Contract Boyfriend

Chapter 3_

Café Leblanc. . .

Rin had arrived several minutes before three o'clock, and had collapsed into a comfy armchair, exhausted. She smiled in relief as a server brought her a cold fruit smoothie. Rin had practically toured most of Tokyo in one day, a feat which she had sacrificed her legs for, but it had been well worth her while, since she had managed to snap photos of everything that had intrigued her, ranging from foods to eclectic items from the boutiques and markets. In hindsight, the city wasn't nearly as boring or intimidating as she thought it would be. Maybe I should do this more often.

Just then, Sesshomaru strolled into the café, causing all the female heads to turn. He was dressed in a classy black suit with a metallic blue tie, his silver hair glimmering in the afternoon sun. His stride simply radiated confidence and male supremacy. His cool amber orbs scanned the café and settled on Rin who was seated in a quiet corner of the café by the window. She was staring out the window when Sesshomaru glided into the seat across from her.

"What are you looking at that interests you so?" Sesshomaru inquired as his gaze traced Rin's.

Rin's head whipped around in surprise, her eyes wide.

"Oh, you surprised me." Rin turned her gaze towards her silver-haired acquaintance and smiled in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you come in. I was just enjoying the scenery."

"The scenery?"

"Yes, well, you see . . . I don't come into the city very often since I live in the suburbs and I haven't really seen much of the city except this café and some of the shops around this area. Everything seems foreign to me almost – " Rin paused mid-sentence, "I must be boring you, I mean I sound like I'm a tourist, even though I was born and raised in these parts."

"No, not at all, I can understand if you're captivated by this city. It does have a certain . . . vitality to it."

Rin nodded ardently, "the people, the shops . . .everything just seems to fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, but they're all so unique and individualistic at the same time."

"If you're interested, I would love to give you a comprehensive tour of the city some time."

"It's very nice of you to offer, but I . . ." Rin trailed off, unsure what to say. She wanted to refuse, but she didn't want to offend him by declining. Moreover, it sounded like more of a date, but perhaps she was over thinking it.

A waiter arrived at their table to take Sesshomaru's order and Rin almost sighed with relief.

"Expresso." The waiter nodded and rushed off.

"Well, I guess we should exchange our phones, since that is why we arranged to meet in the first place."

"Of course." Sesshomaru replied in acquiescence. Silently, he slid Rin's phone onto the table towards her and Rin did the same with Sesshomaru's phone. Rin picked the phone up and examined it more carefully this time, scrutinizing it for a moment and taking the time to check the contents on the phone before she looked back up.

"This is mine."

Sesshomaru simply picked the other phone up and slipped it into the pocket on the inner lining of his suit jacket.

"Aren't you going to check the contents?"

"No need. I trust you."

"Well, I guess this is it." Rin began to gather her belongings in preparation to leave. "I'll see you around, I guess."

"Call me if you decide to take me up on my offer."

"Sure."

Sesshomaru grimaced after Rin left the café. At the rate things were progressing it would take years for him to bridge the gap between them. The cell phone proved useless since it only contained pictures of Kagome and his half brother, which gave no indication of what kind of person Rin was. He would have to wait for Kouga to dig for information.

Sesshomaru's phone beeped. He pulled his phone out and peered at the screen. The screen indicated a new message had arrived from Kouga. Sesshomaru opened the message without hesitation, scanning through the contents meticulously, sparing no detail.

So Rin likes art, calligraphy, flower arrangement. Hm. . . calligraphy. I can work with this.

Sesshomaru punched a number into his phone at a rapid speed.

"Moshi moshi. This is Takahashi speaking. May I ask who is calling?"

"Yes, this is Sesshomaru Taisho."

"Mr. Taisho, it's been quite a while hasn't it. Sensei is not able to come to the phone at the moment though, as he is preoccupied with his work."

"I just called to confirm if Isei sensei will be hosting his annual exhibition next week."

"Yes, the exhibition is scheduled for next Friday evening at the Nishikawa art gallery. Will you be attending? I'm sure your presence will be greatly appreciated and sensei would be delighted if you attended."

"In fact I do intend to attend sensei's exhibition. Send me two tickets."

"Oh? Who might you be bringing with you this year?"

"It's a surprise."

"I see. Well, I'm sure sensei will welcome any friend of yours. Shall I send them to your office then?"

"Yes, that would be perfect."

