As Takahiro and Kahoru kissed, Takahiro wrapped his other arm around Kahoru's waist and pulled her against his body. Keiichi, Risa and everyone who was in the office had their jaws wide open so wide like it was going to drop. Ryoma then walked into the lobby to see what the commotion was and as soon as he saw his boss in the arms of a woman, he dropped all of the documents. His jaw also dropped.
"B-b-boss?" Ryoma had yelled in shock.
Takahiro gently pulled away from Kahoru and turned to see who had called him. There he saw Ryoma frozen in shock. He had never seen his boss with another woman before. Ryoma turned to the woman who he had kissed, his eyes widened. There was his cousin in the arms of his Boss. Ryoma quietly stuttered her name, "K-Kaho?" Due to the shock, Ryoma had fainted. The workers nearby and ran to help him. A lady screamed in a panic as she ran towards Ryoma who lay on the floor in a starfish position, facing upwards. "Mr Tanaka, are you okay?"
Kahoru watched Ryoma faint and her face became red as a cherry. She did not expect to see Ryoma in the office, let alone him seeing her being kissed. In embarrassment, she turned the opposite way and covered her face. Keiichi stared at Kahoru, stunned. She was not the Kahoru he knew. She was much more beautiful than she ever was. His heart skipped a beat. Risa, on the other hand, was fuming. She thought Kahoru was done for. After stealing Kahoru's boyfriend away, Kahoru had gone behind Risa's back and married a man who could not be touched. She thought Kahoru was the reason why Takahiro did not dare to go near any women.
Takahiro noticed the couple watching Kahoru and glared at them. The whole room had turned into ice and Keiichi and Risa's spines had shuddered. Keiichi tapped Risa's shoulder and in a quiet voice he whispered to Risa, "I think we should leave now."
"O-okay. Mr Ichinomiya, thank you for today.
"We must go now." Keiichi bowed at Takahiro and they soon quickly walked towards the elevator.
Takahiro eyed them as they walked away, making sure they were actually leaving. After they got on the elevator, Takahiro turned towards Kahoru and grabbed her shoulders to turn her towards him. "They're gone now."
With her hands still covering her face, Kahoru moved a finger to look around to see if Takahiro was saying the truth. Takahiro then grabbed Kahoru's arms in an attempt to uncover her face. Kahoru did not expect Takahiro to move her hands away. He saw that Kahoru's face was still red. She pouted and turned her head away. Takahiro leaned down to her ear and whispered, "You look like you want more." He smirked and waited to see how Kahoru would react.
Takahiro's words made Kahoru furious and punched his stomach with all the energy she had. Takahiro did not have time to react and as Kahoru punched him, Takahiro wrapped his arms around his stomach and dropped to the floor on his knees in pain. The workers watched the ordeal and nearly fainted that this woman, had punched the scariest person in the company, their boss.
They all admired her from afar but scared as if they were to do that, they would probably be doomed. Takahiro clenched his teeth in pain. "You blockhead, you'll pay for this."
Kahoru knelt down in front of him and patted him on the head. "Next time don't make me mad and I won't punch you."
Kahoru started to walk away, forgetting why she came to the agency in the first place. Takahiro noticed and stood up quickly and as he did, he became lightheaded and dizzy and lost consciousness.
Kahoru heard a thud and instinctively turned around to see Takahiro laying on the ground. She walked quickly towards him and knelt to the side to lift his head, her anger had suddenly turned to worry. "Takahiro? Are you okay?"
She pressed the back of her hand onto his forehead only to find that he was burning up. Takahiro started to breathe heavily. Ryoma, who had recovered in the other room had come back out and saw Takahiro laying on the ground. He was out for a second and when he came out, his boss was out cold. Before he could say anything, Kahoru looked up to see who had walked in. "R-Ryoma, can you drive?"
"Yes, but we have a driver you know. He's always waiting downstairs."
"Well can you help me take him downstairs?"
"Okay fine."
Ryoma and Kahoru lifted Takahiro up by his arms and took an elevator to the bottom level. There they met with Fujioka. Kahoru's voice trembled. "Fujioka, can you take us to the hospital?"
"Yes, quickly bring him to the car."
They all transported Takahiro into the car and sat in the back as Fujioka drive them to Kahoru's hospital. Takahiro was still out and Kahoru let his head rest on her shoulder. Ryoma was confused, he wondered why Kahoru was in the office. "Kaho, I understand we haven't seen each other in a long time, but what are you doing in that office?"
"I don't know. I was just invited and all hell broke loose the moment I stepped foot in the CEO's lobby."
"Ah yes, Kaho-"
"We're not talking about it." Kahoru became embarrassed again and stopped Ryoma from saying anything else.
"But how did you meet?"
"We're childhood friends."
"What really? He's never told me anything." Ryoma scratched his head in confusion. After all the years he served Takahiro, not once, he talked about a woman in his life.
"Well, how do you know him?"
"I'm his secretary."
Kahoru turned her head around towards Ryoma in shock and confusion. "Really?"
"really."
