Chapter 3
Her back hit the wall. A dead end. This wasn't how she had imagined her day would end. Being ganged up by four burly man who wanted nothing but her body. The very thought of those men having their way with her sent chills through her body. How disgusting. The man with brown hair licked the blood off his busted up lip. 'How dare she throw a punch at me. For a small girl she packs quite a punch,' he thought. The brown haired man turned to his companions and said ," I'm taking her first". He crackled his knuckles and lunged for Hotaru. Hotaru who was already in fighting stance stopped the blow by redirecting his fist using her hand and kneed him in the gut. The brown haired man clutched his stomach and groaned in pain. The remaining men seeing their friend eating the dirt became hell bent on revenge. All three men charged at her. Hotaru's confidence waned. Today had been the worst day to get jumped. Hotaru was exhausted and hungry. She barely had enough strength to continue fighting. But for the sake of justice and the greater good of humanity Hotaru fought on. She wiped away the sheen of sweat that had formed on her brow and resumed her fighting stance. She wouldn't be weak even in her last moments. "Tachibana will not let you succeed!" she yelled before charging forward only to bite the dirt. The brown haired man had grabbed onto her ankle resulting in her great fall. 'I'm doomed,'Hotaru thought to herself. 'Kanae I'm sorry for running out on you. Matsuoka-san , Yukimura-san and Haruki-san , Tachibana apologises for breaking the promise we made together. God make this quick so that I don't have to endure much embarrassment'
"How pathetic. Four grown men ganging up on a girl because they are too facially challenged and cowardly to ask a girl out. Or rather they were rejected countless times because they were too ugly both internally and externally," Midori said disgusted by what he was seeing. Hotaru crumpled up on the ground with those four excuses for men hovering over her. He'd take the law into his hands and rid the world of those four useless beings. The world would be a better place without them.
"Why don't you eat your words pretty boy and move along like you saw nothing. Then I won't have mess up your face too bad. " one of the raven haired men said.
"I guess I have to kill you now. You messed with the wrong girl pathetic bastards. Now die," Midori said picking up his pace and ramming his fist into the man who had talked to him. The man's jaw slacked presumably broken from the contact with Midori's fist. The raven haired man cupped his jaw moaning from the pain. One of the men, who looked no older than twenty five took out a pocket knife and started tossing it around offensively. " You're going to regret crossing paths with us you bastard. I'm going to shred you to ribbons," he said lunging at Midori. Midori smoothly dodged him and tripped the young man. He gave him a powerful kick to the stomach which undoubtedly broke a few ribs. The young man wheezed as he struggled to breathe. The only unharmed man was quaking in his shoes. Midori faced the last standing assaulter. His eyes changed to a steely dark shade of pale blue. "Boo," Midori said. The coward fell on his butt. "Please don't hurt me," the coward begged. The brown haired leader seeing that they were fighting a losing battle ordered for a retreat. The raven haired man picked up his fallen friend and made a mad dash for it. Midori extracted a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe off the remnants of the human scum that had been in contact with his hands.
"Hotaru-chan," he called out. She remained still on the ground. Maybe he really shouldn't have let them escape. Midori knelt onto the ground and took her into his arms. Hotaru's face was so pale almost like a ghost. No she couldn't be.. He held her wrist to check her pulse. Thank heavens she was alright. He examined her body snarling at the scrapes on her legs and the palms of her hands. Midori tapped her cheek in an attempt to awaken Hotaru. She still wasn't moving. Midori secured Hotaru in his arms and stood up. He'd take her to his home were she'd recuperate and regain her strength. How could she be so reckless! Roppongi was not a place to go dilly dallying at night. It was dangerous even for someone as strong as her. What had Hotaru been doing out here so late at night? What if he hadn't been present? His stomach dropped at what Hotaru would have succumbed to without him to save her. He flagged a taxi and got inside." Akihabara " he said.
The taxi driver was a middle aged man who was fond of talking. Midori didn't mind having someone talking to him if it meant keeping his mind from replaying that horrifying scene. Midori cradled her protectively in his arms. Damn them to hell. Hotaru's phone kept on buzzing in her pocket. He pulled it out to check the caller ID. Kanae. ' Isn't this Hotaru's friend.' he thought. Midori pressed the accept button.
"Hotaru you're late. You said that you were going to check out apartments not party in Roppongi. I knew that I should have accompanied you," she pouted into the phone. So Hotaru was checking out apartments in Roppongi.
