Kazuya Akashi's Story

"System rebuilding... checking for errors... system saving... Process can't be completed!" Several words and phrases flashed towards the screen and Kazuya fixed a critical eye towards it. He had been working for this particular troublesome error for almost half an hour and he still can't find what is the root of the repeatedly popping warning alert. He typed in another syntax code when he noticed the unusual part of the program and alternately stared at the two monitors in front of him. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't notice the opening of the door in his room.

"Kazu!!!" A familiar chirpy voice surprisingly piped up behind him and Kazuya can't help but let out a groan when he actually saw his sister next to him. "Nee," he started and paused his fingers mid-air on the keyboard. It was still early in the morning and he knew how loud his sister talks, remembering the time when his mother declared that they can even still hear her voice from three rooms away. "I'd appreciate it if you tone down your voice. It's too early in the morning and Okaa-san--"

"Kazu-kun! Didn't you already forgotten? You're supposed to be at your car travelling to Lake Kenforth now," she immediately cut him off, tugging at the hem of his sleeves endlessly. Then she turned to his room and noted it, her eyes wandering. Kazuya reflexively stood up from the chair, keeping his hands on the pocket of his pants and followed her line of sight. The brunette continued to stared disapprovingly at the messily scattered books and manga on his bed, the still open portable play station left carelessly and the different clothes dumped on the floor. Letting out an irritated huff, she tried to glare at him only to see him shrugging in return.

"Was there a hurricane on your room again last night, Kei?" She made a clucking sound and casually picked up one of his shirt. "I thought you were invited to go to Katelynn Madison's house for this summer? Did you plan to ditch them?" One by one she started to pick up his clothes and tried to smooth out the wrinkles in it. Her younger brother just shrugged again and gazed wordlessly at the cabinet of books situated on the corner of his room. Silence permeated between them and the only sounds that can be heard was the rustling of his clothes as she went through the motions of folding it neatly.

"I was debating whether I should go or not," He finally answered, fixing his glasses not looking at her.

Anthea Kazumi Akashi-de Lacella stopped folding the particular blue polo-shirt and turned at the black-haired boy. "What do you mean?" She asked him, cocking her head to the side obviously confused. "I thought you finally decided to tell Rosemary-chan what you felt? Besides haven't we agreed? You'd go there this summer! After all the troubles Katelynn went to give you the invitation! You will go!" She passionately stated when Kazuya offered no answer to her questions.

Though instead of getting deterred from his uncaring expression, she then tugged him towards the bathroom and opened the door. "As a man of your words and since you already confirmed it to them, you will go there and introduce yourself to all those she invited. Wakarimasu?" She added, stressing the do you understand part and pushed him inside. "I'll be preparing your things and stuff just take a bath and prepare yourself, Kei!"

An hour and a half later Kazuya found himself in front of his car with his sister endlessly spouting out various reminders. "Just loosen up a little, try talking to others and I'm sure you'll be having a great time before you know it. And remember don't eat until someone takes the first bite you know that you should show them how Japa-"

"OK, OK, Nee-chan. Relax, I'm not going to attend a television reality show, OK? I'm just going over Madison's for a few weeks, that's all." He finally cut her off, placing a calming hand on her right shoulder and looked at her, his eyes dancing with amusement. "And yes, before you open your mouth and ask me again, I remember everything you've told me. Just relax, I'll be at my best behavior and I'll show them the Asian way of courtesy." Kazuya spoke when he saw her opening her mouth ready to dish out another comment. He lightly smiled and quirked an eyebrow inquiringly. Anthea immediately shut up and sheepishly smiled at him. He just nodded appreciatively walking away and checked his baggage.

"That's great to know. So see you after a few weeks?"

Kazuya made a small sound of approval at her question. He busily went through his things, making sure that his sister did not pack anything embarrassing. It had happened before and he certainly did not want to remake the experience. He was glad to see that she neatly brought his laptops and spare batteries. She also packed some books and mangas which arguably almost took the whole space of his luggage, and also a selected number clothes and toiletries.

"I'll be going now," he uttered while strapping in the seat-belt and warming up the engine. "Just tell Mom and Dad I left early."
"I will, take care Kei, bye bye!"

