The Encounter

CHAPTER SIX

Who would have thought they run into each other again this way? The world was getting smaller and smaller but why was she triggering him? Intrigued. He might as well put it that way.

"Shintaro-kun."

"Shintaro-san. You're too casual with me in public."

"Eherm, Shintaro-sa-ma. You're too distant I thought I was wasting my time."

"Remember, you were the one asking me for dinner."

"Ehh, you're so cold. And right, our busy schedules don't really fit much."

"Why did mother send you here?"

"It doesn't matter what's in front of her because she knows who's behind her."

"Are you speaking for yourself? I don't need your protection."

"J.R. Ward used to say this, 'Even the powerful needed protection sometimes.'"

"Shall we finish this meal and go somewhere else?" He resigned frowning at the two individuals he met a while ago.

"Sure. The food here is delicious but when can I visit your restaurant again?"

"Don't you dare do that anymore; you're making a wrong impression."

Erina laughed like a hyena that sent everyone glancing at their direction. "Why not?"

"You're my competitor!"

"For Pete's sake, Shintaro-sama! Don't be ridiculous!"

"Don't you think I don't know you partly owned West Ocean?"

"How did you know that?"

"I'm smarter than you think."

"You're not my competitor today; you're my guest."

"I want to think it that way."

"I never thought you'd think of me like that. So stubborn. Does your head still blast?"

"You could care less."

"I hate you, Shintaro Yamamoto."

"I want that."

He was taught chivalry and meekness by example in the family but sometimes being straightforward and stoic kept him grounded to his goals. He always had the arduous desire to get things done objectively and strategically. It worked wonders in everything he did that was why he was able to put up his own business. He poured himself into his dream the only folly he could give himself credit for was still about food from across the globe. Now it annoyed him to see Himari again. How could the earth so big bring them altogether here? He thought to himself. It should not be a big deal as the incident at TYH was of no importance - at all.

Women? I don't need women in my life. He shrugged fixating himself to another long-term plan he had for his business. He had female friends and he knew some of them flirted with him but who could seduce a man whose priority was himself?

He should not be relaxing during this time but the city was filled with enthusiasm - so alive and upbeat - he was tempted to skirt work at the restaurant. After he walked Erina back to her hotel, he decided to make use of his remaining hours before his restaurant closing hours and detoured at Lor Avenue. He was just as pissed to realize he knew who he was watching at and did not wish to get involved. However, before he could go another meter, he felt queasy and cursed as he made a careful engine reverse. The woman seemed uncomfortable by the way she reclined her back to the man's car behind her he observed even at a distance. Shintaro was certain the man forced himself to do something towards the woman.

"I hate to interrupt but I don't think she likes it," he stood at a safer distance from the spectacle in front of him. Unaware of his coming, the individuals obviously jolted and curious to see who owned the voice. He intently looked at Himari who was apparently nervous he wanted to knock the man down, instead, he brought his fists inside the pockets of his pants.

"Well, Mr. ---?" Henry cockily asked him. They were not formally introduced previously.

"You don't need to know." He brusquely replied that made Henry jerked to his veins.

"I don't think you have business with us," Henry retorted.

Realizing the tension, Himari voice out. "Uhm, w-we're cool, Yamamoto-san. What made you pave your way here?" She bit her lower lip regretfully, embarrassed with the kind of question she had just asked. His eyes went dark and ignored her. He was generally patient but not today, particularly with Henry. He met him eye to eye as if summoning a silent fight against the latter.

"Well, not with you but with Himari."

"I'm surprised by the first-name basis. Does he even have this privilege, Himari?" Henry drew Himari close to his side.

"Huh? I think so; he was my former boss somehow." She replied completely trying hard to look comfortable. Tonight was not the night for street fight. Resigned, Shintaro let out a deep sigh and made up his mind to leave them.

"Some other time. I hate to cause a scene from a movie that's not mine."

Henry won.