Chapter 11

~Len's POV~

Another Saturday, how I like weekends but ever since this annoyance came to our lives I consider weekends the worst.

Especially this very day, Grandfather invited another stranger just to make us, at least be conscious to our health.

I woke up early, as always if I may add. I heard giggles, one from Hino the other from Manami but the other two were out of my awareness. I supposed its Hino's friends, what Manami said yesterday.

I grunted, girls in this house are bothersome. I decided to go out for a place where no woman could be heard.

I paused, grandfather was approaching me.

"Len, why are you still in pajama?" I heard him asked.

"It's Saturday." I responded "And I'm not wearing my nightshirt anymore."

"You're so serious. Yes I know." Grandfather laughed "Didn't I tell you, you're going to play tennis this morning. I already arranged the court for all of you, Aoi is there already."

"And who is this Aoi you're talking grandfather?" I asked.

Grandfather chuckled and patted my shoulder. I frowned.

"He is the son of Mr. Kaji. He's studying at Seiso as well."

"Kaji-kun is here?" Hearing the voice made me frown more.

"Oh! Kahoko, Manami and young ladies, good morning," grandfather greeted.

I muttered a simple morning before taking my leave when another hand grabbed my arm.

"Aren't you coming with us?" she said.

"Why should I?" Why does she need to grab my arm then look away afterwards?

"You should because I said so," grandfather seconded.

"I rather practice than to waste my time."

"You're not going to waste your time Len-san. It's good for the health to exercise. And I suppose it is fun." She looked

I glanced at her but somehow she averted her gaze…AGAIN as blush formed on her cheeks. She looked amusing…wait what am I saying? I shook my head and forcefully hauled my arm away. I turned around.

"I'll go later if I want to."

I looked at her but just to see her smiling. I hated it; there was this certain effect on me whenever she smiles. I scowled before completely left.

~NeKo Meow~

After practicing in about an hour, my shoulder and arm felt numb. I suddenly agree with grandfather…I really need to take some work out for a while. I changed my clothes and went to where I believed they were in.

I could hear giggles and laughter, hearing it made my head hurt.

I saw them.

"Hino-san you have to exert more force whenever you'll strike the ball, it can't even pass your court." This unknown creature muttered. Is he that Aoi that grandfather was talking?

"Neh! Kaji-kun, this racquet is so heavy. Is there a simpler or lighter racquet I can use?"

"Stupid, it's the lightest of all. It is designed for woman you see. What do you want kiddie racquet," Amou pried.

I saw that pout again, she looks infantile whenever she does it.

"Sorry, I don't know. That is maybe the reason why I'm not onto sports."

"Enough, don't worry Hino-san, I'll teach you," Kaji muttered, approaching her.

I saw him, holding her hand. Is that the right way of teaching someone? I must say, I'm not athletic but tennis is been my pastime. Needless to say that the tennis court was built especially for us.

This guy is annoying. "If—"I paused.

"Hey! You don't need to be that close to her!" I heard another voice.

"Come on, this is the easiest way for her to learn."

"No, get your hands off her!"

"Ryoutarou-kun…Kaji-kun… please stop it," Hino interrupted.

~NeKo Meow~

~Normal POV~

"Fine…." They both said in unison.

Kahoko felt relieve. "Y-You don't have to teach me Kaji-kun, Nao can help me instead." She walked away.

The two lads looked at each other, blazing gaze striking one another. Ryoutarou clenched his fist but remained on control, he sighed and followed Kahoko.

After some time of warming up, they all went to their respective courts. Though, Len didn't mingle with them but remained in the bench, watching their every move.

Kahoko grouped herself with Ryoutarou while in the other court were Nami and Kaji.

"Kahoko try to serve first," Ryoutarou said, trying to cheer her.

Kahoko rapidly shook her head along with her hands "No way, Ryoutarou-kun, I won't do that."

"You already have the ball, besides it's your time to practice."

"Neh?" Kahoko wryly nodded and stared at the other court. She gulped. Here goes nothing.

She hit the ball and it landed at the other court, it was fine but not for Kaji. He returned the ball.

Kahoko panicked, running to reach the ball.

"Kahoko let me handle this." Ryoutarou surpassed her.

