Title – Destined Together

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

A/N – Konnichiwa, everyone! Looks like everyone enjoyed reading the previous chapter (I hope so)! I'm very thankful and happy for receiving such nice reviews! Arigatou! I do miss writing more and more and work on other stories too but it can't be helped (sigh)! I try whenever I get time and I'm grateful for you being patient all this time.

Camilo navas – Yeah. I would say Kai is still struggling on what he feels (It's new for him) so he's having difficulty in expressing himself. But no worries! They'll reconcile and it'll be interesting too! ^^

Ria – Yes! AiKou are totally cute together! Thanks for sharing yours thoughts! Kai and Misaki are both stubborn so I think they don't want to acknowledge their feelings for each other, especially Kai. Keep sharing your thoughts! ^^

Neon3333- Awww! Thanks a bunch, dear! Yup, Misaki will keep thinking about Kai too due to his (confusing) actions; Kai being unpredictable and all. Look forward to more of them! ^^

Helix – Thanks! Right. Their talk didn't go as Kai thought (since he just barged in there in anger and without thinking) and it does look like they're drifting apart but how else would they realize they're affected or they care? You get it, right? ^~

Jingle – Umm… I do feel bad that I can't update soon and on regular basis… I'm sorry about it too. And I'm grateful for being patient with this and I hope you'll keep reading till the end (^^'). (PS- Oh and you can follow or fav this story so that you can be notified whenever I update. Thanks!). Okay, do share your thoughts on what you think about the chapter! ^^

Jess – Better late than never! And thanks! Hmm… if only they weren't so stubborn… Well, it can't be helped judging from their personalities (XD).

And guest, thank you for all the reviews. I only ask to share your thoughts which makes me improve myself and it also encourages me! So don't forget to comment and review at the end of the chapter. Oh and I'll try and update soon. Enjoy!

Happy reading!

'…' - Thoughts

"…" - Speaking

Chapter 25

No One's POV

The Next Day…

"I heard… Tokura Misaki has left" said Genryu.

Kai had an urge to groan at his uncle's words but composed himself. He shrugged in reply as he ate his food while Genryu stared at him with a passive look. The uncle and nephew duo was currently in the dining hall having breakfast and Kai thought that it was too early to discuss it. After his 'talk' with Misaki, he had come back to his house and went to his room. He sent a text message to Kourin when he saw he had missed calls and a message from her. He went to sleep after that… but he couldn't sleep till late. Because of the lilac haired beauty who had made him feel agitated and frustrated since their argument. He was actually mad at himself because of her. To think that the day would come-… No. He had decided not to think about her and focus on his own 'problems'. They had already made it clear that they have nothing to do with each other.

"Yes, she did" Kai stated, glaring at his glass of orange juice and Genryu sighed, misinterpreting his nephew's reaction for anger towards him.

"Toshiki… I know you're probably angry at me… but she has to go. You should forget her" Genryu said and Kai frowned.

"…"

"And I also know I'm putting you through so much already…"

"…"

"I expect you to willingly accept this proposition and you'll understand soon, I'm sure. You know I only think the best for you" his uncle told him and Kai was irked at the subject.

"Kourin is best for me, how?" Kai fired without thinking.

"Stop being so stubborn, Toshiki" Genryu glared and Kai looked away. "Holding onto her isn't going to help you. I'm sure she didn't even call you once after leaving" that hit Kai like a rock.

"…" Kai stared at his food and Genryu sighed away his anger when he noticed his nephew's sullen mood.

"I understand it'll be hard for you to… get over the infatuation you have for her" Genryu continued.

"It's not that, uncle. I know what infatuation means" Kai cut in with a frown on his face.

"I'm not insulting your intelligence on the subject, Toshiki. Don't you get it? She knew she lost her chance to be with you when Kourin accepted the proposition. That's why she had no choice but to leave so that she doesn't have to reveal her true intentions. She agreed to leave you so easily, I'm surprised" Genryu said.

"…!" Kai was surprised by his uncle's misconception.

