Chapter Sixteen

What really happened…

Staring off space and doing nothing else but to mope around is not healthy. Of course, Kaoru knew this basic fact. But what else could she do? It was Sunday morning, no school, no activity, no—work or house chores to attend to. She was no longer staying at Aoshi's place… she was finally home. The last place she wanted to go back to. Here, she was pampered, respected and spoiled. All of her wishes would be granted with just one snap of her fingers. Here, she was locked inside her large bedroom, sad and alone. Here, she was suffocating, feeling smothered from all the special attention she was getting. Kaoru wanted nothing else but to get out and to roam freely on the outside world where real people lived. She was sick and tired of staring at these four walls boxing her in. Her own prison.

It had been five days since that day she left Aoshi's apartment. Ever since then, she had changed. She wouldn't talk, eat or even go out of her room (except when she was obliged to go to school, that is). The breakup was still painful, unforgettable and bitter. She wanted to go out and seek him, beg—okay, so maybe that word's too strong to describe it—ask him to hear her out for the second time and think over their relationship. But her parents had forbidden her to do so. She was well guarded 24/7. Everywhere she went, she got a couple of men in black suit following her behind. Man, what a bummer! Her life sucked and she hated it.

One day, she finally snapped and cornered her two bodyguards, "Get a life, will you! I don't need protection. Leave me alone!" and then she broke into a run and off she went to God knows where. She managed to escape the two stubborn meatheads for the umpteenth time of turning on the corner. She quickly hid herself on a small alley and watched the two dum-dums pass by. Once they were out of sight, Kaoru sighed in relief and out of exhaustion. Cautiously she went out and started running on the opposite direction—which was a completely stupid mistake! The two bodyguards turned and saw her running away. Hastily they followed in suit.

"Ojo-sama! Ojo-sama! Stop!"

"Ojo-sama! Your father will kill us!"

Kaoru snorted and ignored their pleas as she started running much faster, despite her overtiredness. She had been running around Tokyo for an eternity and still those two were at her heels. "Won't they ever give up?" she desperately wailed and glanced back, noticing the two were only a few feet away.

"Ojo-sama!"

"Shit, shit, shit!" she exerted much effort and ran as fast as she could. So fast that she was not able to pay the sign "don't walk" a glance and liberally crossed the street… until…

The sound of shrieking wheels and honking horns brought the girl's attention. She looked up and saw a familiar sports car parked before her. Oh my God! I almost died there! Her heart pounded angrily inside her chest as her eyes flew wide in realization. Feelings riled up from the awful turn out of events, Kaoru was about to open her mouth to yell freely at the driver when suddenly, the driver himself stepped out of the car.

Curious green eyes met startled blue ones.

"Kaoru-san?"

Kaoru blinked twice before she muttered, "E-Enishi-san?"

Enishi was about to question her when suddenly,

"Ojo-sama!"

"Ojo-sama!"

Kaoru groaned and then hurried towards Enishi's car, "Need to hitchhike, do you mind?" she smiled out of embarrassment.

Enishi nodded almost dumbly, "Uh… Get in." when she stepped in, Enishi did too and started the car.

The moment the bodyguards reached them, Enishi drove off. Kaoru opened the car's window and peeked out, making-faces and sticking out her tongue. "Bye, Bye!"

"OJO-SAAAMMMAAA!"

"Your research is incredible, Shinomori-san." One of the head doctors complimented as he and the other physicians sat to review some of the research submitted to them. Aoshi's work was one of the few works chosen to qualify.

Aoshi politely bobbed his head, "Arigatou."

"You've got a lot of potential. That is why we're suggesting that you should continue this research of yours." The cardiac specialist said on the other side of the table, scanning her eyes on the file before her.

Aoshi's brows furrowed, "Pardon?"

"We're planning on sending you overseas. There, you'll be able to extend your knowledge more." Said the physician.

"Our affiliated hospital there is quite impressed with you and your works. They proposed to hire you as soon as possible." The head physician smiled, expecting he had brought good news. But it seemed the scowl on Aoshi's face deepened. "Shinomori-san, what do you think?" he asked, frowning at the reaction he was getting.

