A/N: Hey guys this is chapter fourteen. Enjoy!


Chapter 14 {Attention Seeker}

It was late at night as Jesse was in his apartment. He was sitting in his room as there were papers surrounding his bed. He was looking at his rent bill for this week as it recently started to raise up for the smallest of things. He's unsure how long he'll find a job with the rent raising their prices.

"The rent keeps rising. I don't know if I'll keep paying like this. I should find a cheaper place." Jesse said grabbing his laptop and turn it on.

He looked up apartments to see what is the best choice to live. He stumbles across one of the apartments he saw online and checked the price.

"It looks decent and the price is really cheap. I don't know how I feel about it." Jesse said until he notices the location.

He smiled as the apartment is the best place to live.

"It's perfect." He said picking up the phone and dialed the number.


Time-Skip to Next Morning at the Office

Some of the coworkers are in the break room because they just finished a meeting. Akemi was with Mindy as she was drinking her coffee and a chocolate chip muffin that her friend gave her. The TV was on as some of the coworkers are watching the news. When the topic of celebrities came, they show a fashion show. A reporter talked until they went towards a young woman.

She was a tall, thin woman with pale skin. Her eyes were pink as it complements her long strawberry blonde hair. She wore an elegant tight sweetheart red lace mermaid dress with black high heel shoes and a set of diamond jewelry accessories. She had makeup on as she was smiling as the reporter having an interview with her.

"How does feel like to be the hottest supermodel in the country?" The reporter asked.

"I feel happy and falter that the industry gave me the title." The model answered.

"I hear you're starting in some upcoming movies that directors admire you and want to be in their movie." The reporter said.

"*giggles* Yes, my agent was called by some famous directors as they admire my beauty and love the commercials I was in." She said.

"Will you still be modeling?" The reporter asked.

"I'll still be modeling but for now I'll be moving back to my hometown to shoot some scenes." She answered.

"Very exciting to here to open your acting career and work with other celebrities." The reporter said.

"I will meet some new faces but who knows I'll meet someone familiar." The model said turning to the camera.

The TV was off out of nowhere as the coworkers looked around for the remote. They found it but it was in the hands of Aster as he looked furious.

"Your break is over. Get back to work." Aster said as the coworkers quickly left the room.

Akemi turned back to Aster noticing that he's not in the best mood today especially since the TV made it worse.

In her office, Akemi didn't have much to do and she just finished emailing some companies. She leans back on her chair thinking about Aster. She knows why he's upset and it has to do with the news. An idea came to her mind, decided that the best way she could do right now is trying to cheer him up. She doesn't know how and seeing how her boss's mood made her very nervous. She kept on brainstorming while playing with her pen. Akemi stared at the paper and was written some random words. Her brain clicked as she found a perfect way to make Aster feel better without anger him.

Akemi grab a new sheet of paper from a small notebook. It took some time to thought what to write until she had the right words. Akemi wrote down in the notebook. It took a few tries as it wasn't easy for her and tear up the paper if she isn't satisfied. She read what she wrote and smiled believing that this would turn a smile on Aster.

Now she has the letter, Akemi was thinking of a gift for Aster in a short amount of time. Usually, with gifts she would take time to put the effort into the person she's giving to but time isn't her side. While pondering, her laptop still on played an ad. It was a bakery shop that was recently opened near her workplace. She looked at the ad and clicked on it. It leads her to a website with the info about the bakery and what they sell. Admittedly, the food is tasty but it's a bit expensive for her. The thought was out of the window when she remembers the times that Aster helps her and pays her food. Spending a few more bucks wouldn't hurt and her focus was on Aster. She went out of the office and headed in the direction of the bakery. It took ten minutes of walking distance and went inside. Luckily, nobody was around and went to the cashier. She asks them if they have some free samples. They nodded giving some to her. Akemi ate it and enjoyed it as it convinces her to buy a box of twelve pastries to choose from the menu. Akemi pick the pastries as they listen. When she was done picking out her order, Akemi pay it and they say that it would be ready in twenty-five minutes. Akemi sat down on a chair waiting for her order. While on her phone, she got a text message and read it.


Jesse

Hey, you're busy right now? I'm bored.


Akemi smiled and giggled, finding it cute that he wanted to talk to her during lunch.


Bella

No, I'm just on my lunch break.

