Disclaimer : I do not own Kannazuki No Miko. Kaishaku, TNK Studio, and GeneonEntertainment own it. I also do not own Visa. It is owned by Joseph Saunders and other key people. This story is purely fiction.

Author's Note: This is an AU story. I might not be able to update immediately, but I will try. Enjoy reading! And another note, I'm really sorry for the delay. So, how are you guys? Graduation practice was quite time consuming. Thank you for the patience to whoever was waiting. I also hope that you might endure this chapter, it's quite focused on one location. Thanks for all the faves from my other stories! I really do appreciate it. Tell me if there are mistakes. I will immediately correct it. Oh, and I seriously need a proofreader. Anyone up for the job? Pretty please with a cherry on top?

Music Note 1: Departure In Disguise

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." – J. R. R. Tolkien

In Tokyo, Japan, the airport was in its usual busyness. The unique smell wafted through the atmosphere mixed with perspiration of hurried people and tears of toddlers somewhere in different corners. Foreigners were arguing in different languages as others were cutting in the waiting line for the payphone, the carousels, the baggage check-in area, an the assistance centre. The rainy day was almost to be ignored as the crowd just outside of the airport were running to and fro from the sidewalk without umbrellas. Shouts from the cab drivers and the whistles of the traffic officers weren’t even heard as symphonies of text messages and calls were being attended. Yes, this was the Japanese travel life. But what was more important was in the interior, three people were standing out, unmoving unlike the rest.

A blonde, a brunette, and a noirette.

Kurusugawa Himeko, seventeen years old, looked at the digitalized board showing the departure times of different flights.

At least she tried to look at it.

Her companion was again, distracting her in a way that only best friends could do. Saotome Makoto, wearing a white faded fleece hoodie over her yellow t-shirt, black skinny jeans, and red heels, was grinning her usual grin, hugging Himeko with one arm around her waist, closing their distance between them tightly. Her bluish green eyes were having that exciting glint too. The rain couldn’t break even a centimetre of her mood today.

She could only sigh inwardly as she noticed Souma, wearing the black jacket Himeko had given her on his birthday under a white tank top, baggy jeans, and basketball shoes, was behind the two of them with both hands shoved in his pockets. Apparently, he was gloomy today.

“I can’t believe it, I’m going to America for college-” Himeko muttered in disbelief before she was cut off by Makoto.

“I know right, I can’t believe we got accepted! We got to pursue our courses where we wanted,” Makoto hugged her tighter with both arms now, wanting to jump. It was either she didn’t catch the tone Himeko was giving her or she was ignoring it completely.

The cute woman couldn’t help but frown deeper. “You mean you got to pursue your course in where you wanted.”

Makoto pulled away, one eyebrow raised. “What do you mean? We’re in the same college and we’re still going to see each other a lot.”

Himeko shook her head gently, already hesitant to explain this to her best friend. She did anyway.

“That’s not what I meant. I know you got my course right, but you were the one who applied me to this college somewhere outside Japan. And I don’t even want to go to America.”

The athlete blinked twice then proceeded to have that grin again. “Oh. Whoops.”

Himeko closed her amethyst eyes, blowing out a sigh. Her best friend can be so forgetful sometimes, so unaffected, and could only make so many mistakes.

Was this woman born without sympathy?

At the last day of school, when Makoto surprised her at their dorm that she got accepted in some college, Himeko was speechless. Not from the excitement but from the shock that she got accepted in a prestigious school that had visual and performing arts and athletics as their main focus in America, and not in Japan. How Makoto did that, she would never know. There, she reminded herself that Makoto could be such a schemer.

Himeko mentally groaned at that.

“Hey Himeko, remember my promise that I’ll be the one to enrol the both of us?” Makoto said, excited. It looked like she really wanted to burst out something from her mouth.

“…Yes?” Himeko said carefully, slightly startled at her tone.

“Well, I got us a spot in Emeret University and we’re going to America!”

“Oh come on. I mean I know you won’t get to see your precious little Sou-chan,” Makoto teased and winked at Souma, who blushed and then continued, “But I’m pretty sure he’ll visit you. I don’t know how he’d do it, but I’m pretty sure he will.” She finished, knowing that Souma didn’t have a Visa. Luckily but unfortunately for Himeko, Makoto and her already had student Visas due to the fact that Makoto practically dragged Himeko to be interviewed along with her, hoping to qualify to have the passports just a day after the ‘surprise’ Makoto had given her. It seemed that Makoto already had gotten ready for everything.

