Chapter 16:

At the end of the first day of school, the f4 were more exhausted than they've ever been in all their years of going to school. A full day of attending classes shocked both their professors and their fellow schoolmates. At approximately three in the afternoon, the f4, Shizuka and Tsukushi were gathered in front of the main entrance where the cars were still parked.

"Hey, what are we gonna do now? Hungry yet?" asked Akira.

"We just ate like two hours ago man…" remarked Soujiro.

"I'm a growing boy," retorted Akira in a mock offence.

ringring

As Tsukushi picked up the phone the laughter subsided and all ears were on her… most of what they could hear was only consistent of yes and no's. Only Rui who was next to her could roughly make out the conversation. At the end of the call what was to be done was clear, at least for the makino.

"Hey… I have to run, duty calls," said Tsukushi placing her phone back into the allocated compartment.

"I'll drive you over then…" said Rui taking out his car keys.

"Its okay, stay and join what ever they're going to do… I can hail a cab," replied Tsukushi calmly.

"Why hail a cab, just let him join you otherwise he's gonna mope around anyways…" remarked Tsukasa truthfully.

"Let's go…"said Rui as he grabbed Tsukushi by the hand and off they went.

Akira's POV

I could tell that Shizuka was shocked out of her skin. Normally Rui would be 'lavishing' his attention on her, but since makino arrived he has barely spoken to her. Her bright and cherry façade was peeling off in a speed of 100kmph. Same went to my brother… looks like makino is more than I expected…

"So where are we going?'' I ask.

…………………………………………

At the Makino Corp. building…

"Thanks for the lift," said Tsukushi as she unbuckled her safety belt, then reached out to grab her briefcase.

However not before Rui pressed his lips against hers.

"Been wanting to do that all day," he said with a satisfied look.

"Erm, I…" in a lost for words state of mind Tsukushi grabbed her briefcase and bolted out of the car and into the building causing Rui to chuckle as he thought… "Kawaii."

"makino-sama, Miss Makino is here," said the receptionist through the intercom.

"Let her in," was the reply.

"This way please," said the receptionist leading the way.

…………………………………………

"Mother," said Tsukushi as she took a seat on the settee.

"I suppose you know why you're here today…" said Aiko.

"I'm tired mother, can you just get to the point?" replied Tsukushi honestly.

"Touchy, touchy…. Anyway, it's about the project. Here's the list of candidates that I have deliberated and fulfil your requirements," said aiko handing a stack of files into the waiting hands of Tsukushi.

As Tsukushi flipped through the files, aiko continued with the briefing, "Well, this project is supposed to be yet another of our famous hotels but your father dearest wants it to be cosier yet grand. There's no apparent budget, and I do think you are well accustomed to the ways of hotel management. However, keep in mind the deadline which is that by the end of this year it is to be completed… which means you have to work fast. All that you need to know is in this folder, browse it when you're done ignoring me."

"I'm not ignoring you, just fascinated with the amount of candidates that fit my requirements… by the way, can I borrow Linda for the time being?" said Tsukushi referring to her mothers PA.

"I suppose, but I need her back before next week when I'll be off to Dubai," replied aiko.

"She'll be back before you know it… am I dismissed?" asked Tsukushi picking up the files.

"No, I am… this is your new office. And your car is in the basement… slight change of plans in that department though but I think you'd be pleased…" smiled aiko knowingly.

"I'll decide that for myself… but thank you." Said Tsukushi as she practised manners that were embedded into her skull since she was in diapers.

"You are welcome. The keys are on your desk… I'm afraid I have to take leave now; I have a conference in Taiwan in two hours.

"Indeed, my mother the globe trekker."

"Goodbye."

…………………………………………

As Tsukushi flipped through the files, she downsized half the candidates and set Linda out to give them calls to come in for an interview the following day. She lost herself in the blueprints, sketches, and pictures that came in the folder, ignoring the specs. Through the silence, it was only when a familiar ring came upon the silence did she fall out off her trance.

click

"Hello…"

"Hi."

"What are you doing? Still in the office?"

"Uh huh, sorting through the papers…GOD!"

"What! Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, it's nine…"

"Apparently… is it safe for me to guess that you haven't had your dinner yet?"

"Relatively…"

"Okay, come down in five,"

click

"Bossy man…"

…………………………………………

They sped off to Rui's current favourite eatery, Chibouks…. It just opened a couple of months ago and was quite a hit with the townspeople. As Tsukushi saw the crowd lined up outside she groaned…

"Don't' worry… its not as it seems," he said putting his hand over hers and squeezed it reassuringly.

"Nothing ever is isn't it…" she smiled in reference.

"Nope, ready?"

"I guess…"

As the duo walked into the restraunt hand in hand, they were led to a secluded corner facing the ocean which was unofficially dubbed the Hanazawa table. The maitre'd drew the chair, and laid the napkins then drew two menu's and handed them over.

After ordering some vintage 1978 merlot, garden salads, a lobster batteressa and a oyster platter, the duo were left alone.

"So… what were you up to just now?"

"I should be asking you that…"

"nothing much, just went to get some shut eye and played a little violin"

"Hmm… relaxing. Well I on the other hand, was having a ball of a time going through resumes and blueprints," said Tsukushi as she took a sip of her water.

"ah… I see, so you are here to work? On what exactly…" inquired rui.

Just then the wine was served.

"Mmmm… good, excellent choice," remarked Tsukushi.

"If I don't say so myself…. So, what are you here for?" said rui leaning back on his chair.

"well, apparently to get my bachelors degree in pharmacy and to head off the new hotel project of Makino corp.," said Tsukushi.

"I see… aren't you a busy bee," said rui taking another sip of the merlot.

"I suppose I can pencil you in…" replied Tsukushi playfully.

"in between your meetings, school, my sleep, the f4, gala's… I don't see much space left," said rui in a mock serious tone.

"Hmm… true, then I guess I'll just have to drop you then…" Tsukushi replied in an equally serious tone.

"you couldn't do that even if you wanted to…" said rui as he moved in and kissed her right on the lips. Bulls eye…

…………………………………………

"thanks for dinner…" said Tsukushi as they walked over to rui's car.

"You're very welcome," replied rui as he took her hand in his and placed a soft kiss on the palm.

Little did they know a pair of eyes were on them, dripping with green liquid.