Jagan-I: Thank you so much! Hehehe…you're such a big RuHaru fan! But not gonna tell you where this is going…hehehehe…I'm so evil.

Ealna: Thank you so much for your kind words! Just wait! I'll definitely finish this fic!

XIII BlackCat: Hahaha…we share the same opinion about Mitsui, wonder why he asked Miyagi to do the surgery in the first place.

Diwata: Extra thanks for the advice! I know, I was kinda rushing through. Oh, just saw your new fic, Stupid Cupid, it's so cute!

Shierri: The last but not the least! Heheehehee…ok, ok, I said I would update sooner but somehow I just wasn't in the mood for it since…sniff no BF around for Valentine's Day.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Last time: "People are saying that it might not have been thugs after all, but a fight between Rukawa and Haruko's fiancé, after the doctor found out about her engagement."

"Oh, I see."

Rukawa had the urge to strangle whoever is distorting the simple truth. He decided against it though, that'll make the rumors worse. Not a big deal, even the most notorious rumors never last for more than two weeks, not in an unpredictable place like Shohoku anyway.

Rukawa made his way out of the exit, slamming the door behind him.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Haruko couldn't believe her ears, her employer was Kenji Fujima? Of course, she got his name from the introduction but she never suspected that he was…well…Kenji Fujima from Shoyo Corporations. But come to think of it, she should have guessed this by the magnitude of his establishment.

Either way…Haruko sighed, propping her chin in her hand. Mrs. Oda just told her to watch over Fujima to make sure that he doesn't try anything funny, such as getting out of bed or asking for ice cream. Haruko felt like a babysitter.

So here she was, sitting on a chair watching him reading his daily newspaper. The inactivity was driving her insane, and to imagine she has to go through this everyday!

Little did Haruko know, however, the person opposite of her was in an entirely different mood.

Kenji smiled to himself as he stole glances at his new nurse from the corner of his eye. Oh well, he normally treats his guests/employees better but he was still upset about her blurting out that Friday escapade. Well, maybe he'll strike a deal with her since he liked the girl's sweet nature.

"Miss Akagi?"

"Huh…yes?" Haruko was a little startled.

"So, tell me a little about you. You previously worked for Shohoku right?"

"Yeah, I actually transferred there from Kainan."

"Amazing. So why did you quit your previous job?"

"Well…I…" Haruko hesitated, she couldn't very well blurt out about her engagement.

"Well ok, so everything went alright last Friday?"

"Yeah, everybody was treated on time." Haruko's heart pinched thinking about the doctor. "By the way, I'm so sorry for telling Mrs. Oda about the incident, especially that you helped us, I really didn't know…"

This was the line Kenji had been waiting for. "Oh it's ok definitely, but you mind doing me a favor in return?"

Haruko looked up at her new employer, a little startled at the question. "Uhm…sure, if it's within my reach."

"Oh of course, I was just wondering if you'd mind having a cup of coffee with me at Tomoda's?"

"But Mr. Fujima, don't we have coffee here? But…but you aren't supposed to have coffee anyways because it hinders your sleep. Also, you're not supposed to leave your room. Plus, Mrs. Oda…"

"Blah, blah, blah…" Kenji cut her, "You're sounding like Mrs. Oda already. Ok, orange juice maybe? I won't be able to get any sleep at all if I have to keep on 'dieting' like this you know. Actually, Mrs. Oda is going away for the month, which is probably why you're here to watch over me. Plus, we have like…let's see…4 hours till dinner, you don't want to sit here for that long right? So what do you think?"

Haruko could only stare unbelievingly at the smiley business man before her. So she can either sit here for another 4 hours or let him out of the house. This man sure has a subtle way of issuing blackmail. She wondered if he does this in his business dealings.

"Well?" Kenji pressed, "you just said you would do me the favor if it's within your reach."

So this is why Mrs. Oda had such a hard time with him. This guy is just way too smart, making Haruko want to whack him over the head with Ayako's paper fan. But oh well, that wouldn't be feasible since she doesn't want to hit the unemployment office again.

"Well…ok, but only this time ok?"

"Let's go."

So Haruko found herself sitting at the expensive French restaurant with her new employer. Actually, more like lurking since both were on surveillance for the watch. Haruko was probably the most alert since the place was so close to Shohoku and that lunchtime was still not over.

"May I take your order?"

Haruko almost jumped at the waitress's voice, "ah…yes, I'll just have a glass of grape juice. Thanks."

"Ok, and you sir?"

