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! Sorry for the delay and my sincere thanks to the reviewers! Please share your thoughts at the end. Thank you!
Camilo navas – Thank you for reviewing! They sure are confused but what do you think? Who'll realize first? ^^
Daringbunny88 – Thank you! Looks like you loved the chapter! Stay tuned for more 'KYAAAAHHHHHH!' moments! ^^
Ria – I felt really nice reading your amazing review, Ria-san. Thank you and its fine if you review late. I also apologize for not updating sooner and I know the chapters are delayed but I'm trying. By the way, your ideas are really nice and I don't plan on going easy on these two, especially Kai. (XD). So stay tuned! Oh and don't worry about typo mistake. I got what you said the first time I read. Will wait for your thoughts on this one too! ^^
Krislee Tomioka – Hey! Thanks for reading! I'll continue writing and I plan on finishing so please continue reading! ^^
Oh and please take a look at my KaiSaki oneshots too!
'…' - Thoughts
"…" – Speaking
"Italics" – Flash back
Chapter 30
No One's POV
"Goodbye, Kai…"
"Tokura…"
Kai snapped open his eyes then instantly closed them. It was morning and his head was throbbing like he has a hangover. Wait… hangover? He recalled last night's events and remembered meeting Jun Mitsuki but nothing after that. Did he get drunk…? But how-…? He groaned lightly. He slowly opened his eyes and realized he was in his room as he sat up on his bed. He glanced at the clock.
'It's already 10?' he rubbed his eyes and took the pill and glass of water which he assumed Naoki had put them on his bedside table.
Kai got ready for the day, wearing his office clothes. His hair was damp but he ignored it. He wasn't in the mood for anything and he seemed like he wasn't feeling anything. He felt… empty inside but his mind was jumbled.
KNOCK-KNOCK
The door to his room opened and in came Miwa and Naoki.
"Good. You're awake, Boss" Miwa greeted. "You okay?" he asked and sensed Kai's off mood.
"Hn" Kai muttered, wearing his vest over his shirt.
"Boss, Kai-sama is unwell so…" Naoki paused when Kai snapped his attention on him.
"What happened?!" Kai was out the door in an instant and the two followed him.
"Running a fever. We called the doctor and he said it might be by overworking and stress" Naoki informed.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Kai frowned and opened the door to his uncle's room.
Naoki and Miwa stayed out while Kai went in. Rukino and Shingo were inside and left when Kai sent them a nod. Genryu was awake and sitting on his bed, wearing his night clothes (Yukata).
"Aa. Toshiki" Genryu greeted when his nephew approached him, looking all worried. "Come. Sit" he said and Kai sat on a chair beside bed.
"Uncle, I…"
"I'm fine. It's just a fever, Toshiki. I didn't realize when it got so high and it seems my body gave up" Genryu sighed and he could see Kai getting anxious.
"I'm… sorry, Uncle. I couldn't properly look after you-…"
"It's not your fault, Toshiki"
"You should've been more careful" Kai frowned. "Do you need anything?" he asked.
"No" Genryu replied.
"Anyway, you should rest now-…" Kai paused as he noticed that his uncle kept staring at him. "There's something on your mind…" he guessed and Genryu sighed.
"I'm sorry" Genryu's words surprised Kai. "I have been hard on you these past few days…" he added.
"You… don't need to apologize, Uncle" Kai said as he knew his uncle worries too much about him.
"No. I… forced you too much with Tatsunagi's proposal… against your wish. I knew I shouldn't have but…"
"I know you wanted to help them so don't worry" Kai cut in. "Well, I hope you don't have another such arrangement for me right now" he stated with narrowed eyes and Genryu smiled a little.
"You can rest easy for now, Toshiki" Genryu stated, amused. "So about Tokura Misaki… Even though I forbid you, you're still seeing each other, right?" he questioned and noted the coldness across Kai's face.
"I… should get going" Kai stood up to leave but Genryu stopped him.
"You don't need to avoid the subject, Toshiki. I know there's something you aren't telling me. I've wanted to ask you this for a while and now I got the time" Genryu said and Kai sat back down with a sigh.
"Well, the thing is… We were never really dating, uncle" Kai said and Genryu frowned. "I… lied. I know it was wrong but I didn't have any choice…" he sighed.
