Chapter Nine
Dress you up
Monday was stressful as ever. Kaoru had to finish her practical test in French Cuisine and then headed straight to the library to study for her next classes, which is Philosophy of Man and Algebra. Honestly, what's philosophy and math got to do with cooking? Up until now, Kaoru's still wondering why. After an hour and a half of studying, she headed back to her home room. By lunch, she received a phone call from Tae, telling her to meet up with them in the cafeteria.
Once she was in the cafeteria, she dropped her books on the table and tiredly sat next to Sano who's quite surprised by her sudden appearance.
"Whoa, easy there." Sano gaped at her as she buried her head on her arms against the table.
"Kaoru-chan, what happened?" Yumi questioned out of concern.
"I got F in another Algebra test." Kaoru dejectedly replied.
Sano dejectedly grunted, "I was hoping to hear something new—ow!" he winced as he massaged the arm Kaoru mercilessly punched.
"Where's Megumi?" she asked, looking around.
"She's taking advance lessons for Finals. You know how studious that girl is. She'll do anything to retain the top spot." Tae replied.
Kaoru rolled her eyes and sighed, "I bet her brain's overloaded with brainy terms and stuff. Doesn't she ever take a break?"
Sano laughed, "Unlike you Jou-chan, fox's immune with the smart-ass environment and—ow! Oi! Jou-chan!" he exclaimed, angrily glaring at her after receiving yet another punch in his arm. "I'm going to sue you for this!"
Kaoru glared back and then ignored him when he started rambling again about how terribly battered he was whenever he's near her.
"Kenshin! Argh—Kenshin, will you tell Jou-chan here to stop throwing punches at me!"
Sano's cry drew Kenshin towards their direction as he passed by to eat lunch as well. His eyes immediately caught Kaoru's startled ones instead and this brought a smile on his lips. He walked towards them, earning elated greetings from his friends; except for Kaoru that is who remained still. "Is this seat taken?" he politely asked.
"No-no, go on." Tae smiled up at him and then glanced over to Kaoru who had her eyes wide and her mouth agape. Poor girl… she's not so surprised to see her looking like that. They all knew the fact that Kaoru's smitten by the handsome Algebra professor since they're still in grade school. It's a wonder why they have never been a couple. Maybe Kenshin's just plain too dense to notice how much Kaoru likes him. Unlike Tomoe who obviously showed how much he fancy him. Maybe that's the reason why they ended up together. Well, who wouldn't fall for a pretty girl like her? She's everything a man could ask for. Beautiful, rich, famous… the list could go on and on. In fact, Kaoru had these traits as well… the only problem is, she's inconspicuous when it comes to her private life. Heck, she can't even stand in front of Kenshin without her whole face flushing. Tae's musing was ceased when she heard Sano's voice complaining about his battered state.
"I'm sure Kaoru-dono has her own reasons, Sano…" Kenshin replied and then turned towards the girl in front of him. "Isn't that right, Kaoru-dono?"
Her cheeks grew flushed as his amethyst eyes once again met hers, "H-hai…" she timidly replied, looking away.
Kenshin frowned, wondering what made her all fluster like that. He was about to ask her what's wrong if only Sano chose to close his mouth and did not ask, "What's up with you Kenshin—oh, yeah right, professor?" he teasingly grinned, knowing how much Kenshin much preferred to be called by his name outside the class.
"Awfully tired." He resignedly replied, but his smile was still intact. "Midterm's nearing. My schedule's a lot hectic than before."
"Aww… poor you." Tae cooed, playfully rubbing his back, "See? I told you never mess with Algebra."
Kenshin lightly laughed and nodded, "Yes. Algebra's deadly and it is my mistake to underestimate it."
Sano laughed too and gave Kaoru brief glance, "See what it did to Jou-chan here."
"Why? What's wrong?" the red-haired professor asked. His voice filled with concern.
"She got a—wahhmmph!"
