Hehe, few things ^.^

I made this cover in Photoshop. Photoshop is seriously amazing XD (Do not own any of the pictures I'd used.

The font that I'd used for the title was actually called Voltage lol XD So I thought that was cool ^_^

Anyways! Hope you'll enjoy this chapter <3

Soryu's POV

.... It was another typical day in the hotel of Tres Spades. Ha, that kinda rhymes.

Ahem....

Baba: "I don't believe this! How could I have lost?!"

Baba throws his hands up in exasperation as Ota reaches over to collect the scattered cards.

Ota: "I'm in disbelief as well.. Considering that you'd most likely cheated only to have lost. Though it's kinda funny."

Ota says and sticks out his tongue mockingly towards Baba as he reshuffles the deck.

Mamoru: "And that's why I don't play card games with Eisuke."

The lazy ass so called detective smirks as he lights up a cigarette in his corner.

Eisuke: "No one can beat me."

And of course Eisuke is giving his confident signature smirk, with his arms crossed.

As for me, I was simply sitting on the couch slowly sipping the 10 million dollar wine. It's actually Eisuke's but as they say.. What they don't know won't hurt them.. Though I have a feeling he knows that I took one of his bottle of wine..

Baba: "I'm pretty sure Boss cheated somehow.."

I heard Baba murmuring to himself.

Hahh.. These guys seriously have nothing else better to do..

Ota: "Hey Soryu, wanna join in too? Maybe you can beat Eisuke."

..Seriously? Can't they tell that I'm fed up with their idioticness?

Baba: "Yeah Sor! Beat him for us!"

Baba chimes in and I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes.

Soryu: "No thanks."

Baba: "Come on~ It'll be fun! Or are you scared you'll be defeated?"

Soryu: "...."

Ota: "Ack! Put the gun away Soryu!"

Baba: "Y-yeah! I was just k-kidding!!"

Eisuke: "If you're gonna shoot everyone here, at least shoot me last. Baba can go first for all I care."

Ota: "I claim second to last!"

Baba: "Ugh.. Is no one going to defend me?"

Mamoru: "In my opinion, it's best to not get involved if you're not yet involved. So.. I have nothin' to do with this."

Baba: "... Even Mamo.."

They're all annoying.. How the hell do I even cope with these lunatics without killing myself from annoyance first?

I sighed, putting my gun back in my suit pocket.

Eisuke: "Anyway.. Soryu."

Soryu: "Hm?"

Eisuke: "... I've noticed lately that---"

(CLICK)

Suzuki: "Hello, I'm here to clean.."

Ota: "Hey Koro! Come over here!"

Ota waves Suzuki over with a smile. Baba chimed in.

Baba: "Yeah!~ Maybe you can help us!"

Suzuki: "Hmm? With what?"

Suzuki walks over towards us with a curious look on her face.

Baba: "We're trying to get your boyfriend Sor to play against Boss. Think you can persuade him? At this rate, Boss is gonna rob me of all my money."

Ota: "That's kinda funny to imagine."

Baba: "Ota! Your harsh words wound me.."

Ota: "... You'll be fine."

Ota laughs, turning his attention back towards the deck of cards as Baba pouts.

Speaking of Eisuke...

I looked over to see Eisuke getting up, making his way upstairs.

Ota: "Hey Eisuke! Where are you going? I was gonna start another round!"

Eisuke: "You guys go ahead.. I have work to do."

(SLAM!)

All: "...."

Mamoru: "Somethin's different about 'im. He's actin' kinda funny."

Suzuki: "I agree.."

Soryu: "I'm also going back to my room. Come to my room when you're done cleaning, Suzuki."

Suzuki: "Okay!"

I wonder what Eisuke was trying to tell me?

/ / /

Suzuki's POV

A few days have past after that and everyone has noticed that Mr. Ichinomiya was clearly trying hard to stay indoors. If he needed to do something about work, he would personally arrange for them to meet him in the penthouse lounge instead of meeting them out in some fancy high class restaurant. And even the guys couldn't figure out why he was acting like this..

Suzuki: "There must be something going on.."

Soryu: "Suzuki?"

Suzuki: "Hmm? Sorry Soryu.. Just thinking.." I replied as I set the plate of omelettes in front of Soryu.

Soryu: "You're always thinking of others, Suzuki.." He smiles softly at me, stroking my hair.

Suzuki: "Hehe, was I that obvious?"

Soryu: "Sort of.. But I can always tell what my girlfriend is thinking. What kind of boyfriend am I if I can't even do something like this?" He chuckles, pulling away to cut the omelette in smaller pieces. He takes a bite and smiles. "Delicious."

Suzuki: "Hehe, glad you like them." I smiled back happily, helping myself to a plate.

I'm pretty sure Soryu's concerned about Mr. Ichinomiya... Everyone is. Hopefully we can figure out what's going on.

I thought as I continued eating my dinner with Soryu..

/ / /

Soryu's POV

Eisuke: "I'm being watched."

