Well, I'm sorry for the delay and for those who doesn't like the story I'm sorry too. I just recently got the time to post because I'm busy trying to prove ourselves. But whatever I do, it isn't always enough because of nepotism and favoritism. Damn those things. Anyway, love to hear your review even if its a negative one. It helps take my mind away from the damn system in our school. Thanks anyway.
Rightfully Mine
Chapter 5
"Hiroshi, get yourself ready. I want you to buy every stock you can, no matter how much the price. I want it done," the man said with his back at Hiroshi.
"But, sir, with the high value of their stocks and the consistency it has in the stock market, it would be difficult for me to buy one," Hiroshi reasoned as his expertise in the stock market bear in mind.
"I'm taking care of that," turning round to face Hiroshi then saying, "All you need to do is buy me that stocks. You'll know when the right time comes."
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Do it as we've plan and write it all under the name of Ichiro Nishimura. When we meet again we'll transfer it to mine," he stated, "just don't double cross me Hiroshi, you know what I can do."
Ten minutes more and their meeting had ended. Hiroshi hastily exited the office then the secretary came with a few papers that need to be sign.
"Sir, there are three messages left for you. Shall I read them?" waiting for her employers consent and when she saw the man agree, she read it loud and clear. "Ms. Ranko called and wants to talk with you. She said she wants to see you as soon as possible. Next is Ms. Kounji – inviting you for a dinner tonight. Lastly is from Mr. Kuno – he wants to meet with you for the signing of contract tomorrow."
As the mentioned of the last message, Ranma stop for a while to think before giving his orders.
Mr. Kuno back and tell him I'll meet him tomorrow at lunch. Tell Daisuke that I want the contract tomorrow in my desk. And make sure he is free tomorrow by lunch, I want him there when we sign the papers. If Ranko calls again, tell her to call me on my other phone. And call my chauffeur, tell him that he could go home because I'm driving my other car. I'm leaving after I've signed these papers."
Ukyou held out her hand for Ranma to hold unto as she step out of the car. She wore a casual blue dress with a flower detail at the bottom part. Ranma on the other hand wore a cream colored polo with its first button unfastened. Its sleeve was wrinkled up to his elbow.
They arrive at a restaurant overlooking the beach. It was an old Japanese restaurant with a homey touch on it. There weren't many costumer which made it easier for Ranma to find a table.
He gently squat to his place and ask Ukyou for her orders.
"You choose for me," she replied.
Then Ranma took leave and went to the kitchen to give their orders and greet his friends. A while later he returned with soup stocks on his hands.
"Aunty said she'll bring the food after it is cooked," he said placing the soup down, "Do you like the place? I hope you don't mind. It's been a while since I came here."
"No, not at all. I had somehow got this vibration that you would bring me to this place," smiling at him.
"Really? I bet Ranko told you."
"No. I just got the idea since she brought me here almost everyday last year. She said this place means a lot to both of you."
"Yes, it does," seeing the old woman coming with a tray of their orders, he took them and place it to their table while saying, "and Aunty is one of the things that keep me from coming back here."
"Oh, don't listen to him, young lady. He says the sweetest things to impress someone. He is such a charmer," laughing a little, the old lady said before going back inside the kitchen.
"She's like a mother to you, isn't she?"
"Yes, she does. That's why we never forget this place because she is part of our family."
After that, Ranma started to dig into his food. He just couldn't resist the mouth watering dishes in front of him. Ukyou followed his lead and was enjoying the experience.
Five minutes later, they asked for a second serving and some more. While waiting, they kept on talking and joking around. Ukyou was a bit amazed at how fun Ranma is. He is funny, spontaneous and calm.
One wouldn't think that he is the same Ranma that boss around his office. He is completely different from the other person that most people know.
"What are you smiling at?" Ranma suddenly asked as he noticed Ukyou's silly smile.
"Nothing…," she answered still smiling.
"Oh, come on. You can tell me anything," he persisted.
"It's just that you are full of mysteries. I feel like I'm with a different person or a clone of yourself," she stated.
"Really?" pouring himself with Sake, "It's been a while since I had a great time like this."
"Thank you," he added before drinking his cup to hide his blush.