Before Sano could finish yet another teasing remark, Kaoru raised her hand and covered Sano's mouth. She can't let him embarrass her more especially in front of Kenshin. She already told him that she's doing well with her studies. In all conclusion, Kenshin's like Megumi's female version. They both have high expectations on her.
Sano fought to free himself but Kaoru, surprisingly held him in place. She noticed the surprised look on Kenshin's face and purposefully laughed. Tae and Yumi on the other hand tried as much not to laugh out loud.
"Ne, Kenshin?"
"Hai, Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin looked up, delighted to hear her talking again.
"Can I have a word with you?"
Kenshin smiled and nodded.
Kaoru released Sano's mouth and then stood up, not before noticing odd looks from her two girl friends. She shook her head, telling that it's nothing important. Both sat on another table, a few tables away from Tae's. Still from here she could hear Sano swearing to sue her for real.
"What is it that you wanted to tell me, Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked.
"Er…" Kaoru's unsure if it was okay to ask for his advice since she's not sure if he'd even understand what she's about to ask him. The last time they actually talked to each other, she didn't really have the chance to tell him about the predicament she was in.
So she chose this time to tell him everything.
And it pleased her to see him intently listening.
It didn't take her that long to tell him what was happening to her for the past eight months.
"Isn't that a little bit harsh?" Kenshin could not believe his best friend's now living a normal life. And it surprised him nonetheless to know that she's working as a housemaid! Somehow he felt sympathy towards her since Kaoru had lived the rich life since she was born. She's usually pampered by her parents, especially her mother. He can't just simply imagine her doing household chores such as cleaning, ironing, and most especially doing laundry. It must have been hard especially to someone like her who always relies on other people to do chores for her.
Kaoru shook her head, "Not really… well, yeah at first I was mad at them. But now—" she looked thoughtful for a moment and then a smile grazed her lips, "—I'm-I'm kinda enjoying it. But I wouldn't say that I'm enjoying the whole fact of being a housemaid!" she laughed, remembering her first day in Aoshi's apartment, the incident in the laundry room, the morning when she first experienced Aoshi's unusual mood swing… all these memories made her realized how much she truly hated and at the same time get the pleasure from annoying the stoic doctor. "There are just some times when I enjoy tormenting my employer. Being a housemaid's enjoyable too, you know."
Kenshin hadn't seen her so happy before. "You look really happy, Kaoru-dono. I bet this employer of yours is really nice."
"Nice?" Kaoru wholeheartedly laughed and shook her head, "No, no that wouldn't be the appropriate word… unenthusiastic maybe."
A frown crossed Kenshin's face as he looked at her, "I don't see any problem here."
"Oh there is, Kenshin! There is!"
"Then what is it?"
Kaoru sighed and then said, "You see, my employer's invited at this party… and he insisted me to go with him. I refused but he won't let me."
"Why did you refused?" he asked.
"Well… if I ever attend a party like that, someone might recognize me and might wonder what I'm doing there with my employer. If so that happens… I'm busted!"
"So?"
"So?" Kaoru stressfully asked back, "Mou! I can't let him know about the punishment!"
"Why?"
"He'll kick me out of his house."
Kenshin incredulously stared at her, "Why would he do that? So what if he learns about you being rich? There's no such thing as 'rich girls not allowed to be housemaids' policy, is there?"
Kaoru shook her head, "No, you don't understand. My employer hates a lot of things and one of them is dishonesty. If he learns that I was lying to him for the past six months, he won't hesitate to fire me. And if he does, I'll have to find another job to fulfill the next four months. I can't afford to find another one especially now that I'm busy with my studies!"
"I see…" Kenshin mused, nodding as he stared off space. "If you refuse—"
"He'll cut off my salary."
"And if you come to the party?"
"There's a possibility for him to kick me out."
Kenshin sighed and shook his head, "Whose party is this anyway?"
