Chapter 16

The sweet breeze of ocean wind gripped with her senses. Warm yet soothing sunrays caressed her fair skin. Indeed, they were, at last, at the beach.

In the past few days, they encountered too many problems, thus Mr. Shouzaburou decided that they needed some rest.

They went in one of the villa of Hasegawa- the main to be exact.

Their vacation did not go according to plan. Moreover, it was all because of a certain old man, though rather younger than Mr. Shouzaburou and the boys called him…father.

"Kaho-chan! Good day, what's a lovely girl doing here alone?" he asked, rubbing his chin.

Kahoko jolted from her position, halted from stretching her arm. "A-ah…oji…g-good afternoon."

"Where's the stupid son of mine? That boy, he is still a beginner in this matter. Don't worry I'll make sure to talk to him later, neh?" the man chuckled then winked at his last statement.

On the other hand, Kahoko flushed red enough to match her crimson hair. She brought her hand upward and shook it frantically. "Anou, you're mistaken. T-t-there's nothing going on between L-Len and me." She flushed more. It had been their routine since the time the man returned home. In how many times she explained that there was nothing, it seemed the old man never believes her, even the slightest. In that part, she became confused.

Certainly, the crimson haired girl likes him. However, does he like her back? She was still uncertain doubt still clouded her senses. He could be kind at times and at the same time colder than the ice. It was his nature; the considerate part of him would appear if only necessary and if not, it would lie dormant in the deepest part of his cold demeanor.

What if he feels the same? Kahoko mentally shook her head. "It's impossible." But maybe…there is.

"Eh, Kaho-chan. Are you saying something?"

Kahoko grunted for the third time, predicting that the man would bother her again the whole day if no one would accompany her.

"Hiroto, why are you bothering Kahoko again?" As though clouds parted, and light hovered down above Kahoko. Her voice sounded hope for Kahoko yet a live threat for the old man.

Kahoko turned around, facing the woman. "Oba."

Kanon sighed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Really, darling. Father already forbade you not to go any nearer to Kahoko or even Len. Would you mind following it?"

"Honey! I'm doing this for our son."

Kanon twitched a brow, arms crossed regally against her chest. Hiroto gulped, he knew what it meant if he kept on. "Yeah, up to the point of injuring his arm neh? Really."

"Well, he's too weak. I don't expect it to happen. I…ah merely miscalculated." He laughed nervously, seeing that the woman did not buy his reasoning.

Kahoko flushed more, why did he need to remind her of it? She whimpered deep inside, as it was one of the times she wanted to forget.

It was three days earlier; Kahoko remained the focus of Hiroto since he got home last night, doing advances for –the sake of his son and Kahoko's relationship- as what he stated.

It was early in the morning; Kahoko just woke up from her slumber, innocent to an evil plan of the old man. She yawned, confident, to say the least, that the day would turn out good. She saw Len walking downstairs, one hand occupied by his violin case and the other by file of score sheets.

She smiled, brought her hand upward to call him, however something or rather someone pushed her lightly. Not expecting such occurrence, her body inclined. She looked downward, seeing she had yet two steps before the floor. She tried to lift her head once more, looking at the lad, who by now looking and preparing her fall.

With a loud thud they both fell. Kahoko above him, arms placed over his chest. Their forehead bumped at one another, as Kahoko's eyes turned a little bit wider in unison with her frantic heart. She hurriedly sat up; two fingers met her lips in shock.

Score sheet flooded over the floor and his violin flew at the side—fortunately not harmed.

Her face turned redder, realizing what just happened. She stood up, brought her hand to help him yet another shock fixed on her face.

There, still sitting, was the lad holding his arm, a light pain sketched over his façade. He had injured his right arm.

"Oh! I did not expect this." Hiroto's voice flowed towards them.

Kahoko looked back, confusion etched on her face.

Len, on the other hand, glared sharply.

"My, what happened here?" Kanon followed, holding the young kid, Keiichi.

Since then, Mr. Shouzaburou prohibited Hiroto of nearing the two, but it appeared the man did not pay attention to his warns as he continued his pursuit.

Kahoko's face became even redder. Swore to heaven, she felt his lips against her. If possible, smoke appeared in her ears to sate the flame building on her face. Overall, she got a bump on her forehead, giddy feeling, and warmth lingered on her lips.

She slapped her forehead. "Argh, why am I thinking about this!" she mumbled.

"Ah, Kahoko, you can go now. I'll handle Oji for you." Kanon heaved her out of her stupor.

Kahoko looked back, nodding. "Thank you Oba, I'm going now."

"Oi, Kaho-chan, aren't you going to say thank you to your oji-ow."

"Enough already, darling." A tinge of threat reverberated in his ears. Hiroto shivered.

