IMPORTANT NOTE: I do not own anything
CHAPTER 9
Japan, Tokyo…
Downtown…
Ling Xiaoyu took her friend-like-sister, Alisa, outside the dorm to spend some time by themselves. Alisa was craving for this moment from the time Lars entrusted her to Xiaoyu. She had her "onee-san" all to herself. Now they could talk about things Asuka never knew…but for Xiaoyu. There were other things that neither Alisa nor Asuka knew about. Some of those secrets of hers were only known by Miharu Hirano, who was her biggest supporter in her relationship with Jin. She was even the one, who created multiple opportunities for these two people to meet and get to know each other. After an almost three month effort, she was convinced to give up by herself until her best friend appeared before her with the most refreshing smile she had ever seen on her face…However, to Xiaoyu's displeasure the first thing Miharu mumbled wasn't the "congratulations" thing but a relieved "At last!"…Who could blame her, right?
"Say, Alisa…" the Chinese girl called her friend, who looked curiously at her…
A smile appeared on Xiaoyu's face when she checked the date on her smartphone…Yeah…It was that time of the year. She cleared her throat… "You know…Uh…Today, is one of those days that the Mishima Polytechnic High School used to hold their annual festival…Hehe…" she giggled scratching the back of her neck… "W-Well…"
"You want to check this out, Xiao-oneesan?"
Her eyes widened, since she believed that Alisa would make fun of her and even…maybe…probably…No, forget it. She knew that Alisa would be as excited as she was. It was a good thing that their personalities matched in a way…But…How did she wish to even have a share of Alisa's innocence? That would put her at ease…However, Ling Xiaoyu chose the hard way, that being having Jin Kazama…as her lover. Even from back then, when they were just students, the young girl was aware that this relationship was going to be a hard one to be kept together. But she never regretted it. The Jin Kazama of her past, was a man, who was worth of every possible hardship she may had to come across with…The current "him"? Probably not…
"Would that be ok with you?"…she asked confused… "If you want to do…ermm…something else…"
Alisa shook her head reassuringly… "No worries, please! We should go and enjoy it."
Xiaoyu cheered and raised her hand making Alisa do the same… "Let's make the best of it!" they shouted in unison ignoring the people passing…
…
Mishima Polytechnic High School
Such a nostalgic feeling that was…
She remembered how excited she was, yet anxious in the same time. Were those who attended the festival going to enjoy what their class prepared? It was a fortunate thing that back then Jin was in the same class as her. Everyone knew of his smarts and how dependable he was. Even though Xiaoyu was one of the people, who could find countless faults in his personality, she never doubted that he could come up with a lot of ideas to pull them through. He was always having a plan B…plan C…and you can guess how it was going. Who knows? Maybe, that was one of those things that made her be drawn to him. Looks were overrated for her since they eventually fade away but a bright mind and character couldn't…well, at least the first one. However, it was very convenient for her that she found him attractive in the same time. Anyway, Jin Kazama was someone she was depending on a lot…On the other hand, he was the one spoiling her nonetheless.
Cheerful chattering was surrounding the grounds of the Mishima Polytechnic High school. Of course…The attendants were all students of different schools and young adults. Xiaoyu was satisfied with what she was experiencing right now. She didn't expect less from Heihachi Mishima's high school. When she was still a student he was usually visiting their festival at least for…five minutes. Mostly to check on Jin. A sigh escaped her lips. Because of that, the two were never able to enjoy the festival as they wished. Xiaoyu knew that Jin was feeling very bad and guilty about it but she never complained and always showed understanding. Jin was so cautious when they were together at school. He didn't want for Heihachi to find out about his relationship with Xiaoyu. Truth to be told, he didn't seem to know of Shin Kamiya and that he was his grandson's friend, when he spotted him in the Mishima Zaibatsu. That was a moment of relief for the last one. He cared deeply for his girlfriend but for Shin, too.