Kaoru looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, "Tachibana—"
"Sazaki?" Kenshin suddenly intruded, "Tachibana Sazaki?"
"Yes…" she dubiously gaped at him, "Why? Do you know who Tachibana Sazaki is?"
He simply smiled and said, "I received the same invitation too, Kaoru-dono."
"W-What?"
Kaoru reluctantly walked across the lobby, contemplating on the conversation she had with Kenshin.
"Don't worry, Kaoru-dono. Tomoe and I will be there as well. We'll keep your secret. Trust me; you'll never lose your job…"
Groaning, she thought out loud, "Why can't I keep myself from trusting you? Mou!" she went down the stairs, still her thoughts occupied by Kenshin's words. She was so engrossed by it that the mere sound of beep from someone's car almost gave her a heart attack.
She profusely jumped in shock and held her chest, feeling the furious heartbeats within it. She looked up and saw a smug looking Aoshi stood against the door of his Porsche, with both hands tucked in his pockets. "Y-you—! Aaargh! Do you want me to die?" she yelled and went on, "I swear—"
"Kamiya, this is not the time to babble." Aoshi drawled lazily, "Get in." he motioned his head towards the car.
"Why?" Kaoru angrily asked, planting both of her hands on her waist.
"Do I have to explain everything?" he stood straight and once again said, "Get inside, now."
She scoffed again and this time, crossed her arms. "What if I refuse?"
Aoshi smirked and replied, "Then we'll sort this the hard way."
"Hard—way?" she unsurely questioned.
The blue-eyed doctor nodded and said, "Get in before I embarrass you."
Kaoru glared at him, hard and cold before moving and walking around the car as she stepped in the passenger seat.
He inwardly smirked in triumph and went inside as well.
Kaoru winced as Aoshi dragged her inside a famous boutique shop with his hand tightly gripping her arm. "Ow! Let go!" she struggled to free her arm but to no avail, he won't let go. "Doc! I can't feel my arm anymore." Still the handsome doctor ignored her. Irritably she groaned, "Why you—aack!" she was carelessly thrown on the boutique's couch much to her disappointment. He nonchalantly stared down at her and she glared at him in return, massaging her bruised arm.
The eye-to-eye contact broke when they started hearing squeals somewhere inside the shop.
Sales clerks abundantly glanced at him and then started giggling followed by hushed whispers.
Here we go again... Aoshi glared at them and then glanced down on Kaoru who had her eyes glaring on the sales clerks as well.
Finally, one sales lady hesitantly approached them. Her face terribly flushing as she timidly spoke, "Good afternoon, how may I help you?"
"Find me a dress that will fit her." he raised a thumb and pointed it towards the chair where Kaoru sat.
The sales lady glanced over to Kaoru and then scowled.
Kaoru scoffed and ignored her. She'd received a lot of angry looks from women like her whenever she's seen with Aoshi. Truth be told, she's quite used to it and just tend to ignore them.
"Hai." The sales lady tried to pull a fake smile as she approached her and said, "Please follow me."
Kaoru looked at her and then glanced over to Aoshi who pretty much busied himself observing the whole ambience of the shop. With a sigh, she begrudgingly stood up and followed the sales lady to the dressing room.
Aoshi watched her disappear from the other room. Realizing that he's all alone with a bunch of gossiping females, he sat on one of the plush couches and decided to wait for his housemaid to emerge from the dressing room.
Five minutes or so, Kaoru appeared before him, dressed in a Lace Bodice Dress. It was a form fitting slip dress, corset-inspired lace trim bodice, full knife pleated skirt with a pink iridescent glow. Too feminine…
Aoshi shook his head.
Kaoru was led back to the dressing room to change.
Five more minutes passed until she returned. This time she was dressed in a golden slim fitting, skin revealing bodice with flare skirt and train. Her back was open with a criss-cross sash. Too flashy…
"No." he once again shook his head.
Kaoru rolled her eyes and allowed her self be dragged again inside the dressing room.
