Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Japanese.”

“English.”

Most seasons of the year end with a remarkable event. Whether it be buying a new car or moving into an apartment, there was always something happening.

However, for Kimiko Himura, her remarkable event was getting dumped at the beginning of her senior year of college.

Pierre, now her ex boyfriend, admitted he was interested in someone else. The confession blew her away, surprised that he would suddenly throw their relationship away like it was nothing. Or perhaps it was because he was her first boyfriend that she felt that way. Regardless, Kimiko was heartbroken and didn't bother to listen to whatever bish-bosh excuses he told her. He was dead to her, especially when she saw him and his new girl dancing together at a party an hour prior. 

In the midst of crying her eyes out in her studio apartment, her phone rang. She sniffled, rubbing the tears from her withered eyes to properly read the name on the screen. 

It was her Mom. Great. Now she'll have to tell her about how Pierre broke up with her. Could things get any worse for her? 

Reluctant, but eager to hear her Mother's voice, she picked up the call. “Hey, Mom.” She spoke, hoping the weakness in her voice didn't show through. 

Attending Boston University for her last two years was a hard choice to begin with, especially since she'd see her Mother only during school breaks. However, they called regularly to make up for the distance. It was her Mom after all who encouraged her to move across America to better her education. 

“Kimiko? You sound like you've been crying. What's wrong, dear?”

Damn. Right on the nail. Kimiko wiped her nose with a tissue, ridding the accumulated snot.

“It's… been quite a day for me.”

“Me as well, but it shouldn't stop you from telling me what happened.” Kana paused for a moment. “Is it about that Pierre boy you said you were dating? Did he do something bad? If he did, wait until I get my hands—” 

She laughed at her protectiveness, glad to have a parent who genuinely cares. “H-He broke up with me.” 

“I knew it, I knew it! I didn't like that boy since the beginning!” Her Mom snarled. “And why should it be him breaking up with you? What did he do to hurt my daughter??”

She could picture her Mom shaking her hand in the air, cursing the boy for existing.

“He was dating another girl, Mom. I should've seen it coming since he was distancing himself from me, but… I guess I'm glad it's over now.” She admitted, feeling a few more stray tears sweep down her face. 

“Oh, honey…”

“I'm okay. Boys are dumb anyways. A waste of time.” Kimiko reassured, sliding the blanket over her legs. “So uh, I know you called me for a reason. What's up?”

A long sigh was heard. 

“Well, I know this is a sore subject—” 

Her stomach churned at her apprehensive tone. “Mom…” Kimiko sat up in her bed, pressing the phone closer to her ear. 

“You know what? Never mind. I'll tell you another time—”

“Mom, seriously. What is it?” She pressed further, dabbing her wet eyes with a tissue. “You wouldn't call me at nine at night for no reason.” 

With the timezone difference being only three hours, it wasn't difficult to get a hold of each other. Her mother, whose clock ticked at six in the evening, had ample time to talk. But at the harsh news of her daughter going through post breakup emotions, she was wary to detail the main reason for calling. 

“Promise you won't get mad?”

She scrunched a hand through her hair. “Just spit it out.”

“Well… It's about your Aunt.”

Kimiko froze. 

“She isn't doing so well. Seems like her health took a dive. From the sounds of it, she should be okay. It was just a health scare.” Her Mom, a seasoned nurse, explained. “But she's requested to see you—”

“No.”

“Kimiko, let me finish.” The following silence cued for her to continue. “... I understand you went through a lot back then, but you have to remember that it was your Uncle who orchestrated it, not your Aunt. She's innocent too, y'know.”

She held her face, closing her eyes.  The last she's heard of her relatives was a long, long time ago. Even if they did call, her Mother probably never disclosed it to her. 

“But yes, Aika wants to see you. She says she misses you a lot and wants you to come by for a little.”

“And what about Ken?” She tentatively asked, the tightness in her throat returning as did her past memories she wished to forget. 

“He's… genuinely remorseful for what he did, but that's based on my judgement.” Her Mom confessed. “He's also offered to pay for your college tuition if you do come and take care of your Aunt for a bit.”

