The Golden Pear [YA - Featured]

♫~Notes 86~♫

 "There is no need to be shy. Please, share your mind with me," Mr. Kamini encouraged her to speak her mind.

"Since you have three sons, I couldn't help but imagine her next to the others as well. I feel like a school girl again."

"But you are."

Mrs. Ueno giggled under his constant flattery. Then they let the waiter collect the plates and place the main dish. Thankfully, this time Mr. Kamini didn't need to guess how and from where to start eating, but picking the right pair of cutlery was in another league.

"I believe my daughter would be a good match for your second son."

"Right, Aiyoku is an embodiment of a Prince Charming. He is gentle and very kind to everybody."

"Yes, I've seen his photograph, and sadness filled me as I was born in the wrong year."

"Please, don't be, I would miss the chance to know you."

She cocked her head, hiding her face a bit. "You make me embarrassed but a very happy woman."

He sent her way a smile and nod, encouraging her to accept his honest words. "However, I can't imagine my youngest child, Kagetsu, to form a relationship like that with her."

Mrs. Ueno perked her ears. "Oh my, is something wrong with him? He looks so healthy and cheerful. If there is anything I can do, please, tell me. I know many renowned specialists."

Mr. Kamini's face wrinkled as he sent her way a friendly smile. "I didn't mean to scare you like this. Please, accept my sincere apologies." He bent his body as much as the table allowed him. "My youngest child is fine and healthy."

He tracked his chin with his fingers as if tried to pull out a beard. "I suppose since he is the youngest, he is the most precious. He is the Benjamine of the family. I've read parents are the most attached to their youngest children."

"Oh, I understand now. That was very impolite of me." She bowed her head.

They continued their dinner with smiles and stealing glances of each other as if they were madly in love but too shy to say it aloud. People under the pyramid also watched them from time to time. Perhaps they were envious of him to be in the presence of such an elegant and gorgeous lady. Or they watched the man if he would send a part of his meal their way.

Before the night ended, they finished their meal with satisfied stomachs and pleasant smiles.

"This was a wonderful evening. Thank you for accepting my invitation."

Mr. Kamini shook his head. "I wouldn't miss a meeting with a wonderful lady if there is anything I could do with it."

Their bodyguards joined them as they stepped down the pyramid, watching their steps and surrounding for an attack. They also thanked for their job required dark glasses, so they could steal glances of Mrs. Ueno's swaying curves.

Outside awaited them their hilariously long cars. The driver opened the door for Mrs. Ueno. She let Mr. Kamini touch her hand with his forehead before she turned around and took a few small steps.

"Mr. Kamini"—she stopped, and her voice shivered—"I know this may sound embarrassing, but I do hope one day we may be more than business partners." She gave him a side-way glance, scanning his body language.

"I understand." He downcast his eyes before he looked up. "I'm honored by your words, but my heart belongs to her even after all this time."

A shade ran across Mrs. Ueno's face before she smiled. "I suppose that's what makes you a wonderful man." With a bow, she entered her car, and Mr. Kamini watched her until she was gone from his sight.

Another car came a few seconds later, and Mr. Kamini got on. Inside, sat a man typing something into his laptop, sitting cross-legged. The car moved, taking them away from this place.

"You should have ditched her," said the younger man without looking at Mr. Kamini. "She is no good."

"Come on, Nihil-kun." Mr. Kamini loosened the tie under his neck. "That's no way how to treat a lady."

"Lady isn't on my list of words I would never call her." The younger man looked from behind his laptop. His dark blue eyes had rings under them. A growing beard would welcome a shaving a few days ago, and his messy hair needed brushing like salt.

His features softened a bit. "But I have tons of I would call her."

"I know, Nihil-kun, I know." Mr. Kamini nodded as if he was taking a light nap.

"Then why did you agree to meet with her? She is dangerous."

"Despite that, we are still business partners, and you know the saying..." Mr. Kamini leaned back in his seat.

"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer?" Nihil tried.

"Perhaps." The other man didn't give him a clear answer, but Nihil knew this old man in front of him wasn't a fool. He knew what he was doing, and he wouldn't fall for such obvious tricks to win his favor.

\\_(''>_<'')_//

Mrs. Ueno's smile lasted only for a couple of minutes. Inside her car, she frowned and clenched her small bag. 'How dare he define my curves! Am I not gorgeous? All men around me gave me hungry looks.'

She put a lock of hair behind her ear. 'His late wife looked like any other commoner. What could he see on her?' From the box next to her seat, she took out a cigarette, lighting it up.

'That useless daughter of mine should work on her part!' Her face wrinkled, burying all the beauty under intense hatred.