Again she reappeared, this time dressed in a teal colored fitted bodice with A-line skirt. The skirt has four layers of chiffon and lace with crinoline underlay. An obi-like sash ties into a large draping bow at the back.
Aoshi sighed and shook his head. She looked like a modern version of Mary in 'Mary had a little lamb'.
She had no other choice but to go inside again and change. She went into a dark green Grecian Goddess dress, to ruffle hem sundress, to short chiffon until she finally decided to quit playing dress-up and insisted on wearing the last piece, which was a strapless dark blue ombre evening gown.
Aoshi still profusely refused.
"Doc! This is the seventh dress you forced me to try out!"
He groaned in utter irritation and stood up. He went around and looked through the stacks of dresses and gowns displayed on the shop. He wanted her to look presentable enough so Asako would quit following him around. He needed the perfect dress. And as his hands continuously flipped each hanger, something suddenly caught his eyes from the far corner of the boutique.
Kaoru watched him in pure curiosity as he walked across the shop and grabbed a very chic cocktail dress. She blinked twice as he walked towards her and extended an arm, "Try this on." He nonchalantly yet resolutely spoke.
With a sigh, Kaoru took the garment and went back inside the dressing room.
For the next three minutes he waited, and then finally the dressing room's curtain opened and Kaoru appeared behind it wearing the dress he suggested.
There she stood in pure elegance that he had not ever seen in her. It was a cocoa brown colored Tiar dress. Gentle scooped neckline, small cap sleeves embellished with fabric flower and the skirt has an uneven hemline. It was the best dress she had ever tried on since the minute they entered the boutique.
Kaoru bit her lip as she looked down on her dress. She felt much more uncomfortable when she saw her employer gaping at her. "So? What do you think?"
I hate to admit it but she looks good on that dress… he mused, looking at her from head to foot. The whole dress fitted her perfectly as if it was specially made for her alone. In short, she's completely outstanding.
As he met her questioning blue eyes, Aoshi chose to keep his composure and turned towards the waiting sales lady.
"This dress' sold. We're taking it." He flashed a credit card and the sales lady gladly took it and asked Kaoru to take off the dress so she could wrap it up.
Walking back in her same old clothes, Kaoru approached the awfully unusual doctor. "Is this really necessary? I mean, I got a couple of dresses back in the apartment. There's no need for you to buy me a new o—" and then her eyes bulged in her sudden realization. "Mou! You're not gonna cut that off from my salary, are you?"
He simply scoffed and replied, "No, I'm not. But if you keep on bothering me with your ludicrous questions, I'll deduct $370.00 from your payment for the next three months."
Kaoru sneered at him, crossing her arms as she looked away. She remained in this position until Aoshi shoved a paper bag towards her hands. Grabbing her arm again, he led her outside the store and onto the next shop which was Celine, a shoe store.
"You're going to buy me shoes too?" she incredulously gaped at him. Sure, she enjoyed shopping more than anything else since it's probably one of her hobbies before she was thrown into this punishment. But shopping with your employer was a different situation. You'll never know what's running inside that big head of his. And the fear of losing all her salary from this shopping stuff scares her.
"You can't walk in there without any shoes, could you?" he asked.
Kaoru's brows furrowed, "I have shoes, doc. I'm not that poor!"
"Just quit talking nonsense and do as what I say, okay?" he once dragged her with her arm and both entered the shoe store.
"Honestly, you don't have to do this!"
But her protests died down when she found herself sitting inside Celine with various shoes surrounded her. She suddenly found herself quite speechless for the fact that she's completely smitten by all the new footwear. Ooh… it's been so long! Being busy with work and studies hindered her from visiting stores like this. God, she so totally missed shopping with her friends! She felt so left out realizing that she wasn't up to date with everything. With a sigh she thought, I hope it's Megumi, Tae or even Yumi who's with me right now. She dejectedly looked up to her employer who's busy talking with yet another flustered sales lady. And not this snooty doctor who caused so many women to detest me…
In a flash, sales ladies stood forth her with numerous shoes' in their hands. She gaped at them and then saw Aoshi standing behind them. "Go pick one." She heard his baritone voice spoke and this forced her to observe all the shoes' before her.