"I'm sure there's more to it than that.” She remarked doubtfully, laying down against her pillows.

Anything he said was too good to be true. She learned that the hard way. 

“Well, there is.” Kimiko slapped her forehead, calling the front. “It seems like he wants you to show some face while your Aunt regains her energy.”

“Again, no.”

“I told them November would be good since there's Thanksgiving break, but they'd prefer it if you come sooner.” 

“There's no way in hell I'm going back." She reinforced. “And I'm supposed to spend Thanksgiving break with you! Not— not with my conniving Uncle! Why do you get to decide whether or not I go back to Japan??”

When was the last time she even spoke Japanese?

“Look.” Her Mom sounded tired. “I at first didn't want you to go back either. What your Uncle did to you is wrong and even I'm ashamed to have let him go that far without knowing his full intentions. On that note, I think it'd be helpful for him to pay for your lengthy tuition. He's got too much money he doesn't spend, and scholarships only cover half your cost. And, I want you to think about your Aunt. She's dying, Kimiko.”

Her fingers found the edge of her fleece DIY blanket, fiddling with the knotted fringe. “Her… health was never the greatest.”

“Ken is scared she'll go another year without seeing you and it might be too late.”

“Then, why won't you go to Japan, too?”

“Kimiko…”

“You never did tell me why you won't go back.”

“I've told you this before, and I'll say it again. I will never go back to Japan because America is officially my home now. Period, end of story.” Kana glanced at a nearby framed photo. “... Honey, I want you to sleep on it. I know it's easy to say no, I understand, but your Aunt needs you. Besides, I think… you should make amends.”

She scoffed. Amends? Even after learning that her Uncle still wants her to make an impression on those rich folk who only care about their wealth and reputation?

“Yeah, no.”

“Fine. Don't go at all. But if you do, remember that you went to support your dying Aunt.” Kana bit down, resisting a word splurge about Kimiko's old friends that she refused to speak about. She knew her daughter had other connections to possibly rekindle. “Besides, it'll be only for a month. You'll be back for Christmas.” 

The young adult sighed, turning onto her side. “I really don't know, and I've got school, exams—”

It was her final year of college and every grade counted towards her graduation. If she were to leave for Japan, it might ruin the future trajectory she planned. 

“Like I said, sleep on it. It's not a decision that I expect an answer for by tonight since there's a lot to consider. I know you're going through a lot.”

Kimiko's sage green eyes trailed to the pinned photos of her and Pierre on the nearby wall, grimacing at the cheesy sight. “...I'll think about it.” She replied meekly. 

“Good. Well, I'll let you go so you can rest. If you wanna talk about it further, we can in the morning or whenever you define an answer.”

“Alright, Mom.” She climbed out of the bed, clamoring over to the decorated wall. “Love you. Thanks for calling.”

“I love you too, honey. Goodnight now.”

Snapping the phone shut, Kimiko promptly pocketed the cellphone before yanking all of the pictures off the wall. The polaroids, printed 4x6s, and paper cards ripped, plummeting to the trash bin sitting below it. She sighed, throwing a stray hanging photo to the mix before cupping her jaw, thinking about the recently ended conversation.

Just when she thought she got over Japan, it was coming back like a deep rooted weed. Was the vow to never return just a slew of words to justify her initial leave? Or was it to comfort her aching heart that suffered so greatly? She didn't know anymore. But, she knew that going back to Japan was permanently removed from her life itinerary— until now.

“This sucks.” She muttered into her palm. “Aunt Aika gets sick, and Ken wants me back? And for what? To take over his huge ass business? Yeah, right…”

Her Uncle's lack of an heir was not her problem. Just because they couldn't have kids doesn't mean he could rope her into his tech business, and through wicked means too. How could a person come up with a plan to secretly set their niece up with their business partner's son just to secure their money? And, without even telling her anything about it? That was outright selfish of him to believe she'd willingly take over his empire, nevertheless fall in love with any of the suitors he had in mind. 

