A/N: Thanks for the review Calche-san. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. TheNightstriker-san, the more the merrier, I'll be adding Aquars characters on the upcoming chapters.

Chapter IV

Eriha got to his apartment at exactly 6:30 PM, he did not waste time and run through his cabinet to look for something decent. Earlier that morning he received a call from his grandmother, she told him that he will be meeting one of his father's friends back in college. When they were in college the two agreed that they will marry their first born. The Ayases always fulfill their promises, he noted to himself. Even if that agreement had been years and even if one involved party is already gone as long as they remember then it will be fulfilled. That is his grandmother's way of life. The Ayases always fulfill their promise. The Ayases always pay their debts. When he became part of the family, those are the ones he valued most. It's been 4 years since he step foot on their ground, since he took that name. He never knew that THAT name will bear so much power in his life. He never once complained though, he is rather grateful. They were so kind to him, he had nothing back then but they gave him something.

A Name and A Life… He was grateful.

Toujou Nozomi, rang on his head. What does she look like? What's her personality? Few things that circling in his mind but whomever she may be it does not matter, as long as he can fulfill his duties then that is enough. That is enough to repay the family who took care of him. However, why does a particular purple haired bother him so? He cannot shake her image off his head. That girl with beautiful emerald eyes that bored to his azure ones. Why did she look so scared seeing him? Why did she act that way in front of someone she saw for the first time? For his part though, it's their first meeting or it's not? He is not thinking of her because he got mesmerized by her beauty, yes of course she is really beautiful and all but he's thinking of her because he was curious. Did she know him from his past? From his past that is so hazy to him now? A past that he wanted to forget yet could not totally throw away, because in that past there is one particular person that fills his heart. It's not true that he never fell in love. It's not true that his heart is empty. Not true at all.

After finding a decent suit to wear, he quickly heads to the bathroom, the warm water that tickled his bare skin made him relaxed. He remembered what Honoka said, to make his father proud while still being himself. He understood what he meant. In the back of his mind he thought, could he live like that? Maybe.. The problem is.. Who he supposed to be? Who he is really? How can he live being himself if he does not even know who he really wanted to be? What he really wanted in life? As far as he remembers he kept on living someone else life, the life his mother wanted and the life as an Ayase. Umi once told him that when you felt constant joy, when you feel that you can conquer the world then that is the time that you are you. That is where you are supposed to be. There once a place like that but.. It's gone now.

"Eriha-sama, the car you requested is ready outside." A male voice resound from outside the bathroom he is in, Eriha shut off the water from coming out. He pulled a towel to dry his hair, "Hai, Arigatou, Iruki-san."

"I'll be outside if you need anything else." Eriha heard his front door apartment shut, his eyes got fixated at the mirror in front of him, "A spitting image of that man." His brow drew together, his mouth set in a hard line. "It's your entire fault…" He slammed his hand on the mirror. A moment later he went out of the bathroom. He suits up and studied himself in the mirror. He is wearing a black suit that fitted his otter-mode body perfectly. Inside he is wearing a white shirt with grey stripes running down and a plain black necktie covered by a black vest. In his upper suit or the jacket it is decorated by a purple handkerchief tucked neatly in the left side pocket. His trouser is just plain black but it fits his legs gorgeously partnered with black leather shoes. One side of his hair is pulled back. Any girl would see him that moment will get mesmerized. He just hoped that the girl he is supposed to woo also get mesmerized.

Eri exited his luxurious apartment and went straight to the apartment garage. There he found a man in his 30 or so standing beside the car he requested. It's a black Jaguar F-type R AWD. "Is my sister home yet?" He asked the familiar velvet haired man, giving him an inquisitive look. "Hai, Eriha-sama. Haruto just reported that they arrived at the Ayase mansion. Here's the key of your car." He handed them to Eri.

"Arigatou, Iruki-san." Eri then clicked a button in the key that the velvet head gave him, it made the doors of the car unlocked.

"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you?" The velvet haired asked, he wears an unwavering poker-faced. Eri never saw him with different expression before, he never even smiles. He sounds worried but it doesn't show in his face.

"Iie, I'll just message you if something happened."

"Hai, Eriha-sama."

