Chapter 4

"Brother dear. What are you doing here? I thought you locked yourself in your room," Ryoutarou started in a sardonic tone. A self-satisfied smirk curved on his lips.

Len didn't respond. He shrugged his shoulder and continued reading the book he was holding.

"Ah! Ignoring me, ei?" Ryoutarou sniggered, sitting beside Kazuki. "If you had locked yourself in your room you wouldn't have had that." he pointed at Len's fading pink chin.

"You can say whatever you want, I don't care."

"I see! You don't care."

"Boys come on! Like I said earlier, behave," Manami interrupted while holding a tray of cakes. Behind her was a maid holding another tray, but this time, with teapot and teacups in it, and an icepack for Len.

"Where's Kahoko?" Ryoutarou asked when he noticed Kahoko's absence.

"She has things to do," Manami answered.

"I see."

"So, I have to leave you now. I'll be helping Kahoko and…" Manami took the icepack from the maid and pressed it on Len's chin "Here, take care of yourself."

Len groaned in pain as the cold compress touched his chin. Instead of thanking her, he just glowered at Manami, which made her chuckle.

"Ok, see you later." she waved her hand, but in a sudden realization she swivelled back to face the guys, in particular to Len "Uhm, Len I forgot to tell you, your grandfather wants to talk to you."

"What did he say?"

"He didn't say anything much. I think he just wanted you to find his wristwatch. I'm not sure though." Manami chuckled. "I wasn't paying attention that time. But be sure to meet him. Don't forget about it."

~NeKo Meow~

"Manami-chan has a point, I should relax," Kahoko uttered while pacing the hallway. Her left hand busy with the stuff she utilised during her leisure time. She paused when she reached the huge cream colored door. "This must be it. The last door adjacent to the living room," she said recalling what Manami had described.

"Whoa! How many huge doors do they have? The doors all look the same, either auburn or cream colored. I'm not lost though and that's a good sign. I hope so."

She pushed the door open and walked in. The rich scent of jasmine was the first thing that enveloped her senses. She moved further into the room to inhale more of its wonderful aroma. The tiles situated at each step, allured her as they shimmered and reflected everything around them. She paused for fear of ruining their smooth and clean appearance. Hesitating to roam around more, she allowed her eyes to do the job. Neat was the first thing that came to her mind. The place was all mopped, with no evidence of any dirt.

"This place is awesome! Now, I'm starting to relax." her eyes dilated.

There was another door concealing the other half of the room however it looked rather bigger than the first room. "I think I should go and wait for Manami there," she decided and placed all her things on the nearby ledge.

~NeKo Meow~

"Len dear, can you get my watch. I somehow forgot it there."

"Is that all, grandfather?"

"Yes! You can go now, I apologize for bothering you. It's just that you're the only one who can find my lost things."

"Yes, grandfather. I presume that you left it on the counter. I'll be leaving now." Len replied politely.

He left the room and started his journey to that place. "He has been forgetful these past few days." Len grunted as his right hand massaged his head to prevent an oncoming headache.

After some time walking, he stopped in front of the door. He inhaled heavily upon his brisk walk from the third floor to the first floor earlier.

"This house is bothersome," he cursed before turning the golden-colored doorknob.

"Manami-chan, is that you?" Kahoko pivoted around to look at whoever opened the door. "Can you—AAAHH!"

Her face turned red not simply by embarrassment but also anger. Not to mention that she was on her way of taking her dress off, revealing half of her pastel skin for the world to see. Her heartbeat rode with the situation as it thumped within her chest.

She glared at the lad to shoo him away. He never moved though, his feet rooted on the floor and no sign otherwise, of turning around. Not because he wanted to ogle at her but somehow he just couldn't move away.

"Aaaargh!" her face hued to a deeper shade of red.

For an instant Len's lips twitched into a smile but then, it faded abruptly and his face was masked with coldness once more.

"Hey! Len, what's wrong?" Ryoutarou came running and opened the door wider. "Ka-Kahoko," he coughed after seeing the girl. He unwillingly drove his sight down her body.

"What are you two still doing here? Get out!" she yelled, reaching for something to throw at them.

"Ka-"

SPLAAASHH!

