AN: I borrowed some names from other anime(one is Ouran)hehe. Hope you don't mind.

shshshsh-used this to divide paragraphs

Once again, thank you for still reading this story. Oh yeah….anonymous reviews are welcome.

INEVITABLE

Chapter 3

"So what happened to Chiaki?" Rei asked.

"He got the flu. Anyway, Clarisse Thurman is supposed to arrive at 10:00. But, I'm sure she'll be late. She's one of the top models but has an attitude problem. Try to be patient with her." Kyouya was frowning.

Kyouya is two years older than Rei. Kyouya has silky blond hair, and he has green eyes. He and Rei has the same height and another thing that they have in common is most ladies find them really attractive.

"Okay" 'It seems like Kyouya doesn't like this model.'

-shshshsh-

The photo shoot will take place at the top most floor, the 4th floor of the 'Kyouya Shinohara Photography' building. Kyouya Shinohara Photography is one of the best photography businesses in the country. Most people and businesses get them to capture the memorable events in their lives like weddings, birthday parties, fashion shows, anniversaries, promotional campaigns and etc.

The clothes that Clarisse will be wearing were already delivered. All Rei have to do is to wait for Clarisse Thurman.

-shshshsh-

Meanwhile, Ran was discussing the make-up commercial she'll be in, with her manager, the representative of Avon, the make-up brand, the director and producer.

When they agreed on everything, they proceeded to the contract signing and shook hands.

"Thanks for accepting our offer, Miss Ran." The representative of Avon said.

"Thanks to you too." Ran smiled.

"So we will start shooting the commercial next week." The director said.

"You can count on me!"

After the people who will be involved in the commercial left, Ran, Sumida and Ran's personal assistant lingered on the conference room.

"What's my next schedule for today?"

"You have a meeting with people from Victoria's Secret at 2pm and a meeting with people from Nokia at 4:00pm. You need to attend the birthday party of Mr. Anzai at 7:00 pm." Ami her personal assistant replied.

Mr. Anzai is the owner of the Starlight Network where Ran belongs.

"Do you already have a dress in mind for the party?" It was Sumida.

"Actually, I'm choosing between the blue chiffon dress and the red cocktail dress."

"Wear the blue one." Sumida suggested.

"I think the red one is better." Ami said. Both Sumida and Ami were grinning madly.

"Thanks for your help." Ran raised her eyebrow.

-shshshsh-

Rei was currently sitting on a couch at the 4th floor when he heard a loud feminine voice. He looked at his watch and it was already 10:30.

"So my poor Chiaki is sick. The new photographer better be good and do justice to my beauty."

Clarisse is the epitome of a top model, in the looks department anyway. She has a luscious brown hair, a beautiful face and a fair complexion. Clarisse, as you might have noticed is also one conceited lady.

"Don't worry, Rei is one of the best. In fact, he studied photography abroad." Kyouya said.

Clarisse entered the room and saw a handsome man sitting.

"So are you a model too? Where is the photographer?"

"I'm the photographer." Rei simply said.

"Okay guys, I'll be in my office if you need anything." Kyouya left.

'Now, I don't care if he's a good photographer or not. He is one hot guy and I'll make sure he'll fall for my charms.' Clarisse has a sly smile on her face.

The photo shoot started without any problem. Clarisse really knew what her best angles were, the pose she must make. Except for the occasional fluttering of her eyelashes and winking at Rei, everything was fine. She would change her clothes and accessories every now and then using the dressing room on that floor.

When she can't bear Rei's silence anymore, she asked, "Why don't you become a model instead? You've got good looks and I think you'll reach the top in no time." She smiled seductively.

"I'm perfectly happy with my job."

Silence prevailed again while Rei were taking more pictures.

"So do you have a girlfriend."

Rei ignored the question. Clarisse gave up on making another conversation.

'Glad you got the message.' Rei was already irritated with this girl.

When they finished, Clarisse can't believe that Rei didn't even pay much attention to her like all the other guys who've seen her. She was about to leave the room when Rei called her.

"Miss Thurman"

'Maybe he just pretended that he's not interested in me.' Clarisse looked back and fluttered her eyelashes again.

"I really think you need to see an opthalmologist."

"Hmp!" 'Stupid man.' She was really angry when she left.

-shshshsh-

It was already 12:00 pm that's why Rei decided to have lunch.

"Kyouya, I'll just go to McDonald's. Do you want me to buy you food and drinks?"

"Don't bother 'cause I'll just order some Chinese food. And, don't hurry coming back 'cause I won't need you for another 3 hours."

"See you later then."

-shshshsh-

McDonald's is a 20-minute drive from Rei's workplace. Of course, there are restaurants and other food chains that are nearer their workplace but Rei wanted to go to that establishment.

'Maybe I should go home after eating. After all, I still have plenty of time.'

McDonald's, like any other decent food establishment is crowded during this time of day. Lots of families, friends, officemates were already eating and some were still ordering. After ordering burger, fries and softdrinks, Rei easily found a seat in one corner.

-shshshsh-

Meanwhile, Ran was walking towards McDonald's. It was just a 5-minute walk from the Starlight building. Once in a while, Ran preferred to go there herself than asking for delivery. Of course, no one knew that she was 'the Ran Fujioka' because of her perfect disguise.

'Well, well, well….look who's here.' Ran after ordering was already looking for a seat when she spotted a lone figure eating fries.

'My long lost friend Rei.' Ran was smiling playfully.

