Chapter 7
Haruki replayed his conversation with Rika over and over again in his head. "Hotaru and the king. Together? No no no," he thought out loud. He refused to accept what she said even with the stone hard evidence accompanying it. Hotaru had be avoiding him more often than usual. Kanae was always coming up with some elaborate excuse to make up for her disappearances. Haruki slapped the side of his head. " This can't be real. There's absolutely no way in hell that Hotaru is with that bastard Nagamasa!" he shouted.
Yukimura and Matsuoka were playing a game of cards when they heard Haruki raging. They ignored it at first . "Mattsun have you done anything to anger Haruki-kun?" Yuki asked. Matsuoka settled his blue eyes on Yukki feeling a bit offended. "Why did you have to go and assume that its my doing? Probably he hasn't entirely gotten over his awkward years. He might have noticed something he didn't like," he said blowing out smoke. Yukki raised his hands to his chest and pouted. "How could Mattsun say that? Maybe we're reading this the wrong way. Has Haruki-kun been dating a girl?" he asked. Matsuoka dragged in some smoke and held it in. " Huh ? Not that I know of. Although he seems to like Hotaru," Matsuoka said. "Tachibana-chan must be really popular. Even Matsuoka-san couldn't resist the temptation at one point. Getting all red in the face when she hugged you," Yukki said moving his shoulders suggestively. Matsuoka sputtered on the smoke. " I couldn't help it okay. She was the second person after you who stood by me even when I was the one who abandoned her. I guess it was more of adoration than it was love. It took a while to understand how I truly felt but now I know. On the other hand... " Matsuoka and Yukki both stared at the door were an enraged Haruki was panting. He had tried calling Hotaru again but the same woman had answered . Matsuoka put down his cards and went to check on Haruki. "Haruki are you alright?" he asked. Haruki didn't feel okay. His future had been snatched from under his nose. Haruki supported himself on Matsuoka's shoulder. "Mune you have been holding back on some vital information about Hotaru. I know that you know something that I don't,' Haruki said staring him dead in the eye. Matsuoka gulped. Haruki wasn't the best person to tell what he knew. The Hosokawa heir was a ticking time bomb. He scratched his head in thought. "Haruki I suggest you take a seat, " Matsuoka said turning away from him. Haruki knew then that whatever Masamune was about to tell him wasn't pleasant. Yukimura kept on looking at the two of them in confusion. Was there something he was missing out on. "Mattsun why is Haruki-kun trying destroy my little apartment? I know that it's a bit filthy but at least none of my things are broken. At least none of them were damaged. That was until Haruki-kun almost broke my door off its hinges. I might have been promoted at work and all but what good is a promotion if I spend all my money on repair work," Yukki cried. "Tooru will you shut up! I'll get your stupid door fixed. Mune tell me what I need to know," he demanded. "What do you know?" Matsuoka asked. "Don't even get me started. Maybe it's a prank call or whatever but she sounded dead serious," he said. "Apparently Hotaru and the king are together at this late hour. Impossible right? Right Mune? Why aren't you agreeing with me? It's a joke right? " Haruki asked. Matsuoka wanted to pass it off as a joke too but it was impossible. Especially when he knew what he did. "Hotaru and Midori have developed a complex relationship. One that I believe goes beyond the borders of friendship," he said. Haruki's eyes darkened in color. He squeezed his fists struggling to accept the truth. "What do you mean that they were getting extra chummy. Nagamasa doesn't think along those lines. The guy is as thick as lead when it comes to emotions, " Haruki stated. Matsuoka shook his head. "That's what I would have said as well if I hadn't seen what I did for myself. A few weeks ago I was coming from work when I spotted Hotaru and Midori walking together. I was curious about what they were up to so I trailed them," he said. Yukki couldn't help smiling at Matsuoka. "So Mattsun was spying on them. I never thought that Mattsun was a closet pervert busy following a couple around. Even if one of them is Midori. And Mattsun still hangs onto his ex's old stuff. He was probably jealous to see Midori moving on, "Yukki ranted. Matsuoka's brow twitched. "I was not jealous. Stop misleading Haruki with your crazy ideas. I was concerned about Hotaru considering who she was with at the time," he said. "Yeah right, " Yukki retorted. " No more interruptions you two! Or else I won't say another word. So they stopped by an ice-cream parlor were my fellow hosts usually brag about bringing their dates . So obviously that was a date. Midori acted ...differently. He behaved like a changed being altogether. Above all he seemed genuinely happy not the usual professional polite smile. He handled her with so much tenderness it felt unreal. Or maybe I read too much into the lines," Matsuoka said shrugging his shoulders and pouring himself a drink. "This is insane. The king is not the type to romance a woman . So what the hell is he playing at!" Haruki complained.