"Hotaru-chan can't come to the phone right now. You're speaking to Midori Nagamasa," he said. "Where is Hotaru right now? Why can't I talk to her?" Kanae asked her voice laced with concern. Midori looked at the feeble looking Hotaru whose face was ashen and said" Her current state won't allow her to talk. Hotaru won't be going home tonight. I'll bring her back to you tomorrow". Kanae sighed and said "Fine. Just make sure she calls me when she can. Bye" "Bye," Midori answered back. Midori ended the call and returned the phone to Hotaru's pocket. Midori brushed away the bangs from her forehead and gazed at her cherubic face. He wouldn't let any harm befall her again. Not whilst he was still alive.
Hotaru heard water running in the shower and smelt some fresh bacon and eggs. Slowly she cracked her eyes open to face reality. She sighed in relief when she found herself in a modern room with creme colored walls and and modern furniture. Her justice had earned her a place in heaven. . Determined to take a tour around 'heaven' Hotaru sat up and pushed her feet off the bed. With a small thump she was on the ground maneuvering her way around the room. " Now to get some of that mouth watering bacon, " Hotaru thought drooling a bit. She cracked the door open and peaked outside. No one was there. Using her nose she traced the smell to the kitchen where she sat on one of the stools. On the kitchen counter was some toasted bread, eggs ,bacon and a cup of orange juice. Quickly saying her prayer of thanks she dug into her breakfast and sighed with contentment when she was done. She rubbed her belly feeling a bit stuffed.
"I thought that you might be hungry," Midori said leaning on the door post. Hotaru looked like a deer caught in a car's headlights. " I'm sorry . I thought that Tachibana was dead and the breakfast had been a gift from heaven. I didn't mean to eat your food. But what is Tachibana doing with Midori-san? How did Tachibana end up here?" she asked. Midori contemplated whether to inform her on not. But then again if he didn't how was she supposed to recover properly from the ordeal. He took a seat on the stool next to her and faced her. "For starters this is my apartment complex. I brought you here," he said. Hotaru looked at him feeling confused. "Hotaru-chan. Do you recall anything from last night?" he asked her searching her face for any shifts in her mood. Hotaru covered her face and said," I must have had a nightmare because four men were chasing me down the road. They wanted to hurt me. I managed to punch one of them in the face but they were too many for me to handle. Tachibana was overpowered. Then everything went dark for me. " Hotaru said her eyes brimming with tears. Midori brushed her hair away from her face and secured it behind her ear. " You're safe now Hotaru-chan. But what were you doing so late at night in Roppongi. Don't you know that it's dangerous for a beautiful young lady to wander around so late at night alone?"Midori asked. Hotaru put her hands down and looked at Midori? Was Midori worried about her. "I'm sorry for causing trouble but I was checking out the apartments and I lost track of time. Tachibana was tired and hungry so when she was attacked she couldn't do much," Hotaru explained. Midori rubbed her cheek brushing away the lone tear that had escaped from her eye. " You're safe with me Hotaru-chan. I'm just spit balling here but I'm going to ask you anyways. Why bother searching for an apartment? Come live with me " he said sincerely. "Eeeh! Tachibana can not live alone with a man even if it is Midori-san. And besides I can not impose on Midori-san," Hotaru said hastily.
"Who said that it would be for free. You just have to do a few minor jobs around the house for me Hotaru-chan. Since I've been working late at the hospital I haven't been able to execute all my duties. But if you decide to stay with me then I can rest at ease knowing that a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Just think about my offer Hotaru-chan" he said rising. Hotaru kept on waiting to hear him say that he was fooling around with her but he didn't say anything. "Oh and Hotaru-chan call your friend Kanae. She seemed quite concerned. I left my keys on the counter-top and a spare change of clothes in your room. If you decide to stay with me give a call but if not you can hand them back at Hoshishiro. I'll catch you later Hotaru-chan ," Midori said leaving the house and closing the door behind him. Hotaru sighed and buried her head in folded arms on the kitchen counter top.
'What should I do about Midori-san's offer. He's giving me a place to stay free of charge and he has a nice apartment. Though it needs a bit of cleaning,' she thought eyeing a pile of dishes in the sink. Maybe he really didn't have that much time on his hands. Hotaru chewed her lip lost deep within her thoughts. He wasn't allowing her to free-load otherwise she would have declined his offer. But then Matsuoka and Yukimura's disappointed faces flew into her mind hovering like flies above her head. 'Traitor! Traitor! ,' they would chant eerily. She swatted her hand above her head to dismiss those negative thoughts. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. Hotaru slapped her head remembering Midori's message about Kanae. She checked the caller ID. Matsuoka-san. Speak of the devil and he shall appear. What had Matsuoka heard? Did he already know that she was in closed quarters with the enemy. She hesitantly slid the answer button.
