~ Author's Note ~
Kubinashi: I finally made an appearance! :)
You're finally happy, aren't you?
Tsurara: Why do I get so less screen time?!
Don't worry, you have an important role.
Tsurara: Yippee!
Kubinashi: Wait . . . . . . I have a more important role than her, right?
Uh . . . . . .
Tsurara: No, you don't. You're just a detective while I'm a supermodel.
Kubinashi: A gifted detective, you yandere supermodel.
Tsurara: Idiot!
Kubinashi: W***e!
Tsurara: Oh no, you didn't, you A**HOLE!
Kubinashi: Take that back, B***H!
As the two continue to fight in the background, we will proceed with the disclaimer. Rikuo, will you do the honors?
Rikuo: Special thanks to Zhane 17, Rose Rain 7, Fede 194, Marchioness Scarlet, Hikage-Sama, Vampire Princess, Nakumare, Silver Gold Moonlight, Nayrael, Kuro Shiro Neko-Chan, Dark Lord 5198, The Crest of Anubis, Dennou Writer, Night Dreamer, Night Star 09, , Micar, Sakura Tsukiyomi Lefey, Skylar-Midnight, Chizora and Ash Covered Warrior for supporting this shit.
Hey! TT_TT
Rikuo: Anyways, reviews are welcomed. Just don't abandon the story or the pathetic pig in the corner will suicide . . . . .
Kana: Don't be so mean, Rikuo-kun!
Ch. 8 – An affair of Mariage
As the plane landed at the Hokkaido airport, the blonde detective set down his newspaper and stretched a bit. Sitting still for three hours in a plane had made his body cramped and it was not very good for a person who had little exercise. He waited for the plane to fully come to a still before opening his belt and picking up his briefcase from the back pocket of the seat in front of him. He sighed in relief after realizing he no more had to face the kicks of the naughty boy who sat behind him.
As the passengers began landing, Kubinashi checked his watch and yawned. Picking out the crumpled note from yesterday out of his pocket, he read it once more before his eyes narrowed in suspicion. There was something definitely off about the letter. But he could not put a finger on the specific point.
Walking towards the conveyor belt, he stood near and began looking around, waiting for his red trolley-bag to arrive. In the distance, he caught sight a horde of people and what looked like news reporters after a young woman who had two bulky bodyguards surrounding her.
He smirked as he realized it was Tsurara Oikawa, Japan's top supermodel he was staring at. She seemed to have a hard time fending off the persistent mob dogging her. Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of his approaching trolley bag. Swiftly picking it up, he set on his way.
As he walked towards the taxi stand, he crossed the Oikawa girl, throwing a glance of curiosity her way. However, what he saw shocked him.
Near the airport exit stood a young man dressed in police uniform, leaning on the gate, waiting to pick someone up. As he stood chewing gum, occasionally glancing at the pouring crowd, he caught a glance of the person he'd come to pick up. Taking out a photo out of his pocket for confirmation, he nodded after seeing the same features.
As Kubinashi reached the exit, to his knowledge, a young police officer saluted him."Good morning, Kubinashi-san" said the young man in a youthful yet serious tone "I'm Itaku Urameshi, an officer of the Hokkaido Police. I've been instructed to pick you up."
Running a silent gaze over the young man's white highlighted hair and large brown eyes, Kubinashi let a small smile form on his face as he offered a hand to the other youth. "A pleasure to meet you, Urameshi-san. As you may already know, I'm Kubinashi at your service."
As the two men began to walk away, Kubinashi could not help but glance back at Tsurara Oikawa. His gaze wasn't because of the probability he'd never see her in person again but it was more due to the fact he wouldn't see such a daunting sight for a second time. He was just in time to note she was entering the flight for Brazil.
"Many men are smitten with her" Itaku remarked, after noticing the blonde detective stare after her "She is a lovely thing though."
"I have no doubt about that" Kubinashi replied "But there's something more to her than just her remarkable beauty."
"Oh, really?" the young officer raised any eyebrow "And what may that be?"