"He must be scary for you."
"Very."
Their conversation came to a halt as they arrived at the hospital. Fujioka parked and opened the doors to let the trio out. Kahoru handed Takahiro to Fujioka and ran into the building. Ryoma and Fujoka followed behind being careful as to not drop their boss. As soon as they got inside, Kahoru came back with two nurses and a stretcher. "Put him on there."
The men placed Takahiro onto the stretcher and they followed behind towards a ward. They wheeled him into a private room and Kahoru went to the office to get a doctor. She came back with a doctor and he examined Takahiro. Kahoru watched anxiously, hoping it wasn't an emergency. The doctor soon finished examining Takahiro. "He seems to be exhausted. Perhaps overwork."
Ryoma butted in, "That makes a lot of sense. He hasn't been eating lately and barely slept this week."
Kahoru was upset. "Ryoma, how could let him do this?"
"He insisted that he was fine."
The doctor took his temperature again. "His fever isn't too high. He should rest at home for a few days until he is better."
"I'll take care of him."
"Doctor Yukimura, You are still recovering from your last ordeal."
"Don't worry doctor, I'm fine."
"Kaho," Ryoma mumbled.
"Yes?"
"Well, the CEO doesn't let women into his home."
"Since when did he ever see me as a woman? I'm going regardless."
"But-"
"I'm his doctor for the next few days."
"Ah, fine."
Takahiro slowly opened his eyes due to Kahoru and Ryoma being noisy. He looked around the unfamiliar room, sat up and rubbed his head.
The doctor noticed Takahiro and put his hand on Takahiro's shoulder. "Mr Ichinomiya, You're awake."
Kahoru and Ryoma turned around to face Takahiro, who looked like a grumpy cat. He sighed. "What am I doing here."
"According to Doctor Yukimura, You fainted in front of her and she brought you here to the hospital."
Takahiro looked at Kahoru and glared at her. "You didn't need to do this."
"Well, I did what I had to. I'm going to take care of you in the next few days along with Ryoma."
"What?"
"Mr Ichinomiya, you are to rest at home for three to four days. Doctor's orders." The doctor pushed his glasses up with his finger, his face was serious.
Takahiro was quite angry, but had to give in. "Fine."
He was soon discharged from the hospital and Fujioka took them towards Takahiro's home. The house was not what Kahoru expected. Since Takahiro lived in a gated community, she thought his house would be a large luxurious mansion, instead, it was a large double story home which looked like a normal house. The garden was lined with roses, which surprised Kahoru. They walked in and just as Kahoru was about to walk in, Takahiro stopped her at the front door. "I don't allow women into my home."
"Since when did you ever see me as a woman Takahiro?" Kahoru glared.
"Idiot or blockhead, you are still a woman regardless."
"Yeah right." Kahoru ran into the house before Takahiro could even react, as he felt very exhausted. His body wanted to give in. "Fujioka, you can come in."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, since everyone is inside already."
"Thank you, young master."
Takahiro sighed and then closed the door behind him.
Kahoru looked around and all she saw was just a humble home. There wasn't much, but it was quite clean.
Kahoru headed straight into the kitchen and snooped around, trying to find cookware she could use. She was going to make rice porridge and a few dishes. After finding the cookware, she went to check the fridge. When she opened it, all there was, was the light. The fridge was completely empty.
She was shocked. She wondered how could anyone have an empty fridge. She walked into the living room and proceeded to yell at Takahiro, who was sitting on the couch. "Why do you not have any food in your fridge?"
"Who said you could snoop around in my kitchen?"
"I did. Fujioka, we are going shopping."
"What?"
"Now."
"O-okay."
Fujioka and Kahoru headed towards the door and Fujioka drove to the location he was directed to.
...
In the living room, Takahiro was annoyed and walked towards the study room. Ryoma followed him. "Sir, the doctor told you to rest."
"Well, he isn't here."
"But-"
"Do you want me to cut your salary in half?"
"No, sir."
"Then help me."
"Yes, sir."
...
Kahoru was walking in the arcade as Fujioka was carrying many bags of groceries. She went to buy fruits and a lady noticed Kahoru picking fruits.
"Excuse me young lady,"
"Yes?" Kahoru looked at the woman. The lady seemed very familiar, but Kahoru couldn't seem to figure where she had seen her from.
"You're very good at choosing the good fruits. You remind me of one of my regulars that came here often a few years ago."
"Ah, really?"
"Yes. It's a shame that she has passed away. She made the arcade much brighter place."
Kahoru then remembered the lady. She used to come to the arcade with her mother when she was younger and Aiko was really good at picking the best fruits, vegetables and meat. Kahoru must've subconsciously picked up her mother's habits. "Are you talking about my mother, Yukimura Aiko?"
"Ah yes! Wait are you Kahoru?"
"Yes."
"Wow, it's been about ten years now. You've grown into such a beautiful lady."
"Well, I'm very flattered, but you're much more beautiful."
"Oh, I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. I'll buy these."
"Okay, I'll give you a discount for you."
"You don't have to."