"If she was really into you more than your fortune, she wouldn't have left that easily" Genryu continued and Kai's patience thinned out at the insults.

"Sorry to interrupt you, uncle but I don't want you to talk about her like this. You have no idea what-… You don't know her" Kai paused.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" Genryu asked but Kai didn't reply. "Toshiki… you might be thinking that I'm being cruel and what not… but I have always been like this. You, on the other hand… I feel like I don't know you anymore. This rebellious attitude of yours have really surprised me" he said.

That's when Kai realized something… His uncle had always been the same... And Misaki was also being herself. It was him who was acting different. And he was worrying the people who care for him. He suddenly recalled Misaki's words…

"But you, on the other hand, don't care what others think or feel! You just want to control all the things and when they don't go your way, you just can't accept it. But you know, things can't always happen the way you want!"

Now that he wasn't angry like before, he realized that Tokura Misaki was the one who made him realize he was wrong on so many levels...

'So this is what she meant…' Kai let out a breathy chuckle which surprised the uncle and looked at his uncle before saying "…I'm sorry, uncle"

"…" Genryu gave a curt nod, unsurely and dropped the subject. "Anyway, how was your meeting with Kourin?" he asked and resumed eating.

"I didn't make it last night" Kai replied.

"Why? What was more important than that?"

"I had to attend an urgent matter…" Kai answered.

"You better reschedule that meeting, Toshiki" Genryu stated, frowning at Kai. "I'll see you at dinner" he said and stood up to leave.

"Alright. Take care, Uncle" Kai nodded at Genryu who stared at him for a second with raised eyebrows. Genryu left, shaking his head.

"Kai-sama left…?" Rukino approached the table and questioned Kai who was drinking his juice. "Anyway, Toshiki dear… Naoki-kun found this in one of your cars this morning" she said, handing him a silver necklace.

Few Days later…

Kai's Office…

'Am I overthinking…? No. This is just a precautionary measure… I had sent him but…' Kai internally debated. He wasn't the one to doubt his own decisions. His conscience was affected after he heard his friends' conversation a few days ago…

"We didn't even knew that Oracle corp. is run by a woman until we met Nee-chan a month ago. Funny, huh?"

"Aa… Misaki-san never really attended any parties before nor is she socially active. She has a really low profile. That's why"

"Hm. I don't think Misa-Q had any friends aside from Akari-chan"

Kai was curious about all this. And he did wanted to make sure everything is fine around her-… Here he goes again when it comes to her.

"Uh… Are you alright, Kai-kun?" asked Aichi, looking at his boss across him.

"Hn…" Kai grunted in response.

Aichi raised his eyebrows as he was witnessing the 'rarest' scene. Kai was staring at a necklace in his hands and not working on the files in front of him. One file lay open in front of Kai as if he had been working on it. Kai was merely watching the necklace as if inspecting a piece of art while Aichi stood with a folder in his arms. The scene had shocked Aichi. Kai Toshiki would never do such thing; neglecting his work like that. Miwa had commented earlier that Kai was spacing out because he's missing 'Nee-chan' but Aichi didn't believe him. But now that Aichi has witnessed himself, he doesn't know what to think. Why was Kai staring at a necklace while neglecting his work? Now Aichi was curious… about the necklace. Kai didn't even spare him a glance and attended a call on his cell phone.

'Is that necklace for Kourin-san…? Why would Kai-kun-… Maybe his uncle forced him to buy it? Nah… Could it be-… what?' Aichi thought but got no answer.

"Hn. I know I can rely on you. Thanks… Take care" Kai ended the call and leaned back in his chair. Aichi watched as his boss exhaled a long sigh.

"It's a beautiful necklace…" Aichi commented with a small smile which got Kai's attention. "Kai-kun… is that for Kourin-san?" he asked, pointing at the necklace.

"No. What gave you that idea?" Kai deadpanned.

"It's just… I thought you'll make it up to her since you couldn't make it to your dinner date…" Aichi shrugged. "She seemed… upset when I bumped into her" he said, thoughtfully.