And the results were already obvious due to their high school records. Himeko wished that they didn’t though, knowing that Souma, her boyfriend, wouldn’t be too happy about the news. She always wanted to decline, but then whenever she looked at Makoto being so happy, she just couldn’t. And besides, she didn’t have a choice it was near school year in America so she couldn’t cancel her enrolment at the last minute and the fact that the universities in Japan were already starting. And she already missed months of study if she was going to stay in Japan. But sometimes, she hated being so…

Martyr. She thought, exasperated at the truth.

“Uh, yeah. I’ll definitely try.” Souma gave a comforting smile to a saddened Himeko before he approached her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and a hug. Makoto didn’t even resist smiling wider at the two sweethearts.

The athlete knew that Himeko and Souma were in love with each other before they even realized it since high school, guessing also that they go way back to childhood memories. And she was right when she asked Himeko about that when they were now closer than ever. Himeko and Souma were really childhood friends who had crushes on each other since forever.

It was excruciating for Makoto to even look at them during their sophomore year when they were still on denial mode. But finally, Makoto played Cupid in Valentine’s Day and then practically made them confess to each other. Makoto felt giddy just remembering that event, very happy for her best friend.

And there they were, being girlfriend and boyfriend of more than two years hugging in their hometown airport.

Knowing that passersby were looking, her face heated up at that but only hugged tighter.

Souma closed his eyes after kissing her forehead. “I’m going to miss you Himeko.”

Himeko smiled at the welcome of his warmth and smell that was distinctly Souma. He smelled like cool water.

Like that makes sense. She thought, amused at how she concluded that.

“I’ll miss you too.” She mumbled, not wanting to let go.

Souma chuckled softly, wanting to only let Himeko hear his voice. “Don’t worry. I’ll definitely keep in touch with you. And I’ll try to keep in touch with you,” He then pulled away and looked at the eyes whose colour was impossible to find in other people. “Just promise me one thing though.”

“What’s that?”

“Don’t make me jealous when I’m away.”

Himeko looked at him confused. Souma just smiled and Makoto, who had heard it, was exasperated at her cluelessness.

“He means don’t cheat on him or be with other guys Himeko.” Makoto intercepted, shaking her head.

Himeko blushed harder, embarrassed. “Sorry,”

“You know,” Makoto started whispering towards Souma, “I don’t think cheating is the least of your worries right now, but I’ll still keep her away from guys.”

A crease formed between his eyebrows, intent. “Why?”

She almost wanted to cover her face with her hand with that but resisted to do so. “Gods you two are hopeless,”

Souma blinked before getting she was heading. “Oh. You’re right. Please do look out for her. I don’t want anyone to advance on her while I’m away.”

She sighed in relief at that. Makoto then looked at him and smirked.

“No problem.” Before she noticed that Himeko was already left out. Luckily, Souma immediately made a move.

He approached and kissed Himeko on the lips. “Please take of yourself, alright?”

Himeko could only nod, already looking like a tomato at the affection. She couldn’t take it anymore when Makoto gave a hearty laugh, already forgetting the previous whispered conversation between her and Souma.

“I think she’s at a loss for words Souma-kun. Give her time. I’m pretty sure she’ll reply soon. Right Himeko?” Makoto said in amusement. Himeko didn’t respond.

“What? You don’t love Souma-kun?” Makoto teased, and Himeko only gave her look that said ‘You’re pushing it Mako-chan’. Makoto only raised both of her hands up, still having the mischievous glint in her eyes.

Himeko sighed and looked down on her pink Converse sneakers, sensing that she was going to blush again. She hated proclaiming sweet endearments in public almost as much she hated shiitake mushrooms. Almost.

Souma only moved closer and leaned down to listen. That made Himeko’s heart flutter. He really understood her well.

“I love you.” She mumbled, making Souma smile, showing his teeth.

“I love you too.” He whispered back.

