Yumi's POV

When I return back to the room that everyone else was they started asking me where I was. I just told them that I let Ken return first since I needed to use the toilet. Ken didn't even bother to look my way or care what I was talking about. I went to our art club room where the exhibition was being held for my shift.

People started to pay attention to me rather than the paintings and the artworks. I gave a smile and politely told them to focus back on the exhibition. My shift was short and it ended very quickly, the break was already over when my shift was done.

Soon, we all had to return to our classes. We couldn't skip it since it's important and other students also have their classes which mean there will not be people coming here. The day goes on very slowly, I tried to act normal as I can and try not to think about what happened earlier. I was too lost in my thoughts I didn't hear the teacher calling me, the classmate beside me shook my arms, alarming me.

As school ended she asked me if I was okay because I don't usually doze off in class. I just told her that I was fine. Then, I went to the club and saw the others still staying for the exhibition, but I asked Mari if I could leave early. She understood and told Aoi-sensei.

Next, my classmate caught up with me and planned to walk home together. But near the school gates, I saw a few people crowding nearby, murmuring. The others students noticed me as they made a way. Then there was a black limousine parked with no windows down, which looked rather suspicious. I saw the words printed in black on the silver rim of the wheels. The logo of the Nao Agency.

Just as I got close to it, the window from the back seat rolled down. It was him. I'm pretty sure she's in there too. Dammit, how did they find me? Right, they have their own resources.

The old man slid his sunglasses down and looked at me in the eyes. "We have to talk."

I scoffed, "I have nothing to say to you."

As I was about to walk away he commanded me to get in the car with a stern tone. Then, mother came out of the car. "Yumi, please. We must work this out. You can't just avoid us for the rest of your life," she pleaded.

The students who were spectators started chattering after seeing my parents. They are well known for the Nao Agency that's about to go down with their business. Mom used to be a model but now she became a designer and her clothes are worn by the famous models. She can't seem to think of any ideas at the moment. Then there's the Nao Agency, one of the main models swindled the company and it caused a huge damage to the agency.

My friend got closer to me and whispered, "I think you should go, Yumi-chan."

I hesitated for a while. But I really don't like others having their attention on us. After thinking about it really carefully I got in the car silently. Soon afterward, my mother got back in and the driver started driving somewhere.

"We're going to go eat dinner," my father started as if he read my mind. It's still so early for dinner but maybe they just wanna talk while eating. I couldn't care less about it. "But first, get dressed. We can't go there with you in your school uniform."

I glared at him but didn't answer. Ordering me to do this and that, how annoying can he get? When we got to a store, I bought some new clothes and changed into them. Next, we headed for the restaurant. On our way, mother tried to come up with conversations but I cut them off by ignoring or answering with three or fewer words.

A few minutes later we arrived at a big hotel. The three of us went up to the floor the restaurant was on and as we got there, a man who seems like a manager came up and led us to a private room.

In a while, the dishes they ordered ahead came and I realized that they were all Japanese cuisines. All the dishes were my favorites. I saw mother smiled a bit as my face lit up when I saw the food. Both of them waited for me to eat first. So I slowly took a roll of sushi and popped it in my mouth. My eyes widened as I chewed on it. The ingredients mix so well and there were all kinds of flavors. This is probably the best sushi I've ever eaten. And I'm sure all the other dishes are as delicious as this.

"How is it?" Father asked.

I grabbed another piece and mumbled, "Not bad..."

"We're glad you like it~" Mother smiled. Then they grabbed their chopsticks and began eating.

We ate in silence until we were done. I was the one who ate almost all of the food. It seemed like they wanted that and held back by eating less. Not long after, the desserts arrived. It was then, mother suggested to start the main topic.

Father placed his chopsticks down and took the napkin to wipe his mouth, "Come back with us to France."

This dinner was to persuade me to come back, I knew it. I calmly took a piece of strawberry and put it in my mouth. "I thought I already said that I won't be coming back."

"We're really sorry about what happened, Yumi. So please--"

"Why is mother apologizing, when she did nothing wrong? It should be someone else," I glanced at father and continued eating the fruits. Mom stared at father and motioned him to apologize to me.

But instead, he cleared his throat and said, "We've got a new model and he's quite a hit right now. So we won't force you to be with the Akagi's son anymore. Business will slowly rise again so there's nothing to worry about."

