Title – Destined Together
Disclaimer – I don't own Cardfight! Vanguard or any of its characters… Only the OC's in this story.
A/N – Happy New Year everyone! Thank you for 200+ reviews/comments! I really appreciate it! And I hope you'll continue to support me till the end. Thank you very much! Love you all and please take care of yourself! It's already 2022 and let's hope for the good this year. Time sure flies (sigh)! Anyways, as usual RnR!
Camilo navas – Thanks you for such a nice review! I hope you'll like this one as well! ^^
Riya – Yes, I know you love RenSaka and I assure you that you're gonna super love this chapter! I can't wait to read your review after you read this chap! Have fun! ^^
vanca17 – First of all, thank you for such an amazing review! I'm trying very hard to keep them in character and after reading your comment, I feel that my hard work paid off! Thank you! And I'm really very very sorry that my upload speed is so slow! But I'll try and update sooner and finish this one soon so no worries. I hope you follow till the end. Please enjoy this one! ^^
Ria – Wow! Love ya too! And I do agree that the previous chap was heart-throbbing at the end. Thank you for the compliments! (It's too late to wish Happy Halloween now…) So Happy New year! I hope you'll love this one! ^^
'…' - Thoughts
"…" – Speaking
"Italics" – Flash back
Chapter 34
The Next Day…
It was a clear sunny day. Everyone was up and working since the festival is tomorrow. The gang had gathered outside the inn, taking in the morning view and chatting away. On the other hand, Kai was happy and his friends noticed it. The men were surprised to see Kai awake since he wasn't a morning person. He even accompanied them out. The bandage on his forehead was now replaced by a small tan band aid. Misaki was her usual self except around Kai. Embarrassed by her action, Misaki was glad Kai didn't bring anything up… Nor did he comment on it. She acted on impulse and now she was embarrassed to face him. But! She was restless as well. She wanted to know about his feelings. Granted, he had done so much for her but she wanted to know the reason behind it. She hoped he felt the same but he's Kai Toshiki after all…
"How are you now?" Miwa asked Kai who gave a curt nod.
"I'm feeling fine" Kai replied.
"I told you he just needed some good rest" Ren said.
Kourin and Aichi walked back from their morning walk and greeted the others.
"Ohhh! A walk in early morning, huh?" Akari nudged Kourin who smiled.
"Yeah. We went to that cliff to watch the sunrise!" Aichi said, pointing at a cliff, nearby.
"That's so romantic!" Akari exclaimed with sparkling eyes and Misaki smiled as Kourin blushed.
"Yeah…" Asaka agreed with a sigh as she glanced at Ren who was busy looking at pictures in Aichi's camera. 'I wish we…' she paused her thoughts.
"Stop giving that longing look" Akari whispered to Asaka and stepped aside. "Don't you remember our talk last night?" she said and Asaka blinked.
"…"
Flash back…
"You seem worried about Ren-san" Akari said.
"Because he's worried about something… and I don't know what" Asaka replied and sighed "I asked him but he pretended it's nothing…"
"I was wondering… How come he doesn't get it? That you like him?" Akari pointed out and shrugged "I mean, even Kai-san can tell"
"What?!" Asaka's eyes went wide and she asked, "Did Kai-sama (Toshiki) say that himself?"
"Umm… No" Akari said. "Okay… Let's leave him out of this. But many of us can tell what you feel" she pointed the obvious.
"Am I really… that obvious?"
"Hmm" Akari gave a curt nod and said, "Listen. You really should confess to him…"
"I'm afraid of losing him… I'll be lost… I don't want to make things uncomfortable between us…" Asaka looked upset. "Besides, he's my boss…" she sighed.
"But it'll keep hurting you and one day, he's gonna find out one way or another" Akari surmised. "If he really cares, he'll understand. Ren-san is very good person. He won't just leave" she stated.
"I… want to tell him but…"
"No buts. You must tell him and oh! How about this?" Akari got an idea. "We can try to find out if he's interested. What you say?" she grinned.
"…?!"
"Think about it! We can at least find out… uh… some… relevant information?"
"That's… not a bad idea… So? Do I have to spy on him…? That'll be very rude…"
"No spying, dear. All we need to know is… if he's jealous"
End of Flash Back
"Yes…" Asaka said.
