Chapter 15

ISHIKAWA RESIDENCE

Kaname parked his car in front of the main big door and Risa was still trying to hide her shock of looking at how big is the house in front of her.

Risa : (looking around)

Kaname got out from the car and gave the keys to his driver whom was standing at the stairs.

Driver : Welcome back Kaname-sama(bowing)

Kaname :There is bag inside my car,take it and put it in my room.

Risa : (getting out of the car)

Driver : Right away,Kaname-sama.

Risa saw the driver and she bowed a little when the driver bowed at her.

Kaname : What are you waiting for Okumura?an invitation card?

Risa : (rolling her eyes)

KANAME’S ROOM

Risa : Why am I in your room again?

Kaname : Why?You don’t want to see your boyfriend’s room?

Risa : What?

Kaname : You want to go to the guest room? No,I wont let it.What kind of boyfriend let his girlfriend alone in a guest room.

Risa : (pissed off)

Kaname leisurely takes off his coat and loosen his tie before sitting on the edge of his king sized bed.

Risa :What is life now (rubbing her head)

Kaname : Don’t be a doll and stand there not moving.Do anything you want just don’t make a mess and disturb my stuffs

Risa : What do you expect me to do in your room Ishikawa-san?(annoyed)

Kaname : Make yourself useful?

Risa : What do you mean?

Kaname took of his tie and walked straight towards Risa.

Kaname : Well,it depends on how you want it.

Risa : (confused)Im going out.

Kaname : Where do you want to go?

Risa : Anywhere except here.

Before Kaname could even respond,suddenly somebody knock on his door for a few times .The door swung opened and Mia came barging in

Mia : Welcome home love birds!

Risa : Love..what?

Kaname : She is all yours Mia.

Mia : Come here Risa.Everyone is here to get you all ready for tonight’s special dinner!

Mia swiftly took Risa’s hand and pulled her out from Kaname’s room.Mia closed the door and turn to Risa

Mia : Never in my life I see Kaname bringing up girls to his room (winks)

Risa : He is drunk.(annoyed)

Mia : Im serious.Anyway,come,lets go to Karin’s room!

KANAME’S ROOM

Kaname was sitting at the edge of his bed,spacing into space thinking about Risa’s reactions when he brought her up to his room.He laughed when he remembered the look  on Risa’s face when he mentioned the word “boyfriend “ to her .

Kaname : What is wrong with me anyway (rubbing the back of his neck)

KARIN’S ROOM

Risa walked in to the room to find that it was filled with shoes and make up kits on the table.And there is several men and women in the room,and all of them are looking at her.

Mia : So,which one first?

Risa : (gulps)

NEXT DAY

Kaname was sitting on his chair,looking at then outside through the windows.He still has his coat on and he didn’t even bother taking it off after arriving at his office.Risa on the other hand,is in Karin’s room since Karin insisted that she go to her room after Kaname fetched her from her house.

Kaname : I need to get use to this anyway .

KARIN’S OFFICE

Karin : Everyone is talking about you Risa!

Risa : Why me?

Karin : Yesterday?Or you cant remember anything?

Risa : Not planning to remember.Or I remembered is how hard was it to walk in that black dress

Karin : (laughing)

Risa : …

Karin : Anyhow! I’ve talked with others.And discussed on your case . I think its okay to let you free on weekends. The press seems to like what happened yesterday so I doubt there will be any bad news coming out.Good ones perhaps.But we cant let you linger around alone on weekdays.Press is everywhere, especially the city of course.

Risa : I get to stay home on weekends?

Karin : Yes.I hope you are safe that’s all.

Risa : It wont be a problem at all Karin.

Karin : Anyway,did you tell Kaname about you and America?

Risa : Not planning to.

Karin : waiting for the right time to smack him with the facts eh?

Risa : You read my mind.

Karin : I hope it works.He’s too dumb anyway.

Risa : Dumb you say.

Karin : So,are you free to help me do more sketches…?

Risa : Im all yours Karin.

Chapter 14 -Cakes

CAFÉ

Risa sat across Kaname at the table and Kaname did the ordering.He didn’t even ask Risa what she wants at all.Risa just sat there looking at Kaname being Kaname.

Kaname : That’s all.

Waiter : Thank you (smiles)

Risa : (blowing her hair)

Kaname turn to Risa and look at her.

Risa : If you are trying to search for ideas to mock me,try again.

Kaname : You don’t have to go back home,you’ll get ready at my place.

Risa : What?