The alarm went off rousing Hotaru from her sleep. She took a quick look at Midori who was sleeping soundly. She sighed, obviously he wasn't going to switch it off. She reached her arm over and hit the stop button. Midori had sensed her shifting but he wasn't about to let her leave the room. Not yet. He drew her into his chest where she tried pushing him away. "Midori-san! Tachibana is well aware that you are a snuggler but you're killing me over here, " she said. He released a small huff. "Just 5 more minutes Hotaru then I'll let you go. Fufufu..Is that what you expected to hear?" he chuckled. Hotaru's heart thudded in her chest creating an unsteady rhythm. "MIDORI-SAN!" she yelled. "Hotaru tell me exactly what you think. If you had nightmares every single night and you found a charm that drove those terrible dreams away. Would you allow that good luck charm to leave just because it feels that it has to go?" he asked. "Midori-san of course I wouldn't . But Tachibana is certain that you'll be late for work if you continue holding onto me like a life raft. And besides Midori-san can always come home to Tachibana while his mother is around. So you can get a good nights rest any time you wish," Hotaru said. Midori's eyes snapped open as he gazed upon Hotaru with sparkling pale blue eyes.
"Hotaru do you really mean that. I've never been as happy as you made me today. Well at least now I know that my mother's have other purposes other than making you miserable. They can also make wishes come true," he laughed. "Midori-san of course mothers mean well for their children. For instance Tachibana and her mother sometimes have arguments but she's always concerned about my well being," she summarized. "She's the one I look up to the most and also I want to be just like her. Mother always stands up for what is right. Even when she got kicked out of the family dojo because she had selected my father as a life partner... " " What do you mean kicked out of the family dojo?" Midori asked.
"My mother's family owns a dojo. When Tachibana's mother decided to marry my father they did not approve. They wanted someone who could protect mother, someone who was able bodied. When mother continued her job as an inspector she got hurt and the family blamed father for being unable to protect her and letting her take a dangerous job. Father has always been weak and he had poor health but my mother loves him dis-regardless. But the family thought that an alliance like that would tarnish the family name so they disowned us all. All my relatives turned their backs on us and left us alone. Tachibana doesn't mind anymore. People like that do not deserve Tachibana's attention, "she said.
Even in his wildest dreams he would never imagine that Hotaru had gone through that much at a tender age. You could never tell from her bright smile and her positive attitude. Midori patted her head. "You're strong Hotaru-chan and so is your mother. Continue fighting for what you believe in and I will be there for you too . Whenever you need anything you can always come to me. Earning the respect of others serves no use if they are forcing you to do the things that ultimately leave you unhappy . Even if the family never acknowledges you I'm glad about one thing. You came along as a result of that union and I'm grateful for that. I actually pity your family for never having the chance to meet someone as amazing as you, " he said. Hotaru's eyes welled up with unshed tears. No-one had ever shared her pain and understood her as much as he had. " Midori- san.. " her lips wobbled with emotion. Midori's heart picked up pace. Had he said something she didn't agree with. "Midori-san thank you for saying that to Tachibana. I needed to hear that, " she said burying her face in his chest as she attempted to hide her tears from him. "Hotaru-chan you don't need to hide from me. Let me know how you feel and I'll figure it out even if it takes time, " he said in a lower gentle voice. 'Midori-san is so amazing. He doesn't even mind that I was troubling him with my own problems' she thought.