Ukyou was happy at what he said. She likes him so much that she doesn't want to rush things with him. She met a lot of guys, all of whom were quite fitting for her perfect guy standard but there were no sparks, o magic. Only Ranma has that flare within him. She didn't even met him yet but already she knew he is the one for her. Seeing his photograph three years ago had gave her the decision to get back to Tokyo and get to know this man. Since then she tried getting familiar with him. But every time she thinks she all ready knew all about him, he surprises her with something new about himself. His past were vague to her but she doesn't care about it for she knew Ranma is a man who lives in the present and his past means nothing to him as it is to her. After all, he is not the only person who has some past. She too has something that she hides from everyone.
As they continue their dinner, a couple of costumer entered and was immediately entertained by one of the waitresses. They were led to a table behind Ranma which was visible to Ukyou's view. Just as the two was about to sit, Ukyou shouted "Ryoga?"
"Ukyou? Why are you here?" Ryoga asked a bit surprised to see his cousin.
"The same thing as you are doing here. But you two, how did you know this place?" Ukyou asked back.
"A friend told me about this place and I want to try the food. Akane also mentioned that she had been here so when we got into the neighborhood, it suddenly occurred to me to dine here."
"Oh, that's great. Well, why don't you join us?" then turning to Ranma, "you wouldn't mind if they join us, right?"
"No, of course not. The more the merrier," he stated after giving a look at Akane who stood beside Ryoga.
Ranma then move his position to be seated next to Ukyou to give the space across them to Akane and Ryoga, which made him directly in front of Akane.
"How about you, couz? How did you got to know this place?" Ryoga asked as he sat gently.
"Ranma know the owner and Ranko, Ranma's twin sister had brought me here a few times."
The two converse while the other two remained silent. Both were in deep thought as the place reminds them of something they both want to forget.
Flashback…
Akane was abnormally silent at that time. Some things were in her mind that she was in no mood to talk. Ranma on the other hand was terribly nervous of what he was going to do afterwards. They talk little during the entire meal as Akane still refuses to cooperate with him.
"Did you like the Chicken Teriyaki? Aunty made it extra special for you," Ranma inquired.
"It's delicious," she lamely answered.
"Do you want more or you want to order something else?"
"No, I'm ok."
This continued until dessert came. Ranma ordered for Peach Flower and Green Tea Ice Cream. He personally took it from the kitchen and place a ring on top of Akane's peach flower with a note on the side saying 'Will you marry me?'. It was Ranko's idea to propose like this. His was to be traditional and just kneel down but Ranko said it was too common. So he followed her advice and did it like she said.
The rain had just poured. Akane was looking outside, her mind was wandering elsewhere. She didn't notice that Ranma had already came and placed their desserts. All she could think about was her conversation with her father.
"Akane, eat up!" Ranma called disturbing Akane's train of thoughts.
She looked at him then down at the food in front of her. On top of it was a ring with aqua marine stone at the center. Akane looked at Ranma again, whom was blushing and grinning widely. She read the note afterwards but she could not finish it without spilling those tears of her. Ranma immediately came to her side and comforted her then saying, "I know it's unexpected but will you accept me, Akane?"
"Why?" sounding as if she's asking herself than Ranma.
"Because I love you that's why," Ranma answered seriously. His hands was shaking which he hid it under the table.
"No, why now?" her somewhat confused response.
"You don't have to answer me now. But think about it."
"No, I can't."
"What do you mean?"
"I can't marry you, Ranma," she said plainly and softly.
"Why?"
"There's no other reason. I never thought that this flirtation would gone this far."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I don't love you, Ranma."
"Liar! Tell me the truth."
"It's the real thing. I don't love you. This is just an act to prove something to my father."
"If this is all an act, then why are you crying?"
"Because I feel guilty... you shouldn't have bought this ring. You should have use the money to buy the medicine to your mother."
"I can't believe this.. no, I can't believe you are talking like this. If you're not ready. Fine. Just don't talk about this lies in front of me."
"I'm not lying… I'm sorry, Ranma."
Then Ranma took the ring and without hesitation threw it at the sewers. He left silently full of anguish and pain.
When Ranma was no longer visible, Akane ran outside even with the pouring rain and look after the ring. She was shivering from the cold and yet she could not stop herself from searching for it. Yeah, she had said those hateful words but the real thing is she couldn't love any other man than him. And if she dies searching for that ring then be it. She won't stop until she found it. For it is the last thing that would remind her of him.
After almost an hour, Akane finally located the ring. She had to reach for it below the severs just to get it but she did. Nothing could stop her, not even the strong rain.
After that night, Akane got pneumonia and she was hospitalized for a week. And she never saw Ranma again.