"I insist."
"Ah, thank you so much."
"No problem." The lady gave Kahoru the bag of vegetables and fruits and Kahoru went back to the car with Fujioka. They drove back to Takahiro's house and when they arrived, Kahoru walked into the house with Fujioka carrying all the groceries. Kahoru noticed that Takahiro and Ryoma were not in the living anymore and decided to walk around to find them. She walked across the hallway and then heard voices through one of the doors.
Kahoru barged in and her eyes widened. She saw Takahiro working on the computer and Ryoma next to him reading documents out. Ryoma looked up at Kahoru and he froze in fear. He knew he was in big trouble, whereas Takahiro did not even notice Kahoru walking in.
She stomped towards both of the men and pulled both of their ears and tried to drag them out of the study. "Why are you working, you idiots?"
"Ouch, I'm sorry." Ryoma pleaded.
Takahiro didn't say a word and just let Kahoru drag them back into the living room. Fujioka already left the groceries in the kitchen and sat on the couch. He watched Kahoru drag two grown men into the living room by their ears. She sat them on the couch and crossed her arms. "No working until you get better Takahiro. Fujioka, make sure they don't go back to the study."
"Yes, Miss."
Kahoru stomped back into the kitchen and unpacked all the groceries. She started to boil the rice and chopped the vegetables and meat swiftly. She was making rice porridge, curry, grilled mackerel and Miso soup.
As the three men, chatted as they watched television, the smell from the kitchen wafted towards the living room. The smell made their mouths water. Takahiro began to feel hungry. "What on earth is she making?"
Ryoma smiled. "I cannot wait to eat Kahoru's cooking again. She makes the best meals. "
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I could eat her food forever."
Takahiro was confused. "What are you dating her or something?"
"Definitely not. It'd be weird to date my own cousin."
"You two are cousins?"
"Yes. She and her family were there for me when my family was not. They've helped me go through the tough times. Kahoru cooks for us occasionally ever since we were about fourteen. She makes really good food."
"Ah, I see."
...
About an hour later, it was evening and Kahoru set up the dining table. She placed the food on the table and set up the bowls and chopsticks.
She walked into the living room and called them to the meal. "Come and eat before the food gets cold. The men walked into the dining room. They saw the well-grilled fish, miso soup and rice steaming. They all rushed to their seats and started to dig in. Kahoru sat next to Takahiro.
Ryoma took a bite and his eyes sparkled. He started to talk with his mouth full. "Kahowu, this food is gweat."
Kahoru rolled her eyes. "Don't talk with your mouth full."
Ryoma nodded and Fujioka chuckled. "You're like a mother, cooking for us and all."
"That's the plan," Kahoru blushed. "I want to be a mother someday."
Takahiro listened as they all talked. When Kahoru mentioned about wanting children, his heart skipped a beat again. He felt that strange feeling again and tried to brush it off by stuffing more food in his mouth. Kahoru noticed and glared at him. "You're going to choke if you stuff that much food in your mouth."
"Yeah yeah, you're not my mother." Takahiro rolled his eyes. He was annoyed that Kahoru invited herself in and now she was pestering him.
...
It was later in the evening and everyone had eaten. After Kahoru finished cleaning the dishes, she thanked Ryoma and Fujioka as they headed out to the door. Takahiro decided to go to bed early, as he wasn't feeling well and was sleepy. Kahoru bowed at the men, "Thanks for coming tonight. Ryoma, I'll be working tomorrow, so I made some extra food, such as curry and rice porridge so you can give it to him when I leave."
"Okay, are you coming on the other two days?"
"I don't think I will. I don't want to bother him. I already invited myself in. I'm just going to monitor him for the night."
"Okay, see you later Kaho." Ryoma waved at Kahoru.
"See you." Kahoru waved back.
She closed the door behind her and headed to the living room. She had brought her nursing kit with her, just in case Takahiro needed it. She tiptoed up the stairs, not wanted to wake Takahiro up. When she slowly opened the door, she became worried. Takahiro was breathing heavily and was sweating profusely. Kahoru ran to his bedside and checked his temperature. It had gone up. She went to get a small bucket and a towel and filled the bucket with cold water. She brought the bucket back to his room and placed it on the side of the table.
Kahoru soaked the towel and placed it on Takahiro's forehead. She had the opportunity to look closely at Takahiro's face. He looked much more tired than when they first saw each other.
She sighed quietly. "You work too hard."
She admired his eyelashes and when her eyes followed down to his lips, Kahoru blushed. She felt an ache in her heart as she touched her lip with her finger. She couldn't believe Takahiro kissed her right on the lips.
Kahoru stayed close to him and monitored him until she fell asleep on the side of his bed.
...
It was the middle of the night and Takahiro suddenly woke up. The lamp next to him was still on and soon he noticed Kahoru sleeping on the bedside. His heart skipped a beat when he noticed Kahoru holding his hand.
He gently stroked her hair and thought to himself, 'She looks so cute when she's quiet.'
After realising his thought, he shook his head. 'What am I thinking?"