Warning:
-Please consider any of my mistakes here (especially grammar), I'm really bad at these kind of things
-Not Beta-ed.
-Ryoma swearing and Fuji teases
Disclaimer:
About the "Kantei", I've only seen some pictures of this from the outside…I really don't know what's inside, so I'm guessing that the Kantei is a counterpart of our 'Malacanang Palace' here in the Philippines…
About the Kabuki-za theater, Ueno park and Asakusa Kannon temple, I searched them from Google, so if you read something familiar here that can be found in Google, it was not mine. I'm also not sure about the cards that was used in the temple here, so I've just decided to use tarot cards .
These places are not fictional places, and these are not mine.
. . . . . . . . . .
Chapter Four
Arrangements and Teases
The night of the 'Ponta-spilling incident': Saturday
Nanako barged in the room telling me to stop and shut up, and gave me a small talk about the girl's job.
Finishing her small speech, she glared at me before looking back at the girl.
"I'm very sorry Sakuno, you can go for now, I'll call you later after we…after we've decided things, okay?" My cousin said to the girl who spilled ponta on me.
'Sakuno' nodded before looking at me with a blank look, and then exited the room while looking on the floor.
I smirked.
Nanako looked back at me and my teammates with an incredulous look.
"Now, someone explain what happened, Clearly." she said while crossing her arms on her chest.
Momo and Eiji snickered.
"A girl came in with a mini skirt holding a tray with a Ponta, then Momo shouted 'sexy', then she jumped a little from her surprise, spilling Ponta on our little guy, then Ryoma got annoyed, then he tripped the girl, then she fell, then we saw her undies, and they were printed in-"
"Thank you for your complete explanation Eiji, it's more than enough, " Nanako cut him off, slightly glaring at him. Eiji frowned.
"Everything was an accident" Kawamura said, saving Eiji from her glare.
"I hope so" She answered back, not trusting his words.
"Well, it was an accident that the girl spilled Ponta on-…uh, Ryoma" Oishi said.
"But truth be told, if it wasn't from Momo's teasing, she wouldn't be surprised, then she won't be Ryoma's Ponta spiller" Inui explained while adjusting his glasses before writing something on his notebook.
"Hey, don't blame it on me, it wasn't my fault she had a slender body" Momo snorted.
"Pervert," I said before looking (glaring) at my shirt. That girl's going to pay for it. Literally.
"Ryoma" She turned to me.
"What?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Can't you see that she was sorry?" She placed her hands on her hips.
"It was for a little revenge," I said, shrugging. "After all, I'm going to meet Dad's friends later, and I didn't bring any extra shirt with me," I looked directly at her.
"You can just call me to bring you one, and you didn't have to make a deal with her," She retorted back with a calm yet angry voice. I mentally shivered.
Wait, did she just say 'deal'?
"Uh, we'll be going now, we'll just leave you two alone," Fuji interrupted before standing up, my other teammates following him.
"Good Luck Ryoma~" Eiji slightly whispered, but loud enough for me to hear. I glared at him. He'll be having ten black tennis ball prints on his face tomorrow.
"Don't trip, they may also see your undies~" Momo followed. He'll have much more damage than Eiji.
Both of them are gigantic male reproductive organs.
Then Tezuka glanced at me, his eyes saying 'don't let your guard down'.
Whatever.
Nanako nodded after they were all gone before looking back at me.
"So Ryoma, why did you tell her that, that shirt cost fifty million dollars even though it only costs one million dollars? And most of all, why did you demand her to pay for it?" She said as she pointed at my shirt, like she was accusing me of something.
"So you heard it?" I asked with a bored look.
"I wouldn't be giving you a lecture about that if I didn't hear it," She massaged her temples.
"Like I said, it was for a little revenge" I glared at the floor.
"It wasn't little! She isn't as wealthy as you are, that's why she's working here in the first place " She raised her voice.
"That's why it's called revenge right? To torture," I glared at her.
Then an awkward silence lingered between us.
She sighed. I raised an eyebrow.
"We aren't going anywhere…I'll just-…I'll just talk to Uncle Nanjirou about this " She turned her back at me.
"I'll be the one to talk to him, be quiet about this Nanako," I stood up before walking pass beside her, "besides, he'll be questioning me about my shirt when he'll see it" I looked at her one last time before waving goodbye.
As I went out of the restaurant, I was greeted by noisy bitches.