"It wasn't intentional, Aichi…" Kai explained and Aichi nodded in understanding. "Did you send her home yourself?" he asked, causing Aichi to smile. Even though his boss doesn't like Kourin, he still shows concern for her.

"Yes. She even accompanied me to buy groceries! She looked happy when she left" Aichi informed.

"That's good… Seems you're good friends"

"Yes, we are…" Aichi sighed. "That's why I feel sad because you both are forced into something you don't want to do…" he said, shaking his head while Kai stared at him.

"The way she talked… I think she likes someone" Aichi said, avoiding Kai's eyes as if he was uncomfortable sharing it.

"I know that" he said, staring at Aichi.

"O-oh? I'm sorry… to bring that up. I know there are a lot of things on your mind…"

"It's fine, Aichi… Continue" Kai commented causing Aichi to blink in surprise since his boss never shows interest on what others think… or feel and now he was asking to share his thoughts?

"Well, I've been thinking… I don't know why but… I can't put my mind at ease after she told me all that. I keep thinking about her" Aichi shared his inner turmoil and sighed.

"You keep thinking about her…? …What're you getting at?" Kai finally spoke since he thought he'll have a migraine just by thinking about it and Aichi found himself stuttering. 'This looks like the same case as me…' he thought, staring at Aichi with scrutinizing gaze.

'What's that supposed to mean?!' Aichi thought, mistaking Kai's scrutiny for an accusatory look.

"I m-meant I'm worried t-that's why I keep thinking about her!" Aichi defended, avoiding his boss's gaze. He was unsure himself but just blurted it out. 'Is that normal…? And the way she smiled… It made me feel strangely happy. It's definitely not normal…' he thought, slightly startled with the realization.

"Is that so?" Kai nodded. "The way you speak about her… Looks like you're over concerned for her" he commented with a shrug.

"Eh?! I… didn't n-notice…" Aichi fidgeted uncomfortably while his cheeks flushed red. "Besides, t-this is not about me!" he defended, crossing his arms. Kai chuckled at his assistant's bewildered expression.

"Relax, Aichi. It's just a thought" Kai said, putting the necklace inside a drawer while Aichi calmed down. "Anyway, what's this?" he asked, picking up a fancy envelope from the stack on his table.

"Invitation from Nakadai's arrived yesterday. Kai-sama kept it here for you and you have to attend" Aichi told him.

"My uncle insisted?"

"Yes… because he knows about this since it's all over the news. They are our oldest clients. Besides, we may acquire new clients and it's to maintain public relations, as Kai-sama put it. In other words, he meant you can't avoid this" Aichi said since he knew Kai hates social gatherings and chuckled.

"Aa. I'll go if you guys go" Kai decided, glaring at the invitation card.

"I knew you would say that" Aichi smiled. "But… you do know Kai-sama will insist you take Kourin-san as your date…" he added.

"Tsk. Then tell her-…"

"And I'm not going to forward your message. You have to ask her yourself, Kai-kun. See you later!" Aichi stood up and left at that.

"Hn" Kai grunted and sighed audibly as he reclined on his chair once Aichi exited. "Tokura, bring me coffee-…" he paused and groaned.

This was the fourth time he had called her name that day…

Meanwhile….

At Oracle corp.

"Congratulations, Ibuki Kouji-san! Welcome to Oracle corp.!" Shin Nitta exclaimed as he happily shook hands with the said young man. He was very pleased because even though their company was facing problems, Ibuki still wanted to join.

"Thank you, Sir. I'll do my best!" Ibuki gave a curt nod as they shook hands, firmly.

Kouji Ibuki was a handsome young man in his early twenties, no less. He was stern and does his job in all seriousness except for his 'don't care' attitude. He wore a black suit since this was his first day of work, his silver hair tied back in ponytail. He was always pre-prepared for everything so he has done all his homework regarding his new work place. It wasn't like he was in need for this job but his friend was counting on him and he was curious about his friend's sudden request.