~NeKo Meow~

"Ahem!" the old man cleared his throat while sitting comfortably on his swivel chair, eyes fixed at the window scrutinizing the beautiful panorama of the calm night outside.

He pivoted his chair towards them and placed his clasped hands on the table in front of him. "How are you two going to explain that? Huh!" his brows arched upward. "What were you two doing in the hot spring area anyway?" Mr. Shouzaburou went on.

They have been standing a moment or two in the corner inside Mr. Shouzaburou's office. Kahoko now dressed in her old clothes, shooting piercing looks at the two rascals who were on the other side; Len with crossed arms, not even bothered and Ryoutarou feeling slightly guilty—both still soaked from Kahoko's rage.

"Well, you forgot your watch there, grandfather," Len politely answered yet with some displeasure blending in his tone.

"You should have knocked first." The old man grunted and shifted to his another grandson "And you?"

"It's not my fault. I heard Kahoko yell and I ran to know the problem then that- happened," Ryoutarou gave his statement. "Don't ask me, Grandfather. Ask your so-kind grandson over there. He was the one, I believe, gawking for a longer time."

Manami's back faced all of them as she hid her amusement.

Len raised a brow and looked at his grandfather.

"Very well, Kahoko just wants to hear your apology," Mr. Shouzaburou hushed his grandsons as he massaged his temples.

"I said it's not my fault." Ryoutarou insisted.

"You don't want Kahoko to get mad at you, do you?" Mr. Shouzaburou coerced and gave Kahoko an encouraging smile. "It's inappropriate for a Hasegawa to act like that, we men respect women. Go and apologize."

"Jeez." Ryoutarou scratched his still wet hair. The water didn't fully go on him though and he inwardly thanked Len for getting splashed with almost all of the cold water. He turned to Kahoko's direction. "Though it was not me, I still apologize for suddenly barging in without your consent. And on behalf of my brother, I apologize for his mischief. He wouldn't admit it since he's too conceited."

"I said it was not-HAchooo!" Len made his voice louder however it was cut short with his awkward loud sneeze. All of them ogled at him. Even the serious and angry Kahoko lightly chuckled with his unusual, amusing action.

His face tinged red as he noticed all of them looking. "There's nothing funny."

"Ok. I think you have to change your clothes first, son. You might catch a cold, you too Ryoutarou," Mr. Shouzaburou inquired. "Is it ok for you Kahoko?"

"Huh! Y-yeah! I d-don't want them to get sick as well. A-and also I think… I made a mistake too." She looked at the two. "Sorry, it's actually my fault. If I had just closed the door in the first place it wouldn't have happened. I'm very sorry for letting the situation get out of hand." she bowed her head. "Yeah, Kahoko you have to say sorry, these people helped you. Duh!"

Feeling guiltier, Ryoutarou turned back to gaze at her "It's our fault too, we're sorry." now he muttered it wholeheartedly.

"It's about time you realized it's your entire faul—" before Len could finish his words Ryoutarou dragged him out.

Turning the knob, Ryoutarou opened the door and they made their way out. "Is saying sorry that hard for you?" Ryoutarou mumbled to Len.

Realizing he had some blame too, he heaved a sigh. Never in his life would he agree but yes he did for now.

Kahoko turned to look at them as she heard a sigh.

"Then, Sorry."

Kahoko's eyes grew big as she heard his voice; not cold somewhat wholehearted and true. Before Ryoutarou was able to close the door, she perceived the lad. His eyes purposely travelled away from what he had expected- her probing eyes.

~NeKo Meow~

"Kahoko, wake up its 8 already!" Manami informed, pulling the pink blanket from over its owner. She had been knocking repeatedly but the said girl didn't budge.

"Oh!" Kahoko pulled the blanket back again. She couldn't get to sleep after the incident last night. How could she sleep as that mortifying event kept haunting her mind - I'm never gonna get married?

"Kahoko? What are you saying wake up, remember we're going to…"

Before Manami could finish her words Kahoko jumping up into a sitting position.

"Your first interview with the school director will start Uhm… In an hour and a half, are you planning to go or what?"

"No! Why didn't you wake me up?"

Kahoko ran as fast as she could and got all her clothes and went to her private bathroom, vowing never to use the hot spring area again.

