Making 'New' Friends

. . .

A fancy limousine rolled in front of the spacious fountain-rotunda. Four men jolted into action to pave Miura Takumi's path. He had an umbrella boy following him from a maintained distance as another one rolled the red carpet. The moment he stepped out of his fully air-conditioned mansion, a maid fanned him on his steps, and another one swatted the insects away.

Zeirenne and 'Dr. Gomez' stood in the back. Watching this spectacle, their foreheads folded with questions.

"They really have to go that far?" Zeirenne mumbled to herself, and Dr. Gomez adjusted his glasses before grabbing an umbrella, "Do you want me to fan you too, Mademoiselle?"

"Hmmm. No, thank you. I'd rather hold your hand for support than have it fanning me," Zeirenne rolled her eyes before getting engrossed in their mini-skit, "How can I possibly let Your Royal Highness fanning me? This commoner is not worthy," she said while hiding her face away in shame.

When she brought her gaze up, they looked at each other for a solid second before giggling on the sly.

The ceremony finished and Miura Takumi boarded the limo unscathed by the sun, nor the air, nor by insects. His servants bowed and one rolled out the carpet. Zeirenne and Jin, slash Dr. Gomez, took this as a cue to board the car—in a rather simpler way compared to Miura Takumi's special service.

The limo rolled a few meters forward before the car door opened for them.

While holding Dr. Gomez's hand for support, Zeirenne entered the limousine. The hardworking doctor then folded the umbrella he was holding before handing it over to a maid. He stepped inside to sit beside Zeirenne, and she nudged him on the sly, whispering, "Scoot over. We're not supposed to look close. Tsk."

"Oh right," he said with a smirk, "I forgot."

Zeirenne rolled her eyes before diverting them to Miura Takumi who was sitting at the farthest end, already bearing a wine glass at hand.

"You're too good at doing your job," Miura Takumi said, his eyes pinned on his glass, but his intentions—towards Dr. Gomez, "Such an attentive doctor you are. I've never seen one holding out an umbrella for a patient."

"Thank you. I get that compliment a lot, Miura-dono."

Miura Takumi darted his eyes on this shabby-looking medic, as he'd seen him, "That was not a compliment. She's not my guest, you don't have to go an extra mile. I only need her to be in great condition so I can torture her better," he said with a menacing smile.

"Hold your tongue," Zeirenne whispered on the sly. Already eyeing Dr. Gomez and his clenched fist.

"I'm at your command, Miura-dono."

The car started moving and the view outside caught Zeirenne's attention. They passed by hundreds of flowers and trees before drifting into the plains.

"You have your own runway?" she marveled, turning her head towards Miura Takumi who popped a piece of chocolate in his mouth before retorting back, "You speak as if you don't own hundreds of airports around the world."

She pouted and glared at Dr. Gomez who was snickering on the side. He had the same thoughts as Miura Takumi.

Five minutes passed, and the limo stopped in front of a private jet that had a bannering CHAOS Incorporated imprinted on its body.

Once again, Miura Takumi walked his ceremonious car exit, and the two followed right behind. This time, there were eight people greeting him on his way inside the aircraft. Zeirenne recognized each and everyone of these personalities but two. There's no way she'd forget the faces of those she'd borrowed something from.

"You've arrived, Miura-dono," the lady whom Lotus (Zeirenne's favorite onetime partner) fought with, greeted Miura Takumi with a bow along with five familiar heads, "We'll be accompanying you on your trip as requested."

After Miura Takumi walked passed them, they eyed Zeirenne before following close behind. With their backs turned on her, Zeirenne glared at one, muttering, "Bastard," before continuing on her steps.

The interior of the private jet was somewhat predictable, somewhat not. There were countless paintings, most of which were internationally famous. Private jets usually look homely, and this was the first time for Zeirenne to board one that looked like an artist's lounge. There were even potted fake flowers placed (more like glued) on top of the sequoia brown tables.

With the aircraft's century old theme, the 'look for hidden items' game Zeirenne used to play crossed her mind. Everything looked like a clutter, if she'd take artistic considerations off.

Hand in hand, they walked down the aisle.

All eyes were on Zeirenne as she passed the table of four executives before walking by another four. Dr. Gomez, or Jin himself, recognized the two faces unknown to Zeirenne. He defeated them in a single breath during his task of rescuing a girl named Daffodil.

When they finally reached the back of the plane, Miura Takumi was sitting pretty on a wide couch, and they turned their gazes on the strap-on seats he pointed.

"Petty," Zeirenne murmured before buckling herself up. Jin almost helped in tucking her in, but remembered he was Dr. Gomez at the last second. Habits die hard for this selective gentleman.

"You didn't say hi?" They both looked at Miura Takumi. Zeirenne furrowed her eyebrows as if she knew nothing of his words.

"Hi?"

"You recognize them, don't you? At least six of them. If I'm not mistaken."

"Then you ARE mistaken, this is the first time I'm seeing their faces, Miura-san."

Miura Takumi chuckled, "Then why don't you sit with them? I think you are someone who'd like to make some new friends. Right? Miss Zhi Lin."

Zeirenne sighed before clicking her tongue, "You should have told me that before I struggled to buckle myself up in this cramped up booster-seat-looking I-don't-know. Tsk."

"It's not too late now," Miura Takumi leaned his gaze on the eyesore in front of him, "Help that woman reach that table," he pointed at the farthest one from their position—the one with four familiar faces to Zeirenne, "And be the ever supportive doctor for the last time."

In his command, Dr. Gomez unbuckled Zeirenne before extending his hand out to help her. They walked a few meters, bowing in front of the first table before facing their destination.

Zeirenne bobbed a half-curtsy. With her hands clasped in front, she introduced herself, "Hello, everyone. I'm Zhi Lin. It's nice meeting you all."

They threw their icy stares towards Zeirenne, but she continued, "Perhaps... can I sit with you?"

. . .