"That's right!" Mom clasped her hands.

"Of course you should try harder too."

"Dear!" Mom scolded.

"You too, your clothing brand will go down if you're not able to think of any designs, don't let me down," Father said sternly and crossed his arms.

"Y-Yeah...." Mom's voice was lower compared to before.

"Then why should I come back?" I bluntly asked.

"What?" Father's voice turned sharp.

"Your business is doing well now, right? Then you don't need me anymore," I placed the fruit fork down.

"What are you saying Yumi! You're our daughter. Of course, we need you! How can we just abandon you??" Mom exclaimed. I'm guessing she's holding back her temper. I'm pretty sure she's mad at me for saying that. But I don't know why I was a bit relieved when I heard her words. At least someone still cares for me...

"Your mother is right. As if we could just throw away our only daughter," father spoke.

"Just leave already....." I stood up and headed towards the door.

"Yumi, please wait," Mom also stood up and grabbed my hands. "Don't just run away from everything. You've always done that ever since you were young. But we have to make this come to an end. I know it's been really hard for you but you need to be strong. If you need any help then you can always rely on us. We're your family right?" Mom's voice started to tremble as well as her hands which held mine. "And we know we made an incredibly big mistake and we're so so sorry for it. This is my biggest regret in all my life. I'm sure it's your father's too. Although he doesn't say it, he's been really worried about you. He never stopped talking about you at home too. He's really sorry, Yumi... so, please. Will you forgive us?" Her voice was small and it cracked as she said the last part.

When I heard what mother said, I felt deeply touched and tears started to form in my eyes. I turned around to face her, tears were streaming down her face yet she managed to smile when I looked at her. I hugged her, "I-I'm sorry too...." Her hands reached my back and patted my head like she did whenever I cry when I was younger.

Then, I heard father got up from his seat and came close to us. I slowly let go of mom and wiped away my tears as I turn around. I looked up to see his pained expression.

"Yumi, I know I'm the type of person who doesn't go easy on people. Even if it comes to my family. But I still love them. Both you and your mom are important to me," he clenched his fists, "Back then, I panicked. The thought of my business going down frightened me. So I desperately searched for a way to fix it and I acted foolishly. I don't expect you to forgive me but at least, come back to France with us."

I was surprised to see Father acting like this and saying such things. Usually, he's always busy with work that he spends so little time with the family. When he does spend time with us he either doesn't talk or sounds demanding and stern when he talks. This was the first time I've seen this side of him.

"I'll think about it...." I replied in a small voice. Mom's face lightened with happiness and hugged me tight then she glanced at father expecting him to join in the hug.

But he just stood there silently while watching us, "You want me to join? I'm not going to--" before he finishes his sentence mother pulled his hand and made him join the hug. Then he hugged us awkwardly, well it is rare for him to do these kinds of stuff. The last time I hugged him was probably 11 years ago...when I was five years old.

<<<<<<<<<<<

We were out for a walk in the neighborhood usually mother or the nanny would walk with me. Nanny was sick and couldn't come and mother went to visit grandma.

So it was just the two of us. Father was busy then too, always working with nonstop phone calls about work. As a child, I was sad that father wasn't paying attention to me so I sulked and accidentally crossed the road while the lights were still red. Father was on his phone so he didn't noticed me and a car started to come at my way honking repeatedly. That was when father notice me and rushed towards me as he barely saved my life and his.

Both of us were hospitalized, I got minor injuries of scraping my elbows, knees, and ankles. While father broke his arm. Mother hurried back when she heard about what happened, I still remember her crying nonstop. A few weeks later my injuries were completely healed, I visited father's room. Even with his arm broken he was still receiving calls but more than ever since he was injured. I went near his bed and sat down on the chair.

"Father....I'm so sowwry..." I started crying loudly.

"Yumi, it's good to see that your injuries have healed. What're you even crying for?"

"B-Because of me, you got hurt!"

"It's not your fault, Yumi," he patted my head as I rubbed my eyes, "I should've watch you instead of doing my work." I sniffed. "Stop crying so much, I'm fine. Come here."

Father said as he patted on the space on the bed. I climbed the bed as I crawled beside my father and he hugged me. That was the first and the last time he hugged me. Things turned back to the way they were when he got out of the hospital. Nothing changed.

>>>>>>>>>>>

It brings back memories... Remembering that made me smile.

