A/N: Hey guys. Anyways, this is chapter eight. Enjoy!


Chapter 8 {Reconnecting A Childhood Friend}

Aster was in the limo with Sartorius as they both stared at each other. It's been years since he last saw him in duel academy. He was confused about Sartorius finding him out of nowhere.

"Hey Sartorius, how did you find me?" Aster asked.

"One of your fans post a picture of you at the mall on Chitter. I thought you need help but someone did it for me." Sartorius replied.

"I guessing that you followed me." Aster said.

"Sorry." Sartorius said.

"Its fine. So, how's life?" Aster asked.

"Better after what happened in duel academy. I have taken care of myself and I'm currently living with my sister." Sartorius said.

"Do you still make a living with fortune-telling?" Aster asked.

"Well, I rather be a hobby now. What about you? You seem happier lately, is it because of the woman you were with earlier?" Sartorius said as Aster chuckled.

"*chuckles* You can say that." Aster said with a smile.

"That's good news, I was a bit worried today especially the news reporters kept mentioning another woman. I hope they didn't annoy you, after all, it was a rough time for you." Sartorius said with concern expression.

"It was, I tried to avoid answering those questions but they kept insisting like if they want to create drama for their own benefits." Aster explained expressed his frustration to his friend.

"Media wants any negative publicity to get everyone's attention. That's why they stay in business to cause an uproar with celebrities like you." Sartorius said with a sigh.

"I guess but I moved on and found someone new." Aster said.

"I'm pleased to hear that." Sartorius said.

"Mind if I asked but why were you looking for me? Is there something you need help with?" Aster asked.

"Well Aster, the reason I was looking for you because I want to discuss something important with you." Sartorius replied as it was serious.

"Ok, what would that be?" Aster asked.

"I was thinking if it's ok with you I want to be your manager again." Sartorius said which surprised Aster.

"You really want to be my manager again?" Aster asked as he smiled.

"Yes, I wanted to rebuild our friendship. It's been a while since I last saw you and I wanted to talk to you again. If you don't mind?" Sartorius said.

"Sure, It has been a while since we talked. It would be like old times, so when do you want to start?" Aster asked.

"Is tomorrow fine?" Sartorius asked.

"Sure, but why so soon?" Aster asked.

"Why not? Besides I want you know about the girl you been hanging out with." Sartorius said interested in Aster's love life.

"*chuckles* right." Aster said awkwardly.

"So how did you meet her?" Sartorius asked as Aster awkwardly rubbed behind his head.

It was a long ride home as Aster told Sartorius everything about Akemi. His friend smiled as he listened to Aster. The way he talks about Akemi like he genuinely likes her. Almost as if he is starting to develop feelings for her.


Time-Skip to Next Day at the Office

It was busy as always as the coworkers were trying to catch up with work since Akemi took a vacation. Stacks of paperwork were on the table as the male coworkers were running back and forth as they were organizing files and typing fast on the laptops.

"Crap this is way too much work." Male coworker said.

"Looks like you guys slack off the day after you came back from your week vacation." Mindy said as she crossed her arms and smirked.

"I know and we're try to catch up but we're barely halfway done it." Another said.

"Only if Akemi is here, she would finish all of this paperwork by the end off the day." Another male coworker said.

"More like less three hours." Male coworker said.

"*giggles* You have to wait until Wednesday. " Mindy said.

The elevator bell rings as it slowly opens the door. Aster and Sartorius came out from the elevator. They walk towards the coworkers as they were very busy.

"How's the paperwork?" Aster asked as the male coworkers were never.

"Oh Mr. Phoenix, we're getting it finished as fast as we can." One of the male coworkers nervously said as the others nodded.

"Good then all of you can stay overtime. I want it finished before Akemi comes back." Aster said.

"Yes, sir!" They all said in unison.

"Who's this? Our new coworker?" Mindy asked.

"Yes, everyone this is Sartorius. He's going to be my manager. I expect that all of you will give him respect. If I'm not here he's in charge." Aster explained.

"Hello, everyone." Sartorius said as he bow to them.