The blonde detective shook his head. "Nothing very important."
Itaku shrugged and muttered a "Suit yourself." Then, getting into the young officer's car, the duo sped off, the image of Tsurara Oikawa's haunted eyes impaled in Kubinashi's mind.
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"It's such a good day today!" Saori cheered, stretching a bit as they entered college. Stepping in front of her two female friends, she asked with a huge smile "What do you guys say to a little shopping trip today?"
Natsumi shook her head "Can't come. I'm totally broke."
Kana agreed. "I too have only a few hundred yen left." But after a moment's pause she answered "But I can come on Friday. I'll be getting my allowance that day."
Saori, who'd been disheartened after hearing her two friends reject, now brightened up. "Okay! Friday it is then!"
"Ne, not fair!" whined Natsumi, pouting "I still haven't got my allowance!"
"You can borrow from me" Kana smiled at the cat-eyed girl.
"Really?!" Natsumi exclaimed, her eyes widening. "You're the best, Kana-chan!" she cried, hugging the brunette. Sticking her tongue out at Saori, she chided "Learn something from her, Saori-chan!"
"What?!" the blonde exclaimed, shaking her fists "Who was it that lent you the bikini for the swimsuit party last month?!"
Natsumi scratched her head and stuttered. "W-Well . . . . ."
"Guys, it's okay!" said Kana cheerfully, coming in between the two besties. "Let's hurry up or we'll be late!"
"Oh yeah, I forgot I had to submit my Physics Project! Akifusa-sensei is going to skin me alive!" said the blonde, breaking into a jog. "See you guys later!" she waved at them and was off.
Natsumi and Kana stared after her sweat-dropping before resuming walking. "So, Kana-chan" the green-haired girl asked, a mischievous grin on her face "Anybody you're thinking of dating?"
The brunette's face burst into fifty shades of red as she suddenly looked at her ballerinas with decisive interest. "Wh-What do you mean?!" she stuttered, trying to prevent the heat from enveloping her face "Th-There's no one!"
"You can tell me, Kana-chan!" Natsumi insisted, linking arms with the flushed girl. Tapping her chin with one finger, she said "Let me guess. It's . . . . ." she drawled, staring at Kana from the corners of her eyes "A certain Nura, isn't it?"
If you could've died by blushing, Kana's name would be in the newspaper in the "brutally murdered" corner. Her face was literally a bright shade of mixed crimson and scarlet as steam poured out from her ears. She almost faltered but was caught Natsumi. "So I'm correct!" the green-head cheered, a jovial smile on her face.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about" said the brunette when she reached her classroom. Fortunately for her at the moment, Kana had Biology while Natsumi had Physics in the first period. She'd regained some of her composure as she bid goodbye to Natsumi "See you later, Natsumi-chan!"
"But Kana-chan!" she whined "You didn't answer!"
"Now go or you'll be late for your classes!" reprimanded the brunette pushing Natsumi out of the classroom door.
After the cat-eyed girl was finally gone, Kana wiped her brow and let out a sigh of relief. However, today was seemingly an unlucky day for her. "Seems like the cat drank too much milk today, didn't she?" commented a horribly familiar voice, making Kana snap her head to the door of the classroom. When she saw who it was, a frown emerged on her face.
Ryuuji Keikain stood comfortably leaning on the door, arms crossed over his chest. His 'oh-I'm-so-godly' smirk – which Kana felt like skinning of – was present on those malicious lips. By his posture, he was giving off the radiance of owning the place. Even though his entire posse wasn't in sight, the ever-stoic Mamiru stood faithfully beside his cousin.
"Ryuuji" Kana gritted in anger, attempting to walk to her seat. However, the black-haired brat grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him, causing Kana to crash into his chest. The entire class gasped but minded their own business after a venomous glare from Ryuuji.
"So" he smirked, bringing his face closer to Kana "I heard you got into close quarters with the Nura boy?"