Eriha then entered his car and start to drive out from the garage to the venue of their meeting place. It took him 20 minutes to arrive at the lavish restaurant. In that 20 minutes he thought about the tips Ritsu gave him. Act as a gentleman; he always does anyway so no problem with that. Act that you care, "like compliment her clothes or her appearance" his brunet friend said. And especially you need to smile once in awhile. The thought made him gulp, he can easily smile in front of people he know but had a hard time with people he just met. When did he start having a hard time smiling, back then he was full of laughter. He gets out of his car and gave the valet his car keys.

He then started to walk the prolific entrance hallway of the restaurant, at the end of the hallway he found two individual talking at each other, a man in a grey suit and a girl in a knee length white strapless. The man in a grey suit have short grey hair and emerald eyes, he is standing facing him. While the girl in a white dress has purple hair standing in front of the man in grey suit her back is facing Eriha.

"I'm sure you will like him, he's like papa." Eriha heard him say, the grey head smiled at the girl in front of him, while the girl let out a chuckle, "Then he must be very handsome." She replied.

"Hiroki-sama" The blond called with a respectful voice. Once the grey head took notice of him, Eriha bowed his head. "Ayase-kun" the grey head took a step closer to the blond young man passing by the girl in front of him. "It's good to see you well, Ayase-kun."

"Likewise, Hiroki-sama. You should be calling me Eriha by now." Eri said giving the man in front of him a polite smile.

"Haha, you're right. And you should be calling me Hiroki without honorifics." The grey head said while laughing lightly. The grey head's brow rose up and quickly turn his head on his left side, "Nozomi, I want you to meet Ayase Eriha the heir of the Ayase Conglomerate." Eri almost forgot about the girl, he was preoccupied by the nostalgic meeting between him and one of his father's friends. He met Hiroki a few times now in some of the business meetings his grandmother's held. He was fond of him, unlike the others Hiroki is really playful and sometimes teases their co-business partners. It always makes him comfortable when Hiroki is around. "Nozomi?" He called her again since she did not turn to look at first. Eri's brow slightly rose. However, at the 2nd time the girl turn her way to face them. Eri then got the chance to study her more clearly. She is wearing a knee length white strapless with black ribbon sash. Her slender neck is decorated with a black ribbon choker, while her purple hair is braided in one side elegantly. He was in awe at the sight in front him, it's not the first time he saw her but this is the first time he recognize how dazzling she is. The dress she's wearing is a perfect fit to her hourglass body partnered with a black lace heels.

The only thing that bothered him is how she kept avoiding eye contact with the blond. "Nice to meet you again, Toujou-san." Eri said smiling at the beautiful purple head as what Ritsu-sensei taught him. His brow creased lightly for the purple head is not even looking at him.

"Again?" The grey head interrupt. Eriha's attention went to the curious man. "We met at the school earlier," Then his eyes went back to the purple head whose head kept ducked. He also noticed that the girl kept on fidgeting her finger. "I'm sorry if I made a wrong impression." He apologized. That's when the purple head finally lifted her chin to look at him, she shook her head and held up her hands to wave them lightly towards each other, "It's my fault I acted weird." She said hiding her face behind her hands.

"No, actually I find it rather amusing." Now Nozomi saw the smile she missed earlier. A flush crept up her face. Eriha then realize that they are standing at the entrance for quite awhile now, "I'm sorry let's get inside." He lifted a hand to guide them. The two followed him. When they entered the restaurant Eri left them briefly to ask the receptionist on where is the table he reserved for the night.

"Are you okay, Sweetheart? You look pale."

"I'm fine, Papa. Don't worry about me."

Eri closed in to them, "Hiroki-san, it's this way." He said to the two. Nozomi start to avoid looking at him once more. Eri's mouth snapped shut at her reaction towards him, he turn his gaze away. This is much harder than I thought. 'Compliment her clothes or her appearance' He quickly fixed his mood and smiled at the purple haired, "By the way, Toujou-san. You really look beautiful with that dress… iie.. You look exquisite." He said maintaining eye contact. The older man smiled at the compliment the blond said to his daughter. His daughter though replied with a weak 'Thank you' then broke the eye contact between her and the blond. A muscle in Eriha's jaw tightened. When they reached their table, Eri muster to fake a smile and pulled a chair for the purple haired.