Sesshomaru finished his expresso and headed out of the café, and set off in a brisk stride towards his car. It was only late afternoon and he still had a mountain of documents awaiting him at the office. It would be yet another long work day, but he was accustomed to it. The merger would become yet another accomplishment to add to his already lengthy list of achievement. Soon. . . the sooner I can land this merger, the sooner I can prove my father wrong and the sooner I can put the half breed in his proper place.

"Rin!" Kagome waved Rin over to the table on the terrace which was shaded by a large red and white striped umbrella. The noon glare was almost piercing and Rin had been caught in the knot of traffic along the busy central Tokyo streets. Rin smoothed her dress and sat down across from Kagome. Immediately, a waiter set a glass of iced lemonade in front of her.

"How . . . ?"

"I ordered for you." Explained Kagome.

"Thanks, you're a lifesaver." Rin brought the straw to her lips and sipped, the cool lemonade was tangy and refreshing. A cold drink was exactly what she needed after walking endlessly through the crowded Tokyo streets under the merciless sun's glare.

Kagome glanced at Rin's dishevelled appearance: her hair was in disarray with strands falling out of the braid and her cheeks were flushed bright red. "What happened to you?" Laughed Kagome. "You didn't have to run all the way here. You could have just called to tell me you would be a little late."

"I didn't want to keep you waiting. Besides, there's something a really wanted to tell you."

Kagome could hear the excitement gushing from Rin's tone. "Let me guess . . . you've met your soul mate? Is he cute, or devastatingly handsome? Or is a combination of both?"

Rin shook her head and continued to sip her lemonade, slower now. Sometimes she and Kagome would not be on the same page and it was expected when you had people with different interests and personalities, yet they still managed to become the best of friends. "Nope."

"Well . . . are you going to tell me, or am I supposed to sit here guessing all day?"

Rin pushed the lemonade aside and leaned forward as if what she was about to say was classified information. "I got a ticket and invitation to Isei Takano sensei's exhibition!" Rin's face broke out in a large grin.

"How old is he?"

"He's . . . I don't know exactly, but I'm guessing seventy or so. Why?"

Kagome gave Rin an exasperated look. "So he's neither cut nor handsome." Kagome paused and grabbed Rin's hand. "Rin, it's okay to be attracted to mature men, but seventy is pushing it. I mean this Sakano is old enough to be your grandfather. I don't think your father would allow it, in fact, I wouldn't even allow it."

Rin glanced at Kagome, her large hazelnut eyes filled with confusion. "Kagome, what are you talking about? Okay, I think we need to clear things up a bit." Rin cleared her throat before continuing. "First, his name is Isei Takano. Second, I am not attracted to him the way you think I am. I simply respect him deeply for his finesse and skill in calligraphy."

Realization dawned on Kagome's face. "Oh. . . well say so sooner. You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"Anyway, I received an invitation to his exhibition."

"Is the exhibition open to the public for viewing?"

"No . . . but that's the thing. It's by invitation only. Isei Takano probably doesn't even have the slightest idea who I am, yet I received an invitation to his exhibition."

"Do you think it's a scam?"

"Well I brought the invitation to the Nishikawa gallery and the receptionist verified the invitation and she confirmed that Takano sensei is really hosting his exhibition there on Friday."

"Hm . . ." Kagome tilted her head pensively, "maybe you're just lucky."

"Maybe," muttered Rin with less certainty, "but it just seems strange. My intuition tells me that something is off."

"Well, even if they just sent the invitation to the wrong address, there's no harm in going. I mean if this Nisei is your idol and you have the opportunity to meet him then you should seize this chance. You probably won't get another chance if you let this one slip by."

"It's Isei sensei," corrected Rin, "but I understand your reasoning, and I wouldn't want to miss an once in a lifetime opportunity like this so . . . I guess I'm going then."

Nishikawa Art Gallery . . .

Rin's chauffeur opened the door for her and held out a gloved hand to steady her. The evening was warm but a slight draft was picking up, so she brought a thin wrap to go with her lavender dress. Rin ascended the carpeted steps towards the gallery entrance. It was already seven o'clock, and the entrance was crowded with the arriving guests, all decked out in their finest attire. Jewellery was glittering everywhere and loud cameras were flashing continuously as photographers tried to snap pictures of high profile socialites attending the event. Suddenly a photographer at Rin's side elbowed her out of the way to take a shot and Rin found herself toppling over, unsteady in her stilettos. Rin expected to feel the hardness of the pavement but oddly she had stopped falling. When she looked up she found a pair of amber orbs staring back at her. The face was so familiar with its defined features and aristocratic qualities, and on top of that the silky silver hair which seemed illuminated by the flashes of cameras in the background.