"Please be seated. Since you're Misaki-chan's assistant now, you'll need this. Go through this and you'll know what you have to do" said Shin, handing Ibuki some file as they both seated themselves.

"Yes, sir" Ibuki took the file.

"Hmm… Misaki-chan said she would be here…" Shin muttered while Ibuki flipped through the file.

As if on a cue, the door to Shin's office opened and the lilac haired president entered. Kouji looked at her and stood up when he recognized his boss, looking very professional and poised in her business attire; black pencil skirt, light blue blouse and a black vest over it and her lilac hair was tied loosely over her left shoulder. Her face was contorted in a frown.

"Shin-san, how many times do I have to tell you not to come here until you fully recover? You just got back from hospital" she glared, stopping in front of her uncle's desk.

"Calm down, Misaki-chan… There's a reason!" Shin exclaimed before Misaki could continue. "Since I can't help you much… I hired you an Assistant! Meet him, Kouji Ibuki-kun!" he gestured his hand towards Kouji. "And she'll be your boss Tokura Misaki" he added, looking at Ibuki.

Misaki sighed as she knew her uncle won't stop coming to office until he confirms she has someone to assist her. She now looked at the third person in the room and eyed him for a few seconds. If her uncle Shin has hired the man than she doesn't need to question anything.

"Nice to meet you, Tokura-sama" Kouji formally bowed in greeting.

"Likewise, Ibuki-san…" Misaki greeted back, extending her hand to him. "Welcome to Oracle corp." she said with a smile as they shook hands.

'So she's the one' Ibuki smirked.

Kagero corp.

Ren's Office…

"Did you hear, Ren? We're going to that Nakadai's party!" Miwa exclaimed, bursting in Ren's office.

"Yeah. I don't want to go" Ren stated, uninterestedly as he pointed at the invitation card on his table.

"Eh?" Miwa blinked in surprise. "Why?" he asked.

"Because it's Nakadai's and I don't want to see That guy" Ren replied, emphasizing on 'that'.

"What guy…? Oh! You mean him? Come on, Ren! It's not like you'll run into him of all people" Miwa pointed out.

"Miwa-kun… It's Nakadai's party and that guy is a Nakadai and of course he's the older brother of the birthday boy whose party you want me to attend. Need more reasons?" Ren pointed out.

"Aa…" Miwa sweat dropped. "But Kai expects us… since he has to go with Kourin-san…" he told the scarlet head.

"Fine… for Kai" Ren sighed as he gave in. "Hold on… His uncle isn't going to be there, right? I can't possibly be on my guard and stand like a statue throughout the party when he's there" he said in seriousness and Miwa laughed at that.

"No… he's not attending"

"If he does, I'll make you pay for my suit, Miwa-kun" Ren threatened. Miwa sweatdropped.

"Come on, Ren. You know you own many suits and you're loaded" Miwa rolled his eyes and Ren grinned.

"Yup, I do! But it's fun to make others pay for your stuff" Ren shrugged while smirking.

"That's… some twisted thinking"

"I'm just kidding, Miwa-kun!" Ren laughed. "In fact, I would pay extra for Kai's uncle to not to show up anywhere near me" he added and Miwa laughed.

"Well it's inevitable since he loves you SO much, Ren~!" Miwa teased.

"Yeah. And he would love to hear what you just said, Ren" Kai's voice made the two jump.

"I was kidding, Kai!" Ren sweated. "Besides… your uncle is… not that bad, you see. Yesterday he didn't say anything at all to me! He didn't taunt me and didn't even glare at me! I think he finally understands me" he explained and grinned happily while Kai sat on a chair next to Miwa and across Ren.

"Get real, Ren. My uncle was just pretending you don't exist" Kai commented.

"OH my! Hahaha!" Miwa burst out laughing with tears in his eyes while Ren's face turned plain.

"Ha-ha. Did you just crack a joke, Kai?" Ren asked and Kai shook his head 'No'.

"Anyway, is something wrong, Kai? You're here…?" Miwa questioned after a moment of silence.

