Title – Destined Together

Disclaimer – I don't own Cardfight! Vanguard or any of its characters… Only the OC's in this story.

A/N – Greetings, everyone! I'm back with an update! Cool, huh? And Thank you for all the cool reviews! I appreciate it! I'm sure you'll like this chap and I expect more reviews for this since I think you'll have at least something to say as the chap ends. So do share your thoughts and comments! Reading them makes my day better too! Thank you! Let's not waste more time and go on! Just RnR! ^^

'…' – Thoughts

"…" – Speaking

Italics – Flash back

Chapter 22

No One's POV

"Toshi-…!" Genryu paused in surprise to see Misaki there and also, Kai and Misaki were TOO close from his point of view.

"…?" Aichi gasped at the scene then glanced at Genryu whose fists were clenched. He smiled at Kourin in greeting and nodded in acknowledgement when she saw him but failed to notice the surprised look on her face while Kai and Misaki were surprised at the new arrival.

An awkward silence followed…

In the next moment, Misaki pushed Kai's hand off her shoulder and stepped a foot away from him. Misaki knew that Genryu was trying to keep his anger in check when he saw her there. Kourin broke the silence after noticing the tense atmosphere although she was also surprised by Genryu and Aichi's arrival.

"Good evening, Kai-sama…" Kourin stepped forward and greeted Genryu. "I didn't know you'll be joining us today" she bowed in greeting.

"Good evening… Kourin. How are you doing?" Genryu asked, walking towards them while Aichi stood near the doors.

"I'm doing fine, thank you" Kourin replied.

"I hope Toshiki haven't caused any inconvenience" he added, shooting a glare at Misaki. Aichi pointed at the uncle when Kai gave him a questioning look which asked 'Why are you and my uncle here?'

"Not at all, Kai-sama…" Kourin said, showing her fake smile to Genryu. "He's really a gentleman" she added.

Misaki and Kai rolled their eyes at that while Aichi looked doubtful.

"Good to hear that. And what be coming of this meeting? We can always rearrange another date if you need more time" Genryu was on to the point as usual.

"Aa, yes… but I have made my decision, Kai-sama… Unfortunately, Suiko-nee couldn't make it to hear this. I, Tatsunagi Kourin, accept this arrangement" Kourin announced.

"…?!" Kai and Aichi were shocked as they looked at Kourin then at each other. Misaki looked surprised while Kourin kept smiling.

"Wonderful!" only Genryu looked happy…

Again awkward silence followed…

"C-C-Congratulations…" Aichi sputtered out, feeling uncomfortable at the sudden news while Kourin avoided looking at him and merely sent him a nod.

Misaki was dumbfounded as she stared at Kourin while Kai looked like he had heard the worst news of the week. She could sense Kai's anger and took a step away from him, unconsciously. It was suddenly suffocating to stand in the room, she thought and wanted to leave.

"I have one request, Kai-sama… Can we postpone the engagement for a later date, if possible? We have some prior arrangements that should be taken care of" Kourin spoke, overwhelmed by Kai's dangerous aura.

"That can be arranged. We'll reschedule our meeting to discuss other things" Genryu affirmed. "Sendou-kun, thank you for today" he dismissed Aichi.

"Misaki-san, I'll drive you back" Aichi came to Misaki's aid and the two left without further ado.

Kai Residence…

'Such a cunning woman…! Even after admitting she loves someone else, she accepts the engagement?' Kai thought with a frown as he recalled their conversation…

Flash Back…

"…I have been in love with someone" Kourin admitted and Kai showed a bit more interest in the conversation.

"Sounds great. Then we no longer have to be here" Kai said.

"Easier said than done, Kai-san… You couldn't even escape this meeting even after you disapproved the whole marriage idea" she told him.

"Hn. My uncle can be really persistent. But now we can avoid this… since you like someone" he reasoned.

"Aa… but I don't think it works like that" she sighed before saying "Besides, it was … always unrequited… I don't think I'll see him again"

"What is the point of this conversation, Tatsunagi-san?" he asked since he wasn't interested in anyone else's life story.

"Well, I'm not the one to discuss such things on first meeting but… I just want you to know this, Kai-san. I don't want you to hold a grudge against me for anything. After all, we all have our reasons" she said and Kai frowned. "And I don't want to marry you" she added, taking a sip of water from the glass.