"What's wrong, dear?" Mom asked when I giggled.

"Nothing~" I smiled and hugged them tightly once more.

But it made me worry, what if father returns back to being cold when we get back to France? What if things become the way they were again? I don't want that.

But something tells me that it won't this time. From this, I've learned how much father cares for me. It's just that his way of showing affection is different than others. And I'll have to accept that and continue loving him for who he is.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Yumi's POV

A couple of days have passed and the week was ending. I've told my friends that I'll be going back. Everyone was surprised but they were also sad that I was leaving. The art club members were the first one to know but I told them some info and they understood. And of course, I told Ken too. But he didn't react much to it.

Right now, all the members and I were at the airport. There were here to bid me farewell, but it was a bit awkward since a group of people came just to say goodbye. My parents were also beside me.

"Yumiii although we were not that close, I'll still miss youu," Natsumi wailed as she hugged me.

"She's right, Yumi-chan! You'll still be our friend even though you're going back!" Mari smiled.

I nodded, "Mm! Same to you~ Thank you so much for everything guys! I had a lot of fun," I bowed.

"Come visit us sometime," Akari said.

"I will!" I smiled and turned around to the boys. Shou didn't care like always but Ryouta grinned at me. I glanced over at Ken, he was also staring at me. "Ken...um.."

"Try your best in France. Be strong and face your problems head on," he suddenly said without leaving his eyes on me.

I was surprised but my lips curled up into a smile when he gave me that advice. "Yeah, I won't run away anymore. I'll work even harder and become stronger," I felt kinda sad that I'm leaving. 'Wait no-- Yumi, you can't be like this! You have to move on!' I thought as I slapped my face.

"Hey, what're you doin--" Before Ken was able to finish what he was saying, I pulled him closer by his collar and gave a peck on his cheek.

When I pulled back, I saw shocked faces on others' faces and heard a gasp from Natsumi. Even my parents were a bit surprised. But I ignored all that and focused on Ken. His eyes were a bit wide but nothing more than that.

I gathered up all my courage and when I was ready, I said it. "Ken, thanks for everything up until now. I hope we can still be friends and have contact. Goodbye," I smiled cheerfully yet sadly.

He was a bit taken aback but he gave a small smile afterward. "Yeah...bye Yumi."

It took me all my strength to hold back my tears so I quickly said goodbye to everyone once more, "Bye guys! I hope I can see you guys again! I'll contact when I come visit~ Then, I'll be going," I waved with both of my hands.

Everyone waved back and I walked away with my parents. The flight took off around an hour later and I was back to France before I even knew it.

The next day I returned to the agency to proceed on with my modeling. Most of the employees asked what happened to me and if I was okay to run away from home like that. I felt bad that I made them worried.

"Yumi-chan, we're having a banquet tonight to celebrate your return!" my hair stylist exclaimed as she pulled me into a hug, "I'm so glad you returned! I missed you! I didn't even come to the agency ever since you left, I rushed here when I heard that you were returning!"

"I get it already~!" she hugged me tighter. "I-I-I can't breathe!!! Let go!!!" I managed to speak.

"Ah....sorry, sorry," she let go of me, "I got too excited!" I brushed the creases of my dress that I got when she hugged me. "Oh, my! Look at your hair," she caressed my hair, "You haven't been taking care of it properly while you were back in Japan, didn't you? Look at those split ends!" she put her hands on her waist and lean towards me.

"I just didn't have the time to. I was busy going to school and all." Alex has always been looking out after me, mainly my hair. "So? Tell me more about the banquet."

She nodded, "It's just us employees and the models. We're eating barbeque!!!! Meat is life!"

"I see." As we talk we entered the room where my makeup artist and fashion stylist were waiting for me with a swivel chair turned my way.

"We've been waiting for you!" both of them said in unison while they were turned sideways. Welcome back Yumi!" they hand out their hand to me. "Let's get ready for the first shoot!"

Caroline swiftly did my makeup and at the same time, Alex braided my hair into boxer braids. I look at myself in the mirror and Caroline's makeup looks as flawless as ever, and the braids Alex did were tight with no loose strand at all.

"Here, this is the first outfit!" Cammi handed me a white crop top and brown shorts along with a black jacket. I wore it and begin to head to the photo shoot. "We'll come after you, go ahead!"

