"So did you do as I asked?" Tsukasa repeated.
Stephanie turned completely around and lowered her head slightly, her long brown hair falling over her eyes.
"Yes I did."
Meanwhile in an unseen corner of the hall Katsuya watched the whole scene tensely, taking in the appearance of Seitarou Nakagami as he leaned against the wall next to the bookstore door.
"But I don't understand why" Stephanie continued, "How could you betray me like this?"
"Hmm. You know why."
"No I don't."
"I think it should be obvious" he grinned knowingly to which she cringed back in mock fear.
"Why that little" Reiji said as he stood near Katsuya.
"Reiji?" Kaye replied back in a surprised and somewhat irritated whisper.
"I knew he couldn't be trusted."
"Would you be quiet," Kaye said in a hissed whisper this time as he covered his cousin's mouth.
"What are you doing?" Reiji asked in a muffled voice.
"He'll hear you."
"Hmm? Who will hear me?"
Katsuya indicated his eyes towards Seitarou who was leaning in closer to the bookstore to listen.
"Nakagami?" Reiji said slowly as Kaye removed his hand from his mouth, "What the?"
"Shh!" Kaye urged as they continued to watch.
"Now that you've got what you wanted" Stephanie replied loudly, "Why don't you just leave me alone?"
"I'm afraid I can't do that" Tsukasa shook his head.
"Huh?"
"Now that you and Sohma have broken up, you're available. Therefore" Tsukasa moved forward and grabbed her arm, "You belong to me now."
"Why that low down rotten son of a" but Reiji didn't get to finish because once again Katsuya had covered his loud mouth, " Katsuya. What the hell is going on?"
"Shh!" Kaye repeated, " I said. Be quiet," he warned.
"Mmm" Reiji grumbled and rolled his eyes slightly.
"You know what will happen if you don't comply don't you?" Tsukasa went on drawing her closer.
Stephanie closed her eyes and shook.
"I have to go now. It's time for class. But I want you to meet me after school. We have a lot to talk about so you'd better show up. You understand" he looked her straight in the eye dangerously.
"Mhm."
"And not a word to Sohma or his sister. Or you know what will happen" he let go of her arm.
"I understand" she nodded.
"Until later my sweet" he chuckled menacingly and then left the room joining Seitarou in the hall.
"Well?"
"Piece of cake" Tsukasa grinned as they moved away from the bookstore.
"I got to hand it to you Tsukasa, I'm impressed."
"Thanks. But keep something in mind Seitarou."
"Hmm?"
"She's mine. You try to betray me in anyway by taking her and I'll kill you" he added with a sly grin as he walked away leaving Seitarou walking behind him stunned by his proclamation.
Katsuya removed his hand from Reiji's mouth once more and frowned slightly.
"Of all the. He's joined with Nakagami?" Reiji started to say but a third time Katsuya covered his mouth, "Katsuya why do you keep doing that?" he asked in a muffled yell.
"Come with me" Kaye pulled him away from the hall and towards the back of the school.
(Next Scene)
Reiji struggled in Katsuya's grasp till they reached an area toward the trees.
"What the heck has gotten into you today?" he demanded as he let him go.
"Shh!"
"I will not shush! You've been telling me to shush for at least fifteen minutes now" he crossed his arms.
"Just lower your voice then" Kaye said his finger to his lips, "Someone will hear you."
"Fine" Reiji grumbled, "What's going on?"
Katsuya took a few minutes to explain to Reiji all he had seen. They were both sitting by the end of the explanation.
"An act? What do you mean it's just an act?"
"It's exactly as I said. Tsukasa has not joined Seitarou. Not really."
"But I. Okay I'm confused" Reiji shook his head.
Katsuya sighed.
"Okay. It's like this. Do you remember when we heard about Yotaro Sohma's journal?"
"That book everyone seems to be looking for? Yea what about it?"
"Well it just so happens that Seitarou Nakagami is the one who has it."
"Huh?"
"When Tsukasa found that out he came up with a plan. The first part of the plan was simple. All he had to do was convince Seitarou Nakagami that he wanted to join forces."
