Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin

Hello everyone! I'm very sorry for not updating for a very long time. Thank you for all those who left their reviews! They really kept me motivated, and still keeping me motivated. Arigatou gozaimasu minna!

Anyway, hope that you like this chapter, it's not really much though.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you are enjoying the holidays!

Happy reading!

o

o

---Chapter 13: The not so Anonymous Girl---

o

Kaoru's point of view

I sighed as I looked at my watch for the nth time this morning. It's already 11 o' clock in this very beautiful and supposedly long day. I shifted on my seat and checked whether my 2 big suitcases, which are resting by my feet, are properly secured. I can't afford to leave anything now.

"Kaoru, they did not forget about you okay? I'm sure they are on their way here," Megumi said as she sat on her bed and flipped through the magazine she was reading.

In a few minutes, Misao will come here to pick me up so that we could go home to Kyoto together. Today is her engagement day and she went back here to Tokyo yesterday to pick up her gown and handle some things regarding her next term in Toudai. We agreed last night that instead of catching the bullet train back home, I would go with them to chat and catch up on what's happening here for the last three years. In all honesty, I'm quite nervous about this evening. "Megumi, do you think my dress for tonight is okay? Do I need to change it?"

She threw a pillow at me. "Stop it! The dress is fine. We searched the whole of Paris for that "perfect dress" so it is definitely okay." Right after Misao called about her engagement to weeks ago, I dragged Megumi out of the house to look for the perfect dress. It will be the first party that I will attend to in Japan after three years. The first party that I will attend to as the new me. You see why I have to look stunning for that, don't you? Finally after hours of searching, I chose to wear an elegant white halter top dress that goes all the way down right before my feet. "Your Kenshin would wish that he has treated you better."

I frowned at my friend. "I'm not doing this because I wanted to get his attention. I don't care what he thinks about me." Actually a part of me is hoping against hope that I would not see him today. It was telling me that I am not yet ready to see him and that once I see him, all the defenses that I have put up will crumble, my feelings for him would return and I would become my old self again. However, the other part of me was feeling excited of the prospect of seeing him again. The scene I ignited at the party two nights ago is just the start of showing him that Kaoru is a brand new person whose world does not revolve around him any longer.

"Of course I know that Kao-chan. I was just kidding you." She replied turning her attention back to her magazine. "Besides we all know what he thinks about the new you."

"The nerve of that guy! I still can't believe that he tried to make moves on me!" I lashed out as I remembered what happened two nights before at Hikaru's party. I smiled, also remembering what I did to him. He deserved that. We haven't had contact for the rest of the night because I made sure, and maybe he also did, to keep our distance from each other by talking with as many people as possible. Although I felt his eyes on me once in a while. Four years ago, I would have been so excited about that attention, but now all I felt is irritation and anger.

Now that leads me to the question that has been constantly plaguing my mind ever since that night, where is Tomoe and why is he picking up unknown girls when he has a girlfriend that he loves so much? Could it be possible that they are not together anymore? Just who the hell am I kidding? It's kind of impossible that they are not together anymore, after what happened. Does that mean that he is cheating on her? The nerve of that guy!

That's a weird thought. My husband cheating on his girlfriend by flirting with his wife whom he is initially cheating on.

I was saved from delving into that issue further because we heard the sound of the doorbell going off. I stood up and ran towards the window that provides a view of the front porch. "Megumi! It's Misao! I can see her!"

"Calm down Kaoru. What are you so worked up about?" Megumi asked as she went beside me and tugged me outside her room to welcome my best friend.

"I haven't seen her for a long time! I really miss her," I uttered as we stopped by their front door. I took a deep breath as I reached out my hand to the doorknob and opened the door.

"Kao-chan!" "Misao-chan!" We both yelled as soon as we saw each other. In the next few seconds, we found ourselves wrapped in a tight bear hug.