"Well let's see…" Her new employer peered at Haruko as he flipped through the menu. Something in her set off Kenji's rare urge to annoy/tease someone.

"A glass of Antinori Solaia is a must, Baked Brie with Pesto and Pine Nuts for an appetizer. Then… Beef Bourguignon, Steak Tartare, Entrecote a la Bordelaise, Veal with Bacon…… Poussins Roasted with Vegetable Stuffing, Chicken Ragout with Green Olives……Mixed Herbs, Roasted Tomato and Brie Quiche…"

"But…but we have to be fast Mr. Fujima..." Haruko panicked.

"Oh that's right, so that will be all."

Haruko felt like crying at the innocent look on her employer's face. She looked to the side, upset. Doesn't he know how much risk she is bearing?

"You should eat more you know. You look so pale." Kenji's voice sounded at the other end of the table.

Haruko ignored him, but somewhat pleased at his consideration.

The silence was broken by the arrival of the dishes. Picking up his utensils, Kenji moved pieces of each course onto Haruko's plate. "Try some; I don't like to see my employees starve."

Sparing a glance at Kenji, Haruko reluctantly picked up her utensils. To be honest, she was kind of hungry since she didn't eat much of her lunch.

"So how is it?" Kenji asked.

"…"

"Still upset?"

"…"

"Ok, my apologies. Pretty please?"

Haruko had to smile at his cute demeanor; it's so difficult to be upset at such a man.

"So tell me a little about your condition Mr. Fujima. Your medical report doesn't warrant solitary confinement." Haruko asked.

"Must we talk on a professional level? Well, you know Mrs. Oda, I'd be eaten raw before thinking about disobeying her orders."

"Well then, I better make sure to call her if you ever decide to sneak out again."

"Hey!"

"Well, you're not the only one who can issue blackmail."

"Blackmail?"

Before Haruko could reply though, her attention was taken away by a third figure looming at their table.

A hand flew at Haruko before she could react. Stunned, she raised her hand to touch a burning sting at the side of her cheek.

"So you're the little bitch who's been lurking around Kenji! Hasn't anyone taught you not to mess around with other people's fiancé!"

"Noriko!" Kenji shot up, taking a hold of the intruder's arms to prevent her from hitting Haruko again.

"Fiancé?" Haruko parroted, too startled to say anything.

Noriko shot a triumphant look, "Yes fiancé! So I would suggest that you stay away from him before I decide to do something about it! Trust me! It's not going to be pretty for you!"

"That's enough Noriko!" Kenji cut in, "Miss Akagi is our new family nurse! I don't know what you are talking about but I would really appreciate it for you to apologize this instant!"

"Family nurse! Apologize! Why do I have to apologize to a little whore who probably raised her skirt to every man within her sight!..."

'I hate it when women come and throw themselves at every man within their sight, which is probably why we had that incident at the pub two days ago! You disgust me!'

For a moment Noriko's words echoed with Rukawa's voice. Haruko's mind clouded, she could feel herself reeling with dizziness and uncertainty.

The last thing Haruko remembered was Kenji's voice calling out to her, before she succumbed to darkness…

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Haruko woke to see a very worried Kenji Fujima.

"You're awake! How are you feeling!" Kenji's knitted brows showed a small sign of relief.

"Where am I? What happened?"

"You fainted; this is my room."

"Your room…?" Haruko blushed at the realization that she is lying in his bed.

"Yes, I rushed you back home after the incident at the restaurant. How are you feeling?" Kenji didn't tell her that a police officer almost mistook him for a kidnapper.

"I'm fine, just a bit dizzy."

"You should rest more you know, Dr. Taoka said that you're seriously deprived of sleep and that you probably haven't been eating regularly."

"Mr. Fujima…" Haruko tried to prop herself on her elbow.

"Just Kenji ok?" Kenji helped bringing up the pillow for her to lie back on. "I…I'm so sorry for today…"

Haruko stared, this is the first time she has seen him so nervous.

"If you're wondering, Noriko was…my fiancée. It was actually an arranged engagement our parents made a few years back." Kenji continued, "at first I didn't mind too much about it since…most of my friends also held arranged engagements and marriages. But…the more I thought of it, the more I regretted because nobody around me is truly happy, especially…" Kenji sighed, "you have seen Noriko right? So last month I proposed that we end the engagement. Somehow she got the idea that there is another woman…so…I'm so sorry."

"It's ok, don't worry about it." Haruko suddenly had the urge to hug him out of sympathy.