And he hit the ball...and she hit something.

"That was great, Kahoko," Mio complimented, cheering her friend after the game.

Manami went nearer and patted her shoulder. "Too bad, I feel sorry for your partner," she kidded shaking her head. "Tsk…tsk…"

"Manami-chan." Kahoko curled her lips and dropped her sight at Ryoutarou. She sulked more.

"Ryoutarou-kun, I'm so sorry!"

Ryoutarou gazed back with his wincing expression. "It's ok Kahoko, it's an accident." He brought his hand on his face. It seemed flaming and shattering at the same time.

"Huh! What was that?" Kaji guffawed.

"Kaji-kun, stop it already, i-it's an accident, I didn't mean it."

"Kahoko, you should use the racquet to hit the ball and not…hitting someone's…." Nami laughed. "Oh! Poor thing…I must say Ryoutarou has green hair but it's inappropriate to hit him straight on the face."

Nao pursed her lips but it availed nothing, laughs skidded out.

"Nao!"

"Sorry, Kahoko, it's just so amusing."

"How about another play?" Kaji asked, aimed his suggestion to Kahoko.

The lass looked back.

"So that no one get hurt again. Practice makes perfect Hino-san, you'll be better promise."

Kahoko agreed and went to the court again.

They began…yet again. She must be too dense, clumsy and dangerous but she still could cope to what Kaji was instructing.

Not until, the lad's professional instinct outdo him. He hit the ball hard, making a swish sound when it landed on Kahoko's court. The girl panicked and hit the ball, throwing her racquet at the same time.

Surely whoever GOT hit was a goner. Unfortunately, it did hit someone. And that someone was what Kahoko desired not to hurt…AGAIN.

~NeKo Meow~

~Len's POV~

With the seven layers of hell, I'm so far from her, why this stupid thing did still reach me. Shoot, my head hurts, literally.

I brought my hand to my head, a sting of electricity trailed down, making me wince in pain.

Bother…if killing is legal I swear I already done that earlier!

"L-Len-san!" she gasped. "I'm sorry, are you ok?"

"Who do you think will be alright in what you did?" I shot back, trying to stand up.

I felt her hands on my arm, I glanced sideways.

"Let me help you."

I couldn't oppose, my head hurt so much, talking doubled the pain. I let her usher me to a certain place.

We ended in the garden near the tennis court. I sat in the chair as Hino the annoyance got some icepack for me. She should be.

"Sorry for waiting, here's the cold compress," she muttered and without a word pressed the ice on my head. I hissed but I'm too limp to retaliate.

"Danger-zone, do you have a grudge on me? Just say it…now." I sounded demanding but I needed some answer.

Her hand on my head paused; she looked at me, apparently dubious. "No, I don't."

"You really are dangerous, I already distanced myself but somehow your misfortune still followed me."

"I'm not unlucky!"

"Well that's the problem, somehow the supposed bad luck you should have, jumps to me whenever you're near."

"If I could just distance from you… you're so bothersome, everyone around you are getting hurt…" Went on by my tactless mouth.

She remained quiet. Did I talk further? Shoot, am I become insensitive.

"Hino…" I paused. Surely I became insensitive, those golden eyes welled with tears.

"I'm not unlucky Len-san…am I? Is that why my…my grandmother di—"

I was agape for a moment but I managed to stop her from talking more. Now she's blaming herself for whatever happened to her life.

"I'm sorry…" I apologized to cut her words.

She melted in her stance as she sat at the vacant seat. She tried to smile once more. I remained my watch.

"I should not show such emotion, this is wrong. You should be the one who's complaining not me." She wiped the tears.

She kept on doing that to hide those tears…behind that smile bury the loneliness she has. I somehow wanted to pull her within my hold, but I kept on fighting not to.

"Aren't you getting tired of doing that?" I asked, curious to say.

"What?"

"Aren't you tired of holding those tears every time?"

"I don't want to cry…." Her voice cracked.

"Don't lie to me," I responded, it was obvious.

"Sorry Len-san but I don't feel like crying or whatever, I'm going back, they must be waiting," she avoided my gaze and stood up.