Aww… what's a girl to do with all these beautiful stilettos and pumps presented before her?
She wanted them all.
She can't decide which one to pick.
And this proves her weakness when it comes to shoes.
Damn! She felt so helpless right now!
Asako admired herself in front of her full-length mirror and spun around.
She wore a dress colored in hot pink. Terribly eye-catching because of it's bright color. It's a fitted bodice, flared skirt just above the knee, there's a lot seaming details on the bodice and a detachable flower pin fastened between her breasts.
"Let's see you drool over this." She flashed a toothy smile and observed her reflection in full glory.
She had her hair and make up done, she sprayed a lot of perfume on her neck and applied sensual oils on her pulse points. Asako happily trotted her way across the room and wore a pair of pink stilettos.
Dusting off her skirt, she stood up and said, "I hope he notice me tonight…" a smile spread along her face, "Oh, Aoshi-sama…"
Saturday evening at exactly eight o'clock they arrived in the exclusive Ark Hills district. Sleek silver Porsche stopped right in front of AHA Hotel Tokyo. The engine died and Aoshi started unbuckling his seatbelt. He stepped out, arranged his tie and headed towards the hotel's front door. As he walked, he noticed something was missing. He glanced back and saw his partner; so to speak his housemaid was still inside the car.
He glared at her and thankfully she glanced back. He arched an eyebrow and she in return, sneered and started pointing on the car's door.
Aoshi wasn't dumb. He knew exactly what she's trying to tell him. It just that he sometimes tends to forget the fact that he had a woman with him. Going on dinner parties with a date rarely happens. With a sneer, he went back to the car and opened the door for her.
Kaoru glared at him as she stepped out, revealing how wonderfully she turned out after pain-stricken hours of preparing herself for this stupid dinner party. She wore the dress and shoes Aoshi bought for her, her hair loosely cascaded down to the small of her back with a few bejeweled pins beautifying the sides of her head. She didn't really apply a lot of make-up on her face since she thought natural look would do best with her dress. All in all, Kaoru truly outshined which slightly surprised the doctor.
He knew Kaoru was beautiful. But of course he'll choose suicide instead than giving her any compliment. So, he remained stable, keeping the same arrogant, stoic behavior as always.
He offered an arm to her and she ungratefully took it with her own. "So much for being a gentleman." She audibly whispered, "What you did is very rude."
Aoshi snorted as the valet approached him and he handed him his car keys.
As they walked inside the luxurious hotel in silence, the blue-eyed doctor suddenly felt awfully uncomfortable. They stopped before the elevator and Kaoru noticed the frown on his face from the corner of her eyes.
"Doc?"
Aoshi extracted his arm away from her and said, "I need to use the bathroom."
"What?" she winced and then pinched her nose as she disgustingly gaped at him, "Eww…"
"I need to do the other way of eliminating waste, Kamiya." He corrected, somehow knowing what exactly she's trying to imply.
Kaoru snickered and then asked out loud, "You gotta pee?"
Aoshi immediately looked around, hoping that no one heard her say that. He glared at her and sternly replied, "Do you really have to use that term?"
"What? Pee?"
"Stop it."
Kaoru teasingly grinned, "Go and do your thing before you wet your pants."
Glaring daggers at her, he took her hand and handed her the invitation, "Go on. Wait for me in the lobby."
"Eh? No-no, I'm just gonna wait for you here—"
"Kamiya, stop complaining and just do what I said."
"But—"
"Kamiya." He warningly spoke. He wasn't in the mood to argue since he's terribly in the state of peeing on his pants if he won't be able to hold it much longer.