Makoto rolled her eyes at their actions, clearly amused at how repetitive they were going. “Well then, now that’s all said and done, we should get going Souma-kun. Our flight’s departure is in an hour. We don’t want to be late. Airplane tickets are expensive.”

“Ok.” Souma hugged Himeko one more time, and as corny as it sounded, he wanted to remember what she felt like within his arms. He then let go of the blushing woman and hugged Makoto as well, not wanting her to feel left out.

“Bye Souma-kun.” Makoto said, waving as she pulled Himeko away into the sea of the crowd, who was giving a him a smile and a wave after mouthing a ‘Bye’ to him too.

With that, Oogami Souma was left alone, already blending in with the Tokyo people. And in Himeko’s amethyst eyes, he still stood out as Makoto pulled her to the waiting area.

“You’re such a lovesick woman, you know that?” Makoto asked rhetorically before the two put down their duffel bags on the other adjacent seats and sat down on the cold, metallic chairs.

Himeko gaped at her and blushed. “What’s wrong with that?”

The runner smirked at her and shrugged. “Nothing’s wrong with that.”

“I’m not going to pry anymore Mako-chan,” She sighed, knowing Makoto too well. Himeko then took off her blue letterman jacket, showing off her black t-shirt that said ‘Confused’ with different abstracts. It was raining hard outside, but somehow, she couldn’t breathe and she was sweating. Maybe she wouldn’t see Souma for Gods know how long. Maybe she was just overreacting.

Or maybe it was just the fact that the airport’s air conditioner wasn’t really working on their side.

Himeko inwardly groaned, distracted when Makoto was already in her own world, listening to her iPod and began to belt out songs that were seriously out of her range.

“Do you really have to sing like that?” Himeko asked, incredulous when Makoto started to imitate a falsetto voice. Saotome Makoto looked at her and took off one of the earphones.

“What?”

“Nevermind.” And then at the next beat, Makoto was back to her La-La land. Himeko could only look at the digital clock, wondering why it was so dangerously slow. The seat was also starting to get uncomfortable and freezing for her bare legs. Of all the times she had to wear a white frilly miniskirt, she just had to choose this very day.

Although having no family to return to, she wanted to stay with Souma, who was one of the people where she felt true belonging with. Besides Makoto, of course.

The three of them had no families. The only one who had the closest family was Souma, who was taken in by Oogami Kazuki because of his brother, who disappeared to Gods know where. He grew up then with the young temple assistant named Yukihito, who was like a confidant to him.

Himeko was taken in by an abusive uncle whereas Makoto practically lived in the Tokyo school dorms, all alone.

And when Himeko’s uncle died of too much intake of alcohol, she was free. There, she was also taken in Ototachibana Academy by her first year, where Himeko and Makoto met for the first time, now sharing a dorm together. Now it would be lying if they didn’t get along very well. In fact, they really did, and the two hit it off at the second week of Himeko’s stay. Makoto was a teaser as Himeko the target. Funny, how that worked out.

The artist was somehow pretty popular with the boys in school with her shy, affectionate, and clumsy appeal with the runner being considered as the spunky, charming one.

Even with that, a great friendship then began.

As the two stayed close like two peas in a pod, Souma then came into the picture when he suddenly recognized Himeko at the third week.

In the end, the three of them were treating each other like family. Until Himeko and Souma got together with Makoto’s schemes.

Then this led to now.

Sighing with the sense of nostalgia, Himeko frowned at the fact that they were already entering the long-distance relationship road for a while. She knew that she was going to miss him more. So much more.

It felt like it was just yesterday when Makoto told her the so called ‘good news’. It was all so happening so fast, and it sounded that it was almost a crime to just leave.

Too soon! Himeko’s mind screamed when she slumped in her seat. This was too much for her to register what was happening right now. All she knew that she was here. In a seat. Waiting for the airplane to land, and wishing that it wouldn’t return here in Japan.

Her amethyst eyes averted to a toddler holding someone’s hand, who was probably her mother. She smiled at the sight as she began to ponder why going to a new country didn’t excite her as much as the others. Maybe she was contented to it all. Or maybe she didn’t want a change in her routine. But then that would contradict on how willing she was to travel around the world. That would add another maybe that she maybe didn’t want to leave Japan right now. Maybe later.

What is up with all these maybes?

