Accost Splendora ❷ C-10_100 Under The Peach Tree
Book By Ryan T.S
Chapter 10
Page 100- _Despairing Revelation_
Hours of cleaning up and fake forced goodbyes later, Rinny eased into a free front seat, accompanied by currently-confused quiet Ai. Noticing the thick choking air, Asami refrained from her usual teasing.
'Can you drop us at the Shokuji Ramen shop before home?," pleaded dead sounding Ai. She was more polite, calm and tender than ever, no doubt lifting the chauffeur's head with worries.
Silently the short journey sped, not even a single word to lessen the dense worried glare from Lady Ito. Webbed in thoughts were two zombie looking friends, shocked by the sudden screech of brakes.
'We're here," said Asami, shaky finger pointing on the red lit sign "*SHOKUJI RAMEN*".
Soulless girls poured out their inaudible oral gratitude refined by a short bow.
'I'll wait for you after your evening business," she furthermore added, and drove around for parking.
Feeble steps towards the glass door, Haruno hardly pushed as it gave way grudgingly. Already far off in the secluded dark dim corner sat Keisuke, Takahiro and Shin.
She checked around for any dubious looking customers before moving over to the grim looking guys.
A squeaky drag or two and they were seated, blankly staring each other across the worn out table.
Shin.... _Should we order something first?_
Keisuke.... _Hey, no offense but i don't know you so you might wanna start with introductions, and make them clear._
Shin.... _It might take...._
The boy stopped for a gulp faced with the clear face of angry looking Senami. In fact, everyone except Hiro was surprised, but thanks to the damp atmosphere, no one felt like reacting. Fear drawn, one dejected glimpse at his so called friend Rin, and he swigged a cup of cold sparkling water.
Shin.... _Ahem. Uhm.., my name is Shin Nakajima. The Only son of Nakajima Corporates. I used to live next to Nano since birth until Kindergarten._
Kei & Ai.... _Who's Nano?_
Rintarõ.... _Don't worry guys, it's just a nickname he used to call me._
Slow nods and strange raised eyebrows were her rewarded reaction to the so said "Don't Worry".
Shin.... _As i was saying, we used to be best friends up to Kindergarten. That's when i suddenly got sick and bed-ridden for almost a year. Unfortunately my sickness couldn't be cured in Japan, so i was transferred to an outside facility in Switzerland. Bad news upon arrival, my illness would bring certain death if i did unnecessary movements, like walking. So my stupid overprotective father arranged for everything. He sold the house we owned next to Nano and told the neighbors i was dead. Something HE said was a way to take off attention on me, and allow me to have months of treatment, rest, without disturbing calls. And i DID get healed up in a matter of years, but when i came back, the Harunos were gone. I tried searching everywhere but you weren't registered at any school. Disappointed, i went back and carried through middle school until i came across the honor students of the prestigious Koniaki High. Immediately i applied and transferred just before summer break. Even so, my intentions weren't just to see you, i also wanted to tell you i love you but i couldn't face you. At first i stalked you in the train. Then looked for ways to put a letter in your locker. The first attempt you saw me, i ran and the second, today, you caught me._
Merumi.... _So much for an introduction_
Keisuke.... _Hey, mr childhood friend, this is my girlfriend so stay away._
Shin.... _Ha-ha yeah right, that's a joke. Pure maiden Nano would never do that, right?_
He stretched a questioning look at Haruno, instantly shivering with the view of his childhood friend deep in thought. But suddenly, the young lady snapped.
Rintarõ.... _So Shin, if you're not *The Unknown*, why were you dressed in an oversized uniform with a hoodie the first time i saw you._
Shin.... _Eh!? er, it was my first week which i happened to receive wrong measurements for a personally designed uniform...funny huh?_
Rintarõ.... _Is that so?_
Shin.... _Uhh.., yeah. Why'd you ask?_
Everyone else was excluded to her gathering, already sinking in petrifying laughter. She screamed "Yes!!!", jumping back and forth to abandon her friends with plenty quizzical glances.
Rintarõ.... _I finally figured out who *The Unknown* is!_
Life returned, faces glimmered and rejuvenated mouths widened with overwhelming joy. Yet jubilant hearts lacing up shoes, the store tv tuned to breaking news, headlined "The Imperial Truth".
To Be Continued.......