rk@soda.berkeley.edu HARD |< O R A novella by Robert Kwong This Chapter finished Jan 12, 1996 ver 1.21 Please read Disclaimer on http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html first! Send comments or flames to rk@soda.berkeley.edu Based on characters by Izumi Matsumoto As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure Orange Road series. The turn of events and timeline depicted here occur right after Shin Kor I, but before Shin Kor II. This is the graphic reaccount of the adult lives of Madoka, Hikaru, and Kyosuke. Like the Shin KOR novels, these stories contain adult themes, situations, and language.Thus parental guidance is advised. Thus read with your own discretion! Notes: Phrases in < > are characters thinking to themselves. [] indicates scene changes Legend: H=Hikaru M=Madoka R=Ryusei K=Kasuga BOOK A: Chapter 7: Dilemmas I thought I saw a ghost. My face turned quickly pale. A man, dressed in blue jeans and wearing a tan leather jacket, was holding up an umbrella, covering his face. "H-hi-hin...Hino, is that really you? " I'm sorry Miss Hiyama-san if I started you again. Ordinarily, I usually don't make it a habit of scaring the women I meet, as I have done to you twice already. He raised his umbrella up and over towards my head to shield me from the rain. In doing so, he revealed his trademark sunglasses and beard; it was Ryusei. "Oh, hi there. It's you. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you before. What are you doing here?" "I should ask you the same thing. Hokkaido's usually not the vacation spot to visit at this time of the year. " "I'm here for personal reasons. And you?" "My men and I were just driving through when I manage to catch a glimpse of you from afar. It started to rain, so I told #1 to turn back to get you an umbrella. I certainly don't want my cast members to get all wet and catch a cold!" "I haven't decided whether I should take the part or not." "Really? I wasn't aware that you still had some reservations. Let's go back to the limo first where we can discuss this." [While walking back...] "We seem to be bumping into each other at the oddest places. " "Yes, it seems that way." "But you still haven't answered my question before. And why are you dressed like that?" "You mean this outfit? You don't like it? I don't blame you. I don't feel comfortable in it myself. But the weather people were forecasting rain, so I didn't want to risk ruining my Italian suits. So #1 lent me some of his clothes instead. I admit it's not my style, but since this is my hometown, I decided to go with it and wear something more close to home." "So Hokkaido's your hometown?" "Yeah; been here my whole life. I didn't know you were visiting the area. Otherwise, I've would have given you a ride here." "Yes, my folks moved here about 4 years ago and been living here since. I was just visiting them. So why are you taking the time to visit?" "Remember I was telling you about problems with the moving company moving some of my prized personal effects? I came back here to finally oversee the whole process. It's hard to find good help these days. I hope to have everything wrapped up this weekend. (pause) I have a question for you." "Yes?" "Back there, when you mistakened me for someone else, who were you taling about? " "I'm truly sorry for not recognizing you earlier. It was just a case of mistakened identity. It must be me trying to build you up to be someone whom you clearly or not." "Good! I would hate to be mistakened for someone else. I consider myself to be rather distinctive!" "Now that I think about it, you look more like Master than anyone else." "Master?" "Yeah, he operated the ABCB pub during my younger years. But now he's retired." (Ryusei in mellow tone) So you must have lost someone very dear to you back there. You must have cared for him very much to come out in these conditions. My condolences to you. "Thank you. Although there is no resemblance, both of you do share one endearing trait: you both are very kind people." "You must be very unfortunate if you haven't met many nice people in your life." "Nice people?, yes -- but kind,...rare. There is a difference." [Inside the limo] "All this talk has made me famished! Have you eaten yet?" H: No, not yet. R: Good. Me neither. Gives me the perfect opportunity to treat you to a special eatery I frequented before when I was living here. They make the best soba! But of course, this is strictly a lunch date of course! (winks) To discuss any problems you might have with the arrangement. [At the park...] K: Shit! It's not here! Now what am I doing to do! Kurumi: Ah Ha! There he is! We finally tracked him down! Oniichan been hiding away from us at that mansion way too long. Who does he think he is neglecting the Green Castle! Manami: Should we be really doing this? We should have better things to do on the weekends than to stalk oniichan! Kurumi: Don't chicken out on me now! Wait till next week. But