Overseas… away from here… Aoshi mused, thinking over the opportunity he was being offered. The recognition that he has been waiting to have since he started working as a doctor… Should he take it? To decline it would be a shame… but if he left Japan, then that means he would have to leave everything behind… his apartment, friends, family and—Kaoru…

"Shinomori-san?" the doctor called again.

Aoshi raised his eyes and noticed them all looking curiously up at him.

Clearing his throat, he replied, "I'll think it over."

"Enishi-san, thank you so much for saving me!" Kaoru bowed profusely in appreciation as she and Enishi sat outside the well-famed coffee shop.

The white-haired punk laughed as he remembered how comically she looked when she ran towards her car, "I was hoping to see you again, Kaoru-san. Well, I think I should thank those two for driving you on the street." After what he'd heard from Tomoe about Aoshi and Kaoru's breakup, all he wanted to do was to find Kaoru and talk to her. He knew this wouldn't be easy for her. And as far as he observed Kaoru, she was not taking the situation too well. He could not see the same spark within those blue eyes. All was there was sadness and regret. "Kaoru-san… are you all right?"

"E-eh?" Kaoru stopped playing with her coffee with a spoon as soon as she heard his question, "Well…" her eyes lowered as she spoke, "To tell you the truth… I'm not…"

Enishi hated that sad look on her face. It did not suit her. "Have you talked to him yet?"

Ever since Kaoru left Aoshi's apartment, the man compellingly busied himself with work and nothing else. Both Enishi and Tomoe started to terribly worry about this. Soon, Tomoe decided to pay him a visit and learned about Kaoru's parents coming over and taking her away. On that day too, Tomoe choose to reveal her secret as well. That they all knew who really Kaoru was and had been vindictive enough to not tell him the truth. This made everything worse. Now, Aoshi isolated himself again and prevented any contact from Enishi and Tomoe.

Kaoru shook her head, "No…"

"…"

"…"

"Why did you leave him, Kaoru-san?"

"I—did not leave him… he ordered me to leave him," Kaoru corrected.

"But still… why didn't you do anything?"

Kaoru sighed, "It's because I don't want to cause more damage. He's angry at me… I don't wanna cross that thin line and make him curse me to hell and back. He said we both needed some time… and I obediently obliged…" and then she moaned and grabbed her head irritably, "But WHEN does that time ends, Enishi-san? I don't even know if our relationship still exists! And that Asako—"

"What about her?" Enishi asked out of confusion. Aoshi never mentioned anything about Asako interfering. Well, what else can you expect? That girl's obsessed with Aoshi. She'll never give up!

Kaoru angrily clenched her hands on her lap, "That lying hag! Sh-she told my parents that she and Aoshi are engaged and that I'm a threat to their upcoming marriage… that's why my parents took me away from him. They thought it would be a total shame if the public hears about it. The reputation, blah, blah, blah…"

Enishi pinched the bridge of his nose as he listened intently on Kaoru's side of the story. Gee, no wonder why his cousin was so riled up. Asako made stories that completely made Kaoru's parents lose their trust in their daughter. Now they were preventing Aoshi and Kaoru from seeing each other.

Bad idea.

He heard her sigh and this caught back his attention.

"How is he?" Kaoru asked earnestly.

"To tell you the truth," Enishi shook his head, "He's miserable."

Kaoru's eyes softened, "Enishi-san… I don't know how to say this but… can I see him?"

Enishi was half-expecting she would ask him that, "I'm not really sure. Aoshi's avoiding us too."

Kaoru's shoulders sagged, "Is that so?" with a sigh, she muttered in a whisper, "Great."

Enishi instantly regretted making her feel so bad. "Don't worry. I'll stop by his apartment today and ask him to see you… I hope," he said, apparently undaunted. He was willing to snap his cousin out of his foolishness and recover the relationship he had with this wonderful young woman. If I were on your place, Aoshi, I would have done the opposite… Somehow, Enishi envied his cousin for being so damn lucky. If only Kaoru chose to work for him as his housemaid… things would have been rather—different.