Kaname : The dinner starts at 7 at Ishikawa Hotel and Suites.I’ll call the saloon people to come over my house to do your hair.

Risa : (looking at her long hair)

Kaname : Don’t ask me anything.Blame Karin for this.

Risa : I can tolerate with that.

Kaname didn’t say anything after that and he kept looking at the people outside of the café while Risa on the other hand kept staring at him

Risa : Don’t you just feel weird looking at yourself Ishikawa-san?

Kaname : (turning to Risa)

Risa : Yourself.

Kaname : Why the sudden question?

Risa : You look like you’re not good with people.

Kaname : I don’t

Risa : That explains.

Kaname : …..

Risa : Don’t you go out with you friends?

Kaname : Why are you asking me these kind of questions.

Risa : Why cant I? I saved your reputation.

Kaname : What are you trying to do?

Risa :I am just talking.You have not seen anyone doing this?

Kaname : What?

Risa : TALKING.

Kaname :…

Risa : So,don’t you go out with friends?

Kaname : No.

Risa : Not even the other guys?

Kaname : You mean Isane and Akira?

Risa : Or them,yes.

Kaname : no.

Risa : Your life is boring.

Kaname :What does got to do with you

.

Risa : It has nothing to do with me.Im just trying to say that your life lack of colors.Its dull and all grey.Grey is sad.And not everyone can stand sadness .

Kaname stared at Risa,not knowing how to react to her precise words,describing his life all these years.

Kaname : What do you know about sadness?

Risa : Everyone been through phases of life Ishikawa-san. You cant be selfish and think you are the only one who has to face sadness.Everyone has gone through the same thing.

Kaname : What about you?

Risa :I asked you first.

Kaname : You talk to much.

Risa : Rather than being like a living corpse,I rather talk.

Kaname : Oh really?

Risa  Yes.So,let me ask you again.Dont you go out?

Kaname : I seldom go out.

Risa : All about work?

Kaname : Not really.

Risa : Don’t  you go out for drinks?Movies?

Kaname : Not really.

Risa looked at Kaname with such a sadistic look

Risa : you are such a sadist.

Kaname : What?

Risa : Sadist.

Kaname : What is a sadist.

Risa : (pointing at him)

Kaname : Me?

Risa : You.

Their conversation was interrupted when the waitress came to their table to serve their drinks and cakes Kaname ordered for both of them.

Risa : (looking at the cakes)

Kaname : Don’t tell you are a sadist too.

Risa : Even sadist eats cakes (annoyed)

Chapter 13

CAFÉ

Aya : Whats his name again?

Risa : I-sa-ne.Ishikawa Isane.

Aya : Sounds wow to me.Whats with this company anyway.

Risa : I don’t know.

As they both were talking,suddenly Mia walked in went straight to the counter to order.

Myu : Konbawa Mia-san(smiles)

Mia :My usual please (smiles)

Myu : Eh! Meet our new owner !(gesturing Mia to turn around)

Aya : (smiles)

Mia : Oh yes,Ohara did mention about a new owner! Nice to meet you..?

Aya : Nakazawa Aya-des(smiles)

Mia : Nakazawa-san.Im Ishikawa Mia.

Aya : Ishikawa?(surprised)

Aya turned around to look at Risa whom are busy minding her own business.

Mia : Eh? Risa-chan?

Risa : (turning to Mia)

Aya : You both know each other?

Mia : Yes yes of course we do!

Risa : Mia-san?

Mia : I was searching for you actually

Risa : Im sorry,I was bored so I went down here.

Mia : Kaname knows?

Risa : No.

Mia : (laughing)

Risa : Is there anything I need to do?

Mia : No no,nothing.Im just going to take you out to prepare for the dinner tonight.But,wait,you guys know each other?(looking at Aya and Risa)

Aya : She’s my childhood friend(smiles)

Mia : Really!?

Risa : Yes.

Mia : What a small world…

Risa : So,I need to follow you?

Mia : Yes yes,but wait let me pay for my drink first.

Aya : No no,its okay.Its my treat today (smiles)

Mia : Eh?

Myuu : (smiling)

Mia : Are you sure Nakazawa?

Aya : Yes .My treat (smiles)

Mia : Thank you so much!!

Risa : Where are we going?

Mia : You might want to wait for Kaname’s call (laughing)

Kaname : What call?

All of them suddenly turn around to look at Kaname whom just walked into the café .Kaname was looking straight at Risa and Aya just rolled her eyes when she saw that.

Mia : How did you find us here?

Kaname : Well,it does not matter.