. . . . . . . . . .
It irked me to no end whenever fan girls surround me while squealing and touching any part of me, and whenever I glare at them, they took it as a gift from God. What the hell? Can't they see that they're entering my personal bubble? Was it wrong for me to become a tennis player rather than being a doctor? Then again, I can imagine myself being pulled by female doctors and try to inject something at me, or nurses who're begging to be my assistant, or worst, people (especially girls) pretending to be sick just to be my patient. I clicked my tongue at the disgusting thought.
As much as I didn't like my college years, I took a medical course.
But still, I chose tennis over it.
I snapped from my thoughts about scary fan girls when I already reached my destination, *The Prime Minister's Official residence, or what they call 'The Kantei'.
The building was not as big as our house, but the architecture was quite impressive. Using glass windows to cover up the building with a classic business-like appearance, creating a homey aura. Not bad.
The security guards nodded when they saw me enter the large gate, knowing that I was the Prime Minister's son. I sped up my motorcycle, going to the parking lot for VIP's at the back part of the building.
Hiding my keys in my pocket as I finished parking my motorcycle, I wore the Seigaku jacket that I kept in my messenger bag, hiding the stain of Ponta on my shirt.
I glared at the stain.
Adjusting my bag on my shoulders, I walked to the direction of the entrance of the building, my mind drifted back at the girl named 'Sakuno', thinking that, that girl has two left hands and two left foot instead of having a right and a left hand, the same as having right and left foot. In other words, she's a real klutz. Why did she bother being a waitress anyway?
Hn.
None of my business.
But thanks to her being a waitress there, there's someone who can entertain me for the time being. I wonder how can she work her ass off if she's going to get fifty million dollars…
I smirked. I'll deal with her later.
As I entered the entrance, the security guard greeted a quick 'good evening' before closing the glass door behind me.
All the other people inside who saw me either gasp, bowed, greet, or smiled. I ignored them and continued walking to the stairs.
I directly went to my stupid Dad's meeting room, taking off my cap and hiding it in my bag as I ran a hand through my hair. He said that I'll be meeting his friends, which I assumed were his Cabinet members. Why did I have to meet them when he knows that I'm clearly not interested in politics? I don't have anything to do with them, same is through with them having nothing to do anything with me. He knows that clearly.
Damned father.
I opened the wooden doors and I saw a long table at the center , where my father sat at the other end, while other old men in their forties sat at the sides.
They were having a conversation and stopped as soon as I stepped in, letting my presence known inside the room.
"And here is my one and only son, Ryoma," He showed them a goofy grin.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes in front of them, so instead, I nodded at their direction.
My stupid-loser pointed a seat beside him with his thumb, giving me a signal to sit beside him.
…I was already annoyed that I was called here.
But what annoyed me more than this was my father of a bastard's question as I took my sit. His question fueled my annoyance and irritation to the girl named 'Sakuno', and him as well.
"Hey, son, since when did you start using grape-scented perfume?"
I swear that I'll whack his head with a tennis racket after this meeting.
. . . . . . . . . .
"What kind of son are you? Whacking my head with your tennis racket hurts you know," the damned bastard complained.
"I am the kind of son who whack his idiotic father on his head," I answered whist closing my eyes and putting my racket on its bag.
Setting myself on the sofa, I sighed before placing my hand at the arm rest. The meeting I had with my Dad's Cabinet members in the meeting room lasted in about an hour.
And I was bored; bored enough that I nearly slept inside the room in front of them. The conversation was all about politics, if not, it's about my father's life and girls.
Seriously, what did my mother see in this guy?
"I just noticed, but why are you wearing your jacket? Where's the shirt I gave to you?" He asked, wincing as he touched his bump on his head.
I frowned. "I spilled Ponta on me," I said, inwardly crossing my fingers as I lied. Why am I even bothering to save the girl?
"That's rare" He raised a brow.
"It's not like I'm a perfect person, as much as I hate committing mistakes, I can't avoid it sometimes " I replied, glancing at my watch.
9:00 pm.
I ignored my father's comments about me being a jerk and about the meeting a while ago, and asked him about 'Sakuno' before going home, in my own house.
"Dad, shut your babblings first and answer me, " I stared at him. He stared back.
He snorted, "What?" then smirked. Annoying.
Getting straight to the point, "Who's the girl named Sakuno in the restaurant?" I slightly glared when the girl's name came out from my mouth.