Misao was the first one to pull away. "Kaoru, I missed you!" Then her eyes traveled from my head to my black sleeveless top to my short brown pleated skirt to my knee high black boots. "Sugoi! (Wow) You look gorgeous! What have you done in Paris? Since when did you start wearing those kinds of clothing? Your baggy shirts and big comfy pants are totally gone now!"

I laughed as I teasingly flipped my hair over my shoulder. "Mou, What about you Misao-chan? You haven't changed at all. You still look like a kid."

My friend pouted at me. "Uso yo(That's a lie)!"

"Jou dan desu yo (Just joking)" I hugged her again. "I missed you so much Misao."

"Kaoru, don't forget your stuff," a voice from behind me said. I looked and saw Megumi going out of the house with two of my strollers in tow.

"Oh yes! I almost forgot!" I approached my friend and took my bags from her. "Thank you so much Megumi." Then I remembered my manners. "By the way, this is my friend Makimachi Misao. Misao, this is Takani Megumi, my friend from Paris."

Megumi bowed at Misao. "Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Takani Megumi desu. (I am Takani Megumi. I'm pleased to meet you.) Congratulations on your engagement. You must be so happy."

"Thank you Takani-san."

I suddenly realized that I haven't greeted my friend about that certain matter. After placing my bags beside me, I smoothed my short pleated beige skirt with my hands and reached out my hand to Misao. "Yes Misao. Congratulations on your engagement. I'm so happy that you finally found the right guy for you."

"Kaoru. Arigatou." She reached out and took my hand with both of hers. "You're going home to share this with me is something that I really appreciate. I'm sorry if I did not tell you sooner that Aoshi and I are seeing each other…"

Frankly speaking, I was really hurt when I only learned about their relationship last week when she called me to ask if I'm willing to be her maid of honor. I was really tempted to say no to her offer. Of course by doing that I am aware that it might end our years of friendship. That is why I had the right mind to be reasonable and agreed to be her maid of honor.

However, now that I think about it, I should not get hurt or feel any bitterness at her. I can't blame her for not telling me because of my relationship with Kenshin and his gang. It still pains me yes but I should still be happy for my friend. "Misao, it's okay. I understand perfectly if you have to think about your own heart first before the feelings of your best friend…" I trailed my voice sadly, feigning hurt.

My friend took the bait and looked at me apologetically but still a bit irritated at my drama. "Kaoru!"

"I'm only joking Misao!"

Suddenly I heard a car door closing and I saw Shinomori Aoshi walking towards us. He bowed to me as soon as he was right behind his fiancée.

He never changed. He was still that same stoic and handsome guy back in high school. I still can't believe that he and Misao are getting married. They are exactly the opposite of each other's personality. Misao was a very bubbly and perky girl while Aoshi is… bland?

I bowed in return. "Shinomori-san, o genki desu ka?

"Genki desu. It is nice to see you again Himura-san." Came his curt reply.

I cringed a little at how he addressed me. 'Himura-san' It has been three years since someone referred to me as Himura Kaoru. "If you don't mind Shinomori-san, I will feel better if you will address me as Kaoru. You are engaged to my best friend anyway."

We did not spend any more time hanging outside Megumi's house and I said my good byes to Megumi, promising that I will come back to Tokyo soon. Aoshi took my luggage and we made our way to his black Audi SUV. It takes about three hours to go to Kyoto so we have to hurry to be able to prepare for Misao and Aoshi's engagement, which will take, place 8 hours from now.

Basically, it was only Misao and I who talked for the first few minutes of the ride while Aoshi silently drove the car and listened to our conversation. First we talked about their experiences in med school and I told them about my life in Paris(less the modeling, dating and Enishi) and culinary school. Occasionally, the stoic man joins in whenever he is responding to his fiancée's questions. It is obvious that Misao is trying very hard to make us (Aoshi and I) get along.

I really can't imagine us getting along much more becoming the best of friends.

"Kaoru, I still can't get over how gorgeous you have become." Misao uttered from the front seat. "She looks very pretty now, right Aoshi?"