So I did and on the way, I bumped into an unfamiliar guy wearing sunglasses, he was pretty tall too. Is he a model? "Oh, I'm sorry," I apologized and hurried my way.

"Ah! Yumiko! You're finally here!!" the cameraman said as he greeted with a hug. The day was busy like other days and ended sooner than I expected. But it felt great to be modeling again.

"We're ending already?" I asked as we usually end the shoot at 6.

"Yeah, we're having the banquet tonight, and we didn't want you working too hard when you just came back!"

"Ohh, thanks, I'll go home now then," I said as I waved the staffs and left the agency. My manager came to pick me up. When I got home I saw both mother and father in the living room and looked like they were waiting for me.

"I'm home.."

"Welcome back, Yumi!" Mom replied. "You're going to the banquet tonight right? Have a quick shower and I chose an outfit for you to wear, it's on your bed."

Father was just sitting on the couch reading his newspaper and didn't say anything. I rushed to my room and undressed as I hop into the shower. It felt amazing and relaxing as the warm water soothed my skin. A warm bath after a long day is the best. I wonder what Ken is up to now...NO NO NO! I splashed my face with the water. I said I would move on, didn't I? No thinking about Ken.

After a long bath, I got out, wrapped a towel around my body and found an outfit folded neatly on my bed like mom said. I unfolded the clothes, it was a light blue dress designed by Mother. I dried my hair first and wore the outfit, then I applied a thin layer of makeup and sprayed some perfume on myself. I look at myself in the mirror, I look amazing as always, I grinned to myself. I prepared to get going, I wore a pair of blue heels. Then I got a message, it was from my manager. She said that she's on my way and that get ready.

"I'll get going now!"

"Ahem," Father cleared his throat, "Don't stay out too late."

I was a bit surprised, "Mmhm!" I nodded and left.

>>>>>>>>>>>

The banquet was really amazing. All the staffs and most of the models from our agency were here. They greeted me when I got there and I'm glad that I was able to have a conversation with them. I even got a chance to talk to Liselle, whom I only worked with once. We didn't even talk then since we were really busy. It was nice to know more about the other models. But I haven't met the 'new model' that my parents mentioned. Does he usually don't come to social events like this? I was looking forward to meeting him though.

The food was really delicious too. I didn't even hesitate to dig in and hog down the barbecue, unlike the other models. After I was done with eating and all the talking, I quietly slipped out of the banquet to the front to get some fresh air. I contacted my manager that I'll leave early and that I'll wait outside. Socializing with others really drains my energy. Well, it's not usually like this but it was a long day so it can't be helped.

When I got out of the restaurant I searched for the van parked near the corner as my manager said. She told me to wait inside the car when I'm done. She said that the driver was nearby so the car should be unlocked. When I spotted the black car, I walked towards it and went inside.

I was just settling myself down when I saw someone else in the seat in front of me. I was about to scream but I held it back when I noticed that the person was asleep. He looked really cool and handsome--wait no-

Why is this person in my van?!? A thief?? Is he going to kidnap me?! No, maybe he got the car wrong? Should I call my manager back? Where's the driver?! Then the person rubbed his eyes and yawned as he woke up.

"YOU!" I exclaimed, "Who are you?!" He squinted his eyes and he flinched when he saw me.

"T-That's my line!! Why are you inside my van??" he shouted.

"Huh? What are you talking about? Look, I left these sunglasses here before coming here," I bend over to the seat beside me and reach for my sunglasses that I left, but there were no sunglasses. "I-It should be here.....?" I start to look at the interior of the van but didn't see the things I left inside before coming to the banquet, but only saw a jacket and a scarf lying around, which do not belong to me. Oh my god. I think I was the one who entered the wrong van.

He crossed his arms and his legs. "So? Did you find your sunglasses?"

"Erm...s-sorry....well then I probably should get going--" I apologized as I tried to reach for the handle on the door, I should run away. He immediately grabbed my hand that was trying to reach the handle, stopping my hand from moving. Then he scooped closer towards me. This situation looks dangerous.

"Trying to escape aren't you and even accusing me?" He snickered.

"I apologized didn't I--" This face..I've seen it before...somewhere..it's so familiar... "You...have we met before?"

"Took you long enough to notice, Yumiko-chan," he came closer to me.

"S-So we actually know each other?" I stuttered as I looked away.