Rika sat at the kitchen counter drinking a hot cup of coffee. All had gone as planned and now she could relax. Her son entered the room but Hotaru was nowhere in sight. Rika scanned the area behind Midori. "Midori where is Hotaru-chan? " she asked.
Midori looked her way as if he was seeing her for the first time. "Hn? Hotaru-chan . She couldn't make it. You see it was too much for her to handle, " he said grabbing himself a cup of coffee. Rika's mind raced. What did he mean? Did he really kill her last night because of what she had done?She shook her head. Midori had to be jesting.
" Midori-san where is she ?" Rika asked feeling a bit alarmed.
"Covered up somewhere. I don't remember," he answered noncommittally. Rika paled. Was her son truly a murderer?
" Good morning Rika-san. I'm sorry Tachibana couldn't make it on time," Hotaru said. "Hotaru-chan I've never been more relieved to see you. I was worried for a second , " Midori's mother said. "Mother , Hotaru-chan and I are leaving together so if there's anything that you need feel free to ask." "Midori go on ahead. I'll do well alone. "
Haruki's senses were on high alert. He was in danger of being jumped by Haruka and at the same time he had to watch out for Midori. This was so nerve wrecking. The nurses were giggling as they passed by him. Obviously they thought he was Haruka. And Hotaru had promised that she would be there for him. The nurses began whispering and moving to the northern wing of the hospital.
"Are you sure it's her?" "Positive. Besides who else would Midori enter with apart from her." Haruki's mind began piecing the information together. Obviously this woman had to be important if she could have the whole hospital in a buzz.
"Nii-san!" Haruka yelled wearing that obsessive smile of his. Haruki took a sharp look at the fast approaching Haruka. He didn't think twice as he dashed away. 'No way What was I thinking getting myself in this ridiculous situation.' he said. Hotaru was turning the corner when she suddenly crashed to the ground. She reached out her hand in an attempt to break her fall. But with the weight of the offender added on top of her , her wrist was sprained. She winced in agony. Haruki had been making a mad dash for it when he accidentally crashed into someone. He silently groaned as he looked at his victim. Only to find himself face to face with Hotaru. His face flushed at how awkward this was going to be. Hotaru was surprised to find Haruki staring at her all red in the face. She tried standing up but her wrist felt painful. "Haruki ,Tachibana is aware that you like her a lot but now I can't get up. "
Haruki instantly felt bad for hurting her even if it was by mistake."Hotaru I'm sorry. I was running away from that insane brother of mine. Fortunately or unfortunately in your case I bumped into you . Let me lend you a hand, " he said reaching out his hand.
She handed him her left hand which he grabbed and pulled her up.
"I'm sorry about this Hotaru," he said as he looked at the slowly swelling hand. "In a good way Tachibana gets to be Haruki's first patient. Although I hope you won't go clobbering people to increase the number of patients in the hospital," she joked. "Now that you mention it . If less people do come to the hospital I can always force them to be admitted, " he laughed. Haruki had achieved his goal of locating Hotaru but then the most difficult question was yet to be asked.
Haruki led Hotaru down the hallway to the small office that had been assigned to him. The off white walls served to remind him that he was still a small fry in the medical practice. Unlike Haruka who was now a licensed medical practitioner. Why had the youngest received the rights that belonged to the first born son? Life could be so unfair.
"Wow. This is really cozy Haruki. I would enjoy hanging out with you here. But of course you have to work and I don't want to land you in trouble with your supervisor," she said sitting herself down. Haruki felt elated that Hotaru wanted to hang out with him in his cramped up little office. Besides there wasn't much to do. "I'd like that Hotaru. I'll take all the sympathy that I can get. Especially when I have to withstand the Hoshishiro team," he said retrieving some crepe bandage from his cabinet.
