Charming Tails

Chapter 14 - Missing

Two days after her arrival, Kodoku Marisa, Rouji's mother, takes her leave for England. The family together with Katsune and Rumiha came to the airport in their casual holiday clothes as Rouji was dragging a roller baggage which belonged to his mother.

"Well Rouji, take care of your sister." Marisa acknowledges.

"Yes mom." he replies.

"Kodoku-san! It's been nice to see you again. I wish we could talk more." Rumiha speaks out.

"Me too Rumiha-chan. Hopefully, if things go well, I'll be able to come back in a week's time."

"Take care on your way mom." Katsune says.

"M-Mom?!" Rumiha reacts.

"Sssh. Rumi.. it's just a pretend. We'll explain later. Just go with it." Rouji whispers.

"What was that?" Rika intrigues.

"Nothing!" Rouji says.

"Good bye everyone. I'll be back soon. Take care! Especially you Rouji, these three girls are in your care." she reminds him.

"M-Mom! Jeez. You be careful too. We love you." Rouji waves good bye.

His mother walks through the crowd.

"Well, who's up for lunch?!" Rouji shouts cheerfully.

"Yay! Wait.. where'd you get the money?" Rika asks.

"Mom left me with a bit of extra money. And that extra money in Europe is big money here in Japan." he smirks.

"Ah, how much did she give you?" she asks.

"Fifty pounds." he smiles proudly.

"Ah. I have one hundred pounds that I took from my savings before we left for England."

"O-One hundred pounds?!" he looked devastated.

"Hahaha. Rouji. It's okay. We can spend a lot with your money." Rumiha laughs.

"Dammit. We should spend your money Rika." he tries to trick her.

"It's my money. Not mom's. So you can just give it up." she ignores him.

Rouji reacts to her and pulls his hair as Katsune tries to comfort him.

*   *   *

"Man, that food filled a whole." Rouji sat in satisfaction.

The four sat facing each other on a circular table as they were done eating. It looked like a fancy restaurant with all the luxury decorations and table placements. No one would think it was just a simple, cheap, luxury restaurant. The same restaurant that Rouji and Katsune went for when they were out at the harbor.

"Rouji, thanks for the meal. I never expected to eat her at all!" Rumiha cheerfully tells him.

"I'm glad to hear that. Hehe. It's a once in a lifetime catch I guess?" he says.

"By the way. Tell me about what you said earlier." she grins.

"But.. I can't. Not right now." he insists.

"Why not?" she looks at him. "It must be Rika huh?" she guesses.

"Don't worry brother. I know your secret." Rika speaks out.

"What?! What are you talking about?!" he doubts them.

"You and Takane-san are just pretending. Don't worry. You're still a loser to me."

He slams his face on the table upon hearing those words.

"Hah.. At least I'm assured now. I thought it was for real." Rumiha breathes out comfortably.