=--------------=

Kazu almost made a risky U-turn when he saw Iris' car parked near the cabin. 'She's early!' He thought despairingly. He had been wishing that he was the earliest person to arrive so that he can immediately take refuge at one of the cabin rooms but obviously he had no luck. He was ready to back out when unfortunately made an eye contact with the said girl. Seeing the traces of her glowing smile, he can't help but flush bright red. Knowing the he was already seen, he decided to park his Sedan next to a Volkswagen Kombi. Casually stepping out, he silently collected his things and waved to the owner of the house in greeting, "Hello Madison" "Vieira, Webster,... and Breth" He added turning to each of them.

(What a wall of text O_O)

Kazuya just nodded at Izzie's deadpanned response and silently observed the other visitors after him. He was surprised to see Piper Keegan walking and apparently leaving her car on the road. He almost volunteered to call the car service when he figured that the the girl may not be need it that badly. After all he can't see Piper worrying about it. After Piper, it was Ray Liverstock who pulled up quite noisily. Seeing the familiar faces of his classmates, it did turned out that he knew most of the people Katelynn invited. But aside from Iris and Katelynn herself, he don't know much about them.

"Any one order a daily dose of nerd?" Ray shouted to every one and Kazuya noticed the four boxes of beers that he brought. The black-haired man didn't really care about alcoholic drinks. It isn't that he can't drink because he certainly can. He just can't see the merit of losing control of yourself. In reality, Kazuya Akashi is really a good drinker. It takes more than few glasses to get him drunk. And when he does Kazu not the noisy or annoying type that loses awareness of his sanity. In fact, he acts like someone who's sober and thinks very much normally like he usually does.

"Of course Ray...come on. I'll show you guys around...I am sure you can tell this place is huge." He heard Katelynn cheerfully reply to Ray's declaration. She then proceeded to tour them inside the cabin. He followed Katelynn as she opened the main door, bringing his luggage and backpack with him. Deciding to walk behind them, he looked at the black-haired spirited girl on the corner of his eyes. Smiling slightly when he saw Iris' expressions and gestures, he then continued to familiarize himself with the layout of the cabin, at the same time still staring at her.

As they went further inside he can see the surprise on the others faces when Katelynn showed them the room. She showed them the theater room, indoor pool and lake and bunch of other rooms that he honestly did not paid attention to. He was too busy gazing at Iris' bewildered expression, stifling the chuckle that threatened to come out when he saw her reaction. Though he can also say that even from someone like him, who was used to seeing such extravagance, that the furnishings of the house was amazing. It was astounding and interesting to say the least. Just from seeing the tables and chairs, one can easily assume that the Madison's are a wealthy bunch.

Her parent's wealth doesn't reflect that much to Katelynn Madison though. As far as Kazuya knew about her, she's one of those girls who doesn't flaunt their wealth to every person they meet. "You guys have free reign of the house. There are bedrooms on the east and west wing of the cabin." When he saw her pointing to their bedrooms, he immediately murmured a quick thanks before going to the farthest room on the west wing of the cabin. He didn't know if he can take another minute not solving the particular syntax error that he had been working on this morning.

After setting his backpack on the table, Kazuya carelessly dumped the other luggage on the bed before him. He deftly opened his bag and took out his laptop, pressing the Turn On button soon after.

Kazuya was thankful that he was able to debug the program only few minutes after he focused on it. He leaned on the chair and combed his fingers into his hair. "I'm really getting rusty", he stated out loud and looked at the codes again. He sighed before swiveling the chair and facing the bed. Moments later, he felt getting somewhat thirsty, he then opted to go into the kitchen to look for something to drink.

When he got to the main kitchen, after almost getting lost, twice, he immediately noticed the fridge and opened it to fetch himself a drink. He found a number of alcoholic drinks and fresh produce, among other things. He then tried to look for a bottle of cold water and when he succeeded finding one, he turned around and started searching for a cup. He was busying himself with his water when he noticed the other people who were currently in the room. He was mildly surprised to find Izzie and Alex in the kitchen too. Raising the bottle mid-air, he asked them, "Do you guys want cold water too?"