Kana, who tried not to gag at the black-haired brute's over-fresh minty breath, answered in a composed voice "I think you've been misinformed. We had nothing except a small chat." Then, glaring at his hand which still had a tight grasp on her wrist, she spat "Is there anything else? I need to go."
"What's the hurry?" he replied, leaning on the wall again. "You're not angry with me for that silly little dress, are you?" He smugly grinned and trailed a finger down the brunette's cheek.
Kana slapped away his hand, anger boiling inside her. The brunette was one of the sweetest and most level-headed humans probably on the whole of planet Earth – or at least the College - but even the nicest of Angels had their limits. "Let me go, Ryuuji" she whispered in a low voice, not wanting to make a commotion. "What do you want?"
Ryuuji had a vicious grin on his face as his eyes trailed over her body, pausing at her curves. "Will you give me anything I want?"
Before Kana could slap him or faint in trauma, someone cleared their throat loudly. "Mr. Keikain and Ms. Ienaga" Zen Iwatobi, the Biology teacher said, eyeing both of them reproachfully "I'd appreciate it if you didn't do suggestive things in class."
At that everyone burst out laughing with Ryuuji, Mamiru and Kana being the exceptions. The first one looked annoyed, the second one as stoic as ever and the third one looking ready to faint from embarrassment. They quickly walked towards their seats and Kana hid her crimson face by hiding behind a book.
"So, as I was saying in the last class" said Zen, turning to the board "Parenchyma is a simple, permanent living tissue which is made up of . . . . . ."
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"HE DID WHAT?!" Saori and Natsumi chorused together in anger and shock as the whole group sat together during lunch break. Jiro was looking alarmed while the expression on Kiyotsugu's face was calm but he was emitting a deadly purple aura.
"That motherf***er!" Saori cursed "I'll kill him and eat his liver for this!"
Inugami, who was passing by with his lunch tray, gave the blonde a stern glare and scolded "Please refrain from shouting profanities in public."
"What are we, in elementary school?!" was Saori's quick retort which the nerd chose to ignore and walked away. The blonde stuck out her tongue at him and banged the table once again "Curse that son of a b***h, Ryuuji! Who the hell does he think he is?! The President's son?!"
"That b***ard is gonna pay for this!" said Natsumi, getting up from the table and getting her bag. Turning to Saori, she gestured her to come.
However, as the blonde was about to get up, Kana quickly put a restraining hand on her friend's wrist. "No, please!" she said, a scared look in her eyes "Don't!"
"What are you scared off?!" snorted Saori, flipping her blonde hair. Giving a flirtatious wink to her lap dogs – i.e., her fan boys that were spying at her from a table – "Besides" she smirked "I'm sure we won't be lacking in numbers."
"I'll come too!" Jiro declared, getting up with his football in hand "There won't be a much better opportunity for me to crack his balls!"
"No" Kana repeated again, her usually docile brown eyes gleaming with determination. "You won't go." The others were slightly taken aback. "I know Ryuuji has power and contacts and if we confront him like this, he'll just humiliate us more. Or he may even morally wrong us." Saori shivered when she about how he'd called her a prostitute in public a few days ago.
"The only way we can take revenge" spoke Kana, radiating a wise aura "Is to wait for a loophole in the spider's web." Her eyes glistened with underlying excitement. "And believe me, that day isn't too far."
"Kana's right" said Kiyotsugu, a thoughtful finger on his chin "Ryuuji knows the art of humiliating people like the back of his palm. He'll get back at us in a way crueler than we could ever think about."
Somehow sobered – and developing a certain fear of the black-haired wealthy teen to be spoken – Saori sat down with the other two following her. Kana inwardly smiled. If the fiery blonde gave up, the other two definitely would. Playing with the straw of her green tea, the blonde muttered "So, Kana . . . . . . you told there was a loophole in his web. What exactly is that?"
The brunette beamed blindingly before answering. "That . . . . . will be revealed when the time calls for it."