"No? I just wanted to see if you guys are working. And I'm on a coffee break" Kai replied. Miwa and Ren were surprised at the reply since Kai never comes to see if they are working and they wondered if Kai was troubled.

"And where's your coff-…?"

"Kai-sama, here's your coffee!" Asaka entered with a small tray in one hand and some papers on the other. She kept the tray on the table in front of Kai.

"Thanks, Tok-…Narumi" Kai said as he grabbed the coffee mug. Miwa and Ren glanced at each other.

"You're welcome, Kai-sama" Asaka smiled as she kept the papers on Ren's table. "Here, Ren-sama. These are the copies you asked" she added and glanced at Kai then sent a knowing look at Ren and Miwa.

The three knew their Boss was going to say 'Tokura' but didn't comment on it. They knew it must be hard for Kai since he had gotten used to order Misaki around and he also got used to the coffee she made. There was something odd about Kai today, they noted and Aichi told them earlier Kai was spacing out and not working.

'Probably missing Nee-chan/Misa-Q/Misaki-chan' the trio thought at the same time while Kai sighed as he drank from the mug.

"Ne… Don't you think it would be fun if Nee-chan goes to that party too?" Miwa said and Kai paused.

"Hmm… It would be fun!" Ren agreed. "What do you say, Kai?" he asked.

"Don't care" Kai stood and left abruptly, surprising the three.

"Did you see…?" Miwa blinked at how much his boss was affected. Asaka nodded in understanding while Ren stared at the door.

"Yeah… He just spilled some coffee on my floor" Ren stated.

Miwa and Asaka face-palmed.

That Evening…

Kai Residence

Kai Toshiki stared at the door across his room for few seconds. He frowned. It's already being few days but his mind can't seem to accept it. He wasn't affected, he thought stubbornly then clicked his tongue.

'Why am I…? Why can't I just let go? Why didn't he want to accept that they really got nothing to do with each other? They have their own problems to face'

He was angry, yes… but he shouldn't. It shouldn't make a difference… But he knew he was wrong yet again. He knew they argued because of his stubbornness… And she made him feel like he was wrong. No one dared to point it out but her.

Kai retired to his room for the day and he was… exhausted. What an irony… since he had merely gone through a few files and not done any heavy task. All he did was think… and think… and think… about a certain lilac haired beauty throughout the day. Not that he was purposely thinking of her but she kept popping in his head every now and then. Now he was regretting ordering her around because he had gotten used to it. He can't even drink his coffee in peace, for god's sake!

'I'm thinking of giving up coffee' he thought but he knew it won't ease his situation.

Kai sighed as he lay awake on his bed and stared at the ceiling. She wasn't his concern now that she had left. He fulfilled his promise to Shin-san to keep her safe so end of the story. He decided since he can't avoid thinking about her, he'll just ignore it. And eventually it'll stop.

He was just… missing her company, he admitted begrudgingly… And not to forget their heated argument bothered him, much to his dismay. Well… what's done is done, he thought and decided to leave it at that. But then again he wasn't supposed to send Ibuki Kouji to make sure she's actually safe in her own corporation. That was just ridiculous even for him… but he had no choice. He just wants to make sure that she's safe because she could have been shot that day too and the one who had shot at them, who is yet to be caught, might be one from her own company.

'What the heck am I doing…? Why the hell am I the only one concerned when she might be sleeping without a care! Why am I the only one affected with this? I should demand an apology from her for going through all this! And I'll just… forgive her… What else can I do anyway? I give up. To hell with all these conflicted emotions!'

With Ibuki there, his mind could be at least at ease and now he could sleep without worrying…

Or so he thought…

To be continued… (XD)

A/N – Kai is trying hard to deny, isn't he? And Ibuki has made an appearance! And he's working for Kai. What's next? Stay tuned!

I'm sure some scenes must have made you smile ^^. Do tell me how their interactions felt and which parts you enjoyed reading! And stay tuned as there's something unexpected going to happen! And I'm sure you'll love it! But before that, do share what you think on this chapter, comment and Review!

Peace! ^^