"Hello," Hotaru answered. "Hotaru-chan. I haven't talked to you in a while. I hope you haven't forgotten our plan. You're supposed to be arranging for the cake." Matsuoka said . Hotaru silently eeped. She had completely forgotten but she couldn't ruin the special surprise and worry Matsuoka. The captain had worked so hard organising the party.
" I am getting it done. How could I possibly forget," she said. Hotaru felt a prick on the back of her neck. When did she start making it a habit of lying.
"Great because we are all counting on you. Oh and Haruki-san is finding it difficult to forgive you for sharing those photos. Yuki loved them and he posted them online and tagged him in the photos," Matsuoka snickered. Okay so Haruki was mad at her for something new but at least she knew what it was. Hotaru sighed and said," I'll do my best Matsuoka-san. And tell Haruki that I found those photos adorable too. "
"Take care Hotaru," he said. "You too Matsuoka-san," she said before ending the call. She stared at her cellphone and contemplated calling Kanae. She could see Kanae ablaze yelling Hotaru's head off for not coming home. She shivered at the the very thought. But she was no coward so she dialed her best friend's number and waited to face the music. She picked up on the second ring.
"Oh so you have finally decided I was worth talking to neh? Hotaru Tachibana spent the whole night with a man. And from his voice I deduced that he was attractive. And don't bother lying to me that you were just pillow fighting and shared a room like civil people. Just let me have it. All the details , pronto!" Kanae demanded. What was Kanae implying? That she and Midori?!
"KYAAA! Tachibana is not that lewd. And Midori-san is Midori-san. He doesn't view Tachibana that way so stop soiling my name. Midori-san only rescued me. I was knocked out okay, and if Midori-san hadn't showed up when he did who knows what would have become of me," she said the last part more silently. "Hotaru I'm sorry. You can tell me when you come back home everything that happened," Kanae said. "About that. Kanae I don't know how to say this but I finally found an apartment and I'm moving out today. I'll come this afternoon to see you and move my things," Hotaru said. Kanae felt a bit disappointed but she knew how Hotaru felt about not working for what she had. Kanae enjoyed being with Hotaru being an only child herself. "So where are you moving to? "Kanae asked tugging on a bit of her pink hair. " I'm moving in with Midori-san but you're not allowed to tell anyone else," Hotaru added rather hastily. That dark cloud of Matsuoka , Yukki and Haruki was still hanging above her head. "Eeeeh you two are moving too fast! " Kanae screeched. "What would Haruki-san think?"
"Haruki-san? He'd probably get mad but Midori-san has a nice place. And I need a permanent place to stay. Besides I owe him my life. How could Tachibana deny a good offer," she said tapping her chin. " You'll see his place when you help me move in "
"That solves that. Which means more money for clothes. I'm so broke right now. But I'm happy for you Hotaru !" Kanae squealed yet again. She couldn't wait to see Hotaru's new place. "Ok. I'll catch you later Kanae," Hotaru said. "Bye Hotaru!"
Hotaru exhaled and tackled the task at hand. First things had to clean up the house before she went to the Yajima's to collect her things.
Midori took off his reading glasses and leaned into his chair. It was 5:30 pm and she still hadn't called him. Had she decided not to stay at all. Was she on her way with his keys that very moment. Why did that frustrate him so much?He rubbed his eyes and stared at the blank screen of his phone. Switching on the device he scrolled the phones call logs. No missed calls from Hotaru . Ichi who was spying on her precious Midori-sensei couldn't understand why he was so apprehensive. 'Did Midori-sensei get himself a girlfriend. Probably not. Sensei doesn't look twice at a woman. ' The melody of Midori's cellphone filled the room and Midori smiled genuinely. Ichi hadn't ever seen Midori smile in that particular manner before. What was the cause of his elation? He answered the phone feeling exhilarated. Noone usually made him wait for that long and got away with it. But he'd wait for her no matter if it frazzled his brains and made him nervous. Which is why he could wait on her. She made him feel emotions that were non existent in him. " Hey ," he answered. " Hello Midori-san. I was wondering what you would like to have supper? " she asked. Midori's heart fluttered at the sound of her voice. " Anything you make is good enough for me. Besides I'm not one to be picky. I hardly eat home cooked meals. It'll be a pleasure partaking in whatever you have in store for me. Surprise me," he said. Ichi felt her heart drop and her face paled. Who had beat her to the punch line and taken Midori-sensei? In her upset she had staggered losing her balance and falling splat on the ground. Midori ended the call and went to attend to Ichi who was barely holding back the tears. He helped her up and Ichi looked down ashamed of being caught by Midori-sensei listening in on his conversations. Midori knew that Ichi had a crush on him so he didn't scold her for her behavior. He gently patted her head and said,"Go home and get some rest. Alright Ichi?" Ichi nodded and left his presence. Now he probably saw her as a klutz and a nosy person. She sniffed a bit angry that Fujimoto wasn't there for her to take her anger out on. Just a few more days till he got back. She wondered how he would react to new development?
