They stared at her with their jaws dropped.
"Y-Yukimura Kahoru?" One of the men shouted. From his appearance, it was certain that he was Jun.
The man that just walked out of the kitchen was definitely Takao.
The man on the stool was Tachibana Asahi, Takahiro's best friend. They were both in the same grade since elementary school. After Takahiro moved to America, they somehow kept in touch.
Asahi took care of Kahoru after Takahiro moved.
The woman who looked like a model was Bianchi Erika. She was a year younger than everyone. Her father was Italian and her mother was Japanese.
Lastly, the woman who didn't say a word while tending the bar was none other than her 'ex' best friend Yuuki.
Everyone could not believe that it was Kahoru. The Kahoru they knew was slightly chubby. how did she get so slim?
Yuuki stared at Kahoru. Her heart beater fast. She thought she would never see Kahoru again but here she was, a completely different person; someone Yuuki could not recognize if they walked passed each other.
Both women stared at each other. Kahoru recalled the last moments she had with Yuuki and the others were not positive.
"Yuuki..." Kahoru mumbled
"Kaho?" Yuuki softly worded her name.
Their eyes were wide. A tense atmosphere had formed. Kahoru's emotions got the better of her and she backed away forcing the arm Takahiro held around her to let go. Her eyes burned and she suddenly sped out of the bar.
"Wait Kahoru, please come back!"
Yuuki placed a cup down and was about to run after her. Takahiro stopped Yuuki with his arm.
"Wait."
"She's going to disappear again Takahiro!" She cried.
The big boss sighed. "Come with me. I think I know where she is. You shouldn't go out alone. It's too dark."
"Fine. Let's go."Yuuki followed Takahiro outside and walked.
It was complete silence. Takahiro had a weird aura to him. He was almost too calm.
"She probably went to the park." Takahiro broke the silence.
"Four years ago, I spotted her crying in the park alone. I didn't recognize her, but I helped her because she seemed similar to Kaho. When we got married, I realized that girl I met was actually Kaho. Her habits hasn't changed."
"What habits?"
"When she is upset, she usually hides at the park. She did it every time when we were kids."
"You know her so well."
"Mm."
The air was once more filled with silence. Yuuki then spoke. "Four years ago, a woman stole away her boyfriend. She was studying in the United States from her last year of high school so she missed a lot of news. When she went home for the reunion it turned out, the boyfriend only dated her because he pitied her. They both humiliated her in front of the whole year level. The woman told Kahoru a lie about us, and Kahoru instantly had a meltdown. I had never seen her like that because she would brush everything off with a smile. I tried to comfort her but she wouldn't listen and ran off. Everyone hadn't seen her since."
Yuuki felt incredible sorrow. She wished Kahoru would listen to her at least once.
"Boyfriend?" The atmosphere turned cold.
"T-Takahiro?" Here it was, Takahiro's ice cold glare. He was truly angry. He did not know why he felt angry all of a sudden.
"Who is her ex boyfriend?"
"He's well known. He is now the CEO of Syotan Entertainment, Hasegawa Keiichi. He's quite powerful, and owns a Jewellery company and a Clothing line. He's quite a young CEO to own many brands."
"You know so much for a housewife."
"H-hey that's rude. Did you forget my husband works for you?"
"Yeah yeah."
They finally arrived at the closest park. Takahiro spotted a figure sitting at bench. "I'll give you a signal and you come in when I tell you to. So hide somewhere."
"Okay."
Takahiro walked towards the figure that was sitting with her legs tucked in between her arms it was spring now but it was still chilly. Her breath became foggy as she breathed out.
He sat next to her. Kahoru was surprised. "Takahiro how did you know I was here?" Her face was puffy and her eyes were swollen and red after crying.
"Your habits never change."
"My habits?"
"You run to the nearest park when you get sulky."
Takahiro suddenly wrapped his arm around Kahoru's waist. It wasn't gentle but it was a very tight, like he did not want her to escape her grip.
"What are you doing?" She turned to the boss. His hand was in the air.
"Kahoru..." A soft voice was heard. She realized she was trapped. Kahoru turned to look at Yuuki who was closing in on her.
"Yuuki..." Kahoru froze. She thought she was going to get slapped so she tightly shut her eyes. She didn't hear or feel the slap, but her body was embraced by a warmth.
"I am so sorry..." Yuuki whispered. Her embrace tightened. She started to weep. Her cries made Kahoru feel guilty and her tears also started to stream out her eyes. Kahoru was hesitant it she lowered her guard and hugged Yuuki back.
In those few minutes, The girls cried. Takahiro watched them cry. After they cried, they watched the view of Tokyo from the park.
Yuuki told her the whole story. "We would never do something so cruel to you. We have been friends since we were kids. You should know us well that we would never ever betray you. I thought I would never see you again. Everyone has been worried sick."
"I'm sorry. I couldn't process what had happened on that day. I wanted to disappear and never come back."
"Well now you're back. You've completely changed. I realise this, but you've become incredibly beautiful. Hiro don't you agree?"
Takahiro looked at Kahoru and smirked. "Better than the annoying child that stuck to me like superglue. But I agree. She has become awfully beautiful."
"H-hey! That was 19 years ago!" Kahoru's face flushed with red. Takahiro flirted with her again.
"So you wanna be best friends again?" Yuuki held both of Kahoru's hands. She stared into Kahoru's eyes with determination.
"Y-yeah." Kahoru shyly nodded.
"Yay! From now on you are not leaving me ever." Yuuki squeezed Kahoru.
"Let...go!"
"Never!" Yuuki smiled brightly as Kahoru slowly suffocated.
"Lets go back. Everyone must have been worried." Takahiro stood up and walked ahead of them.
'Lets go Kahoru!" Yuuki pulled Kahoru off the bench and linked arms with hers. They jogged to catch up with Takahiro.
Their misunderstandings were cleared. A weight had lifted up from their shoulders. Kahoru's life had become much better.
The three figures took their time getting back to the cafe bar. The view of Tokyo at night was beautiful, and they walked through the park as the cherry blossom trees were on the verge of blooming.
I hope everyone is happy to have Kaho back.
I posted this one earlier than usual because i'm too excited to wait and post!