Jesse

Cool, I just want to talk to you to kill time.

Bella

Are you that bored? What are you doing?

Jesse

I'm in my room, relaxing on the bed. There's nothing much to do.

Bella

There's so much you can do right now. Did you try to find something to do?

Jesse

Yeah, I have free time but I tried sleeping, watching TV, and other things. Don't you get free time?

Bella

I wish. I would have done a lot of things in my free time but I rarely get any free time.

Jesse

Oh, I haven't told you but I'm moving out of my apartment.

Bella

Why?

Jesse

The rent was raising a lot more lately and I didn't want my money to go down the drain just to live in a luxurious place. You could say that I'm downgrading.

Bella

You're trying to save up money, smart move. When are you moving?

Jesse

Tomorrow. I went to the apartment today to sign the papers.

Bella

That good to hear. You should use your time to start packing up.

Jesse

But I'm too lazy -_-

Bella

You have time. Get off your lazy but and start packing.

Jesse

Ok ok, I'll just give me five more minutes. -_- zzz


The cashier called her order as Akemi looked up and text Jesse one last time before she headed back.


Bella

I got to go. My lunch break is over. Bye

Jesse

Ok, bye Bella


Akemi stood up and walked over to the cashier. They gave her a light blue square-shaped box with cute drawings of the pastries. Grab it and headed back to work.

She was in the office as she didn't want her coworkers to annoyed her because of her pastries. No one noticed her and quickly went to her office. She grabbed the letter she wore earlier and walked towards her boss's office. Hoping that he wasn't there, Akemi checked, and lucky for her, nobody was there. She walked towards his desk putting the box and letter there. She quickly walked out of the room and went back to her office to work.


Time-Skip To Tonight

It was late as it was dark outside. Aster headed to his car holding a box of pastries. As he unlocks the car, a female voice heard.

"Well, I haven't seen you in a while."

Aster turned to see the same woman earlier on TV except her clothes are different as she wore a short pink shoulder off long sleeve dress with white high heels shoes. Aster wasn't pleased to see this woman giving her a cold expression.

"Why are you here?" Aster asked.

"Aww, you're not going to say hello to an old friend." The woman said walking towards Aster.

"You didn't answer my question." Aster said with a cold and monotone voice.

"I can't visit to see a familiar face. You know we were more than friends." She said having her hands on his chest but Aster moved away from her.

"What do you want?" Aster asked.

"Aggressive are we, Aster." The woman said trying to flirt.

"I don't know, but you're bothering me, Rachel." Aster said.

"Don't say that. I came all this way and waited for you." Rachel said.

"If you're asking my help, leave. I don't have time to deal with you." Aster said.

"I'm not here for help. I here for you." Rachel said as he rolled his eyes.

"Pfff, yeah right." Aster said.

"I just had some thoughts and I want you back Aster. I want to be with you again love." Rachel said.

"You should have thought of that before you betrayed me." Aster said.

"I know you're mad at me but I promise you that I changed and I won't do it again." Rachel said as Aster was started to get annoyed.

"I don't believe you besides I have no interest in you at all." Aster said as Rachel grab his arm.

"Aww come on Aster, I do anything you want to make you happy." Rachel said as Aster pulled his arm away from her.

"Rachel, I will never go back to you. We are over two years ago." Aster said as his anger grew.

"I'm not over you. I still want you and I know you want me too." Rachel said begging him.

"No, I don't want you at all. I moved on. Go back to your boy toy of yours because I don't want to do anything with you anymore." Aster said getting in the car.

"Aster, wait!." Rachel said as Aster start to the car and speed up.

Rachel cough as she was left alone surrounded by smoke from the car.

"I'm going to get you back, no matter what the cost." Rachel said as she clenched her fist.


Meanwhile at the cafe

Akemi was cleaning the tables in the private room. It was close to being ten p.m which made her impatient. Usually, Aster would come in to talk to her but he hasn't come in.

"This is so boring. Where is he? I know he's not busy." Akemi said as she looked down at the table to see crumbs on the floor.

Akemi grab the vacuum grab the hose and turn it on.

"*sigh* I hate vacuuming under the tables." Akemi said bending down on the floor and went under the table.