Midori went back to checking patient patient files and conducted his normal rounds. He had to be assured that everything was in order because he didn't want anything delaying him from arriving home early. His anticipation to go home had never been this alarming. How come he was this excited? Midori knew what the cause was but he was still in denial of the control she had over him. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed deeply. He needed to hold himself together and fast.
Midori cracked open the door to his home. Normally the smell of detergent and wood polish would greet him but today the sweet aroma of delectable food wafted into his nose. He breathed in deep wondering what she had made. He wasn't even aware that he was hungry until the moment he stepped foot into his home. Hotaru's head turned up when she heard the door being opened. Checking the time on the wall clock it was only 6:38pm. She ran to greet him by the door. "Good evening Midori-san" Hotaru said. Midori took in her appearance and found his throat parched. She was dressed in red razor back top and black denim shorts. Hotaru's cheek had some flour dust on it. Midori rubbed her cheek without thinking and leaned in to place chaste kiss on her forehead. "Evening Hotaru-chan. I was pleased to receive your call that you'd be staying, " Midori said looking into her eyes. He was pleased to see her cheeks flooded with color. " Y-Yes Midori-san. I decided that it would be best to stay with you," she said trying to look away. Midori was having non of that. He liked seeing her squirm under his gaze. " Supper will be ready in ten minutes. You should freshen up Midori-san. " Hotaru said to redirect his attention elsewhere. Midori smirked,'Smart move Hotaru-chan'. He ran his thumb over her cheek as he went to freshen up. Hotaru couldn't understand why her face felt so hot .Her heart was thudding in her chest. She pressed her palm over her left breast in an attempt to lessen the rate at which her heart was pounding. It was futile. Her heart had a mind of its own.
Hotaru had just placed the last of the food dishes on the kitchen counter when she felt someone looking over her shoulder. She jumped in fright stumbling right into Midori. Midori held her by her shoulders to help Hotaru regain her balance. "What's wrong Hotaru-chan? Is something the matter? " Midori asked. Hotaru turned around to face Midori her eyes looking wary. "You startled me Midori-san. I didn't see you enter the room," she said. Midori laughed . "Hotaru-chan you worry too much. Nobody breaks in that easily. So don't fret ,okay? But a good scare is beneficial every once in a while. It keeps the mind alert, "Midori summarized. Hotaru held her beating heart again. She noticed that Midori had changed out of his work clothes into a black cotton shirt and grey sweatpants. Dressed in this manner he looked more relaxed. Midori sat down and let his gaze wash over Hotaru. He had achieved one of his goals and that was to get her move in with him. For now that would suffice. Midori had never seen his counter laden with so much food before. The last time he ate home cooking was several months ago. And it had been when he went to visit his family during Obon. His mother kept on pestering him about when he was going to settle down.
"Midori you're at the prime of your life and yet you still refuse to settle down. If you're having problems finding a suitable companion we can always arrange a traditional match making ceremony. I'm sure we can find you a decent woman," she said. Rika Nagamasa was pushing sixty but she hardly looked a day over forty. Her blue-black hair was spun into a tight bun. Her face make up done in such a way as to accentuate her beautiful features. Rika's violet eyes narrowed down at her arrogant son. The one who was denying a mother a grandchild to fill that void in her heart were the love she had in abundance was yet to overflow to. Midori's face lacked expression. He looked about as interested in their conversation as watching paint dry. " It's a pointless venture. Either way she will run away from me because I'll give her a good reason to," Midori said unyielding to his mother's wish.