At that time, Kimiko had no plans of dating. Now, she really wasn't in the mood for finding another boyfriend nor dealing with her Uncle's crap. 

But if she did go to Japan…

A few select people flashed at the forefront of her sulking. Their faces, slightly blurred by the passing of time, brought an aching pang to her heart. She reached up, clutching her shirt as several questions arose about their whereabouts in life. It's been three years since she's left. Three years and no explanation as to why she suddenly departed. If they still cared, which she wished they didn't because of her abrupt decision to leave, would they be curious to see her too?

Or were a few of them still scheming with her Uncle to gain his favor and fortune? That, she did not know. Quickly, she banished the thought to a corner of her mind, knowing that if she continued to surmise the truth, she'd succumb to another spout of depression. 

“Why am I actually considering it?” She muttered, sitting on her bed. “Ugh, I think this calls for some feedback…”

Reaching to the foot of the bed, she dragged her laptop over and pressed the power button. The screen lit up for a few seconds, showing the welcome cycle before the home page popped up. There, Kimiko clicked a video calling application and logged into a private group. 

9:17 - kimmi_01

hey guys

if you have a chance to talk

i need yall asap

an SOS of sorts

A long minute later, someone replied.

9:18 - *devonito*

r u ok??

9:18 - kimmi_01

besides pierre breaking up with me

 i'll live

but seriously need opinions abt smth

9:19 - soraya <3

WAIT WHAT (@~@)

9:19 - *devonito*

i'm coming for his ass when i get the chance

he better watch his back that mfer

he lucky im in oregon

Reading their responses brought a needed smile to her face. 

 9:21 - kimmi_01

yall free for a video chat?

its a lot

and im overwhelmed

9:22 - soraya <3

give me a few

doing laundry 

9:22 - *devonito*

i can!!

Instantaneously, a notification for a group call popped up on the screen. Kimiko hovered over the accept button, clicking it. In doing so, her laptop camera turned on, showing the dried runny mascara that flaked on her cheeks. Kimiko winced at her deplorable appearance.

“Kimikoo!” A friendly face popped onto the screen after taking a second to load. “You gotta tell me what the fuck happened!”

Devon, a young adult who sported curly hair, gray eyes, and dark sand skin, was one of her childhood friends. She's the fireball and troublemaker of the group but with good intention to have fun. She was also the one who was never scared to say what was on her mind. 

“Hi, Dev.” She laughed, watching as her friend strangled the air in front of her. “Sorry I didn't text you guys sooner about the breakup.”

“Oh, if I could get my hands on that skinny white boy—” Devon breathed out menacingly. “Ugh, whatever! Karma will get his ass! But hey, don't worry about not telling us right away. Like you said, you were overwhelmed— more like, still are.” 

“Yeah. It's been an eventful evening for me.” Kimiko grabbed another tissue, blotting it with her water bottle before attempting to wipe off her ruined mascara. “I guess I should wait until Soraya gets in here—”

A little noise chimed from the laptop and another face appeared. 

“I'm here, I'm here!” Soraya leaned into the camera. “Oh, God! You look terrible, Kim!”

Soraya, the youngest of the three friends by a few months, had long blonde hair, brown eyes, and pale freckled skin. She was the nurturing mother type friend who fretted over their rebellious acts, but always joined in despite the potential consequences. All in all, she was a model good girl who tried to abide by the rules.

“She does, but I didn't wanna be the first to mention it.” Devon shook her head. “Anyhow, tell us what happened!” 

“Yeah! And don't leave anything out!”

Kimiko sighed, looking down at the darkened tissue in her hand. “I guess I'll start with how Pierre broke up with me… I got a text from him this morning to meet up after morning class. So, I did. We meet at a library and he's frank with me, saying he's not into me anymore because he likes someone else. Of course I do my best not to cry in public, and I go about my day— until I go to a house party that a classmate was hosting. There, I see Pierre and his new girl dancing together!”

Soraya, who was folding some clothes in the background, gasped. “Oh, he did not just do that!”

