IMPORTANT NOTE: I do not own anything
CHAPTER 6
The hall inside the Mishima Zaibatsu, where the reception was going to take place was decorated with lots of flowers and ribbons. The flowers were enough colored just to create an elegant atmosphere inside. Not too much color, since the "party" was held by a respectable company as the Mishima Zaibatsu. The decorators believed that more flamboyant flowers would ruin the image of the company. There were a lot of people, especially women, who complimented the choice and unique aroma, though. Something similar was happening with the ribbons. All in all, a party coming from the Mishima Zaibatsu was complimented for both the decoration and the music. Oh! And the buffet was quite satisfying enough to fit everyone's tastes. Actually, what was the reason behind this gathering? What was Heihachi Mishima hoping for?
Cheers!
Two men clinked their glasses filled with some champagne. Both of them had a satisfied smile on their faces, especially the older one. Suddenly, a woman walked to their direction and placed her arm lovingly around her husband's. She gave a faint smile to the man opposite them. It was true that she was here just out of obligation since she couldn't possibly leave her husband go to a party without a partner. She raised her glass and he did the same…
"Mishima-san, I've greeted almost everyone in your party and they comment on how capable your grandson seems. They…no…all of us expect big things from him, right dear?" said the woman and glanced at her husband, who gave her a nod…
"Hphm…That's expected from him. I was the one, who tutored him. And more importantly…He is my grandson."
"Hehe…You mean that it's hereditary?" said jokingly the man opposite him making his wife smile as well…
…
Jin Kazama was leaning his body on an empty wall inside the hall. It was a good thing that it wasn't lit up and people couldn't see him. His head was still filled with the thoughts he had some hours ago. And who could blame him? At least, he was the one, who believed that every man would feel the same way as he was right now. However, he didn't doubt Xiaoyu…He smiled when her face entered his mind…All the other people, who were surrounding her, especially these with ulterior motives towards her, were considered a "threat" to him. Jin had lost a lot of things in his life till now. His parents, the peaceful high school life as a normal student and the person he loved…but now that he came back he took the decision to reclaim almost everything…
He woke up from his thoughts when he overheard a conversation concerning him. Well, all of the attendants were talking about him but not in front of Heihachi. He closed his eyes when he heard his grandfather talking like he was his possession. If he was to see things clearly…someone could say that he did belong to him. Acting as his puppet…
"You mean that it's hereditary?"
Jin heard the man's question. A smirk crossed his lips and mumbled to himself… "Let's see what you're gonna say here, old man. All these people know of father."
"Well…Not exactly. Sometimes we can skip a generation." Heihachi answered and made Jin roll his eyes.
"He's so ridiculous…So pathetic…I can't believe he actually said that." He thought to himself and left his lonely dark wall.
…
The Japanese man looked around him and felt his head getting heavy. He sighed noticing the tiredness consuming his body and made his way to the balcony for some fresh air. The gentle wind messed slightly his black hair. He raised his head to look at the night sky full of stars.
"Such a starry sky, eh? No wonder…I saw Xiao today…I'm selfish, aren't I mother? I want her to be thinking only of me. I'm asking too much, right?" A sad small smile appeared on his lips. There were no answers, since his dear mother Jun wasn't with him. He hoped that his father was taking good care of her. Even though, it hurt…He never regretted his decision of following this man. It was the only choice for all of them anyway. The only good thing that happened since he came with him in Tokyo was his friends and Xiaoyu, of course…
A sudden meek pat on his shoulder took his attention and turned his head behind him. A young woman was standing in front of him. He knew why she was here and sighed in the inside. Was he going to say "No" for…who knows? The tenth time tonight? His expression didn't change and just waited for the girl to say what she had to…
"K-Kazama-san, would you like to dance?"
"No." Jin's answer was blunt and straight to her face…
Her shoulders fell and before she was ready to walk away, she noticed a tall man standing beside her. He glanced at her for a moment and smiled at her…
"Jin, why don't you dance with this beautiful young lady?"
"Not even close to Xiao. I have already said no. Thanks for the invitation though…Miss?"
"Jin!"
Jin lowered his eyebrows and his lips turned downwards. He ran a hand through his hair and in the end looked at the woman… "My apologies, I just arrived in Tokyo and I'm here for busyness, anyway. I don't have time for…entertainment. Let alone a dance with a woman I don't know. Now, if you'll excuse me." He bowed slightly leaving the woman behind alongside his grandfather…
"Like I'll let you set me up with whoever is after money…or you wanting their money."
