenever he's sleeping. She nervously smiled and asked in her most, soft voice, "Did you have a good night sleep?"

"You are trying hard to get fired, aren't you?" Aoshi started his voice a little bit louder than the usual. "What time is it now?"

Kaoru instantly glanced over the wall clock hanging near the kitchen's door. "Ten minutes before six in the morning, sir." She cautiously replied.

"Then why are you here? It's too early to prepare breakfast." He definitely can't believe this. What kind of wake up call is this? This was the least thing he needed right now. He's tired, he's sleepy and his head is still aching from the vestiges of various wines he drank last night at Tomoe's dinner party. All he wanted was a few more hours sleep and he'll be happy to go back to the hospital to work again. "Go back to sleep, prepare breakfast 'round 8:30." He ordered, turning on his heels so he could return back to his bed and sleep some more.

"Doc." Kaoru's call immediately ceased the doctor's steps.

He inwardly and heavily sighed and then turned to her.

"Have you forgotten about the day off I've asked you yesterday?" she started, "You see, I have to do a lot of things today… so I was thinking if it would be alright with you if you take your breakfast a tad bit earlier than the usual… Maybe 'round seven, perhaps?" she tried her best to pull out a smile just as so to calm her unsteady boss down. Morning mood swings… and here I thought I'm the only who's experiencing it… how odd…

Aoshi was still in the groggy mood and rudely replied, "Then, you can find another employer who has his breakfast at seven."

"Sir, isn't there a saying like this, the early bird catches the worm?" she assumed that the doctor would calm down though much to her dismay, he continued glaring down at her. "That one, if you get up early—"

"Then what about the early worm?" Aoshi crossed his arms, daring her to answer his question.

"Eh?" Kaoru questioningly looked at him.

"What about the early worm?" he repeated, this time a lot bitter, "The worm gets up early, to be eaten by a bird?"

Kaoru found her self speechless at this. She doesn't even know how to answer such rational question. She suddenly felt angry at him for being such a smart-ass. She bit her lip, trying as much of thinking for a come back on her boss' question. "But humans are not worms, so there's no worry to be eaten by a bird even if you get up early."

She has a point… he furrowed his brows and irritably scratched his head. "Listen to me carefully." He steadily looked at her in the eye and threateningly said, "If you wake me up early in the morning one more time, I'm going to fire you. Got that?" he then reached over and grabbed her arm, leading her away from the kitchen, "Now, go back to sleep and fix breakfast later."

"But—" Kaoru protested but to no avail, she was carelessly dragged towards the second story of the apartment leading to her bedroom door.

"Go-to-sleep!"

And the next thing she knew, she was inside her room watching the annoyed doctor shut her door and walked towards his own bedroom.

Exactly 8:32 am

Kaoru restlessly paced the dining room, waiting impatiently to see her boss come down and eat his breakfast. She looked up on the second floor and found no sign of him. She scowled and scoffed irritably, "Good grief! How come he's still not here yet? I'm supposed to be in the university right now! Why that insufferable, pig-headed—" she muttered relentlessly, oblivious to the sounds of footsteps approaching the dining room.

"If you think I'm insufferable, you can quit."

Kaoru nervously glanced back and saw Aoshi walking towards her, realizing that he overheard her complains. She tried to pull out a smile and shook her head, "No, not at all." She said, ushering him towards the dining table, "Have your breakfast." She said, presenting him a very delicious looking Veggie Burger. "I've learned from school that it is best to start your day with a lot of veggies…"

Aoshi looked down on the food; he took the burger and smelled the scent of onions and zucchini all over it. In stead of eating it, Aoshi turned on his heels and started towards the door.

"W-wait! Aren't you going to eat your breakfast?" Kaoru asked. Don't tell me you're not gonna eat it! You made me wait for at least two hours just to prepare this one for you, you big dope! She moaned petulantly and said, "If you're not going to eat it, why did you make me wait for you till now?"

"I don't like zucchinis." He simply replied and without much of an explanation, he was gone.

Kaoru's jaw fell open in complete disbelief. Her eyes narrowed and she could feel her ears and nose fuming out in smoke. "THAT-THAT—ARRGH!" she couldn't even find the words on how to describe that guy and his unusual behaviors. Her face flushed in anger. Angrily she grabbed the burger, took a huge bite and started eating it herself.

Outside, Aoshi stepped inside his Porsche and started the engine. A smirk playfully appeared on his lips before stepping on the gas and driving off to work.

Mornings are way much better if there's someone to annoy.

Shinomori Aoshi never felt contented in his entire life.

TBC