Then silence.
The bastard had a dumbfounded look for a second before bursting out laughing.
"No way!... My son is in love!"
I just knew that he was going to say that.
"Answer me before I throw my racket on your face," I clicked my tongue.
"Alright, alright," He bit his lips to stop his laughter. "She is old Ryuuzaki's granddaughter… ha! I just had a feeling that you'll fall for her, she's beautiful eh?" He winked with a goofy smile.
So she is our coach's granddaughter. That's news to me.
But I don't care.
"Fire her," I said.
Now his eyes nearly bulged out from their sockets, "What?"
I rolled my eyes.
"She's not fit to be a waitress, she's got cotton feet and body, and she jumps out from her surprise from the smallest noise that can be heard," I said smirking.
He narrowed his look, "I can't do that, it's the least thing that I can do to help her, and Nanako said that she was one of the most responsible employee," he said as a matter-of- fact-ly.
"And so what if she is…and why help her? She has her grandma…"
"Boy, she has family issues, and I am her father's friend, I can't do that, I promised him to help her…why, do you have a problem with her?" He asked, curious. So her father and my Dad are friends, so what?
If this perverted father have made his decision, I can't convince or demand to change his mind.
Instead of answering him, I stood up and grabbed my things.
"Never mind," I went straight to the door, and slammed it close after I got outside of the room.
. . . . . . . . . .
Nanjirou smirked from his son's reaction.
Then sighed.
"Ryoma boy, you didn't realize nor remember that Sakuno's family was the one who hid you from the media when you were small,"He closed his eyes.
"-by the time when our family was targeted by other families…when I was still running to become the Prime Minister…" Then he stared blankly at the ceiling.
Then something struck him, and if translated in a comical way, it was like a light bulb suddenly appearing above his head.
He blindly groped his phone from his pocket and dialed his wife's number.
Ring…ring…[Hello?]
"It's me dear… I have a favor…" He slightly smiled from his wife's voice. He missed her.
[What is it? If it's about hunting one your lost magazines, I'll kick you out of the house…]
Nanjirou chuckled before replying, "It's not that…I want you to call Coach Ryuuzaki and tell her to come here on Monday at five in the afternoon…"
[…]
"Hello? Dear?"
[What reason will I tell her then?]
Oh. "Tell her that I want to talk to her about her granddaughter"
. . . . . . . . . .
Present Time: Monday
The trip around Tokyo was definitely an enjoyable experience, except for the incident that happened this morning, making my body or my wounds ache whenever I got to see the best part of the places where Sir Fuji brought me, or Fuji as he insisted me to call him.
Waiting for Sir Inui at the clinic this morning, Sir Fuji went to a nearby branch of 'Guess' shop and bought me a gray turtle neck long-sleeved shirt. I told him that I would pay him when I got my salary, but he said that I can pay him today by considering this trip with him a date, without minding Sir Inui ,that is. Just thinking about it made my heart race, and probably made my face as red as possible too.
Sir Inui was the one driving the porche, where we were riding. He introduced himself as 'Inui Sadaharu' and gave me his business card to summarize his introduction. He was an owner of hospital that specializes in surgical treatments. I mentally sweat dropped; I'm not someone like a business woman.
He was the one who explained things about the places we went to, serving us like a tour guide. I also noticed his green notebook, where he writes something there after every details explained, and after I answered one of his questions about what do I think of simple things. Fuji (It felt foreign without the 'Sir') must have seen my face while observing Sir Inui, because he told me that Inui was not a stalker, and he only loved collecting data, it was his hobby. It surprised me a little that there were people like Sir Inui, they are what we call 'unique'. I looked at Fuji with an 'o' shape on my mouth. He just chuckled.
The first place was the Kabuki-za Theater which was a traditional Japanese theater. It was lucky for us that we came this Monday; they said that they rarely open a performance this year. It surprised me that there were restaurants inside the auditorium because it was said that the performances lasted for hours that can make the spectators hungry. Knowing that from Sir Inui, Fuji bought a lot of food (enough for our lunch)for the three of us before going to our seats. That was the time when I found out that Sir Fuji liked spicy foods and the glowing weird drink that Sir Inui brought with him. I gave a nervous laugh.
After fifteen minutes of waiting for the show to start, I was left speechless by the play that was performed because it was absolutely splendid from the first part and throughout the whole show, although I didn't understand much of the story, I think it was about a murder between a love triangle. It was a burlesque-like performance that also left me in awe. The actors were so into it that I thought it was happening in real life, like I was the third person point of view.