now, I'm bored. Besides, he's all alone and not with Madoka to protect him. It's the perfect chance to get back at him. Manami: Sonai,... Sonai,... (But,... But...) Kurumi: You can't back out now! We're sisters, we're twins, we're a TEAM! We have to work together! You know oniichan's powers been increasing up to the point that I alone can't handle him. But the two of us using our Powers in tandem should overwhelm him! Manami: Fine. So what's the plan? Kurumi: (looking confused) Ummm, I don't know. You're the brains in the family. You're think of something. I just know that we have to exact our revenge! Manami: (sigh) Oh, OK! Here' what we do. (whispers in her ear) Kurumi used the Power to send trash from waste receptacle flying towards Kyosuke. He turns just in time and uses the Power to repel back the flying objects. K: Hey! Is that you Kurumi? Your pranks won't work on me now. You've got to do better than that! Kurumi: Like this! (signals to Manami) Huge splash on Kyosuke as he is drenched from behind by the water wave from Manami. "YATTA! WE GOT HIM!" (The two sister high-five each other) K: (face pulsing with rage and flowing with the Power) I'm going to teach you two a lesson! Kurumi: Please oniichan. Look. People are starting to look. And didn't you always warn us not to display our ESPer powers out in public? Huh? Manami: Yeah! And you, as our oniichan is suppose to set an example, aren't you? K: But,...uh... you... you... Oh NEVER MIND. I should have expected this type of juvenile behavior from the two of you. Kurumi: You deserved it! You've been neglecting the family these past few weeks. And now that you're back, you don't ever come home anymore. So we wanted to "get your attention." Manami: We do miss you around the house. This wasn't my idea, of course! Kurumi: Stop playing the innocent type. We both were in on it. K: I don't care whose idea is it. Why do you need me around the house anyway? Manami: Well, for starters, dad left again for another photographic assignment today. Kurumi: Yeah! And you're weren't there to see him off. You're the eldest. Whose suppose to look after us then? And what if we need your advice? K: You got a point there. I STILL have you whiners to look after. And what advice would you want from me anyway? Kurumi: I was thinking of inviting some boys over next weekend. Can you tell me what's the most subtle way of asking them for sex? K: (eyes bulge wide) WHHHHHAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT?!? Kurumi: Made you blush, made you blush! Manami: Kurumi does make a good point. Since you're not here to monitor the place, you wouldn't know if we brought boys over or not. Not that I'm into that stuff anyway... Kurumi: Don't put on that righteous Manami-chan act again! You think about sex just as much as I do. Or more so! Why,... I seen you "stroke" yourself behind the ... Manami: Why you...! (Clash of the sisters (or Titans!) fighting and yelling at each other) K: (Sigh) [At the restaurant...] Waiter: Good day, Sir (turn) Madam. My name is Masaki and I'll be your waiter for your table. May I take your order? R: Yes,... I would like two lunch specials of the day, extra-large bowls with all the fixings. And bring two sakes. Waiter: Very good choice, sir. Coming right up! H: You're sure #1 and #2 will be alright? R: Yeah. They've already eaten some takeout earlier. They have some errands to attend to for me. They should be back in 40 minutes. No need for concern. They're familiar with the area. Don't you have some questions for me? H: Yes, I first would like to get to know you a little better. In case something comes up about you. I hope I'm not intruding too far into your personal life. R: (Hearty laugh) No problem. I forgot we were still playing that "game with Mr Kyosuke and Miss Ayukawa. Alright. Let me think. How would I describe myself,... Hmmm,... I got it. Here's would be a quick, short, synapses of me that will do for now. I'm 28 and a nature Hokkaido countryboy, as you know already. I attended Waseda College in Tokyo and made my fortune there. I've been working my way up the success ladder ever since. My favorite color is black (as you might have guessed it) and I like to watch movies and plays. Alright, how about you? What's your description? Of course in case something about you comes up. H: Me? Why, I'm 22 right now and I was born and raised in Tokyo. There's not much to say about my life. I did attend high school here during my last year at Otaru. After finishing up high school, I packed up for New York to make my fortune there, where I'm been ever since before coming back to Japan now. In fact, there are some high school friends around here I would still like to meet. R: Great! I'll be happy to drive you to see them. My men know this area like the back of their hand. We're discuss that later. Here comes our food! Eat up! [We see Kyosuke, drying off, and sitting glumly in a restaurant with Kurumi and Manami. The twins are