She was lying; it's obvious she was hiding something. I didn't know what got into me…though I felt limp, I grabbed her hand.

"Len-san what—"

I hugged her.

"What are you doing?" I heard her asked. "Len-san…" her voice was so soft.

I could feel her hand resting over my chest, she gripped on my shirt; I tightened my hold on her, assuring that I wouldn't leave her this time.

"I'm sorry…" I whispered. "But…you don't have to act so brave…you can cry now…."

~NeKo Meow~

~Normal POV~

"I CANT TAKE THIS ANYMORE!" Kahoko shouted inside her room. Her face flushed, mind scattered in her reminisce. Why did I let my guard down…? Now he thinks I'm weak.

Kahoko turned to the window. And with all the people…why Mr. Shouzaburou had to see it...

"What are you two doing here?" the old man muttered.

The pair looked at him in haste, distancing at each other. Kahoko's face flamed in embarrassment while her counterpart merely looked impassively at his grandfather.

"Why did you make Kahoko cry? Len this is intolera—" his words were intimidating but not his tone. It merely matched his common elated one.

"N-no, it's not!" Kahoko waved her hands. "There's something went through my eyes, that's all." She lied.

Mr. Shouzaburou snapped a smile. He's old but he knew what truth from lies is. "Really? I'm just curious, why does he have to hug you then…"

"Why is all the embarrassing things happen to me because of you!" she paused.

Her door opened, a little form ran towards her bed and ducked itself.

Kahoko moved forward, accumulating to inspect who it was. She tugged the blanket, her eyes unceremoniously grew a bit, jaw hanged down as it form an o shape afterwards.

"So cute…" she cuffed her mouth. Who is this little kid?

"Darling where are you?" A voice muttered outside her room.

Kahoko jumped at the door and peeked in. Who could that be? A guest?

A form blocked her view as she crumpled her forehead before lifting her head at that person. Gasped literally escaped in her mouth, her eyes for that day grew another inch. "Whoa…h-hello, ma'am."

The lady sculpted in her elegance, fine pastel skin blended her sleeveless dress. Dark locks flowed silkily over her both shoulders up until her back.

The lady gazed back and nodded, seemingly her attention focused to her missing son.

Mr. Shouzaburou pried in. "I see, you seem to meet my little angel."

"Erh?" Kahoko looked sideways. She hadn't realized that the old man was behind the fine looking lady.

"Keiichi-darling, it's inapt to sleep in someone's room." the lady muttered.

"No, it's alright. He seems very sleepy. I'll look for him for a while." Kahoko volunteered.

Mr. Shouzaburou laughed. "Kahoko is good with kids, let her do it. Besides the flight is kind of tiresome, you have to take a rest as well."

"I suppose I should."

Kahoko smiled.

"By the way, Kanon, this is Hino Kaho—"

"Hino Kahoko, ma'am." Kahoko cut, bringing her right hand to her.

The lady chuckled. "Nice meeting you Kahoko-dear." She shook her hand.

"Are you Azuma-san's and the other's mother?" she asked, rather naively.

Kanon's laughter grew louder. "I believe I am…"

"Sugoi! No wonders they have the looks…" Kahoko paused, red hue swarming on her cheeks. "Anou…I mean, nice meeting you Kanon-san." She bowed.

"Kahoko, you can call me obachan if you want to."

"Really?"

"Of course, you didn't know but father always tells us about you."

"T-Thanks."

"Isn't she the sweetest, this kid is very kind and hard-working." Mr. Shouzaburou muttered pertaining to Kahoko.

The redheaded flushed more.

"Yes, indeed. You always say that to me. Well, now since I saw her personally, I doubt it that my boys wouldn't fall for her." Kanon ridiculed.

"Ah! Since you mentioned that…"

They left afterwards.

Kahoko hadn't heard another word, though deep inside she knew what it was. She would rather ignore it than to be embarrassed again. She grunted, striding towards the boy.

With the loud thumped of her feet, the boy opened his eyes. Blue ones met golden eyes. Kahoko cooed more, trying her best not to pinch the boy's cute face.

Golden locks unruly flowed on his face, his little hand curled into ball as he rubbed his sleepy eyes.

"H-Hello? What are you doing here?" he asked although Kahoko should ask the same.