She leaned her head down, finding time to kill boredom and anxiety with playing the hem of her shirt, and then she was back to reflecting more.

Maybe I should just cancel it. I think I could still enrol by the last minute here.

This was a huge step. An enormous step. She wanted to enrol here.

So, so much.

So why was she here in this Godforsaken airport again?

“Hey. Are you crying?” Makoto asked, concerned. The athlete’s comforting hand immediately covered her hand.

Then and there, Himeko looked at Makoto.

“What?” She then wiped her eyes, surprised that actual tears were present. “No,”

“You don’t really want to go, do you?” Her face was in a mix of disappointment and understanding. Himeko couldn’t tell.

She suddenly hugged Makoto tightly, who was startled by her action. It comforted Himeko quite a bit. That’s why.

She remembered that Makoto---no matter how clumsy and shy Himeko was---depended on her and vice versa. Himeko couldn’t leave her and Makoto couldn’t leave her. Her situation right now was difficult, but it was now clear that no one could ever top her best friend.

How could she think that she’d just stay here in Japan and not see Makoto for a long time?

“No, no. I want to.” More tears fell, but this time, it was of happiness.

Indecisive, Himeko?

“Whoah. You realized that you’re in love with me now? About time!” She said, before continuing, “We might have to tell Souma the big news. I don’t want you to cheat behind his back. He’s still my best friend.” Makoto teased as she instinctively hugged her back, really happy that Himeko, out of the blue, was open to the fact that they were going to school outside Japan.

Deciding to lighten up the mood, she leaned down and started to suck Himeko’s neck gently.

Himeko immediately pushed her away, her face mixed in disbelief and embarrassment and pinched Makoto on the arm at that. Her other hand shot up on where Makoto teeth had just caressed. She had to worry since she was one of the people who had really sensitive skin.

“Are you insane Mako-chan?” She said, her mouth hung open incredulously and still blushing. Makoto laughed at her expression.

Well, that worked. Makoto thought happily. It had looked like she forgot that she just cried just a few seconds ago.

“Don’t worry. It won’t form a hickey or anything. It’s just an innocent kiss.” Makoto said as if it was nothing with a ‘not guilty’ look.

“Oh, ha ha.” Himeko replied, not finding anything funny about this. Inside though, she was in slight mirth at Makoto’s unorthodox way to comfort her.

“I’ve done worse you know,” She winked at Himeko, who now had to hide her flushed face, remembering one memory when Makoto got her camera and started to take pictures of her dressing up for school, so that she could blackmail her someday. They were almost late for school and Makoto couldn’t stop snickering throughout the day.

Before she could reply to that, the P.A announced that their flight was fifteen minutes early, and it was now boarding time for them.

Makoto grinned, excited as she stood up and lifted her duffel bags, leaving her iPod on her front pocket, her earphones dangling over her neck.

“It looks like we’re going now.” Knowing that she won their short friendly banter.

Himeko shrugged herself back in her letterman jacket, took her bags, and looked at Makoto, amethyst eyes showing her that she won’t get away next time. The runner’s grin just grew wider as she grabbed her hand, leading her to the already growing line. There, when she had finally cooled down, she started to sweat again.

Gods. I’m really leaving. Himeko thought again, her worry was starting to rise again slightly. Makoto, who practically knew what she thought, gave a reassuring squeeze on the hand where she was holding onto.

“Don’t worry Himeko. I’m sure he’ll visit. And if he doesn’t, I might as well strangle him when we visit him.”

A slight giggle escaped her lips, and to Makoto, it was the most wonderful sound she had ever heard, knowing that her best friend was now feeling okay.

Souma went outside of the airport and immediately, his hearing deafened by the speeding cars under the Tokyo afternoon skies. It was still a shade of grey, and people's expectations of looking at a beautiful sunset were now ruined. The towering buildings, the beautiful lights, and the unending highways were gone unnoticed. He blew out a deep breath, truly heartbroken, facing the truth that he won’t see both his girlfriend and his best friend’s face for a long time. Covering his head with the hood provided by the jacket, he started to walk across the other side of the walk, his hands shoved again into his pockets even though it wasn’t raining anymore.

Letting his brown eyes wander sideways to be safe, he then concluded that he should get a Visa as well, also deciding that he would have to call both Makoto and Himeko tomorrow.