But the purple haired ignored him and pulled one for her. Eriha formed a fist at his back. In his entire life this is the first time he was humiliated so much. He cursed her at the back of his head. Still he needs to maintain his good image plus he thought of the grey head. He's been so good to him he does not want to act disrespectful.

Hiroki let out a chuckle. Eriha's attention went to the grey head. "I'm sorry for my daughter's behavior, you can say she's kinda hard to please." He joked.

"Papa!" The purple head's cheeks turned a bit red. Eriha's eyes went round, he placed a hand to cover his mouth but the sound of his chuckle escaped. The purple head shot daggers at him. He turned his gaze away from her and faked a laugh, "Le- Let's order something to eat."

The waiter starts to serve them food. "Are you also going to stay here in Japan, Hiroki-san?" Eriha starts the conversation. He's asking because he knew that the man is running a company in America. He wanted to spend some time with him. He's like a sensei to him when it comes to business related stuff. "I'm staying for a week. I'll be working on some proposals with your grandmother so expect me at her place these coming days." He replied smiling at the blond. Eri's eyes gleamed, "I'm looking forward to that." His attention then went to the purple head who kept on glaring at the plate in front of her. "Is there something wrong with your food, Toujou-san?" Eri quickly asked. "Nothing, it's just that… There's more vegetable here than the actual meat." She mutters not looking at the blond. "Haha, Nozomi loves eating meat." Her father commented. Eri's mouth opens a bit, "Is that so. I'll order something that's more to your liking" He turned his head to look for a waiter. Nozomi tried to get his attention by waving her hand at him, "Thi- This is fine, Erichi." She stammered.

"Erichi?" Eri tilted his head. The purple haired lowered her head and looked away but the flush on her cheeks is visible. "It means she likes you, Eriha-kun." Her father again commented but now with a big smile on his face. "N— NO! That's not it!" She shook her head crossing her arms. The way she is so opposed on what her father said made Eri thinks that she really does not like the blond. However, Eri is determined to pursue her no matter what. Eri pumped a fist, "I will make sure you come to like me, Toujou-san. You won't regret and also from now on keep calling me Erichi as you please." He uttered looking straight to her emerald eyes. "ohh, I like your determination, Eriha-kun." The grey head grinned. Nozomi on the other hand did not say a word, her eyes went wide and her whole face turned to crimson.

"Oh I remember, if you are only staying for a week then by next Saturday Toujou-san will start living with me?" Eri asked the grey head.

"Yes, I already informed her personal maid on that matter." He answered, the grey head scratched his head, "You should be calling her on her first name. If you keep calling her Toujou it's as if you are talking to me."

"Ahh, Gomen… Well, Then, Nozomi?" His gaze turned to her, he found a lifeless purple head hanging her head forward.

"Sweetheart?" her father got worried about her but then realizes why, "I guess she's still not mentally prepared. I already told her about it though I thought she already accepted it awhile back maybe seeing her betrothed for the first time makes a different." He explained.

"If Nozomi is bothered then I think we should not push forward with the plan." Eriha calmly suggested. Nozomi jerked and took a peek at the two men conversing.

"iie, I'm not comfortable leaving Nozomi with only her maid. The only reason why I agreed to let her live in Japan is because I know that you are there to watch over her. She's my only child."

Eriha bowed down his head and think it through, breaking the engagement is not an option but pushing her to live with him is as bad. It's as if like he is already running her life and he does not want that. He admitted that he may not find to love her but at least he wanted to be someone that makes her happy just like how the family he has now shows him.

"I'll live with him as planned so don't worry about it, Papa." She throws in.

"Are you sure it's okay?" her father asked in concern.

She nodded wearing a serious demeanor. She turned her gaze at the blonde, Eri jerk back at her sudden action, "Please take care of me, Erich—… Eriha-kun" She bobbed her head. It took Eri a minute or two before he said, "Rest assured, Nozomi." He then nods in reply.

"I knew it will turn out well." The grey head said in delight. The two looked at him and looked back at each other, Eri then noticed how intense the purple head looks at him. It's as if like she is studying him.. No.. More like she is confused. The blond brushed the thought off, "Let's enjoy our meal." He said.

