AN: I'm really sorry for taking too long to update!

Anyway, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

INEVITABLE

Chapter 4

Rei was alone in an alley. It was dark and he doesn't know where to go. He heard someone laughing. The laugh was like music to his ears. He tried to find the owner of the laugh. He was walking fast but the laughing was slowly fading away. He started running and the laughing completely vanished. He stopped and listened eagerly for any voice or any sound….

Kriiiing….Kriiiing

Rei suddenly woke up. He turned the alarm clock off. "That dream again."

He already had that dream twice when he was in America. He tried many times to figure out who was laughing in his dream but his efforts were in vain.

-shshshsh-

It's been a week since his fateful encounter with Ran. During that week, Rei surfed the net and looked for information regarding Ran. He found out that she already appeared in 3 movies. Ran was a supporting actress in her first movie and played the lead part in the 2 action movies. Rei bought DVDs of the said movies. The first movie was about a woman teaching problematic students. Ran was the leader of the rebellious students who always get into fights. The first action movie she played the lead role was entitled "Fabulous Cop." It was about an undercover agent trying to catch a killer who targets models. The second movie was about a girl who chose to be a cop when her older sister was killed in a robbery. The robbers were good and got away with the crime that's why Ran's character focused on catching them someday. The movie was entitled, "No Other Way."

Rei found out that Ran was indeed a great actress. He also found out that Ran was a host in one of the talk shows called, "All About Life" which is aired every Saturday afternoon.

He also decided to contact Yuuya. They were able to meet and talked for hours.

-shshshsh-

Rei just finished taking the last shot at a wedding reception when Kyouya suddenly called.

"Hey Rei, could you get back here before 3:00? Chiaki's supposed to take care of the photo shoot but his car broke down on his way here."

"I might be a bit late because of the traffic."

"Okay, I'll inform the detective. Bye." Kyouya hung up.

'Detective? What the heck?!' Rei headed to his car.

-shshshsh-

"I figured it's better if you'll take over because you're the only one available at this time. I have an appointment at 3:30. Don't worry because Ran Fujioka is very different from Clarisse."

"Ran Fujioka?!"

"Yes, she's a great model and actress." Kyouya continued while ushering Rei to the elevator.

Rei was not listening anymore. 'And here I thought that I wouldn't see Ran soon.' He was trying his best not to smile.

-shshshsh-

"Detective, one of my best photographers is already here."

"I'll be right there….And how many times have I told you to stop calling me that!" Ran was in the dressing room and was fixing her hat.

Kyouya explained to Ran what happened to Chiaki earlier, though Kyouya forgot to mention the name of the 'substitute' photographer to Ran.

Ran emerged from the dressing room followed by Ami. Ran's gaze suddenly fell on Kyouya's companion.

"Rei?! Don't tell me you're the photographer!"

Rei just looked at Ran.

"So you two know each other?!" It was more of a statement

"Well, he's a long lost friend. This is a small world after all!" Ran was grinning.

"Kyouya, are you sure that he's one of the best?" Ran continued.

"Don't you trust my judgment, detective?" Kyouya replied. He really enjoys annoying Ran by calling her detective.

"Of course I do, but we're talking about Rei here.' Ran winked. She decided to ignore the detective part this time.

Kyouya was smiling while Rei was frowning and Ami was just witnessing this interesting scene.

"We better get started if we want to accomplish something!" It was Rei.

"Yeah.Yeah. Rei, you're really impatient."

"Okay guys, I'll be leaving now. See you later." Kyouya waved at them.

-shshshsh-

Rei was surprised on how serious Ran was, once they started the photo shoot. Rei suggested some poses to Ran and he was half expecting Ran to complain or brag that she doesn't need his suggestions. Ran just readily obliged. Ran was indeed a professional.

It was already 5:00 when they finished. Ran then invited Rei to dinner.

"Don't worry, this is my treat. I bet Kyouya will allow you to leave early."

Ran then asked Ami, "Is it okay if we eat at Paradise?"

"Actually, I have other plans tonight so I won't be coming. Sorry."

Ami had no plans that night, shejust wanted to let Ran and Rei have some time on their own. She was a hopeless romantic after all.

'I think that Mr. Rei is perfect for Ms. Ran. I can sense that love will finally blossom for Ms. Ran.' There was a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Okay. I'll just ask John to pick you up and our things, then I'll ask him to pick me up later."

Ran then turned her attention to Rei, "Hey Rei, do you have a car?"

"Yes."

-shshshsh-

"Can I turn on the radio?" It was the 5th time Ran asked that question.

"No" Rei was getting annoyed.

"You're no fun at all!" Ran decided to persuade(annoy) him again later. She then contented herself with looking outside the window.

'Silence at last' Rei was focused on the road.

After a few minutes….

"Stop the car!" Ran said.

"What now?" Rei parked the car on the side.

Ran didn't bother to reply and got off the car. She seems to be sprinting towards the convenience store that they passed by.

Rei also got off the car. He then saw Ran approach an old lady who seemed to want to cross the street. Only a few people where in that area and were busy minding their own businesses.

"Grandma, let me escort you."

"Thank you, child."

After crossing the street Ran inquired, "Grandma, where are you headed?"

"I'm going to visit my son. I wasn't able to tell them that I'm coming today. He lives one block away from here."

Ran then decided to accompany the old lady to her son's house.

-shshshsh-

'She's really something. Stopping in order to help an old lady.' Rei mused.