"I'm sorry about this. This might hurt a bit. You'll need to keep your hand high at all times and if the pain persists just come and see me. I'll get more tests done on you, " he said as he began wrapping the bandage around her hand. "Hotaru there's something I've been meaning to ask you."
Hotaru looked up at him. "Haruki what is it?" "Well Hotaru it's just that you've been pretty distant lately. And your behavior is kind of weird. Why do I get the feeling that you're hiding something important from me?" Haruki asked.
Hotaru's sweat went cold. Had Haruki caught onto her? But when? She had been planning on breaking the news to them earlier but she failed. Haruki's blood boiled when Hotaru didn't answer him. Then was everything true? Was she seriously with that bastard Nagamasa.
"I called last night Hotaru and guess who answered the phone. Midori's mother. She told me that you were together with Midori .At first I thought that it was some sick joke but it turned out to be the real deal. Just to confirm I called Kanae to validate what I'd been told and turn's out that Mrs Nagamasa hadn't been lying and the only one who's been lying to me is you. All I want to know is why?" Haruki fumed.
Hotaru's eyes widened in fear and shock. Things weren't supposed to turn out like this."Haruki I honestly wanted to tell you earlier but I feared the way you would react if you found out. As it stands all of you barely manage to tolerate Midori-san. How was Tachibana supposed to tell you the truth? " she said. "For starters the Hotaru that I know doesn't go about deceiving people. This is not like you. If we didn't understand you could have forced us to understand. Tell me the truth Hotaru." Haruki demanded. Hotaru took in a sharp intake of air. "Midori-san and Tachibana are together. But not under the circumstances that you think. Tachibana has only been living with Midori-san for almost a month now," she explained. "I couldn't say anything before because of when Matsuoka-san thought that Midori-san and I were dating he started reliving his nightmares. The mere thought of Tachibana being involved with Midori-san in any way made him suffer. " Haruki laughed in disbelief. The situation was far much worse than he had anticipated. Midori had skillfully snatched Hotaru from under his nose and all she was exposed to was nothing but him. The king was surely smart alright.
"If you knew that those were our feelings then why did you betray us . Couldn't you live with someone else we trust," he said. She sighed as she lost herself deep in thought. Hotaru in determined to make Haruki understand and not let Midori get caught in the cross fire. If possible she would quarantine the issue making sure that only Haruki found out. If she failed Yukki would most definitely blame it all on Midori and go on a rampage. Masamune would never be able to look her in the eye.
"Tachibana couldn't abandon a friend in need of help. And besides Midori-san offered me a great deal.I couldn't say no," she mumbled the last part out. "So what you're telling me is that in all the time you've lived with Midori nothing has happened between you two," Haruki asked. Hotaru stared him dead in the eye."Haruki you are questioning Tachibana too much like some chief interrogation officer. Tachibana refuses to answer any more of your questions." she replied with a huff. Haruki squeezed his eyes shut as he digested everything Hotaru had disclosed to him. She was living with the bastard alright but from her reaction he couldn't tell whether he'd made a move on her or not. "Tooru and Mune deserve to know what's going on. There has been some level of unrest because of your actions as of lately," he said massaging his temples. Hotaru's lips wobbled. "Haruki will you please let Tachibana be the one to tell them the truth. I don't want them pointing fingers at Midori-san," she said. Haruki felt annoyed by her defense of the king. He understood that she was grateful to him but she wanted to burden the whole blame upon her shoulders. "Do as you please Hotaru. But I don't think that they'll be as easy on you as I was," he said. "Tachibana will take full responsibility no matter what. Haruki thank you. Tachibana will see you later," she said taking her leave. "Yeah later," he replied opening the door for her. He watched her figure retreating in the distance. "Hurry up and come back to me Hotaru, " he whispered.
Midori was about to take his break for lunch when the door was burst open. Fujimon jumped at the sudden intrusion. Usually no-one had the gall to invade the doctor's office in that manner. Fujimon peered at an infuriated Yukki who had Matsuoka in tow. "Yukki we agreed to discuss this like civilized people. Midori I'm sorry about this," Matsuoka apologized.