A click was heard when a certain someone closed the door, "A picture will not hurt you know." The purple head put her arms on her hips. She squint her eyes at the grey head man in front of her. "Geezzzz, Papa." She turned her head away with a pout. "But you are the one who said that not knowing is better, you told me that your card says you two should meet in surprise… And.. I think your cards were right. It went pretty well." He said in defense while removing his coat and hanged it at the nearby coat rack. "He even invited you to a date in your first meeting. Aren't you excited? You agreed willingly." He grinned.

Her cheeks went pink, "He told me that we'll gonna visit a shrine..."

"He's good ehhhh, hehe"

Nozomi raised a brow, "Papa, don't tell me you hinted him?"

The grey head gulped, "o- of course not.. Eriha-kun is a natural." He faked a smile.

Her eyes narrowed, "Yeah, right." Her thoughts then wonder about something that caused her to frown. "But it's really amazing right?" Her eyes travel to where the grey head is standing. She cocked her head and raised a brow. "Kaisei is a huge school but you two still met in your first day." He smiled at her genuinely, "It's pretty amazing."

"Papa…" Her eyes bored to his tender smile. She knew that they were not for her, she knew he was looking at a different person, she clearly knew he was looking at her mother in her image. He searched for them, he never stopped. She saw how devastated he was finding his dearly loved with her lifeless body. He often tells her stories how he and her mother met. Like they are bound with a red string of fate he says. It's pretty amazing.

"You should rest now. it's been a long day." He gave her a smile before entering his room.

Nozomi also entered her own room and changed to her pajamas. Her room has a clear view of the city outside. Their apartment is on the 23rth floor. The view is enticing. She will say goodbye to it soon though. She wonders if his apartment has a view like hers too. She agreed because she does not want to get back to America after realizing how much she misses Japan, how much she misses her best friend. Then the frown came back, "Why doesn't he recognize me even after knowing my first name? He even forgot that I call him Erichi.." She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and watched the view outside, an image of the 14 year-old blond appear on her vision, "But they are so alike and even have the same first name.. Same voice…" She pressed her palm on the glass window, "Who are you really, Ayase Eriha?"

Nozomi suddenly heard her phone rang, she picked it up on the table beside her bed. "A message from Nicochi." She said after checking the screen of her phone. She started to twiddle on it, "Hmmm.. I better sleep early then." She placed her phone back on the table and climbed on her bed.

On the next day Nozomi wake up from a knock, she rubbed her eyes and pushed the drowsiness away. After a few more minutes she climbed out of her bed. She went straight to the door where the knock came from. When she opened the door her eyes sparkled and her mouth curved into a wide smile. She quickly hugged the person in front of her.

"Kaaannnaa!"

"Good Morning, Nozomi-sama"

Nozomi break the hug and studied the older girl in front of her, she has a short black hair and wear glasses and a maid outfit. "I missed you, Kana."

"It's only been 2 days, Nozomi-sama." She said calmly without blinking an eye. "2 exhausting days.. I told you to call me Nozomi." She pouted.

"I will reject it for the thousand times." Nozomi puffed her cheeks even wider. The black haired shifted herself guiding the young lady to the dining room, "I already prepare breakfast." Nozomi clasped her hand behind her back then beam at the dining table, "YAKINIKU!" she clapped her hand.

"You really do love meat"

"I do!" the grin never left her face.

"You don't even get fat even though you eat too much meat." The black haired commented then her gaze went to the purple head's bust, "on second thought.."

"When I reached 15 my body slimmed down but I dunno why." She tilted her head and places a finger under her chin. The older girl studied her body, "I clearly know why."

"ehh?"

"Your father went to a business meeting and told me to tell you that enjoy your date today." She changed the topic. Nozomi creased her brow, "Business meeting on a weekend?"

The black haired find her way to the dining table and prepared a plate for the young lady, "Hiroki-sama is a busy person." all she says. Nozomi went back to her room and to her room's bathroom. "He is" Nozomi almost shouted for the black haired to hear. Nozomi washed her face and brushed her teeth before coming out from her room once more. Then she seated on the dining table and starts to take her breakfast. "Join me, Kana." She offered.

She gave a dismissive wave of her hand, "I already ate at the airport, Nozomi-sama." Nozomi rested her chin on her palm and looked at the black haired with narrow eyes. The older female let out a sigh and grabs a plate then pulled a chair. Nozomi's eyes closed then grinned.