Makoto and Himeko were now in the plane, inhaling the pressurized air and looking around for their seats.

Aren’t their first time, they had been in airplane when they were travelling locally for summer trips. But this was their first time to be in an airplane to go outside of their country.

When they read their plane tickets for the second time when they had received it, they realized that they were in separate rows and columns. And even though the plane was huge---unlike the local planes they had been on---it was packed. In fact and although unbeknownst to them, the upper class was as sold out as their current class as well.

Makoto, with Himeko behind her, finally found her seat through the people who were putting their carry-on bags inside the overhead bins. She sighed in relief but then looked at Himeko who looked like a lost puppy.

“Let me look at your ticket.” Himeko’s best friend said as she started to insert her own bags in the accommodated space of the bins. The cute woman nodded eagerly, waiting for Makoto to be done. In a few seconds Makoto was done and then grabbed the ticket from her now free hand. Examining it, her trained rare eyes shot up to the different numbers being engraved on the airplane. Since she was in the centre column, it took only a moment to find Himeko’s seat number. It was on the left side of the plane, just one seat away beside a window and a few rows back from Makoto’s own.

She looked at Himeko smirking and said to her to look at the one of the only two vacant seats on the plane. Himeko smiled back rather goofily at that obvious fact.

“Thanks Mako-chan.” Himeko said gratefully as she went off to her own seat after Makoto replied with her usual reply.

“No problem,”

When she got there, almost all the people inside the plane were already in their seats comfortably, already off with their own businesses. She quickly put her own bags in the bin as well. One by one she successfully did though the last one slipped off her hands. Himeko silently jumped a bit and squinted her eyes shut, knowing that it was going to make an obvious crash on her foot, which was really going to hurt since that bag was full of art supplies and camera equipment.

It never happened.

Opening her lilac eyes, she looked at the rather feminine hand gripping the handle of her bag. She was actually expecting that it was a man who had grabbed it before it smashed helpless on the carpeted floor of the plane.

So strong.

“You almost dropped this.” Her voice was heavily accented, trying hard to speak Japanese and Himeko couldn’t place where she came from. Europe probably. Himeko thought.

Finally her head shot up and her own eyes showed her a taller woman with dull hazel eyes and long raven hair, almost smiling. She studied her, finding her in casual clothes. A simple black shirt, white sneakers, and pants.

“Uhm, thanks.” Finding her voice back as she meekly took the bag gratefully and put it in.

She nodded rather sternly. “You’re welcome.”

Himeko stood still, as if frozen by the woman’s presence, which was ironic that her body was practically on fire. The brunette slightly raised an eyebrow.

“Should we sit down?” A bit amused.

As if finally back to reality, she quickly responded, “Oh right!” and then did what she always do since she was born. Blush. Himeko quickly sat down at her seat.

At least Himeko thought it was her seat. The woman didn’t tell her though, suppressing a laugh inside when she sat at Himeko’s supposed seat. There, silence crept through between them as they sat side by side. Seatmates.

Himeko mentally kicked herself at what had happened and started to fidget. What was wrong with her?

A man behind them saw it all and leaned forward, his voice just in her earshot.

“Are you alright? You look sick.” He whispered, a very local accent echoing through her ears.

Himeko jumped out of her seat, and at the same time, her breath got knocked out of her whole lithe body.

She forgot that she had her seatbelt on.

Luckily, her seatmate didn’t notice though. Her eyes were closed, preoccupied on her iPod, classical hip hop playing and a plus that she wasn’t singing like what Makoto did a while ago.

The man grew more worried. “Gods, I’m sorry.” Still whispering.

Himeko discreetly looked back and nodded slightly, noticing the red hair that stood out.

He sighed in relief. “You want to switch seats with me? You look uncomfortable with her.”

The cute woman hadn’t heard most of his really quiet whispers, but she caught the switching seats part. She shook her head, and smiled gratefully.

“It’s alright. Thank you for your concern…” She trailed off whispering back, not knowing his name.

The man smiled back. “It’s Endo Daisuke. What’s yours?” He then sensed that Himeko was hesitating.

Wow. Daisuke thought, admiring her that she didn’t trust anyone immediately, meaning that she was very secure. And cute.