As Akemi was vacuuming, Aster came into the cafe but his eyes widen the sight of seen Akemi under the table. It wasn't helping that the dress was too short as it didn't cover her ass and shows off her black lace thong. Aster looked away and flustered by seeing it but urges started to kick in. He took a peek as Akemi was still under the tables vacuuming on the floor. After she was finished, Akemi got out of the tables and stood up.

"Bella." Aster said as it made her jumped.

"Ahh! You scared me!" Akemi said turning around to see him.

"*chuckles* Sorry. I didn't expect you to clean under the tables." Aster said as Akemi put away the vacuum.

"I have to because I thought you wouldn't come today." Akemi said fixing herself.

"I see but maybe next time wear shorts because when you bend down, you're showing your thong." Aster said.

"Eh! Pervert!" Akemi said punching his chest as she blushed.

"*laughs* I'm just saying so you won't get harassed by your customers." Aster said.

"I can't because my aunt wouldn't let us because it not in uniform code. Also, would that make you harass me since you're a customer." Akemi said crossing her arms.

"There's a difference between them and me." Aster said.

"Oh really how?" Akemi asked.

"Because I'm a VIP customer and I pay for your services." Aster said.

"It's basically the same thing." Akemi said.

"No, not really. I get to have you all to myself privately. Besides, I can't let a guy touch you while you're serving me." Aster said walking closer to Akemi.

"I'm not your personal maid." Akemi said as she took a few steps back but tripped and landed on the booth seat.

"Yes, you are. In fact, I'll demonstrate for you." Aster said leaning towards Akemi as she laid down on the red booth.

"Aster." Akemi said as he was on top of her.

Aster had his hand on her thighs while the other on her waist. He bit his lip as look at Akemi in a vulnerable position. He gripped her body tight as he is still angry about it earlier and wanted to forget it. Akemi touch his face as Aster still looked down at her. She called his name as he leans closer to her. Suddenly Aster's head on Akemi's chest as she hugs him.

"You're upset. Talk to me." Akemi said rubbing his soft grey hair.

"I'm ok." Aster lied.

"Please tell me. I want to know what happened." Akemi said.

"I don..." Aster was interrupted as Akemi pull him closer tightly towards her chest.

"I won't let go until you're honest with me." Akemi said as Aster wraps his arms around her waist.

"My ex" Aster said hugging her tightly.

"Huh?" Akemi said surprisingly.

"My ex waiting for me outside of my workplace. She wanted to be with me again but I refused." Aster explained.

"I understand by the way you gripped my thigh and hip." Akemi said.

"Sorry. I shouldn't let my aggressiveness lash on you." Aster apologized.

"It's fine. So why did she want you back?" Akemi questioned him.

"Probably for attention and got bored with her himbo." Aster replied gripping Akemi tighter which made Akemi upset to hear this.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." Akemi said patting his head to comfort him.

"It's fine but I don't want anything to do with that woman." Aster said.

"Did she try to do anything?" Akemi asked concerned.

"Besides talking to me, she has touched me a couple of times." Aster replied which made Akemi feel a bit defensive and annoyed.

"It's best if you ignore her. She just wants your attention. Avoid her and don't talk to her especially if she's persistent. She'll get bored and tired as she'll find another unlucky man. He'll have to deal with her." Akemi said trying to cheer him up with the last sentence.

"*laughs* She's a nightmare. Besides, I found someone better than she'll ever be." Aster said looked up to see Akemi's face as she became flustered.

'Oh my god, is he implying me? Because his expression and tone are soft. Also, the way he answered sounds genuine and honest.' Akemi ponder herself glazing into him as Aster had a warm smile and having his blue eyes was shown soft.

"Umm... mm... right." Akemi said awkwardly as they both stayed silent for a while until Aster broke the silence.

"Thanks for cheering me up Bella." Aster said.

"No problem, you needed this. I hope it makes you feel better." Akemi said.

"Yes, I'm fine now." Aster replied.

"Good, now can you get off of me? You're too heavy." Akemi said as Aster put his head on Akemi's chest.

"Nah, I'm not moving." Aster said rubbing his head against Akemi chest.

"Aster!" Akemi yelled annoyingly and flustered red face.

"I don't want to because I'm too tired to move." Aster said yawning and already got comfortable.

"I'm not your bed!" Akemi yelled.

"No, but you are my pillow, especially with your breasts. They're big and soft." Aster said with a smirk as Akemi turned red.

"Off now! You pervert!" Akemi yelled trying to push him off from her.