"Uh huh?" Reiji nodded as if wanting him to continue.
"The second part was up to me and Stephanie. In order to convince Nakagami that Tsukasa's on the level. That was accomplished this morning."
"Wai wai wait. Let me get this straight. Are you telling me that whole break up thing was an act too?" he said back stunned.
"Well duh Reiji. Of course. I would never do something like that. Break up with her in front of everyone and embarrassing her. I would never do that. Not that I wanted to break up with her to begin with."
"But it all looked so real, I mean she was crying and everything."
"Yea" Kaye lowered his head slightly, "I think I was a bit too convincing. Anyway it was still an act."
"And that thing with Tsukasa in the bookstore?" Reiji said.
"All part of it" Kaye nodded, "That's why Nakagami was watching it making sure that Tsukasa went through with it."
"Well why didn't you tell me about it? Why did you keep me in the dark? I could have pretended."
"Yours and Sakura's reaction was priceless" Kaye shook his head, "I couldn't have gotten that kind of reaction out of you if I had told you."
"Well we were, surprised."
"That was the point. I had to be convincing. Even to the point of convincing the two of you that I would ever do something like that."
"So that's what happened this morning?" Sakura replied popping up.
"AHH!" Kaye and Reiji shouted and jumped slightly as she came from behind the tree.
"Sakura, don't scare me like that" Kaye said catching his breath.
"Sorry about that little brother. But I must say you had me fooled" she smiled, "You and that girlfriend of yours are both superb actors."
Katsuya sighed.
"How long have you been there?"
"Long enough to hear your whole brilliant scheme."
"Thanks. Well now that you two know do you guys think you can keep up the pretense for the rest of the week?"
"Sure" Reiji nodded, "But why that long?"
"It's only until Nakagami cracks. Until part three comes into play."
"You mean there's more?" Sakura asked.
"We haven't got the journal yet have we? And the next part is going to be even more dangerous" Sakura and Reiji looked at each other as he continued, "But I'm not part of it. It's all up to Tsukasa and Stephanie now."
"Hmm?" Reiji and Sakura continued to look each other as Kaye looked up into the sky with a somber expression.
(Next Scene)
Sakura informed Stephanie at the bookstore around lunchtime about her and Reiji's involvement in knowing the plan. That afternoon she walked with Tsukasa to the main gate trying to avoid the gossip and the angry glares as she passed with him. When they reached the gate Tsukasa took her arm as he saw Seitarou.
"Come on" he hissed, "We're going to town. Move it!" he pulled her along.
When they finally reached a small café and sat down he glanced around him quickly.
"Doesn't look like we were followed," he said in his normal voice and then sighing in relief, "I didn't hurt you today did I?" he asked in concern indicating her arm.
"No" she shook her head with a smile, "You didn't grab me that hard."
"Good" he smiled back, "But I could tell that when I arrived at the bookstore that you had been crying. Are you all right?"
"Oh that. Well I guess Katsuya was so good this morning I overreacted. I just couldn't stop crying."
"I'm sorry. It's all my fault for asking you to do this."
"No. It's all right. I know it's just an act. So what happens now?"
"Well" he crossed his arms, "That's the surprising part. Seitarou wants you to come over this weekend."
"That soon?" she said surprised.
"Yes. That's what I thought. But the sooner we get the journal the better right? I was thinking Saturday after school would be the best time."
"Hmm. And you're certain that we can accomplish this?"
"Yes. If all goes the same way it has been going. So far everything is going pretty good at the mansion."
"Well that's good to know."
"Give Katsuya an update when you call him. Oh I almost forgot. You'll have to keep in contact with me by my cell phone number. Just in case Seitarou's tapped my phone."
"Mhm. I should get home now" she stood up with her bag.
"Okay" he nodded, "See you tomorrow."
She nodded back and then departed the café as he gave another heavy sigh.
(Next Scene)
Takara straightened her dress out as her father appeared at her bedroom door.
"You ready to go sweetie?" he asked.
"Uh huh" she nodded with a grin, "I sure am."