"Hn. Same here" he gave her a curt nod, relieved.

"Anyway, let's just sit here for a while and talk… We can't just go home in half hour, right?" she told him, dismissing the subject and Kai could care less…

"Hn. I don't have any other choice…" Kai sighed, looking at his watch then at the glass doors.

"No offense but… you aren't that much of a gentleman, charming or princely as they had described you in the magazines" she commented and he gave her an 'I-don't-care' look.

"Whatever" he muttered, looking at the doors again which caused Kourin to ask if he was expecting someone but then Misaki had a flashy entry… Followed by his uncle and Aichi…

After Aichi and Misaki had left, the dinner was in silence except Genryu's few questions at Kourin. Genryu didn't bring up Misaki's subject nor did Kourin. Despite Genryu's glare at Kai, the brunette had ate the dinner Misaki had brought for him quietly although his mood had turned sour after Kourin's acceptance and even Kourin ate her share since her friend had cooked for her so Genryu couldn't say anything. Kourin insisted Genryu to eat some and he had complied out of politeness.

End of Flash Back…

Now that they arrived home, Genryu was the first to go inside the house while Kai followed a few steps behind. Both the Kai's didn't speak the whole car ride since Genryu knew Kai was upset. On the other hand, Kai wasn't upset but angry with all the things happening with him. He couldn't even enjoy the dinner he was so looking forward to… although, a part of him liked it very much. Once they were inside, they saw Misaki talking to Naoki. Kai was surprised that his uncle approached Misaki so he followed suit and Naoki hurriedly left.

"I don't know how you managed to-…" Genryu paused in dismissal before speaking "I'll let it go since everything went well. Now then, Tokura Misaki… I hope you keep your word" he said and left upstairs, overjoyed. Kai looked at Misaki at that.

"Now what is this about?" Kai asked with a frown and Misaki debated if she should tell him. "Well?" he asked, impatiently.

"Well… Your uncle told me I'll have to leave you for good if Kourin-chan accepts the proposal" she replied and sighed. "And… I had agreed. I didn't think she'll accept just like that… In the first meeting? I'm surprised…" she added, thinking.

"I see… So that was another important deal to you. It's so like you to not to tell me, Tokura" he glared. He was trying to keep his anger in check.

"I wanted to discuss some things with you but couldn't find the time… And I didn't have any other choice" she explained. "About the contract-… uh… we'll talk later…?" she said when she noticed his clenched fists at the mention of contract and turned to leave.

"Tokura" Kai stopped her. "I believed you'll help me. Tell me… Were you even serious about helping me?" his question caught her off guard.

"Of course! I… just didn't expect it'll turn out like this but… We can think of something…? It'll be fine-…" she paused, feeling nervous when his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

"Fine…? It's all messed up-… It's all my fault. I decided to act nice because you asked me to! Then I hear you made a deal out of this?" he glared at her.

"It's not like that!" she exclaimed, frowning and quite surprised at his remark.

"Should I believe you? Give me a reason to believe you that you aren't thinking of anything but your friend's happiness. After all, everything depended on your friend's decision, no?" his harsh tone and glare only fueled her anger.

"You're thinking wrong! Kourin-chan wouldn't have accepted if she didn't like you! Even so, if you think you're correct with your assumptions then- What's wrong with supporting her?" she snapped. "If she thinks she'll be happy with you, I'll be happy too!" she huffed and glared at his face.

The next thing she knew, he was suddenly too close as he grasped her shoulders, his grip strong; his eyes boring into hers while she looked startled at the sudden act.

"You're doing this only for your friend, aren't you? So you'll be happy, huh?" he snapped.

"K-Kai…"

"You're here because of that contract, right?" he gritted out.

"W-Wha-?" she winced due to his harsh tone and his hold on her. He looked so intimidating right now. "W-What is wrong with you!" she exclaimed, struggling to leave his hold.

"You know what? Leave if you want to leave so badly" he let go of her and left a confused and hurt Misaki behind.

The Next Day…

The only person who's happy was Genryu Kai… And adding more to his happiness was- Kai Toshiki is giving Tokura Misaki cold shoulder… He didn't know the reason and wasn't interested in one. He felt like a winner since everything that's happening was according to his expectations.

