Like Ren said Shizen International High did have a practice match with a neighboring school. They won by two points which Coach Hayashi was glad that the new training technique paid off but the team still have lots to improve.
"So what do I need to improve?" Tomoharu sides up to me.
"Your blocking could use a bit of work but your strikes and defense are good." I reply walking through the school.
Tomoharu nods. It stays quiet for a few moments before he leans closer.
I turn to look at him with a blank glare.
"So is Ren really the Kitamura Group heir?" He asks.
I continue to glare at him with a blank expression.
"I take your silence as a yes." Tomoharu nods. "I would never have guessed that he was an heir. He doesn't give off the 'I'm rich vibe'."
I shake my head and continue to walk.
"Hey. Aren't you going to tell me why he doesn't give off the heir vibe?" Tomoharu catches up in no time with his long strides.
"He never knew that he was Kitamura Group heir until earlier this year. He hasn't been trained to take the position by his father." I explain.
"Wow! You really told me. I thought that you wouldn't since you know.... we aren't really that close." Tomoharu says in awe.
"You already know that he is heir so why should I keep it a secret?" I ask him.
"You're right. Like always." Tomoharu nods.
"And you are on the same team that Ren is on so I should at least give you that simple explanation."
"So if Ren wasn't on the volleyball team you wouldn't talk to me?"
"Yes."
"Wow! You're so honest and mean."
"Honesty is the best policy."
"Sometimes it is but reality can be harsh."
I stop and turn to look at Tomoharu when feeling something is off with his words. He stops and turns around when stepping a bit too far.
"What do you mean?"
"I know that someone released that video to hurt Ren." Tomoharu answers. "Anyone with a knowledge of the business world can."
"So?"
Tomoharu shrugs. "If Ren gets hurt he won't come to volleyball and if he doesn't come you won't come leading to the team degrading again. You have really done a lot for the team and it would be a waste if it went back to the way it was. Coach Hayashi would probably not come to the club again."
"Ah. Of course. Personal gain. I wouldn't have pinpointed you as a benefitable relationship person."
"You have to do everything to survive in this world."
"You sound like a Kitamura." I look at his movements closely.
Tomoharu pauses when hearing that. ".... Then the Kitamura's are wise."
I silently scoff. "Praising the people you work for. They really have rubbed off on you."
The smile falls from Tomoharu's cheerful face. "How'd you know?"
"The necklace was the first clue then you trying to get close to Ren. But what really gave it off is the way you talk sometimes. Although you are cheerful saying it it gives off the Kitamura vibe which not anyone can randomly do. So tell me why are you here?" I ask Tomoharu.
He cheerfully smiles. "Boss did say nothing could get past you and I was starting to think that it did but you just hid your suspicion too well. Don't worry I'm not here to harm him but to protect him like I have been doing for the past two years."
"Why would someone want to harm him?"
Tomoharu face freezes.
I catch it. "Don't worry. You don't have to tell me and personally I don't want to know though you'll hear it first. Although I was paid to protect Ren he is my friend and no one will survive if they hurt him. Understood?"
"Understood." Tomoharu nods.
I walk past him while he takes out his phone.
"She knows." He says.
"Okay."
"What do I do now?"
"Continue to protect Ren Yamashita at all costs." The person commands. "Remember to have some fun along the way. You are a teenager after all."
"Understood." Tomoharu hangs up and hurries to get onto his bus.
*****
I slip into the back of the grey car. "Back to the apartment." I order the driver.
"Yes Miss."
Although the driver still looks like the old driver he isn't. He is instead one of my loyal soldiers from my army, Enchantment. The old driver wasn't as experienced so I swapped him out but so Kiyoshi didn't get suspicious I had this new driver disguise as the old driver.
Sometimes being rich can be a pain but sometimes it can be luxury if you have the right people. But even though I can sometimes think this being rich is like a battle field. One wrong step can get you blown up or one enemy can shoot you in your sleep.
The car arrives at the apartment which I get off. The car drives back to school to pick Ren up after he finishes with his after match practice (though he can only watch).
I get into the elevator but just when the door is nearly closed I stick my hand out and step off. I walk to the stair case and begin to run up them.
By the time that I have reached the fourteenth story I am pissed. Why are there so many stairs and why are we on the fourteenth level. Aish! Kiyoshi! All you want is a good view but never think about the location.
I grab my keys out and open the door. I change my shoes and change out of the clothes that I wore to my pajamas. I order food from online for dinner before settling down on the couch with Asra beside me.
I turn on a movie which both Asra and I like and spend the rest of the night binging movies with each other (Ren didn't want to watch our movies. Apparently they're too 'scary'. Such a scaredy cat over horror films."