He then quickly added, half joking, “It’s ok. Don’t tell me,” His voice already a bit louder than before. “And you shouldn’t though. I might be lying. ”

Himeko gave an appreciative smile. “Thank you Endo-san. I know it isn’t fair to you-”

“Oh no, it is quite alright. I truly understand, really. No need to explain,” He replied, cutting her off gently.

The cute woman smiled wider, very grateful. “Thank you.”

The man, introduced as Endo Daisuke, just smiled back and leaned back on his seat, back to each of their own world, and the person beside him only eyed the red haired man with eerie calm.

After the incident happened, the pilot announced to be ready for take off and almost immediately, the stewards and stewardesses were now checking at everyone if their seatbelts were already fastened and began to close the overhead bins. Announcing as well to shut down all electronic devices, everyone---including Himeko’s seatmate---obeyed.

After five minutes or so already on air, everyone now could turn back on the devices and take off their seatbelts in case for bathroom breaks and such. And Himeko turned on her cell phone, which was already bombarded with three vibrations and messages by Makoto, who was impossibly faster than her. She only read the first message though.

I saw everything.

Himeko raised an eyebrow and began to push the designated buttons. What do you mean Mako-chan?

Don’t play clueless on me. That gorgeous brunette next to you, with her iPod.

She immediately blushed. What about her?

Nothing. Oh and how about that really handsome guy behind you who you just whispered to a moment ago? ;)

Himeko blushed harder. He was just concerned.

Concerned about what?

Nothing. There. She finally countered her.

You’re no fun! Tell me!

A giggle escaped from her lips. I’m not telling.

You’re mean.

Well, that’s what you get for sucking my neck. Himeko blushed again when she remembered that.

Himeko could hear her scoff. For the record, I was trying to make you feel better.

Their playful banter carried on for awhile until Makoto didn’t reply due to a steward was already providing snacks. She sighed in mirth at that.

This is going to be a short flight. Her last thought came, quickly passing as she slept, not bothering for her snacks.

Yukihito looked at the same view before him he had been admiring for three hours now. Drizzle and gray in Tokyo, Japan. The wetness didn't bother him one bit, only wearing his white long sleeved shirt and black pants, barefoot. Sitting in a sturdy tree branch, he was hanging one leg midair. A solemn air rushed past his brown hair as he hummed a tune.

After a few seconds, he squinted his eyes. A familiar figure was walking up to the temple. He then smiled. Souma looked so sad. He couldn’t help but devise a plan.

And when he was in earshot, he immediately drawled in a singsong voice, “Looks like he’s lovesick and heartbroken… What would he do now if she isn’t here in his arms? What would he--”

Souma didn’t even look at Yukihito when he passed through the tree and pulled Yukihito’s leg down. And hard.

“Hey!” Yukihito practically shouted as he barely stood on his two bare feet, and then finally fell on his back, trying to stifle a groan in pain.

Souma grinned triumphantly at him before he went inside the temple to find Kazuki to ask for help about getting a Visa.

Nearing New York, 12:00 am

Himeko shifted uncomfortably in her seat caused by the sudden turbulence in her sleep. She groaned inwardly. She was fully awake. Finally giving up, she rubbed the sleep in her eyes and looked at her cell phone to check for the time. It was around midnight. She groaned again. Sleeping nine hours meant it would be a long time to be asleep again.

Himeko looked at beside her. The raven haired woman was already sleeping, complete with a pillow and blanket. Noticing that, she looked down and saw herself that she was covered with a blanket and the back of her head was already resting on a pillow.

“I know we just met but you should thank me, I did that for you.” A masculine, amused voice said from above, trying to be as hush as possible. Himeko immediately looked up and it was Daisuke again.

There, she looked at him fully, now knowing that he looked like he was fresh out of high school, complete with khaki pants and a letterman jacket like hers except his was yellow. He was tall and it was hard to tell if he was lean or not. And Makoto was right. He really was quite handsome.

“You were shivering even with your jacket, go figure. But you’re wearing a rather short skirt.” He said, smiling. There, Himeko broke out of her thoughts and blushed.

A shy woman indeed. Daisuke thought as he slipped on his seat, leaving the man beside him unmoved.