"And she helped you with the farce?" Genryu narrowed his eyes.
"She has always been against lying to you but…" and Kai told Genryu everything in brief…
A few minutes later, Genryu sat there, digesting his nephew's words. On the other hand, Kai recalled the times he was rude and insensitive towards Misaki.
"I see…" Genryu finally spoke and Kai exhaled.
"No wonder Tokura cut ties with me…" Kai said, running his hand through his hair and Genryu noted the distress in his voice.
'Of course. I had never been kind to her. Instead, I took advantage of the contract she had signed… I even wronged her on so many things' he thought.
"Is that so? That's… interesting" Genryu commented and Kai gave him a plain look. "Well… it's something new to hear that someone told YOU off" he smirked when Kai averted his eyes.
"Aa"
"Surprisingly, I'm not angry after hearing all this. I mean… your friends and even Rukino-san lied for your sake… that means they all love you and I'm happy to find out" Genryu told Kai.
"Yeah… But still… I'm sorry for deceiving you, uncle" Kai said.
"I forgive you, Toshiki... this once" Genryu smiled when Kai looked relieved. "Well… you've met many suitors before this but… you were never this desperate to get off such situation like you were with Kourin's" he taunted.
"…" Kai raised his eyebrows as if he just realized it.
"It's like you've made up your mind" Genryu said, creating suspense and Kai looked confused. "I have been right… that you've changed" he added.
"Aa. I won't deny that" Kai admitted. "Anyway, you don't have to worry about us seeing each other now" he shrugged and silence followed.
"It seems you're more affected than you're showing. Again you aren't being honest, Toshiki" Genryu told Kai who frowned. "Anyway, you should go back to work now. I need some rest" he said.
"Hn" Kai knew his uncle was ushering him out but complied anyway. "Rest well. I'll be back by lunch" he said and left.
Genryu watched the door to his room shutting after Kai. He knew his nephew will never show his feelings out but he knew better. The way Kai spoke about Tokura Misaki… His nephew had never spoken like that about anyone else, not even his friends… and the things Genryu had noticed all the while… Genryu was absolutely sure his nephew feels strongly for the girl.
'Now… will you keep lying to yourself or… be honest?' Genryu thought.
TWO MONTHS LATER…
Kagero corps.
No One's POV
Kai sighed. He was exhausted. It had been very busy, slow and agonizing two months for him. Not like he can't handle work but it was slightly different this time. After he said good bye that day… he felt that he had left a part of himself behind. All his days passed by with him waking up, breakfast, office work, lunch, conferences, dinner, sleep and it was his regular schedule. In other words, he kept himself busy… Well, there wasn't a day he didn't remember her. Of course, his house and office were enough to make him remember her. And he still regrets ordering her around since he couldn't seem to overcome this habit of his. He would remember that he had done many unexpected things because of her… He even helped Aichi and Kourin get together! He, Kai Toshiki, would've never involved himself in something like 'match-making'. But it was worth it… He had learned not to look at things superficially. Whatever we do always makes some difference to something or someone, whether it is the act of kindness or un-kindness.
'As surprising as it is… I'm glad uncle hasn't arranged any other marriage interviews' Kai thought.
He never asked about her to anyone. Well, he would hear his friends talk and sometimes they would share about their encounter with her. His friends would always try to insist him to go with them but he refused every time. He didn't want her to avoid him again like last time. He knew she was doing well and she was very busy. And that was enough for him… was it?
'I feel like I'm assuring myself' Kai let out an exasperated sigh.
He was stuck. He was restless. His reluctance to visit her was beyond him or maybe it was his ego that stopped him. Maybe he should-… No. he won't go. She tried to cut ties with him and she should be the one to mend… Again his ego interfered. Ibuki would message him that the situation is fine except some minor problems about the company but his boss Misaki-san was taking care of it. Kai would only reply with 'OK'.
'Maybe I shouldn't have sent Ibuki in the first place…' Kai thought and left his office.
He was fine… or so he thought.
Ren's Office
"Is it really true?" Asaka asked.
"Our Aichi… is leaving?" Ren said.
"He's such a nice person… and diligent… and honest…" Miwa stated.
"Uh… guys? Can you stop talking like I'm not here?" Aichi sweatdropped.
"But you're leaving!" Miwa, Ren and Asaka exclaimed.