"A-Ah! I'm Hino Kahoko. I'll be your babysitter."

"You're short…"

"Huh?"

"My brothers are really big, is Kahoko their babysitter too?"

"Well they have their own…" Kahoko smiled, thinking that Manami will surely fit the job. "They don't need huge babysitter but an intimidating one."

"You're weird Kaho-chan…"

Kahoko closed her lips. "And why did you say so?"

"You're smiling without a reason."

Argh, another one to notice my smiling. Is there some issue concerning my smile? "Keiichi, are you hungry? We can go to the kitchen if you want to."

"You're changing the topic…but I guess I'm hungry too, let's go."

Kahoko sighed.

When they got to the kitchen, Kahoko immediately rustled through the refrigerator, grabbing every sweet it has. Keiichi gaped at her, silently taking note what kind of food she removed from the poor ref.

"Do we have to eat all of that?" he sat in a chair near the counter.

"Well, eat what you can eat. I'm kinda hungry too since I haven't eaten my breakfast yet…" Kahoko munched a piece of cookie.

"Why is it all sweet?"

"Because it takes away the stress."

"Are you stressed because of me?" Keiichi asked.

"No, not you but because of your brothe—" she choked. "I mean, no, I'm not stressed because of you."

"You're funny Kaho-chan." He laughed.

Kahoko glanced at him. He's so cute. "Keiichi how old are you?"

The boy smiled. "Seven…"

"Whoa, you're two years older than Shoko-chan. Do you know her, by any chance?"

"Shoko-chan is my friend, how did you know her? Are you her friend too?"

"I'm formerly babysits her when they stayed here for a week, and yes, I guess I'm her friend too. However too bad you haven't seen her they went home just three days ago." Kahoko explained, sitting beside the boy.

The boy nodded. "Ahm…Kaho-chan. Can I be your friend too?"

Kahoko chuckled. "Of course."

The two sustained their eating when two voices echoed in the place, both having such scary tone. Kahoko's hair rose up.

"Hino…!"

"Kahoko…!"

Kahoko jumped from her chair, pivoting in the process. "Don't scare me like that!" she complained, thumping her chest.

Keiichi hovered himself in front of Kahoko, pouting like what a kid would do when someone would take something away from him. "Kaho-chan is my babysitter, what do you want from her."

The two grunted, quite in unison, they both glared at each other and back at the two little forms. "Mother is looking for you brat…" Ryoutarou spat, lifting the boy with his strong arm.

"Let me go!"

"Ryoutarou-kun…" Kahoko followed them but tripped the second she step. "Ow…" she rubbed her elbow.

The remaining lad grunted how stupid the girl was. He knelt and gazed at her.

…you don't have to act so brave…you can cry now.

She moved away, accumulating another stupid trip.

"You're such a bother…" He grabbed her hands to stand up however he just been rewarded by another distance from her. Her face commencing to flush, more over she couldn't look straight in his eyes.

Her new action resembling to those girls who stalk him annoyed Len more.

He heaved a deep sigh. "Stupid…annoyance…"

No respond came; the girl merely bowed her head as she fidgeted her dress.

He sighed for another time. "Danger-zone…nuisance…bothersome…"

Her eyes gradually twitched in his words.

"You're so dense…you can even memorize a simple history subjec—"

"I'm not…I'm not…I'm not!" Kahoko furiously gazed back; the previous uneasiness overwhelmed by anger. "Fool! How dare to say those words…as if you know everything—"

"Good, you're back to normal…let's go." Len dragged her away.

"W-wait!"

~NeKo Meow~

"Hello, Kahoko."

"O-Oba-chan…"

"Sorry, did I disturb you?" Kanon asked while sitting in the garden's chair.

Kahoko walked towards her when Len let her go. The lad bowed to his mother and turned away.

"No, you don't. Is something you want me to do?" Kahoko answered Kanon

"Oh! It's nothing. I just want to have a companion. This place is crowded with guys, and Manami is out for some…I assume student council meeting." She chuckled. "I just want some ordinary time with a girl."

"Oh! Sure, I loved to." Kahoko sat beside her.

"This is the disadvantage of not having a daughter. No girl talk and you're force to observe their manly activities."