Meanwhile, a lady who was carrying a plastic bag filled with oranges suddenly stopped walking when the oranges rolled on the path walk. The plastic bag was torn.

Upon seeing this, Rei went to the fruit stall near the convenience store and bought a plastic bag. He then helped the lady pick up the oranges.

"Thanks Mister." The lady, who is about his mother's age, said.

Rei just nodded in reply. He then turned his attention across the street. Ran was already preparing to cross the street.

The lady wasn't able to notice that it was Ran because of the hat that Ran was wearing and because it was almost dark.

"Take these as a sign of my gratitude." The lady offered 2 oranges.

"You don't have to Ma'am."

"I insist. And give the other one to your girlfriend," while pointing at Ran's figure.

"Thanks, but she's not my girlfriend."

The lady just smiled and went on her way. Rei can only look at the departing figure of the lady, which meant that he turned his attention away from Ran.

"Though I hope she was." Rei can't help but mumble.

A hand was placed on Rei's left shoulder.

"What were you hoping for?" Too bad, Ran heard Rei.

"Nothing"

"Come on Rei! Tell me. Maybe I can help!"

Rei handed her an orange and proceeded to the car.

In the car, Ran brought up the topic. "Tell me. Tell me. Tell me. Tell me."

Rei then decided to turn on the radio in order to drown Ran's voice.

Fortunately., the song being played was Aitsu by Dicot (Opening Theme of Gals), which was one of Ran's favorite songs. She began singing while peeling the oranges.

Nani o suru no mo aitsu no koto kangaete shimatte boku ga/ Evertime i'm trying to do something, i keep thinking about that person
Aitsu de ippai ni naru/ i'm full with that person
Tonikaku ima wa aitsu ga ite kurenai to boku wa nanimo dekinai/ now, i can't do anything without that person
Aitsu ga boku no naki ni iru iru iru iru iru iru iru/ that person is always always always always inside me

It seemed that she forgot about making Rei talk.

-shshshsh-

"Turn right there." Ran instructed Rei.

A few minutes later….

"Turn left at the next street then we'll see Paradise."

After following Ran's instructions, they reached their destination. Ran got off the car followed by Rei.

"Are you sure it's okay to get in without your disguise?" Rei was a bit worried.

"Don't worry. This place is safe. Besides, Miyu works here."

Ran then grabbed Rei's wrist and headed to the restaurant. Rei can do nothing but look at his wrist and follow Ran. Of course, he was slightly blushing because of the contact, but Ran was oblivious to that.

When they got inside Paradise, Ran let go of Rei's wrist. She then spotted an empty table/seats and pointed to Rei. They were headed towards the said table when an awfully familiar voice stopped Ran from her tracks.

"You! We were here first so you better leave!" Clarisse Thurman was glaring at Ran. Clarissse has a grudge against Ran because Ran was more popular than her. Clarisse was usually declared as the "Best Model of the Year" before Ran came into the modeling scene. Now, Ran was holding the title for 3 years in a row.

"I don't think you have the right to order me around Thurman! Besides, anyone who can pay, can eat here. And we're going to seat there! " Ran pointed at their destination.

"Far away from you." Ran continued.

"I won't allow this. Where's the manager? I'll ask him to make you leave."

"Don't be absurd Thurman!" Ran decided to go to the empty table. Some customers already turned their attention towards the two models. One of the waiters called the manager.

"Fujioka! Let's make a deal that whoever the manager asks to leave will never eat in this place again."

"Let me ask you one thing Thurman, is this your first time eating here?"

"Yes, one of my friends told me that this is a great place and I don't want my evening to be spoiled because of you. So do"

Ran cut her short, "Then don't make a fool of yourself."

"What the…."

The manager arrived together with Miyu, who was wearing a chef's outfit. Miyu, learned that Ran was in the restaurant and was having a confrontation with Clarisse.

"What's the problem Ms." The manager directed his question at Clarisse.

"I want you to make Fujioka leave." Clarisse was smirking.

'I'm sorry Ms. but we can't do that."

"Let me talk to the owner if he's here! I'll ask him to make Fujioka leave."

The manager and Miyu were frowning. Ran was silent and Rei noticed that Ran became mature in handling things.

'Clarisse Thurman is really irritating.' Rei thought.

"Ms. Thurman, the owner of this place is a woman." Miyu decided to interfere.

"Then ask her to come here."

"Are you sure about that?" Miyu replied.

"Of course! Why don't you call her you stupid chef!"

"You're the one who's stupid! I am the owner of Paradise." Ran shouted. She was really angry. She was trying to be patient earlier, but if someone insults her friend….hell will break loose.

Clarisse can only stare in horror at Ran's revelation. Clarisse's companion who was also a woman led her outside the restaurant. Some of the customers knew that Ran owned that place and those who didn't were thrilled of the news.

-shshshsh-

Ran remembered to ask for Rei's number. 'I bet Aya would want to talk to Rei alone.'

Miyu, joined Ran and Rei while they were eating.

"Miyu, you're really a great chef!" Ran was eating cheerfully.

"Yeah, the food here is really great." Rei added.

"Don't forget to praise Sally and Frank, Ran." Miyu winked.

"Hehehehe. I'd better visit the kitchen later."

Of course, some of the customers who were Ran's fans approached them and asked for her autograph and to have a picture with her, when they noticed that Ran finished eating.