Triss Skylark: You're a doll; I very much appreciate your support for my story. I could just fly to wherever you are and kiss you, but people might get the wrong picture, plus, it'll cost me dearly. Anyway, thanks again! XD

Taraneh: Thanks for your review and encouragement… I'll do my best to show Madoka's braver side in the upcoming chapters, don't worry.

Outsane: I have never forgotten you, my avid reader and supporter. Your reviews have motivated me to continue. And now that I've got the time, I'll speedily update the next chapters this time.

Passerby: Advice taken. No more long author's note. :D

TokneNeng: Sorry for the cliffhanger. I'll minimize that. Thanks. XD

Juneibiyatch: Hope you ain't disappointed anymore… :P

Identity crisisBASTUSAN NA: Guess we have something in common, ne? Ban and Himiko forever! Woo hoo! Thanks for reading and reviewing… 

Marbles: Your ceaseless enthusiasm for my stories makes me happy… thanks… XD

And for the rest of my readers… love you all! From now on, I'll update faster as well as making the story more interesting and enjoyable to read.

Enjoy!

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As they quietly walked toward Ban's residence, Ban occasionally eyed Makubex carefully. He very well knew that this young pal of his had some keen interest on his fiancée to be. Just as excited as Kazuki was, Makubex incessantly blabbered about his online friend, and he didn't fail to mention that they've bonded more intimately through the chat room as years gone by. Not to mention that the boy flushed hysterically while describing her, indicating that he cared for her.

Ban soon found out the "friend" he was referring to was none other than Kakei Sakura. Eerie coincidence?

As soon as Kazuki heard the name, she and Makubex were jumping like frenzied bunnies hopping after a decoyed carrot and were talking like animated, shrilly teenage girls screaming that they've found their soul mates. It was, of course, normal for Kazuki to act that way, but in Makubex's case, eyes wide and jumping too high that it looked like he broke a record, quite unlike him. He was usually calm and calculating. Not one who shrieked over childish matters.

Ban shrugged. Another amusing side of Makubex.

He didn't tell Makubex anything. Didn't warn him. He instead devised a plan to avoid his parents as soon as he pecked their cheeks. A few introductions made before the Kakeis would be enough. A raised eyebrow and languid shake of a hand would let them know that he wasn't interested.

He looked at Makubex. He could see the boy grinning broadly. He didn't want to snatch him, corner him, and tell him about the planned engagement. It'll just break the kiddo's pounding, besotted heart.

Besides, Ban was sure that Sakura felt the same way for Makubex. Call it a playboy's intuition, he didn't care. He didn't want to spoil Makubex's enthusiasm.

They were approaching a corner, a streetlamp lighted that depressing corner. He was at the rear, his friends were not paying any attention to him. He walked slowly, his head bent down like a guilty pup heading toward its home with mud and a herd of new fleas residing in its filthy fur. Just then, he sensed someone behind him. He looked at the shadow hiding far from the light's revealing beam.

Yamato.

He was wearing a black trench coat with a hat to match his "undercover work". Then Ban saw movement behind the big man's back. He saw a soft mop of dark hair and big, gorgeous purple eyes staring at him tenderly. He smiled.

"Spying on me, ei?" Ban inched closer.

Ginji and the others abruptly stopped and looked inquisitively at them. Troubled by the sight of dark-clad strangers, Ginji whispered, "Ban-chan, what—"

Ban lifted his hand, signaling for them to keep their traps shut. He still focused on Yamato then asked, "What are you doing here?"

Yamato whistled loudly. His voice grew to a whisper. "Suited for a party? Mmm… why did you say nothing? Scared that my sister and I would catch your father and gun him down once we found out?"

"I won't mind if you beat him up. I don't give a damn. But do bear in mind that my questions haven't been answered yet. So before you savagely torture him, I want to know everything." Ban narrowed his eyes at Yamato. Yamato did the same.

"I want to surprise your old man."

"Why now?"

Yamato cocked his head backward, looked at the twinkling stars above. "Bigger surprise this way. Plus," Yamato looked at Ban, his stare haunted. "I want everybody in his lavish party to know everything. Hope you don't mind."

"Actually, I do. I have to be honest with myself. I hate my father. There are personal reasons why I hate him so much. But hurt his pride in front of his guests is like killing him—"

"I know," Yamato interrupted.

"I'm sorry, but I won't let you do that." Ban took a step closer and fisted his hand.

"Oh. So you want a rematch?" Yamato smirked. "Well then, knocking you out would certainly turn your dad's hair white. Might even give him a heart attack. Oh goody." Yamato cracked his knuckles, his grin turning sinister.

By now, Himiko gracelessly jumped out from behind her brother's back and stood between the two boys.