"Aa."

"So what did you do in Paris aside from going to that culinary school."

I was contemplating whether to be truthful and tell them about my modeling job when my phone suddenly rang. I took my mobile phone from my bag and saw "mom" in the caller id. I excused myself and flipped my phone open. "Moshi moshi (Hello)"

"Kaoru-chan! Where are you now? When will you arrive here? How was your flight?" My mom asked without a pause.

"Okaasan, I'm still at Tokyo right now. Misao picked me up at Narita airport an hour ago."

Misao looked back at me with one eyebrow raised. She seemed to be asking 'At the airport?'

I bit my lip and gave her a peace sign. I haven't told my parents that I arrived at Japan 4 days ago and they knew that I just arrived today. I don't think I'm ready to see my parents (and Kenshin's parents) right after arriving home. "The flight was really exhausting but I think I can hold myself together during the party. The jetlag wouldn't attack me until tomorrow noon I'm guessing. We will arrive there by 4:30pm," I answered as I gave Misao a wink.

"Oh, it's a shame. You should have just gone straight to your house there and catch a ride with your husband. It seems like there was a delay with him and he is still there in Tokyo. Maybe you can still ride with him…" My mother's voice trailed off in a suggestive tone.

A ride back home with Kenshin is the last thing that I want at this moment. "Okaasan, that would be too much of a hassle for us. We are nearing the highway already. It's not as if Kenshin can't come home by himself. He's a big and mature boy now. And believe me, my company wouldn't be appreciated."

She sighed. "Kaoru, you can't still be mad at Kenshin, are you? He was just being stubborn three years ago. I'm sure that he will treat you better now. You said it yourself; he is a much mature person now. Can't you leave everything in the past and get along with your husband? I just wanted you two to have some time together. You know to catch up on what has been happening with yourselves."

I almost snorted out loud but was able to catch myself and hold back. Actually I was a little irritated at what my mother is saying. I was the one who got hurt so bad by that guy three years ago can't she at least side with me? "Okaasan, I don't want to talk about Kenshin. Besides, I'm sure we will have lots of time to have a chat later."

As if he will be interested. He might run away as soon as he sees me later. Besides, I don't really care on what is happening with him…

"Oh I'm sure he will be very surprised to see you later. Are you sure that you are going straight to the Shinomori's house and won't make a quick stopover here? We kind of wanted you and Kenshin to arrive there together."

I rolled my eyes. They don't give up. "I still have to fix myself and catch up with Misao. I don't think I will have the time to go there before the party."

"Okay I get it. Anyway, have a safe trip. Oh, if it is not too much of a hassle, can you please stop by my favorite cake store in there? It is really near the highway, you know that right? Your mother-in-law and I are craving for some blueberry cheesecake. Okon was calling Kenshin a while ago but he turned his mobile phone off. I don't think he will receive our messages."

"Okay, I will ask them. But I'm not promising anything." I said as I looked outside to see where we were. Ginza. Looks like we can still make it. "Okay, bye. See you later."

I leaned forward and rested my elbow on the driver's seat to face Aoshi. "Aoshi-san, can we please stop at Amadare cake store for a moment. My mother asked me to buy her something."

"Ok," he replied. "It's two blocks from here, at the Minamoto building, right in the middle of the shopping district, right?"

"Yes. Thank you." I leaned back on my seat again looking at my phone.

We were quite near the place so it only took us about 10 minutes to reach the cake store. Aoshi and Misao dropped me off and promised to come back after a few minutes. They will just drop by the grocery to pick up some stuff.

I entered the cake store and browse through the cakes in the display. My eyes drifted excitedly through the truffles, to the pies, the chocolate cakes and the cheesecakes. It has always been my dream to open up a café cake store someday. My lips curved into a grin for that dream might be more reachable than I have initially expected.


o

Kenshin's pov

o

"You have two messages in your voice mail"

I pressed a button to listen to those messages.