Alisa and Xiaoyu were walking around carelessly looking at people and how much fun they had. The Mishima High's school festivals were very popular in Tokyo. Even people from other schools were attending and not to mention college students. The third year girls of the school were craving for the last ones. Having a boyfriend in college? Not a bad idea… On the other hand, even though unexpected, Heihachi Mishima was supporting a lot the school's activities. Xiaoyu and Shin, who were on their guard when it came to Jin's grandfather, had to admit at least that much. Well, that didn't change the fact that something shady was hiding behind this school. Why would the Mishima Zaibatsu's CEO would build and even run, as a principal, a high school? Did nobody wonder about this?
The Chinese girl glanced at her friend, who was even more excited than she was. She guessed that with Alisa's personality it would be quite difficult but no…more like devastating to be all around soldiers, practice, weapons, men…well…A smile crossed Xiaoyu's lips…Being around a handsome man like Lars Alexandersson wouldn't be such a bad thing. She wondered what kind of "love" this man was making. She laughed at herself because of her naughty thought and especially as she noticed the blush on her cheeks…
Wanting to change her train of thoughts she decided to talk to Alisa about…something…However, her eyes took notice of two young men looking persistently towards her friend's direction. She bit her lips to suppress her laugh. Alisa was going to be terribly confused if she was to tell her that two guys were fawning over her. Lucky her! It's been a long time since she was "picked up". She remembered a guy, who was working as a barista at the café Xiaoyu and her college peers used to hang out. After some time he asked her to go on a date with him and Xiaoyu agreed after asking Asuka's opinion, who not only told her to try it, she demanded for her to go. However, the day of the date he texted her to tell her that he won't be able to make it and coincidentally he resigned from his job the next day. Now that she thought better of it…There was a guy from her college, who was interested in her for a long time, until he decided to make his move. What Xiaoyu said back then was that they could just start by going on a date. Next day the man said that in the end they shouldn't do it and he, even, changed departments. Xiaoyu started worrying about her luck…Maybe, she knew that it was futile to fall in love with another guy but she could never know, unless she tried…After that no one approached her but she didn't really mind it, anyway…
"Xiao-oneesan?" she heard Alisa's gentle voice and flinched. How long was she standing like an idiot doing nothing? She shook her head and smiled…
"Yes, Alisa?"
"Why are you smiling?" asked Alisa with concern. Xiaoyu frowned…When did she smile? She tried to remember what made her feel so lost in her thoughts. It was a good thing that unexpectedly she managed to do it…That was it…The feeling of nostalgia…
"I am? I didn't notice." She answered cheerfully… "Guess how happy a tasty and refreshing ice-cream can make you feel, huh?"
Alisa was relieved that her friend was enjoying herself but something started seeming off… "Actually…It's melting." She pointed at the ice cream Xiaoyu was holding. The Chinese girl looked at where Alisa was pointing and her eyes widen…
"S-Shit!" she cursed and started running to find the bathroom. Unfortunately, she had to throw away her ice cream but she couldn't do otherwise. It was a good thing that she knew how to move inside the Mishima Polytechnic High School.
She washed her hands and checked carefully her clothes. Thankfully, they weren't dirty. A sigh escaped her lips and stared momentarily at her friend only to avert her gaze to the mirror in front of her… "I'm sorry, Alisa…I should have been more careful."
The girl shook her head reassuring her and Xiaoyu smiled. Alisa was such a kind person. Everyone could love her, of course, and she wouldn't blame them. In contrast to her, she never had ominous thoughts about other people. Lots of people would say that Xiaoyu would never be that kind of person. No way…both Xiaoyu and Asuka…and another friend of hers…would say in unison. Of course, she had people she considered bothersome. Actually, it was true that Asuka and Xiaoyu didn't get along from the moment they became roommates. That was a very interesting story that the Japanese woman was enjoying sharing with other people to Xiaoyu's dismay and, if she ever was to find out…displeasure. Well, about that…Suddenly, Alisa remembered how Asuka was looking forward to this day. She had a very excited expression full of impatience…
"Do you think that Asuka-san is having fun?" she asked while looking at Xiaoyu, who was fixing her plain makeup. The older woman pursed her lips and placed carefully her favorite lip gloss inside her bag…
"Well…" she started and crossed her arms… "I didn't want to upset her but…she better not think that, she will be standing in front of the photoshoot." A sigh escaped her lips… "She's probably gonna end up being that model's errand girl." She said once again walking outside the school's bathroom with Alisa following right behind her…
"She seemed as a nice woman." After saying that Alisa could take notice of a faint smile crossing her best friend's pink colored lips…
Xiaoyu chuckled and looked at her friend over her shoulder… "Really? You think so?" she asked and continued her way to walk outside the building and check once again what she could do next…
"Y-Yes…I m-mean, that's my opinion." Xiaoyu turned to her friend and touched her shoulder. She had a feeling that the tone in her voice sounded awkward for Alisa…What's with that?