“That motherfucker knew you'd be there!” Devon's desk was a victim of her fist of fury. “He won't have any balls after I'm done with him!”

“I'm absolutely heartbroken again after seeing him dance with her and I come back to my apartment, crying my eyes out. But soon after, I get a call from my Mom. She then goes on to tell me that my Aunt had a health scare and wants to see me.” 

“Hold on.” Devon squinted. “The same Aunt from Japan? The one who is like a famous designer?”

“Aika, right?”

“Yeah, my Aunt Aika.” She grabbed another tissue. “She's not doing so hot, and Ken figures I should go and spend time with her before it's too late. I… am kinda leaning on—”

“Nuh-huh! Ken? I don't trust that fool anymore! Not after what he tried to do to you in Japan!” The curly haired girl spat passionately. “He can suck it!”

“Wait, Devon. Hear her out. I'm sure there's more to it than that.”

“Grr..” 

“You won't like it, but he's offered to pay for all of my tuition if I go. I uh, also have to go around and talk to the rich snobs until Aika is a little better.”

Devon crossed her arms. “No, and no! It sounds like he's up to no good again!”

“You sound like you're thinking really hard about it, Kim. I understand since your Aunt is really sick.” The blonde sympathized. “But I agree with Devon on this. You don't know if your Uncle is going to try and pull another stunt when you're there.”

“I'm gonna make sure he doesn't. I'll be there a month anyway if I decide to go.”

“Wait, when?”

“Novemberish.”

“That's ironic. Didn't you leave them in November?” 

“Huh…” Kimiko's eyes lowered to her lap. “Yeah, I did…”

Sensing the shift in her mood, Soraya quickly tagged on another statement. “So what did your Mom say about all of this?”

“She basically told me to go and support my Aunt.”

“Then, that's your reason to go. Keep it true and simple. You'll know what to expect when you go, and it's only a month, like you said. You'll be back in no time.”

Devon grinned deviously. “Or.” 

The two other girls glanced at each other through the screen, attentive to their friend's mischief.

“Or why don't you just go and wreck havoc of your own? Your Uncle led you on.” Devon reminded, clasping her hands. “So I think it's only fair that he gets a taste of his own medicine. Oh, how about this? You go to Japan and make him actually believe you'll take over his company this time around.”

Soraya gasped, covering her mouth. “Dev! That's actually a terrible idea!”

“Hey, you can't fault me for thinking of ways for her to get back at him! He did her so wrong! Ain't no way she's actually gonna marry a rich guy because Ken wants her to.” 

Kimiko was stunned. “Huh? Make him believe I'll take over? What are you on about, Devon?”

Her bold friend held her hands up. “Look. All I'm saying is that you should lead him on a false premise. You'll entertain a few rich guys that you might ‘marry’ like in his original plan, then back out the second he's about to hand everything over to you! Well, not that I think he would, but just fooling him would be enough.”

“Entertain a few rich guys?” She echoed lamely. “As if! Do you think any of them will be interested in me, the girl who ran home because she refused the offer to be a million—sorry, multi-billionaire heir?”

Anyone would see her as an idiot for not taking the opportunity.

“Uhm, yeah?” Soraya meekly chuckled. “You went to an elite academy. You know a ton of rich kids. They're gonna want to know what you've been up to since you left. It also gives you leverage for talking to people.”

“The rich are nosy.” Devon seconded. “Oi, but if you do go, wouldn't you run into your old friends from the… The Host Club?” 

If she could shrink into the size of an ant, she would've disappeared. 

“Devon…” Soraya scolded, seeing her friend hug her knees. “You know that's a sensitive topic for her.”

“I know, but we ought to address it now. It's been three years, Kim. Three!” Devon used her fingers to emphasize its importance. “It's time to face the music! Go uncover who's been bowing for your Uncle's favor, and make Ken feel like he's lost it all when you reject to be his heir, again! Revenge is the name of the game!”

She never once thought of getting back at her Uncle for what he did, but after hearing Devon's suggestion to make him feel betrayed like she did three years ago— the idea of returning to Japan sounded less repulsive. 