"Hi Kenshin. It's Mom. Listen, Is it possible for you to drop by Amadare cake store for a while. We are craving for some of their blueberry cheesecake. Think of it as your souvenir to us from Tokyo. We'll see you soon honey. Beep"

"Hey son. I just want to remind you about my request. I called about two hours ago to ask if you can buy us some blueberry cheesecake. Please try your best to buy it okay? We really are craving for it. We'll see you tonight. Beep "

I looked at my watch and saw that I still have lots of time left before the train bound for Kyoto will leave. I tapped the shoulder of the driver of the taxicab I am in, "Could we please stop by Amadare cake store first? It's in the Minamoto building, which is located in the middle of the shopping district. I just need to buy something.

He nodded and proceeded to make a U-turn.

Finally, after many months of not showing up, I'm finally going home. In a few hours, my best friend Aoshi will be formally engaged to his fiancée Misao. To be honest, I'm not very excited of the prospect of going back home.

My father and I are not exactly in very good terms right now. That is the reason why I opted to take the bullet train to go home instead of using the car they gave me. I have my pride to keep and I refuse to show them that I am dependent on the resources they have given me.

Although I can't deny that it is really hard to resist driving that very beautiful black convertible. BMW is a dream car.

I frowned as I looked at my huge backpack. I hate having to carry packages during train rides. It's a good thing I'm not bringing a tux with me. I decided to just use the one I left at home.

Suddenly my phone rang. I smiled as I saw Aoshi's name on the caller id.

"Hey. What's up?"

"Nothing big. Where are you right now? My fiancée wanted to make sure that you are not bailing out on us." Came a serious voice in the receiver.

I laughed. I can almost imagine a scowling Misao who is sitting right beside him in his car. Nobody would have thought that Misao and I will get along pretty well given my history (and still on going) with her best friend. "Tell her that I'm on my way to the train station and my train will leave 40 minutes from now. I will make it okay? I just need to stop by Amadare cake store first. My mom wanted my to buy something for her."

There was a moment of silence then Aoshi repeated. "You need to stop by at Amadare cake store? Are you there now"?

I looked outside to see where we are. "Not yet, but we are almost there. 3 minutes tops. Why? Do you want me to buy you two something?"

"No. I'm sure there will be some cake served later at the party."

"Right. So do you need anything else Aoshi?" I frowned as we slowed down to a stop because the stoplight turned red. I just hope the train won't leave me behind.

"No, that's all. We will see you later Kenshin."

We said our goodbyes and I snapped my phone shut.

"Please stop there." I pointed my finger in to the mall the cake store is in. "Please wait for me, I will only take a few minutes."

Bringing my backpack with me, I stepped out of the taxi. I was about to enter the store when a familiar black-haired girl whose back is facing me caught my eye. She was wearing a black sleeveless top, a beige skirt and black knee-high boots. From the looks of the white box in her hand, she just came from the same store I was heading for. A few seconds later, she was walking fast in the middle of the crowded street, walking away from where I am standing.

A raven-haired angel in the middle of the very busy shopping district.

I will never forget that girl. That girl who resisted me that night during Hikaru's birthday party and expressed some kind of hatred towards me that I did not understand.

Without thinking, I followed her. I don't know why. My feet seemed to have a mind of its own and went towards her direction. Curious, intrigued by this girl who was so mysterious yet slightly familiar.

I must be crazy.

She was a few meters ahead by me already so it was very difficult to follow her. The rush of people around me who are doing their shopping here at Ginza are not helping me one bit. I saw her turn left on a corner and disappeared from my sight.

"Sumimasen (Excuse me)" I muttered as I pushed my way to get past through the sea of people in front of me. I ran as soon as the way cleared slightly, hoping to catch up with her. However, my face fell as soon as I turned on the same corner and saw that she disappeared completely.

I guess this is not my lucky day.