Kaoru slightly felt pity towards him. With a sigh, she nodded and said, "Okay, okay. Go!"
Aoshi immediately walked his way towards the lavatory, not before hearing a playful snicker from the other. There are times when he just wanted to wrap his fingers around her neck and choke her to her last breath. Currently, he's having that urge right now. No, go to the bathroom first then go for the kill... with that thought, he entered the hall the bell boy directed and made his way inside the bathroom.
Back on the lobby, Kaoru patiently stood in front of the elevator, staring up at the highlighted numbers above as it descended down from 16 to 15.
With a sigh, Kaoru looked down and absently observed the dress she's wearing. She had to admit, Aoshi definitely had a good taste when it comes to clothing. The dress was very chic, simple and at the same time outstanding. He'll do good as a shopping assistant… just the thought of him assisting women with clothes caused her to giggle. She instantly covered her mouth, looking around as she noticed a few people staring at her.
Finally, the elevator's door opened. Realizing that the elevator was empty, she stepped inside and pressed the third floor button.
As the door automatically closes, a figure started scurrying its way towards the elevator, exclaiming, "Wait! Stop the door!"
Upon reflexive action, Kaoru immediately reached the button and held the door opened for this figure to open. And then she looked up, only to find a pair of green eyes staring down on her own. Her eyes went wide and her mouth left agape. It was a young man, almost as tall as her boss, only a little bit informal. His black tux left opened, his white shirt revealed beneath, his hair disheveled and outstandingly stark white. It was the hair that caused her state of shock.
The man sheepishly grinned at her and spoke, "Thank you." As he entered, he stood next to her, her eyes never leaving him.
He noticed the elevator's door was still open. He glanced at her and saw her gaping up at him, her finger still pressed on the button. "I think it's just the two of us who needs to load this elevator." He hinted with amusement.
"Oh!" Kaoru finally released the button and the door closed. She blushed in utter embarrassment, feeling ashamed of being caught eerily staring at him. "Sorry." She muttered, looking down as she refused to look up into his eyes to avoid much more embarrassment.
He laughed and shook his head. He looked down at her and noticed how formally she was dressed. "Are you attending the party as well?" he asked, tucking his hands on the pockets of his tux.
"Ha-hai…" sheepishly she replied.
"I see…" he simply nodded. He looked at her and incidentally, Kaoru turned as well in attempts of stealing yet another glance up at him and his odd white hair. He smiled at her causing the other to blush out of embarrassment. He offered a hand and said, "I'm Enishi, and you?"
Kaoru dumbly looked down on his hand, deciding on whether to or not to say her name. On the latter part she decided to introduce herself and took his large hand with hers. "Kaoru." they shook hands and finally Kaoru relaxed her tensed shoulders, smiling back at him. For some odd reasons, she felt quite comfortable with his presence despite of the whole punk image.
"I'm so sorry for staring at you, Enishi-san." She profusely apologized and bowed, "I know it's rude and—"
Enishi simply grinned and shook his head, "No need for apologies, Kaoru-san. I often get the same reaction for the past ten years."
"Really?"
"Hai."
"What happened to your—"
"Hair?"
Kaoru nodded.
Enishi shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Life is so cruel that even my hair couldn't take it."
"I see…" she decided not to bother him with furthering his explanations more. For Pete's sake, they only just met today and now she's nosing about his reasons of why his hair turned white. She immediately dropped the subject and decided to look up and watch the highlighted numbers 2 to 3.
"You're going alone?" he suddenly asked, luring her attention again.
Kaoru shook her head and smiled, "I'm waiting for someone."
Disappointment crossed Enishi's face as he heard this. It's a shame that he wouldn't be able to ask an interesting girl like her to accompany him tonight. "Is that so?" and then with a 'cling', the door opened and the two stepped out.
They both started towards the banquet hall but before they could reach the entrance, Kaoru stopped and stood in the lobby just as what Aoshi had told her to do. Enishi noticed this and looked back, "Aren't you going inside?" he asked.