But if she decided to actually go, she'd have to make several arrangements and call her Mom.

“At least I'll get Pierre off my mind if I travel to Japan.” 

“Yeah, fuck that guy.”

Chapter Text

The days following the conversation of potentially returning to Japan haunted Kimiko like a ghost. Every moment she spent awake, the tiny, shadowed demons of her brain whispered whatever ridiculous suggestion Devon had said, thus blowing it up to the forefront of her mind. It distracted her, leaving Kimiko unable to fully focus on her studies nor get any rest. It basically rendered her useless and tackishly emotional. And when she had enough thinking of the ‘what-ifs’ and ‘could-haves,’ she physically came to a halt to finally make up her mind.

The past scared her. More specifically, it was what Ken meticulously planned to warm her up to the idea of staying in Japan longterm. He did it with such confidence and suave, convinced that his plan was foolproof and she’d succumb to his hand, and she almost did. Ken could try persuading her again, she predicted, but she will not allow that to happen. There was nothing stopping her from pursuing her dream as a Dietician, even if it was money or marrying rich. Both of those weren't on her mind. 

What primarily bothered her was her lack of choice. It wasn't given nor presented. If she was truly his daughter, she wouldn't have any say to whom she married. The thought alone made her shiver, reminding her of the ‘fight or flight’ moment she had years ago. 

Devon, the originator of the revenge idea that plagued her mind, apologized profusely when Kimiko told her that she was losing sleep over it. The friend didn't intend to torture her, and she voiced it. 

“Really, I didn't mean for it to get under your skin so bad.” She said over the video call.“I only said it because I know you're going to go back. You love your Aunt, and she had nothing to do with your Uncle’s shitty engagement plan.”

“You're not wrong.” Kimiko replied, watching as Devon cooked in the background. “But the longer I think about it, the more my anger and disappointment is fueled and it ends up going to your revenge plot.”

“Again, I'm really sorry—”

“I need some pointers.”

She saw her friend visibly lag before putting the wooden spoon down and march towards the camera. “Kimiko Himura?? Are you serious—! I just, what??”

“Did I stutter? I need some pointers to get this arc over with, and who else is better to ask than the person herself?”

“I don't believe it! I didn't think you'd wanna swindle them!”

“Specifically my Uncle, yes. I've got some gripes with him. But uh, I'm more so stuck on how I'm to actually execute the other half.”

Devon eyed her. “Girl, you're fucking with me, right?”

Kimiko smiled. “...No?”

“Oh, goodness. You've dated a guy and you don't learn anything about flirting? I've seen you work your way around men. Don't be shy.”

She scratched her cheek bashfully. “I can flirt. No need to pull out my roster of people I've spoken to. I just don't know if it'll work on those wealthy snobs.”

“Oh, it will. All men are the same and you know it. Just wear something that shows off your ass—”

Kimiko cupped her face. “Devon.”

“—or just be yourself! Dealer's choice! You're charming and you know it. And, couldn't you technically just speak with familiar faces so it's not as uncomfortable?”

She scoffed. “It'll be uncomfortable regardless. New faces or not.”

“I think you underestimate yourself, Kim. Way back then, you mentioned a lot of boys who became your friend, and boys don't befriend a girl for no reason.”

“Somehow, I'm getting deja vu from this conversation.” 

“I have without a doubt that there are still some boys who have that high school crush on you. It's how the world works. You don't see anyone for a while and boom!! They're back in your life and they've matured handsomely. So, got anyone in mind?”

She rested her elbows on the desk, holding her face as if to hide. “I actually don't.” She bit her tongue.

Devon pointed at her with the wooden spoon. “Lies, my dear. So what's stopping you?”

Again, those blurry faces came to her, their voices distant and her heart twinging with morality. 

“Because I think the only person I need to hurt is my Uncle.”

“Kimiko, all you're doing is a little show. Be an actor and say a few pretty things to some boys. You don't even have to mean it. You only gotta make sure your Uncle sees that you're getting along with them. And if they are involved with him, then fuck them too. But when it’s all said and done, you can come home and we can sing Kumbaya.”