When the show ended, all of the audience, including me, gave a standing ovation. But before that, I felt a slight pain on my right side, causing me to flinch and I stopped clapping.
Fuji noticed me and asked me if I was okay, I nodded and smiled, telling him not to worry. I looked at Sir Inui beside me, and he was scribbling something on his note while looking at Sir Fuji. I blinked before looking back at the falling curtains, the echo of clapping hands and cheers filled the auditorium.
It was definitely the best play I've ever been to. I have been in some plays in America with my father, but I didn't enjoy it much because of my step-sister's squeals from observing the Prince Charming in the show.
The show lasted for four hours, we started from 10: 00 am and we ended at 1:12 in the afternoon. But Fuji told me that we should stay there a little longer, then I gave him a small questioning look. He smiled as he said that he can see the glint of curiosity from Sir Inui's eyeglasses that nearly creeped me out when I took a glance. Fuji said that Sir Inui wants to gather data from the actors. So we went at the backstage and fortunately, they gave us permission.
The backstage was colorful; it was full of unusual costumes while the walls were painted in abstract. The actors and actresses were chatting like there's no tomorrow, while the other assistants inside squealed when they saw Sir Fuji (I give up calling him without a 'Sir') and Sir Inui, recognizing them as one of the top tennis players from the sports magazine. They were also one of top twenty males who has a well-built body. I blushed when I remembered reading them with Tomoka.
Other people inside also asked me if I was Sir Fuji's girlfriend with a twinkle in their eyes. I felt blood rushed upon my cheeks as soon as I processed the question given to me, quickly denying and that I was just his employee. But Sir Fuji destroyed all of my reasoning when he carefully slipped his left hand on my waist, avoiding the bandaged part of my body and gave a peck on my right cheek. I might have already fell unconscious if it wasn't for Sir Fuji's hand supporting me. I stuttered like a freak while complaining about Sir Fuji's act (I thought it was an act).
Just before I let go of Sir Fuji's hand (because I might die from embarrassment), I heard a snap sound and I was sure that it was a camera directed to us. I glanced at my surroundings, ignoring the cheesy lines and squeals of the people who saw Sir Fuji's doing. But then I hesitantly shrugged it off before convincing myself that it was just my imagination.
After taking a group picture with the cast (Sir Fuji brought a digital camera, but he wasn't the one who took our picture… ), Sir Inui said that it was time to go, and I also saw a satisfied smirked on his face. I smiled softly. We waved goodbye to the people at the backstage and exited the auditorium, going to our next destination: The Asakusa Kannon Temple.
During the ride, I kept silent and avoided Sir Fuji's gaze, not trusting my face to smile normally, and how to act normally as well. While staring at the road, I can feel my face being bored by Sir Fuji's stares. I inwardly shivered when I heard him chuckle.
"Come on Sakuno, I'm sorry…teasing you was just…priceless, " He placed his face on his palm and let his elbow rest on his thigh.
I slightly glared at him with red cheeks, "I-it's okay…but p-please refrain from doing it again," I might die the second time, was what I didn't say.
He smiled, "Okay…"
When the car stopped, Sir Inui glanced at us from the rear view mirror, and scribbled something on his green notebook. I blushed again.
"Blushing can re-open the wounds on your face Miss Ryuuzaki, " Sir Inui said that made Sir Fuji laugh slightly. I can't stop blushing if they embarrass me with their little jokes!
Forgetting the teases thrown at me, I listened to Sir Inui's explanation about the temple while walking through the bricked-path.
The temple was made ever since Tokyo was founded; it was dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of compassion named Kannon. The temple may look old, but it is said that it was destroyed a lot of times and they kept on rebuilding it, but never changed the original appearance.
'According to legend the Temple was founded by three fishermen who had found a statuette of the goddess in their nets when they hauled them. In its honor they founded the Temple.' Sir Inui clearly explained while I observed the surroundings.
One temple was a tall building with 4 floors, and in each floor emphasizing their individual roofs. In front of it was the entrance with 2 emphasized roofs, yet it was large. They were painted in crimson red, while the roof was painted with black.
Sir Inui directed us to one of the guardians of the temple doves. He said that the temple doves are considered to be Kannon's sacred messengers. They also tell fortunes if that is what the visitor desires.