busy scarfing down volumious amounts of food!] Kurumi: (mouth full) You should eat something, oniichan. You paying for this! K: I don't feel so hungry right now. You can eat my share. And my wallet will be all the lighter for it. Manami: (mumbling also) That's your fault. Who told you to blow all your money on that trip. Kurumi: You need a job! You shouldn't leech off dad forever. K: Like what you two are doing? Manami: Hey! That's different. We're still in college. You've graduated. How do you expect to propose to Madoka-san if you can't even provide for her. Proposal. Marriage. Something that has been on my mind since I got back. During the turbulent times in the war zone, all I could think of was just surviving so I could return back to Madoka. Now that I was back, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Eventually, I knew our love would lead us to this point. I often imagined what it would be like for us to be married during my sweet wet dreams in high school and college. [Daydream sequence beings...] I would come back home, dressed up in a suit and carrying a briefcase, looking haggard after a long, exhaustive day's work. She would welcome me at the door, her hair tied up in a bun, and wearing her cute yellow apron. She would ask me about my day and I would say fine. Then she'll say that she cooked all my favorite dishes, including curry rice. I would smell the enticing aroma from the kitchen and compliment her for her fine cuisine. She would then help me hang up my coat and briefcase while I changed out of my shoes. (Kurumi and Manami sees Kasuga smiling, as in a trance) Manami: What's up with him? Kurumi: He's probably having another dirty daydream. (Waiter hands Manami a slip of paper) Manami: Hey oniichan! Here's the bill. Thanks for lunch! Money. Another thing I didn't have much of and a commodity that was quickly dwindling down for me. If I propose to Madoka now in my present financial state, I'll be the laughing stock of the whole town. I can imagine it now... (Yet another visual daydream sequence...) Komatsu: Good going, Kyosuke! Marrying Madoka for her money. I never knew you had it in you. What a coup! Hatta: Yeah. Now you can live in her fancy, smancy mansion and be the bum like you are now! K: It's not like that! We're getting married 'cause we love each other! Komatsu: Yeah, yeah, uh huh, righhht!. You a salary man yet? Not likely for just a photographer. Hatta: That right! Even WE have good paying jobs. How about you? Urgh! The humiliation of it all! I couldn't bear it for Madoka's sake and my sake. I needed a job and fast. And I needed that number! If I hadn't been so careless to leave that number in my pants, I wouldn't be stuck in this predicament... (We see Komatsu and Hatta passing through the restaurant window) K: Hey guys! Wait! I need to see you! (rushes out the door) Manami: Hey Oniichan! Where are you going? How about the check? Kurumi: (miffed) That baka jerk! How unchivalrous of him, leaving the bill with us! I'm going to get back at him! This means WAR! [Ayukawa, sitting in the mansion at the piano, after returning from her errands. She is presently alone with her thoughts.] (Da Da Da ding) I wonder why Kasuga hasn't propose to me yet. I would have thought he would have done it by now after we graduated. Just like him to make me wait. Still his wish-washy self. (Ding la a ling) I wonder what it would be like - to be called: Mrs Kasuga Kyosuke. It's what I always dreamed of: to marry the man I truly love; not the traditional, net, convenient, "oimai" marriage of the past. But I wonder if now is the right time for both of us. Fresh out of college and still uncertain about our future endeavors. I didn't go through four years of college just to be merely a housewife. (Imagining a scene...) (TV blaring in the background) K: Madoka, I'm home! M: That's nice honey. I busy changing Junior's diapers. Would you help me check on the food in the kitchen? K: (sifting though mail,disinterested) Yeah, whatever. Did you pick up my favorite magazines? M: I haven't had time today to stop by the bookstore, taking the baby to preschool, buying the groceries, and meeting .So how was your day? K: Fine, fine. I'll just go out for now and have a few drinks with the guys. I'll be back in time for dinner. Bye! (Slam) (Back to reality) (Several keys on the farthest left hand side on the piano pressed simultaneously to produce a harsh cacophonious sound) I hope that's not what Kasuga expects from me. To just be his "little" women to tend the house. I always been a free-spirited, independent, forward-thinking type of individual; I had to be to survive on my own on the streets of Tokyo, living by myself without any guidance from my parents. I too have hopes and dreams and plans for a career as a songwriter and beyond, just as it is Kasuga's dream to be a photojournalist. I was just afraid that the commitment needed for a marriage would take away time for me to develop