Heihachi watched him walking away and smirked mysteriously. He turned his attention to the young woman and said… "Don't mind him, my dear."
"Did I do anything?"
"He's just a workaholic…well…Maybe, that's partially my fault but follow me…I'll find a better suitor for you."
…
A man dressed in a dark blue suit entered the Mishima Zaibatsu's party after showing his invitation to the bodyguards, of course. He looked specifically around the hall as if he was searching for something…or someone. He started to walk further inside as he was greeting the people he was passing by. A waiter approached him and offered him a drink. He nodded his head and took a glass of wine from the tray…
"Oh, thank you." He said to the waiter, who bowed to him and walked away…
However, he wasn't here to drink tonight. His eyes took notice of the beautiful red color and wondered how tasty it would feel inside his mouth. Such a waste. A disappointed frown appeared on his face and placed the glass on the closest table. He spotted the man, who he knew he was going to see tonight. As expected, even though he fit perfectly inside the crowd, his aura still emitted a heart too pure for the "world" he was going to start living in. He nodded to himself and looked away only for his eyes to fall upon a man, he wasn't actually happy to see. He tightened his fists at the sight of him but soon enough, he managed to control his nerves. Unexpectedly, a smile crossed his lips…
"So…Both of them are here. It's somehow convenient." He muttered to himself…
He took his cell phone outside his pocket and looked at the time. He had to leave soon but he still…He had to greet, at least, the CEO of the company. With this thought, he started walking towards Jin, who stopped when he noticed the man approaching him. Jin wondered what he actually wanted. Even, he could tell that he wasn't a possible work partner as the rest of the people inside there. He saw him smiling slightly at him and noticed him extending his hand in a handshake. The young man returned the handshake and waited for him to introduce himself…
"It's an honor to be able to meet the new and youngest CEO of the Mishima Zaibatsu. I was actually curious, I bet you heard this today quite a lot of times, didn't you, Kazama-san?"
Jin nodded in the inside but he wasn't in the mood to begin a conversation with someone, who hasn't even told him his name… "Who are you?" he asked…
The older man opposite him smirked and took out of his pocket a card with his name and contact information. He handed it to Jin, who took it in his hands…
"Here. My name and contact information. Be sure to keep it safe, ok? And especially away from the man you're forced to call your grandfather."
Jin raised an eyebrow as he was listening to what he was telling him. That guy was definitely there for something else…but how did he manage to get in inside here? He, soon, heard him again…
"Anyway…It's time for me to take my leave. Farewell, and I hope I'll hear from you soon." He bowed slightly in front of him but he suddenly said… "By the way, I see that you're not really into the party. The best way to endure it is to get drunk but I don't really recommend you to do that…You can at least have a drink. Make sure you choose it yourself, though, ok? You seem smart and I bet you know that a lot of people here consider you a threat and they might want to get rid of you in the future or sooner. Who knows how are they going to do that? So keep your eyes open."
This time, he turned his back at him and raised his hand… "Goodnight, Kazama-san. Make sure you remember what I said. . ."
Jin watched him walking outside the hall and he looked once again at the card this man gave him before placing it inside his pocket…
"Hmm…What's with him?"
…
Knock, knock…
Someone was knocking continuously on the door of the two girls' dorm. Ling Xiaoyu was startled for a moment, since she was half-sleeping on the couch while having the TV open. She sighed and looked around her. Even she didn't notice how long she's been sleeping. She rubbed her eyes with her hands and stoop up making her way to the front door. Someone knocked once again…
"Just a moment already!" she said irritated…
The young girl unlocked and opened the door. She rolled her eyes when she saw who was standing in front of her. The person opposite her smiled and showed to her some bags… "We're back, Xiaoyu."
A sigh escaped her mouth but in the end, she smiled when she noticed that the girl, who was looking up to her like an older sister was staring at her. She stepped aside and the two walked inside the house…
"I can see that." Xiaoyu closed the door once again and locked it… "And anyway, you have your own keys. Why did you have to wake me up?"
Asuka Kazama placed the bags she was holding on the floor and took off her shoes. She looked at her friend's face and indeed, that was a face a person, who just woke up would have. But that wasn't like Xiaoyu. She was usually going to sleep later than her. And now that she thought better of this…Xiaoyu should have still been at work. Good thing…for Alisa and herself…that she wasn't, since if she did, they would be standing out there waiting for her to come back. Asuka's eyes took notice of a bandage around Xiaoyu's ankle. She pointed at it and asked her…
"Say…What's with the bandage?"