Was the first thing Eisuke said to me once I got into the penthouse lounge. It was only us two since Ota was at his studio making more artwork, Baba apparently had something to steal, Mamoru went home to probably sleep his life away and Suzuki was working. I'd finished what I had to do today at the Ice Dragon's headquarters so I was staying in my room reading when I'd received a call from Eisuke.

What did he mean he's being watched? Was this what he wanted to tell me a few days ago?

Soryu: "What makes you say that?"

Eisuke: ".. It's just a feeling. I guess I've made a few more enemies when I decided to build more hotels."

Ah, so I guess there are some people who dislike how successful Eisuke is.. Are they jealous or something to the point of following someone when instead they could've been trying to work harder and be more successful? How annoying.

I asked the question that has been on my mind.

Soryu: "Was this what you'd wanted to tell me a few days back?"

Eisuke sighs, rubbing his right temple with his right hand.

Eisuke: "Yes. Having everyone else hearing about it would be a pain. But I guess they already have their suspicions, given that I've been more holed up.. specifically in the penthouse."

Soryu: "Hm, I agree. They're all imbeciles, but I would think they would've figured it out by now."

Eisuke: ".. Even though I just said that it's a feeling that someone's watching me, I know for a fact that not everyone's agreeing with what I'm doing. Nor with how successful I am.. I know there's someone out to get rid of me. That last time I went out for a meeting, I've noticed a car following me up until I got to the hotel."

Soryu: ".. We do have tight security. They probably got scared and drove off."

I said and Eisuke nodded in agreement. Knowing that he specifically called to talk to me about this privately, I suppose he wants me to do something about this..

But what can I do? The Ice Dragons have been busy lately. And I don't think I will have the time to snoop around.

Soryu: "And I suppose you'd like for me to help you find out who's targeting you?"

Eisuke: "Yes. It's not like I'm afraid of them. I would like to take them on. However, I'm concerned that they might attack the guests and staff just to get at me. I can't be too careless. Can you do something?"

Soryu: "Well.. The truth is, the Ice Dragons have been busy. I have a lot of meetings to attend and work that I can barely finish in one day-"

Eisuke: "Hm, I see. Then-"

I held up a hand, indicating that I wasn't finished.

Soryu: "However, I can get someone else to help you. What you need for now is a bodyguard right?"

Eisuke made a face.

Eisuke: "Why the hell would I need a bodyguard?"

Soryu: ".. Those people who are making deals with you are at one point, are going to get suspicious on why you never leave the penthouse. It could also be dangerous should the attacker appear, pretending to be in alliance with you. You will need a bodyguard who can also help you figure out who's been targeting you."

Eisuke: ".. I see.. Who do you have in mind?"

I pulled out my phone, scrolling to a specific contact.

Soryu: "Someone who I really trust. Another group that is in alliance with the Ice Dragons. I'll ask if they can help you."

Eisuke: ".. I see. Do what you need to do."

With that, he made his way towards his room. Most likely to give me privacy to talk to who I needed to talk to.

I stared back at my phone to see a familiar phone number with a familiar name on my screen. I tapped on the call button and pressed my phone to my ear. And after a few rings...

"Hello, may I help you?"

Hm.. Seems like one of the followers has answered..

Soryu: "This is Soryu Oh. I would like to speak to Yuki if that's possible."

"Of course, please give me a minute."

Soryu: "Of course, thank you."

And a few seconds later..

(CLICK)

"...Hello?"

Soryu: "...It's Soryu."

"...It's been a while. Was there something you need? You usually don't call unless it's for favors."

Soryu: "I'm sorry. I promise to owe you for everything you've done for me.. But I really need your help on this one. A man named Eisuke Ichinomiya is being targeted.."

"I see.. And what would you like me to do with this bit of information?"

Soryu: "... I need a bodyguard."

"..."

Soryu: "The Ice Dragons have been busy with some things.. And you were the only one who I thought of to ask of this favor. Though I now recall you mentioning the other day that there was a problem that you and the Flamed Phoenixes had to deal with?"

".. Yes I did tell you that. However, we'd solved that case yesterday so everything's quiet for now. I'll see if I can get one of my men to help you."

Soryu: "Are you sure?"

".. It's almost similar to what we already do, Mr. Oh. Besides, this man you're talking about is a good friend of yours right? It's only right to help ones who have in turned helped you. We have an alliance after all."

Soryu: "I really appreciate it. Will he be able to meet him say.. The end of this week?"

"That should be fine. I'll try to get everything ready until then."

Soryu: "Alright, I'll send you the details."

"Alright. That sounds good."

Soryu: "Thank you so much..."

"No problem. Talk to you later?"

Soryu: "Sure. Goodbye."

"Bye."

(CLICK)

I sighed as I threw my phone onto the couch.

Soryu: "Hope everything goes well."

I mumbled as I continued staring at my phone. I sat down and got lost in my own thoughts until Suzuki showed up for work. After she'd finished, we both went to my room to retire for the night.

End of Chapter 1

So what do you guys think so far? Please let me know in the comments section ^_^ Thanks for reading!!

~KohanaAyame