It seems whenever Misaki is near Kai, he leaves somewhere else. He didn't speak to her nor greeted her. After several forced attempts, she realized he was intentionally avoiding her. She wanted to tell him something important but he wasn't 'interested' to hear. He didn't even drink the coffee she had made! He's shrugging her off like she wasn't even there! This revelation made her heart clench and she felt its pain spreading through her. He behaved like she doesn't even exist!

'Why is all this happening to me?' she thought but steeled herself. Just when she had started to like his company and she thought that he wasn't as stuck-up and egoist as he shows, things got worse. Why was he mad anyway? She didn't do anything at all! She even helped him by pretending to be his girlfriend and even faced his uncle yet he goes and shows his tantrum like that. She decided that she doesn't want to deal with him anymore and she better get away from him before he makes her more confused than she already is. She noticed how he has started to affect her, how painful it is when he ignores her and she doesn't want to get involved in any of his matters than she already is… She shook her head, frustrated from all the thoughts and exhaled deeply.

'If that's what you want, Kai' she thought and went to her room.

Meanwhile…

Kai's office

'What the hell is wrong with me?!'

Kai banged his fist on his desk. He couldn't sleep a wink because all he could see was her hurt expression. After all she was doing for him, helping him with kindness and even agreeing to pretend to be his girlfriend to save him from 'misery', all he did was snap at her when she wasn't even at fault. He knew his uncle was giving her hard time yet she had defended him. She even made him dinner and went through all the trouble to deliver it to him and all he did was argue with her when she might be expecting some appreciation. And what was he expecting from her after Kourin's decision? She was just being a good friend to Kourin. What else could she do? Why was he so furious anyway that he had to lash out on her like that? And just because she accepted to leave him because his uncle said so? Why was he angry anyway? How could he always lose his composure when it comes to her? Hell, Ren had annoyed him so much for years yet he wasn't that affected!

He had left without glancing at her for once despite knowing the fact that she wanted to talk to him. He couldn't face her after his behavior and this was the first time he had to avoid someone like this, he realized. He knew she was hurt and he couldn't do anything to take it back. To see they had some mutual understanding mere two days ago and he had to ruin it. He faced the ceiling and closed his eyes. He felt exhausted, mentally and physically and angry at himself.

'I have to apologize somehow…'

Later that Day…

Kai's eyebrow twitched. He opened his eyes drowsily and sat up, yawning when he winced. His neck was aching due to sleeping in the same position at his desk. Ignoring the fact that the air condition was turned on high yet he felt warm, he rubbed the sore spot on his neck and groaned in annoyance. Something fell off his shoulders and he realized it was his coat that had kept him warm.

"Finally, sleepy head boss" said Miwa, getting Kai's attention who held the coat in his hand. "Had a nice sleep?" he smirked.

"Aa… Did you put this on me?" Kai asked, looking at the coat.

"No…" Miwa raised his eyebrow at the question. "Maybe Nee-chan did… since no one came to your office. You know it's almost evening" he pointed out and true enough, the sun was at the horizon. Kai was surprised.

"I slept that long? Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" Kai frowned at the blonde who shrugged. 'Tokura… was here?' he thought.

"You looked like you were having a nice dream. You were… smiling. It was about Nee-chan, wasn't it?" he added with a smirk.

"You weren't in my dream so shut up" Kai stood up, looking away from Miwa. He kept his coat aside.

"And he didn't even deny!" Miwa deadpanned and Kai merely sighed. "We heard from Aichi about last night…" he added quietly, causing Kai to recall his rude behavior towards Misaki as he stared at his coat.

"I have been a jerk…" Kai thought aloud.

Miwa, bewildered, thought the world was ending for Kai to admit such thing… Maybe, Kai's world was… But before he could utter a single word, Genryu entered the office.

"You still nap on your desk?" Genryu questioned while he saw Kai's disheveled hair and wrinkled shirt.

"Sometimes" Kai shrugged in reply.

"Good evening, Kai-sama…" Miwa greeted Genryu who nodded at him while Kai straightened his shirt.

"Do… you need something, uncle…?" Kai asked cautiously. Miwa shared a look at Kai saying 'We'll talk later' and left the office.

"Are your injuries healing fine?" Genryu enquired.