"Hello Sartorius." Everyone greeted him.

"If any of needs me I'll be at my office with Sartorius." Aster said as he was about to leave with Sartorius but Mindy spoke up.

"About that Mr. Phoenix, you had a call from Jaden. It may have to do with the upcoming meeting." Mindy said as Aster turned to her.

"Ok, then Mindy show Sartorius his office." Aster said as Mindy bow to him.

"Yes sir. Right this way Sartorius." Mindy said as she took him to his office.

Aster went to his office as he closed the door and use phone to call Jaden. He sat down as he waited for Jaden to answer his call.

"Hello." Jaden answered the call.

"Hey Jaden, I heard from Mindy that you tried to call me." Aster said.

"Oh hey, Aster. Yeah, I tried to call you about the meeting but Mindy said that you weren't there." Jaden said.

"What did you want to asked?" Aster asked.

"I want to make sure if we're still having the meeting on April?" Jaden asked.

"Yes, is still happening on April." Aster confirm it.

"Thanks, I just want to make sure. Sorry for asking, I should go." Jaden said.

"Wait! Before you go, Jaden do you mind if we have a talk for a minute?" Aster asked.

"Sure, what's up?" Jaden asked.

"It's about Bella, I was hoping if you know her by any chance?" Aster asked.

"Yeah, she's my girlfriend's cousin. What you want to know about her?" Jaden replied happily.

"I want to know if she's available?" Aster asked.

"You mean if she's in a relationship?" Jaden asked.

"Yes." Aster replied.

"Mmm... nope, she's single. Since her mom passed away, she doesn't have the time to dating. Right now, she just want to focus on her dad until he gets better." Jaden explained.

"I see." Aster said.

"You like her don't you?" Jaden asked.

"*sigh* Yeah. It's just everytime I'm with her, I can be myself and I don't feel pressure. She doesn't care about my money and status as a celebrity. I keep thinking about her when I'm away from her." Aster said.

"I'm glad you liked her. I was worried about her not finding someone around her age." Jaden said.

"What makes you say that?" Aster asked.

"Well Bella is a good person but things are going right now, it's hard for her to settle down and opened up with someone. Most of the guys that go after Bella only want for her appearance or sleep with her." Jaden said with concern.

"I understand, you just want her to be happy with someone." Aster said.

"Yeah, if you want I can help you to get with her." Jaden said as Aster was pleased to hear.


Time-Skip to Tonight at the Cafe

Akemi was washing the dishes as she was thinking about yesterday. It made her smiled as she got to spend the day with Aster. She enjoys hanging out with him at the mall.

"Akemi" Jasmine said as she hugs her from behind.

"Is something wrong Jazz." Akemi said finished washing the dishes and drying her hands with a towel.

"Who were you with yesterday?" Jasmine asked.

"What do mean?" Akemi said.

"Akemi don't lie to us. We saw you walking with someone at the front of the cafe." Jasmine said remembering what she saw yesterday.


Flashback to Yesterday

In the cafe, Jasmine was cleaning the windows by the front door. She noticed Akemi walking with a guy. She took a picture of them and went to the kitchen.

"Guys, come quick." Jasmine said as the others are confused and concerned.

"Woah Jazz you ok?" Blair asked.

"You're getting excited. Did something happen?" Aunt Cinder said

"I'll show you." Jasmine said as Blair, Atticus and Cinder followed her to the front window to see Akemi with someone.

"Is that Akemi and who is she with?" Aunt Cinder asked.

"Wait isn't that Aster?" Atticus asked.

"Oh my gosh! It is him! Wait are they going on a date!?" Jasmine said happily.

"It looks like it. They're smiling at each other." Blair said.

"Finally, it's about time she did it." Atticus said.

"That's my girl." Aunt Cinder said as they were cheering Akemi on the side lines.

End of the Flashback


"Oh I was walking back home from the mall." Akemi said.

"With Aster? You two were on a date?" Jasmine teased her

"What? No!" Akemi asked as she crossed her arms.

"Don't lie to us. I seen the way you look at him." Jasmine teased her more.

"I'm not." Akemi said blushing.