“I’m sorry for saying that.” He started whispering again.

Himeko shook her head as she stood straighter. “It’s alright, just… Thank you so much.”

A click signalled that he fastened his seatbelt. “No need to thank me. That stubborn young woman over there won’t budge,”

“What do you mean?” She asked. Wait, was she actually starting a conversation with a complete stranger?

Yeah, I think you are. Her conscience retorted.

He chuckled softly. “She was sleeping, so I tried my best to, shall you say, tuck you in without waking her up?”

She blushed harder. He then continued, “And I couldn’t ask your best friend since she was already sleeping.”

Himeko tried to look back, finding that the red haired man was closing his green eyes. “You know my best friend?”

He shrugged and exhaled deeply. “It’s not hard to guess since you called that woman just a few seats away in the centre column with a very familiar honorific.”

She blinked. “Oh,”

There, silence came again. Himeko shuffled on her position again, realizing she was suddenly hungry.

“Here’s your dinner,” He said, reaching in front, easily carrying the bento with one hand. “I got two and there’s no need to thank me.”

Her eyebrows shot up, shocked at this. Is he psychic or something?

She slowly grabbed it and silently opened it, still in disbelief. There, she felt a firm grip, giving her the conclusion that he really was muscular. But she needed to say something to him. Anything.

“How…”

No response. She looked back again, and saw him already in sleep. Kurusugawa Himeko sighed.

Wow.

With one word play backed, she began to eat with the already provided chopsticks or utensils. After thirty minutes, she was done and decided to throw it and take a bathroom break. She unfastened her seatbelt and tried to slide her way out. Successful, she went to the comfort room.

Her gone, Daisuke opened one eye, grinning, before closing it again.

New York City, New York 6:00 pm

It was now around seven in the morning. In Japan, that is. The pilot then announced for safe landing, also saying that the time right now in New York was six at night and a day behind, waking Himeko up twice now. She had slept like a baby after she had eaten the bento Daisuke had given her. She was still very thankful at that kind of gesture.

Makoto was already alive and well, almost wanting to jump out of the plane, whether it was still taxied or not. Daisuke was also up, but looking very nonchalant when he looked out to the window. The person beside him was still giving secret looks at him like before. Well, it wasn’t secret since Daisuke knew that he was looking at him.

Himeko yawned and stretched her stiff body, almost all of her bones started to loosen as if it had been revived. Looking beside her, the brunette was just reading magazines, waiting. Looking back, Daisuke was already grinning at her, when he caught her eye. Himeko smiled back at him. The woman beside her then took a glance.

“Is there something at the back?”

The cute woman immediately turned her head forward. “No!” She responded just a little too quickly.

The brunette eyed on her for a moment and then nodded before taking her attention back on the magazine. Himeko breathed a sigh of relief.

She truly is an intriguing woman. He thought, chuckling, seeing what had just happened.

Finally coming to a stop, the plane doors immediately opened, and the seatbelt signs were off. And as if the tide had just turned, people began to stand up, hurrying to get their luggage. Daisuke tossed a wink at her before taking Himeko’s bags in the overhead bins. The artist cheeks began to take flame again as she stood up and accepted the bags the red haired man got her for. Luckily, Makoto never saw any of these incidents right now. She was too busy trying to calm herself down.

Before she could thank this person for the millionth time, he said with a smile, “You’re welcome.”

As Himeko blinked, Daisuke was already almost outside of the plane, with her seatmate just behind him. The red haired man’s seatmate was one of the few people who got out after another line of people. She kicked herself mentally when she began to examine those unnecessary things as she approached Makoto.

“Can you believe it? We’re in New York. How come you’re not as excited as I am? This is New York for crying out loud! The Big Apple!” Makoto said excitedly as both walked out. The runner’s heart was practically jumping for joy, feeling victorious.

“I get the idea Mako-chan,” Himeko replied exasperatedly, trying to shush Makoto. Her voice was already gaining attention, and even after they arrived at the area where they could get their luggage, Makoto still kept going on and on about New York and their dreams. Himeko then sighed and stared at the animated Makoto.

Somehow, it took all the slight dread that she had had throughout the waiting and the ride. Now all she could hope was that her rather big sacrifice was worth it going here.

Away from home.