"Does it still hurt? Your cheek."

"Uhm…I think it's fine now, doesn't hurt anymore." Haruko made the move to get out of bed.

"You should rest," Kenji stopped her, "I've already ordered dinner to be brought up."

"I'm not made of porcelain you know. It's ok."

"No it's not, you're staying in bed."

"So who is acting like Mrs. Oda?"

A small knock sounded at the door before Kenji's reply.

"Come in."

"Dinner Master Kenji."

"Oh yes, just set it on the table over there." Kenji gestured. "Thank you Mrs. Steward."

The servant bowed before leaving, closing the door behind.

"Looks like we got my favorite broth for dinner." Kenji picked up a bowl of the soup, he dipped a spoon and held it up to Haruko, "here, give it a try."

"It's ok, I can do it on my own."

"I insist, you should save every bit of energy possible since you're so thin."

"Ok then, doctor." Haruko smiled, it has been a while since she was spoon fed.

"Oh by the way, one of my acquaintances is holding a party this weekend. Uhm…" Kenji suddenly felt nervous, "would you like to come with me?"

"Uhm…I'm not sure, I don't think I can because my parents are holding a party too, this weekend. I told a friend that I'd be there."

"Oh, I see." Kenji tried to hide his disappointment.

"Although I wouldn't mind for a cup of tea after we both get released from confinement." Haruko joked.

"That'd be great!"

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Saturday evening

Haruko couldn't believe that she was doing this. She was actually returning to her parents' house, and with none other than Sendoh.

Oh well, a promise was a promise.

Haruko stood before her mirror in her expensive green silk dress. Her hair is arranged in a simple twist with a set of pearls braided in. It fit perfectly with her pearl necklace and bracelets. Haruko loved pearls; they give people such a royal aura.

A knock sounded at her apartment door. Haruko smiled, it must be Sendoh; it's still a bit weird thinking that he was her fiancé. Sendoh was more like a friend.

Haruko opened her apartment door to reveal a well-dressed Sendoh in his black tuxedo.

"You look absolutely gorgeous tonight! So is the princess ready?" Sendoh winked.

"Anytime."

"Let's go."

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Rukawa was absolutely miserable; he was definitely not the party type. But he didn't have a choice since most of the upper-acquaintances were invited. Plus, his cousin desperately wanted to come for some reason. Probably bored out of her mind, Rukawa added, slowly sipping his wine.

"Miss Akagi and Mr. Sendoh!" The servant announced.

Rukawa winced. He was glad that he was sitting in a corner of the huge ball room, so the two probably won't notice him.

Haruko's eyes searched the room as she entered, somewhat nervous. The familiar surroundings made her somewhat uncomfortable.

"It's nice of you to come, Haruko." Haruko's mother approached the couple.

"Mom…"

"Hello Mrs. Akagi." Sendoh bowed. "You look stunning tonight."

"Thanks Sendoh, how tall have you grown since the last time I saw you!"

"Thank you madam," sensing something in the elder woman, Sendoh turned, "uhm…I'll be back to claim my dance, Miss Akagi?"

"Sure." Haruko smiled.

Haruko's mother pulled the girl to the side once Sendoh left.

"What's going on with you? Running away from your engagement yet coming back with your fiancé!"

"Sendoh is just a friend."

"I don't know what are you talking about, where have you been anyways?"

"I found a job as a family nurse." Haruko explained, a little frustrated, "mom, I just want to be alone for a while."

"Alone for a while! What about your engagement!" Mrs. Akagi's voice rose, earning the curious glances of a few nearby guests.

"Mom, not right now…" Taking a few quick glances around the room to remind her mother of the setting, Haruko's vision was caught by the figure at the entrance.

Kenji?

Kenji turned, sensing someone's eyes on him. His heart caught in his throat at the angel across the room, who is none other than his personal nurse, Akagi Haruko. He was not dreaming, was he?

Bidding a few simple greetings to his acquaintances, Kenji made his way towards her.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

"Kenji is here!" Noriko whispered excitedly, tugging her cousin sharply on the sleeve.

Rukawa gave a lazy glance at Noriko's call. His cousin was implying that he escort her to that Fujima guy. Sighing, Rukawa stood up. Does his cousin ever give up on a guy who'll never return her feelings?

With Noriko on his arm, Rukawa walked toward Fujima. It took a minute though, to realize the other man's destination. For a moment Rukawa stared stunned at his former assistant, who eyed them uncertainly.

TBC…

Hehehele…later guys!