"Good. Now you have to start talking to unknown guys around here. You have to look like you're enjoying their company, okay?" Akari glanced around.
"Oh… Like in movies? I'll pretend to flirt and see if it affects him" Asaka pointed out.
"You're a quick learner!" Akari grinned and added, "Now let's join them!"
Missing the plan of young women, the others chatted along as they walked in.
"By the way, Koutei hasn't arrived yet?" Miwa enquired.
"Kenji-san will arrive directly for the festival tomorrow with Yuri-san" Aichi informed.
"Yuri-chan is also coming? That's nice" Misaki said. 'She didn't reply to my messages though' she thought.
"Oh, I almost forgot" Aichi said as he spoke to Kai "Kai-kun, there's so much crowd near your villa. They thought you're there"
"Hn"
"He owns a villa here?!" Misaki and Akari exclaimed in surprise.
"Then why is he staying here?" Misaki asked, surprised.
"Because he might get attacked by assassins, spies… and fan girls" Miwa replied.
"What about security then?" Akari enquired and Ren chuckled.
"I'm not going there" Kai deadpanned and Miwa smirked while Aichi coughed.
"Well, two years ago, some girl sneaked into his room despite the security and-…"
"Shut up, Miwa"
"-…she attacked him… with affection (Snicker) …And he actually shouted for help! Oww!" Miwa rubbed the back of his head where Kai had hit him.
By now, everyone was laughing except Kai who was glaring at everyone.
"I didn't! Stop exaggerating"
"But since she was a girl from an influential family, we had to leave her with warning" Asaka said and chuckled.
"Aa… I remember her parents apologizing profusely after they found out" Aichi added.
"Won't something like that happen here as well?" Misaki pointed out.
"No. It's Leon's private property and everyone wants to be on his good side. Besides, being Leon's guest has its perks" Miwa explained.
"If you're done gossiping… can we get some breakfast?" Kai cut in.
"Yeah!" the others agreed.
They made their way inside the inn, chatting away. After they ordered breakfast, Aichi and Kourin showed them the photos of sunrise they took from the cliff while Kai slowed his pace to match Misaki's.
"Tokura" Kai called and Misaki stiffened. "I want you to make me some coffee" he smirked when she sighed in relief.
"Me?" Misaki pointed at herself and he gave a curt nod "But-.."
"We both know I wasn't dreaming yesterday, Tokura"
"I'll go and get it!" Misaki left, hurriedly. 'Blackmail? Seriously?' she thought, annoyed.
They sat in the dining area. They took random seats since one table had four seats. Ren, Aichi and Kourin sat together and gave their orders for breakfast while Miwa sat with Kai. Akari motioned Asaka to sit beside Miwa and she complied.
"May I sit here?" Akari asked.
"Of course, Akari-san!" Aichi and Kourin smiled while Ren noted Asaka was sitting at other table.
"I thought-… nothing" Ren glanced at Asaka and resumed his chat with Aichi.
The breakfast was delivered in no time and was served hot, much to everyone's delight.
"Where's Leon?" Ren glanced around as he ate.
"What do you want?" Leon asked as he was standing behind Ren with Sharlene and Jillian.
"Did you guys have breakfast?"
"Yes"
"Is everything on schedule?" Ren asked Leon.
"Everything is on time" Leon confirmed. "I'm surprised you asked" he added and Ren grinned.
"So we can go and look around. Come with us" Ren told him and Leon sighed.
"Sorry. I got other things to do"
"Boring" Ren chided and Leon's eyebrow twitched. "You're missing all the fun" he added.
"Hmm"
"And guess what? We're visiting your aquarium!" Ren announced, happily.
"What?!" Leon exclaimed. "I forbid you" he told Ren who looked at him in disbelief.
"Why?!"
"Because some fishes died when you fed them food last time" Sharlene said.
"Oh… Sorry about that" Ren shrugged "Anyway, after aquarium we'll go to the beach and-…"
"And you will not play pranks on anyone this time. And you're not going to aquarium" Leon completed.
"Uh-huh" Ren said.