Carrying the tray with softdrinks, burger, fries, chicken and spaghetti on it, she slowly approached Rei.

"Excuse me, but can I join you?"

Rei looked at the girl with a questioning stare. The girl, or Ran as we know (and for Rei to find out) was wearing a black baseball cap and black eyeglasses. She was also wearing a chin-length brown wig. There's no way that Rei would see through Ran's disguise.

"You can sit there." Rei pointed at the other corner where a family of 5 were finished eating and were just about to leave.

"But you're alone and since I'm alone too, we can use some company. Besides, it's better if another family or group of friends will sit there."

-shshshsh-

Meanwhile 2 tables away from them, 2 ladies were already glaring at Ran's back.

"Who does she thinks she is approaching that handsome guy. And look at her clothes, so ugly. And she looks like a geek." One of the ladies said. Ran was wearing a white loose shirt, baggy pants and white rubber shoes. Who would've thought that a very fashionable gal was wearing not so fashionable clothes. It was indeed a perfect disguise.

"I told you earlier that we should have approached that guy." Her companion replied.

"Don't worry, I'm sure he'll just send the girl away."

-shshshsh-

Rei just stared at the girl and didn't bother to reply.

"Hey Rei, you're still an anti-social person after all." Ran suddenly laughed.

'How did she know my name? Could it be….?' "Kotobuki?" Rei blurted out.

Ran stopped laughing. "Why are you using my surname? It's as if we didn't become friends at all." Ran frowned.

"Well, I'm not used to calling you again on a first name basis. Besides, would you rather let the people know who you really are?"

"Of course not! Anyway there are other people who also have the same name as mine. I also doubt if they will be able to see through my disguise." 'So Rei have an idea that I'm quite famous now.'

Ran placed her tray on the table and sat. Rei looked at the food Ran was about to eat.

"You still have a big appetite." 'It's really a miracle you don't get fat.'

"With my work, I really need a lot of energy and the best way to gain that is through food." Ran stated.

Ran was munching her burger, while Rei was still eating fries. When her mouth was not full, Ran asked, "So what happened to you during those 5 years you were away? And why the heck didn't you even bother telling us how well you're doing. For the first 2 months, we were sending you e-mails, but there were no replies. We figured you don't use that account anymore, so we stopped. There's no way we could contact you first."

"Nothing much happened. I just studied Economics and photography and worked for a while. I've been busy that's why I've got no time in silly gossips or unimportant talks. And I forgot my password on that account." 'Of course I didn't forget. I also read the emails you sent me but I just wanted to have no connections with all of you during that time.'

"But we're your friends. Yuuya was really devastated when he tried to contact you but it was all in vain."

No response.

"So how was it, you know studying there?"

"It was alright" Ran was eating fries and waiting for Rei to go on.

"What?! That's it?"

Rei simply took a bite of his burger.

"How about talking about your girlfriends there."

"I didn't have any."

'It looks like he doesn't really want to talk about himself. I'll let it pass this time, but I'll make him tell his story someday.' Ran drank her softdrinks.

Ran was about to eat spaghetti when Rei remembered something.

"I learned that you're using a different surname. Is that for screen name purposes?"

"Well….yeah. Hahaha." Ran's laugh was kind of forced.

Rei noticed Ran's odd behavior.'I wonder why'

"So, how have all of you been?" Rei asked.

"Well, Yamato and Miyu are now married. They also live here in Shinjuku. Miyu is a chef now. Aya teaches at a kindergarten school in Shibuya. Tatsuki is continuing their noodles business back in Machida. Last but not the least is your best friend Yuuya who is now working in one of the Honda's businesses. Of course, Yuuya and Mami are still together." 'I think that Aya should be the one to tell him that she has a boyfriend.'

Ran stopped to eat again then proceeded to tell stories about their memorable summer and Christmas vacations during those 5 years. Rei listened and sometimes raised questions like how the place looks like, when Ran only remembered to describe how the food tastes like. Ran eventually finished eating her food while chattering happily.

Ran put her hands in her pockets to look for some money.

'Oh crap! I didn't bring enough.' "Hey Rei, can I borrow some money? I'm going to buy 2 sundaes. I promise to pay you back double, next time." Ran was smiling.

Rei handed her the money. He still can't resist Ran's request after all those years.

'That girl really has a sweet tooth. I bet no other girl would eat 2 sundaes in one meal. But then again, she's not like other girls.' Rei had a small smile on his face.

After 5 minutes, Ran came back with 2 Hot Fudge Sundaes. She put the other sundae in front of Rei.

"This is my treat for seeing you again! Bet you thought that these 2 sundaes are for me." Ran was smirking.

"Isn't it that the money you used to buy these are mine? So technically, this is my treat." Rei can't help but tease Ran.

"Yeah, but I borrowed it from you! That only means that this is my treat!"

Rei smiled. "You don't have to pay me for this. This is my treat, okay?"

"If you insist. I'll just treat you big time, the next time we see each other. Thanks by the way."

'Did she just thank me?'

Ran started to eat her sundae. Rei also ate though he's not very fond of sweets.

Ran was nearly finished eating her sundae when she remembered to look at the time.

"Shoot! It's already 1:45! I'm sorry Rei but I really need to go now."

Ran was near the glass door when she turned to Rei.

"By the way, it was nice seeing you again." Ran dashed out of McDonald's.

'It was nice seeing you too, Ran.'