She shook her head and replied, "He told me to wait here." She bobbed her head and said, "It's nice meeting you, Enishi-san."
He grinned at her and then said, "The pleasure is all mine, Kaoru-san. I wish to talk to you more. I'm expecting to see you around."
She nodded, "That would be great. I'll see you." She bobbed her head again and received the same from the other as he turned on his heels and disappeared inside the hall.
He's nice… she mused. Oh well… she looked around, hoping that Aoshi would hasten up. She felt awfully uncomfortable standing in the middle of the lobby all alone. Geez… why does he have to pee now?
It didn't take long before the second elevator's door opened. Kaoru instinctively glanced and felt relieved when she saw the awfully stunning doctor walk towards her. She crossed her arms, glaring at him as she said, "Took you some time to use the bathr—"
"Spare me with your comments. C'mon, let's go." He once again offered his arm.
Kaoru sneered at him and then ungraciously hooked an arm with his.
"Try not to embarrass me, will you?" he looked directly, bobbing his head to those who greeted him.
"Yeah, yeah I'll try." She sarcastically spoke; smiling as well to those people they passed on as they entered the banquet hall. But just before they could set a foot inside, Kaoru held Aoshi's arm, stopping him from walking further, "Oh, just a sec!"
Aoshi turned to her and saw her rummaging through her evening purse.
"Ha!" she happily took out a ball mask, and placed it on her face.
He incredulously gaped at her. "What are you doing?"
She innocently looked up at him, "Eh?"
A scowl crossed his face as he looked at the disturbing golden mask hindering him from seeing her face. "This is not a masquerade, Kamiya. Why are you wearing a mask?"
For special purposes… she nervously laughed, thinking of how she should answer his question. "Ehehe… haven't you heard the latest fad? Masks are in today!"
Aoshi could not believe this. He brought her along because he wanted to see Asako's face distort in jealousy from the fact that he had someone with him. But seeing her in that mask would definitely embarrass him. "Take that off." He sternly ordered, glaring down at her.
Kaoru shook her head, "No."
"Take that thing off, now."
"I don't want to." She stubbornly crossed her arms and pouted.
Aoshi rolled his eyes, trying his best to control his rising temper. "You're really not going to take that off?"
"No."
"Seriously?"
"Definitely! I'm not taking it—ouch!"
She winced from the pain Aoshi's hand caused. He tugged on the mask and carelessly threw the blasted thing away. He smirked at her, seeing how she rubbed the sore spot on her ear caused by his oh-so-careless way of taking the mask off.
"You—you—urgh! I swear—" she resignedly threw her hands in the air, not knowing which insult she should yell at him and to his arrogant face. "Shit—I hate you!"
"The feeling's mutual, don't worry." He replied, straightening his tux as he moved to offer his arm.
Kaoru angrily stared at his arm and then huffed as she defiantly looked away.
Aoshi tiredly groaned and forcefully took her arm with his.
She gasped as he rudely dragged her inside.
As they reached inside, he stopped himself from dragging her and forced her to walk calmly beside him.
"If it troubles you," he started, whispering to her as he managed to get her attention without going under another round of bicker. "You look beautiful."
Her eyes snapped open and she looked up towards him. He reluctantly turned his head and found himself staring at a pair of stunned blue eyes. Not the same hue as his but genuinely sapphire. This eye-contact made her flush and quickly she looked away.
His eyes lingered on her for a moment and then he decided to concentrate his attention to somewhere else. What had pushed him to give her a compliment like that? He'd been swearing not to butter her up with the fact of her being so staggeringly beautiful tonight and here he was, saying that she's beautiful. I guess I failed… he mused, not liking how embarrassing he must have appeared as he said those words.