"Enishi-san, arigatou." Kaoru bobbed her head in gratitude. Enishi usually did things that pleased her. She owed him a lot.

Enishi then smiled, "Anything for you, Kaoru-san." That caught Kaoru off-guard. A blush crossed her face once their eyes met along with that statement.

"Enishi-san I—" but before she could continue, she was rudely cut-off by her 'cat's dance' poly tone. She nervously laughed, "Err—excuse me," she flipped her phone and answered, "Father—wha-no! I'm with a friend of mine—I escaped? Ohoho, don't tell me you believe them," Kaoru rolled her eyes. Enishi saw this and gave a little laugh. She looked cute when she did that. "Do I sound like I ran around the city, father?—Urgh! Fire them, if that's what you want." Then her brows furrowed, showing confusion, "Dinner? Tonight?—I'm sorry, is it my fault mom never told me anything?—Yes, I'll be right there.—What? Why?" Kaoru absent-mindedly examined the loose thread on her blouse, "Fine… bye." And then she hung-up, almost crushing the phone out of frustration. "Why can't they just… leave me alone? It's suffocating!"

It didn't take long before she realized Enishi's watching her with humor dancing within those green eyes. She immediately stopped her angry rant and sheepishly drew back on her chair, "Sorry…"

"That's your father, I suppose?" Enishi asked, looking over to the timid woman.

"Yeah," she responded, "Ne, Enishi-san?"

"Hm?"

"Can you—can you drive me to Macy's? You see, father's kinda—"

"I'd love to." Enishi promptly answered, grinning as he watched her face change out of awe.

Kaoru still never failed to amuse him.

"Ojo-sama, this looks definitely good on you. Give it a try." The sales lady suggested as she presented the beautiful golden cocktail dress before the over-bored Kaoru. She sat there, mindlessly staring at the three dresses presented before her, "Mother bought these all for me?" she sounded a tad-bit unenthusiastic.

The sales lady's wide smile never left her face, "Yes." Quickly, she shifted back on the dresses and started suggesting other ones, "How about this? I think this looks better than the blue one though…"

All Kaoru wanted right now was to finish this and go home—or rather attend the stupid family dinner then go home. "Ah, what the heck? I'm already here, might as well enjoy myself." She then stood up and went around the shop, "Since it's my birthday, father wouldn't mind me picking up more birthday presents now, would he?" she then started pointing at things as she strode along each racket of clothes, "I want that one, and that one, that one too, and then a couple of those…" as she finished her nonchalant pin-pointing, she sat back down on the couch and sighed, You're so lucky to have all this stuff, Kaoru… but why am I not happy?

Obviously, she knew the answer to that silly question.

Aoshi.

The day seemed endless for Aoshi as he pulled into his driveway with a look of annoyance. He made his rounds around the hospital, wasn't able to eat lunch, and finally a last-minute dinner. It was a long day and very tiring. He took the keys out of the ignition, grabbed his briefcase, locked the car and entered inside.

The whole place was dark and empty—noting that he was currently living inside a bachelor pad without his housemaid. He looked around and felt much more disappointed. He was too used seeing someone cleaning around. He switched on the lights and headed straight to the kitchen. Again, disappointment welcomed him. He had been doing it for five days and still he was not used to cooking dinner for himself. It was—upsetting to know that he was all alone… again. And Aoshi was starting to regret his decision of letting Kaoru go. He knew it was stupid… and if he could only turn back the time; he'd change the unfortunate turn out of events into something more—positive.

Why did he have to say those words to her?

He was too affected by Kaoru's lies that it drove him to come into a conclusion of letting her go. In fact, he was not upset at her at all.

It was just that…

The whole lying thing issue, for some reasons, downed him.

Maybe because he had experienced being lied to before.

And he's afraid of not knowing anything since then.

As he pondered over this, he went out of the kitchen and sat on the couch. Stretching his legs, he reached for the remote and started surfing the TV absentmindedly.

Flip…

Flip…

Flip…

Even the TV was making his life miserable.

There were no TV's or movies worth watching.

And then he ended up turning on Kaoru's favorite channel.