"Right, Cinder show us a picture of you and Aster hugging. It was so romantic how he save you from that creep." Jasmine said as Atticus and Cinder jump in the conversation.

"Did you kiss him?" Cinder asked.

"No!" Akemi yelled still blushing.

"That's mean Akemi. Come on, at least a peck on cheek. He deserves it." Atticus said.

"Atticus don't start with me." Akemi annoyingly said as Atticus laugh.

"Hey I'm just saying you show your gratitude and affection towards a guy who protect you." Atticus said.

"I did." Akemi said.

"So is hanging out with him is your way to say thank you?" Atticus asked smirking.

"No I just happened to meet with him coincidentenally." Akemi said.

"Oh really? Then tell us Akemi, we need to know." Jasmine asked with excitement.

"*giggles* Ok." Akemi said.

"So what happened?" Jasmine asked.

"Well I was at the mall to by some stuff until I saw a bunch of teenage girls running across the mall. It was weird but I checked it out until I see Aster running away from them." Akemi explained.

"Oh It was trending on Chitter yesterday." Atticus said.

"What did you do?" Aunt Cinder said.

"I went the nearest bathroom where he's headed and waited for the right moment to grab him and pull him away from fangirls. Luckily for us they didn't saw me helping him." Akemi said.

"So you hangout with him without having fans noticed?" Jasmine asked.

"Yeah." Akemi replied.

"So how was it?" Aunt Cinder asked.

"To be honest, it was great. We did a lot together and it was fun." Akemi respond with smiled and blushes while thinking about.

"Ooh! So, you do enjoy spending time with him. I bet you kiss him goodbye when he walked you home." Jasmine said.

"Stop! I just like hanging out with him that's all." Akemi said as she heard the bell and grab the menu.

"Right." They said in unison as Akemi left the kitchen.

Aster and Sartorius waited as Akemi walk towards then having her pad ready to order.

"Good evening Aster, I see you brought a friend." Akemi greeted him.

"Yup, Bella I want you to meet Sartorius a close friend of mine." Aster said.

"Nice to meet you." Bella said as they shake their hands.

"Same said to you, Bella." Sartorius said.

"So what do you guys like to order?" Akemi asked.

"I'll have the usual." Aster replied as Akemi nodded.

"And you Sartorius?" Akemi asked.

"Creamy strawberry crepes with coffee please." Sartorius replied as Akemi tap on the tablet.

"Your order will be coming soon." Akemi said as she walked out.

Akemi waited for the menu for ten minutes then it was ready and grab the menu to put it on the tray. When Akemi came out of the kitchen with food on the tray she could chattered as she see her friends standing by the table were Sartorius and Aster were sitting at.

"I'll expect my life can be smooth." Aunt Cinder said as Sartorius had his tarot cards out on the table.

"Yes, as long as you to keep up with the cafe business. You be fine Cinder." Sartorius said.

"Amazing!" Jasmine said.

"Wow, that's so cool." Another maid said.

"Thank you, I just read what the cards said." Sartorius said with a smile.

"Cards?" Akemi asked.

"Sartorius has a gift to see someone's future by using cards." Aster explained.

"So he's psychic?" Akemi asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, basically." Aster replied as they looked back a Sartorius.

"Oh Bella good timing, you should ask Sartorius to see your future." Aunt Cinder said.

"I'll pass thanks." Akemi said.

"Aww come on Bella, don't you want to know your future." Jasmine said.

"Especially when interesting things are happening in your life right now." Atticus said as he teased her.

"I rather not." Akemi said.

"Aren't you a bit curious?" Anut Cinder asked.

"Yeah I know you're interested in it." Atticus said.

"Umm... not really" Akemi said.

"Please? Just try it for once." Jasmine asked.

"Umm.. n..." Akemi was interrupt from the girls.

"Please!" The girls said in unison.

"Bella you can't say no to them especially your aunt." Aster said.

"Mmm... fine I'll do it." Akemi said.

"Here have a seat Bella." Sartorius said as she sat down facing him.

"So what do think her future is?" Jasmine asked.