"*laughs* It's the truth besides you're the one who pulls me towards you." Aster said still cuddling her as Akemi blushed and stayed quiet with annoyance.


Time-Skip to Next Day

Akemi was in the cafeteria with her lunch prepared. Mindy called her name and wave at her. Akemi walked towards Mindy and sat next to her.

"So what took you so long?" Mindy asked.

"I had some emails to send." Akemi said until her phone rings.

She took it out and turned on the phone. It was a text message from Jesse and read it.


Jesse

I hope you're not busy but I want to tell you that I'll see you in the cafe.


"Who's that?" Mindy asked as Akemi smiled.

"A friend." Akemi said texting him back.

"Let me see that." Mindy said taking her phone away.

"Hey! Mindy!" Akemi said as her friend read their text messages.

"*gasped* You have to tell me now." Mindy said excitedly giving Akemi's phone back.

"I have been talking with some guy." Akemi said putting her phone in her pocket.

"Yeah, and it's Jesse, Jaden's best friend. So how did it happen?" Mindy asked.

"They came in the cafe a month ago as Jaden tried to cheer up Jesse from his personal life. At the last-minute Jaden left and Jesse was alone. I feel bad and talked to him. We rarely see each other but lately, he's been talking to me more often." Akemi explained.

"Oooooh looks like someone has a crush on you." Mindy said teasing her.

"Yeah right, we're just friends Mindy." Akemi said.

"Huh totally. Who asked the number?" Mindy asked.

"Jesse." Akemi answered.

"Has he asked you out yet?" Mindy asked.

"Not really just he wanted me to hang out with him. He bought an extra ticket for the Kaiba Dome this month." Akemi replied.

"It's a date isn't it?" Mindy asked.

"No, it's not Mindy." Akemi answered.

"Yes, it is. Akemi, Jesse is giving you signs that he likes you. I'm calling it right now." Mindy said.

"You're overreacting." Akemi said.

"Wait shouldn't Aster know about this?" Mindy said.

"No, and he's slowly figuring it out." Akemi said nervously.

"You didn't tell him?" Mindy asked.

"Why would I tell him that I been seeing Jesse and he has my number. You know how he is." Akemi said.

"Ok I get it but still doesn't Aster sees you at the cafe during your work hours. He should have seen the two of you together." Mindy said.

"Remember the day you stayed overtime because the guys didn't finish the paperwork." Akemi said.

"Yeah." Mindy said.

"Aster didn't came that day and Jesse came in. I talked to him because he was upset. Also, Jesse doesn't go to the cafe often compared to him." Akemi said.

"Wow, you're lucky." Mindy said.

"What?" Akemi said in confusion.

"Hear me out, you have two hot guys that like you. Any girl would love to be in your shoes especially if they are fangirls." Mindy said.

"How's that a reason to be lucky? If anything it's the complete opposite." Akemi said.

"I'm just saying and it's cute to see them getting your attention." Mindy said.

"*sigh* I'm hoping that it doesn't get any worse because I'm stressed out." Akemi said.

Across the other side of the cafeteria, Sartorius and Aster were sitting as they're eating. As Sartorius was talking, Aster stood quiet as his mind wandered off. Sartorius notice Aster wasn't listening and stop talking.

"Aster?" Sartorius called him as Aster snapped out of his thoughts.

"Huh? Sorry I wasn't paying attention." Aster said turning to Sartorius.

"It's fine. Something is bothering you, still thinking about that woman?" Sartorius asked.

"No, It's about the box that was left at my office yesterday." Aster replied ponder about yesterday.


Flashback from Yesterday

Aster came back from lunch break and went into his office. The smell of sweetness hits him as it was spread all over the room. He noticed the box of pastries on his desk.

"What's this?" Aster asked walking towards the box.

On top of the box is an envelope with his name on it. He grabbed grab it and opened it as he read it.

~~

'It's difficult trying to forget about your heartbreak

As your ex-lover coming back haunting your life and giving you a headache

It hurts to see people can't recover their broken hearts

I'll be here to pick up the parts

I hate to watch the pain in the sapphire eyes from my savor

Please do this favor

Every once in a while

To turn that mopey frown into a bright smile

I hope these pastries light up today

So enjoy the sweets and the rest of your day'

~~

He smiled after reading it and opened the box to see a dozen of mix deserts on each square. He sat down on his chair and grabbed a cupcake. He ate it as the gift made him forget about why he's upset.