He didn't know both of them that well. He is aware that Vieira, Izzie- as what she's usually called, is one of those girls who had a reputation for being delinquent. Kazu figures her tattoos didn't help her that much to alleviate such accusations. But he also knew that she's one of those independent and difficult persons you wouldn't dare want getting angry at you. Alex Webster on the other hand is her complete opposite, a laid-back guy who is well-known for being polite and friendly. Looking at both of them, they're obviously like the polar opposites, that makes people wonder how they became such close friends.

"Should I leave you guys alone?"

Kazuya actually heard Alex ask him about the place but then a sudden thought was formed in his mind and he concentrated his attention on this idea. Before he knew it some people crowded the kitchen, some he's actually familiar with. But there was a particular girl that he didn't know, the Philip guy's girlfriend perhaps. He shook his head upon noticing his somewhat gossipy actions and decided to leave the kitchen at once. Smiling awkwardly at Alex, he nodded before walking out, not looking at any of them.

He walked back to his temporary room and shut his door close. He approached his bed and promptly lied eagle-spread on it. Recalling the scene before, only when Izzie left the room did he finally figured how stupid he'd been. Asking them out of the blue if they wanted water had been so random for someone like him. And even stating an obvious question had been his epic failure. He really don't have the sensitivity for certain things such as feeling the air around him or something like that. He knew that if he had been a normal guy, he would've certainly felt the tension between the two. Being his normal oblivious self, he actually asked them whether they wanted to be left alone, instead of having tack and just leaving quietly. He didn't know what happened between them. He actually don't care but he hoped that whatever issue they have, they will resolve it.

He tiredly ran his hand on his face and stared at the chandelier on the ceiling. Everything in this room had been tastefully decorated and he appreciated the fact that most of the guest rooms had been uni-sexual. It would have been weird to find himself into something colored pink and full of frills. He took off his glasses, actually blurring his vision but he paid no heed. He knew it had been rude of him to sleep this early while being surrounded by others. He didn't even talked to Katelynn that much but still it was better than having a staring contest with the ceiling. He decided that he will just talk to them tomorrow.

Kazuya was about to approach the kitchen when he saw Kris Sanders pass by and enter it. He had been suppressing an unexpected yawn when he saw him walking sleepily still in his pajamas.

Kazuya actually slept until 4 am, when he suddenly woke up for no explainable reason at all. He tried all possible means to fall asleep once again but it didn't work. Instead, he just busied himself with playing online games on the portable play station that he brought with him. It was only around 7 in the morning when he decided to prepare himself for the day. He took a quick shower and changed his clothes. As he was sorting out the dirty ones for laundry he reminded himself to ask Katelynn about directions for the nearby laundry service later that day. He also planned to buy some of the things that his sister forgot to pack.

Speaking of his sister, he rummaged through his luggage and searched for his cellphone. Her sister repeatedly and adamantly told him yesterday to contact their parents once he arrive at Late Kenforth. It really amuses him with the way his family tends to him. Since he is the youngest of the three, he is usually babied to the point of being spoiled. His mother and sister for instance, never fails to check on him daily. It was also because of this that he got used to someone else taking care of things for him. His everyday needs such as laundry, preparing his meals or preparing his bag for school is always covered by one of the mother hens.

When he saw his phone, he immediately noticed the expected missed calls and voice mails. He opened one and saw the familiar face of his mom. She was asking if the he was satisfied with the place. He shook his head exasperatedly and pressed the options button. He quickly typed a reply and snapped his phone close as soon as he saw the message sent flash. Pocketing his phone afterwards, he stood up and turned to his room. He was about to debug another program when he heard his stomach grumble.

Feeling the imminent hunger, Kazuya reluctantly headed towards the kitchen around 8:45. He thought that nobody would be awake early this morning, he had been planning to get some food, prepare a cup of coffee and just lounge around his room the whole day.

He actually knew so little about Kris Sanders, and the little that he know about him, is that he's part of the baseball team and an active sport player. Aside from that he didn't have the chance to have a conversation with him and he really didn't want to start now.

Hearing his stomach grumble noisily, obviously begging for the food that he wasn't able to eat yesterday night, he then proceeded to directly enter the kitchen. He'd just give him a small sign of acknowledgement, Kazu thought wanting to avoid any confrontation with the other guy. It wasn't anything personal really. It was just that from Kazu's personal experience, people like Kris and he doesn't mesh well. Still staring straight, aiming for the fridge, he walked inside.