my own interests. Were the two of us ready for marriage? Would it be possible for us to both balance both a career and marriage together? Was it wise for two young people such as ourselves fresh out of school to get committed and tied down? This, I didn't know. That was why I was still unsure whether I should accept Mr Haroken's offer to be his composer or not. I wondered if I had the courage within myself to gently refuse Kyosuke for now on his proposal of marriage, should he pop the question to me. Maybe it was good that he hasn't propose yet. (Starts to hum and freelance a few chords on the piano) //Note: you can put in any old lyrics you want; that's the best I can do! I'm a writer, not a songwriter damnit! ;0 Can I or Can't I? Should I or Shouldn't I? Would I or wouldn't I? Could I or couldn't I? Decide on a Career or a Family? Love or Harmony? or living in parsimony? As long as my heart find whom it truly sought after many battles fought over the one true love of mine:Kasuga-kun! [Back to the restaurant] Hikaru: I hate to ask this, but its been bugging me for a long time. Why do you constantly wear those sunglasses, even when it's raining? It certainly does not fit the situation. R: Curious you should ask that. I guess it's part of my MO. (modus operendi) In my daily activity, I often have to deal with "difficult" people. In acting on behalf of my clients, I have to utilize every advantage to broker the best deals. I find that the best way to gage the true intentions of a person is by looking at their eyes, revealing their true nature. That's part of being an agent. Since I know the eyes is a weakness, I thus make it a point to conceal my eyes. Thus, my opponents can't determine my true intentions, aiding me greatly to intimidate them. That's part of Sun Tze's "Ancient Art of War" tactics. Never let your enemy know your next move, so he can prepare for it. Catch him off guard and hide your true numbers. Then go in quickly for the kill. That's the way I operate. H: You surely don't consider me an enemy, do you? Why do you still wear those glasses in front of me? R: Maybe there's something I want to hide from you. (Smile) Besides, we haven't discussed your qualms with the contract yet. Is the compensation not satisfactory to you? H: It's rather generous. I have no quibble with the monetary part of it. I was just curious why you still hired me, despite what you said in the offer letter. R: Oh, that... just a little constructive criticism, just to keep you on your toes. (No pun intended) Overall, your performance was fine; I just neglected to mention it. I do tend to get a little over dramatic with my writing at times. I'm sorry if the letter came off as a negative slight against you on my part. H: But the way the whole thing was set up, with Hayakawa thinking I lost the part again. He mentioned that you told him to "convey your condolences" to me. What did you mean by that? R: Oh, I was just misquoted. I meant that I feel sorry that you will have to leave all your friends in New York behind for now, since you will be taking the part in my play, aren't you? Unless you have more objections to voice... H: No, no. That would be all. So you really thought I deserved the part? R: Yes, and the whole panel did. Some of your moves are quite nifty, in fact. Very innovative. You could teach Nagasi a thing or two before this gig is up. H: Nagasi...? R: Yes. I neglected to mention her to you before. She is in the play herself. She will be helping you polish up some of your techniques. She also acts as my administrative assistant sometimes, when she feels like it. Otherwise, she justs dumps the work on one of my secretaries. H: I see... R: Yeah, she and me go back a long time. She can be a real pain at times, but sometimes she has her good moments, though rare. Don't worry if she's very hard on you at the beginning. She's like that with all the dancers, always finding something to criticize and nitpick. Of course, I'm assuming you will take the part. You have decided to accept my offer, haven't you? H: I'm still stuck on a strong "maybe". Perhaps something will happen to solidify my ultimate decision. R: Ok. Don't want to pressure you into anything you don't feel comfortable with. In fact, I'll throw in an additional unconditional clause that will allow you to leave the production at any time you want, if you want to. No penalty. No strings attached. How's that sound? H: That sounds good. Thanks! R: Just part of doing business. As long as it helps in swaying your decision towards acceptance, then that's fine with me. (turns to waiter) Check please. H: Ryusel! Please! Let me pay this time. You've been treating me like a queen ever since I came back and I feel guilty about it. Let me pay just this one time. (whips out credit card and hands it to waiter) Waiter: Very good, maam. [At the manga bookstore, inside a studio...] Komatsu: Now what are you talking about? K: YOU KNOW PERFECTLY WELL WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! Hatta: Gee, never saw you in that much of a frenzy. Well, there was that time which we took pictures of you and Madoka at the... K: STOP GETTING OFF THE TOPIC! I WANT MY CLOTHES BACK AND I WANT IT NOW! Komatsu: Oh, you mean this? ( Takes out box from under the architecture table and lifts out a dress) Gee, Kyosuke, I knew you weren't like the other kids, but not like this! K: (stammers) Urghh,...urgh. That's not mine! Hatta: Then whose is it? Huhhhh? (flashes wicked smile) K: (emphatic) That's none of your business! Hatta: So he WAS with a girl last night... I knew that had to be it! Komatsu: Ohhhh, must be someone he has on the side. Doesn't want Madoka to know, does he....? (he he he) Hatta: Boy, oh boy, think of all the possibilities this can bring us! Komatsu: You sly devil! All that time we were lecturing you at the party, and you had babes on the side all along! Hatta: Yeah, I'm impressed! I wonder who could it be...Anyone we might know...? Komatsu: Why, it could be Hikaru,... looking at the ample bust size measurements ,... it certainly measures up! (cupping hand inside bosom area of dress) Hatta: Yeah. Going back to your old ways again, aren't you Kyosuke? I knew you would get bored with Madoka. Komatsu: Why it must be Hikaru! If I know Kyosuke, he can't resist the charms of his darling "wife"! K: You guys are cruel! I leave you two alone with your dirty thoughts! Just give me back the rest of my clothes. Komatsu: What's it worth to you? K: Huh?!? Hatta: Hey! Nothing ever free anymore. We just want a "finders" fee. Fair, isn't it? K: Hey! That's blackmail! Komatsu: No, you got your terms are mixed up. It's actually extortion! K: (Grrrrr!) (Gives up and hangs head down) Alright! You guys win! What do you want from me? Hatta: Gee, that was easy! You usually give us a much better fight. Losing that edge, aren't you? K: Just shut up and name your terms! Why do you have to make it any harder than it is for me? Komatsu: Because we love to wallow in your misery! Hatta: (standing sideways, tapping his chin with his finger, thinking) Let us see,... this is a golden opportunity for us,... we wouldn't want to blow this chance,... Komatsu: What would be the perfect thing to ask of you,... (Kysouke getting rather irate at the lengthy time takened by the two to decide on their "boon") K: I'm waiting! Hatta: Well, you make it hard for us,... you don't have much of anything we would want,... you're poor and pathetic unlike us! K: (sarcastically) Thanks a lot! Komatsu: Say,... can you get us a date with Chiemi Hori? K: What? Are you nuts? How am I suppose to do that? I don't even know her! Hatta: But Madoka's friends with Hayakawa, and since he's a pop idol star, he's bound to know her. I'm sure if you talk to Madoka, she can talk to Hayakawa, and he can arrange the whole thing! K: That's ludicrous! I'll look like a fool in front of Madoka making such a baka request. Komatsu: That's the idea! K: I'm can't do it. Sorry. Hatta: Alright then, you leave us no choice. (Takes out a lighter) K: What the hell are you doing? Komatsu: We don't have any need for a dress. We're only interested in underwear. Hatta: Too bad. K: Wait! Wait! (thinking of something fast) Suppose I could arrange the whole thing; which one of you will be going out with her? Komatsu: Why me of course? Hatta: What do mean you? I'm the brains behind our operation. Komatsu: But I'm your manager! I'm like the conductor of an orchestra, while you're one of the musicians. Of course she goes out with the conductor. Hatta: Nonsense! I'm the one with the NAME around here! Why, I'm the best selling manga artist and ... (The two go off in a bickering mode while Kyosuke chuckles as he views this fracas. Finally, he steps in.) K: Guys, guys. Take it easy. See what I mean? Look at you two. Bickering over such a silly request. Can't you see how much trouble it will be for the two of you? Komatsu: (grudgingly) I guess you're right. Hatta: (crossing arms). Humph! K: (picks up dress) Now if you don't mind, ... Komatsu: Wait a minute here! You're not off the hook! Hatta: Yeah. Trying to sneak off like that. Not good. Komatsu: Which gives me an idea! I know the perfect request. K: Ummm..... what? Komatsu: I want take a picture of you wearing this dress! K: WHAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT! Komatsu: I said, "I want you to wear this dress!." K: I heard you the first time. That's even crazier than the first request! Hatta: But doable. And more satisfying, I might add. Good going, Komatsu. (winks at him) Komatsu: (looking arrogant) Yep, yep, yep. I'm good, aren't I? K: You might as well tell me to go out and prance around the bookstore, for all I care! Hatta: Hey! That's a good idea! K: (cringing and slapping to head) Doh! Komatsu: (pats Kyosuke on the back) Good going. Get right to it! You can change in the back there. K: (moaning and groaning as he walks towards the back area