Chapter 27

Misaki sat on a stool at the kitchen island, drinking ginger tea as the attack replayed in her mind.

Ren... He came running even though he was busy with a show... Her heart thumped hard.

Shut up. I already know...

The front door opened, and footsteps padded towards her. By the time she turned around, arms wrapped around her in a tight embrace, his hair tickling her as he gently nuzzled his cheek against hers.

Oh! He's like a big retriever. She wrapped her arms around his back, relaxing in his embrace.

"I know I already hugged you, but please let me have this," he muttered. "I had such a feeling of dread when you left without Daichi beside you that I ran off without another thought."

"Ahem." Shun cleared his throat.

Ren pulled away from her and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, but I needed that. Did everything go okay with Sora?"

"Yup." Misaki nodded.

He spotted the business card on the table, and his brows furrowed. "What's that for? He's not trying to recruit you, is he?"

"No, he said it was if I needed help again."

"Let's hope not..." Ren sighed and sat beside her as Shun set up tea for Ren and himself.

"Anyone care for some food? I find cooking relaxing, and I could use it right now," Shun offered.

"I'm not all that hungry right now." Misaki sipped her tea.

"How about some oatmeal? It might help your nerves."

She nodded. "Okay, thank you."

"And you know me; I'll eat anything you make. Hunger is starting to kick in since I'm finally calming down, anyway." Ren took a deep breath and played with the business card on the kitchen island, flipping it around and spinning it.

"An array of comfort food coming right up. Why don't you two watch TV or work on music while I cook in peace?" Shun suggested.

"That's his not-so-subtle way of saying he prefers to cook alone," Ren whispered and took Misaki's hand.

Oh! Is this becoming a habit? Misaki bit her lip, hiding a smile as he led her to the living room.

Ren sat down beside her on the couch. "So, what do you fancy? Some TV?" He flicked it on.

"The suspect has been identified as Akihiro—"

Ren's jaw tightened, and he quickly changed the channel to one with a random anime running. "Sorry..."

"It's okay. They're bound to play the story for a few days, and when he goes to trial... There's no real avoiding it." It shouldn't be as bad as last time.

"Still... I'd rather distract you than let you go over it again and again, like I'm sure you have."

Misaki cleared her throat and stared at the colourful anime on TV with pirates. "Whatever you may think of what happened, it's not as bad as last time."

"But he attacked you!"

She nodded, still avoiding his gaze. "It wasn't the first time, and part of the reason he was gone for years. Selling my song to a different artist and claiming I plagiarized, was only part of what happened..."

"What did he—"

"Let's just say I'm lucky you were here, and it's your presence that's keeping me calmer this time." She rested her hand on his on the couch. "Thank you, Ren, for being there for me."

"I wish I had been a bit faster, at least then you wouldn't have that bruise on your neck as a reminder."

"And if you hadn't come after me at all, who knows what would've happened?" She glanced at Ren to find him staring at her.

"If I were really wishing for things, I'd wish to go back further, and protect you from him the first time." He held her gaze. "You deserved better, and maybe you'd still be a shining star today."

"I'm not sure there's much you could've done back then; you weren't the worldwide superstar you are today."

"But I had already trained in three martial arts at that point; I could've physically protected you."

"And possibly ruined your career, too."

Ren shrugged. "It probably would've been even harder, but I have Shun for support; we'd still make it."

Such confidence... "Well, we can't go back in time, so let's just be glad you showed up when you did."

Ren nodded and leaned towards her, his arm wrapping around her shoulder. "Have you watched any of this one? I'm always falling behind."

"Can't say I've watched much since the early seasons, but it's okay."

"Food is ready..." Shun trailed off when he saw them both asleep on the couch. He sighed, shaking his head. "Oh, how I wish to let you sleep, but the food is warm, and while I love leftovers, nothing beats fresh." He filled a bowl with his special ramen and held it up close to Ren.

"Mmm..." Ren smiled and sniffed the air. "Something smells delicious," he mumbled, opening his eyes. "Oh, we fell asleep?"

"Hmm?" Misaki woke up when Ren moved his arm. "Did we... fall asleep?" she mumbled, glancing over at them.

"It's been a long day, and your adrenaline finally ran out when you relaxed on the couch, so it's no surprise you both fell asleep. Sorry I'm not letting you sleep longer, but I prefer this meal be eaten while it's still warm," Shun explained, still luring Ren away with the scent of his special ramen.

Misaki shrugged. "It's probably better warm, but I'm not picky; I'll eat leftovers straight out of the fridge." She flicked the TV off and followed the boys into the kitchen. Her eyes widened at the array of dishes set up on the dining table.

"I may have gone a bit overboard." Shun laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "But we can always have leftovers for another day. I made oatmeal with banana, dark chocolate, and nuts for you, Misaki." He picked the warm bowl off the counter and set it down on the table. "If you feel up to eating something else, please feel free to, but this is probably best for your stomach."

"Thank you, Shun." Misaki smiled at him and sat down next to Ren.

"You're welcome." Shun sat down with a bowl of his special ramen, and a small bowl of vegetable curry and rice.

Ren rubbed his hands together, taking a deep breath of the savoury aromas blending together. "Dude, this smells delicious! You only make this much on special occasions or..." he trailed off when he noticed Shun's raised eyebrow. "Never mind. Thank you for the food."

I've never had oatmeal with much in it. Maybe a little cinnamon, but that's it. Who knew it could taste so interesting with a harmonious blend of sweet and nutty?

She polished off her food in no time and glanced at the other dishes.

"Feel free to eat more if you're up to it. Even a little of this and a little of that." Shun swayed his hand from the miso soup on one side to the curry and rice on the other.

"I'm amazed you made so much on your own..."

"I love to cook; it's relaxing, and I needed it today, so I went a bit overboard. Please don't be shy." He motioned for her to eat more.

Ren noticed her staring at the special ramen, biting her lip, so he picked up a small bowl, filled it with some, along with part of an egg and some vegetables, and set it in front of her.

"If you don't finish it, we can put it away, or I can eat it." Ren shrugged. "Works either way."

Misaki took a deep breath and smiled softly. "Thank you."

Ren broke out in a wide grin, nodding as he refilled his own bowl. "We should feast like this more often."

"Only if you're looking for extra dance practice to burn it off," Shun said, watching his brother inhale more food.

"It's fine; I like dancing, too." Ren slurped as he drank the broth in his bowl.

Honestly, Ren's right; it's so peaceful and comforting, living here...