I walked my way back towards the cake store and ordered my Mother's cake. I was really stupid, to follow a girl whom I don't know. I wasn't really sure if she was the girl from the party or not. If it was her and I caught up with her, what would I do? Make fool out of myself again? 'Really stupid Kenshin. You better forget about her now. It's not as if she means something. There are so many other girls waiting for you.'

I frowned as I remember one detail. 'What good will that bring if you are a married man?'

It has been so easy to forget that for a while and pushed that fact at the back of my head. I have escaped that reality years ago when I left Kyoto to study here. But here I am, catching a train back to Kyoto, going back to that reality.

Kaoru. I'm not even sure if she has returned from Paris yet. My parents did not mention anything to me when I talked to them yesterday. I thought that she would come home to attend her best friend's engagement party. But I'm sure if she indeed did return, my parents would have informed me and order me to be nice to her and live up to my role as her husband.

Up until now, there were no calls from my parents, demanding me to do that. So I guess I am still safe and Kaoru is still far away from me. It doesn't matter actually, whether she is here or not, she means nothing to me. I guessed I decided long ago that if she returns back here in Japan, I would live my life as it is and pretend that she doesn't exist—that I am not married to anybody and I'm just a normal college student in Tokyo.

Everything will be much better like that. At least we won't be killing each other. I'm sure that she will understand what I want and hopefully after tasting a life of independence in Paris, we will agree on this desire. Maybe we can work some plan out and convince our parents to have our marriage annulled or file for a divorce.

Handing the girl in front my payment, I thanked her and went out of the store to head back to the taxicab that is still waiting for me patiently. It is now time to go back home.

---------

"Tadaima," I said as soon as I entered our house. I placed down the cake box that I am carrying and removed my shoes. I heard hurrying footsteps as my mother appeared to greet me, her hair imprisoned in rollers.

"Kenshin!" She rushed forward and gave me a warm welcoming hug. I returned half-heartedly, the incident with Tomoe still fresh in my mind. However, I have to admit that I really don't blame my mother that much. I can't seem to hate with a great intensity. She is my mother after all and I am really attached to her ever since I was young. My father on the other hand is a very different story…

"How are you okaasan?" I asked as soon as we pulled away.

She smiled. "Ooh, I'm very much fine now that you are back home. All of my boys are home once again. Your father will just meet us at the party later; he just had to attend this meeting with his associates. Your brother on the other hand went to the mall to pick up my gift to the Shinomoris." She placed her hands on my shoulders and studied me. "Let's see how my youngest son is doing. What have you been up to in Tokyo? I haven't seen you for almost one year! I hope your Uncle Hiko is treating you well. How are your studies?"

She continued to rain me her questions and I had a hard time to stop her so that I can go to my room and change my clothes. We only have an hour and a half left before the party starts. I only have enough time left to take a shower and get into my tuxedo.

My brother was already waiting in the living room when I went down right after dressing up. "Hey, Kenshin. Long time no see."

I gave him an acknowledging nod. "Yes. I'm sorry I wasn't able to come during your graduation from law school." I was actually very able to come but I refused to because 3 months before that, Tomoe left me due to my father.

"It's okay. I have no grudges against you."

Then silence followed.

It was during moments like these that I suddenly realized how distant my brother and I are from each other. We used to be close when we were still young but now, we know so little about each other.

A few minutes later, my mother emerged from her room, very much prepared to attend a formal engagement party.

"Come on, hurry up! We don't want to be late for the party," she ushered us out of the house to our car, forgetting that it was her whom we are really waiting for.

A lot of guests were already socializing with each other when we arrived at the Shinomori estate. Men and women dressed in tuxedos, gowns and elegant kimonos were scattered around the gardens laughing and talking to one another. The large living room of the Shinomoris were lit up brightly and a soft classical music was playing from the inside. You really cannot expect less from a Shinomori party, especially the engagement party of their only son.