She sighed, looking up to see Devon back at the stove, stirring whatever food she was cooking. “I hope it's as simple as you say.”

“It'll be up to you on how things pan out. But, I have faith. Those boys are grown. They can handle rejection.”

“Thanks, Dev.”

“Anytime, sis. But hey, if you do end up going, tell Soraya and I so we can call you and keep ya company.”

Kimiko stiffened, lacing her fingers together. The last significant time she was at an airport other than leaving for college was when she returned abruptly from Japan. She was a crying, hot mess and the people she called first were her two best friends. It was past midnight in the deserted airport and her Mother wasn't awake, but she knew her friends were. So, using the very few spare quarters that she found at the bottom of her bag, she called them with the public phone. She was so enveloped in tears and a tight throat that she can't recall much of the conversation. But, she remembered waiting alone in the dim sitting area, blasting her music loudly so she could force herself to worry about her ruined hearing rather than the upsetting truth.

“Yeah, I will…” 

“Alright. Well, I gotta go since my food is done. Why don't you give your Mom a call and see what she says? I’ll see you later, Kim.”

With that, the video call ended.

Kimiko looked at her phone. All it took was one phone call. One phone call and she’d be on her way to Japan in about a month. But even so, what would she truly do once she’s there? It’s easier said than done.

“Oh, who are you kidding?” She muttered bitterly to herself, shutting the laptop screen. “You hate that place with a passion, yet you’re so ready to go back…” 

The truth hurts, but as she sat alone in her apartment, she wondered what other truths could be found if she went back. Why else would she be thinking about it? And, was closure even an option if she was arriving with swinging fists? God, there were people she dearly wanted to see– but her stubbornness to enact a revenge of sorts was darkening her heart. It corrupted her, chanting for Kimiko to go and wreck anything and everyone who hurt her. She’d start as a head hunter with a list, but one thing is for sure: her Uncle will be at the top of it.

Strengthened by a clearer motive, she grabbed her phone, dialing her Mom’s number. 

“I’ll do it, Mom. I have conditions for when I do go and they'll have to abide by it if they want me in Japan. But when I come back for winter break, I want to know why you won’t go back.” 

It was a simple, but much needed ask to inquire since her Mom avoided the taboo topic. But to her surprise, Kana didn’t fight back.

A long sigh prefaced her statement. “I should actually tell you why I won’t go back since you’re going. I’ve avoided the topic enough, and you deserve to know… because it really will change how you view your roots. I should’ve told you the first time around, I know, but I just didn’t think he’d do that to you too.”

A foreboding thickness entered the room, grasping her lungs and crushing it. Along with it, the blood in her body ran cold and the world stopped, prompting her to speak so time could continue.

“...Mom? What– What are you talking about?” 

A phone call from his Father was like a scale. It could be about something good or something bad, and it usually inquired him to spring into action. Unfortunately for this instance in late November, the scale tipped in favor of his misfortune.

It was about one-thirty in the afternoon and he just left his last class for the day at Ouran University. He padded down the pavement, his bookbag in hand as he thought about his assignment the professor said was due next week. A few female voices reached out to him and he naturally responded back with a short reply to quell their conversational needs. His Host Club days may be behind him, but he still had some tricks up his sleeve. 

“Ah, it looks like duty calls.” Kyoya said as he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, making for the perfect getaway. “Excuse me, I must take this. It was a pleasure chatting with you ladies.”

Quickly, he opened his phone and strode away from them at a suitable distance, already knowing who the caller is. “Hello, Father.” He greeted, preparing for whatever his guardian might need of him.

“Kyoya.” An unprecedented excitement was evident in his heightened voice. “You have a chance to redeem yourself and you must take the opportunity.”

Taken aback by his rushed vigor, Kyoya needed more context. “That could entail many things.”