He thinks I'm beautiful. True, she felt delighted to hear him compliment her like that despite of the usual insults he throws at her. It's a shame she didn't bring a recorder with her to record that down. He's just teasing, you gullible little thing! Her inner voice protested and this made her secretly stare at him from the corner of her eyes. I mean—look at him! He's gorgeous! Kaoru once had been elated now saddened from her thoughts. How could someone as gorgeous as him compliment a plain girl like her?
What if he really meant to say that to you? What would you do? Another voice said somewhere in her thoughts, completely opposing the previous one. At least be thankful! Sheesh… where are your manners, young lady? Be grateful with the flattering remark. C'mon—do it now for cryin' out loud! And with this thought caused her to stop walking and fully turn towards him.
Aoshi stopped and turned as well.
They looked at each other in silence until Kaoru's lips broke into a smile.
And that smile brought unusual sparks towards him. He never expected a smile would make him realize how truly beautiful she was.
"Thank you."
"Where is he?" Asako impatiently looked around, hoping to see Aoshi through the crowd of guests.
"Give it a rest, Asako-san. My cousin will be here any second." Tomoe took a sip on her wine in pure elegance as she herself looks stunningly beautiful in her evening gown. It was a dress imported from Argentina, giving it a very special flare. The corset top was all lace and has a sexy lace-up back. The skirt was fully embellished and has an asymmetric hemline. Her hair was pulled back with a few strands hanging around the sides of her face and neck.
Kenshin was frantically looking around as well, trying to find any trace of Kaoru and her boss. Tomoe noticed this and asked, "Koi, is something wrong?"
The red haired algebra professor profusely smiled at her and replied, "Tomoe, I must tell you something."
Tomoe looked back and saw Asako was still busy looking around the hall. She glanced back onto her fiancé as she curiously asked, "What is it?"
Kenshin skimmed the whole room and then muttered in a low voice, "Kaoru's here."
Tomoe's brows furrowed about hearing him mentioning her name. "Excuse me?"
"Kaoru's here." He repeated, "Remember when I told you about the punishment she's under?"
"What about it?"
"Her employer's invited in this dinner party and asked her to go along with him." he obviously looked worried about the predicaments Kaoru may face when someone recognizes her. "We must protect her identity, Tomoe."
The beautiful woman's brows furrowed as she asked, "How?"
"Pretend that we don't know her. That would be enough."
For Tomoe that would be easy since they're not practically close friends to converse at all. No, she had nothing against Kaoru. It's just the fact that she's her boyfriend's best friend and that she's obviously in love with him causes too much discomfort. She smiled at her red-haired fiancé and nodded, "Okay."
Kenshin pulled her into a hug and said, "Thank you."
Tomoe lovingly stared at him and hugged back. God! How she loves this man.
And yet every perfect moment must come to an end. They were rudely disturbed by Asako's continuous tug on her dress. Tomoe inwardly groaned and pulled away from Kenshin's warmth. She turned to her and saw her pointing somewhere over the entrance.
"There he is! Aoshi's here!" she happily squealed, standing on her toes just as to get a full view of her much awaited guest. But much to her confusion and utter dismay, her eyes lingered towards the black-haired woman standing next to him. Asako frowned, completely set-back from the fact that Aoshi had a brought a date along with him. She furiously looked at Tomoe and whispered, "Did your cousin ever mention anything about bringing a woman with him?"
Tomoe shook her head, "No. Why do you ask?"
Kenshin saw Aoshi as well and fully recognized the girl standing next to him. He swallowed a large lump down his throat and said. "Shinomori-san has a—err—date?" he can't believe it. Aoshi Shinomori, the stoic doctor, his fiancée's cousin was Kaoru's employer? He never expected this coming.
Tomoe followed the beeline of their eyes and saw her cousin a few feet away from them along with, Kaoru? Aoshi had never mentioned anything about him employing someone. And the fact that it was Kaoru Kamiya who he had employed surprised her. A smile mischievously formed on her lips, Oh, this would be an interesting night indeed.
TBC