"Hehe…since it's you, Allie…I believe you." Suddenly, a thought entered Xiaoyu's mind as she remembered something. Alisa tilted her head confused and in the same time worried…
"Xiao-oneesan?" she watched her looking at the wristwatch she was wearing… "Why are you checking the time?" Alisa dropped her shoulders. Could it be that Xiaoyu had to do something in the end that she forgot? "You said that you had nothing to do today."
The black haired woman fixed the bag on her shoulder and smiled at her friend… "That's right!" she said playfully… "Well, seems like we're still have lots of things to do. So, don't let your guard down!"
Alisa raised an eyebrow as she watched her friend walking away. Soon enough, she shook her head and followed her with hurried steps…
…
Japan, Tokyo
In the same time, Asuka Kazama didn't seem as excited as Alisa pictured her this morning back home. The current situation was pure disappointment. Well, it wasn't like she expected to be able to take a good look but she, at least, wanted to check out the cameras and, in general, the whole setting. A big sigh escaped her mouth…At least, she saw a man she wanted to meet for a long time now. He was as handsome as she imagined. That poor Xiaoyu didn't know what she was missing. It was true that Asuka proposed to both Xiaoyu and Alisa to join her, of course, after asking for Lili's permission. The outcome was compromising for her. She knew that her friend despised this kind of thing. Cameras, journalists and the rest…However, she didn't have a problem when it came to meet celebrities…and, especially, her favorite idols.
Lost in her thoughts she didn't give any attention to her surroundings until a person opened the door. Asuka looked towards there and when she saw who it was she rolled her eyes and bit her lip. Just great! The last thing she wanted was to keep seeing that guy but she couldn't do anything about it. After all…Hwoarang was Lili's bodyguard.
Well, it wasn't like Hwoarang enjoyed the sight of her, in the same time. But Lili "ordered" him to be nice and help her, if she needed anything. He decided to ignore her for now and walked the corridor in search of a balcony to have a cigarette. However, as he passed in front of her, she stopped him with her voice…
"Hey, you!" she called him and he stopped… "Why can't I go inside? Lili promised me."
A sigh escaped his mouth. What did she expect? She was a complete outsider… "Ugh…She asked them but they are going to let you watch, when it's gonna be her own shots. Now she's posing with that…" there was a pause from his side in which Asuka raised an eyebrow… "…guy."
"You mean Steve Fox, right?" she asked with a smile on her face, which he found disgusting since he knew what it meant. Another stupid girl under that fake bastard's spell. Why are girls so blind? And especially Lili. But she did have her eyes on him even before they met each other. However, the young man had his own mission. It was true that he didn't give a damn about Lili's love life but Steve was…a man "difficult" to deal with. Thankfully, he wouldn't have to see him dumping her since he was only here until Lili finishes with her job in Japan. Then, back to Seoul for him…
"How could you tell?" he said sarcastically in a tone that Asuka couldn't understand his mockery…
"He's dreamy." He heard her saying while having her eyes closed and her hands on her cheeks…
"You girls are really pathetic." He murmured and Asuka looked at him annoyed. Typical jealous stuck up man, who thinks that he's better than everybody else. Well…To be honest, Hwoarang was quite too close to that term.
She made a step towards him with crossed arms under her chest… "Just admit your jealousy." She smirked and looked at him upside down… "You're having a nice face but nothing close to him. He's just so…" she sighed shrugging her shoulders… "Anyway, you got the message."