Midori was intrigued. What could be the reason for the pleasant visit. " Hm? I don't mind . Come on in. Have a seat," he offered. "This is not a friendly visit. And Mattsun don't you dare apologize to him again. I can't believe that Hotaru was being deceived by this bastard and we didn't know it, " Yukki vented. Yukki wanted to pummel Midori repeatedly with his fists but he had a feeling that Hotaru would never talk to him again. How had they missed it and the sadist doctor continued smiling at them as if nothing was amiss." So I take it that you finally discovered the truth about Hotaru-chan," Midori concluded. "You bastard taking advantage of Hotaru like that!" "Ehh! What are you talking about Midori-san isn't dating Hotaru-chan. He's with this cute nurse Minori-chan . I saw them together with my own eyes, " Fujimon said in defense of his Midori. Midori rested his face in his hand. The show was definitely interesting. He'd even forgotten about the special appearance of the bold and tempting Minori. He chuckled.
"Fujimon is this 'Minori 'woman blonde and about Hotaru's height? " Matsuoka asked. Fujimon nodded his head profusely. "That's about it. You're right," he confidently proclaimed. Yukki's eye brows twitched. "Why you! I'll kill you!" he said running towards Midori. "Hm?" Midori said. Midori barely moved but Yukki face planted on the ground. "How did you? "Yukki grumbled. " What is up with you guys. Don't you realize that this is a children's hospital?" Fujimon reprimanded barely recovered from the attempted attack on Midori. "Masamune you've been oddly quiet. Don't you have something to complain about also," Midori asked his pale blue eyes hardly showing any warmth. Matsuoka shivered from the cold reception. "I wanted to wait until everyone had gathered their bearings. Before Hotaru told us the truth about what has been going on between the two of you, I had a feeling that you were dating, " he said. Midori's eyes widened slightly before he jokingly slapped his face. "Oh? And that bothers you Masamune," he asked obviously enjoying himself. "It did actually," he confessed. Hotaru had no idea what she was getting into by getting herself involved with Midori. But he knew and he wasn't about to let her suffer the same way he did. "Masamune I never imagined that you were the jealous type. But alas wonders never cease. And why did you think we were dating anyways. The small incident at the hot springs wasn't convincing enough for you so you decided to go snoop around elsewhere Masamune. My guess is you didn't like what you saw. But it doesn't matter anyways. I have developed a rather unhealthy desire for vanilla ice-cream with strawberry sauce. Some cravings can never be satisfied. Some things need to be consumed daily to keep the addiction from surging," he smirked. Matsuoka froze. His mind raced as he recalled the night when he first saw them together. Wasn't that Hotaru's dessert! "You knew all this time! "Midori reconsider. Hotaru has barely grown up. She doesn't even comprehend what she's doing sometimes. Can't you find someone else, "he pleaded. Midori was amused that he was trying to save Hotaru from his clutches. Midori removed his glasses and placed the on his desk. " I take it that Hotaru refused to leave my side. I don't have any qualms about that either. I respect her wishes," he said standing up."And one more thing Masamune. If you're going to spy on me try being more stealthy." Fujimon was appalled as he let everything he had heard sink in. "Minori-chan is in actual fact ... Hotaru-chan. Ehhh I did not see that coming. So that day at your apartment... that woman that Midori-san was with," he mumbled as his face grew hotter. "Fujimon lead the way. I'm starving. And these incompetent men keep on proving their worthlessness to me repeatedly. I've worked up quite an appetite, "he said. "Midori-san I'll pay for lunch. Order whatever you please, " Fujimon said his cowlip merrily swinging around already discarding the issue at hand. "That's great Fujimon. I'll order some pork katsu-don," he said clapping his hands. "You bastard don't ignore us," Yukki growled. "Hn? Yukimura I forgot that you were here. I guess eating dirt does suit you huh. We're leaving now so try not to damage anything," Midori said exiting the room.