behind a curtain) Why did I even get myself into this mess? Must be my specialty. Komatsu: And don't forget,... I want to see some leg! (hehehe) [Back inside the limo in Hokkaido...] Hikaru: (blushing) I'm sorry about the credit card. I didn't realize I was maxxed out over my limit! I'll pay you back later. Ryusei: No need to worry about it. It's my treat. Here. Let me see that credit card of yours. H: What for? R: Trust me. I won't try to use it for any sinister purposes. H: It's not that,... it's just that it seems so strange a request ,... but here. (hands him credit card) R: That's a good girl. (picks up phone and dials number on credit card) While I'm doing this, you give #1 directions to your friend's house. H: Ok. (Leans over the barrier between #1 and #1) OK guys. Missed me? #1 and #2: Yeah, very much so! H: That's good to hear. Ryusei tells me you two know this town inside out. So it should be no problem trying to find him. #1: And who might that be? H: You probably don't know him, but his name is Muroke Koji. He used to hang out a lot with one of my close friends. He was one sharp buzzsaw. He was a freshman when I last saw him, so he should be still around the area. #2: (Gulp!) Did you say Muroke Koji? H: Yeah. You pronounced it with the proper accent. Do you know him by any chance? #2: (waving hands) NO, NO, No! Of course not! What ever gave you such an idea? H: But you seem so vexed when I mentioned the name and... #2:OH,...That! It's nothing. I was just ,... urgh,... in the middle of one of my "attacks." H: "Attacks?" #2: Yeah, that's right! "Attacks". Really fits of hysteria that's only brought on by the stormy weather. It's a condition that runs in my family. H: That's curious,... I never heard of such a thing... #2: It's really quite common out here. #1: (smiling) I certainly can testify to that! #2: Don't you try to make things worse! #1: fine, fine. What's the address, Miss Hiyama-san? H: It's at (...edited out...) #1: Oh yeah. I know that area REAL well. Isn't that right #2? #2:(irked) Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say. You two need your privacy back there. (flips a switch to send barrier up) We're notify you on the intercom when we get there. (Once the barrier reaches its closing point, we are treated to a "royal" brawl between #1 and #2) #2: I almost lost my cool just then! Why did you have to make it worse!? #1: I was totally in control. I don't know about you though. #2: Weren't you the one always lecturing me about not blowing our cover! Now she going to the actual place! What are we going to do? #1: Stay calm. Maybe a little music will calm your nerves. (sticks in CD) ("Sounds of Silence" plays, in accord with the falling rain) [Back at the bookstore...] Hatta: Come on now! Your public is awaiting you! (We are treated to Kyosuke, wearing the dress and stretching it to the limit, with his huge physical frame. Of course, we can see his hairy legs and bare chest. He basically looks like one of the guys masquerading as women in the Bud Light commercials.) K: How long must I be this stupid dress? Komatsu: (Camera Flash!) There's one for the archives! Alright then, just walk around the bookstore until we call you back. We be waiting from afar. K: (Argh.) Why me? Why? As Kyosuke is walking around, all the people, mostly boys, start to stare at him. Customer #1: My god, look at him. I thought that type of behavior never occurred in our country. Customer #2: (holding a ecchi picture book) Look at how our moral standards have declined. (turns back to the book) Customer #3: How bold! How daring! How interesting! Is this a new fad? Dressing up in women's clothing? We see the book store owner walk over to Hatta and Komatsu who are trying to control themselves, stifling their laughs by cupping their mouths. Store Owner: You two had better do something about that distraction over there! He scaring away my customers! When I agreed to allow you to use my book room, this wasn't part of the deal. Either get him out or I'll kick all of you out! Hatta: No need to yell! We heard you. Komatsu: (air of defiance) Yeah! Be careful of how you speak to us. We're world reknown manga artists! Store Owner: I don't care if you're the Emperor of Japan! I won't tolerate such behavior in my store. Understand? Hatta: We got you, loud and clear! Kyosuke! Come back here. We're "recalling" you. Komatsu: Yeah, a pity too. We were just starting to enjoy the spectacle. K: You guys are too sadistical for your own good. Give me back my clothes! Hatta: Ok, ok! No need to get touchy now! Here. (Tosses him T-shirt and jeans from the box) Have Fun! K: Just watch your step! (walks to dressing area to change) Quickly changes out of dress and puts on normal clothes. Then goes through his T-shirt and jeans pocket and then gets exasperated! Kasgua can't find that business card! [Outside a house..., with a brief letup in the rain] #1: We've arrived! R: Thanks. Miss Hiyama; I believe you