Mia : Alright alright,shall we make a move now?Oh anyway Kaname,meet this café’s new owner,Nakazawa Aya.

Aya : (smiles)

Kaname : New owner?Nice to meet you Nakazawa-san.Ishikawa Kaname-des.

Aya : Nice to meet you too.

Mia : She’s your girlfriend’s childhood friend(winks)

Kaname looked at Aya and Risa with such a surprised look.

Kaname : That’s such a coincidence.

Mia: Okay now,lets go??

Kaname : I get my car.

Risa : (sigh)

Aya : Good luck!(whispering to Risa)

All of them walked out of the café leaving Aya alone in the café with the other workers.Myuu suddenly went up to Aya and eyed them too.

Myuu : Aya-san… did Mia just say that your friend is Kaname’s girlfriend?The one in the papers?

Aya : You saw them too?

Myuu : (nodding)

Aya :Well,papers are always right I guess.

Myuu : hmm hmmm..

BOUTIQUE

The boutique is located at one of the malls own by the Ishikawa Groups. Each of the family members has the special card where they can just use that card to shop there instead of using cash. So,usually all of them would just shop there instead of anywhere else.

Eri : Welcome Mia-san!(smiles)

Eri is one the workers in the boutique. The boutique specialized on special events dresses and that’s why Mia brought Risa there. The manager,Mami is one of Mia’s friends and she usually handles the special orders from customers.

Mia : Is Mami in?

Eri : She went out not a while ago.

Mia : Oh its okay then! Anyway,meet Risa.Okumura Risa.

Eri : (bowing)

Risa : Nice to meet you(smiles)

Kaname : Just make it fast.

Mia : Can you like get her a black night dress?

Eri: Only black or you want black with other color?

Mia : Is all black okay Risa?

Risa : Only black?

Mia : All black then.Alright,you sit here okay Kaname.Dont go anyway.Im gonna go to the toilet for a while.I’ll be right back!

Mia took her handbag and walked out of the boutique ,leaving Kaname and Risa with Eri in the boutiquw

Mia : Im such a bad cousin (laughing)

Kaname was sitting on the couch located in the middle of the boutique while Risa is just standing there looking at Eri picking several black dresses for her.

Risa : I never like dresses (sigh)

Kaname : Koyomi-san is not in?

Eri : She went to fetch her daughter for a while.She’ll come back.

Kaname : Just pick one Eri.

Eri : we must let the lady choose among these!Okumura-san,why not you try this one first?

Eri handed Risa a long body hugging black dress with a slit on both sides.The black dress is made out of soft sain material with pearls around the neck.Risa thought that she would rather die than have to wear that one.

Risa : Its so revealing…(speechless)

Eri : Or this one?

Eri showed Risa the second black dress.It is the usual night dress,its high waister and the top of the dress is made out of glitter material with a simple gold lining around the neck.The bottom part is made out of silk satin so that it gives such a volume to the dress.It has bat sleeves made out of net material and Risa thought it would be better compared to the other one.

Eri : Try is first?

Risa : Alright.(hesitating)

Eri showed Risa to the big white fitting room and asked her to press the button once she is done.The fitting room is all white with a bright light on every corner of the walls.It is one beautiful fitting room Risa thought.

Risa : What kind of a fitting room is this anyway…(confused)

Kaname on the other hand just minding his own business and he just watch all the passers by walking outside the shop to kill his time.

Eri : Whats with you Kaname?

Kaname : Nothing.

Eri : Where did you find such a charming girlfriend ?(winks)

Kaname : Somewhere.

Eri :You and your “somewhere”. Risa seems to be such nice person.

Kaname : You think?

Eri : I have good eyes remember? And I am married.A married woman has gooooood instincts.

Kaname : You are your instinct.

Eri : It’s always right.

Kaname : I hope this time.

Eri : Im always right Kaname.Dont tell me you still hopes on Haruka

Eri is quite close to Kaname since they have known for almost 9 years.Eri is now 32 years and she is married to one of the Ishikawas.Which makes her,a Ishikawa too.Kaname is close to Eri and Koyomi because two of them are like sisters to him

.

Kaname : Can we not talk about this.

Eri : (laughing) As you wish old mannnn.

Eri went to the fitting area to check on Risa because its been a quite a while.

Eri : Okumura-san?Is everything okay in there?

Risa : aaaaa… I need help.

Eri waited for a while until Risa finally opened the door and walked out from the room.