After some arguments and discussion while they ate breakfast, the gang decided to stroll around the marketplace and the beach for the day. On the other hand, Miwa and Ren planned for the evening.
"Tonight, we'll camp out" Miwa said.
"With barbeque!" Ren decided.
"And we'll play some games too" Akari added with a smile.
The shore line was full. Due to the festival, many visit the island to attend and feel the festivities around. The grand occasion was tomorrow and they could see the massive crowd all over, visitors and guests enjoying and locals preparing for the next day. The festive fever was all over and the gang including Kai, Misaki, Miwa, Akari, Ren, Asaka, Aichi and Kourin mingled with the crowd.
Akari, Misaki and Kourin talked while Aichi, Asaka and Ren walked in front of them. Kai and Miwa trudged a step behind, Kai wore a cap to get least attention. Leon left them since he had to check up on the shrine preparations.
"You've never accompanied us in such crowd before. Why this time?" Miwa commented, shooting a smirk at Kai.
"You know why" Kai's reply was a surprise for Miwa.
"You-… finally…" Miwa blinked. "Well, this is nice. That's why you're happy" he smiled.
"Hn"
"So I was correct. You had liked her all this time"
"Shut up, Miwa"
Misaki sighed. She had got a call from Jinbei to ask if she had talked with Touya. Since Jinbei had asked for a favor, she had to give in. Touya Hirato was Jinbei's only son who turned out to be delinquent as far as she knew. Because of his father's influence, Touya would acquire his place anywhere. Misaki recalled Jinbei was worried for his son's future so Touya was sent away after first year of his high school. Misaki had only met him few times and Shin had kept her away from him since he had misbehaved with her.
'Do I really have to meet him…?' Misaki thought.
"Look, Misaki-chan! That necklace is made of shells!" Akari exclaimed.
"I was thinking of buying souvenirs" Misaki said.
"Yeah. I'm going to buy some headbands for Tetsu" Asaka said, thoughtfully.
"Look, it's over there! I might find something for Rekka and Suiko-nee too" Kourin said.
"Are you buying gifts? I'm joining you guys" Ren stated as he dragged Asaka and Kourin into the said shop.
"I have to get something for my sis too. Let's split up and meet up in front of inn by 12?" Miwa suggested. 'My sis will have my head if I don't get her anything from here…' he thought.
"Are you thinking of getting something for Kourin-chan?" Misaki smiled at Aichi.
"Aa… I'm not good at selecting gifts…" Aichi said.
"A girl likes any kind of gift from the one she loves, Aichi-san" Akari advised and Aichi blushed. "Well, I can help you! And I have to buy so many things from here" she exclaimed with sparkling eyes.
"I think we should start looking from there" Aichi pointed to a jewelry shop.
They gathered at the shop and started looking through the fancy items. Akari helped Miwa and Aichi to choose while Misaki looked at the necklaces displayed on the wall and Kai merely stood beside her.
"See? He's already looking for a ring" Akari teased Aichi who blushed.
"No, I wasn't! I was just-… uh… looking at it" he defended.
"That's what she said" Miwa laughed.
"Quit it, you two" Kai told the teasing duo.
"Hey, it's like my mother's…!" Misaki grabbed a displayed necklace with a smile while Akari, Miwa and Aichi talked to the shopkeeper. Her smile faded and she sighed "It's a little different…"
Kai heard her but kept quiet. He watched as she kept it back before looking through other things. He had her necklace safe in his office but he didn't have a chance to return it back to her. The place was getting crowded as Miwa and Akari bargained with the shopkeeper.
"Does it mean a lot to you?" he asked Misaki.
"It was precious to me… but I have lost it" she told him. "Well, I-…" she paused.
"…!" Misaki glanced right and left.
Akari, Miwa and Aichi weren't with her. She was alone with Kai and she had no idea where they went. She looked at Kai who seemed to be looking for the three as well.
"How can they leave us like this…?" Misaki looked perplexed.
"We aren't lost, Tokura. So relax" Kai told her.
"Yeah. I know the way back" she said.
"That's good. Because I don't" he said and stepped closer to her "So stay with me or I might get lost"
Misaki slapped her forehead while Kai smirked. The two started walking along the street, like they were just out on a walk.