"Can you all be any more dramatic?" Kai cut in as he entered the cabin.
"Boss…" Aichi greeted and Kai sent him a curt nod. "I'll be right back, (Genryu) Kai-sama has called for me" he informed and left.
"Ren, did you complete those files yet?" Kai asked and Ren looked at him in disbelief.
"How can you-…?! Can't you see I'm sad here?" Ren exclaimed, dramatically and Kai rolled his eyes.
"Do I look like I care?" Kai stated.
"Why would Kai-sama call Aichi?" Miwa enquired and Kai shrugged.
"My uncle thinks it's a big loss for Kagero… as Aichi is leaving" Kai sighed out.
"I agree with your uncle" Ren said.
"Tatsunagi's are in bad condition and they need help. Why do you think my uncle insisted on our engagement?" Kai asked.
"Hmm" Asaka nodded.
"They need a good leader. He was trying to help them…" Miwa pointed out.
"So your uncle is actually a nice person" Ren commented while Kai took a seat.
"Finally, you know" Kai smirked and Asaka giggled. "Anyway, is the presentation ready for the conference, Miwa?" he asked.
"Yes. And here's the report" Miwa replied as he handed Kai a file.
"Hn"
"Wait… You're leaving tomorrow, right?" Miwa confirmed and glanced at others "But it's your-…"
"Work comes first. I heard there's some problem with Kurahashi deal so fix an appointment with them. Ren will go with you" Kai cut in and rubbed his temple. "I need coffee. Toku-…" he paused.
Asaka, Ren and Miwa glanced at each other. They knew Kai was going to call 'Tokura'. Misaki's name would often slip off from their boss's tongue and he was yet to get over it even after two months. They had also seen him brooding and sulking sometimes. He had even stopped being a rude arrogant boss. They were now accustomed to their boss's sudden and unpredictable mood changes but never commented on it as they knew the reason.
'Now he had already decided to be out on his birthday…' Miwa thought.
They were worried for Kai but also knew his hardheadedness. They had tried to help or talk but Kai would just talk business and leave. Miwa could almost feel Kai's 'I-feel-empty-inside' aura and he wanted to do something about it. They watched as the stubborn boss suddenly stood up to leave.
"I'll get going. Stop slacking and get back to work" Kai stated before exiting.
"He's doing it again" Miwa sighed.
"Hmm…" Asaka hummed.
"Yeah… he just scolded us in our lunch break" Ren pointed out and Miwa and Asaka only shook their heads.
"I'm surrounded by idiots" Miwa mumbled to himself. "Wait… Who's taking Aichi's place?" he enquired.
"Not me. Boss said he might go insane if I take Aichi's place" Ren said, dismissively.
Miwa and Asaka laughed while Ren rolled his eyes.
Few days later…
Kai Residence
"Welcome back, Toshiki dear" Rukino smiled in greeting who was setting the dining table.
"Thanks, Rukino-san…" Kai said as he entered the dining hall and took a seat. "Did uncle eat dinner?" he enquired.
"Yes, in his room" Rukino informed.
"Hn"
"It was your birthday yesterday and you weren't here so…" she smiled.
Naoki came back with a cake and put it on the table "So let's celebrate!"
"We made it for you" Shingo said. "And also prepared your favorite food!"
"You guys…" Kai shook his head but sent them a small smile. "Thanks" he said, before cutting the cake.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!"
"Belated"
"Okay, now it's time for dinner" Rukino said as she fed Kai a spoonful of cake.
"It tastes delicious! Did you guys eat?" Kai asked and Rukino shook her head 'no'. "Then let's get started" he told them with a smirk.
"Great! I'm starving!" Naoki said as he took a large portion of cake on a plate and sat while Shingo looked reluctant.
"Take a seat, Shingo. You too, Rukino-san" Kai said and the two complied.
"Thank you for the food!"
And the dinner was served. The four ate dinner like they used to a few months back, before the arrival of Genryu. They talked and Kai enquired about their families. They finished eating and Kai was about to leave when Rukino stopped him.
"Toshiki dear" Rukino called. "You have lots of presents in your room, by the way. Don't forget to open them when you have time" she informed.
"Yeah-yeah"
"Oh, yes. This arrived today evening for you" Shingo said, pulling out a paper bag from the counter.