He almost did a double take when he turned his head and finally noticing Rosemary Montez undeniably looking radiant this morning, sitting at the counter. "Ro-" He uttered stupidly gaping at the blond haired girl before him.

Tearing off a corner of her PopTart, Rosie giggled when she startled Kris. "Surprise!" she chirped and jumped up to sit on the granite island in front of her. She pulled her legs in =to a criss crossed position and nibbled on her breakfast, and took a sip of her now ready coffee. "Make a little bit more noise next time, you're like a cat. Too quiet." that was a lie. Sure, whenever she moved she had a knock of being almost completely silent. But that was only when she wasn't talking. And it was hard to keep her motor mouth shut, so that wasn't very often. "Well, I do have cat-like reflexes." she teased and with her hand made a claw-like gesture with her right hand. All of the sudden, Kazuya walked into the kitchen and Rosie grinned with a friendly wave. "G'Morning mate!" she chirped. Another sentence blurted from Kris' mouth and she arched her brow.

"How did you sleep? Good?" He asked looking at her. "Dream about me?"

Rosie laughed and walked past him to get to the trash can to throw away the wrapper of her PopTart. She grinned and shrugged. "Oh yeah. Definitely. But I'm pretty sure those are called [i][nightmares/i]." she teased and smiled mischievously. Rosie hopped back onto the granite counter top and held her coffee, taking a few sips. French Vanilla had always been her favorite. That and caramel. But, he number one favorite place had to be Starbucks. Nothing could beat that. A yawn escaped her, and she ran a hand through her hair, her shirt hanging lazily off one shoulder. Rosemary thrummed her fingers against the counter, her teal painted nails making a complex, but musical beat.

(Short post >.<)

Rose jumped when Alex came down and she smile with a small friendly wave. "Morning Alex!" she chirped, already in her usual happy-go-lucy mood. Whether it was in the moring, or at midnight, she was almsot always in a good mood... almost. Alex had asked if they've seen Izzie, and she shook her head.

"Nope! Haven't seen her." she replied honestly and innocently. To be honest, Rosie wasn't a huge fan of Izzie. She was practically her exact opposite. Violent attitude, kind of ignorant, but one thing she had in common with her, was that they were both independent, and didn't really care what people think about them. That is probably the one and only thing that doesn't have her at Rosie's throat, and Rosie at her's.

Kazuya began to talk, and he kind of stared at Rose, makin gher blinka nd look away awkwarly. Then Kris snapped.

"Did you need something Kazu or did you fry your brain with one of your inventions?"

"Because trust me when I tell you she's not interested in babbling moron."


Rosie narrowed her eyes. Kris had kinda gone too far with that one. He could have ignored it, just like Rose had. So, she leaned over the the bowl of fruit and grabbed a few grapes, and pelted them at Kris. "Hey, Kris! Hush! It honestly doesn't matter!" she said and threw a few more at him. With her throw, as a pitcher, it probably had a little sting or burn to each grape bouncing off his chest. SHe couldn't help but have a little giggle slip fro her lips. but, once again when she told him to be quiet, her voice rang with a unique sound of authority. Alhtough she was small, she was still tough.

When Kazuya saw Rosemary on top of the counter, all coherent thoughts left his mind. He found himself staring-no gaping, looking quite dumb, at the blond-haired girl. He promptly shut his mouth close and continued to silently study her, his face reddening when their eyes met. With her shirt hanging lazily off one shoulder and a smile pasted on her beautiful face, the black-haired Japanese boy couldn't help but be mesmerized by the girl.

"Did you need something Kazu or did you fry your brain with one of your inventions?"
He had been so entrance with Rosemary that Kris Sanders' statement totally surprised him. Quickly snapping his neck towards him, he found himself being directed with the baseball boy's narrowed eyes. "Because trust me when I tell you she's not interested in babbling moron." He then added sneering towards him.

Kazuya didn't honestly know what got to him. Aside from seldom crossing paths with each other, rarely in fact, on the school, he never really had a real conversation with him before. Kazu heard that he had a girlfriend, someone by the name of Rosemary but he knew full well that she wasn't the same Rosemary Dawn Montez. He didn't know what his problem was, but what the the baseball fanatic said was obviously crossing the lines.