Hwoarang decided to not continue this pointless conversation…
"So? You are a college student, aren't you? What are you studying?" his question took her by surprise. Why was he asking her something like that?
"I'm not telling you." She said and looked away embarrassingly…
"And why's that?"
Asuka narrowed her eyes and tightened her fists… "You're gonna laugh, that's why."
The man exhaled and looked towards the door when faint sounds of footsteps started echoing… "I have plenty of ways and reasons to laugh at you, if I want." Asuka gritted her teeth and before she was ready to answer back, he interrupted her with his voice… "Oh…They finished."
Her whole expression changed drastically… "Really?!" she asked and followed his gaze noticing Lili's beautiful appearance. She was so jealous of her. If only she had a little piece of the younger girl's beauty, that guy back there wouldn't even think of leaving her. Well, she knew that it wasn't his fault but still…She was wondering from time to time, if he ever missed her. Probably not, right? She shook her head when Lili found herself in front of her…
"Hwoarang…Miss Kazama, I hope you weren't that bored." The blonde woman asked with concern in her voice…
"I told you to call me Asuka, didn't I?" she said placing her hands on her hips making the girl opposite her smile…
"Right…Forgive me." Suddenly, she remembered something that made her frown… "I apologize but we're wrapping up for the day. It's true that my leg doesn't give me much of a choice. We'll have to come tomorrow, as well. Oh…I'm so disappointed in myself. Inconveniencing everyone here. " Asuka's face dropped momentarily but then she tried to sound cheerful…
"No, no…Don't worry about me. I've seen a lot today. It was a great experience. Thanks!"
Lili bit her upper lip as she thought of something… "Umm…Tomorrow, morning…I'm having my own shots. Would you like to join me once again?"
Asuka giggled uncomfortably… "I'd love to…but…uh…I have classes in the morning."
However, in the same time, Hwoarang had other things inside his mind without paying attention to Lili's second proposal… "In other words, inconveniencing that bastard. Like you care about these people here." He was aware that these words were coming of as cruel but deep down the young man knew that there was a bit of truth inside them…
Lili sighed and leaned towards Hwoarang for support… "That won't do. I'll invite you to dinner, then."
"You don't have to."
She shook her head determinately and frowned… "I am Lili Rochefort and I keep my word. Today, I failed your expectations so I want to compensate you."
Asuka giggled… "You don't have to do it in order to compensate me. You seem like a cool person, anyway. I bet we could hang out."
The girl opposite her smiled at her words and before she was ready to say something she felt a strong masculine hand on her shoulder… "Lili…Nice job up there. As expected of you."
A faint blush appeared on Lili's cheeks as she raised her head to look at the man. This soft voice belonged only to a certain one…
"It's all because of you…I'm not interested in sports, so it was difficult for me to get into the mood…Thanks, Steve."
He winked playfully at her, something that made Hwoarang almost ready to puke. Slowly, he pushed Lili gently away from him and walked down the corridor. He had enough of that piece of shit for the day…
Steve laughed in the inside as he watched Hwoarang walking away. This guy was just so fun to mess with. But he knew that going too far wouldn't be a good idea since the two had some history and Hwoarang had a big…mouth. Something that wasn't benefiting Steve in all ways. It's true that he wondered how he didn't say anything to her. Who knows? Probably, Hwoarang, honestly, didn't care. That would be relieving…
The man frowned when a female voice attracted his attention. He turned to find Lili watching him in a strange way. However, his eyes took notice of a shorter girl, who was standing opposite her. How come he didn't notice her sooner? Well, her face couldn't be compared to Lili's but…this woman had her "own assets". The kind that didn't go unnoticed. Steve raised an eyebrow casually and asked…
"By the way, who's the young lady?"