"Stop it. You two aren't little boys playing a harmless wrestling match," She turned to Ban. "Your house is two miles away, guests are parading to it, and this fight would bring unwanted attention to both you and your dad." Without turning to her brother, she said, "You're acting like a child. The reason why I convinced you to come along was so… so…" She blushed. "I wanted some fresh air. I don't want you to make a scandal, got it? The last thing we both want, I'm sure," her voice grew to a whisper so Ban's friends couldn't catch a word she said, "is seeing the front-page saying, 'KUDO SIBLINGS BACK FROM THE DEAD INFLICTING PAIN ON THE AFFLUENT MIDOS.'"

Before she could say another word, Yamato and Ban cracked in uproarious laughter. Raising her brow, Himiko perplexedly watched them hooting in laughter, leaning on each other to catch breath, and bellowing so loud that Ginji and Shido smiled.

When Ban was able to breathe in deeply, he sighed, planted his hand on Himiko's shoulder—bringing a blush to her cheeks—said exhaustingly, "We… were just… ah… playing… haha… ouch that hurts. Whoa! That felt good."

"I'll say," Yamato leaned on his sister. "First time I've heard you commanded me or anyone like that. Almost brought tears to my eyes if the circumstances weren't so funny."

Frustrated, she pulled away from their grasps and nearly tripped if Ban didn't snatch her by wrapping an arm around her. They both furiously blushed but were thankful that the gloom hid their flaring cheeks.

Since her body was leaning against his, he got a good sniff of her and implanted that scent in his memory. He then noticed that she was dressed for a party. Her dress was the same color as her eyes, a dark violet; it reached a little high above her bony knees, a charm bracelet decorated her right wrist, but no earring or necklace adorned her delicate ears or neck. He saw that she was wearing her leg brace, not caring if people felt uneasy about it. Another bold step.

Ban's breath was dawdling and warm on her nape and a sizzling tingle tickled her body. She wanted to lean on him, but knew that he'll push her away if she did so. She tried to pull away from him, but his clutch was firm.

"I don't believe I invited you to my dad's party. Why dressed up so… stunningly?" His voice was almost a purr, his lips brushing her lobe.

Ginji and the others were staring at them. Dumbfounded, they didn't utter a word.

"I… I… wanted to break—"

"Free? Liar." His grip tightened. His intent direct. "You have the hots for me, huh?"

Yamato, amused, watched them as he undid the coat's buttons and revealed his formal outfit. He let the coat hang on his arm, didn't take the hat off, and stayed immobilized by the sight of Ban flirting with his sister. He shook his head. "Quit it, Ban. I still don't know you well enough to allow you to turn my sister on."

Himiko finally grew the courage to elbow Ban's stomach and glared at him as she spun to look at him. "Asshole." She limped to her brother and said, "I change my mind. Let's go home."

Feigning annoyance, Yamato said, "Oh shoot. Just when I took off my coat to let Ban judge how good this suit looks on me. What do you think?"

"Nice. You're a lady-killer." He jerked a finger at Kazuki. "If only she didn't have a date, bet she'll turn into mush just looking at your eyes."

"You really love my eyes?" Yamato grinned, playfully batted his eyelashes.

"Puh-lease. Go on a date, why don't you?" Himiko crossed her arms.

"Aw… someone's jealous." Yamato tapped her head. Ban lovingly stared at her back, said, "Since you two are all dressed up, it'll be a waste if you ain't coming and eat good food."

Himiko was hobbling past Yamato when her brother said, "Whoa. Didn't you hear? We're invited. Don't wanna miss that grand opportunity, do we?"

Irritated, she turned to him, said through gritted teeth, "Don't play with me. As soon as you'll catch sight of Ban's dad, you'll be all over him. You'll be an embarrassment."

"Ouch," Yamato slightly turned to meet Ban's eye. Persuade her! "What a naughty thing to say to your older brother. Wanna check my pockets? Got nothing sharp on me."

"Fists of doom?"

"Gonna tuck both in the abyss of my pockets. No worries." Yamato buried his hands in his pockets and said, "You coming?"

"No." She was starting to walk away when Ban grabbed her hand.

"You've got a huge pride, don't you?"

"Let me go—"

"Or you'll what? Kick my balls?" Ban pulled her closer. "You wouldn't cuz you'll fall on your ass if you did so."

Her eyes were burning. Before she could retort, he said, "I'm sorry for my rude remark. Would you find the heart to forgive me and post as my girlfriend tonight?"

Himiko and Yamato's jaws dropped. Emishi's shocked question reached Ban's ears. "What did he just say?"

Disbelief drawn on his face, Yamato asked, "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, I am," He calmly tipped her open jaw to close it, and when she didn't say anything, he added, "It's just a charade. I'm not asking for real."

Himiko blinked her eyes twice and asked hoarsely, "Why?" Clearing her throat, she backed away from Ban.

Ban sighed. "I don't want to get engaged."