Asuka's question took Alisa's attention, who kneeled down to check on her one-san's injury. Xiaoyu looked at her leg and smiled. She had completely forgotten about it, since it was the last thing she cared about back there and anyway, it didn't hurt that bad. She touched the bandage and said…
"You mean this? It's nothing really…I…just…tripped inside the flower shop."
Xiaoyu looked at the floor to avoid any eye contact with her friends. Managing a carefree expression, she raised her head and walked further inside. Asuka raised an eyebrow confused. Indeed, her friend didn't seem seriously injured since she was walking normally but she was sure that something definitely happened…Not necessarily bad but still…
Xiaoyu walked to Alisa's direction and touched her shoulders. She felt bad since she worried her for yet another time… "Alisa? How was it? Did you have fun you two?"
Alisa looked away and pursed her lips. Xiaoyu released her and crossed her arms. She glanced at Asuka, who started taking out the content of the bags. She saw her biting her upper lip and nodded to herself. She made Alisa look at her and smiled to her… "Asuka, would you mind telling me what happened? Alisa seems a little tensed. Didn't you have fun?"
Asuka scratched the back of her head and said looking towards the window… "Well…I did…Alisa on the other hand."
"Tsk…What's with you? I asked you for a favor to do something Alisa would like. I even paid for it."
This made her friend look at her… "Oh yes! How come you left money? I noticed before we were ready to leave."
"Seriously?" Suddenly, Xiaoyu smiled warmly and Alisa placed her arm around Xiaoyu's… "Alisa is my little sister. It's my responsibility and happiness to take care of her."
"Happiness you said…You sure are good with words."
"Asuka!"
The Japanese girl ignored her and continued doing what she did before. Xiaoyu caressed Alisa's arm and frowned… "Say, Alisa…What kind of bullshit did she make you watch?"
Alisa released her friend and tightened her fists making Asuka roll her eyes. What's the big deal already? Nowadays, these movies are nothing special. Watching a cliché romantic bullshit comedy would be much more painful in the eyes. Well…at least for Asuka…
"It was a movie with lots of blood and…and zombies, Xiao-onesan. It was scary!"
"It's ok now, Allie." Said Xiaoyu caressing her pink hair…
On the other hand, Asuka couldn't bear it any longer. So overdramatic...these two…
"Oh come on, already! Alisa's just too sensitive."
"Ok, ok…Let's say that it's just Alisa being sensitive. I'm not but still…I hate these movies. No scenario, no point."
"It's still better than those romantic comedies…So gross!"
A desperate sigh escaped Xiaoyu's lips. Asuka was always like that. By first glance someone could tell what kind of person Alisa was but she still had to do something like that… "Whatever you say…Anyway, Alisa next time, all three of us will go to the cinema and watch something you're gonna choose, alright?"
Alisa smiled excitedly and followed Xiaoyu inside. The two sat on the couch after asking from Asuka to make some tea for all of them. Soon enough, Asuka walked to the living room and served the tea to all of them. She took her cup in her hands and sat on the sofa opposite the couch, where Alisa and Xiaoyu were sitting. She watched Xiaoyu helping Alisa hold properly the cup and what kind of cupcake to choose. Indeed, someone could tell that Xiaoyu was Alisa's "onesan" and she was very good at it. However, it was something else that took her attention. Her friend seemed brighter or calmer in a way. There was another aura around the young woman. Well…even if a clueless person like Asuka Kazama noticed this, then, there was a possibility that it was true…
"Xiaoyu?" she called her…
"How is your injury?"
"Umm…well…It's fine. As I said, it didn't really hurt but since my boss is a worrywart, she insisted for me to go home. That's a nice woman for you, right?"
Alisa gave her a nod. She would like to meet that person, who helped her friend and thank her, as well. Asuka placed a cupcake inside her mouth and after swallowing it, she asked again… "Whatever…You seem fine. But I have to say that you're awfully in a good mood. What happened?"
"What made you assume that?"
"Well, for starters, you didn't "scold" me for leaving the bathroom's door open." She said pointing at the bathroom…
Xiaoyu shrugged her shoulders… "Good mood? I'm normal or I mean…And anyway, why do you think that I'm always in a bad mood? Alisa's making me happy?"