“Kenichi’s niece, she’s back in Japan and I want you to–”

Anything else his Father was saying went out the other ear. His hearing reduced to a shrill, ringing noise, and his breath escaped as a long, wispy cloud into the cold air. He stood by his car, staring blankly at the black paint as the unintelligible swirled in his brain. The phone in his hand suddenly weighed a million kilograms and he could no longer keep it to his ear. His arm lowered, resting the flip phone and bookbag on the cold vehicle as his head began to spin into an awful daze. 

He felt sick. So sick, he could throw up the sushi he had for lunch right there on the pavement. He swallowed any of the accumulated saliva in his mouth and inwardly begged for himself to not create a show for other students to see. His dignity was at risk, and it was all because of a girl.

Just why… Why would she come back? The bane of his existence was back and he had no idea why she’d make a ridiculous decision to return. There was nothing here for her benefit. She’s jumping back into the cavern of wolves and for what? Kyoya had some ideas, but was afraid any of them would come to fruition if he spoke of them. 

Begrudgingly, he raised the phone to his ear again, catching onto his Father’s rant before the adult could notice his absence.

“--I expect you to succeed this time.” Yoshio warned. “She’s back to care for her Aunt, and there’s many opportunities for you to create that connection with her since she’ll be at the hospital more often.”

Cynically, Kyoya almost laughed. There it was. The reason for her damned arrival. Was that all it took?

“I won’t make it easy for you, son. You’ve already let me down once.” His Father said, the disappointment palpable in his tone. “I know you’ve been actively trying to research her over the years and I’ve put a stop to your resources because I thought it was a lost cause. She may be back in our clutches, but it doesn’t mean you can carelessly get caught up in thrills and do as you please.”

“Thrills?” His voice came off more jutting than he tried. “You must not know me if you believe I am doing this for thrills.”

“Let me rephrase myself.” The desk chair squeaked in the background. “Don’t get carried away. I know you’re a young man with aspirations, but don’t let a woman dictate your life, even if she may be your wife in the future.”

Very strong words were tempted to be spoken, but Kyoya restrained the urge. The topic of his future was pertinent, but it was a path that he himself wanted to pave. While marriage wasn’t in the works, it became a sour taste on his tongue whenever his Father mentioned prospective partners that he approved of. Specifically, when it reminded him of her. 

“You said she’s arriving today?” Kyoya switched the subject, tired of his Father’s odd fixations “What time?”

“I believe Kenichi said her plane would land at three.”

Kyoya instinctively looked at his watch albeit too fast for his liking. “This is quite sudden.”

There was no time for any preparation.

“I didn’t expect this either, but we’ll work with what we’ve got. So, Kyoya, I trust you’ll do well to win her over. This is your final chance to prove what you can do.”

‘Win her over so you can take Himura Technology and Corporations,’ he thought with a foul mindset. ‘But you don’t get everything in life, do you?’

Without another reply, Kyoya snapped his phone shut, savoring the click of him hanging up on his Father. But upon doing that, he was left with the reality of having to pick up where he left off with a girl he hasn’t seen in a long, long time. Kyoya sighed, brushing his hand through his neatly combed hair. What was he to do?

First thing’s first, he had to start driving to the airport to retrieve her.

Between weaving through traffic and thinking of how he’d approach her, Kyoya felt like a train about to derail. The past was catching up to him faster than he imagined and there was nothing else to do than approach it before it got a headstart. The only difference between now and then was his age, wisdom, and what he could prevent from happening. The cycle was due to continue and fuck, he wasn’t ready for it to start today. It honestly could’ve been any other day for this shit to start up again, but let’s face the truth: He wasn’t one bit prepared for the inevitable to happen.

Pulling into the airport parking lot, he exited his car and began the hazy search for a girl whose face was imprinted in his memory. Time is a factor to how a person changes and he added it to his likeliness to spot her in a crowd. But the thing is, the longer he stood outside the gate waiting and scanning each passenger who exited the plane until the very last one, he realized an unforeseen scenario had swept past his conscience. 

She was upping the ante as if she knew he was coming to meet her.

“You haven't changed in the slightest.” Kyoya pushed his glasses up his nose with a disgruntled chuckle.. “And now I've got to find out where you've gone.”