"But I did!" Manami whined mentally. "Well, make it quick, I'll be waiting for you downstairs for exactly 30 minutes. DON'T FORGET EXACT 30 MINUTES."

In 20 minutes, Kahoko was standing in front of Manami, completely prepared to go. She was wearing a simple blouse and a skirt not too revealing and not that long too either.

"I thought you didn't hear me," Manami mocked unconditionally.

"Everyone could have heard it."

"Very funny, we'd better go now." Manami grabbed her hand and did the customary towing.

They rode in the black Limo, Mr. Shouzaburou kindly offered to them. Manami looked at the driver and smiled "Sasaki, Seiso Gakuen."

The said driver nodded and started the engine; afterwards they began to exit the Hasegawa Mansion until they got to the huge silver gate.

They reached Seiso Gakuen, soon after.

"Ah! Manami-chan." She hesitated a bit. Kahoko wanted to know if the person she would meet was kind. However, she backtracked at the last moment.

"Don't worry Kaho. He's nice, however…" Manami paused. "He's kinda forgetful."

"Is he old?"

"No! Honestly, he's young."

"Then…"

"Just see for yourself."

~NeKo Meow~

"Here we are Kaho, good luck."

"What?"

"Duh! I'll wait for you here," Manami mocked once more.

Kahoko nodded nervously as she knocked. "Come in," said the voice.

"So, you're Hino Kahoko?" asked the guy while reading the data.

"Y-yes."

"Well, your grades are quite remarkable."

Kahoko thanked him then their interview began.

~NeKo Meow~

The interview finished with Kahoko still breathing. Manami who had been waiting patiently for her the whole time smiled and approached her. "So how was the interview?" she began.

"Fine."

"You passed right?" Manami tapped her shoulder.

"Yes."

"What's with the long face?" asked Manami.

"Well, I managed to answer his questions but it seems he was not impressed or rather satisfied with my answers," Kahoko explained, giving another deep exhale.

"Gosh, Kaho, that's all? Of course! That guy doesn't know what the word impressed means! Welcome to my world, girl."

"Anyhow, think of Akihiko-san as Len, that's it." Manami continued.

"Since you said that, it's better talking to Akihiko-san than to that guy who only knows how to glare and be rude all the time."

Manami laughed "Kaho, don't say that."

"I'm merely telling you what I believed to be a fact."

"Obviously, you know nothing about him or even the others." Manami opposed, yet with a smile on her lips.

"Ok, I forgot the girl in front of me was with them for a longer time, gomen." Kahoko smiled. "So Manami-chan since you mentioned that, how did you get to know them?" Kahoko asked.

"It's a long story."

"I'm willing to listen."

"Let's just go back to the car for now and I'll tell you later."

After they got in the car, Manami sighed and smiled at Kahoko. "My family has been serving the Hasegawa family since before I was born," she began. "My grandfather is actually Mr. Shouzaburou's friend and assistant."

"Uhm." Kahoko responded.

"That's why I grew up with those rascals. Eventually we moved to the Hasegawa's vacation house to maintain it."

"Uh! So you didn't really grow up with them. "Kahoko pouted.

"Let me finish, girl," Manami informed swaying her hands. "Sooner or later I had to go to school, so Mr. Shouzaburou kindly offered for me to stay here since the school is nearer. Mother agreed and I left to live with them once more. Uhm, if I'm not mistaken I think I was 6 at the time."

"I understand she's been with them for a long time, no wonder she knows them well."

"Yeah, I was six and in that young age I became the babysitter of those guys."

"What? How awful!" Kahoko paused and realized the humor of her words. She laughed.

Manami joined her laughing. "Well not actually all of them, since Azuma-san is older and thankfully more mature than us. And Len was always tailing his mother wherever she went and I didn't need to look after him sinceMisa-san is such a compassionate mother. So I'm left with Ryoutarou and Kazuki."

"Huh? What about the youngest?"

"Well, duh! He was not even born yet." Manami positioned her hands at her waist, and looked sarcastically at Kahoko.

"I didn't know that, sorry." Kahoko moped.

"Now, now little Kaho-chan, I'm just kidding."

"Eh! Manami I'm not a kid!"

The two kept on chatting and teasing each other until the car stopped, before they were aware they were already in front of the mansion.

"We're here," Sasaki informed opening the car door.