“I cannot believe you.” The raven haired woman said, walking past the crowd. And even if she was in a hurry, she still looked graceful. She was although, kind of amused.

Daisuke sighed, trying to be beside her. “What? What did I do?”

The red haired man’s seatmate in the plane was behind the two of them, saying, “Takahashi-sama. I think we do need to take this seriously.”

Takahashi Ryo didn’t stop walking and looked at him, who only looked at him back, still calm as ever. “At least I used my code name, isn’t that right?” Finally he looked at the brunette, smiling for no reason at her.

“Stop smiling like an idiot. You’re going to make him even madder.” She said under her breath, still pretending that she was scolding him.

He chuckled. “It’s fun when he’s angry,” Apparently his seatmate’s current state was anger. It was quite hard to tell from his unemotional face and tone.

When they stopped in front of the limousine, the two went inside, leaving Ryo’s former aged seatmate still in telling him, “We’ll have some things to discuss later, Takahashi-sama.”

Ryo smiled at him before he fully closed the door. “Have a nice day as well, Watanabe-san.”

And this got Watanabe Atsushi’s cold face hardened as he went off to find his separate, smaller limousine. He was already scaring people off in the parking area.

The three of them never even stopped to admire New York.

“I do hate to say this to you Takahashi-kun, but he is a bit right.” The brunette said.

He looked at her as if she had grown three heads. “Him? Right? Never. Who are you and what have you done to my best friend?”

She chuckled. “Maybe, but you almost blew our cover.”

“How did I blow our cover? And what’s the point of going undercover anyway?”

“You talked to a photographer,” She said, remembering the bag she had caught before it crashed on the ground. She knew then and there it was full of camera equipment and art supplies. “And the scouts remember? They would surely hunt us down all the way to New York if they ever saw us enrolling here.”

“I’m pretty sure she was just a student. She acted like one.” He grinned at her before taking off his red wig and blinked. “And wigs are itchy. And contact lenses feel strange,” He then added, “And what is it with you and the accent? We do have privacy.”

There, he also took off his green lenses with precision. He blinked again, showing his genuine eyes. Golden on his right and a bronze one his left. His real spiky hair, finally free, was jet black.

If any girl would see him right now, they would probably swoon just by his good looks.

She gave her usual lopsided grin. “I have no idea Ryo-kun, you could figure that out in your own. But you did use your alias,” Finally back to her Kyoto accent---her real one---since the privacy was there, as Daisuke pointed out.

“I don’t want Watanabe-san to be too angry,”

She nodded slightly before taking off her shirt, showing off a green tank top. She was getting warm from all the layers. It was hugging her all on the right places, which didn’t go unnoticed by Ryo.

“Do you agree with me?” He asked while admiring his best friend’s incredible body, deciding that he still loved how she moved. Even it was a flinch coming from her, he would still be holding his breath, just staring at how graceful she was.

And flexible. Sexy. Then and there, he knew that he should stop looking.

It’s not appropriate. His gentlemanliness was overtaking him. He hastened to turn his head on the other way and then coughed as if he had something in his throat.

“He’s your butler. But I’m quite fortunate that Otoha-san isn’t here.” She said, really relieved.

“Right.” He replied, still looking away.

Ignoring that statement, she then took off her own wig, showing her own true tresses. Midnight blue. There, she also took off her contact lenses, showing her real, very blue eyes.

And if someone were to look at her now, they’d probably think that she was a goddess.

“Are you alright Ryo-kun?” She asked. Unknown to him, she was already getting used to Ryo’s sudden unusual actions towards her. But she still was concerned on the question ‘But why?’, though.

He finally looked at her face, locking both of their gazes. “Yes, Chikane. I’m alright. Thank you for your concern.”

Himemiya Chikane brushed her tresses with her delicate fingers and crossed her leg across the other. She looked at him, amused.

She was about to reply, but just then, his phone rang. Ryo’s gaze went towards his pocket, breaking the lock. He took it out and then finally looked at the caller ID.

“It’s your boyfriend.” Ryo told her.

“I forgot to turn my phone on.” Chikane laughed with her face sheepish.

Ryo chuckled at that. He then handed the still ringing phone to her before teasing her.

“Well then, you got some explaining to do.”