"Is that so?" said Asuka suspiciously…
"I'm normal!"
"Really…Ok, then. If you insist."
The black haired girl bit her lips and looked at the liquid inside her cup. Asuka was acting weird today…Towards her, though. On the other hand, Alisa felt the heavy atmosphere and decided to change the subject… "Umm…Xiao-onesan, Asuka-san has some good news. She's very happy!"
"Alisa?! Why did you…" said Asuka with a blush on her face…
"Oh really? Why don't you share it with me, Asuka?" asked Xiaoyu smirking mockingly at her…
"Well…" she muttered rubbing her nape…
Xiaoyu looked at the clock on the opposite wall and said looking first at Alisa and then, Asuka… "Wait a minute! Why don't we go have a bath the three of us? What do you said, Alisa? Asuka can tell me during our bath."
Alisa gave her a big smile and nodded… "Sure!"
"Let's go!" Xiaoyu and Alisa stood up quickly and made their way to the bathroom… "Hurry up, Asuka!"
Asuka sighed but in the end, smiled. She remembered Lili's promise and was looking forward to that day. Yeah! She was going to tell Xiaoyu everything. She stood up but stopped for a moment again thinking of Alisa… "Just a second there…Is that girl able to bathe? Well…She does eat, has things she fears, feelings…and not to mention the most important…She TALKS." She shrugged her shoulders and mumbled while making her way to the bathroom… "Well, who cares?"
…
Inside the bathroom, Xiaoyu was laughing with Alisa, who was washing her hair. Asuka was cleaning Alisa's back and it was in the same time annoyed that she was the only one, who didn't have anyone do something for her. It was surely, a payback coming from Xiaoyu. However, she didn't say anything, since she noticed how sincerely happy her friend was because of her news. Suddenly, she took notice of Xiaoyu's torso and placed a finger under her chin…
"Say, Xiaoyu."
Xiaoyu turned to look at her and raised an eyebrow… "What is it?"
"Well…" Asuka pointed at the area she was interested in and asked… "Wasn't your breast a little smaller than this? I mean…It still can't be compared to mines…But, you know…"
"Are you asking out of curiosity or to make me angry?"
"Pure curiosity."
Xiaoyu looked in front of her once again and breathed out… "It was always like that but you've never seen me naked before so…you don't know. I'm always wearing a minimizer."
"Huh? Why for you to do that? I mean…"
"Stop pissing me off, Asuka Kazama."
"So?"
"Well…I don't know…I could say that it just became a habit."
Asuka raised an eyebrow and walked to her side. She kneeled beside her and waited for her to continue…
"How come?"
"You see…My fighting style required me to move fast up and down…And since I wanted to keep my chest in shape and not having it jiggle…I ended up wearing them."
Asuka stayed silent for a moment. She brought her hands together and looked seriously Xiaoyu deep in her eyes… "You're doing what?"
"Keep my…chest…in shape?"
"You're fighting?!"
Xiaoyu closed her eyes and buried her head inside her hands. She felt Asuka shaking her. Alisa wondered how Asuka didn't know. Weren't they friends? And Xiao-onesan was fighting so beautifully.
"Yo, Xiaoyu! Why didn't you say anything?"
"Oh fuck, it slipped…A well-kept secret is now revealed. I didn't because I don't intend to use it, except as self-defense. And for obvious reasons, since you're always picking a fight."
"Huh?! I do not."
She looked at her and patted her lap… "Sorry…But you do."
"No!"
"Yes!"
"No, no, no…I'm not the monster you want to make me look like. I'm…"
Xiaoyu stood up and walked behind Alisa taking the wet sponge in her hand… "Just keep arguing with yourself…Come on, Allie! I'll wash you."
"Thanks a lot, Xiao-onesan."
…
The mysterious man in the dark blue suit entered a well-known bar in Tokyo. He sat on his usual table by himself but he would always welcome a possible company. He was a regular there and all the waiters and waitresses knew what he was drinking. However, tonight he was here to taste the red wine he craved from back there inside the Mishima Zaibatsu's party. It was a good thing that the bar was quiet this time. Since, he was waiting for a call and it was way too cold outside to wait for it out of the bar. As he was thinking of it, his cellphone was heard and he looked at the caller. He smirked as expected and answered the call…
"Oh! Punctual as always…Hey, why don't just accept my compliment with a mere "Thank you"?...Whatever…Uh…Yes. I met him…not only him, though but it doesn't matter for now…Was it that obvious? The tone in my voice, I mean…Anyway, on our subject. You were right. That guy sure is interesting…and, definitely sharp…It's like I'm getting curious to see what's gonna happen…Fine, fine…I'm closing, then…Ok, goodnight."