"So… met any more suitors?" she asked casually to strike a conversation.
"Why the sudden interest?" he smirked.
"Just asking… You know. Casually…"
"I see… No. Uncle spared me for the time being" he shrugged.
"That's… nice of him" Misaki chuckled. "What if you get stuck in the same situation again…?" she asked.
"I'm surprised you're asking me such thing, Tokura" he quirked and eyebrow.
"Just asking. Casually" she said, although she was surprised herself to ask him. But she wanted to talk to him…
"Well, I have a plan and… That's a secret" he stated. "Now tell me… Why did you run off like that yesterday?" he smirked and she paused.
"…I-… I w-was-…" she looked flustered as he caught her off guard. "Why do you want to know?" she said.
"Just asking. Casually" he shrugged.
Misaki gulped and looked away while he waited in amusement.
"T-that's …a secret" he smirked at her answer, his eyes hidden from the shadow of the cap.
"Hey! Misaki-chan!" some young man greeted Misaki who looked at the young man, confused. "It's me! Touya!" he said with a smile.
Kai and Misaki looked at Touya. A good-looking young man with raven hair and amber eyes.
"Touya…?" Misaki raised her eyebrows. "You're… Touya-san?" she confirmed.
"I'm hurt. You don't even recognize me" Touya stated and sighed.
"You… just look different. You've changed a lot" Misaki forced a smile and Kai frowned.
"Nice to see you again, Misaki-chan! After all these years" Touya smiled and looked at Kai "Is he your bodyguard?"
"Hn"
"No!"
"Just kidding!" Touya smiled. "But… he does seem familiar" he squinted at Kai.
"Jinbei-san told me you'll be here" Misaki diverted the subject.
"Ah. And by the way, you've gotten prettier" Touya complimented.
"Uh… Thanks"
"Well, I've got to leave right now…" Touya glanced at his watch. "Can you meet me for the dinner tonight? We can… talk. I just want to properly apologize…" he told Misaki who glanced at Kai and the brunette was glaring at Touya.
"I…" Misaki looked reluctant.
"I can understand your reluctance… but please? This once" Touya insisted as he held her hand with both of his hands. He shook his head "I'm being such a bother… It's okay if you don't want to-…"
"Alright…" Misaki smiled. "I'll go" she said, removing her hand from his.
"Thanks so much! Where should I pick you up?"
"You don't have to. Tell me the place and I'll be there" she told him.
"Okay. As you wish. How about… there?" he pointed at the restaurant at the end of the road and both Kai and Misaki looked at it. "Coast Connect. It's a good place" he told her.
"Okay"
"See ya at 8 then" with that, Touya left.
Misaki found that Kai wasn't beside her. She found him talking on his cellphone, a few steps away and approached him.
"Done talking to him?" Kai said as he pocketed his cellphone.
"Yes"
"Ren asked to meet at the beach"
"Okay…" Misaki said and the two walked off.
Misaki was expecting something… some reaction from him. He didn't bother to ask who Touya was nor did he show any interest. Does that mean she misinterpreted his actions towards her? Now she felt upset with the thought. But then again… he kept his pace as he walked alongside her, never leaving her side.
At the Beach…
Kai and Misaki joined their friends. The gang had been playing beach ball by the looks of it. And…Ren didn't look happy since there was someone else who had joined them.
'What's he doing here?' Kai and Misaki thought, simultaneously as they looked at Nakadai Reishi (The guy who Ren dislikes).
Judging by Ren's annoyed face, it seemed Nakadai had already talked with Ren. Then there was something else that perturbed Ren. That day Asaka was behaving odd and Ren had been noticing it since morning. There was no 'Good morning, Ren-sama!' as well. And now she was chatting with Nakadai Reishi! And laughing along with him! Now that was really very surprising.
"Hey! It's Tokura-san!" Nakadai Reishi greeted Misaki although she pretended she haven't seen him. "What a pleasant surprise!" he approached her with a charming smile and extended his arm towards her.
"Hello, Nakadai-san" Misaki greeted and shook his hand.
Reishi finally noticed Kai and greeted him "I wouldn't have known it's Kai-san from afar. Nice disguise" he said.