The guardian of the doves was an old man with a brown hat. He smiled before pointing at me and signalled me to come closer.
I blinked. He chose me?
I looked at Sir Fuji behind me with a worried look, telling him if it's okay. He just smiled and nodded.
I stepped closer as the guardian shuffled the deck of cards and readied it in front of the dove on his shoulders. The dove looked at the deck of cards with its bead-like eyes like it was the weirdest thing, but it decided to peck a card that nearly fell when it was pulled out. But what surprised the guardian was that the dove chose two cards instead of one. The old man picked the two cards before staring at me.
I gave him a nervous smile.
"This is unusual Miss… naturally, the doves here only picks one card to tell the fortune of the visitor's life in general, but the bird picked two cards…which means," The guardian chuckled. I showed a curious look.
"-which means that these cards are about you and your love life," The man grinned like he was interested to know my life.
"What are the cards Mister? I'm curious to know" Sir Inui smirked. I sweat dropped.
The man nodded.
"The wheel of fortune and the fool," He slowly reached out his hand and gave the cards to me. I took it with trembling hands, blaming it my nervousness.
"It means that you are taking a risk by spinning the wheel, and the decision of the wheel might be a misfortune in your life…don't let yourself be the fool, young Miss…" He warned me and smiled. I heard Sir Inui mumbling something while writing down. I sweat dropped again.
I bowed at the old man for maybe five seconds before giving him my 'Thank you'. But before saying goodbye, I asked him, "I am supposed to pay, right Mister?"
"Don't mind it, I just felt like telling your fortune because it was about you and your love life…" He chuckled. "I find it interesting, the doves rarely pick a card about love lives…but please do take care, clumsiness always cross your path," He bowed.
I blushed before nodding quickly and went beside Sir Fuji. My love life? My clumsiness?
"Thank you for your time Sir, we'll be going now," Sir Fuji said as we waved goodbye.
"Say, let's take some pictures before leaving this place…Ne, Inui?" Fuji suggested while looking at the Buddha statues.
"Sure," He replied. I smiled in excitement.
. . . . . . . . . .
I've learned something about Sir Fuji and Sir Inui.
Sir Fuji loves to take pictures.
While Sir Inui loved collecting data and collecting weird insects for his decoction.
But they both like seeing me embarrassed.
Back at the temple, Sir Fuji kept on taking pictures with his digital camera, and in a minute he silently complains about not bringing his professional cam, while Sir Inui explained more of the Temple's history. And when they noticed that I was silent but smiling, Sir Fuji gave his camera to Sir Inui and he softly grabbed my right wrist, dragging me to each of the unique place in the temple.
And in each unique places, Sir Fuji would put an arm on my waist or shoulders, and Sir Inui captures a picture of the two of us. There was also a time when he hugged me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulders in front of a large Buddha statue, Sir Inui taking a pic.
I was blushing the whole time, the color of my face darker that the color of my hair, and I think it was Sir Fuji's plan all along. Sir Inui did nothing but to take a pic of the two of us, and sometimes including himself in it.
But one thing was sure, I enjoyed myself.
Ignoring the pain on my sides of course.
I sighed mentally.
We're here in Ueno park; it was considered as the largest park in here in Tokyo. It was known by its criss-crossed gravel paths, that was surely left unnoticed by Sir Fuji to take its picture and for Sir Inui to collect data.
I smiled.
It was lively in the park; there were street vendors who advertise their wares using megaphones, and there were exciting places like the aquarium, cinemas, amusement centers, temples and shrines, where families, couples and friends were wandering everywhere with smiles on their faces…
I slightly frowned, missing my father at a time like this.
I wished to experience them…with my family….
"Hey, let's hire a boat from there," Sir Fuji placed his hand on my shoulder, snapping me from my thoughts. His other hand was pointing at the direction of the Shinobazu pond Boats, that can be hired and have a trip around a little island with a Bentendo Temple. (Don't think that I know anything about it, I knew it because Sir Inui explained it to us when we were in the car.)
"I would like to have a boat on my own, you two just ride the same boat," Sir Inui smirked, implying something.
"Don't just go assuming something, Inui," Sir Fuji playfully putting his arm on my shoulders.
I blushed for the umpteenth time.
Sir Inui snorted softly.
"You're so cute Sakuno," Sir Fuji poked my cheek without the band aids. "P-Please stop…" I complained, slightly pushing him.