"I don't know. Hopefully it isn't bad." Aunt Cinder said.

As Sartorius shuffles the cards, Akemi stood still in silent as she ponder her mind.

'I hope my future is good as I really want to drop this act. Hopefully, one day when I'm ready. I'll tell him the truth.' She thought herself while glazing at Aster.

Sartorius finished shuffling his cards as neatly fix his deck. He draw a card of the high priestess as it raise his eyebrow.

"So what's that?" Akemi asked.

"That card represents you Bella." Sartorius explained as he drew a wheel of fortune.

"It's seems that you'll begin a new cycle and you'll have many choices in your life." Sartorius explained.

"It's a good thing right?" Jasmine asked.

"I'm not done yet." Sartorius said.

"Well it's sound good to me." Aunt Cinder said as she patted her niece's head.

Then he drew the lovers cards which made him chuckle with a smile. The others looked confused as his reaction.

"Umm... why are you laughing?" Akemi asked.

"Sorry, it's just you have some type of relationship with someone." Sartorius said.

"What do you mean?" Akemi asked out of curiosity.

"It could mean anyone you have a loving relationship with someone but it will put both of you to a test." Sartorius explained as Akemi was surprise to hear this.

"Like who?" Akemi asked.

"Who else." Atticus said as others had their eyes on Aster.

"Wait me?" Aster asked.

"Well duh, you have be very close to Bella ever since you meant her. Look at the card, it looks like a couple and it reminds me Adam and Eve." Jasmine said.

"Hold on, why are you guys are assuming him? Sartorius didn't say Aster." Akemi said.

"What's wrong cousin, you don't have faith on your lover?" Atticus asked.

"Or you just don't want him to be hurt if he's not your future lover?" Aunt Cinder asked as Akemi was annoyed with them mocking her.

"No! You guys can't be serious?" Akemi said crossing her arms.

"We are Bella, you should have more confidence with Aster." Jasmine said.

"Here I thought you wouldn't be worried about me. I can deal anything that life throws at me if it means being your future lover." Aster said giving her a smirk.

"You wish, if I was worried about you." Akemi said blushing and denying it.

"Really, then why are you blushing?" Aster asked teasing her more.

"I'm not! You're just taking the fun out if this." Akemi said as Aster laughed.

"Huh, we totally believe you." Jasmine said as the others nodded.

"Arg! Do I really need to say this again. Sartorius didn't say it was Aster." Akemi said.

"Bella is right, I never said it was Aster. It doesn't have to be a romantic interest." Sartorius said.

"Really? Are you lying to us?" Aster asked as he didn't like Sartorius's answer.

"I'm just reading by the cards. I did had some clients that had this card in their future as it relates to family members or friends. It could be one of you as you love Bella as if she was family." Sartorius explained while having a poker face which annoyed Aster.

"If that what you say then I can believe that." Jasmine said.

"I'm still believing it's Aster." Atticus said.

Sartorius drew the final card to read Akemi's future. His eyes were widen as he drew seven of cups. He was surprised but nervous as it rarely happened.

"What's wrong?" Akemi asked in confusion.

"It's nothing, the cards are saying that you are beginning a new chapter. Your future has many options in your life. You'll be tested with someone about your relationship as a whole. It may have to do with many options of your life as a whole." Sartorius explained vaguely.

"I see, so you can't tell is good or bad?" Akemi asked with a concerned expression.

"The best advice I can give you is trustyour instincts when it comes to your choices in life and be confident in your relationship. Show love and support with that person as they also will do the same." Sartorius replied.

"I'll keep that in mind." Akemi said understanding that it might be serious.

"Does this mean my niece will be in a romantic relationship?" Aunt Cinder excitedly said.

"Aunt Cinder!" Akemi scolded her aunt.

"What? I'm just say by what Sartorius said as love is in the air for you." Aunt Cinder said.

"Yeah you should start showing it more often." Atticus said.

"Yeah like who?" Akemi annoyingly asked.

"Like me." Aster said.

"Hmph! How cute." Akemi said.

"I know that's what I do best." Aster said as it cause Akemi's cheeks to turn pink.