They both walked out into the hall just as Katsuya came in the front door.
"Hey you guys" Kaye replied, "You going out somewhere?"
"Yes" Yuki nodded, "I'm taking Takara to meet the woman I've been seeing for the last couple of weeks and her two sons."
"Yep. We're going to dinner at the new pizza place" Takara added.
"Oh. Well have fun" Kaye waved as Yuki opened the door.
"Make sure to let your mother know Katsuya" Yuki said as they departed.
"I will" Kaye nodded, "Huh. Imagine that," he replied as he walked into his bedroom to start his homework.
(Next Scene)
Since they were meeting Motoko and her two sons in Kyoto that evening Yuki and Takara walked into town holding onto each other's hands.
"I think you'll like this place Takara" Yuki replied, "There's even a section in there where you can play video games if you want."
"Really?"
"Mhm. That's why I chose it."
"Do you think she'll like me?"
"She's been talking about meeting you for a week and nothing else. I think she'll like you fine" he nodded so they walked into the doors of the small restaurant.
Inside it was decorated very casually and in a small section of the place the video games were in plain view. Yuki and Takara located a booth and sat down. Soon Yuki spotted Motoko and her two boys moving towards them so he stood up followed by Takara who stood shyly by her father.
"Good evening Motoko" Yuki bowed.
"Hello there Yuki" she bowed back her cheeks a little pink because she still wasn't used to him calling her by her first name, "Boys say hello to Mr. Sohma. These are my sons" she replied as they stepped forward, "Hajime and Kenta."
"A pleasure to meet you Mr. Sohma" the two boys bowed their heads politely in unison their jet-black hair shining.
"The pleasures all mine" Yuki grinned, "Please allow me to introduce my daughter Takara" he placed her in front of him.
"Nice to meet you" she bowed her head with a smile.
"Wow" the two boys thought their brown eyes shining, "She's so cute."
"It's nice to finally meet you too Takara" Motoko replied.
"A pleasure as well Ms. Minagawa" Takara said back.
"Well now that we've gotten acquainted, "Why don't you kids go play some games and we'll order dinner for you?"
"Okay" Takara nodded, "C'mon you guys" she said taking Kenta's hand gently.
"Sure" he replied back blushing.
"Hey. I saw her first," Hajime grumbled taking her other arm as they both led her towards the video games.
"I think my boys like your daughter" Motoko laughed as they sat down, "She looks just like you."
"Actually I think she looks more like her mother. Especially now that she's getting older. Your boys are quite handsome."
"Thank you. They take after their father though."
"Oh right. You were telling me about him. Tell me did you meet him in college?"
"Well no. Actually you're gonna think this is kind of funny" she smiled a bit nervously, "I knew him in high school."
"High school?" Yuki said surprised.
"Uh huh. We met each other again in college about two years later."
"And did I know him?"
"Well yea, you did. You served under him when he was student council president."
"Uh" Yuki's mouth suddenly went dry, "You mean you married"
"That's right" she nodded, "Mokoto Takai."
"President Takai?" Yuki replied shocked his eyes wide.
"Mhm. You remember we were going out a little in the last year of high school. Well we saw each other in our second year in college and hooked up again. But you know how that turned out."
"I see" Yuki chuckled really nervous now, "I can't believe this" he thought, "She was married to that idiot?"
"Daddy" Takara appeared at his side.
"Huh?" he replied abruptly taken out of his thoughts.
"Can I have some more money?" she asked sweetly.
"Oh of course" he handed her the coins.
"Thanks dad" she giggled running back over to the boys.
"No problem" he waved.
(Next Scene)
When dinner was over Yuki and Takara said goodbye to Motoko and the boys promising to see them again soon. When they arrived home Takara went to her room to get ready for bed while Yuki with a heavy sigh walked into the sitting room where he found Kyo and Tohru sitting with each other on the sofa.
"Hey damn rat" Kyo replied.
"How was dinner?" Tohru asked as he flopped into the chair.
"Well" Yuki said, "Really quite interesting" he began to tell them all her had found out and Kyo rolled his eyes slightly.