"Huh!" They both asked in chorus, surprise obvious on their face.

"That's great! I have to thank Mr. Shouzaburou, Manami help me!" she said and dragged Manami out of the limo.

"Wa-Kahoko? Wait." Manami almost fell, owing her life to Sasaki's alertness.

"Thanks," Manami uttered. The said guy just smiled with amusement.

"Kahoko, I almost fell!" Manami moped.

"Sorry, Manami-chan I'm just excited, make it faster," Kahoko apologized yet still pulling Manami along coarsely.

~NeKo Meow~

We're here," Manami gasped. The guys were all occupying their respective territories- not really though, more like their self-designated seats each time they sat together during their free time.

"So how was the interview?" Ryoutarou began.

"Ask her." Manami sat and pointed at Kahoko.

"Uh! It was a bit fine, I guess." Kahoko answered yet when her eyes stopped at someone she blushed."I see the school director interviewed you? Am I right, dear Kahoko?" Azuma flashed his smile only Kahoko could understand.

"Yes." She diverted her gaze.

"Akihiko-san is actually Azuma's friend," Manami interrupted.

"What!" Kahoko blurted out, all of them stared at her, bewildered. "I-I mean, really?"

"Well, yes he's been my friend since high school, don't worry Kahoko I'll tell him to look after you," said Azuma as his stare fixed on the red haired girl.

"No, don't bother." Kahoko sneered secretly "Thanks Azuma-san you're so kind."

"You're welcome."

"Ah! Kahoko, I thought you had to do something?" Manami reminded tugging Kahoko's shirt.

"I forgot! Manami thanks for reminding me. If you don't mind can you help me?"

"I'll be glad to, let's go."

"So what are you planning?" Ryoutarou queried.

Kahoko smiled and her forefinger rose to place on her lips as if hushing Ryoutarou. "It's a secret."

"Wow! I like secrets, what is it?" Kazuki pried in.

"Sorry Kazuki-san, it's a secret" Kahoko uttered. The said guy merely pouted and nodded like a child.

Len and Ryoutarou stared as well as glared at one another at the same time. Then they both grunted and minded their own business.

"Why am I here with these people?" Ryoutarou scratched his head and stood up. "I'll look for them."

Ryoutarou strode to what it seemed to be the kitchen. What are they doing? As he reached the front of the door he could clearly hear their chuckles and laughter. "Seriously what are they doing," he mused.

"Manami, you put too much flour, it's not appropriate. Ah! Don't dip your fingers in the dough. Manami! You're not helping."

"Kahoko, you're so bad, I was just kidding." Manami scrunched her nose up. "Ok I won't do that again."

"I hope so."

Manami lowered her gaze and smirked. Looking at Manami's expression, there was no doubt she was planning to say something mischievous.

"Kaho-chan you have such kissable lips, I want to kiss you," Manami commented.

As those words reached the unwelcome visitor's ear, the source of his balance fell.

"Ouch!"

"Hell with that word, I've been hearing that since yesterday." Manami laughed and glanced at the person who was by that time kneeling. "Come on Ryoutarou-kun, I'm not a princess don't kneel in front of me."

"Even if you were, I wouldn't do that," Ryoutarou mocked, mustering himself to stand up.

"Harsh, I thought you were kind," Manami mumbled.

Kahoko glanced at him and pouted "Ryoutarou-kun, I said this is a secret, why are you here?" she probed

"I'm bored that's why I came here. Is there a problem?"

"Yeah, there is. I was on my way to kiss Kahoko." Manami guffawed.

"Manami-chan!" Kahoko reprimanded.

"Heh, Manami you're just tired and crazy as usual." Ryoutarou agreed and tapped Manami's shoulder.

"Eh! You two are so serious. I'm just joking but still…" Manami smirked "those lips are irresistible, I doubt that Ryoutarou wouldn't want them."

"Neh! Stop it, let's finish our work," Kahoko complained hiding herself under the pink apron. She glanced at the dazed lad and blushed once more. "S-sorry Ryoutarou-kun, can you leave us for a while."

"O-ok." Ryoutarou vacantly left without a second thought.

After the lad was nowhere near them, Kahoko sharply glowered at Manami. "Manami-chan, how dare you, how dare you…"

"Just kidding, chi-bi!"

