Chapter Twelve

Naoki sat by himself in the corner far from everyone, he watched with interest as the guest chatted, laughed and danced among each other. Sipping on his second glass of champagne, Naoki let out a yawn.

It was only half way into this uneventful gathering, the young boy already wanted to go home, fall into a deep and never wake again.

As his eyes slowly scanned the room, they land a very familiar woman laughing at something Joey had said. Naoki's heart ached, he wanted to be able to hear her laugh. He wanted to hear her voice.

He wanted to feel her persistent presence with him once more. Even for a second. Gulping down the rest of the drink he heads towards the nearest waiter holding more glasses on the serving tray.

As he was nearing the waiter his fiance came over and latched onto his arm "Hello Sahoko." He forced a smile as Sahoko pulled smiling. However Naoki knew it was forced, "What's wrong?" He asked gueiunly worried.