"Mattsun we failed completely. I can't believe Midori got his way after all we've been through. Hotaru won't even hear a single word against Midori," Yuki cried. "I don't understand why either Yukki. Maybe we should comply with what she wants for a change. See how it goes," he sighed. "But Haruharuki-kun..." "I know. He'll have to pave a path for himself," he said pocketing his hands and leaving the office. Yukki perched his glasses on his nose and silently hoped that Matsuoka was right.
Kanae checked on her best friend. After Hotaru told her about everything that had happened she knew that Hotaru was having a difficult time. The pink haired female watched her friend as she took a nap on her bed. "Oh Hotaru," she whispered as she grabbed a white blanket and covered her.
Kanae couldn't help sympathizing with her friend. She was in in a very sticky situation . Hotaru who had absolutely no experience in relationships had been thrust into a taxing situation. Kanae couldn't resist wanting to meet the famous Midori who had everyone on their toes whenever he was around. But from Hotaru's description he seemed like a regular guy. No different from Matsuoka and the rest of the ToyGunGun gang. If there was really no difference that worried Kanae. Kanae felt relieved that at least she didn't have to continue carrying the burden of that lie. Her instincts had been warning her that Haruki wasn't buying it. Well lying wasn't her strong suit to begin with. "Hotaru I know you feel terrible for hiding that secret from your friends for so long. But you only did it because you didn't want them hurting. But I think it's for the best that they now know. Whatever the reason they have differences between each other I think it's your sole duty to help them patch up. You never give up on hope Hotaru so maybe fate has handed you a very critical task. They can't stay mad at you forever after all you are Hotaru Tachibana," she said as stroked Hotaru's head. Kanae didn't know how long she sat there watching over her best friend. "Girls supper is ready. Get down here before everything grows cold! " Kanae's mother called. " Hotaru," Kanae called as she shook her awake. " Hmm?" she answered. "Mom is calling us down for supper. Wake up. If you want to feel better you have to eat something at least." "I'm not hungry" "Hotaru! Don't forsake food for the sake of childish men. It's unbecoming and I won't allow it." "Kanae why can't you understand Tachibana" "Hotaru I said that I won't allow it. You should consider your health for once," Kanae complained. Hotaru sat up prepared to yell at Kanae when she was dragged out of bed. "I knew that you were distantly related to the Hulk," Hotaru mumbled. " What did you say!" Kanae said giving a her a playful punch on the shoulder. "Ouch! Now Tachibana really has broken bones," she said.
The Yajima's sat at the dining table alongside with Hotaru. "Kanae I thought you said your boyfriend was coming over for supper," her mother said. Mr Yajima snapped his chopsticks in two. Kanae's face went beet red as she ran back upstairs. "I forgot! Damn it!" she cried. "Language young lady," her father called after her. Mr Yajima unwrapped another pair of chopsticks. Hotaru couldn't help snickering at his reaction. "At least I have one other daughter who is not infatuated with boys and makeup. Right Hotaru? " he asked giving her a distant glare. Hotaru bottled up her laughter immediately . " Yes dad," she said as she sipped her water. The door bell rang at exactly seven o'clock. "I'll get it ," Hotaru said. Knowing how Mr Yajima was acting Hotaru didn't want Raiden to be frightened away. " Raiden-san , " she sang out as she swung the door open. Red eyes zoomed in on her clearly shocked by her attire. Red clashed with green for a moment before green looked away in despair. "He'll be here shortly. Have you forgotten your manners. What about a hello Hotaru?" Masahiko said. Hotaru gave him a bright smile. "Excuse Tachibana for a second," she said slamming the door in his face and bolting upstairs.
