Sonoko knew money. As part of the Suzuki family, she was provided luxuries others could only dream of. Her family was one of the richest in Japan – beat out only by the Kudo Family. Sonoko wasn't sure how much more money the Kudo's had than the Suzuki's, but she never genuinely cared. It wasn't like it truly mattered with they were this rich. And besides, the Suzuki's and the Kudo's were friends.

When Sonoko had first met the Kudo Family, she'd been young. Too young to remember clearly. She'd met them again when she was in kindergarten, greeting them as her mother had taught her. Yukiko had laughed and told her to call her onee-san before complementing her dress and pouting that she wished she'd had a girl.

She'd then pushed her son forward and told them to play nice before turning her attention to Sonoko's parents. "It's nice to meet you Suzuki-chan. I'm Kudo Shinichi."

"It's nice to meet you as well Kudo-kun."

They had talked – which didn't take long to turn to annoyed arguing – for the rest of the night. While they probably would never be best friends, Sonoko had admitted she'd had fun talking with someone who didn't have the ulterior motive of trying to get in good favor with her family.

The two had met many times afterwards at parties or events that Sonoko's uncle hosted. After their greetings, the two tended to naturally gravitate towards each other so they didn't have to deal with all the sucking up or false praises.

Shinichi had traveled with his parents throughout grade school, but Sonoko had been enrolled in Teitan Elementary. She'd enjoyed it as she'd gotten to be classmates with her best friend Ran. Sonoko loved Ran like a sister, and genuinely enjoyed her company. At the same time, when middle school came and Shinichi decided to stay in Japan and enroll in her school, she was glad. She would always love Ran and be her bet friend, but no matter how hard she tried, Ran would never understand what it was like to be an heiress to a family like the Suzuki's. Shinichi understood.

Shinichi understood the annoyance at having everyone who hears your family name start kissing up to you. He understood the difference between family business partners and family friends. He understood the pressure of maintaining face so as not to sully the family name. He understood the pain at having to fend off journalists and gossip writers. He understood without having to be told.

Ran was a gift who kept Sonoko grounded and humble. Her best friend who didn't care that she was part of the Suzuki family. To Ran, Sonoko was just Sonoko. She may never understand parts of Sonoko's life, but Sonoko never asked her to. Shinichi understood for her.

Even so, Sonoko wondered just how much money the Kudo Family had when she watched him write a check large enough to buy an amusement park that no negotiation was needed on a whim and not bat an eye. Not even she, with all the money and power of the Suzuki family, could do that. Sure, her family built an amusement park, but that was different than buying one. If she'd wanted to do that, she'd have to discuss it with her family, then figure out where the money would come from and then negotiate to get the best price.

But Shinichi had just decided he'd wanted it, called the owner, and named a price. Thirty minutes later he was handing over a check as his lawyer and the owners lawyer settled all the paperwork. She absently remembered the comparison her mother had made when she was younger and asked how much more money the Kudo Family had.

"The Suzuki Family could buy Japan. The Kudo Family, should they wish it, could buy the world."

So here is Sonoko's thoughts on Shinichi. Let me know what you thought!