Kazuya's aware that he did looked somewhat idiotic staring mutely at the petite girl, but it wasn't any of Kris' business to tell him on to it. If there is one thing he didn't like, it was those people who act all high and mighty as if they owned the whole universe. Those persons who seemed not being able to stop their mouth from opening and spewing out 'constructive criticisms' to those they don't like.

Narrowing his eyes despite his lackadaisical nature and general avoidance of argument or debates of the like, Kazuya opened his mouth, opting to answer him. But before he could feel his irritation increase and take over his passive attitude, Rosemary suddenly spoke out of the blue surprising him once again. "Hey, Kris! Hush! It honestly doesn't matter!" She said after pelting the other guy with some of the grapes that she got from a nearby bowl.

Looking astounded and a somewhat touched with her defense of him, Kazuya felt his ire waning. When he heard her giggle soon after, the black-haired man almost let out a chuckle as he saw her charming and childlike face.

He decided not to answer Kris' comment and instead focused to Rosemary. She had looked convincingly authoritative even in her small stature. He let out a small smile once their eyes met and turned to the fridge on the side. "Morning to you too, Montez." He said as a response then he looked around and finally noticed Alex inside the kitchen too. He faced him and gave him a nod of acknowledgement. Once he got over the pleasantries, about to approach the refrigerator and get his food, he was after all itching to leave for his room, the glass door of the kitchen was silently opened.

In came a stumbling Damien who acted drunk but actually looked like he'd been to hell and back-- with his pale skin, tired eyes and the beads of sweat dripping down his face. Kazu was about to ask for his well being as he had just noticed the other guy bracing himself a little conspicuously against the bar but quickly changed his mind once he saw him preparing a drink.

"This will a be long summer." He heard him say and Kazuya found himself lost for words as he just stared at him, wondering. He wasn't aware of what happened last night. After he realized how stupid he was asking both Izzie and Alex uncharacteristic questions, he immediately went to his room and slept early. Studying the drinking guy, he noted that Damien looked sicker than he did yesterday. 'Did he got himself drunk all night?' The black-haired asocial guy thought to himself, still looking at him quietly.

Rose grinned in triumph. She had done it again1 At the thought, she laughed and playfully threw another grape, just for the heck of it. It was pretty fun. "Hey, Kris, open up." she chirped, wanting to see if she could throw one in his mouth. Then, Ray entered, and she grinned with a friendly wave. "Hi Ray!" she chirped happily, still up on the island. It was pretty comfortable up there.

The energetic girl ran a hand through her hair and hummed , eating a few grapes herself. Hey, they were tempting.


(Horrible writers block >.<)

"Mornin'," Hearing Alex greet him, caused the black-haired man to turn to him. "Hello Webster", he greeted with an acknowledging nod, walking towards the refrigerator to retrieve food. "Sorry about yesterday", he started, stopping his words in the middle, seriously judging on how to resume his statement. He didn't think that Alex would like it if Kazu will broadcast the scene that he had unintentionally intruded to yesterday. He just hoped that the other guy had readily understood what he had been trying to say and left it at that. Else he may spout words that he shouldn't have, if he continue speaking.

Focusing on Kris' apology, he just shrugged to show that there is no problem between them. "It's OK." He simply answered, shrugging one more time, "No harm done, Sanders". He opened the fridge and took the first form of food that his eyes came across to, which is actually an apple. Not really caring what he will eat, he grabbed it and closed the door of the fridge.

It was during that time that he saw Rosemary playfully throwing grapes towards Kris. Feeling a sudden case of dislike at the baseball fanatic, Kazuya just settled himself with clenching the apple a little tighter than he intended to.

He knew he don't have a reason to dislike Kris. Nothing really. They are just schoolmates who don't have anything to do with each other if they can help it. Rosemary too, whatever she's doing, he actually don't have a problem with it. This sudden bout of ill feelings shouldn't have sprouted in the first place. The cheery girl had just been her normal playful self; and giving Kris' more attention than usual does not concern him. It wasn't as if he and Rosemary Dawn Montez were together in the first place.