"If I do this, will you remember?" he suddenly slammed his other hand beside my face and slowly grew closer to me. Then he suddenly stops when he was about 3 centimeters away from my face. I used this chance to push him away.

"What were you trying to do??!!" I shouted. His face looked disappointed.

"You still don't remember me?" He paused waiting for a response. "I guess it can't be helped," he started laughing, "Yumiko-chan, it's me! Jun~!"

"Jun?" Don't tell me he's that Jun?! "J-J-JUN??? W-Why are you here?? H-How?? When??" Jun was a fellow model that I worked with about 3 years ago. We hang out together a lot, we were great friends until he suddenly confessed to me and kissed me, while I was dating Ken. Moreover, Ken saw the kiss and misunderstood.

"Calm down, Yumiko-chan," he held my shoulders and smiled. "Sorry if I startled you back there."

I remembered what he just tried to pull off a few minutes ago. "Yeah, geez. Stop doing things like that! Just so you know, I still haven't forgiven you for what you did back then. Well, I can't entirely blame you for Ken and I's breakup but it was one of the reason!"

"You're still not over him...?" He asked and hanged his head low.

"Nope! I'm over him now! I went back to Japan and Ken, that guy....he has no leftover feelings for me whatsoever!"

"Ahh! That's great!" He chuckled.

"Tell me why you're here."

"This was all merely a coincidence!!" He went back to his seat, "Look, I'm really sorry about what happened between you and Ken...After what happened I felt guilty for my actions I was ignorant back then. I quitted being a model and left Japan to come here."

"Ohh...but why here?"

"Well, actually, my sister opened a cafe here and she was short on waiters so she asked me to help out. So I ended up moving to France and went to school here and all."

"You're in college now right?"

"Yeah, first year."

"But that doesn't explain why you came to our agency though? I mean joining an agency with the name Nao can't possibly be a coincidence right?"

He chuckled, "You got me there. It was partly coincidence though." I didn't interrupt and continued listening to him. "I was working in the cafe as usual but one day, James came to the cafe and ordered a coffee, and handed me Nao Agency business card."

James, he's the manager of our agency and he's the one who usually scouts models.

He continued, "He asked me to contact him if I was interested in modeling. At first, I didn't plan to become one again. But when I saw 'Nao' on the card I thought it might have something to do with you, I didn't get a chance to apologize properly back then so I thought this might be the chance to meet you again and apologize properly," he lowered his head again. "If I knew you had a boyfriend, I would've never done that. Please forgive me!" clasped his hands together and bowed as he apologized.

"It's okay, Jun! It's all over anyway."

"Thanks...."

"Wait...were you the one I bumped into earlier during the day??" I asked him as the memory flashed back.

"Oh that, yeah. It was me. I actually bumped into you intentionally, hoping you might remember me even with my sunglasses on," he pouted.

"Are you pouting now?" I laughed, "Come on, you're already a college student and you're still childish as ever!"

"I'm not pouting and I am not childish!"

"Sure, sure!" I continued laughing.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Ken's POV

It's been over a week passed since Yumi left Japan. Summer break is gonna be in a few days and I can't wait for it. Yesterday, I got a message from Yumi saying that she's doing great and asked about everyone from here. I'm glad that she's moving on and I hope she will grow stronger every day from now on. She also told me about the guy she met there, I hope he's nice and treats her well.

As I walked into the club room, I saw Natsumi babbling around with a magazine in her hand. When she spotted me, she ran up and hold up the magazine.

"Ken, look!! It's Yumi! She looks so cool! I bet she's working really hard right now! And I wonder who that male model is! They seem like they know each other well," Natsumi claimed.

I examined the picture carefully. It's true, they look good together too. It must be the guy she told me about. 'Wait....isn't this the guy who kissed Yumi?! What? What is he doing there?? Seriously, this is why she told me so vaguely about him' I sighed.

I glanced at the magazine again. But they look happy... well, it's fine then.

"Ken, are you jealous~?" Natsumi teased.

I scoffed as I pushed the magazine away from my sight, "As if," I answered as I went to my seat and settled down.

I grinned to myself as I thought to myself 'It's good to see that she's doing fine.'

A/N: Helloo guys! We just wanted to remind you, during the part where Yumi got back to France, everyone's talking in French. But when she was talking with Jun, it went back to Japanese! That's it, thanks! (='∀｀)人('∀｀=)

- Kuroi & Yukine