Asuka felt her heart ready to jump outside her body. What was happening? "Huh? Steve Fox is asking my name. I can die happily now. I'm Asuka Kazama, Mr. Fox. I'm so excited to meet you!" Indeed, Steve could tell about the young girl's enthusiasm. He averted his eyes for a single moment and glanced at Lili, who had an unreadable expression. For now, though, he turned his attention back to Asuka…
"Really? I feel so good having fans in Japan." He said cheerfully with a fake smile…
Even though, Asuka was good at reading people and know when they were faking or being honest, right now she wasn't even aware of what expression she had on her own face. Something idiotic for sure…
Suddenly, she remembered something and leaned suspiciously towards him… "Now that you mentioned it." Steve was wondering if he actually said something… "It's not the time and place but who knows if I'll ever see you again."
"Huh? You look serious. Please, go on." This started to get funny…
"This last match you had with that newcomer was totally against you."
Steve bit his upper lip as he remembered that unpleasant memory. Lili's appearance was able to make him forget but this girl here made him remember it again. Was she really a fan? But she still was watching his matches…Really remarkable for him. It would be even better, if Lili had this as a hobby, too…"You're talking about that…Well…" he paused while trying to find something to say… "…I wasn't in my best days."
Asuka's eyes narrowed being annoyed of what her favorite athlete was saying… "No fucking way! You should have asked for a rematch. All us true fans expected something like that."
The man felt something strangely warm inside his body. He couldn't tell what it was. All that happened was a genuine gentle smile crossing Steve's lips. Even Lili's eyes widened in surprise. It was the first time she was witnessing an expression of that kind from him. She, then, turned away from him and watched Asuka, who was still looking at him the same way as before. Seems like it was only Steve the one that felt differently… "Hehe…I couldn't possibly do that…You see, my opponent won fair and…square."
"How can you possibly say that?!" she asked angrily taking Steve by surprise. She sounded even angrier than he was… "Fair and square?! Don't be so naïve and kind-hearted. Next time you're being threatened be sure to call me. I have no worries in getting engaged with the police." She added with a look full of pride…
"Thank you…That means a lot."
Steve kept looking at her making Lili even more irritated than before. She was much more beautiful that the brunette opposite her, so why was he looking at her? Lili tightened her fists hurting her palms with her nails. She raised her head and said to her… "We should go. I'll get changed and we're leaving." She glanced at Steve over her shoulder and said… "I guess, we'll see each other tomorrow. I apologize once again for the problem, I caused you."
This time, Asuka realized the unpleasant aura around Lili. Did she do anything? Maybe, she really was just tired. But no…She could tell that something was off. The Japanese girl didn't even have the chance to say anything and Lili had already disappeared further into the corridor. She pursed her lips and turned back to Steve giving him a small bow before leaving to find the younger woman. In the same time, even one of the most clueless men, like Steve, managed to realize that something seemed off with Lili. She didn't even say "goodbye". From a woman of her status that would be considered rude. He let out a small sigh and shrugged his shoulders…
"What a nice young woman?" he raised an eyebrow as he heard those words coming from his manager…
Steve was silent at first. He thought of all those things she told him. Could it be that he gave up way too easily back then? However, he couldn't do anything now. He lost "that" match and had to move on. All the sponsors and his manager were telling him the same thing. Steve knew that they were right. He was aware that he wasn't unbeatable but he would only admit defeat by someone, who would fight him honestly without other interferences…
"Uh…yeah! She got…me." He finally said making the man next to him give him a suspicious glare…
"Is he changing targets? It's a first for me seeing that expression on him…meaning not a lecherous one." He thought to himself still looking at Steve…
The blond man, then, remembered how she called him… Don't be so naïve and kind-hearted…He frowned as he recollected that… "Sorry…Unfortunately, I'm neither naïve nor…kind-hearted." Suddenly, he met his manager's gaze… "Hey! I want to see her again. Find where she lives."
A dissatisfied frown appeared above the older man's eyes… "So…You really are interested in her?"
Steve stayed quiet momentarily… "I don't know…At least if I'm interested in her in that way. You know…She did take me by surprise"
"Oh boy…What was her name again?" he asked taking out his agenda and the younger man smiled…
"Asuka Kazama…Find out everything."