After Nozomi finished her breakfast she immediately prepared for her date. She wore a navy skirt with a bow knot on the back. It's more like a jumper skirt then at top is a white blouse with a pink tie. She partnered it with a pink long sock up to her thigh and lace up bootie.

Kana entered her room and informed her that a guy is waiting for her outside the apartment. Nozomi's mouth curved up, "He's here." She immediately went out of her room and to the apartment door. When she opened the door a smile greeted her, "Ohayou" the guy standing at the door said. He wears a white shirt with a loose black vest and dark blue pants.

"Nicochi!" she cried out.

Nico bowed at the older girl beside Nozomi. "Let's go?" Nozomi asked. The short black haired young man gave her a nod. "Bye, Kana." She said to the maid.

"Take care, Nozomi-sama." The maid bowed at the two leaving.

Nico texted every member last night to meet up for a club meeting. The meeting will be held in a café near the school ground. Tsumugi and Mio got there first. They already occupied a table sitting next to each other. While waiting they talked about the costumes they will be going to wear for the club fest. Mio hesitantly said that they should avoid revealing clothes. Tsumugi on the other hand wants to wear one.

"Maybe we should ask Minami-san for help?" Tsumugi suggested.

"Nico will not approve, you know that" Mio said.

"You bet I won't" both girls turned to where the voice came from. They found two figures standing behind them, a short black haired and a purple twin-tailed. "Good morning." Nozomi greeted the two with a bubbly smile. The other two girls greeted her same.

"Who is this Minami-san?" Nozomi asked in curiosity. The two arrivals took a seat across the two girls. The blonde leaned in and smiled, "She's the principal's daughter." An 'ohh' formed on Nozomi's mouth then she turned to Nico giving him an inquisitive look. Nico turned his gaze away. Nozomi sighed followed by a smile.

"Why did you call for a meeting?" Mio suddenly asked raising a brow.

The black haired grinned and answered, "I finally have a song for the upcoming club fest."

"That's great!" Tsumugi exclaimed.

Nico then told them the song they will gonna do on the event. Song for... by ROOKiEZ is PUNK'D. The practice will start in the coming Monday he said. The festival is a month away so they have a month to prepare.

"We don't have a drummer though? How can we perform this song without a drummer?" Mio cut in.

Nico smiled "That's another reason why I called for a meeting. We'll going to have an audition to find a good drummer."

"Or just accept Ritsu's application!" An orange haired slammed both hands on the table in front of the gang. Mio is the only one who got startled, she placed both her hands to cover her ears and shut her eyes. Nozomi sweat drop and rubbed her chin seeing how the orange haired action affect the raven haired girl. Poor girl, she gets scared easily.

"What happened to you? Looks like you've been in a marathon." Nico queried giving the orange haired a curious look. He is literally sweating and catching his breath.

The young lad looked from left to right deciding where to sit, "I cooked something for kayo-chin and delivered it to her dorm before going here. I thought I was late" he explained.

"That is sweet, Rin-chan" Tsumugi complimented him. Rin scratched the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly, a flush crept on his face. Nozomi giggled at his reaction, he's so cute. She wondered why he is not taking a seat then realized that the orange lad is in an awkward position. Sitting with the two girls across them is kind of a bit embarrassing for him she thought and sitting beside her is more awkward because then Nozomi will be in between Nico and the orange young man.

Nozomi stood up and quickly sat beside the two girls. Tsumugi giggled hinting Nozomi that she also realized the trouble Rin is having. Rin then sat beside Nico.

A waiter then serve two dish for Tsumugi and Mio, the two girls ordered them before Nozomi and Nico arrived. "Enjoy your meal, ladies." The handsome waiter said giving the two a flirtatious wink before he left. Tsumugi giggled and Mio shyly turn her gaze away.

"Hmm.." Nozomi hummed.

"Is something the matter?" Nico noticed that something is bothering his best friend. Nozomi shook her head lightly, she creased her forehead, "It's just that. My father told me to enjoy my date today.. But he doesn't know I'm meeting you today. It makes me wonder why he said that."

"Maybe he found out."

Nozomi nod, "Yeah, I think so too." She smiled and brushed the thought off.

"DAMN THAT TOUJOU!" Eri cursed. He's been waiting for Nozomi at the entrance of Kanda shrine in Akihabara for 2 hours now. Looks like Nozomi Ojou-sama forgotten her date with the young heir.

To be continued ~