AN: Reasons for not updating for almost 3 years (Geez my last previous update was on 6/4/08):I've somehow lost interest in Gals, and I've been busy with the real life. Anyway, I feel a bit guilty about not updating so here is another chapter. Also, I still feel frustrated that there are only few stories about Ran and Rei here. =(
INEVITABLE
Chapter 7
Ran couldn't believe what was happening in her life. First, she was finally persuaded to star in the romantic comedy with the freaking kissing scene. Who said being an actress is always fun? Okay, before she thought like that, but now, she had a slightly different view. Oh well, she needs to show Japan that she's a good actress. But hell, she really hoped that the kissing scene would be out of the movie.
Second, she's having a hard time understanding herself. The face of Rei Otohata somehow founds its way in Ran's mind more than twice. And what was she thinking that it felt right when Rei carried her?
'Don't tell me I'm starting to like that snob?' She shuddered. This can't be happening to her!
Rei is a snob, a cold-hearted person. Fine, he can also be kind if he wants to. He treated her a lot before and helped her a lot of times when he was still in the country. What's there not to like about him? He's also intelligent and handsome.
'Okay, I did not just think that it's alright to like him. Bad thoughts, go away! I, Ran Kotobuki also known as Ran Fujioka couldn't like Rei Otohata!'
-shshshsh-
"Happy Birthday, Ran!" Aya greeted as soon as she and Seiji arrived. Miyu and Yamato were already in Ran's house to help with the preparations.
"Thanks Aya." Ran placed Aya and Seiji's gift in the side table. Only family and close friends were invited in Ran's actual birthday party. She'll be celebrating again with other friends tomorrow night at Paradise.
Her mother and Sayo arrived after a few minutes.
"Come on Honey." Her mother was still at the door waiting for someone to follow.
"Come on Dad, don't be shy!" Sayo added.
Ran couldn't believe her ears. Sayo just said 'Dad'. Ran was now staring at her father who seemed reluctant whether he should be present in this occasion.
"Happy Birthday, Honey." Her mother kissed Ran's cheek and handed her a gift.
"Happy Birthday, Ran!" Sayo winked and handed her another gift.
Father and the eldest daughter just stared at each other. Neither of them dared to speak.
Taizo Kotobuki finally cleared his throat. "Happy birthday, my daughter." He slowly approached Ran and gave her a hug. It was one of the best greetings that she had heard. He called her 'daughter' again. Does this mean that her father had forgiven her? She hugged her father back and was filled with happiness.
"Thanks Dad." She was close to tears…tears of joy.
-shshshsh-
Everybody was chatting happily and enjoying the food, except Rei. He was just being himself, listening to conversations and barely talking. Yuuya was happily talking about the days when Rei was still here, when the gang was complete. Aya and Rei, to everyone's relief were civil towards each other.
-shshshsh-
Ran and his father excused themselves and talked in the kitchen.
"I'm really sorry Dad, for letting you down."
His father shook his head. "No Ran, it's my fault for being selfish. I only thought about the Kotobuki clan and not about your happiness. I'm sorry…You really have good friends especially that lad, Rei."
"Huh? What did Rei do?" Ran was clueless why his father would say such a thing.
"Didn't he tell you that for the past few days, he would go to the police station in Shibuya and in our house just so he could talk to me? Of course, when I heard for the 1st time what he wanted to talk about, I ordered him to leave. But that lad was persistent and eventually helped me realized that I am wrong."
"Rei did that?" She was surprised. She could never thank him enough.
His father nodded. Ran thanked her dad again for forgiving her and the next words of his father really put tears in her eyes.
"Ran, I'm really proud that you're my daughter, whether you're cop or not."
She hastily wiped the tears in her cheeks. "Thanks Dad. It means a lot."
-shshshsh-
Her family and friends have left before midnight, but Rei stayed for a bit longer for Ran wanted to talk with him.
"Rei, thanks a lot for helping me reconcile with Dad. It was the best present. You really are a good friend." She had a big smile on her face.
"You're welcome. Besides, being sad doesn't really suit you." He replied.
"How could I ever thank you enough? I know! I should treat you again at Paradise." She was beaming.
"You don't need to do that."
"Then, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me, I'll gladly help."
As a reply, Rei Otohata leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
Ran was left speechless and gaping at the handsome man in front of her.
"I think that's enough payment. Happy Birthday again, Ran!" He smiled.
Ran was left staring at Rei's departing figure. Her heart was beating faster. Crap. He just kissed her. She should have punched him in return! But no, she actually liked the feeling of being kissed by the snob. What was happening to her?
-shshshsh-
She got over the shock and was opening the presents. Miyu had given her a white handbag while Aya had given her red sandals. She loved all of their presents until she opened Rei's gift.
Rei's gift was a peach pig stuffed animal. She stared at its smiling face.
'What the heck? Is this his way of reminding me that I eat a lot? He's unbelievable!'
But upon closer inspection, Ran noticed the pig wearing a silver necklace. She removed it from the pig. The pendant was a letter 'R'.
'R for Ran huh.' She smiled at the simple but beautiful necklace. But her mind won't stop processing. 'R for Rei?' She shook her head. No way! She should stop thinking about those kind of things. She knew that she was blushing. The Greatest Gal shouldn't blush because of such things!
-shshshsh-
Rei slumped in his couch. He didn't know why he lost control and suddenly kissed her like that. But she looked so beautiful. At least she didn't kick him for doing that. Come to think of it, he left her speechless. The Ran Kotobuki was left speechless because of his kiss. He couldn't help but smile again.
He knew that Ran would have found his presents for her. Rei could already imagine Ran's somewhat pissed face because of the pig.
'I just hope the necklace would make up for the pig…and the kiss.'
He chose the 'R' pendant because it stands for Ran. He chose it because it could stand for his name. He smiled at this hidden agenda. But most importantly, he chose the 'R' pendant because it stands for Redemption. Yes, Ran is the only person who could redeem him from the loneliness he was feeling. Ran is the only person who could truly make him happy and feel complete. Ran is his Redemption.
-shshshsh-
AN: Thanks for reading. Please review. 'R' stands for review too. hehe