"ARGH!"

~NeKo Meow~

Three hours later, they found themselves sitting in the dining room, all done eating and merely waiting for the dessert they had learned Kahoko baked for them.

While Manami and Mr. Shouzaburou chatted, perhaps about the interview, Kahoko flinched in her chair as she sensed that all they had done that day was being divulged. "That was amusing..." Kahoko managed to hear the phrase.

After her thoughts, the maids came up to their table and prepared their desserts.

"Oh! Did Kahoko make these for me," Kazuki exclaimed as he stared at the strawberry cakes.

"Son, for us." Mr. Shouzaburou corrected with a chuckle.

"I helped her," Manami interrupted.

"As if we care." Ryoutarou coughed.

"Ryoutarou-kun, you're so rude."

"Now…now… children, eat your desserts now." Mr. Shouzaburou chided scooping a small portion of the cake.

"Wow! This is delicious," Kazuki shouted before Mr. Shouzaburou. "I never thought that a strange girl like you could bake."

Kahoko smiled wryly. "Should I thank him? I don't know if it's a compliment or an insult."

"Well, it does taste good," Azuma complimented with a smile.

"I agree, Kahoko dear. Who taught you to bake?" asked Mr. Shouzaburou.

"Uhm," she paused and gazed at the man "I was working in a bakery before. My boss taught me how to bake since sometimes I had to help the baker."

"I understand. Where is this bakery? If these cakes are delicious I'm sure that the pastries are the same." Mr. Shouzaburou asked as he scooped another cake.

"Well, I can buy some if I have time." Kahoko smiled. The old man simply nodded and returned a smile.

"I forgot about the tea, I'll be back." Kahoko stood up and bowed her head.

As she closed the door she almost heard the word where. Where who? She mused as she jogged to the kitchen.

In about three minutes the tea was all prepared. She reached for it and carefully walked to the door.

"Ah! The place is a mess." She turned her back to push the door open.

Nonetheless her back didn't meet the door.

"Huh?" she reacted as she noticed her gradually inclining body. Kahoko mustered all her strength and turned around. Apparently she didn't want the tea to spill on her.

In the end, it did not spill on her but rather on someone else, as they both fell on the floor. With a soft thud she landed, in fact she didn't feel anything at all, only softness and warmth caressed her skin.

"Then where did I fall?" Kahoko opened her eyes.

She raised her head and found the guy with the teapot on his head, soaking in tea. She wanted to chuckle but stopped herself for fear of–who knows what.

"What on earth?" he said as he put away the teapot.

Kahoko's eyes widened.

"L-Len-san?" Realizing their proximity once more, she jumped in a hurry, away from him. Her head mechanically bent to bow.

"Len-san I'm sorry."

"You again. Do you encourage this habit of endangering people?" he glared.

"N-no, it was an accident."

Len grunted and stood up, he wiped some tea from his face and again glared at her "Well, don't ever come near me. You're aliving danger zone, I still want my life."

"I said it was an accident."

"Accident or not. Don't ever come near me. You're wasting my time." He turned back.

Kahoko's ears heated up, her face turned red. "Sorry for wasting your time." She stomped away.

"Jeez, that arrogant guy, I already said sorry and he didn't stop. I can't stand him. Why did I make myself believe that he's kind? No, he's not." She clenched her hand into a fist.

"Kaho-chan, are you fine? You didn't return to the dining room so I came to see you. And by chance did you see Len? He was soaking wet again. That guy is gonna get sick if he always does that." Manami smiled.

"I can't stand him!" Kahoko exclaimed.

"Huh! Who?"

"That guy!"

"Why?"

"Do I have to say?" Kahoko arched a brow, breathing heavily.

"I see, the earlier incident, so it was you." Manami nodded "Honestly, Kaho-chan he's utterly aloof and rude not to mention unfriendly. In short I agree with you."

Kahoko exhaled and glanced at her.

"If only Misa-san was here…" Manami went on.

"What do you mean?" Kahoko questioned all her irritation changed into curiosity.

"Well, he is a completely different person now, since that…happened…"

"What do you mean that happened?"

"Gosh! Why are we talking about this, it's all in the past." Manami shook her head and smiled. "Come on, I think they're waiting."

"What do you mean by that?"