"Yes, they are" Kai replied and noted his uncle's weariness. "Is something the matter, uncle?" he asked.

"Aa… It's about the conference in Hong Kong… its preponed to tomorrow instead of day after tomorrow" Genryu informed and Kai exhaled. "So we're leaving today itself… in two hours, if it's fine by you" he said.

"It's fine, uncle. I'll be ready" Kai said as he stood up from his seat and continued "I'll call Aichi-…"

"It's all been taken care of. Sendou is accompanying us. Meet me out in an hour" Genryu said and left the office.

Some Time later…

"Where's Tokura?" Kai asked Naoki and Shingo. He was ready to leave and wanted to talk to Misaki but he didn't see her anywhere.

"She went out sometime ago" Shingo replied and Kai clicked his tongue in impatience. The two noticed Kai was dressed well and was carrying a small bag since he was leaving to Hong Kong with his uncle.

Kai glanced at his watch and realized he was running late so he decided to call her on his cell phone and left, nodding at both Naoki and Shingo. He frowned when she didn't pick up. He tried a few more times but to no avail as he exited the house. He waited for his uncle who approached him a blink later.

"Let's get going" Genryu said as got in the car and Kai followed after with a sigh.

Meanwhile

'Afternoon Nap' calling…

Misaki glanced at her cell phone that kept ringing and glared the name that appeared on the screen. It rang two more times again but she didn't receive his call. She could only recall his rude behavior towards her and how he managed to dump all the blame on her when it wasn't her fault. She frowned. She had went to his office since Naoki had asked her to bring some stack of papers as he was busy and it was still beyond her why she covered his form with the coat when she saw him shivering. She shook her head, thinking it was merely an instinct.

'I'm not going to hear your rant again!' she decided with a huff. She put her cell phone in her purse and walked off, carrying a few gift bags in her hands.

Some more time later…

Misaki was back at Kai's. Shingo and Naoki were nearby and approached her. She kept the bags on nearby table and smiled at the two while Rukino approached the three.

"Where were you, Misaki-chan?" Rukino asked.

"We are waiting for you, you know" Naoki added and Shingo agreed with a nod.

"Sorry, I'm late… Did something happen?" Misaki asked, glancing around.

"No… but Kai-kun was looking for you" Shingo informed.

"Hmm" Misaki hummed, uninterested and rummaged in one of the bags. "Anyway, I've got you something" she said to Shingo as she handed him a box.

"But you didn't have to, Misaki-san…" Shingo said, looking a new cellphone Misaki had brought for him.

"It's fine. Your's broke because of me so please accept this" Misaki smiled at him.

"T-thank you…" Shingo thanked, a little abashed by receiving a present. Naoki and Rukino smiled.

"I have brought presents for Rukino-san and Naoki as well" Misaki said as she handed some bags to Rukino and Naoki who were surprised. "Thank you for everything, guys. I'll be happy if you accept these" she told them before they could protest.

"F-fine! If that makes you happy" Naoki grumbled, looking away.

"Don't be embarrassed now" Misaki teased.

"I'm not! And… thank you" Naoki smiled.

"Thank you, dear" Rukino thanked with a smile.

"What's with the sudden presents anyway?" Naoki enquired before Rukino or Shingo but they somewhat knew what she wanted to say.

"I'm leaving tomorrow so… It's just… I'm only showing my appreciation, that's all. I'll always be grateful to you all" Misaki smiled at them.

"We understand" Rukino nodded. "Did you talked to Toshiki about this…?" she asked with frown since the three had seen Kai didn't speak to her in the morning.

"We… talked" Misaki paused, recalling their argument. "Everything's clear. I went to his office too" she told them with an awkward smile. Rukino and Shingo left hurriedly when they smelled something burning in kitchen.

"Oh. So that's why he was looking for you before he left" Naoki thought aloud.

"He left…?" Misaki questioned.

"To Hong Kong with his uncle. I guess, he wanted to say goodbye"

"Yeah, right"

To be continued….

A/N – Wow… I can't believe so much happened in here… That's some intensity, huh? How do you feel about their interactions? Well, hoping you all liked reading it! If you liked it, don't forget to review, share your thoughts and comments please! It gives me encouragement and urges me to write more so I'm counting on ya! Have a great day! Thank you!

Peace! ^^