Kahoko sighed once more, yet this time in relief. "Finally." She inhaled the crisp air scratching her lungs in a pleasing way. It had a different feeling of freedom.

No Hiroto to bother her day. She smiled in that thought.

"Where to…oh?" she paused, eyes engrossed at someone not that far from her sight. She scrunched her nose, remembering what happened before. Guilt sketched its way out of her face. She ran forward, approaching him.

"Len-san! Where are you going?" she paused, looking cautiously for any sight of the obnoxious old man. Noting, he was still on Kanon's hand, Kahoko sighed.

"Hn?" Len finally muttered, startling Kahoko.

"Ah-ah…where are you going?"

"Somewhere." He closed, walking ahead.

"Where is that somewhere?"

"Somewhere you don't know."

Kahoko scowled until she met what he was holding. Curiosity inflated within her. She glimpsed at the lad and back to the certain thing. What is he going to do with the flowers? Suddenly, she felt the urge of asking. "Am…L-Len-san, for who—"

"Someone."

She scowled more. What is with that answer? She mentally screamed. "Can I come?"

He did not respond, shrugging his shoulder as though saying- suit yourself.

Few minutes had passed, they were routing a distinct way towards the mountain. It was not scary as the road was clean and as if being maintained for quite years now. Before they got to the said road, they entered a silver gate. That moment, Kahoko realized it was still a part of the Hasegawa's land.

Silence trickled her ear, she became unease with the stillness between them. Heartbeat raced inside her chest, making her stiffer than ever. "A-Ah…Len-san, who are you going to visit?" she intoned.

"Didn't I say someone I know?"

Duh, there is so many someone in the world. "I'm mean, who, an acquaintance of yours?"

He shook his head. "No, she's far from acquaintance."

"I didn't know you have other frie—" she paused. "SHE?"

Kahoko had to cover her mouth to hide the flush curled upward her cheeks. I cannot believe I yell at him.

Len sighed. "Yes she. Is there a problem?"

"No, there's n-nothing."

"I haven't seen her for a long time, that's why I'm looking forward for this vacation."

"How long?"

"So long"

"Looks like you're excited to meet her." Kahoko forced a smile. She did not know the reason yet she could feel a sting inside her heart, a harsh dagger scraping her inners into pieces. Why?

"Indeed."

"It seems she's important to you neh?" her voice fainting in every word.

"Very…a very important person in my life."

Why did I think about that? He… would not… he would not reciprocate my feeling. "Is that so?" she muttered, failed to hide the crack in her voice.

Len stopped, turning around to face her. "You're slow." He muttered.

Kahoko lifted her head, fighting the tear lingering in the brim of her eyes. "I-I think I should go now."

"Aren't you coming?"

"N-No, I'll just go to see the beach." She tried to feign a chuckle yet it did not sound convincing.

"Hino?" he mumbled, confusion laced. "Are you sure you're going alone?"

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. I don't want to bother you anymore."

"What are you tal—"

"I'm so sorry. I should not have come with you."

Is she?

"Len-san, you should not have told me about it. There is another person you need to care. I'm so sorry if I'm giving you more trouble."

Am I right? She is…

"I know she's very important to you. I feel very guilty for slowing you up."

A little smile crept on Len's lips. She is… His mind reassured before he held the girl's hand, pulling her closer to him.

Kahoko's eyes grew wider, her face turned flush as she realized their expanse.

"Stupid." He muttered, leaning closer to seal her lip with his.

Shock, as though the time stopped from moving, as all she could hear was the rapid beating of her heart, gushing blood in her veins, cheeks turning incredibly hot and soft yet gentle lips across her own.

Her eyes slowly went closed, escalating the other senses she had. Her hand glided upward, touching his cheek with her fingers as she kissed back.

After a while, he slowly moved backward, eyes remained looking at her and a smile never leaving his face. "You don't have to get jealous."

Once he moved, her hand replaced those lips, asking herself if that really happened. She blinked, could not grasp what he was saying, until it all snapped in her head. She flushed more. J-j-jealous!

She bowed her head, hiding the vivid shade of red on her face. "W-what are you talking about?"

"Did not I say I'm going to care for you?"

"B-But, you should not, you already ha—" Why are you doing this?

He ignored her, continuing their disrupted walk. In the whole journey, he did not entertain any of her queries. He remained silent, walking ahead of her.

Kahoko sighed; she stopped asking, noticing he would not answer.

After a while of walking, Len stopped, opening another iron gate. It was white in color, wrought and shaped like an arch.

Kahoko peeked secretly to look for any house, yet what she could only see were hedges.

They both walked inside the place. Kahoko paused, eyes shone in such wonderment. The place simply screamed beauty. Well-maintained hedges located at the side, topiaries of different shapes scattered in the place, beauties of assorted flowers blanketed over the green grass. A, white and bronze in color, gazebo at side and fountain at its opposite.