"Whatever," Sir Inui shooked his head, walking ahead of us.
"Let's go," Sir Fuji nodded while hiding his hands with his camera in his pockets.
I knew that he only teases me for me to smile, so this time, I didn't blush.
I smiled before nodding in agreement.
The boat ride was more than exciting; Though I was paranoid that the water might swallow us whole, I heard Sir Inui who kept on calculating his actions on how to row the boat, but he ended up turning his boat upside-down, and for the first time this day, I laughed freely with Sir Fuji's chuckles. Even smart people, geniuses commit mistakes I guess.
Helping Sir Inui to ride in our boat (after I stopped laughing), Sir Fuji kept on controlling our ride while Sir Inui took off his blue dress shirt, squeezing the water out of it. I avoided my gaze from him, trying my best to stare at the still water.
They both laughed from my reaction. I pouted.
After squeezing his dress shirt, Sir Inui took out his small plastic envelope out of nowhere with his green notebook inside it, as well as his mechanical pencil.
I gave an incredulous look.
How did he do that? Since when did he bring a plastic envelop with him?
"You look like a gold fish Sakuno."
I felt my face warmed up when I turned to look at Sir Fuji's stare.
Hearing Sir Inui sigh, I transferred my gaze at the lotuses on the water. I didn't notice that the whole pond was full of lotus flower until now.
'The pagoda/ temple called Bentendo Temple: It was rebuilded in 1957 after airraids in 1945 levelled it's 17th century precessor. The temple stands on an island in the Shinobazu pond which is completely covered with lotus flowers.' Sir Inui read from his notes while adjusting his eyeglasses.
Minutes of Sir Inui's explanation, we've decided to just stay in the boat while observing the island with the Temple; it was a beautiful sight indeed, but it was more beautiful with the sunset as its background. Orange tinted the gray sky, clouds lingered on the atmosphere, and the shadows made by the Temple reflected on the water, resulting to a painting-like scenery. I unconsciously smiled while admiring the picture in front of me.
"A nice place for sunset gazing." Sir Inui mumbled while scribbling on his notes.
"Yes, It's beautiful…" The words slipped out of my mouth unintentionally. I mentally shrugged.
"Well, the sight in front of me is more beautiful…"
I blinked.
I turned to look at Sir Fuji's direction.
We was smiling at my direction.
…
It lasted for more than a minute, and I didn't realize that I was staring back until Sir Inui cleared his throat, sending a message that he was still there with us.
My face turned scarlet.
It freaked me out, not knowing how to act at a compliment like that.
Sir Fuji was letting out an amused smile.
"Wha-wa-t-thi-tis-this Imean-Imnotreally b-b-beau-beauty-ifeul-wahhh! " I must have looked so stupid while denying, flailing my arms in front of me with a red face that caused the boat to move awkwardly.
Splash.
And just like that.
The boat turned upside-down.
Thinking that I was about to die (not good in swimming, but I know how a tiny bit), I was surprised when I returned on the surface of the water as I felt a hand grab my right arm, and I was greeted by a worried face of Sir Fuji.
I felt my wounds sting a little bit before wincing.
"Are you-…hah…-okay? Your wounds, the bandages?" He asked, opening his eyes.
I stared dumbfounded by seeing his eyes, forgetting the pain. He was wearing a concerned look on his face.
"My notebook's drenched, and I lost my mechanical pen." Sir Inui said in monotone.
He was still wearing his eyeglasses, protecting his eyes successfully. But his right hand was up in the air, holding his notebook as if it was his life. Realizing our faces in this situation, I giggled softly for a moment before laughing at ourselves. They stared blankly at me before joining my laughter. I also heard the other people on other boats laugh with us.
. . . . . . . . . . .
The ride in the car was silent; it wasn't an awkward silent, it was a comfortable one. But I didn't know where we were heading, Sir Fuji and Sir Inui kept silent when we left the park with our new outfits. I just shrugged it off, knowing that I'll be safe with them. So instead of worrying, I stared at the glimmering lights outside the tinted window of the car.
The security guard of the park helped us dry off our clothes a while ago by letting us stay in the guard house which was just near from the Shinobazu pond.
The guard house was just small, but it has enough space for us to be contented. The walls were painted in apple green and the roof was dark green. The inside was just like a normal house; small kitchen, small living room with a ceiling fan and a small television.