"What's that?" Kai asked so Shingo pulled out some book from it.
"A book…? It says… 'Anger management'…" Shingo read and Kai's eyebrow twitched. "Who would dare-…?" he narrowed his eyes.
"It's from Boss Lady. I mean, Misaki-san!" Naoki informed, looking at Misaki's name on a small card which he pulled out from the bag. "Only she would dare…" he shrugged, putting the card back while Kai glared at the book.
Kai grabbed the paper bag and the book and left while Rukino giggled and Naoki and Shingo snickered after he left.
Kai's room…
Once in his room, Kai sat on his bed and eyed the book. To be honest, he felt happy and confused at same time. And now, she had again surprised him by sending a… present on his birthday. Well, she was a day late to send it but he didn't care. He realized that it was always her… she's always the first to approach him while he always stops himself from reaching out. He glanced at the book and chuckled. Maybe next time, he'll be the first to approach her…
He pulled out the card and read…
- Happy Birthday belated
I heard from Miwa that it was your birthday yesterday. And Shin-san insisted I send a present but I didn't know what to get you… except this. I hope this helps.
PS – Best anger management book
From Tokura Misaki
-Oracle corp. logo-
Kai didn't know why but his lips quirked up after reading the note, although the title of book was quite unnerving. He didn't understand her reason or intention of sending him a birthday present but he was glad she did. He opened the book and found out that it was actually a small album consisting of random photographs and snaps of their friends, including Rukino, Naoki and Shingo. Kai smiled, genuinely.
'You're really something else, Tokura…'
The Next day…
Kagero corps.
Kai's Office
"Good morning, Boss!" Ren greeted as soon as he entered the office. "I was hoping for a grand birthday party! But alas… Anyway, did you open our presents?" he asked, excitedly.
"No?" Kai quirked an eyebrow at Ren. "You arrived early to ask me this…?" he asked and sipped his coffee.
"No. You look happy that's why" Ren shrugged. "Anyway… I'm going to leave early today, around lunch. A-chan has fever" he informed.
"Oh" Kai gave a curt nod. "Tetsu isn't here so take care of her" he added as he knew Asaka didn't have many friends, especially girls.
"Yeah. I've called Akari-san and she said she'll drop by" Ren informed.
"That's… good. And send Miwa in" he told Ren.
"Okay" Ren said. "Have a good day!" he bid and left.
KNOCK-KNOCK
"Come in"
"Good morning, Boss! Assistant at your service!" Miwa grinned. "Here's the monthly report" he said.
"Hn. Keep it in that drawer. I'll see it later" Kai said, flipping through some pages while Miwa complied. "And make copies of these-…" he paused.
"Hey! There's a necklace here" Miwa pulled out the silver jewelry. "And it belongs to?" he grinned, slyly.
"It's… Tokura's"
"Hmmm. Okay~. And why is it still here for?" Miwa grinned before keeping the necklace back and Kai gave him a pointed look.
"None of your business"
"Well, it might slip off my tongue and-…"
"And I might tell your sister who damaged her favorite car while racing-…"
"Okay! Fine! My lips are sealed! I was just kidding!"
"Good. Coz I'm serious" Kai smirked.
Some Time later…
Asaka's apartment
"Yes, I'm fine" Asaka said over the phone, her voice hoarse.
Her brother Tetsu had called from US. Since Genryu Kai had many things to deal with and needed more time to stay in Japan, he had sent Tetsu to US headquarters until he goes back since Tetsu was one of the most trusted person of Genryu. Tetsu was worried when Ren told him Asaka was sick hence the call…
"It's just a normal flu… and feber (fever). Yesh (yes), I'll dake (take) care" Asaka sighed then sneezed in the tissue "You should be sleeping by now-…"
DING-DONG
"Hold on… Someone's at the door" she said as she strutted towards the door. "R-Ren-sama…" she greeted, surprised that he was there.
"Hey, A-chan! I brought lunch and some meds" Ren said as he went in when Asaka moved aside. "Is that Te-chan?" he enquired when Asaka talked on the phone.
"Yes. H-here" Asaka handed Ren the phone.
"Aa. Te-chan! How ya doing?" Ren greeted and walked off in the kitchen.