"Midori-san let's feast," Hotaru said taking her seat beside him. "Tachibana didn't know what you would like so I made crispy batter tempura,chicken yakisoba and soyu chicken. I hope you like it." she said. "I'll eat anything that your hand made. Even if I don't like it I'll eventually grow to like it. How can I disregard anything that you put effort into making. Especially for me," he said watching her. Hotaru focused her gaze on her chopsticks. 'When Midori-san says it like that Tachibana doesn't know what to say,' she thought. They both said their prayers before proceeding to eat. Midori took a small portion of everything while Hotaru filled her plate to the brim. Midori's eyes widened a bit at the mountain that was in Hotaru's plate before shrugging it off. 'Where does all that food go?' he said peeking at the petite woman before him. Said woman was stuffing her face at alarming rates. Midori grabbed a bit of soyu chicken absent mindedly while watching an eating competition go down in his kitchen. When the flavour burst in his mouth he gasped and his cheeks flooded with warmth. Hotaru stilled for a moment to look at Midori whose eyes had glazed over with ecstasy. A smile spread on his face as he joined Hotaru in the food eating challenge. " Midori-san slow down," Hotaru said a bit alarmed at the way the doctor was eating. She'd never seen him react like this before. Midori stared at Hotaru eyes filled with warmth and said,"Hotaru-chan you've been holding out on me. I've never eaten food this great. Good job little chef" Hotaru smiled at the doctor's compliment and said," Thank you Midori-san Tachibana appreciates the compliment. Tachibana was used to cooking for herself so I didn't know whether you'd like it." Midori halted his chopsticks mid air. "Hotaru-chan used to eat like this all the time. Naughty girl no wonder you have such a healthy appetite," he commented.
Midori and Hotaru helped each other with the dishes . When they were done they retired to their respective rooms. Midori yawned and sprawled on his bed. Supper was better than he ever imagined. His phone rang on the bedside table. Midori reached out to see who was who was calling him. How awkward it was a private number. Midori answered anyways. "Hello. Midori Nagamasa speaking. Who am I talking to?" The caller kept quiet. Midori grew annoyed. " Who is this?" . The caller hung up. How did an idiot get his number?
Midori got into his bed and closed his eyes . For the first time in years his dreams were not dominated by graphic violence but rather they were centered around her and her gentle smiles. Midori's alarm went off at 6 am the next morning. He sat up and stretched his arms . He got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to take a short shower. By the time he got out of the shower his bed had been made. She worked fast.
Midori checked his wrist watch which read 6.25 am . He smirked satisfied that he had an hour to bask in her warm presence. Pulling his cuff down he exited his room to seek out his new roommate. He stopped in the doorway of the kitchen amused by how on one hand she was pressing her ear to the phone and on the other she was stirring a pan. She removed the pan from the stove and poured its contents into two bowls. It was then she noticed Midori standing in the ended her call. "Good morning Midori-san" she said giving him a warm smile."Morning Hotaru-chan," he said taking his seat at the kitchen counter. "Did you sleep well? " he asked . Hotaru nodded her head profusely ."Uhhmmn ," she sounded out. Midori noticed that she was very distracted and he didn't know why. Somehow her nervousness transferred to him. They said their prayers and started on their breakfast. Hotaru was pushing around her porridge with her spoon. Midori observed this quietly wondering why she wasn't being her usual self. "Hotaru-chan is anything the matter? " he questioned. Hotaru's lime green eyes looked up at him then she sighed. " Midori-san ,Tachibana lied to Matsuoka-san about something very important and now she can't solve the problem. Tachibana was given the duty to get a cake custom made to celebrate Yukimura-san's promotion at work but Tachibana completely forgot. And the celebration is tomorrow," she said. Midori couldn't help but laugh at her little dilemma."Why don't you come with me to the office today. I know a pastry shop that can deliver your cake by tomorrow. I know the shop owner and he owes me a personal favor," Midori said taking spoonful of his porridge. The life sprang back to Hotaru's eyes and she stared and him watery eyed. " Midori-san... I owe you my life. "
" Eeh. Hotaru-chan don't say things like that unless you wish to keep your word, " Midori said his eyes taking a sadistic glint. Hotaru didn't seem to get what he was implying. He'd hold her to her word soon enough. "Hotaru-chan does the rest of your team know that you are living with me? " Midori asked. Hotaru sputtered as she choked on her porridge. "I'll take that as a no," he concluded.