"Hn. Are you here alone?" Kai asked.
"Well, few of my siblings accompanied me. They are at the resort relaxing"
"Hn"
"You should've stayed with your siblings" Ren cut in.
"I was here to visit Soryu-san. But I guess I'm lucky! I got to meet such beautiful ladies again" Reishi winked at Ren. "I'll see you all at the festival. Bye bye!"
As Reishi left, others resumed their tasks. Ren approached Asaka who threw the beach ball at Aichi.
"A-chan" Ren called Asaka who looked surprised as he was beside her.
"Yes, Ren-sama?" Asaka replied and Ren turned to others.
"Misa-Q will trade places with A-chan" Ren stated. "A-chan, come along" he added.
"Eh?!" Misaki and Asaka exclaimed while others glanced between the three.
"Alright!" Akari shrugged without waiting for Misaki's response.
"Come on, Misaki-chan!" Akari dragged Misaki along.
"Let's resume now, shall we?" Kourin readied herself and the others followed suit.
Asaka gulped as she followed her boss. His scarlet lustrous hair that reached mid-back looked beautiful in the clear weather. He really is gorgeous and she could see nearby rich ladies admiring him. They were just seven steps away from their friends. Ren's face looked passive as he stopped and looked at her. On the other hand, Kai sat on the nearby wooden stool under a shade and removed his cap. He ran his hand through his hair and enjoyed the view of… Misaki playing beach ball. No one called Kai to play considering he was injured just yesterday.
"A-chan, what were you talking to Nakadai? Was he bothering you again?" Ren enquired.
"Nothing serious, Ren-sama… Just casual talking" Asaka replied.
"I had told you not to get close to that guy. You know how he is, right?"
"I know, Ren-sama. I can take care of myself so you don't have to worry…"
"I worry and you know it, Asaka" he suddenly looked serious and stated, "I gave my word to Te-chan"
"…Oh. I see… My brother asked you to-… I get it now" she sighed then chuckled in remorse.
'That's why he took care of me… I'm a… liability to him. How can I be so foolish? I knew I would never be special in his eyes yet I hoped…' she averted her eyes from his and she fidgeted.
"You're disturbed. You know I can see" he sighed as he added, "Take some rest"
"Do you really see…?" Asaka sputtered out and Ren frowned.
"You really should stop thinking too much. Go and get some rest" Ren said, patting Asaka's shoulder and turned to leave.
"Please… Ren-sama" she said and he stopped.
"Are you testing my patience, Asaka?" Ren was frowning as he turned back and Asaka let out a sad smile.
"Ren-sama… I know how much you care about everyone. And I'll always be grateful for everything you've done for me"
"You don't have to say this"
Her eyes were bewildered and he could sense the turmoil she was in. He watched as she opened her mouth to speak and he felt at edge. He had anticipated that this day would come… And she wasn't sure what came over her all of a sudden. She had to tell him.
"I have something else to say. I'm sorry… I'm being selfish right now… But I can't help it… With all these women around, I'm afraid to lose-…"
"Asaka" his voice was stern and clear and her speech faltered.
"I… I'm in-…"
"Asaka. Stop" his words felt like a warning. His voice was dangerously low.
And her lips pursed… She knew she had spoken too much.
His fists were clenched at his side. His face told her he knows. He knew what she wanted to say. He knew and he stopped her from saying it. He didn't want to hear it. Her lips quivered. She was about to admit her feelings but he didn't want to listen. It hurt her when he looked away from her.
"You're right. You're being selfish" he spoke with his eyes hidden behind his hair.
Those words rained like arrows through her heart. And before the pain of his words subsided, someone whizzed past her and tackled Ren.
"REN!"
"Uff!"
A beautiful black haired woman hugged Ren, tightly. Asaka looked shocked when Ren hugged the woman back with a smile. Her eyes filled with unshed tears and she felt something pierced her heart.
"I missed you too, Haru"
To be Continued…
A/N – Now who is this woman?! Uff! The intensity I felt while writing! I hope you felt it too? The next chapter will mostly focus on RenSaka but it will also involve others of course! Are you anticipating something? Well, I'm waiting so share your thoughts! I love to read them!
Peace! ^^