End of Flashback


"The pastries were delicious and the letter was sweet. I wish I know who did it." Aster said drinking his cup of water.

"It was Akemi." Sartorius said as Aster spit out his drink.

"What!?" Aster exclaimed coughing.

"I saw Akemi coming out from your office, then quickly run in her office and slam the door. I thought it was an odd behavior from her. I checked your office to see the box of pastries." Sartorius explained.

"But why?" Aster asked in confusion.

"She must have seen you upset and did it as to cheer you up. It was very kind of her to do. You should give her something as a thank you gift." Sartorius said as Aster glared at

Akemi and smiled.


Time-Skip to Tonight In the Cafe

Akemi was cleaning up as the cafe will be closed. She finished cleaning the windows until the door open. She turned to see Jesse coming in as he noticed her.

"Hey Bella, is it too late to stay?" Jesse asked as they walked into the private room.

"You have five minutes. What took you so long?" Akemi asked as they both sat down.

"I just finished moving and cleaning up my new apartment. I didn't realize it would take this long." Jesse explained.

"You probably slack off." Akemi said teasing him.

"I didn't, especially I promise to see you tonight." Jesse said as Akemi giggled.

"Hmm, you sure? Unless, you're slow cleaner." Akemi asked still teasing him.

"No, I just don't want my place to be messy before I go to bed. I'll be too lazy to clean it the next morning. I wouldn't get out of my bed." Jesse said.

"*giggles* I never expected you to be the diligent type. Why did you want to see me?" Akemi asked.

"Well, I just want to see how are you doing?" Jesse asked.

"I'm fine, but it's sweet of you to asked." Akemi said with a gentle smile.

"*laughs awkwardly* Yeah." Jesse said rubbing his head.

'She's cute when she's smiles.' Jesse ponders himself.

"What about you? Any luck finding an agency?" Akemi asked.

"No, but I'm trying. I post something on Chitter to give an update to my fans." Jesse replied.

"Hey, that's good to post something for your fans." Akemi said.

"Yeah, I even made some videos on Chitter which surprisingly got a lot of likes and retweets." Jesse said.

"You're getting more support." Akemi said.

The bell rings as it interrupted their conversation. Akemi stood up from her seat.

"Well, my shift is over. I need to change so I can get home quickly. It's getting harder to walked alone recently." Akemi said heading to the kitchen door.

"Walked?" Jesse asked.

"Yup." Akemi said confused by his reaction.

"You do have a car right?" Jesse asked in concern.

"Yeah but I left my car back home." Akemi said.

"Why?" Jesse asked as it made him nervous.

"I live near around here. So, there's no need besides it's wasted of gas." Akemi said.

"Isn't it too dangerous especially a woman like you." Jesse asked still worried for Akemi.

"Yeah but I took some safe routes. I should be fine." Akemi said.

"I'll come with you. I just finished moving my apartment." Jesse said as he stood up.

"You didn't bring your car?" Akemi asked in confusion.

"There's no need because my apartment is near." Jesse said.

"Ok, just wait for me outside." Akemi said as Jesse nodded and left.

Ten minutes passed by as Jesse waiting outside the cafe Akemi her shift was over. Akemi came out from the building with a different outfit.

She wore blue crop top sweater with black ripped denim jeans and white sneakers while carrying her black mini backpack.

Jesse's eyes were glued on Akemi finding her adorable. They both looked at each other smiling as they started walking home.

During the walk, they talking enjoying their conversation. Jesse told his stories as Akemi giggled. They were at Akemi's apartment which surprised Jesse and stopped by her apartment door.

"This is my place. Thanks for walking me home Jesse. I know we didn't have much time at the cafe but I hope to see you again." Akemi said smiling.

"We'll be seeing each other more often. You could say every day." Jesse said.

"Umm what?" Akemi said in confusion.

"I haven't told you where I moved in. I'm next door to yours which means we're going to be neighbors." Jesse said as Akemi stood in shock hearing about the news.

From here on out, things are going to be complicated as Jesse will be seeing her a lot more often on a daily basis. Akemi was scared as it's bad enough that she's lying to Aster for not telling him about Jesse. She has to keep her secret from Jesse as well.


A/N: That's the end of chapter fourteen. 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!