Asaka watched as Ren walked off and glanced at her night clothes that consisted of pink pajama pants and shirt. Feverish as she was, she also felt shy and her face flushed. Her headache escalated tenfold and she felt dizzy as she shivered.
'R-Ren-sama is here! W-what should I do…?' she tried to calm down, looking around. 'Maybe I should just hide under my covers!' she thought and was about head to her bedroom but Ren's voice stopped her.
"Te-chan sure is over-protec-… A-chan, why're you still out of your bed?" Ren asked as he came back with the phone.
"I w-was just about to go back!" she stuttered out and Ren noticed her fidgeting uncomfortably.
Ren's eyes went wide when he saw Asaka stumble forward and her legs gave out. He hurried by her side and caught her by her shoulders to steady her.
"A-chan!"
Asaka had passed out. Ren frowned when he felt her high temperature as he was closer to her. Her breaths were labored and unsteady. He scooped her up in his arms and let out a sigh. Her condition was worse than he imagined. He never went in her bedroom before and was reluctant but he had no choice. He headed straight to her bed and laid her down before covering her with covers as she was shivering.
'I really should call a doctor now' he thought and called one.
Some Time later…
"How is she…? Do I need to take her to the hospital?" Ren's voice was urgent and he was very worried since Asaka hadn't woken up since half hour.
"No. She'll be fine. Give her the meds after she eats" the doctor told Ren as he eyed the scarlet head who seemed anxious. "You just have to look after her for a while" he added.
"But she passed out-…"
"I know you must be very worried about your girlfriend but she'll wake up soon" the doctor said and Ren sighed in relief.
"Thank you, Mr. Doctor"
Meanwhile…
Tokura Residence
Misaki ran her hand through her now short hair. Her lilac hair reached her neck yet it still made her look cute yet professional. It would get in her way while working and since she didn't have time to groom it, she decided this was a better solution. It'll grow back anyway, she reasoned. Nothing much changed in her life and schedule in these two months or so she thought. Well, one thing still irked her… that day she had listened to her brain. She sighed.
Shin, on the other hand, knew how much Misaki was affected by Kai. Misaki would often compliment on Kai's cooking and sometimes cook a dish or two that she had learned from him. Sometimes she seemed spaced out, especially after he brought up Kai's name. He was sure his niece was trying to severe all the ties with Kai but he knew it'll only affect Misaki more. Not really on business level or personal level but he had known Kai for years, not that anybody knew the fact… even Misaki didn't knew but he trusts Kai. Besides, it was always better to stay friends with Kagero, he thought. So when he heard it was Kai's birthday, he insisted Misaki to send a present to him. It wouldn't hurt anybody anyway… as according to him, Kai and Misaki were friends.
"Did you send the present to Kai?" Shin enquired.
"Hmm? Yes, I did" Misaki replied. "I hope he likes-… It doesn't matter" she sighed out and Shin didn't pry much.
"Since you listened to me… I'll make dinner!" Shin smiled.
"If you're making rice again-… Leave it. I'll just order something" Misaki stated, picking up her cellphone.
"No! I'm making pasta" Shin told her.
"Really? Okay then" she said. "I'll make-…" she was cut short when the lights suddenly went out.
"…"
"Black out?" Misaki turned on the flashlight of her cellphone. "What-…? Wait… Only our lights aren't working. What's going on?" she said, looking out the windows.
"Maybe, the fuse tripped?" Shin said, pulling out a flash light from a drawer. "I'll go and check. You wait here and don't go out" he left at that.
Misaki waited for some time in patience but the house was eerily quiet. It didn't help that she was there alone-… she shook her head.
CRASH!
"…!" Misaki heard more crashing noise, followed by rustling and stomping of feet.
"Hey!" she gasped when she saw a shadow running towards the window and that's when the lights turned on.
"There's someone in the house!" Shin exclaimed, rushing in the kitchen and Misaki instinctively grabbed something from the counter and threw the object at the intruder.
Misaki missed her target who had unfortunately escaped through the window. She went to the window, followed by Shin. Misaki clicked her tongue while Shin looked anxious.
"Just what we needed… A thief on a rainy day"
To be continued…
A/N – That's a long one… Hope you enjoyed reading! I'll be waiting for what you think so don't forget to share your thoughts via review. Take care, thanks and have a good day!
Peace~! ^^