He also unfortunately knew about the said girl's feelings towards the black-haired athlete. With the way that he's watching her, its bound by now that Kazuya learns some of the facts about her. Though it wasn't easy, trying to hide his feelings and urging himself not to care with Rosemary's obvious infatuation to Kris. There are times that he just wanted to corner her and confess; just to be able to let go of everything. The catch though, is that try as he could, he can't have the courage to say how he liked her in front of her.

He did try other methods before. Of course with the urging of his sister, he had undergone different ways in order to confess his feelings. Unfortunately none had been successful. He had once resorted into making letters, something the girls from Japan always did to their objects of affection but he wasn't able to push it through. Sure, he was able to write a decent 'love letter' but when he was about to put it inside her locker, he suddenly got the proverbial cold feet and found himself backing out.

After that, the other methods also greatly failed.

The little courage that he had slowly dwindled, until it only came to a time where he just wanted things to get over with. It doesn't help him on how adamant his sister had became just to make him confess. She used to tell him to let everything out so that he can finally move on from this standstill that he put himself into. It was also one of the reasons that she had tirelessly urged him to come into this vacation.

"Hi Ray!" He heard the blond-haired girl with her 'adorable' accent greeting Ray when he entered . Kazuya resorted on giving the other guy an acknowledging nod. He don't have anything to say to him and being a guy of few words, he just decided to shut his mouth close.

Looking around the room, he then recalled how Damien Lewis appeared in this kitchen moments prior. He looked sick. Sicker than the normal type of illness perhaps, if he's not mistaken. With his brother being a renowned doctor, Kazuya have gotten some knowledge and tips or so, to be able to see at first glance if a person has a serious sickness or not.

The black-haired Japanese man had been thinking of calling his brother. Just in case Kazuhiko can find someway to help Damien and before he knew it, he had been staring quite long at the older guy. Inwardly groaning at his unthinking actions, he settled himself into abruptly casting his eyes into another direction. He didn't know what Damien felt about his inquiring gaze but he didn't worry himself into giving it much thought. He and Kris had been in a misunderstanding so early in the morning and he didn't want to add another person on the list.

Not long after, Damien had left the room. Presumably to make himself presentable which in turn caused Kazuya to momentarily forget his interest about contacting his brother.

He turned back to Rosemary, who was still sitting at the counter, looking comfortable to where she currently is. Hiding his smile by taking a bite out of the apple, he leaned towards the wall and tucked his other hand on one of the pockets of his pants.

Izzie entered the kitchen, talking with Alex once again which made Kazu think that whatever problem they had yesterday have been now resolved. Not knowing how to treat the girl, he just stayed quiet and continued to eat his apple in the corner.

He had been contemplating whether he should get a glass of coffee before retiring to his room. He had never let a day pass by without taking his coffee. Still not used to being with other people that much; he's a little antsy with his prolonged stay at the kitchen specially with Rosemary nearby. He knew that an apple is not enough to feed his hungry stomach but he's also reluctant to cook in front of them.

Sinking his right hand deeper into his pocket while still munching the red apple in the other one, he felt a piece of paper tucked inside. He took it out and immediately saw his sister's notes. "Kazu, remember to eat a decent breakfast! :)" It read, complete with the happy smiley post-scripted with his sister's signature at the end. Shaking his head in fondness, he then decided to toast some bread and prepare a coffee.

He was concentrating on searching the counters for a cup when he noticed his clothes. Suddenly, he remembered what he had discovered earlier this morning. He thought he had checked all that Kazumi packed for him, making sure that he is well-prepared for this summer vacation, but it turned out that he was wrong. Like what is usual, his sister failed in packing the correct things for a trip.

Yeah, she did prepared him clothes enough to last for his whole stay here at Katelynn's summer house, however what she did was pack a very few pieces of clean clothes and a lot of dirty pair of clothes. Unconsciously grimacing at the bleak thought of his clothing supply, he decided to push through his one and only choice. That is to go to a laundry service center and to shop for more clothes, soon as he could.

The worst thing though is he that didn't know the nearest shop here.

Kazuya is unfortunately born with having a bad sense for things that concerns geographical directions. He usually gets lost once or twice before he can perfectly memorize the way to a particular place. Even his travel here to Lake Kenforth had actually been quite an adventurous trip. His overly concerned sister had to drive him to this place more than twice in order for him to perfectly know the right roads to take from their home.