Rin's eyes remained transfixed for a moment before she realized that he had used his arm to support her back to save her from an embarrassing fall on the red carpet.

"Well, it seems we meet again."

"Oh . . . I didn't expect to see you here," murmured Rin, a blush deepening her porcelain cheeks.

Sesshomaru steadied Rin and helped her stand. "I used to study calligraphy under Isei Sensei."

Rin gasped, "really? You're one of Isei Takano's pupils? I'm envious. I've always dreamed of meeting sensei in person, but I never really had the chance. What kind of person is he? Is he a good teacher?"

A slight smile graced Sesshomaru's lips. "There will be plenty of time for questions, but why not save them for sensei. I'm sure he would be delighted to answer each and every last one. In fact, I can introduce you to him right now."

Sesshomaru smiled in satisfaction as he led Rin into the gallery. He had wondered if Rin received the invitation and had debated calling her to check, but decided against it in the end. Thankfully everything was proceeding as planned. He would have to offer Kouga a reward for his work.

"Sensei." Sesshomaru bowed and greeted Isei Takano formally. Takano smiled in response.

"Why Sesshomaru, how long has it been since I've seen you. A year? Two? Well no matter, you're here now," just then Takano noticed Rin at the corner of his gaze. "And who might this lovely young lady be?"

"She's a friend of mine. Her name is Rin Aizawa."

"Welcome to my exhibition Miss Aizawa. It's a pleasure to meet you." Takano extended his hand and gave Rin a firm hand shake.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Takano sensei," replied Rin.

"So tell me, how you came to know one of my most outstanding students," asked Takano gesturing to Sesshomaru.

"Well . . . it's a long story," muttered Rin abashed. She had no clue how to sum up the hectic events and the cell phone fiasco.

"I see . . . I'm curious, but perhaps another day."

The trio continued their friendly conversation and Rin addressed Takano with a stream of questions. Eventually as more guests arrived Takano excused himself to greet them, but left Rin with an invitation to his studio at a later date.

"Takano sensei is truly inspirational," commented Rin.

"Yes, he is. For one of seventy years he is still as quick witted and lively as ever."

Rin and Sesshomaru wandered around the gallery enjoying and admiring Takano's various calligraphy pieces. Sesshomaru noted with satisfaction that Rin's eyes danced with joy and awe at each piece. It had been a stroke of genius to bring her here tonight.

"So tell me, what is it about sensei's calligraphy that captivates you to such an extent?"

"Well . . ." Rin paused to think as she continued to admire a large tapestry, "it's the depth I see in his work. A character can be portrayed differently and exude a different mood, and there are thousands of possibilities. It's hard to explain, but I feel warmth from his calligraphy." Rin paused in front of a tapestry with the word mother. "I loved this piece from first sight. The strokes are curvy and gentle, like a mother's embrace, yet the firmness of the horizontal stroke gives the piece balance and strength.

Her mother . . . what happened?

As the clock struck ten o'clock the exhibition was drawing to an end. Takano's assistant announced that Takano sensei would be demonstrating calligraphy for the finale of the exhibition. The finished piece would become a gift for one of the guests in the vicinity. A table with a blank open scroll, an ink block and calligraphy brush had been set up and the audience whispered excitedly as Takano sensei took his place behind the table. As Takano picked up his brush a hush fell over the crowd as everyone looked on in anticipation. Takano's brush moved like an extension of his arm, swiftly and with practised ease across the scroll.

He loosened the scroll from the paper weights after he had finished and held the piece up for the crowd to behold. Takano had written the "ai" (love). Takano's assistant rolled the scroll up neatly and walked towards the crowd which parted to form a path for him. He stopped in front of Sesshomaru and Rin and bowed low, presenting the scroll to them with both hands outstretched.

"Sensei gives you his blessing and he hopes that fate will allow love to blossom."

Rin stared in surprise, unable to move. Sesshomaru nodded in acknowledgement and accepted the scroll with thanks.

"You should keep it," he told Rin, placing the scroll in her hands.

The smooth silky material of the scroll seemed heavy in her hands like the weight of a commitment. Rin had done more than accept a mere gift and over the course of the evening the two of them had become more than mere acquaintances.