We were wrapped up with individual towels when Sir Inui asked the guard a favor:
"Please buy her a dark-colored long sleeved- blouse and dark boot-cut jeans both in small size for women, and also a pair of doll shoes with a size of thirty-nine. Also get a green Lacoste shirt, a white polo, two black trousers and two pairs of leather shoes, don't forget the black socks…and do you have a first aid kid here? We need it for her…" He continuously said.
I fell silent after hearing him with his leadership aura.
Sir Fuji leaned to whisper something, "For you not to be shocked that much, his uncle leads the police department and they know that Inui is his relative…of course, the guard here knows Inui well because he also serves the Inui family in the hospital. "
I gave him a calculating look. "How did you know?" I whispered back.
"Because one of my team mates and the two of us are always here to hang out, and it's not the first time that this happened. Inui always mess up when it come to boats, the guard is used to it,"
"Oh…but-…um, how did Sir Inui know my sizes?" I asked curious, choosing to ignore their 'other' team mate (It might be private).
He just chuckled and shook his head. "He's a data collector, he knows just by looking at you," He smiled.
"What a brain…" I mumbled. I remember being student in our home economics class when I was in middle school. My brain was twisted when our subject was about measurements: especially on how to read a foot rule. (where is one-fourth?, where is seven-eight?) I sighed.
When we were finished changing, and finished bandaging myself as well,( Sir Fuji help me, not by putting the bandage but giving me a demo with Sir Inui, so that I know how to do it and he won't be seeing me in my bra…*blush*) we thanked the guard and went back to the porche.
Which leads us in my situation here in the car, staring outside the windows.
I can't help but to be bothered that Sir Fuji was silent. And Sir Inui too.
"Uhm, well…where are we going now? Uh, I'm sorry Sir, but I need to see my Grandmother, it's already late," I spoke silently, but loud enough that they can hear it. I saw the time from the digital clock of the car. It was 7:54 in the evening. And we haven't eaten yet.
"Oh, I'm sorry if the time bothered you but…" Sir Fuji apologized.
-"we are going to meet your grandmother." Sir Inui continued for him.
"Eh? But that not the direction of her house-"
"Well, we're going to the Prime Minister's Official residence." Sir Fuji cut me off. My eyes widened.
Oh God.
Are they going to arrest me to jail now? I forgot that it was my fault I spilled the Ponta on their team mate (Ryoma), and- and I was also the one who broke the expensive vase from Sir Tezuka's mansion…
My inner chibi is in panic mode.
"Don't worry, it'll be okay…" Sir Fuji gave me a reassuring smile. I glanced at the rear view mirror, and I also saw Sir Inui smirking, with a reassurance feeling behind it. (Was that possible?)
I nodded with a worried look.
. . . . . . . . . .
"And why do you think that I should agree with your plan? Hm, Mister Echizen?" Sumire Ryuuzaki raised a strict eyebrow, doubting the man in a kimono who sat on the sofa in front of her.
"She's having a difficult time dealing with her work and at the same time, the problems in her family-"
"And why are you butting in their issues?"
Nanjirou fell silent after that. He looked down and sighed.
"Well, before Sakuno came here…Nakano, her father, as well as your son…he called me that she ran away, and she was coming back here in Tokyo. He told me to take care of her in ways that I can, that's why when Nanako told me that a girl named Sakuno Ryuuzaki applied in the restaurant, I was surprised and I immediately accept her to work there…" He said looking at Sumire.
"So, you were the one who owns the restaurant where my girl is working for? And my so-called son called you? And now you want to help Sakuno? And why is that? How can I trust you? " She asked, challenging him.
"Hey, I owe you and your family, Coach…remember when you helped to protect my family? It was the biggest gift that I've received from you, aside from coaching me on my tennis career. I didn't know how to pay you back, since you didn't want money for your house's renovation, but you still chose to coach my son's team…and I think that this is the right time to return your kindness," Nanjirou smirked, proud to himself that he gave a smooth speech.
Sumire looked back at Nanjirou, showing a blank face. Yes, it was true that she helped Nanjirou in his career since her son was his best friend. She even took a risk by protecting his family from being targeted by other candidates because of Nakano's request. And one thing more, this was the first time that Nanjirou used such gentle words and it was rare for him to be serious. Maybe it isn't bad to go with Nanjirou's flow this time.
Deciding her answer, Sumire took a deep breath.
"Just promise me that you won't do something perverted to her," She smiled, worry and doubt washed away from her face.