From what he knew, Kimiko wasn't the type to be much of a prankster. But when the time calls for it, she slips away like a thief in the night. 

After his late revelation, Kyoya strode out of the airport, his phone tucked into his ear. He had some phone calls to make. And while his blood pressure was starting to rise, so was his interest to see Kimiko.

But in a blink of an eye, five hours were gone. 

His Father wasn't joking when he said he wouldn't make this easy. Any of his trusted resources that he had a good repertoire with turned down his request to locate Kimiko. Their reason? A higher power, aka his father, said to deny anything related to Kyoya.

Frustrated, he resorted to pulling favors from outside of his usual network. Contacting an old acquaintance from high school who owed him a favor, he asked the fellow alumni if they could locate her name through all of the systems in Bunkyō. A few locations popped up and Kyoya drove straight to those places, hoping he'd catch her before she ran away again. 

One of the places she recently visited was the cafe she used to go to. The next was a small shopping district, then a restaurant, and lastly a shop that sold sweets. Every place he went, Kyoya asked if they had seen Kimiko. After describing her, all of the shopkeepers said she paid for her bought items and left. Otherwise, they couldn’t note anything out of the ordinary. 

So, feeling defeated while sitting in his car and watching the sun switch places with the moon, Kyoya’s patience was below its threshold. He leaned against the wheel, his eyes worn out from trying to pinpoint a girl within the constant moving society they called Japan. But just as he thought about giving up, his phone let out a chime. 

Briskly, he answered the call. “Tell me you’ve got one more place in mind.”

His old classmate laughed at him. “You sound very desperate to meet her, Kyoya. What’s the rush? Don’t like the little game of Cat and Mouse she’s got you playing?”

“Cat and Mouse?” He loosened his jacket, feeling sweaty. “Never mind the games, Kazehaya. Just tell me if you’ve got a recent hit on another location.”

“I do have one. It’s actually right in front of where you’re parked.” Kyoya glanced up to see the building he was parked in front of. “I wasn’t kidding about her playing you. She’s a sly woman who led you on a goose chase– and you let her.”

He threw his jacket aside, his phone going with it from the quippy remark. Was it out of exhaustion? Or was he not wanting to acknowledge that Kazehaya was nowhere near wrong with his statement? Kyoya sighed for the umpteenth time, stepping out of his vehicle to approach the building. As he walked to the entrance, he debated on leaving her stranded.

That is, until he stood in front of an establishment he had never once stepped inside prior to this date. He’s been inside many buildings in Japan, most privy to his social standing, but this was a place he believed he did not belong despite being around the appropriate age.

The blaring music, bright hanging lights, and a mountain of voices drowning out others in the chaos of dancing bodies– he dared to say it was undignified for him to join the scene. The evening may have started, but he certainly didn’t want to end his day with a bunch of drunks, even if Kimiko may be part of the mix. 

“Show me an ID.” The bouncer at the door asked briskly, waiting for the well-dressed Kyoya to present his card. 

The young adult sighed, showing him an official ID with his name and everything else necessary on it. As the bouncer looked over it, Kyoya glanced past the door, inwardly preparing himself to enter the establishment. Did he even look the part? He peered down at his button-up, slacks, and dress shoes. 

The stout man held out the ID. “Sorry kid, but you're—” 

Before the bouncer could deny his entrance, another bouncer held an arm to his confused coworker. He shook his head, then looked to Kyoya with a more welcoming nod. 

“He’s good to go.” The new person said, granting him access. “Excuse him for his ignorance, Ootori-san. You're free to go inside. Have a good time.”

Kyoya accepted his underage ID and brushed past them, saying a quiet ‘thank you’ even though he knew what he said would most likely be wrong. He wasn't here for a good time. He was here to retrieve the sneaky American who slipped back into Japan without a notice and send her home. 

A small part of him was curious to see her, and the rest anxious about the reaction his heart may give uponing laying eyes on Kimiko. But alas, here he stood in a club in the middle of Bunkyō, searching for the girl who made him queasy for all the right and wrong reasons.