By now, everyone except Yamato and Jackal blurted out, "Engaged? With who?"

Knowing that there was no backing out, he murmured, "Kakei Sakura." He made sure that Makubex was able to read his lips.

The boy grew pale. "Sakura?"

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Ban ignored Ginji's questioning eyes about Yamato and Himiko. Shido and Jackal kept eyeballing Himiko, thinking that she looked bizarrely familiar. He ignored them too. While they were a mile away from the bright lights and perfumed air around the house, Ban was walking at Makubex's side, assuring the shocked kid that he didn't love Sakura, not the same way as Makubex felt for her.

"But Ban," Makubex's head was still bent. "It's already planned. There's nothing I can do about it. You and I both know that. Maybe… I should go back home…" Makubex was about to turn around when Ban sharply grabbed Makubex's limp arm.

"You a nut?" Ban saw tears flowing down Makubex's cheeks. Damn! "Listen, kid. That's why Himiko is going to act as my girlfriend for now. She doesn't mind, does she? And neither does her brother?" He called out, not turning around.

"Nope, not at all." Yamato and Himiko both replied. Himiko's cheeks colored. Kazuki saw this and smiled. She then saw Ban's face and observed that he too was flushing. Interesting.

"But—"

Ban interrupted him by saying, "Do you actually think that she'll be happy with the likes of me?"

The others held back a laugh.

"Shut up, guys. Anyway, I doubt we'll both be happy together. They described her as exquisitely beautiful but I don't know her, I don't feel right about being linked with someone who I have no common ground with. They say she's crazy over computers, I'm not. They split my head. They say she loves lilies. I'm allergic to lilies. They say she's older than I am. My mom's age isn't too far from hers. I say I love peanut butter. They say her eyes get puffy just by the smell if it. I love dogs, she loves cats. Cats… why, they give me the goose bumps. She likes Classics, I relish in rockin' hard. I'm a hawk, she's a dove. We're not compatible. We won't be happy together."

"Oh c'mon. By the sound of it, you're hypnotizing Makubex into turning manic by kidnapping Sakura and enticing her to elope with him," Kazuki rolled her eyes. "You want a way out. Selfish bastard," she mumbled.

Himiko heard her. Gnashing her teeth, she was about to pounce at the brunette but Yamato held her back.

"What if I am? If you were in my shoes, would you let your parents get you engaged with… with Jackal?" Ban was shaking with anger. He refused to be engaged. Was that hard to understand? Just staring at Kazuki's cold eyes nearly caused him to throw an immature tantrum before them.

Kazuki anxiously turned to Jackal. Akabane, smiling widely, giggled. "That's a nice thought."

Seething, Kazuki opened her mouth to retort but stopped when Ban disrupted her.

"Hey, hey. Don't get the wrong idea." Frustrated, he pinched the bridge of his nose. "I just… I'm not ready for this. In fact," Ban snorted. "I don't even have to come here."

Himiko touched his arm. He looked at her. She smiled. She swiftly entwined her arm with his and with an enchanting smile, she said, "C'mon sugar, let's do this thing."

Ban's face relaxed and he pulled her closer. "Thought you wouldn't push through, baby doll."

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In their vast garden, a huge white canopy was perched above the arranged tables and chairs, an array of roses, tulips, and petunias speckled the table's centerpiece, trees mildly danced in the light breeze, perfectly erect waiters roamed about with trays filled with wine and mouth-watering appetizers, early guests chatted senselessly everywhere, and Ban despairingly gulped when his mother's squeal of joy turned heads toward them.

Ban was thankful that Yamato wore a fake mustache and horn-rimmed glasses while Himiko inserted blue contact lenses just before entering through the front door. Jackal suspiciously focused on Himiko, still pondering over something. I could have sworn I saw her somewhere…

Himiko entangled both of their arms as Ban's mother walked up to him. Disappointed that she let go of him, he scowled at her grinning mother.

"Why the long face?" She patted his cheek. "Don't spoil the party and go to your father. He's expecting you." She immediately noticed Yamato glaring at her. She glared back and walked away. Lowlifes. What does Ban see in them? Just a bunch of delinquents who would most likely fool around and cause a riot. Why must I have such a simple-minded son?

She briskly walked toward Ban and his father.

"Happy birthday, Dad." Ban said as he hugged his father.

"Well, glad you made it, my boy. You've been worrying us these past few days." Shin smacked Ban's back, making Ban choke back a curse.

"That's right, honey. You're not answering our calls, and according to Paul, you've been absent for two days, and… is that makeup?" Quite horrified, Miaka covered her mouth with her hand.

Just terrific. Melodramatic, too damn meticulous, and hard to please, his mother's surprised reaction attracted some guests to zero in on them. Ban wanted to rub his face in exhaustion, but stopped, realizing that his bruises might reveal themselves if he did just that.