The station where they show old school flicks.

And for not-so-obvious reasons, My fair lady was on.

Is there anything else that will remind me of her? Aoshi pinched the bridge of his nose and let his head fell back against the couch.

As if fate was playing tricks on him, Audrey Hepburn started singing that blasted, irritating, good-for-nothing song, 'Moon River'.

Kill me, please. He shut the stupid machine off, finding it would drive him insane if he watched further. It only reminded him of that little incident in the kitchen where Kaoru was arranging the table and humming that song with that beautiful voice…

Should I call her? he asked himself, musing over the consequences he might face if ever he did make a phone call to Kamiya's residence. Her father warned him well of not seeing her or being near her in any circumstances.

In short, it would be like committing suicide.

And then there was that major proposal the whole cardiac surgeon committee suggested. The option of going abroad and continuing his work there as a doctor/researcher. That's something nobody could ever deny.

So, what was he supposed to do?

Aoshi never felt so confused in his entire life.

Then and there, the phone started ringing.

Begrudgingly, he stood up from the couch and answered the phone.

"Hello?" he greeted—a tad bit unenthusiastic.

"Aoshi," said the person on the other line.

Aoshi then frowned, "Enishi?"

Enishi arrived at Aoshi's apartment that night. After dusting off some flakes of snow off his shoulders and shoes, he went inside.

"What brings you here?" Aoshi asked his cousin as the two settled on the empty couches.

Enishi ruffled his hair and gave a lopsided smile, "You know why I am here, Aoshi."

The dark-haired doctor snorted, "And you do know I hate repeating myself over and over again, right?"

"What?" Enishi blinked out of confusion.

Aoshi sighed, "Your sister's been here last night—and apparently, she had the same purpose too."

"And that is?" Enishi arched his brows.

"To annoy me to the brink of insanity." Aoshi rubbed a hand against his forehead, "I'll always have the same answer, Enishi."

Enishi scowled then, "I had coffee with your ex, cus'." He said, hoping that would make him change his usual 'I don't want to see her' and 'I'm not ready to see her yet' answers.

Aoshi dropped his hand and looked straight into his cousin's eyes, "Kaoru?"

"Who else?" Enishi fought the urge to roll his eyes, "And she told me she wanted to see you."

Me too… Aoshi mentally answered, "What do you want me to do?" he easily asked, albeit the fact that he might just storm out of the apartment and go see Kaoru. Now, if only he didn't have the 'ice block' label imprinted all over his forehead, he might just do so.

Anger slowly rose within the young, white-haired punk. He hated people when they played innocent. It was irritating to see them making a fool out of themselves, refusing to face reality and being satisfied with their own little world filled with their freaking pride. Seemingly, that's what Aoshi's doing right then. Why can't he just accept the fact that he can't live on like this? That he can't stay cold forever and that he needs Kaoru more than anything else? Was that too hard to admit?

"You don't want to test my patience, cus'." Enishi dangerously spoke, almost growled.

Aoshi's eyes narrowed, "Now, why would I do that?" he knew this was no time to annoy Enishi. But for some odd reasons, he felt he's being too—pushy, just like his sister. Why can't they just leave him alone? He can decide for himself!

"Go see her, damn it!" Enishi finally snapped. He had no time for further chitchat and decided to go straight to the point.

Aoshi shook his head, "I can't,"

"Why?"

"I need time… we both need it."

"Who told you?"

"…"

"Bullshit," Enishi said between gritted teeth, "You just love annoying me this way, huh?"

"Then stop bothering me and go home. Mind your own business," Aoshi replied equally in coldness.

"Do you love her?"

"What?"

"I said, do you love her?" Enishi repeated, green eyes challengingly glaring directly into Aoshi's, "'Cause if you don't, then can I at least get the permission to go out with her?"

Now, Aoshi could feel his blood boil just from the mere mentioning of his cousin going out with Kaoru. That was the silliest thing to say, the most annoying thing he had ever heard in his entire life. Aoshi dangerously glared at him and gripped hard on the arms of the couch he's sitting on. "What makes you think I would?"