"Oho, it's not me, it's Ryoma…" He grinned.
She groaned.
"Whatever," No matter who you are, you haven't change Nanjirou… Sumire thought while rubbing her temples.
Just when Nanjirou was going to get his phone, the door of the 'living room' opened, revealing an annoyed Ryoma.
"Why did you call me in the middle of my match? Now I have to delay it and wait until next Friday…" Ryoma glared at his father. He entered the room, leaving the doors open behind him.
"Ahaha, I have an important announcement, my son… oh, and the old hag is here too, greet her warmly." He said as he shrugged.
"Who are you calling old hag? Your getting old yourself, perverted old man." Sumire raised an eyebrow, smirking.
"Better it be important or I'll lock you in a room when you have a meeting… or maybe beating you in a tennis match would be better, " Ryoma tried to smirk. Note the word 'tried'.
He was glaring with annoyance implied on his face after all.
"It will be better than 'better'," He reassured. Ryoma gritted his teeth. He can just feel that something bad was going to happen.
Knock. Knock.
"We're here, Mister Echizen." A beige-colored hair man appeared at the entrance of the room, a man taller than him with glasses was beside him, and a young brunette was behind him.
"Oh. And here are our guests…" Nanjirou stood up, a smirk plastered on his face.
"G-Grandma!" Sakuno called as soon as she saw Sumire.
Sumire turned her head to look at the familiar voice, but was greeted instead by a hug.
"Grandma, I-I'm sorry I lied to you, I promise to never do it again," Sakuno pleaded, thinking that the news had reached the Prime Minister's ears and her grandma's as well.
"It's good to see you-wait, what? And…" Sumire stood up from the sofa to look at Sakuno. "-what happened to your face?" She touched her right cheek with band aids. As if on cue, Fuji cleared his throat.
"Coach Ryuuzaki, I'm sorry, but I accidentally bumped into her and she fell on the pieces of a broken vase...I can take responsibility." Fuji apologized, bowing.
"Hn?" Sumire raised a curious brow.
"Actually it was because of my clumsiness that I became like this…" Sakuno blushed.
Before Sumire could utter a word, Nanjirou interrupted. "Sakuno! Long time no see!"
The brunette was pulled softly into a hug. "Remember me?" Sakuno stared at his face when his hug ended, looking surprised. She blinked a few times, earning a soft chuckle from her grandma and a waiting face from the man who hugged her.
"Y-You're…Uncle Jirou?" She asked, unsure if she was right. She only met him when she was just four or five years old.
"Ding! Ding! Old Hag, your girl remembered me!"
"Stop harassing her already and get on with 'it'…Oh, Ryoma, why are you sitting still? Love at first sight, eh?" Her grandmother said when she checked Ryoma's state after giving a warning to Nanjirou.
Sakuno froze.
Ryoma?
To be sure, she turned to the direction of the sofa across the room. Am I really going to jail?
She just want to die right then and there when she saw the cause of all her current problems. She remained frozen with wide eyes.
Nanjirou noticed that they were both looking at each other when he was about to introduce himself, but he found the scene in front of him interesting, forgetting his plan on making himself known as the Prime Minister, since Sakuno didn't know it yet.
"Well, it seems like you two already know each other, which will make all things faster and easy," He started announcing.
Ryoma glared at his father, "What 'things'?" Sakuno looked at Nanjirou with a worried expression, expecting an answer about a case where she was the criminal. (She thought that Nanjirou was Ryoma's Lawyer…)
Nanjirou cleared his throat," Since you asked and since old Ryuuzaki here gave me permission, I've decided that Sakuno will start living with Ryoma in his mansion."
Nanjirou closed his eyes as he was satisfied with his announcement.
Fuji and Inui's eyes widened, knowing what happened between the two.
Sumire sighed.
Sakuno was too shock to move, not expecting to be placed in a house of a devil rather than being jailed with criminals.
Ryoma regained his composure because of his anger, "What?"
End of Chapter Four.
I would like to say sorry that I was suppose to finish this chapter last January, but family problems entered my life together with friendship problems. And last March, I got Anemia and it was also our finals so I wasn't able to continue it.
I'm really sorry, so to cover my broken promise, I made this chapter long and it was the first long chapter that I've ever made in my entire life. I hope that this will make you readers happy.
P.S.
Please leave a review so that I can get my inspiration for making the next chapter.
Thank you.