Business Prince

Interruption

I sat in front of my Father's shrine, starring at the photo to the far left side of the shrine, of a young girl hugging her beloved Father. I want to go back to those years.....

I felt a tear roll down my cheek and I wiped it away, but more tears started to appear. "Not again, Father. I know, I've cried enough these past few weeks." 

Starring down at my lap I broke my stare from the photo that made my heart ache, letting my tears fall onto my pants. My crying was interrupted by an impatient knock at the door. Assuming it was Hanako I quickly wiped my tears and stood up, walking over to the door.

"I'm sorry Hanako, today's an Important day, so whatever you're planning I can't-"

"Nonono!! This is just as Important!! My brother is currently in a meeting, and if no one objects to having the bookstore torn down, they'll tear it down tomorrow. 

"W-what how that quickly???" I asked in a panic.

"When these greedy business people want something done quickly, they can get it done quickly! And anyways, we need to get you ready quick, the meeting ends in an hour!!!"Hanako yelled and pushed me inside shutting the door behind her.

"An hour!?!?!? There's no way we'll make it!!" 

"Not with that attitude!!!" Hanako retorted continuously pushing me towards the bathroom. 

I'm sorry Father, I guess our special day has been interrupted, but it's okay because, I'm doing this for you. I know you would want me to do this.

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"This is taking too long Hanako, we need to go!" I demanded wiggling in my chair, anxiously.

"No! These people judge by looks, if you don't look important, you probably aren't, and then they wont listen to you!" Hanako demanded continuing my makeup. I sat there quietly, she did have a point....

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"There done!" Hanako announced, shoving a mirror in my face, however I stood up without looking, and rushed out of the bathroom.

"Good now let's go! We only have 15 minutes to get there!!" I yelled slipping on my shoes, then walking outside. However I stopped in my tracks when I saw a car parked in the road, in front of my apartment.

"What are you waiting for!?!?!?" Get in!" Hanako questioned pushing me towards the car.

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I sat patiently in the car, minutes felt like hours as I kept checking the time on my phone. Nervously, I fiddled with my fingers, trying to keep my mind off the time, yet I couldn't stop myself from repeatedly checking the time. I watched my the time tick by slowly to my demise.

I closed my eyes trying to calm myself down, if I didn't calm down I was gonna have a panic attack.

I thought back to the times me and my Father had in the book store. The first time he brought me there... I was a bratty kid and was really skeptical about the store, I thought it was gross and didn't want to go in. But as soon as I walked into the store my world was lit up, I was book heaven. This book store was what truly awakened my love for manga and anime.

I fell in love with that store, and the manager who worked there. That old lady has brought a smile to my face countless times, I owe a lot of my happiness after my father died, to her. If it wasn't for her, I don't know what I would have done with, or to myself...

A shiver went down my spine bringing me back to the cold reality. I felt someones hand on my arm and look over at Hanako who was looking back at me with  a concerned face.

"I think you past out for a second there..." Hanako explained, with a tone of obvious concern. "You okay?"

Dragging my body out of the car, I forced myself to stand up and take a deep breath. My breath was shallow and I felt as someone had just kicked me in the chest.

I was too late...

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People flooded out of the building so I quickly pulled out my phone and checked the time.... We were definitely too late.. 7 minutes late to be exact....

"I'm sorry father I failed you..." I sighed slipping my hand under my glasses to cover my eyes. I could feel my heart thumbing in my chest, they were going to tear down my father's beloved book store, because I was too slow. I don't understand how you put up with me father, such a failure of a daughter..

I removed my hand from my eyes and fixed my glasses in enough time to see Kuro come walking out with the group of business people. I waved at him but he was looking at the lady next to him who was talking to him. At that point all other things slipped my mind, and all I could think about was "who is she?"

I slowly let my hand fall as a watched Kuro walk away with the woman, too busy too even notice me. I hung my head in despair, although I knew I had no right to be jealous, in no way did Kuro belong to me. And they are probably just talking about business nothing serious.

"Don't worry Aiko!!! They may have won this battle but they haven't won the war! Let's go out to get something to replenish ourselves after a good fight!" Hanako beamed placing her hand on my shoulder then pulling me into the car. I was in no mood to fight her, so I just went along with it.

"I'm taking you to me and my brother's favorite restaurant!" Hanakoannounced, sounding  incredibly happy, clearly she wasn't as affected by this as I was.

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The fancy, automatic, sliding glass doors opened up, revealing a brightly lit restaurant, it looked like an incredibly fancy diner, with a bar in the back round. I scanned the restaurant, feeling extremely out of place, however to my luck, all the seating areas were sectioned off by high seat backings. Even though there was no one in sight, I still felt a little over whelmed.

"Excuse me mi-"

"GAh!" I screamed jumping backwards, startling the waitress that had just startled me. The waitress gave me a concerned look before signaling for me and Hanako to follow her.

My heart was pounding quickly, I was so embarrassed, and out of my element, I was not meant for places like this! I put a lot of effort into my walking, I was so nervous, I was sure I would trip. I took a deep breath, and my heart rate relaxed, and as me and Hanako were walking to our table, I couldn't help but glance at the people around us. They were all so nicely dressed, and looked like they all came from big money. I was definitely out of place. 

As I continued to walk, I glanced at one table that almost made my heart stop, and actually made me trip. Me and Kuro had locked eyes for a split second, and across from him was the woman who I saw him walk out of the Conference Building with. 

I felt like I was chocking on air, as caught myself from falling over. Kuro stood up to ask if I was okay, obviously not recognizing me, but I quickly ran to catch up with Hanako and the waitress who hadn't noticed I had tripped.

I hope it's not what I think it is... I REALLY hope it isn't what I think it is.