"If you do love her, then go see her and patch things up." Enishi spoke, matter-of-factly.

"For the umpteenth time, Enishi, I can't."

"Why can't you?" Enishi demanded a real answer. Their conversation had been running around circles and he was getting tired of it. He wanted answers and he wanted them now. He couldn't let Aoshi hurt Kaoru further. The girl was confused and suffering from the shell Aoshi created around himself. "That girl changed you, Aoshi. And I know she's the first person who was able to reach out to you. You two perfectly suit each other… why are you holding back? Do you really want to lose her? Do you want to lose Kaoru forever?"

So many questions yet none of them were answered. Aoshi remained silent on the couch, brows furrowed as if contemplating over something. For Pete's sake, Aoshi! Try to follow your heart this time and not your brain, damn it! He then shook his head, "You know what? Never mind." He stood up and went to grab his coat, "If you want to stay miserable, then fine, I won't bother you." Enishi smirked and looked straight into Aoshi's eyes, "Actually, it's my advantage. Now, I can woo Kaoru without worrying about my nose or any part of my body being beaten into a bloody pulp."

Aoshi scowled, "Is that a threat?"

Enishi nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders. "Is it?" he went out of the apartment, leaving a very baffled doctor behind.

For an entire week, Kaoru was hell a lot busy with her studies. Finals were approaching fast and she had to prepare well with her upcoming job training in one of Tokyo's finest hotels. Kaoru felt like she was walking on eggs all week. She was so stressed out and at the same time upset that sometimes her concentration loosened. Her professors always commented about her absent-mindedness and have been constantly warning her to behave and work well on the upcoming activity.

After three more days of training, her first job training as a cook started. She arrived at the hotel hours before the convention scheduled for that night starts.

"Kamiya, are you ready?" the head chef asked.

Kaoru smiled and nodded, "Hai."

The head chef nodded and gave a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, you'll do fine."

Kaoru nodded again, "Hai."

And then the cooking started. Everyone went to their respected stations and started working on their designated functions. Kaoru was assigned to arrange and design the plates for a perfect presentation. Along with two of her classmates, they finished exactly 200 plates of Garlic Chicken Florentine. Waiters entered the kitchen in lines and started delivering the food. Next, Kaoru was assigned to prepare the Shortcut Béarnaise Sauce for each Filet Tournedos and then tasked to do the dishes after.

"Kamiya!"

Kaoru turned away from the dishes and searched for the person who yelled her name, "Hai?"

The head chef and the one supervising the whole catering team stood by the kitchen's door. "Come here."

Kaoru swallowed hard, not knowing what to expect. Had she done something wrong? Was the food badly prepared? Oh no, was the guests not satisfied? Dear lord, I'm already fired… and I'm not a full time employee yet!

She obediently left the dishes and approached the head chef. She looked at them warily and then lowered her head.

This was it.

They were going to yell at her for being so stupid.

Darn it!

"Ms. Kamiya, someone wants to meet the chef who made the fantabulous sauce. Come with me, please." The supervisor said, gesturing for her to follow her outside.

"Eh?" Kaoru blinked in response.

The head chef touched her back and gave a little push, "Come on, they want to meet you."

"B-but," Kaoru mildly protested, not knowing what to do or how to react. This is not what I was expecting! Knowing that someone wanted to meet her because of the sauce she made overwhelmed the young intern.

"Kamiya, go out there and meet them," the head chef ordered, "Then come back here and continue your work."

The mere mention of her task made the girl follow the supervisor out of the kitchen. Once outside, she was directed straight to where a group of men in suits stood near the buffet table. Along the way, she was greeted by some of the guests, receiving compliments about the food. Kaoru constantly blushed and muttered thank you's in appreciation.

As they neared the group, the supervisor interposed in the conversation and introduced Kaoru.

"Gentlemen, may I introduce to you the person who's responsible for the wonderful sauce." She gestured for Kaoru to step in, "This is Kamiya Kaoru, one of our gastronomic interns," the supervisor said with a smile as they all reached out to shake hands with her. Kaoru respectfully greeted everyone in the group, still blushing out of embarrassment. Who would have had a thought an intern could receive so much gratitude and attention for making one, simple sauce. Well then, I'll be expecting a high grade for midterms… she happily mused.