She thought, at first, he was going to the gazebo; however, he turned left and continued his walk. Kahoko followed him, confused. Where is he going?

Her answer finally got an answer. Kahoko stifle a gasp lumped in her throat not to disturb the lad. A gentle smile bloomed on her lips, understanding graced on her feature. Then suddenly she felt somewhat embarrassed.

She lightly chuckled, making Len to look at her. "Hn?" he asked, placing the flower on the ground.

Kahoko blushed, shaking her head. "N-nothing!"

"Judging how you act, probably you realize your mistake."

"Y-Yes," Kahoko mumbled, shyly. Why did not I think about this? Stupid Kahoko! She slapped her forehead, kneeling beside the lad.

She smiled, sincere and gentle. "Misa-san nice meeting you!" Certainly, he missed her so much.

This time, it was Len's turn to look back in shock.

"You're really very lucky to have a good son like Len-san." She smiled more, caressing the headstone in front of them. "He told me he's going to take care of me…" she blushed afterwards, inhaling before sustaining her talk. "And…" she leaned closer, whispering words to the stone, as if it was Misa herself.

~NeKo Meow~

The sun completely hid behind the inky sky, the first star of the night twinkled sharply above. Little more stars started to sparkle.

"What did you tell her?"

Kahoko gazed back, smiled and looked at the sky. "It's our secret."

~NeKo Meow~

They had gone home before the sun settled down. Feet strode in silent rhythm, hands holding one another in a tight embrace. Kahoko kept her jovial expression noticeable as she would occasionally chuckle whenever she would look at the guy alongside her. She reminisced the first time they had met.

It was rather queer to think about that the man beside her was the same man she met not that long ago. He was cold indeed; it wouldn't be out of his character. But as time passed by, day by day, Kahoko learns something about him, as if he was a living mystery that every chapter there was a clue of his real self that could help her to come up of who he really was.

"There you are." A lady-like voice intoned, interrupting Kahoko from her reverie as she and Len freed their intertwined hands as hurried as possible. A likely hue glowed on Kahoko's face.

"Manami…" she stuttered.

The girl nodded at her before altering her attention at the guy. Her face bore seriousness that somehow agitated Kahoko.

"Len, you're grandfather wants to talk to you."

Kahoko glanced at Len and to Manami, doing it repeatedly when the lad didn't respond. She tried to open her mouth to talk but she was cut off when Len finally nodded his head. He didn't turn to her direction, neither bade. He simply walked with Manami behind him.

In that instant, regret suddenly dug to her heart, the regret of letting go of his hand. Her heart hammered against her chest. She could sense something would happen, and whatever it is, she knew it wouldn't be good.

As the expanse begotten between them, Kahoko could hint the breach starting to appear in the midst. The sudden surge of loneliness emerged around her. The warmth from their joined hands earlier started to faint as coldness lingered.

It was but a great day earlier. How did it turn out otherwise?

~NeKo Meow~

A knock on the door disrupted the serious atmosphere in the study room. In a small creak, Len and Manami appeared behind the door. The little woman bowed her head as a bid before she took her leave for she had filled her task.

Len, on the other hand, silently moved beside his mother. His lips formed a tight line and face remained impassive as ever. His eyes widened a bit when he saw a stranger albeit it seemed not. Kanon pulled her son at her side, allowing him to carefully plop on the space provided for him, before Mr. Shouzaburou commenced to talk.

Len was not stupid to know what was happening. Once his golden eyes lay on the stranger's form he knew well what it was. Nonetheless, he kept himself taciturn, allowing himself to delve in his own contemplation.

"While we are waiting for Hiroto, allow me to introduce to you Mr. Tsukimori." Mr. Shouzaburou enunciated. His face directed at Len.

The young man didn't give a hint of interest as he lifted his sight, eyes blank.

"Your father…" the old man sustained without fluttering his eyes.

Kanon at Len side heaved her son's hand as though for comfort. She knew that the young man unlikely gives emotion. He would hide it as long as possible. The blue head, as what his grandfather did, simply looked. Speaking was impossible as he unintentionally clenched his teeth.

"Father, isn't it too haste for Len. We should have taken this slow. It is quite hasty."

"No, Kanon, this is the right time after all. Len must know. He is old enough to understand the situation."

Len silently hissed.

"But father—"

"Please, Kanon." Mr. Shouzaburou lifted his hand as a sign of disapproval. He glanced at Mr. Tsukimori afterwards, eyes firm.

"I know that I've been impulsive and rush about this decision, nonetheless I can't afford any more time to handle this as I, being a businessman, has things to do as well. You know what I meant, Mr. Shouzaburou Hasegawa. Without farther ado, I would like to get my son, and come live with me in America, as where I live in the present. If you are against with this preposition, I can't do anything but to put this into court."

