"Mei...Mei...hey Mei..." A small whisper spoke. The woman groaned softly as she moved around and opened her eyes
"Mhh...hm? K-kiana?" Mei asked
"Morning Mei!" Kiana said getting on top of her
"A-ah! K-kiana" Mei said and Kiana giggled as she rested on top of her chest
"Mmmh...soft" Kiana said, nuzzling against her chest. Mei smiled softly and stroked her hair softly
"Kiana let me get up" Mei said
"Can we stay in bed?" Kiana asked looking at Mei with a soft expression
"What? Don't you want to eat?" Mei asked
"Mmm I have what I need to eat right here~" Kiana said, sliding her hand down Mei's stomach. Mei blushed deeply and Kiana leaned in kissing her neck
"U-uhm Kiana..." Mei said as her voice got shaky. Kiana got closer to her ear kissing it softly before whispering...
"Mei...come back to me..."

"Mm!" The young woman woke up feeling hot while her heart was beating rapidly. She trembled a bit and looked around realizing where she was
"Hey Mei. You okay?" Her grandfather asked
"U-uhm yeah. Sorry I guess I didn't get enough sleep" Mei said
"No no. Don't apologize. I understand" Her grandfather said and went to pull an envelope
"Hm? What's that?" Mei asked
"I think this is the best time to give this to you" Her grandfather said, handing the envelope to Mei. Mei looked at the envelope before ripping it open and her eyes widened seeing her father's name
"...father?" Mei asked
"It seems he found someone who he wants to marry" Her grandfather said
"What? He...remarried?" Mei asked looking at him
"Yeah I was surprised too when I heard the news. Guess he finally decided to settle down since he said he'll be living in Japan. Oh and he said he'd like to invite you to a family dinner. Apparently his wife has a daughter the same age as you and he wants you to meet them" Her grandfather said
"...I understand" Mei said and tensed up as her grandfather started coughing
"Grandfather!" Mei said
"I-I'm fine. I'm fine. Ahem...now that you're awake. Let's discuss your future partner. I'll be organizing a couple of blind dates for you. Hopefully one of those men will be good enough for you to become your future fiance. You still have to focus on your last year of college so it's fine if you don't put too much thought on your future partner. As long as they're a hard worker and will help you handle the Academy then it should be fine" Her grandfather said
"Do you have their files?" Mei asked
"Yes. If you'd like to take a look at each then go ahead" Her grandfather said, picking up a brief case where he pulled out the files. Mei grabbed the files and looked through them seeing the images of the men her grandfather set her up with
"I made sure they look at least decent for you. All of them are from great families and I'm sure they'll make great chairmans for the Academy. I'll let you decide who will fit the best role. If they do anything inappropriate please come to me. I'll give them a piece of my mind" Her grandfather said
"Okay" Mei said
...I'll have to marry one of them...
After hours flying back to Japan, the jet started landing on the platform and Mei noticed someone standing outside of the car. She was confused at first since she couldn't recognize the person who was waiting for her
Who...is...wait...could it be?
"Uhm...grandfather...is that a guest?" Mei asked
"Hm? Oh no that's not a guest" Her grandfather said
"Then who is waiting for us?" Mei asked
"She's waiting for you" Her grandfather said
"Huh?" Mei asked slightly confused
"I'd like you to have fun for a bit and spend some quality time with some of your friends. There are times where you need to take a break" Her grandfather said. The jet came to a stop and the doors opened. Mei stood up from her seat and went to the entrance where she got a closer look at the woman
"Meimei!" A woman called out. Mei couldn't help but smile a bit realizing who it was
"H-himeko? Is that you?" Mei asked getting off of the jet
"Mei!" Himeko said running up to her and hugged her
"H-hey Himeko. You look...different" Mei said
"Hm? I do?" Himeko asked pulling away
"It's just I always saw you with your hair up and your hair is longer now. You look great" Mei said
"Awww thanks. You look really beautiful too and you've gotten quite tall as well" Himeko said
"What are you doing here?" Mei asked
"What? Aren't you happy to see me?" Himeko asked
"Ah i-it's not that. I'm just surprised...but I'm glad I get to see you again" Mei said
"We have a lot of catching up to do" Himeko said
"Good afternoon, Momokino-san" The old man said
"Hello Mr. Aihara. It's great to see you again" Himeko said
"Uhm Himeko how is-"
"Ah wait..." Another woman said from the car as a dog barked. Pucchi barked happily as he ran towards the woman and started jumping
"Woof!" Pucchi barked and whined