They chatted for a few minutes until Kaoru excused herself in order to return to her dish washing. But then before she could even reach the kitchen's door, something quickly caught her eyes.

There, in the middle of the hall stood the bitch that made her life miserable…

It was no other than Tachibana Asako, merrily talking with a group of women of her age.

"What is she doing here?" she asked almost breathlessly to herself at the shock of seeing Asako again. Mou! Of all places!

"Kamiya is something wrong?" the head chef's head popped out of the kitchen door.

Kaoru gasped at the sudden appearance of his head and then frantically shook her head, "Nothing…" she lied.

The head chef frowned, "Get back here and do the dishes. Plates are piling up."

"Hai!" she watched as the head chef's head disappear behind the door. Taking one last glance over to where Asako stood, Kaoru turned on her heels and marched inside the kitchen.

But then, something stopped her. From the corner of her eyes she could see Asako walking towards the lavatory. Thinking that it was the perfect time to confront the lying hag, she profusely excused herself and went to follow at Asako's heels.

Asako flipped her hair as she laughed, enjoying her night as she chatted with some old friends of hers. The whole week had been quite—stressful for her. Well, not because of work, but because of her constant chase on Aoshi. He had been avoiding her, refusing to take any of her calls or even seeing her—which highly annoyed her. What was wrong with him? She thought getting rid of Kaoru would turn his attention towards her… had she thought wrong? Did her plan actually backfire? Asako would never know.

Well, at least she knew Kaoru wouldn't be bothering them anymore. She knew her parents wouldn't let the two see each other again.

Flashback…

"Aoshi-kun!"

Aoshi didn't look too happy when he saw Asako standing in front of his doorstep. "Tachibana-san." After that conversation they had, he thought calling Asako by her surname would be much more appropriate.

This angered her greatly, "We don't have to be formal to each other now, do we?"

"What do you want?" Aoshi straightforwardly asked. It showed how upset he was for her least expected visit.

Asako arched her brows and shook her head, "Oh no, not me, Aoshi-kun…" she stepped aside and revealed two more people standing behind her. This confused the stoic doctor. "This couple wants to see you. I'm just merely escorting them here."

Aoshi looked at the other visitors with confusion glazing his ice-blue-eyes. He was about to ask who they were although the middle-aged man beat him up to it.

"Shinomori Aoshi," the man called in a deep, solemn tone.

"Yes?" Aoshi responded.

He took a step forward and offered his hand, "I'm Kamiya Takeo, Kaoru's father."

And right then and there, Aoshi found it hard to swallow. He looked up on the mounting figure of Kaoru's father out of stun.

"And I'm her mother, Kamiya Kyoko."

Asako inwardly smirked as she watched the exchange between two parties.

"Come in." Aoshi opened the door wider and hesitantly watched as Kaoru's parents made their way inside.

Finally settling on the living room, Aoshi sat across his three visitors. He silently observed Kaoru's parents. What are they doing here? And why did they dress like that? Well, come to think of it, Kaoru never mentioned anything about her family. He didn't even know she still had one.

From the looks of it, both of her parents were well off. But then—why did Kaoru say she was working in order to support her living? Both parents seemed capable enough to supply everything she needed… but what made her end up in the hospital applying for a job? What was going on?

"You might be wondering what we're doing in here, young man." Kaoru's father, Takeo started.

Aoshi nodded.

"Where is our daughter?" Kaoru's mother, Kyoko questioned, almost suspiciously. Unlike her husband, Kyoko found it hard to control her emotions and temper. All she wanted right then was to get her daughter and then leave.

"She's not here," Aoshi replied, "She went off to her friend's house few blocks away from here. Do you want me to call her?"

Takeo shook his head, "No, that's not necessary." He raised his eyes and met Aoshi's, "Actually, we came here to speak with you. You're the reason of our visit."

Somehow, Aoshi didn't like the situation he had found himself in.

"What is Kamiya Kaoru to you, young man?" Takeo asked.