"Mom, it's not makeup. Don't be rash. It's moisturizing cream. I bought the wrong cream that would match with my complexion. Dumb attendants." Ban stiffly laughed, scratched his head when his mother and father didn't say anything.

"Okay… moisturizing cream it is. Son," He pulled Ban toward a table. "Want you to meet someone." Shin couldn't shroud his excitement as they headed to a table that was currently occupied by three people.

Panicking, he blurted out, "But first," Ban pulled away from his dad's grasp around his neck. "I want you to meet someone."

Puzzled, his mom and dad stared at his retreating form and were extremely apprehensive when a girl was walking beside him and was holding his hand. Miaka's knees buckled when Ban introduced Himiko to his parents.

"Mom, Dad, want you to meet my girlfriend, Kurano Miki."

Himiko's stomach churned inside her, her cheeks feeling hotter than it typically did, and her left leg was beginning to ache tremendously.

Ban felt her hand tightening in his and saw that her left leg couldn't hold her any longer. He held her waist to prevent her from falling and pulled her closer to him. By now, his parents saw her braced leg and Shin paled instantly.

Suddenly, Yamato popped up behind Ban. He held out his hand and introduced himself, "Happy birthday, Sir. I'm Miki's brother, Haru. So nice to finally meet you." Again. Ban elbowed Yamato to shut up.

But Shin saw the dark gleam in Yamato's eyes. Wide-eyed and sweating copiously, Shin fished out his handkerchief and rubbed his damp forehead. He ignored Yamato's outstretched hand. "Nice to meet you too."

"I'm sure," Yamato darkly replied.

"What is the meaning of this, Mido-san? I thought that our children are going to be engaged?" Mrs. Kakei stood up and approached Shin. She turned her glare at Ban. "Is this true, young man? This cripple is your girlfriend?"

Yamato bared her teeth and his hands were trembling with rage in his pockets, but Ban shoved him aside and whispered to him, "Don't you dare. We'll leave soon, don't worry."

Ban cleared his throat and said, "Please, ma'am. If you weren't my father's business partner, I would have so rudely retorted for how you demeaned my girl. I knew that facing either you or my parents would mean disaster, but it would be rude if I don't at least apologize to you for already having a relationship with this lovely girl. So here I am, ma'am, trying to prevent myself from shouting at your face. I've got a terrible temper, ma'am, and I'm not afraid to unleash it. So please, ma'am, don't you ever talk such thing about Hi… Miki. I love her."

"Why you ungrateful, egotistic, impertinent boy!" She was itching to slap Ban's face. "We came here from NY, and this is how we should be treated? Didn't your parents tell you about our plans?"

The guests and waiters kept quiet and were watching intently. Even Miaka started to back away, but Shin clutched her shoulder.

Enraged, Ban hissed at her, "Your plans, ma'am. Not mine."

"Ban! Stop it. That's no way to talk to a venerated associate of ours," Miaka said as she neared Ban. Yamato squinted his eyes at her, making her stop in her tracks. Something about him and his eyes frightened her. Something about him was frighteningly familiar.

Ban ignored the ruddy, livid Kakei, his sweating dad, his petrified mother, and all faces that saw and heard everything.

Himiko's knees gave way but Ban swiftly swooped her off her feet. Ban carried her to the back door, but stopped when his dad shouted, "Walk out that door, you are no son of mine! From this day on, you are never welcome here. Elope with your girlfriend, I won't care anymore. I won't even pay for your education if you leave. Dare leave, I will disinherit you!"

Shocked whispers flew around, but Ban didn't care. He gave a sidelong glance at Paul and Teshimene's curious and frustrated stares, but Ban overlooked them all. Ginji, with his big brown eyes searching his best friend's, was nervously walking to Ban, but Ban glowered at him. "Please, leave me alone," he whispered.

By the sound of his father's voice, he knew that his dad was dead serious. Himiko whispered to him, "Ban… put me down. I don't want your father to disown you because of me. This is just an act, this isn't real," she muttered. She tugged at him to put her down, but he shook his head. "I won't go back and get engaged."

Himiko looked at him and saw Shin in him. They were both stubborn and both had brimming pride. She knew that father and son won't back down, can't accept defeat. And so, she kept silent and permitted Ban to carry her.

Furiously shaking, Shin shouted, "Have it your way. Don't come crawling in here for money, got it?"

"I don't need your money to survive," Ban mumbled.

Yamato still didn't budge from his spot.

Too angry to care, Ban called out, "Yamato! Let's go."

Shin and Miaka jumped at the name, stared at Yamato's mad stare. "Right behind you, Ban. Have a wonderful evening, Mido-san." He bowed slightly.

As he walked toward the door, he grabbed a glass of wine from a tray and sipped it with indubitable glee.

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