The man dropped the call and placed his phone inside his pocket. He waved at the waitress and said… "Tonight, I'd like to have some red wine…Your best if possible, ok?"
The young woman smiled and gave him a nod…
"I wish I could stay a little longer at that party…Tsk…But work…is always work. Can't be helped."
…
The elevator's door opened and Jin Kazama alongside his grandfather entered his office. He turned on one of the lights and stepped aside for Heihachi to walk inside. Even though, it was irritating and humiliating, Jin still was doing his best to act as the obedient grandson. Almost all of the times, he was succeeding. However, Heihachi knew that all this was everything but admiration and respect towards him. He didn't mind it. As long as, he was making Kazuya's son suffer, that was enough to satisfy him...
The older man walked inside and took off his jacket resting it on the black leather couch, which was on his right. Jin closed the door behind him and with quick steps walked passed his grandfather. Heihachi stopped him by grabbing his shoulder and the man shot him a hateful glare. It was true though, that Jin sometimes couldn't hide his feelings from him. He still had to work on that, since that was making him seem weak in front of Heihachi…
His grandfather released him and Jin tried to find his composure. He looked first on the floor and after making sure that he would "act wisely", he raised his head and walked to his office…
"Your attitude was unacceptable tonight. You disappointed me."
"See if I care."
Jin sat on his comfortable chair. He smirked and motioned for Heihachi to sit opposite him. The man watching this first expression of his grandson walked slowly towards his office and sat on the chair. That was interesting, he thought…
The black haired man cleared his throat and said… "You're confusing me, grandfather, even though I believe that I was doing exactly as you said."
He crossed his arms and Heihachi raised an eyebrow… "Hm? Why are you looking at me like that? These parties are not for fun. You said that, don't try to deny it. I greeted every possible partner of ours. I have to say that some of them could be usable for me. I have to think properly on that."
"Jin…Be careful and not ahead of yourself, even though, that's not bad."
"Really? That's a relief." he said and placed his elbows on the chair's arms…
"But…That girl, you rejected, was the daughter of a man I really wanted to…"
"You're forgetting something critical, grandfather." The young man raised his voice interrupting him. He stood up from his chair and made his way to the window, which was viewing the city. People seemed like walking ants from the place he was. Well, on the other hand, Heihachi was a person, who thought of other people as those. That exact time, Jin realized that he had to do the same…
"My attitude couldn't be better and you know it. You just can't accept the fact that they were more intrigued on me than you. Say it interest or curiosity" Suddenly he remembered what the strange man told him… "Or how to get rid of me…I don't particularly care but do not expect from everyone to be busyness partners with you. All their eyes, at least for now, are on me."
Heihachi stayed silent trying to understand his grandson's change of attitude and words. Jin gave him a glance and smiled at his clueless expression. He started walking towards him… "Indeed…This party managed to ignite something within me. You know…A reason to start working like you do. Fulfilling my ambitions to the end."
"Hphm…I believe you drank a lot tonight."
Jin clenched his teeth as he was watching him talk… "In the end, you were right. I shouldn't have taken you with me."
The older man tried to stand up until Jin placed strongly his hand on his shoulder keeping him on his seat. He lowered his head to reach his ear and said in a low voice… "How pathetic…Heihachi. Just remember what you told me once and you will understand."
He raised his head and soon Heihachi looked at him. Jin crossed his arms and smirked arrogantly at him… "Aren't we on the same wavelength, after all?"
…
Three years ago…
"I don't want to go! I'm not coming with you."
When Jin Kazama returned after a tiring day from school, he was summoned to his grandfather's office, the one he had here in the mansion. He greeted him in a respectful way as he was expected and obligated to do and waited for him to talk. Jin never took the initiative in a conversation with his grandfather. He didn't want to say anything, which was possible to turn against him or hurt his parents…and other people. However, this time, he couldn't control his feelings of contradiction and anger. Heihachi ignored Jin's opposition. It was pointless from the young man's side. He knew it himself…but he just couldn't help it…
"I'm not asking you."