"You're kidding me right?" Kyo replied.
"I wish I was."
"Imagine that. She married President Takai" Tohru said giggling a little.
"That stupid guy that was always walking around the school calling himself the Captain of the campus defense force? The one who Haru almost hung out to dry for picking on Momiji?" Kyo added with a huff.
"The very same" Yuki nodded.
"Well I don't see what the problem is" Tohru said.
"The problem is what if I meet him again. It's more than likely that I might."
"So? What's your point?" Kyo replied.
'The point is, he's the one who wanted the divorce from her because he was cheating on her. But he got custody of the kids because he had the money and she didn't. If I ever saw him again I would have to tell him one for. I'm not exactly that quiet introverted guy that I was in high school anymore."
"That's true" Tohru nodded, "Yuki is a lot more open now."
"Hmph" Kyo smiled, "Probably would serve the guy right."
They all laughed and as he moved back to his room Katsuya smiled himself as he listened to them. He sighed heavily and walked into his room and saw his cell phone vibrating on his table so he ran over to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Hi" Stephanie said slowly, "It's me."
"Hey" he sat on his bed with a look of worry on his face, "I was hoping I would hear from you. Are you okay?" he asked her gently.
"I'm fine. How about you?"
"I'm all right. Listen baby, I have to apologize to you."
"What for?"
"For making you cry like that. I didn't mean to be that convincing."
"That's okay. It added realism to it."
"Still I felt really bad. I don't want to make you cry. Even if it is just an act."
"Kaye I'm fine. I know you didn't mean those things, so it's okay."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. But I appreciate the apology just the same."
"So what happens now?"
"Well" she sighed as she leaned back on her pillow, "Apparently Seitarou wants to see me and Tsukasa this weekend."
"That soon? Boy that was fast."
"I know. But if you think about it the sooner we do this, the sooner we can stop all this acting and things can go back to normal."
"Semi normal" he joked, "It would be boring otherwise" she giggled, "Speaking of which Sakura and I want to help."
"How?"
"You're gonna need backup right? So this is my idea. While you and Tsukasa distract Nakagami and retrieve the journal, she and I will be your backup down below so we can take care of whatever obstacles might stand in your way and then you can escape."
"That sounds like a good idea. I'll feel better knowing you're down there. I'll have to run it by Tsukasa first but I am sure he won't mind."
"All right. I should probably go now. It's getting late."
"Mhm."
"Again honey, I am so sorry."
"Please stop apologizing Kaye. It's all right. This'll all be over soon."
"Yea. I can't wait until then."
"Mhm. Goodnight Kaye."
"Goodnight sweetie. I love you."
"I love you too" she replied and he hung up the phone.
"So it was an act?" Takara asked her hands on her hips as she stood in the doorframe.
Katsuya grinned.
"You too?" he asked before she tackled him with a hug.
Meanwhile at the Kamiya residence Stephanie was busy dialing another number quickly.
"I hope he's up," she thought.
(Next Scene)
"Mhm" Tsukasa nodded, "Sure. It sounds good to me too. I'm keeping my voice down" he answered, "He is on the other side of the house but I am not taking any chances. No, not yet. Mhm. Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight" he clicked the phone off and stared straight ahead at the large room he was sitting in as he rested his back against the large pillows on his bed.
"Seitarou has been very evasive with me" he thought, "But it's probably because he doesn't trust me completely yet. I don't know how much more of this I can keep up" he stood from his bed and looked out the stained glass door at the wind that was blowing ferociously outside knocking the braches in the trees around, "But if I can be so convincing on Saturday we may get even more then just the journal. I hate to say this" he closed his eyes, "But I am gonna have to double my efforts and make myself behave even worse then he does. If" he took a deep breath, "I have the nerve that is" he sighed.
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: Here's the next. I'm glad that you're enjoying the book!
Next Chapter: Chapter Five: Different Outcome then Expected
Tsukasa and Stephanie meet Seitarou at the mansion in order to retrieve the missing journal unaware that the plan they have conceived is gonna take many different turns then what they originally intended. See what happens next time!