…
Inside Lili's dressing room…
While the hairdresser and stylist were helping Lili to change her clothes the last one was thinking of what happened back there. Why did he seem so interested in that girl? Yeah, okay…She was his fan not only when it came to his appearance but looks like she was watching him as an athlete, too. This was the last thing she wanted. Fighting for Steve's affections with some plain woman. Lili closed tightly her eyes. No, that was not like her. Asuka Kazama didn't do anything wrong. Her eyes were honest…she could tell…She wasn't trying to seduce him or anything. It was obvious that if someone was to blame, that was only Steve. However, the last thing she wanted was to turn him off because of her jealousy. And they weren't even a couple yet in the first place. But for now, there was one thing she needed to do and that was to apologize to the Japanese young woman.
Soon enough, the blonde girl was dressed in her own clothes and after thanking the two women, walked outside the room. Her eyes took notice of the excitement Asuka was emitting as she was looking over some photos in her hands. These must be the prototypes, she thought. She breathed out and walked closer…
"I'm ready." She said with a forced smile. She had to find the right moment and apologize. If she was to do it out of the blue that would only raise Asuka's curiosity about her relationship with Steve. Lili didn't have a problem to even shout her feelings for that man but she still didn't trust the slightly older woman completely…Well, that was understandable, of course. She just met her but the aura around her felt cozy and comfortable. At least, she knew that she could trust her in the future…
Asuka Kazama raised her head and chuckled as she watched Lili, obviously better than before, walking towards her. She placed the photographs neatly inside a file and gave it to her… "These photos are amazing and…" she sighed… "Yeah…You were awesome, girl! I'll keep saying it."
Lili placed the file inside her bag and tilted her head… "Uh…Thank you."
"You're finished already?" Asuka rolled her eyes irritated knowing the person behind this voice. He was just fine smoking at god knows where he was. Lili turned to see him and frowned. He reeked of smoke. No wonder he didn't have a girlfriend. Poor Hwoarang didn't know that Lisa told her everything she knew about him. Well, it was understandable for Lili to want to know things about a man unknown to her. She would stay with him all day until she finishes with her job in Japan, after all…
"So…You noticed? Where have you been all this time?" she asked him while walking towards the exit…
"Smoking…"
She scoffed… "Obviously…You reek of smoke. Be sure to take care of it when we go home." Asuka giggled at Lili's scolding but immediately stopped when she made contact with the man's enraged face…
The air breeze messed their hair and Lili spit out some locks from her mouth. That was so embarrassing. Good thing, Steve wasn't here. Asuka raised her head and looked at the sky. It was getting late and Xiaoyu would start bitching about it, if she didn't get back home soon. "Umm…" she muttered and bowed when the blonde girl glanced at her… "Thank you for today."
Lili smiled… "It's fine…Come on. Let's go inside the car, shall we?"
She shook her head apologetically and breathed out… "Actually, I need to do something and I don't want to take your time. I'll go back on foot."
"Where do you have to go? We'll take you there." She proposed but Asuka refused her…
"No…It's fine. Don't worry about it."
"Alright, then…" the younger girl muttered disappointed… "But…As I said, I'll compensate you. Be sure to wait my call ok?"
All Asuka did was to give a slight nod and walked away with quick steps….
…
Steve Fox wore his jacket and walked outside his dressing room after taking a few pictures with both the stylist and the hairdresser. It was true that he didn't have a problem to interact with his female fans. Actually, he wanted to spend some time with a certain one but, unfortunately, he, also, had his eyes on Lili…so, it was quite difficult. A sigh escaped his mouth when he made eye contact with his manager, who was standing right opposite the door having his arms crossed.
"Were you standing like a stalker outside my door all this time?"
The older man rolled his eyes… "Of course, I did." He shook helplessly his head and walked towards the exit asking from Steve to follow him… "What did you want me to do? All of a sudden, I heard someone's squealing. The last thing I wanted was a scandal here in Japan."
The blond man bit his upper lip… "I'm not that irresponsible." His manager stopped and turned to look at him…
"Let's not kid each other, alright?" he said in a low voice and continued walking outside the building leaving behind Steve, who wore a confused expression on his handsome features.
Entry ten: Hints of Jealousy…And Anticipated Meetings
Thanks for reading!