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In the head office of the Nura and Sons Co.'s head office, Rihyon Nura, the head honcho, sat behind his huge and expensive oak desk, tapping his fingers impatiently on the structure. His old but sharp eyes were fixed onto the photo of a young couple and a brunette, bespectacled child between them.
The atmosphere in that certain picture was happy – radically different from the atmosphere now.
As Rihyon sat admiring the photo, a polite but aggressive knock on the door decided to break him out of his reverie. Smirking to himself, he thought, Ah, that boy's never gonna be patient, is he? "Come in" he called out.
The knob turned and the door swiftly opened, revealing a somewhat irate Rikuo Nura in the doorway. Gesturing his bodyguards – Ao and Kuro as you know by now – to stay outside, he walked in with swift steps. "So" he said, plopping himself down ungracefully in the plush cushioned sofa opposite his grandfather "What do you want?"
Rihyon smirked. "Care for a coffee?" he asked, getting up and heading towards the coffee machine in his room. He knew Rikuo's patience wasn't one of the best – cross that it was one of the worst but he still liked scratching on his grandson's temper.
"No" the youth sharply replied. As Rihyon leisurely took his time to walk towards the said machine, Rikuo muttered some profanity under his breath, swiftly walked out to the machine, poured out a hot, steaming cup of the rich, black liquid and plopped down on the chair once more. "So" he started again, more composed this time "What is this important business that you wish to ponder me with while I was in the middle of 'interviewing' some really crucial witnesses?"
Rihyon chuckled as he thought about some poor man whose life he'd saved. Taking a sip from the cup, he spoke "You know I'm getting old. I'd be turning 77 next month."
The junior Nura rolled his eyes. "I was called here to discuss your birthday plans?" he impatiently spat.
The older Nura chuckled as he set down the cup on his desk and sat in his seat. Intertwining both his hands, he placed his chin upon them and said "You must sign the papers soon. Or you're not getting the company."
An unreadable expression came in Rikuo's eyes. Flicking out a Mont Blanc pen, he asked "Where're they?"
Rihyon shook his head slowly as he leaned back in his armchair. "Not so fast" he said, narrowing his eyes "There are a few conditions you must fulfill." His voice dropped to a whisper. "And one of them happens to be marriage."
Rikuo let out an irritated chuckle as he massaged his temple. "You're not serious."
Rihyon wasn't moved. Offering a steely glance at his heir, he asked "Do I look the contrary?"
Rikuo was a bit amazed – and nervous – at his grandpa's sudden change in attitude. Despite being sarcastic and mocking most of the time, the old man was known to have a scarily tactful attitude with business dealings. "What do you want me to do?"
"Isn't that obvious?" Rihyon asked, smirking.
"Look" Rikuo tried to explain as properly as he could "It isn't possible so fast, okay? Marriage means the lifelong union of two souls who love – or at least accept – each other."
"What about Tsurara?" the old man suggested.
Rikuo's eyes narrowed into red slits. "No f**king way" he said through gritted teeth.
"Reira?"
"Are you crazy?! She's in high school, for God's sake!"
"What are your other options?" Rihyon pointed childishly "You don't engage with many women." In a low voice he muttered "I hope he's not gay . . . . . ."
Unfortunately, the young man had caught the last part. His eyebrow twitching, he got a sudden brainwave. Flicking out his phone from his pocket, he went into contacts and dialed a sudden number in there. Taking the phone to his ear, he waited as it rang. Rihyon eyed him suspiciously but remained quiet.
After a few rings, a surprised exclamation was heard on the other side. "Yeah, it's me" Rikuo said, a smug grin on his face. "I'm fine. How's life been to you?" A pause, an answer and a question. "Actually, could we meet somewhere? No, I'm not kidding." A pause and an answer. "Eden Gardens at 7'o clock on Sunday?" A pause and an answer. "Okay but I could pick you up if you want. No? Fine then. All right, see you on Sunday. Take care. Bye, Kana."
After Rikuo put his phone back, Rihyon smirked. "Kana? The girl at the college – the one who was held hostage?"
The white-haired youth smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Consider your granddaughter-in-law done."