know the way. You lead. #1: Me and #2 will stay back in the limo. Isn't that right? #2: Rigghhhttt! We got important stuff to do, that's right! Very important stuff. Very, very important things to do. R: Which is...? #2: Urghh,... we got to check the tire pressure! Especially after our long drive here, we gotta make sure the tires is calibrated at the right pressure. And in this bad weather, you never know the value of properly pumped tires. Isn't that right, #1? #1: (playing along) Improves on gas mileage also. I'll get the pump. R: I guess I'll leave both of you to your merry ways. (turns to Hikaru) Let's go. (After they had left) #2: Whew! That was a close call! I thought they got me there. #1: Lucky for you. Let's get to work! You do want them to believe that you're actually checking the tires, don't you? (Along the sidewalk) H: Curious. R: What is it? H: I don't mind the walk, but we're about half a block away from the residence I told them to stop at. R: Really? It's not like them to miss the mark like that. H: Don't fault them. It's good exercise anyway. And we're there already. (knocks on the door) (brief wait, then door opens) Middle Aged Woman (MAW): Yes? Do I know you? H: Konichiwa! Hi there. You may not know me, but I'm a friend of your son, Muroke Koji. Is he by any chance still living at this place? MAW: And what is your name? H: Excuse me for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Hikaru Hiyama and my friend here is Ryusei Haroken. MAW: I'm sorry, but my son is off to college in Tokyo right now. He's working part time this summer to help pay for the tuition. Is it urgent you see him? H: Oh no; I just wanted to visit him and catch up on old times; I was hoping he would know where some high school friends of mine are. But I guess that can't be helped right now. MAW: Gomen nasai for the trouble and inconvenience you took to come out here. Would both of you like to come in? I just finish brewing a kettle of tea. Very Good! H: Arigatou for your kind, generous offer, but we don't want to trouble. We're passing through, and we need to go back soon. But thank you for the offer. Thank you for your hospitality. Domo! (bows) MAW bows back. (Walking back to the car) R: So you didn't find the person you were looking for. So where else to go? H: I think everyone has done enough traveling for one day. It's getting late, and its best that I get back to my parents' place. It'll give me the chance to introduce them to you, my boss! R: So you decided to take me up on my offer then. H: Hai! R: Great! I'm thrilled. Today will mark the start of a beautiful relationship. [Bookstore blues...] K: Where is it? Hatta: Where's what? K: There was a business card in one of my pockets, and now its not there! Did one of you take it? Komatsu: What if we did? What is it to you? K: That why I came down here! For that number! Hatta: So you weren't doing it for the dress? K: Of course not! Komatsu: Well then, it seems that we have yet another barginning chip. That will cost you. K: Say What! After what I just went through, humiliating myself; isn't that enough for you two? Hatta and Komatsu (in unison): Noo! K: (Rushes up and grabs Komatsu by the shirt collar) I'm going to get you! Komatsu: Hold on! We're be light on you this time! K: Well, I'm not! I'm going to give you a good pounding with my fists. I NEED THAT NUMBER! Hatta: What we ask in return is very simple: just arrange a date with your two cute, lovable twin sisters, and we're call it even. K: You want me to set up my sisters for a date with you likes of you two? Out of the...(just now remembering the incident at the park earlier) K: Wait a moment! I think I can oblige you with your request. A date with my sisters for the card. Is it a deal? Komatsu: Deal! Here you go. (Takes out a crumpled piece of paper and tosses it to Kyosuke) K: (unfolds it and takes a look) You're lucky I can still read the number. (rushes out) See you two hentais later. Komatsu: One more thing! K: What!!!? Komatsu: We kind of made some perverted prank calls to that number using your name. I hope you don't mind. K: Say, is that a lady disrobing over by the window there? (points) Komatsu and Hatta: Where, where? (hurries towards windows) Kysouke flashes with the Power and moves a discarded soda can lying on the floor at Komatsu's feet, causing him to trip right on top of Hatta! K: Gotcha! See you bakayaros later! [At Hikaru's parents house...] H: I'm having the jitters again. R: Nervous meeting your parents? H: Yes, very much so. I met them separately earlier. Now they will be together with I confront them. R: You don't sound all too happy to see them, do you? H: Let's just say I'm not all too comfortable about the idea. R: Well, nothing going to be done by idling around outside. Here. (extends out hand) Hold my hand. H: Isn't that a little forward? R: (Slight smile) Don't be alarmed! I'm not making a move on you. Just hoping to induce a little willpower into