"She's my housemaid—sir." Aoshi knew this was not the perfect time to announce his real relationship with Kaoru. It just showed how much he valued his life.

"Asides from that, what else do you know about her?" Kaoru's father interrogated further.

"She used to work as a secretary in a company before and that she's a gastronomic student in Tokyo University."

"What else?"

"That's all, sir." Aoshi lied.

"Well, it wouldn't hurt if I tell you that she belongs to a society higher than you expected." Takeo cleared his throat and went on, "To work as a housemaid… is a complete disgrace to my family. Yes, I did allow her to continue such job because of the punishment but that doesn't mean I should tolerate it. Especially now after my new found knowledge on the relationship her employer's having with her." His eyes dangerously glared towards Aoshi.

Aoshi did not flinch nor show any sign of fear. Deep inside, he was confused. All this time… Kaoru never told him anything about her life, her past and her family. Why… didn't you tell me? He could not believe what he was hearing. Aoshi tried to sound as casual as possible. It seems Mr. Takeo was well informed about Aoshi's relationship with his daughter. From this thought, Aoshi's eyes shot accusingly in Asako's direction.

"What punishment?" Aoshi questioned curiously.

Takeo then began to explain how all things started. As Aoshi listened, his mind began to ponder. He then remembered the night on the cliff when Kaoru desperately, albeit nervously wanted to tell him something although he carelessly dismissed her attempts. Perhaps, Kaoru thought it'd be best to tell him sooner. But then he refused to hear whatever she wanted to say and here he was, listening to her father and acting all stunned.

His eyes then began to drift towards Asako's silent form. Mischief clearly spelled out all over her eyes. She discovered the truth way before him and decided to use this as an ace to get his attention. She told Kaoru's parents what was happening between the two of them and probably made an impression that he was the bad guy and Kaoru was the poor damsel in distress. Well, that explained the bitter glares Kaoru's mother was sending towards him.

Anger towards Asako and her obsession began to surge within him. She was evil and wanted to play dirty. Aoshi regretted the night he met this girl.

Not long after, Kaoru's parents began to interrogate him again.

"What do you do for a living, Shinomori-san?" Kyoko asked.

"I'm a doctor, a cardiac specialist."

"You graduated from what University?"

"Tokyo University."

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-six."

"Where are your parents?"

Aoshi hesitantly replied, "They died when I was young."

His answer instantly made Kyoko shut her mouth and sympathize with the young man's loss. She looked away out of embarrassment and said, "I'm sorry."

Takeo cleared his throat again. He seemed to be adopting that mannerism since he arrived at Aoshi's doorstep, "What is you relationship with my daughter?"

Aoshi returned his gaze towards him, "She's…" for the first time; he didn't know what to answer. She's my girlfriend now, sir. Now, that didn't sound good enough. In fact, he might get killed if he ever dared to answer with that. But not doing so… didn't that make him a coward? Shinomori Aoshi was no coward!

Why should he be afraid? And with this reasoning, Aoshi answered, "We're out of the professional relationship standard. I… I love your daughter si—" but before he could continue, he was abruptly cut off by Asako's sudden whimper.

"Liar! How can you say that in front of me?" Asako faked a cry and buried her face against her hands, "Oh please, stop lying, Aoshi… tell them the truth!"

Whoa, now what the hell was going on?

Aoshi glared at Asako. Obviously, she's putting up a show. But for what purpose?

"I forbid you from seeing my daughter," Takeo stated, almost as if it was a law everyone had to follow.

The blue-eyed doctor suddenly felt speechless on what was happening in front of him.

"Loving two women at the same time, how preposterous!" Kyoko suddenly muttered, "I'm sorry, Shinomori-san but you have no other choice. I suggest that you take care of your fiancé and forget about my daughter. We're taking her away from the moment she arrives here."

Fiance? Who? And then Asako suddenly caught his attention. Great, they thought Asako was his fiancé… and that he was making a fool out of their daughter. No wonder both parents appeared angry at his doorstep. They think he was a womanizer, a good-for-nothing liar. His hands suddenly felt itchy. He wanted to kill Asako right then and there.