Risa : I cant seem to reach the zipper at the back (worried)

Eri : Come here,let me help you.(smiling)

Risa turned around so that Eri can help her with the back zip.RIsa hold her long hair up so that it would make Eri’s job easier.When Eri is done,she let down her hair and turn to face Eri.

Risa : So..?

Eri : Oh my god it fits perfectly!

Risa  turned around to look at the big mirror and when she saw herself in the mirror,she gulps.

Risa : Are you sure about this….

Eri went to Risa and pulled her to the showroom area where Kaname is sitting.

Eri : Kaname look!

Kaname whom were looking at the floor,lifted his head up when he heard Eri’s voice.He flinched a little when he saw Risa in that black dress,looking very elegant and different in a  way she looks very very professional.Kaname hids his surprise and showed her a straight face.

Kaname : Change to another one.

Risa : Hah? What?Are you crazy?

Kaname : Eri,find another one.

Eri : you don’t like it.

Kaname : Just let her try another few dresses.

Risa : (glaring at Kaname)

Eri : Alright then,wait here while I’ll go pick a few more!

Risa turned around to walk back to the fitting room but then suddenly she tripped over the carpet and just her luck,somebody was fast enough to catch her.

Risa closed her eyes as if she knew she was gonna hit the floor when she lost balance a few seconds ago.But then,suddenly she felt her waist being grabbed and she was pulled by someone.She quickly opened her eyes to see Kaname staring down at her with his right hand  around her waist.Risa was so speechless that she cant find her voice and neither Kaname.None of them moved until Eri came and let out a sinister cough.

Eri : Ehemm.I know you guys are so attached together but Kaname,would you please let Risa choose a dress first?

Kaname :oh yes..Im sorry.

Risa looked at Kaname with such a blank face and she wanted Kaname to take his hand off but she don’t know what happened to her voice that time.

Kaname : What?

Risa :..your..hand?

Kaname realized that his hand is still around Risa’s waist that he quickly pulled his hand and stepped back.

Kaname : I didn’t mean to..nevermind.Go and change.

Risa let out a sigh before following Eri back to the fitting room.

Eri : This dress you would need me to help you with it.So don’t worry alright.

Risa : Thank you so much.

Eri : Can I call you Risa?

Risa : …yes why not(smiles)

Eri : Risa-chan,what do you think of our Kaname?

Risa : (shocked)

Eri  : No,its just its been a while since Kaname is seen with a girl.I know what happened alright.Dont worry.

Risa : Does all Ishikawas knows about the incident.

Eri :That’s Ishikawa family’s policy.If you are a Ishikawa,nothing gets left behind.

Risa : ….

Eri : So,hows everything so far?

Risa : (sigh)

Eri : He is annoying?

Risa : How do I put this,he is like annoyance,then you multiple it with infinity.

Eri : (laughing)

Risa : : But I think…

Eri whom was helping Risa with her back zip stopped and she turn Risa around.

Eri : You think?

Risa : No its jus a thought that’s all.He seems to be hiding something.

Eri : Hiding?

Risa : Well,look at him.One second he is nice,well not so nice to me.The second he is like the devil from the deepest hell.One more second he is stoic.And another second he is like a devil in disguise.

Eri : (looking at Risa)

Risa : Nevermind,just forget it…So how do I look?

Eri looked at Mika from top to toe and suddenly Eri shakes her head.

Risa : I look ugly?

Eri : No no no.(laughing)

Risa : I look fat?

Eri : I like the previous one better.This one makes you look normal.

Risa : So,Im abnormal?

Eri : : no no no.Its just I love the previous one better (nodding)

Risa turned around to face the big mirror and she twirl around to have a better look of herself in that dress.

Eri : I’ll call Kaname?

Kaname : I like the previous one better.

Risa and Eri quickly turn to Kaname’s direction and both of them were shocked to see him leaning on the big door frame,looking straight at Risa.

Risa : (speechless)

Risa was quite speechless and worried too.Who knows he might have heard everything she told to Eri.

Kaname walked straight at Risa and stopped a few steps infront of her.

Kaname : (looking at Risa)

Risa : So?

Kaname : Try the previous one again.

Kaname turned around and left the dressing room,leaving both Risa and Eri dumbfounded.

Eri : Kaname is just being Kaname (smirks)

Risa : Alright,so where’s the dress?

After trying the dress again,Kaname agreed and asked Eri to pack the dress while he waits at the showroom.Risa sat at the chair near the counter,trying to arrange her messy hair and she was unaware that Kaname was looking at her all the time.