"I didn'ttt... mean... it like that." Akemi said feeling flustered.

"Aww, don't act like like nothing happen between us for the pass couple of weeks especially yesterday." Aster said being flirty towards Akemi.

"Ooooh!" The coworkers said teasing the poor maid as his comment made her embarrassed.

"We're justttt... friends." Akemi said having her cheeks turned from pink to red.

"Really not even when you wrap my arms around in at the mall, cuddling me during a movie and have my arms around your waist while you have your hands on my chest on the subway." Aster said with a smirk.

"What?!" The coworkers said in unison.

"Oh, didn't Bella told you guys about it." Aster said as Akemi covered her face.

"*squeal* So you do like him? I knew it. " Jasmine said shaking Akemi.

"It's not like that!" Akemi said uncovering her face as it was really red.

"*chuckles* You're turning red as a strawberry." Aster said.

"Shut it! You... say too... much!" Akemi said stuttering her words.

"*chuckles* Feisty as always Bella. That what makes you cute as it shows your true emotions." Aster said teasing her even more.

"I'm starting to regret saving you from your fangirls." Akemi said pouted.

"I need to excuse myself everyone as I need to get home." Sartorius said as he got up from his seat.

"Really why?" Aunt Cinder asked.

"I got a text from my sister, something important came up. Apologies Aster for leaving such short notice." Sartorius said.

"Hey it's no big deal. We'll hang out some other time." Aster said.

"Thank you for the food. Until then goodnight everyone." Sartorius said as he bow to them and walked away.

"Bye Sartorius, come back again anytime." Aunt Cinder said as Sartorius looked back at Akemi and Aster for a glance.

Sartorius is out of the cafe as he was still thinking about Akemi's future. Then he thought was Aster as it will make a big impact on his life. His expression is filled sadness and concerned as he remembered his conversation with Aster on the car.


Flashback to Yesterday

"So how did you meet her?" Sartorius asked as Aster awkwardly rubbed behind his head.

"I meant her in a cafe. Jaden invited me and some of the guy for dinner. He brought us a maid cafe and she was our waitress in that time." Aster replied.

"Ah I see, you were interested in her and decided to visit her daily." Sartorius said.

"Yup." Aster said.

"How long did you two see each other?" Sartorius asked.

"Three weeks by now." Aster replied.

"You have feelings towards her don't you?" Sartorius asked as it was written all over Aster's expression.

"Yeah." Aster said.

"*chuckles* It's not bad to see a girl especially if she's a maid waitress. What makes you fall for her?" Sartorius asked.

"She isn't the type to date a guy for money, looks or status. She hardworking as she need to take care of her father. She can create clothes from scratch as it's her hobby. Feisty but in a good way and movative to earn a better future for herself and her father." Aster explained.

"To put it simply, this woman is a beautiful modest harder worker who helps people in need. She very creative and movative person who strives to become better. Someone who serious and a bit sassy but can be understand." Sartorius said trying to understand Aster.

"Yes, how would you know?" Aster asked.

"I just guess and I wouldn't be surprised that she's your type." Sartorius replied.

"*laughs* I guess, I really want to have a romantic relationship with her but I don't want to rush it since we're get to each other." Aster said.

"Ah, I see and how are you planning to tell her that you want the relationship move up to the next level?" Sartorius asked.

"Well, when the time is right and knowing that she feels the same way to me." Aster said.

"That's good to hear. If you want, I will assist you." Sartorius said.

"Thanks Sartorius, I just don't know what to do if she decides to date another man. I don't want to feel that same pain again." Aster said with sorrow in his eyes.

End of Flashback


"Aster, I hope you know what you're doing because from here on out it won't be easy for you. Especially when love has it's ways to make people's lives more difficult." Sartorius said holding the lovers cards and seven of cups.

"I hope you're ready because soon a love war is about to begin my friend." Sartorius said feeling awful for not telling everyone everything as he had to lied towards Akemi and Aster.


A/N: That's the end of chapter eight. So what do you think about this chapter and comment down below. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a great day. Bye!