"You will not see her again, do you understand?" Takeo gravely said.

He was the one who was lied to, and yet they're ordering him not to follow his happiness. How did things turn out this way? The thought of not seeing Kaoru brought various emotions within him. He was angry, annoyed and disappointed all at the same time.

In the midst of Aoshi's thinking, Kyoko stood up and exclaimed, "Kaoru! My baby, what did he do to you?"

End of Flashback…

Asako then excused herself and went to the lavatory. She did not know that Kaoru silently followed behind, taking off her hat and entering the vast bathroom.

She found Asako there, washing her hands.

"Tachibana."

Asako raised her head and upon facing the mirror, she saw Kaoru's reflection standing behind her with arms crossed. "Kamiya." She muttered in return, feeling quite surprised. She turned around and freely eyed Kaoru from head to toe, "Well, I'm not expecting to see you here."

Kaoru scowled, "I could say the same thing."

Asako sighed and began to observe her nails, "What do you want?"

Kaoru's scowl deepened, "How dare you…" she angrily seethed, wanting nothing more but to scour her vain face down the sink. "What have I done to you?"

Asako snorted, "You're asking what, Kaoru-san? Hmm… let's see… oh yeah, you're a hindrance to my blossoming relationship with Aoshi! Yeah, that's why…" a cruel smirk pulled the corners of her mouth. The tightening of Kaoru's fists amused her. "Without you, Aoshi's all mine…"

Kaoru rolled her eyes, "Really? Well, did it work?"

Asako's eyes narrowed, "Are you mocking me?"

"Maybe."

"Stop it!"

"C'mon, Asako! Aoshi doesn't have any interest in you, why can't you accept that?"

"Shut up!"

"Do you think separating me from him would do you any better?" Kaoru uncrossed her arms, beginning to get angry.

Asako gritted her teeth, "You don't know what you're talking about."

"Pretending to be his fiancé and telling lies to my parents is low, Tachibana-san." Kaoru looked at her coolly. All the pain she'd felt for days was suddenly ice cold. She then shrugged her shoulders, "The thing is I just don't see the point. Aoshi doesn't like you. Why bother? It's useless."

Asako looked awfully annoyed as her hands started to shake, "It's not useless! In fact, without you around, it'll be much easier to make Aoshi fall in love with me."

"And by doing so, you have to hurt two people who haven't done anything wrong to you, is that it?" Kaoru was way beyond angry now, "You're making a fool out of yourself! Can't you see?"

"What do you mean?" Asako bitterly questioned.

"That despite of all your efforts, you're the loser in the end. You never won, Asako." She stood there staring at her and she looked at her in total silence, searching for words with which to answer. For a long moment, she found none. "Truth hurts, doesn't it?"

"Shut up!" finally snapping out, Asako rushed towards her and was about to slap her. But Kaoru was much faster to block her hand and slapped her instead. Asako stood there, shock evident on her face, slowly rubbing the cheek Kaoru smacked.

Relief rushed through her from giving that final blow. Kaoru too was overwhelmed on what she just did. But that was acted out of impulse. Taking a deep breath, she raised her chin and straightened her white top. "I hope that wakes you up." she turned on her heels and walked out of the bathroom. She left Asako there, staring off in space and caressing her reddening cheek.

As Kaoru marched her way towards the kitchen, a smile lazily graced her face.

God that felt wonderful!

TBC

Quick A/N: Thanks WhiteRabbit5 for beta-reading this one. You're the best! And thanks for those who continuously reads and reviews ABO. Luv ya guys!

A/N From last chapter:

WTF Happened?

-Oookay, I know you all might be wondering what happened with ABO's 29 chappies. Er... as you can see ABO now only contains 15 chapters... I asked two of my beta-readers, (Tina & Mandy) to edit each chapters. And the next thing I knew, they only e-mailed me 15 MS doc. It's because they jammed two chapters in one. Urgh! Now I only got 15 chapters for this fic (Ate Tina, lagot ka sa kin! &!). Never fear, dear readers. ABO's still the same... except for some minor changes. Sorry for confusing you guys!