Risa : Whats with this hair anyway (pissed off)

Kaname  cant help but laugh looking at Risa struggling to comb her hair using her fingers since she left her comb at home.

Eri : Now,where did Mia go?

Risa: Now that you mention it…

Suddenly Kaname’s phone rang and it was Mia.

Kaname : Where are you?

Mia : I am so sorry!I have to rush back home since Isane asked me to do something.So,I leave Risa to you alright!bye!

Mia hung up before Kaname could even respond.Kaname looked at his phone and let out a sigh.

Risa : Is she coming?

Kaname : no.

Risa: No?

Kaname : No.

Risa : What do you mean no?

Kaname : I’ll send you home.

Risa : No thank you.

Kaname : Im sending you home.

Kaname went to the counter and took the big paper bag with Risa’s dress in it and walked straight to the main door.

Kaname : Are you planning to sleep  here at the boutique Okumura?

Risa : (sigh)

Kaname walked ahead of Risa and Risa just tailed behind him as he walks around the mall.Suddenly Kaname came to a halt but Risa didn’t realize she was already ahead of him.She stopped and lifted her up to find Kaname is not infront of her.Risa looked around and she turned around to see Kaname standing infront of a café.

Kaname : We’ll dine here.

Risa : Hah?

Kaname ignored Risa and entered the café.He didn’t even bother to wait for Risa whom are so confused and lost by his sudden actions.

Risa :Can I just kill him.

Chapter 12 - Cafe

COFFEE CAFÉ

Risa : What?

Aya : I bought this café (winks)

Risa : (confused)

Aya : I am not joking.

Risa : How did this--

Aya : I was talking to the previous owner since last week. So here I am.

Risa : And you didn’t even tell me?Seriously you bought this!?

Aya : It was a good deal.The owner is moving out of Japan and I called him at the right time.Well,I’ve told you Ive always wanted to run a café.

Risa : But ..but this is too sudden.

Aya : Nothing is ever too sudden Risa (winks)

Risa : I had to many surprises for now (rubbing her head)

Aya : More to come?(lifting her eyebrows)

Risa : Your mother knows?

Aya : She’s the one suggested .She’ll be coming here later.

Risa : The fact that your mother learnt about coffee and pastries ..it makes sense now.

Aya : And now now now.Look at the bright side.Im sure your boyfriend would allow you to hang here?

Risa : Who cares.Anyhow,what about the workers?

Aya : He left all of them to me.Which is like 6 of them. 3 of them are well trained baristas so I don’t have to worry. 2 of them loves baking.Another one can handle all the arrangement. No w,I need to settle the agreements and everything.

Risa: Its so sudden I need more time to digest.

Aya : I met them earlier.Well,I can still remember their names.The 3 baristas over there,the one with piercings is Shinji,the one with the green bandana is Sho and the last one is Aoi. Trust me,all of them are 24.I feel so young but don’t tell them Im 23. And,the cashier,as you can see is Myuu. The other two whom the ones doing the bakings and everything is Megumi and Yuuki.

Risa : Sounds like a good manager to me.You remembers all their names already.

Aya : I need to be extra friendly to them.First times are always so nerve wrecking.

Risa : Anyway,no free drinks for me?Im thirsty.

Aya : I know you would ask that.

KANAME’S OFFICE

Mia : eh?

Kaname : What?

Mia : (looking around)

Kaname : What?

Mia : where is Risa-chan?

Kaname : I don’t know.

Mia : (glaring at Kaname)

Kaname : I don’t know

Mia : You are such a bad boyfriend Kaname.

Kaname : I am not even her boyfriend

Mia : Whatever.For now you are.We need to go find a dress for her and do her hair and make ups and everything.Call her.

Kaname : (looking at Mia)

Mia : Call her?

Kaname : Call?

Mia : Don’t tell me you don’t even have her phone number..

Kaname : I don’t

Mia : (sigh)

Kaname : Ask from Karin.

Mia quickly takes out her phone and called Karin.

Mia : Karin?

Karin : yes yes yes?

Mia : Can you send Risa’s number to Kaname?

Karin : HE DON’T EVEN HAVE HER NUMBER!?

Mia : You can kill him later.

Karin : Tell him to not come home tonight.

Mia : I will.

Karin : I’ll send it to him right now.

Mia : Thank you!*hungs up

Kaname : Why must you send it to me?

Mia : Because you are her boyfriend.

Mia walked towards the door and before opening the door,she turned around to face Kaname.

Mia : I’ll wait at the lobby.