Masahiko stood on the porch glancing at his watch. When he had overheard Raiden conversation with Kanae he decided to tag along. He was bored and Hotaru made things interesting. But he didn't appreciate having the door slammed in his face. He'd have to punish her later for that. Raiden righted himself before he rang the door bell. "Masahiko why are you just standing there? I thought you hated waiting," he said. "Some circumstances could not be avoided," he answered. As the door cracked open Raiden wore his legendary smile. A burly man stood in the doorway casting Raiden an icy stare. "What do you want?" he asked in a deep baritone. Raiden never knew that Kanae's father was so... scary. "I'm Raiden Kobayashi. Your daughter invited me for supper Sir," he said as a sheen of sweat formed on his brow. "Is that so? Come on in, " he said stepping aside to let him pass. Inside the house sat a prim and sharp looking Kanae. And a troubled looking Hotaru. Kanae stood up to greet her boyfriend. "Raiden . Hey. Seems like you made it after all. Even Masahiko. Although I have an idea as to why Masahiko is here," she said. Raiden gave her a knowing look which Kanae understood. Raiden and Masahiko greeted everyone. Before they took their seats right across the girls. Masahiko sat opposite Hotaru. Hotaru was crying inside.' Tachibana realizes that she has been terrible but why did I have to be punished with the date from hell again. I'm sorry. I'm sorry' she thought. Mr Yajima frowned and shook his head. "Hotaru you disappointed me ," he said. "Dad I can explain. Masahiko-san is only here to support his friend, " she said. Mrs Yajima giggled. "A handsome young man doesn't just leave his fortress to support a friend," Mrs Yajima said. Hotaru failed to understand what Mrs Yajima meant." Does Masahiko-san own a castle? How cool," she said. Mr Yajima found those words comforting. Masahiko chuckled.
Dinner went on smoothly. But Raiden was roasted by Mr Yajima whenever he was awarded the opportunity. " I've made some dessert. You can have it outside," Mrs Yajima announced. Raiden and Kanae went for a walk leaving Masahiko with Hotaru. '
"Sit down ," he ordered. Hotaru sat on the porch swing feeling defeated. "Here, " he said giving her a gift bag. Hypnotic red eyes continued to watch over her. "I noticed that you arm is all wrapped up. What happened?" he asked . Hotaru accepted the gift. "Thank you. Earlier today I fell and a sprained my hand by accident so I shouldn't be moving it unnecessarily," she said stabbing her cake. "I was aware that you were clumsy but causing self harm is overboard," he commented. "Did you want to make Tachibana feel better or worse. Because you're making me feel worse," she complained. Masahiko ignored her and fished out his phone. Hotaru stuffed her face with cake forgetting that her mouth had capacity limits. But she needed something to make her forget about the person sitting beside her. " Why are you wearing that ridiculous outfit anyway? " he asked. "This is something that I treasure. I find nothing wrong with a bunny onesie, " she said. He didn't despise the way she looked. He found it quite adorable and refreshing. Hotaru's cell phone began to ring. Hotaru checked the caller I.D and answered. "Are you coming back tonight, " a smooth male baritone asked. "Yes. Tachibana apologises, " she said getting up. Masahiko recognized that voice from anywhere. It was that man from before. But it was no matter. "Masahiko-san thank you for the gift. I have to leave now," she said. "Sure, " he answered. Hotaru said her goodbyes to everyone else then she left.
Midori stared monotonously at the takeaway boxes he had placed on the kitchen counter. Nothing had been touched at all because his stomach refused to acknowledge its staple food. Before Hotaru had moved in eating takeaway was his norm and now the green haired doctor couldn't bring himself to eat it. Originally he had planned on letting Hotaru spend the night at Kanae's but he failed. His body had a mind of its own and he ended up calling her. Midori checked his watch again feeling disappointed that she hadn't arrived yet. He chuckled at how pathetic he felt for being so reliant on her. Footsteps echoed in the passage as Rika entered the kitchen for a glass of water. She was surprised to see her son sitting so motionless at the kitchen counter. Rika remembered what it was like to be young and in love. Waiting by the telephone for her husband to call even though she'd never admit it to anyone. "You're still up?" she asked. Midori broke from his trance as he took notice of his mother. "Yes," he answered. Rika sat beside her son and rubbed his back. "Be patient Midori. I agree that Hotaru-chan may not be my ideal daughter in-law. But she cares for you so she'll be back soon. Whatever the misunderstanding was you can work it out together. Though it's likely your fault that she hasn't come back yet," she said. It was partially his fault , mostly depending from what point you where viewing it from. A faint smile touched his lips. "Thank you mother. You can be helpful sometimes," he said raking his green locks. "Mothers are always right. She'll be back soon enough," Rika said.