He swallowed hard and decided to reason with him hoping for something… "But grandfather…Is it really necessary for me to…"
"Your mother…"
Jin's eyes widened and approached his grandfather's office placing his hands angrily on it. Heihachi smiled when he witnessed how intensely and straight in his eyes Jin was looking at him. This boy was definitely not like his good-for-nothing father…
"What did you do to her…this time?" he asked with a demanding tone in his voice…
"Nothing…" Jin relaxed for a moment and took his hands away from his office… "Your father, though."
Jin knew that this man was just messing with him. Playing with his feelings and patience… "J-Just leave them alone…"
«Mother will die, if something happens to him. » he thought in the inside.
"And what are you going to do for me?" said Heihachi crossing his arms…
The young Jin looked determinately at him. He knew that showing weakness would only make things worse for him.
"Don't expect from me to sit and obey you like one of your servants."
Heihachi shook his head and stood up… "I never wished that…"
"So?"
He started walking towards Jin making him tense up… "Don't think that I actually wanted to take you away but…Here you might face some…distractions."
Jin's eyes widened. He hoped that he wasn't referring to what he thought… «Could it be that we were found out? No…no…We have the same circle of friends. It would be anyone…But I should calm down for now or he might get suspicious. »
"And since I don't want to do as I did with your mother…Meaning, if you do something similar to what your useless father did…You have to be careful."
Jin stayed silent trying to think of something to say. Heihachi lowered his gaze and narrowed his eyes… "Why aren't you saying anything? Or is it…that you have already?"
"No. I don't have the time, even if I wanted to, anyway…" Jin raised his gaze and looked at his grandfather's eyes… "But unlike you, I'm not using people for my own pleasure and amusement."
Heihachi smirked at him and placed his hand on Jin's shoulder… "Well…I always liked that about you, grandson."
His grandfather's words made him purse his lips and made a step back. Heihachi let out a laugh and said once again… "Do you find weird the fact that I called you my grandson? Why?"
Jin gave him a nod and crossed his arms… "Quite obvious…though, I didn't find it weird…I could say more like disgusting. You have disowned my father as your son. Then…Why am I considered your grandson?"
The man smiled at him being everything but angry because of his grandson's obnoxiousness. Jin was confused because of his reaction. Damn! He had to control himself but the day was difficult today. And not only that. He had a fight with Xiaoyu this morning. How was he going to tell her that he's leaving for god knows how long?
"Amazing…As it seems, it was much easier than I expected."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" he asked confusingly…
Heihachi sighed and made his way back to his office. He sat on his chair and looked at the man opposite him…
"Kazuya. You might be the one, he calls his pride…but…Who would have guessed that you took after me?"
"What a joke? How can I resemble you? Me of all people?"
A frown appeared above his eyebrows… "You think?"
Heihachi placed his elbows on his office and said again having a fake proud expression on his face… "You and I, Jin. We are on the same wavelength. The way you look at me. Determination…Confidence…No fear…Hphm! Unlike your weak and useless father. You see that, in the end, I didn't bother with him. Being swept away from a random commoner woman and even having a child with her…No wonder, he was a lost cause from the day he was born. He never expressed his thoughts…feelings. He never looked at me in the eyes, unlike you. That man, you call a father, preferred to always run away."
…
Jin closed his phone after a small talk he had with a man. He looked at Heihachi, who seemed that he understood where Jin was referring to. He smirked and said making his way to his office…
"As I see you haven't gone senile, yet. So? Are you proud of what you did to me? Or better…To my father? I was a tool from the very beginning anyway."
He looked at his grandfather, who had a puzzled expression. Jin sighed and said once again taking his attention this time… "Whatever…Your driver is waiting for you."
Heihachi stared at his grandson, who checked his cellphone once again. He stood up and took his jacket from the couch. He wore it and walked to the door… "What about you?"
"I still have some things to finish here."
"I see." The man grabbed the doorknob to open the door and walked outside the office closing the door behind him…
…
Jin's lips turned downwards and turned his gaze at the closed door. Was he doing the right thing? No, he knew that this was how he had to deal with Heihachi but he, still, wasn't confident. He sighed tiredly and touched his forehead…
"What should I do, mother?" he muttered to himself and relaxed on his chair…
Suddenly, a man entered his office that took his attention making him shift his position. "I'm here, boss!" said the man and walked further inside…
A faint smile appeared on Jin's lips and gave him a nod. He pointed to the chair opposite him for the man to sit. He did as he asked him and crossed his arms…
"You were fast."
