Chapter 4

" It's unbelievable," I exclaimed in my office, my eyes gazing through the photos of Nagisa. " This dude's a natural. How could anyone be this good?"

 Ruth was mixing her mug of coffee, a Faraway look on her face. She took a sip and let out a satisfying breath. " Told you he was good."

 " With a figure like that, he could go places," I flickered ashes on my ash tray. " Too bad he's on a non-exclusive contract with me. I could have used him to a great advantage."

 " Why did you agree to signing a non-exclusive with him in the first place, boss?" Ruth asked. " Not like you to go back on your decision."

 " Hey, if I hadn't agreed to his terms, I'd lose him."

 " Was that all?"

 " I don't understand."

 Ruth placed her mug of coffee on the table and glared at me. " I noticed your expression while the photo shoot was going on. You had that look on your face."

 My eyes narrowed. " What look?"

 " Same look you had when you first met Clair."

 I turned Scarlett. " Are we bringing up that already? I thought we agreed not to summon my ex's in our conversations?"

 " Sorry boss," Ruth shrugged. " It was just an observation. Your facial expression towards Nagisa was no different from the ones you gave to Clair."

 " Crap," I rose to my feet, fishing my pocket for my cigarette case. " Don't get any funny ideas into your head. I was just awed by him. Why'd you think that way about my expression? It means nothing. Besides, he's a guy. I got no interests in him."

 Ruth met my eyes and her hardness softened. " You're sure?"

 I scowled at her. " What's the matter with you? I just told you I got no special interest in Nagisa. He's a guy. You got naughty gross thoughts running in your head, dispose of it."

 She looked relieved and I couldn't tell why. " Nevermind, boss."

 Women, why are they so mysterious?

 Wandering over to my coat hook, I took my coat and got into it. " It's been a long day. I gotta head back to the hotel."

 Ruth stood up as well. " Why don't you rent an apartment, boss? That exclusive hotel's kinda expensive. You're staying in Tokyo for a long while, it'd be better if you had an apartment."

 " Yeah, I thought about that," I took out a match box and lit a cigarette. " But I'm wet behind the ears about housing in Tokyo."

 " Want me to handle it? I can get you an apartment next to mine," Ruth offered. 

 I grimaced. " You're suddenly wanting us to live next to each other? This isn't Miami."

 " I'm your Manager, boss," Ruth folded her hands. "  Whenever you need me, I should be within reach."

 I sighed. " Fine, I'll leave it to you. Where do you live, Ruth? Maybe I can drop you off."

 " I'll use the speed train," she walked passed me and opened the door. " I still got a lot on my desk to clear so I'll be home late."

 And she left me behind in the office. 

 I pulled out the cigarette from my lips and blew a long stream of smoke in the air. A lot on her desk, huh? Ruth was a workaholic. She works herself to stupour sometimes it scares me. Her time is always dedicated to me and my company even when I suggest a vacation, she wouldn't leave. 

  Taking the elevator down to the first floor, I recalled how Ruth had turned down the offer of staying in Miami to substitute me. I wanted  someone I could trust to look after things back home when I settle in Tokyo. Of course, I chose Ruth but instead, she suggested someone else. Ruth was like a loyal dog. She was willing to follow me anywhere no matter the odds. I couldn't refuse her when she insisted to stick with me at Tokyo. 

 Looking at things now, I can tell just why dad recommended her to me. Ruth was dad's personal assistant. He had found Ruth when she was working as a waitress at MacDonald's. He discovered her splendid intelligence and smartness when it comes to business, bookkeeping, finances and development. She had high SAT scores and a college degree in finance and business administration. After Working a year for dad, he handed her over to me. 

 Ruth and I didn't get along on her first day at work with me. As a matter of fact, she hated me. I was the proud, arrogant, rich son and the most demanding boss ever. But underneath all that, I was indeed soft and playful if need be. 

 Ruth was the straightforward, hard cocky independent woman who never gives a hoot about anyone or anything. She's an alpha female, just take it from me. A time came when we did get in a fight and I fired her. Ruth was only glad to leave. However on her way out, she got hit by a car. I felt bad and had her rushed to the hospital, myself. I took proper good care of her until she recovered. Ever since, we became tight buddies. She was the only person I could reveal my true self. I was tough and bossy when everyone was around but with Ruth, it was totally different. We could joke around with sarcastic remarks despite the fact I was her superior.

 The elevators door swished opened and I walked out. I headed for the parking lot where my Maybach was kept and in three minutes, I was driving out into the highway. 

 As I drove, I recalled Nagisa's home address. He had written his contact info and address when he signed his non-exclusive contract. After the photoshoot was over, he had dressed up and left. If I hadn't been busy with work, I would've seen him off. 

 This was so unlike me. Why was I tempted to check up on him? It was even more tempting to place him a call. He was mysterious and draws attention without even trying. He's drawn my attention. How on Earth could I have let myself go?

 The traffic lights shone red, causing me to halt my car. I clenched my teeth, gritting angrily at myself as the image of that smooth snow white skin, red lips and  that rare cute green eyes flashed into my vision. 

 It was as if, I was admiring a girl. Why does he have to be a guy? Why? Now I couldn't think straight. I want to see him again. I want to know more about him. I want to bring down that barrier wall he's set up against me. 

 I threw my head back on my head seat and swore under my breath. " Damn you, Nagisa."

* * * * 

 Nagisa came down the taxi and walked all the way from the walk lane and down the alley until he arrived at this seven floor apartment. He took the stairs, keeping his hands on the rails in his graceful movement. 

 Room 23 was slightly opened when he stopped before it. His eye brows were immediately drawn to a frown. Only one person has the key to his room. 

 He opened the door and stepped in. The sweet smell of cooking greeted him as he shut the door with his feet and advanced into the room towards the kitchen. 

 Someone was singing a pop song with a musical voice. He stood by the doorway of the kitchen and stared. 

 A girl was bent over the counter, cooking rice and cutting frozen chicken on a wooden board. She had short jet-black hair which was held in a cute ponytail. She was remarkably tall and pretty. 

 " Sakura?" Nagisa called. 

 Sakura looked up, sharply and seeing Nagisa, she smiled lovingly. " Nagisa, welcome home, baby."