"Hey Pucchi" Mei said, kneeling down and got startled by Pucchi, who jumped into her arms. Pucchi wagged his tail rapidly as he nuzzled against her
"He really missed you a lot" Himeko said
"Sorry about that, Momokino-san" A green haired woman said
"It's okay Shiraho-san" Himeko said
"Hm?" Mei asked getting up holding Pucchi
"Oh right. Mei meet Shiraho Suzuran" Himeko said
"Pleased to meet you, Suzuran-san" Mei said holding her hand out
"You too, Aihara-san" Shiraho said
"I'll let you catch up with your friends, Mei. If anything happens or if you need anything please call me. Don't worry about your things. I'll send them to your place" Her grandfather said
"Sure" Mei said and felt a tug on her arm as Himeko grabbed her arm
"I think it's best if we took you home so you can rest well" Himeko said
"Wait...where am I staying?" Mei asked
"Remember that we used to say that we would live together? Well you'll be staying with me. No worries, you'll have your own room. I just thought it would be nice to live together but if you want you can get a place of your own" Himeko said
"No. It's fine. It's just like you said we've got a lot of catching up to do" Mei said
"Let's go then" Himeko said as she smiled and took Mei to the car
"Take care of her, Himeko" Her grandfather said
"She's in good hands, sir" Himeko said. Mei got inside the car with Pucchi in her arms since he didn't seem to want to leave
"Uhm did I interrupt your plans or-"
"Oh not at all. You're fine" Shiraho said
"Yeah you're good. Anyways Mei, would you mind telling us your experience in America?" Himeko asked
"But wouldn't you get bored with my stories?" Mei asked
"Not at all. I'm curious about the things you did there. I don't think you were just studying the entire time" Himeko said
"Mmm alright" Mei said

Loud footsteps were heard as a woman rushed inside the place. She got to a room where she slammed the door open.
"Where is she?! Where is Yuzuko Okogi!" The woman exclaimed. The woman looked around and spotted the white haired woman who looked nervous
"Shai! Where is she!?" The woman exclaimed
"A-ah hey Hoga-san. How is-"
"Where is your cousin!? I need to have a word with her!" Seka said
"Y-yuzu is in her ro-"
"What's with all the noise? Oh hey Seka" A blonde said as she stepped out of the room
"What's the meaning of this?! Do you realize what you've caused?!" Seka exclaimed as she tossed the magazine down
"And? What about it? You can cover it up for me" Yuzu said
"I can't keep covering up for you. Ugh...how long are you going to keep this up? You can't keep causing problems like these" Seka said
"You knew I didn't like the idea of modeling with her. She also hated me too. I bet this is her doing trying to ruin me" Yuzu said
"You are so lucky your fans always stick by your side" Seka said
"It's because they love me very much" Yuzu said as she smiled
"But quit being rude with the other models" Seka said
"She started it. I didn't do anything to provoke her. I was minding my own business until she decided to provoke me" Yuzu said and grabbed her phone
"At least pretend to like them. Also you have an outdoor shooting on Sunday so be prepared for that day. We made sure to check the weather and it seems that it'll be a perfect day. You'll be trying out some new designer clothes" Seka said
"Is it just that?" Yuzu asked
"Yes. No worries. You can finally breathe now and take a couple of breaks. Although you better be ready for next month" Seka said
"Sounds good to me" Yuzu said
"But please refrain from making any messes. I know some of these models are bitches because they're jealous of your success but at least try and behave yourself. I really don't want to deal with these scandals anymore" Seka said
"Relax. If it's too much trouble for you I can always ask my cousin" Yuzu said
"Eh?" Shai asked
"But don't purposely put yourself in those situations" Seka said
"I understand" Yuzu said. Seka flinched hearing her phone ring and sighed as she looked at the contact name
"If you'll excuse me I have to take this call now" Seka said, stepping out of the room. Yuzu sighed and went to grab a drink
"Shai look into that bitch for me" Yuzu said
"Wh-what? You're going to do something to her" Shai said
"I just want more information about her. I'm not going to do anything...yet" Yuzu said
"Alright. I'll look into it...but maybe Seka is right about you-"
"No way!" Yuzu exclaimed
"Ah! Hey what?" Shai asked
"She's here! She's finally here!" Yuzu said cheerfully
"Who's here?" Shai asked
"My soulmate. Himeko finally sent a message saying she's here. Unfortunately I'll have to wait since she just got here. Haaa...I can't wait any longer. I want to see her right away..." Yuzu said
"But...what about your plan?" Shai asked
"It depends on her reaction and answer. If she tries to run away from me then...I'll have no choice but to go with my plan" Yuzu said