you. It always helps to face a situation with someone else along. My hands were icy cold, fingers like frozen popsicles, shaking from the coldness of the air. However, when my hand clasped his, I felt a surge of warmth emanate from his body. His hand was nice and warm; not soft and supple to the touch but more tough and sure, like wearing a pair of comfortable leather gloves. He gave me a good firm grip; his hand was a good 1 1/2 times larger than mine, dwarfing mine by a significant margin. I instantly felt his power over me; he could dominate over me if he wanted to. And I would be powerless to stop him. (Knock, knock, knock) Papa: Hikaru, is that you? H: Yes, Papa, and I'm brought a friend along. Open the door quick! It's freezing outside! (door swings open) R: Konbawa (good evening) otou-san (revered father). My name is Ryusei Haroken and associate of your ojou-san. Let me be at your humble service. (bows). Papa: My, I don't know what to say. Konbawa to you also Haroken-san. Please, do come in. Papa: Omae! Go prepare tea for Hikaru and our guest. As usual, Ryusei was able to charm the socks off my parents, especially my mother. The two managed to hit it of from the very beginning. I explained to mama that he was going to be my boss, my "master", since he was the producer. Papa, in her customary self, stayed in the background of the conversation, more content to observing Ryusei's actions. Ryusei lavished much praise on my dancing acumen, and added that I was something "special". I wasn't sure how much of it was just the agent in him talking, but it does feel good to receive compliments, albeit being genuine or spurrious in nature. After the tea "initiation" ceremony which Ryusei passed with flying colors, we went on to dinner. Ryusei was nice enough to call #1 and #2 at the limo to ask them if they wanted to eat dinner at my place or not. But they had already left my house, cruising around Hokkaido. They informed Ryusei to give them a call when he needed them back. I was secretly glad that I had Ryusei all to myself. With him around, I had nothing to fear from my parents. [narration change to Ryusei's pov] It was funny, being in the position I was in: sitting at the dinner table and eating with the parents of one of my dancers. Me, the solitary Ryusei Haroken. Why, I never even eaten with Nagasi's parents before! I was more accostomed to the neat, arranged, business dinner where the "battlefield" was clearly defined. You had something you wanted from the person opposite you, and it was my job to have them agree to it. Here, I had nothing to gain from this dinner, except for maybe the admiration of Miss Hiyama-san's parents. I guess that in itself was worth something. If I could help resolve any internal family conflicts, it would put Miss Hiyama in a better, more calm state of mind. The meal -- it was thoroughly enjoyable. It featured the fresh catch of the day from the Hokkaido fish markets, prawn shrimps, and suishi. Although I was allergic to shrimp, I ate it nonetheless, to appease my hosts. Miss Hiyama's mother is one terrific cook! I wonder if Miss Hiayma is just as adept in the kitchen... After the homecooked feast, Miss Hiyama-san treated me to a tour of the house. I explained to her that it was not really necessary, but she insisted. It was your typical Hokkaido house. Nice, large, and spacious, unlike the cramped apartment spaces of Tokyo which I was moving into. Yes, I could have moved into a more elaborate, fancy, suite or penthouse, but that seemed like overkill to me. Why would one person need all that? Just because I can afford it doesn't mean I have to act foolish and opt for that. All I craved for was a simple , clean living quarters. That was good enough for me. We moved on to Miss Hiyama's former living quarters, where her personal effects was still intact. It looked like your typical, normal teenage girl's room: neat, clean, and cozy. A nice effect was the wind chime hanging over the window, jingling its sweet dulcet tones. I of course, did not want to enter a woman's bedroom, but Hikaru reprimanded me, saying I was just being silly. I was starting to feel a little weak; probably from the allergic reaction to the shrimp. But I just had to tough it out. I sat on her bed to catch my breath. I wasn't about to let my allergic reaction get the best of me. On the nightstand, there were all sorts of photos from her childhood. One of them was Hikaru by herself, another one with both Ayukawa-san and Hikaru together, and yet another with Ayukawa-san, Hikaru, and ... "ARGHHHHHH!" h: What IS IT Ryusei-SAN? What'S THE MATTER? Why ARE YOU HOWLING IN PAIN? R: The pain, the pain...I can't take it,... I must concentrate,... I must focus,... I must fight it! (places both hands around cranial area of the head and muttering some mantra; but soon, breaks out of pose) ARGGHHHHHHH! (rocks back into bed , clutching his head.) H: Somebody! Somebody please help Ryusei! [End of Chapter A7]