The man faked an arrogant smirk and touched his chest… "Don't say you expected less from me?"
"I would never say that for you. You never disappoint me, my friend."
The man nodded with a serious smile this time… "And I'm not intending to...Anyway, how can I help?"
Jin stood up and placed his hands behind his back… "You are the only person I trust inside here."
"Only here? You're hurting me, dude."
The black haired man rolled his eyes and looked at him… "Seriously? I have things I want to discuss with you."
"Ok, ok…I'm getting serious now." He said raising his arms…
Jin looked outside the window. It seemed quieter now. The man, he called his friend, stood up and walked towards him looking outside as well. He glanced at Jin and noticed a small smile on his usual dull expression… "What's with the smile, Jin?"
His eyes widened at his question. He looked at the perfectly clean floor and then, back at him… "What are you…" He stopped what he was going to say knowing that he couldn't hide anything from the man beside him… "I saw her today…Xiao, I mean."
The man stayed silent and nodded to himself. He expected it. At least, from what he did some days ago and how much he tried to find out a way for Xiaoyu to even make a step inside the company. He wanted to talk to her and let her know everything but he was busy with other stuff concerning the Zaibatsu. This man was Jin's personal secretary. He was hired by the man himself. Jin was never going to allow someone choose his most trusted employ by themselves. He remembered the day when he received a call from him a year ago, who told him that he soon was going to come back to Tokyo and proposed this position to him. Knowing that he chose him because he trusted him, he couldn't do anything but agree. He knew what his friend was going through and wanted to help him as Jin did once in the past for him. In the end, he worked as his eyes and ears about what was happening here…
"Well…You do seem spirited…in a strange way, though. I expected it, to be honest."
"What do you mean? How come?"
He waved his hands and said once again… "Forget about it. What do you want for me to do?"
Jin looked suspiciously at him but in the end, he let it go. He placed his hands inside his pockets and looked at the ground. Soon enough, he raised his gaze and looked at the other man's serious expression… "Nothing complicated…or difficult. Just learn where Xiao works and let me know."
The man raised an eyebrow… "Just that?!"
"You make it sound like it's something easy…I'm glad. I mean, if you find it easy."
His lips turned downwards. Of course, it was easy. He was the one, who set everything up. It was him, who chose that flower shop for the party. And, he, also, took the risk in asking them to deliver the flowers here, hoping that Xiaoyu might come. She, indeed, came but he unfortunately couldn't meet with her. At least, Jin did. That was something, too…
"Ok, ok…Consider it done. But I don't understand your reasons."
Jin looked away from him and towards his office. He sat on his chair and heard once again his friend…
"Aren't I the person you trust?"
His question made him turn his gaze at his direction. In the end, he said… "Ok, then…I believe, it's enough to tell you that, if I'm not pleased with how the situation is…or going to be…Well…We might have to get rid of an annoying, audacious bug."
The man saw the determination in his friend's eyes. He knew what he meant by that, of course. It was true that he started worrying about him lately. Jin's feelings were unstable whenever Xiaoyu or his parents were mentioned. For that reason, he would always try to find a way and help him gain control of his weaknesses. It was disappointing the fact that by controlling Jin meant going along with his wishes… "Uh…This again?"
Jin crossed his arms and smirked at his direction… "Got any problem with that, Shin?"
"I know this smirk…Hehe…"
Jin managed a small laugh alongside his friend…
"I'm sorry, my friend…Unfortunately, you don't. If I have to turn into a despicable person to save my parents and keep Xiao for myself…Then, it's fine. I can accept every pain and hardship for my wish to come true."
"As I said before, consider what you asked before, done!"
Jin gave him a nod and heard him once again while watching him walking to the door… "I'm leaving then. Goodnight! See ya tomorrow."
"Hm…Be careful on your way home."
Shin raised his hand and soon after closed the door behind him leaving Jin alone…
The man tried to remember everything that happened today. He looked at his hand once again and smiled…
"Don't worry, Xiao…You will come back to me once again. I won't leave you alone with people, who don't understand your uniqueness."
Jin, suddenly, remembered the man, who approached him at the party. He reached for his jacket, which was resting on the edge of his desk, and searched the pocket where he put it. He took out the card he gave him. He said it had his name and contact information. Jin looked carefully at it and read it. He raised an eyebrow and muttered to himself…
"Lars Alexandersson…Who's that guy?"
Entry Seven: A man's resolve.
Thanks for reading!