"Is it necessary?" Shai asked
"I need Mei's eyes on me. I'll make her think of me. Her attention should be on me...and no one else" Yuzu said
"And since you're connected by the red string then I guess making her jealous will be a breeze" Shai said
"Mei is the jealous type. If I make her remember all our good times together then I'm sure she'll be jealous if I'm with someone else" Yuzu said
"So when are you going to see her?" Shai asked
"I could go right away but...maybe I should surprise her. Mom will be having dinner with my new father so...I'll definitely see her there" Yuzu said
"Okay so...if everything goes according to your plan then what's next? You know her grandfather wouldn't let her marry you" Shai said
"Our business is going well right? You and Ortho have helped the company make a lot of money. We own a club that is making a ton of profit. We're friends with the most successful families. We have the Taniguchi siblings and Momokino-san on our side. I've gotten popular too with this modeling career. What can he do? Let that old bastard do whatever he wants. If he keeps getting in the way then...we can just get rid of him right?" Yuzu said as she smiled. Shai tensed up and fidgeted with her fingers
"...you mean like what we did with our grandparents?" Shai asked
"They deserved it...right? They never cared about us either way. All they ever cared about was to make sure they were successful. They only cared about their own reputation which was ruined thanks to those secret affairs. Honestly...I really wish it was them who were in that fire instead of my father. He's the one who deserves to live..." Yuzu said and jumped as her phone started ringing
Hm? Matsuri?
"Hello?" Yuzu said answering the phone
"Hey Yuzu-chan! Will you be coming over to the club today? Most of your girls have been waiting for you" Matsuri said
"Sorry but I won't be visiting the club that often anymore" Yuzu said
"Eh? Why? Are you busy?" Matsuri asked
"My soulmate has finally returned and I want to get her back" Yuzu said
"Oh that red string stuff? Are you sure that person is the one for you? There are several other sexy girls" Matsuri said
"It's what my heart wants and I will follow my heart" Yuzu said
"Well I'll tell them the bad news then" Matsuri said
"Thanks but I'll come by tonight since I have nothing to do today" Yuzu said
"Alright. I'll see you soon then" Matsuri said
"Sure. Bye" Yuzu said
"Bye bye Yuzu-chan" Matsuri said ending the call
"What did Matsuri want?" Shai asked
"She was just wondering if I was going to the club today" Yuzu said
"Oh right. Guess you're going to ditch those girls since you don't need them anymore" Shai said
"How is the club? Is it still making good profit?" Yuzu asked
"The club seems to be doing well. I think it's thanks to the Mizusawas. Nitski has brought in quite...an interesting amount of customers lately" Shai said
"I told you it was a great idea to bring them into the business. They've brought in a lot of profit and with my help they were able to pay off their debt. How about the company? Anything important that I need to know?" Yuzu said
"None. Everything seems to be going well" Shai said
"Wonderful. Well if that's all you can go now. Will you be coming over to the club?" Yuzu asked
"Not today. I'd...like to visit my father" Shai said
"...have the Higashi family been bothering you?" Yuzu asked
"Don't worry, it's fine. I'm trying to cut ties with my grandmother though" Shai said rubbing the back of her neck
"Hm? Is she still bugging you?" Yuzu asked
"Uhm...kinda. The only reason she keeps bugging me is because she wants me to get married..." Shai said
"Why?" Yuzu asked
"She's always been obsessed with looks. I mean she married my grandfather for his looks. That's pretty much why she preferred my father because he was born with those great looks...well...until he got sent to prison. Since I look like my dad...she doesn't want those genes to go to waste" Shai said
"You can always stay at my place if you want to hide from her" Yuzu said
"I'm fine. No need to worry. Besides I have a feeling you're going to bring a certain someone often to your place. I'm not planning on becoming a third wheel" Shai said
"Hahaha okay. Well I hope you have a great day. Say hi to your dad for me" Yuzu said
"Sure. Also I really hope everything goes well with you and your soulmate" Shai said
"Thanks. I hope so too" Yuzu said. Once Shai left, Yuzu went to her room and went to her bed where she hugged the large teddy bear. She gently held the bear closely and nuzzled against it
"You hear that, Kumagoro? Mei is finally back. Heh...I'll do my best to bring her home. She'll be happy to see you" Yuzu said and smiled
...I'll try to hold myself back when I see you