Hotaru fumbled with the keys. Managing with her left hand alone was more difficult than she had imagined. The keys dropped onto the ground. She left out an exasperated sigh. As she was about to bend down to pick up her keys the door swung open. Pale blue eyes studied her for a moment before he bent down to pick up her keys. "Midori-san you didn't have to do that but thank you anyways," she said. "You're welcome Hotaru-chan. But what happened to your arm?" he asked. Hotaru fidgeted for a second. Midori had no idea that Haruki was the reason she got hurt so she could play it off easily and avoid another misunderstanding. "Tachibana was so careless. I tripped on my shoes when I was going down the stairs," she lied. Midori's heart clenched at the thought of seeing her helpless and injured. "Luckily Haruki saved me. He's the one who treated my arm, " Hotaru said swinging it a bit."Hn. Alright then get in . We need to talk," he said turning his back on her. Hotaru's blood pulsed. Why did everything seem like it was a dejavu? Then she recalled her nightmare. The one that had haunted her for a while. She gulped as she nervously grabbed ahold of Midori's shirt. Hotaru's tears steadily dropped to the ground as she expected Midori to rip his shirt from her grasp. Instead warm arms enveloped her. Hotaru sniffed into his chest. "Did I say something to upset you?" he asked. "No Midori-san. Tachibana was afraid... afraid that my nightmare was becoming a reality," she said.
Midori laughed at how afraid he also was when she started the water works. "I'm never going to leave you Hotaru-chan. Even if you push me away I'll always be there. Anyways how am I supposed to leave you if you are looking that adorable in that bunny outfit of yours. Somebody might try to whisk you away" he said gently wiping away her tears. "Now can we get inside so that I can tell you what I wanted to say," he asked. Hotaru nodded her head. Midori's eyes sweeped across the pink gift bag on the ground. He hadn't noticed that earlier. "Is that yours Hotaru-chan?"he asked as he picked it up. Hotaru looked at the pink bag. "Ah! Tachibana almost forgot about that. My date from hell decided to be thoughtful towards Tachibana. Knowing him it's probably something that'll kill me," Hotaru mumbled. "You don't mind if I break the seal?" he asked suddenly feeling anxious. Hotaru who was already digging through the takeaway bags mumbled a "Sure". Midori was curious about what potential threat the giver possessed to have made him like this. He snapped open the bag and found nothing unusual. A get well soon teddy bear, card, box of chocolates and a Tiffany box. Wasn't Tiffany a fancy label his mother preferred. He shrugged his shoulders and opened the box. The light was suddenly too bright. He shielded his eyes as he gazed upon the golden bracelet. A beautiful little piece with five jewel encrusted fireflies attached to it. Obviously the guy had put some thought into it . Who would have guessed that the Devil was giving away Tiffany. "I'm impressed by what your hellish date got for you. You should introduce us some time. I believe that we might share a lot in common," he said laughing it off. Hotaru spared him a glance from her food. "Masahiko-san does play it off cool like Midori-san. Maybe you're right. But the thought of meeting him again gives Tachibana the chills. It seems that he only appears after I have committed a great sin to make me atone for my bad deeds," she said.. "Eh ? Is that true," he chuckled. "When you're done I need you in our room. There are some matters we have to address." "Yes Midori-san," she saluted.
end of chapter 7*
Thank you for all the love. And to all my loyal readers I give you all the thanks. I'll do a proper profiling of Masahiko Hasegawa so that you can picture him clearly and understand him more. I never thought I'd go this far with this book but here I am. I usually write from the main character's point of view but this is the second time I'm writing from the third party's point of view. If you have any ideas or anything you want to see added to this story let me know. I'll definitely put into consideration. Continue reading please. :)