Midori finished off his meal and washed the dishes and hung them to dry. Hotaru followed soon after and went to take a shower. He sat on the couch with his legs crossed while he watched the news. How long did women take to dress anyways? He'd never imagine Hotaru to be one to spend too much time in front of a mirror. She was perfect as she was. "Midori-san I'm ready," Hotaru announced. Midori glanced to his right and he was tempted to tell her to go back and change. Why was she dressed so provocatively? Was she trying to get attacked? " Hotaru-chan why on earth are you dressed like that?" he asked eyeing her attire. She was wearing a plain white corset top with straps that gave him a nice view of her cleavage coupled with a black mid thigh length pencil skirt that stuck to her like a second skin. Her hair tied up in a high ponytail leaving only her bangs to frame her face . Midori felt like he'd been punched in the gut. His greatest weakness was ponytails. Hotaru continued her journey to were Midori was seated until she was right in front of him. Midori's breath hitched a note. Hotaru sat beside him and said proudly ,"This is Tachibana's disguise. If my team mates found me hanging around your office they will surely question Tachibana and I haven't found a way to break the news down to them. If they cann't tell that its Tachibana then I have no explaining to do." Midori could feel his body reacting rather too favorably to her close proximity and it wasn't serving him any good.
" Midori-san shouldn't we be on our way. I don't want to be the reason you're late for work," Hotaru said standing to her feet. Midori hesitantly stood up not sure for the first time in his life whether he was up for going to work . He wore his charcoal grey pea-coat. Hotaru examined him for a second and found his tie askew. The doctor was always perfect so he would always be nothing but perfect. Her hand grabbed onto his blue satin tie and started pulling him down. Midori gulped at her sudden actions. Was she telepathic now? She pulled the tie up and aligned it with his shirt. Hotaru released his tie and dusted off his coat. "Now Midori-san looks perfect as always, neh?" she commented while leaving completely missing out on Midori's epically disappointed face.
The road to Hoshishiro hospital was as eventful as he had anticipated. Hotaru perched a pair of oversized black framed glasses on her nose as they left the taxi. Hotaru wasn't taking chances with anything. Midori was still debating on whether to send her home or not because as it was every male that passed their path was eyeing her with a look he rather knew too well. A predators look. Midori wrapped his arm around her waist possessively and walked into the hospital reception. The sterile smell of the hospital filled Hotaru's nose. She scrunched up her nose a bit while trying to get accustomed to the smell. Midori led them to an elevator where he pushed a button for the third floor. "Midori-san? Why are you holding Tachibana in that manner?" she finally asked. " If you want to achieve your goal undiscovered you should really stop calling yourself in the third person and polish up on your alias's name ," Midori said still not releasing her from his grasp. "Tachi. .. I mean I agree with you. The name is Minori(* Minori means Truth)," Hotaru said. Midori chuckled," The irony in that is rather plausible "
They exited the elevator when it stopped at their level. Hotaru and Midori had walked a few steps when she froze mid-stride. "Hn? Why aren't you moving " Midori asked. " Haruki-san is coming right at us, " she said trying to escape from Midori's clutch but he wasn't budging. Midori's goofy child like smile splayed on his face. " It's only Haruka-san. Morning Haruka-san," Midori said.
Haruka having heard his name turned to face Midori who he had avoided on purpose. He hated that guy. He raked him with his rather cold eyes. That's when he noticed the woman Midori had beside him. Haruka stared at her and her attire. He wasn't aware that Midori even liked women to begin with. But Haruka only liked Nii-san and no woman was going to change that fact. Haruka was a bit put off when he discovered that his Nii-san was still avoiding him but he wouldn't give up. Looking at the pair his eyebrows knitted together. Any friend of Midori's was not a friend of his. The lying deceitful bastard and his fake tendencies. Haruka was no fool. He glared down at Hotaru as he answered Midori," Morning Midori-sensei. Who's the unlucky woman who attracted your attention?" Midori had noticed the way that Haruka had stared at Hotaru and he hadn't appreciated it. His mouth turned up in a twisted sadistic smile before his glare leveled with Haruka's in an equally intimidating manner. Haruka had never been at the receiving end of Midori's glare and he didn't want to ever again. " Wouldn't you like to know Haruka-san? Why don't you ask her some other time when she's kind enough to waste time on a man who has brother complex issues, hn?" Midori said before his face returned to his goofy smile. " Catch you later Haruka-san" Midori said walking away. Haruka's squeezed his fists ,his fingernails almost drawing blood. Damn him to hell. What did he know? The blonde looked at him sympathetically. He didn't want sympathy especially hers.
end of chapter 3*