"Well…like this I guess." Kahoko watched as the three having fun. In particular, the older two having fun fooling their little bro. "It's so unusual to see those two mingling with each other."

"Honestly, that two always do it…before. It's good to see them back to their usual self again." Kanon smiled. "I haven't seen them like this since it happened"

Kahoko glanced at the three and back at her companion.

"My apology…I should not open the past." Kanon averted Kahoko's stares.

"Such a tragic incident …" Kahoko mumbled but Kanon had heard it.

"Dear…you know?"

Kahoko weakly smiled and shook her head. "I don't know what really happened but Manami told some of the story." She gripped her dress tightly.

"Misa is such a caring person. She's actually my accompanist when I'm onto music before."

"You sing?" Kahoko's eye grew bigger. It turned larger when the lady nodded.

"I and my husband, her brother, which is a famous tenor met because of her. Isn't it quite uncommon that I married my accompanist's brother?" Kanon smiled. "Moreover, my best friend's brother."

Kahoko cracked a smile.

"She had helped me a lot. Especially in taking care of my sons. I'm kind of busy before, because of my concerts thus she always volunteers of taking care of them. I feel very safe whenever I know my sons are with her. Sometimes, I'm thinking that she rather deserves to be their mother than I am—"

"No…you're a very compassionate mother too. You only do that for their sake." Kahoko halted when the lady chuckled.

"You know what…" she paused "She said that to me as well."

Kanon focused her eyes at her sons.

"Mom…help me!"

Ryoutarou laughed "No one will help you…" he lifted the boy but the boy enabled to free himself and hid at Len's back.

"Oniichan…help me," Keiichi pleaded.

Len turned around, distancing at the boy as though not letting him to hide. A small smile adorned in his lips and eyes gleaming amusement at his little brother.

Kanon's expression softened. "That kid…"

Kahoko gazed at whom she was pertaining.

"It's a good thing he's ok now. It's been so long since I haven't seen that smile."

"You're very concerned to him aren't you?" Kahoko commented.

"He blames himself so much for what happened before. I feel bad for myself as well when I'm seeing him all depress. I haven't succeeded to be a supporting auntie to him but much worse, now that he treats me like his mother…it is such so painful for me. I haven't done anything for him yet."

"I know you did. He won't treat you like his mother if you haven't earned his trust yet. I know Len-san care for you as well. He might not say that but I have this feeling he is very thankful that you become his second mom."

Kanon shook her head. "He only does that since it's an accordance of the law that we're his new parents after we adopted him"

"He has a choice, and I suppose Len-san wouldn't do such without a sound reason."

"You're such an optimistic woman. I hope I have your strength too." Kanon patted Kahoko's shoulder.

Kahoko smiled. "You have a very strong personality Oba-chan, you're stronger than I am."

"Father is telling the truth, you can make people feel better. You're so considerate, dear, don't change."Kanon tightened her hold at her shoulder. "Kaho…can you do me a favor? Will you help him?"

Kahoko shook her head. "He can do it without my help…he is a strong guy, even though how hard it'll be…I know he will."

"Kaho-chan!" shouted by Keiichi.

Both women glanced at Keiichi as Ryoutarou tailing him.

"Hey! Kahoko, want to come?"

"Ye—"

"No, she doesn't want…" Keiichi pouted at his brother.

"I'm not talking to you brat." Ryoutarou spat back.

"M—"

"She doesn't want!" the two said in chorus, and if possible, endeavoring to hide the redhead.

Crumpled forehead met their eyes. "I'm not talking to you…" he turned to his mother.

"What is it Len?" Kanon muttered, suppressing her mirth.

"Mother, where's father?"

"Oh!" she smiled "He still has things to do. He'll be here next month."

"It would be nice to know him…"

Kanon chuckled; amusement remained glued on her expression. Looking at Kahoko trying her best to push the two guards away turned humorous on Kanon's view. She never thought that her boys could be so possessive when it comes to a special person.

"Of course..."

"Papa is weird…"

"Stubborn…"

"And annoying…"

"Huh? Why did you say that?"

The three ignored her and took their leave.

"Boys will always be boys. Don't mind them Kahoko."