I helped my mother stepped out of our car and led her towards the front steps, my older brother in tow. She was smiling brightly as she waved and greeted several of her friends. I bowed politely at them and conversed for a few minutes, answering their inquiries about my parents, my studies and my wife. I had to lie a great deal about the last subject. Mother reminded me in the car to not do anything "rebellious" and act like a gentleman. That means no bad-mouthing my father and my wife and no scandalous acts that will tarnish our family name. She also said that whatever happens, I should not make a scene.

What should I make a scene for?

As if I will do that in my own best friend's engagement party.

Several moments later, my in-laws arrived smiling brightly as they walked towards us.

"You arrived earlier than us," Aunt Reiko (I have never ever got the nerve to call my in-laws as Otousan or Okaasan) said. "Where is Seijiro?"

"He sent a message saying that he is on his way here. Hello Kojiro," my mother answered as she looked at her watch.

Aunt Reiko stepped forward and moved towards me. "It's so good to see you again Kenshin. It has been so long I'm afraid. I assume you are doing well?" She enveloped me in a hug.

"Yes, I fine," I replied returning her hug.

"That's good to hear. Kaoru is doing fine as well," Uncle Kojiro stated giving my shoulder a light pat.

"That's nice," I said nonchalantly. The lack of sincerity in my voice must have been obvious because my mother gave me a wary look as soon as our group started walking towards the entrance. I ignored her and focused my attention on the top of the stairs, guessing that Aoshi, Misao and both their families are right beside the door, greeting their arriving guests.

As soon as we reached the top steps, I froze at the sight before me. True to my speculation, I saw Aoshi bowing to an elderly couple while his parents and Misao's grandfather are busy chatting with the other guests.

What struck me on the spot is the girl Misao is talking to. Her back is turned against me so I could not see her face, but her long black hair that is cascading down her back and slim figure have been too familiar for me not to notice. I have only been chasing that girl with a nice back and that lovely hair a few hours ago. Right now she is wearing a white dress and her shoulders shaking slightly, probably laughing at what just Misao said.

It is the mysterious girl from the Hikaru's birthday party.

What the hell is she doing here? Is she Misao's friend? If yes, how come I haven't seen her before?

Also, why is it that I have this feeling that I have indeed seen her before…

…and that I know her.

My mind stopped functioning as everything floated inside my head like pieces of a puzzle.

My mother suddenly pulled away from me and opened her clutch bag to pull out a beautiful white gold necklace with a sapphire pendant that is surrounded by small diamonds. She reached out for my right hand and placed it on my palm.

I looked at the necklace then back at my mother confused. However, she chose to ignore me, looked away and held onto my brother Akira instead.

I found myself focusing my attention on the girl I have been thinking about for a few days now. I watched as she animatedly talked to Misao and flipped her hair elegantly to her back. A few seconds later, Misao looked up and caught my eye. I saw her froze and whispered something frantically to her companion. The mysterious girl in white froze as well, based on the way her shoulders tensed up. It wasn't a minute later when she stood up straight, turned her head slowly and met my eyes.

Bright, beautiful and very familiar sapphire eyes.

It felt like I had been punched in the stomach… hard.

Her sapphire eyes met mine and like pieces of a puzzle that fit, everything fell into place inside my head. She was the reason why my Mom told me to not make a scene. I have indeed seen her before and I know her very well.

She is not just the beautiful girl in the bar, not just Misao's friend… she is my wife.

Slowly, her lips formed into a small smirk, obviously contented with my shocked reaction that I was unable to conceal.

Shock was an understatement. Try mortified. A thousand questions were swimming inside my head as I continued to stare at her. First of all, what was she doing here back in Japan? Why didn't my parents warn me? Why was she in that bar? Is she really that person? Maybe she just looks like her…it was dark in that bar and that girl was wearing a mask.

But the look she was giving me said otherwise. She tilted her head a little giving me a triumphant smile. It was like her eyes were saying, 'Look you bastard, I got you right into my trap.'

Now is the perfect moment for the ground to swallow me whole.