End of Flashback…
"So Ranma, what do you think is the best food in here?" Ryoga asked as Ukyou had mentioned that Ranma is such a connoisseur of good food.
"To you, I would suggest Shake no Kasuzuke (Salmon with Sake Lees) or Kabuto-age (Lobster and Vegetables in 'Fried Armour'). It would certainly satisfy your hunger.
"Really? How about for Akane? What would you advice to her?"
"For Ms. Tendo, I would say that Chicken Teriyaki would be excellent. It taste good and it's lighter in the stomach."
"Thank you for your suggestion Mr. Masaki but I think I know what I would like to eat," Akane exclaimed.
"I do not intend to command you do follow what I said, I am merely suggesting. At the end, it is up to you if you want to follow my advice or not."
"Yeah, Akane. I think Ranma has no intention of insulting your own judgment," Ukyou intervened.
"I'm sorry. I just don't like people to push me around…," turning her attention to her fiancée, "Ryoga, I want some noodles in Egg souop/ Kakitami Udon and Wafu Salad (Japanese Salad)."
"Ok, if that's what you want. For me, I would like to try that Salmon with Sake Lees that Ranma suggested," Ryoga said.
A while later their orders have been served. Soon they enjoyed eating except for Akane whom was a little jumpy at the moment. After the main dish, they let Ranma chose the dessert, which he complied without uncertainty. He went to the kitchen and ordered telling his company nothing of it. When they asked, he said it is a surprised for all of them. A minute later, he came back to the kitchen to fetch their orders. And he brought with him four green tea ice cream and two peach flowers. He placed the ice cream at each of them while the peach flowers were just for the women.
He immediately received a glare from Akane which he responded with smile. Ukyou on the other hand was quite delighted at the gesture. She was a bit in awe as how charming he can get.
Before they could start tasting the beautiful delights, the owner came by and chat with them.
"I'm glad that you came with Ranma. He seldom visits me here. He just comes by when he wants to impress or propose to a girl."
"Really? How often does he bring women here, Aunty?" Ukyou asked as her full attention was into the woman.
"Oh, right now. He has brought no one yet. But before, years ago, he had brought a beautiful girl whom he proposed with."
"What happened then, Aunty?" Ukyou persisted.
"I think it would be rude if we pry on someone's personal life," Akane said, "right Mr. Masaki?"
"Oh, it's nothing, dear. Ranma wouldn't be angry, right dear?" the old lady responded for Ranma.
"Of course not. Its all in the past, Auntie," not taking his eyes away from Akane.
"So go on… Aunty, tell us what happened?"
"Well, Ranma placed the ring at the center of that peach flower and folded a note beside it. But I guess it didn't work because he was rejected and went home with a broken heart. I thought they would end up together because they were perfect for each other."
"Really? Well, at least it's not Ranma's lost. Because look at him now, he's so rich and famous."
"You're right, young lady. If I were her, I would have married this man even if he's not rich. You want to know why?" looking at them before continuing, "because she could never find someone like Ranma. She may meet other guys: richer, famous and good looking than this boy but she could never find someone who would love her just the way this young man does."
"Oh, stop that Aunty. You're making it sound that the girl is a loser," Ranma exclaimed but his eyes were gleaming with mischief.
"But she is. The fact that she left you meant that she is a loser," Ukyou expressed.
Akane had no choice but to keep silent as they were prejudice on the woman whom was really her. And Ranma had not even given her a chance or any credit but instead he listened to every unjust comments they said. He was even enjoying it and mocking her with each word.
"I should have known…," she muttered to herself as she tried to ignore them.
"Akane, why are you so quiet?" Ryoga asked noticing his fiancées aloofness.
"I just don't like judging people. And I think Ryoga, if one has nothing good to say to other people, one should just kept silent and keep his/her opinion for oneself," she angrily stated.
"Why are you so affected with it? Ranma doesn't even gets angry even though it's his past. What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing! I wanna get home."
"Fine. You don't have to have a tantrum. If you have said earlier, I would have driven you home. And you don't have to act so childish."
"I'm not being childish. It's you who is acting like one."
"Hey, you don't have to fight about a silly thing," Ranma intervened.
"It's not silly. And you know that for a fact."
"Ok, so I apologize for opening such topic," eyeing Akane, "Let's enjoy the ice cream before it melts."
After that minor argument they have, their crowd ate silently. And when they were done they each got on to their cars. But before they go, they bid goodbye to the restaurant owner.