"I understand." Mr. Shouzaburou rubbed the tiredness in his eyes before looking at his grandson. An obvious bitter exhaustion marred his aged face. "Len—"

"Father, I wish for us to wait for Hiroto." Kanon heckled, hands clutching one another to hide the quiver of it.

"We don't ne—"

"No need, I'm here now." Hiroto strode towards his wife, giving her a peck on the cheek before sitting in the couch at the other side, in front of Mr. Shouzaburou and Mr. Tsukimori's seat. His brows furrowed, whilst his hand rubbed his chin. "Isn't it much better if I'm here while discussing this? I am, anyway, Len's father."

"You are—"

"Now, that you are here, let us discuss the situation." Mr. Shouzaburou began, cutting Mr. Tsukimori's words. "Hiroto, this is Mr. Jun Tsukimori." he nodded his head before sustaining. "Mr. Tsukimori, this is my son, Hiroto, and whom Len considered as his father. My son here was the one to sustain what you haven't given to my grandson. "

"Yes, I am his father." Hiroto nodded, voice laced with sarcasm. He wouldn't allow this man who simply barged in their lives and decided to take his son away from them. His jaw clenched in tight tenacity when he glanced at his father as the old man shook his head. It seemed that the old man favored the other one. Hiroto casted a sharp glance at his father to tell his intent.

The old man sighed. "Hiroto, you know very well that this time will come."

"Yes, I know father. But don't you think it is quite late for it."

"It doesn't matter."

"Father." Hiroto hissed. "Don't you tell me you're agreeing to what he wants?"

"Yes, I am, Hiroto. It is his rights."

"And I have the rights too, father!" he roared, increasing his voice in every word. "We, my wife and I have."

"It is void." Mr. Shouzaburou sighed. He lifted his stare at the window, simply to calm himself. "It was…even in the start."

"What do you mean?"

"It was void as he…I'm talking about Mr. Tsukimori, never knew about the adoption. It is to be signed by parties, the biological parents and the one who would be his legal parents. Since Misa is dead…" Mr. Shouzaburou stopped, inhaling. "It was Mr. Tsukimori's obligation to sign it. We can't do anything if we put this in court. We will lose eventually. He is the father."

"You knew that this will happen. You never say a word when we adopted Len. You already knew"

"I'm sorry son."

"And now, you are apologizing? How could you do this? Don't you understand that that man was the one who left our Misa and her son before? It is his entire fault. If he didn't leave, probably my sister is still here, alive and happy with her son."

"This is Misa's request, son. She wanted her son to meet his father in the future."

"And do you think it is the best for him to take my son."

"I have the rights," Mr. Tsukimori firmly muttered.

"Hell with your rights. It wouldn't do anything. It won't fill the time of your absence. It won't be enough to sate those time you wasted, those time that it should be you taking care of him. It should be you who would see him grow and be at his side as always."

"Hiroto—"

"Enough!"

"L-Len…" Kanon looked at her son, trying to grab his hand but he gently pulled it away as he stood.

"Enough…" he repeated hands balled tightly, making the blood in his knuckle to stop flowing. "Why do you have to decide for me? Why do you have to be so abrupt? Why did you decide without consulting me first?" he hissed.

"Len, son, please calm down."

"I had enough."

"Don't be unreasonable, Len." Mr. Shouzaburou chided.

"Grandfather, it is you who is difficult. You don't even think what I would feel about this."

"Son." Mr. Tsukimori muttered, glancing at his direction.

"Don't call me son!" he shouted. "You're not even been a father to me."

"Len, sit down at once." Mr. Shouzaburou muttered, trying to calm himself but it only worsened when the young man kept his resolute form. "Len!"

"Are you going to let me go just like that, grandfather?"

Mr. Shouzaburou inhaled, sweat glided down from his forehead as he breathed sharply. "It is not what you think, Len. Sit down now."

"I won't! Why did you even accommodate me if you're actually planning to push me away in the end?"

"Len, please sit down."

Kanon bit her lower lips, waters threatening to flow from her eyes. She inhaled, her hand placed on Len's hand trying to pull him down to sit.

"Len, this is for your own good." Mr. Shouzaburou looked at his grandson, trying to carve what he wanted him to understand. He only wanted for his welfare. It is much better if he would know who his real father is. It is the truth that would never be avoided. Len must realize that there is a possibility that he have to be with his real father than be with them.

"I thought I know you, grandfather. It seems that I'm mistaken." He sighed, turning away. "With all you've done… I can't trust you anymore. I wish to be excused."

"Len…" Mr. Shouzaburou winced, his breathing turning into sharp inhales as he clutched his chest.

"Father!" Kanon gasped.