She excused herself from Misao and walked directly towards her parents. Her mother came forward and enveloped her in an embrace. Then she gave her father a similar hug and laughed as her father made a comment that I couldn't hear.

Then she looked at me again and oh-so sophisticatedly made her way towards me. Her lips curled into a smile as soon as we stood face to face. "Hello Kenshin, long time no see."

I did not respond for a while and just looked at her. I wasn't expecting this. I have always pictured our next meeting differently; I was supposed to be the one doing all the smirking and flashing the triumphant looks. The picture that I have of Kaoru in my mind is very much different from the woman who is standing in front of me right now. Where was that girl with thick glasses, plain black hair and would never in a million years wear something that is along the lines of sexy. Where was that girl who is always staying at a dark corner of the room because she is too shy to talk to people?

Now, she looks awfully gorgeous and reeks with an aura of confidence that gave one an impression that she is ready to take the world.

What three years in Paris can do…

Anger soon made its way inside me. I have been suffering for the last three years because of this girl. It was really unfair that amidst my suffering, she was having the time of her life in Paris. Then she returns here and smacks it into my face how miserable I was?

I won't allow her that glory.

"It wasn't really long enough if you know what I mean," I bit back nastily, my eyes gleaming with a challenge.

"Kenshin!" My mother glared at me disapprovingly and quickly glanced at my in-laws to see if they were listening. She rushed forward and gave Kaoru a light hug. "I'm sorry about your husband's behavior dear, he just came back from Tokyo and is a little tired. I'm really glad to see you back here darling."

"I'm glad to see you too." Kaoru responded as they released each other.

"Kenshin, you promised that you will not make a scene tonight." Mother reminded me. "That necklace is for Kaoru. Put it on her." Then she walked away with Akira to the entrance to greet Aoshi and Misao. Her parents have gone ahead and were already inside the house so it was only Kaoru and I who are left outside.

"You don't seem so happy to see me," she said, her eyes never losing their gleam. "Funny, that wasn't your reaction a few nights ago, I had the impression that you were really happy to see me."

"Hi. My name is Himura Kenshin. Can I know yours?"

"What for?" her voice has a cold edge to it as she took the glass the bartender gave her and took as sip from it.

"Because I want to know you," I answered bluntly.

She laughed dryly as she slid off from her seat and leaned towards me. My eyes widened slightly as she whispered softly in my ear, "Believe me Himura-san, you don't want to know." A moment later, I felt a cold liquid run through my head. I yelped as I stood up and let the liquid fell on the floor.

Someone hit me hard for flirting that night.

"You think you were really funny, didn't you? If I had known it was you then I wouldn't have thought twice and never give you the time of the day," I sneered as I went behind her and undo the clasp of the bracelet.

"Whatever you say husband," she replied in a sarcastic tone not taking what I said seriously. She held up her hair so that I can easily put the necklace around her neck.

My eyes automatically traveled to her hugely exposed back for her dress is backless. When did she have a beautiful and sexy back like that? She is not supposed to look hot like this! I shook my head to clear it with betraying thoughts. I stared at the sapphire and diamond pendant briefly before putting it on Kaoru. I noticed several men quickly eyed her as they passed by us to go to the door. Three years ago, no one would have noticed her… she truly has changed. As soon as I finished putting her necklace, she turned around to face me. The sapphire stones of her pendant matches her eyes perfectly; enhancing their color and making them look brighter. Without thinking I said, "You really look different."

She did not reply and instead, took my arm casually. "We better go inside now, they are waiting for us."

After three years, we finally saw each other again, each one of us different from whom we used to be. I still don't know that extent of changes that have occurred to Kaoru; however, no matter what these changes are I have this huge feeling that it will greatly affect my life… if I let her.

Will I let her?

That is what I am truly afraid of.


o

o

So what did you think of the chapter? I would like to hear your comments. Leave me a review! Thanks!

I don't know when I will next update, but I'll try my best to make it soon.

Mata ne!

Nadachi-chan )