He was thinking of asking Katelynn to give him directions towards the shops or accompany him if she can, but he saw her leave together with Damien. He later got an idea though. An actually very apprehensive idea but his only last resort. He knew that it would take him lots of guts to continue this plan and he steeled his will.

Rosemary is the only person- aside from Katelynn that is, that he's familiar with right now among these group of people. She may say yes and may also reject him. He's not sure, but at least he tried to ask her. It would be actually weird for him to ask help from Alex, Izzie or Ray or worse, Kris. And because of that he gathered all the courage that he can find and faced the smiling girl.

"Mon-Rosemary, Are you busy later this afternoon?"

(Yeah... kind of waiting for MusicLover to reply with Kris xD)

Rosemary munched on some more grapes. Man, she couldn't help it. Although, she was neatly built, slender and quick, she was a bottomless pit. Well, that is what her dad used to call her. She grinned sadly at the thought, her father's face painting itself in her mind. She shook her head, trying to clear it before she cracked, and bounced up and down, regaining her usual happy behavior. Of course, she didn't force her personality. It was just her natural self. But although, sometimes, mostly whenever she thought, or even saw pictures of her family, usually alone because she knew the outcome, she would break down.

It just killed her to remember. She wanted to, but not the crash. Nobody knew about that other than Kate. Not even Kris.

Rosie was abruptly yanked from her thoughts, when she heard her name, followed by if she had anything to do later. It was Kazu.

"Nope!" she chirped. "Why?" she asked, clueless.

The moment that the words left the black-haired Japanese man, he surely wanted the ground to swallow him away from that place. He paid no attention to everything around him and was instead silently berating himself for even uttering those dreaded words.

'What have you been thinking idiot!' Was the repeatedly resounding phrase in his mind and Kazuya is very tempted to bang his head in the nearby wall, the fridge or anything hard that would surely let him gather back his common sense. 'You look like a total idiot! Of course she'd say no!' He thought, lost in criticizing his self. He was also dreadfully wondering what he'd do if ever she will reject him. 'What if she was busy? Or what if she wanted to be with Kris?'

"Nope!" he heard her replying in a chirpy voice and Kazuya felt all the tension leave his very being. "Why?" she continued asking, the confusion visible in her face. He stood shock, torn between delight and fright as he registered her reply. Now that he knew that she's free the deciding factor will be if she will accept or reject his invitation. Before he had been thinking that it would be much more preferable if she's busy, at least by then he won't have to pursue the issue. But now that he heard from her that she's available, he found himself getting nervous for no reason at all once again.

He inhaled deeply and gathered all his wits-which by the way he wasn't sure where he got from.

"I-I'm just wondering do you know the area around here? Can you accompany me to the laundry shop later? T-that is if its just fine with you and if you're not busy with anything else. If not, it can also be done tomorrow or any other day really, or I can just ask Katelynn to give me the directions to the place..." before he knew it he was babbling. He can't filter the words pouring out of his mouth and it took him several looks around the kitchen to stop. It won't do him good to look more idiotic in front of Alex, Izzie, Ray, Philip and Kris.

He sighed and tried to relax himself discreetly. Staring at the cheery blond, he let out an awkward smile and tucked his hands inside his pockets once again. Though he greatly needed to find a laundry shop as soon as he could, if Rosemary would not accompany him today it will be fine for him.

After all it wasn't as if they knew this area very well. Katelynn had invited them to celebrate their last days together for this summer and if there is anyone else that knows the area better then it is undoubtedly her. He will wait for her to come back if the blond-haired girl politely declines.

He also silently cursed his sister for his current predicament. Kazumi, though endearing at times, really fails at packing things. Her selective memory more usually cause him more trouble than help. If his sister only packed him the enough number of clothes for his stay here, he wouldn't have bothered to disturb the others and ask for help.

It wasn't that he hated being in debt or anything of the like to other people. But even if he was somewhat pampered by his family, Kazuya grew up independent of other people's help. He would prefer working alone than finding himself disturbing others.

"If you want we can also ask others to accompany us. It'll be fine with me, it's just that my sister packed me several of clean clothes and a lot of dirty clothes for this trip. I don't think the clean ones will last for my whole stay here and so I'm thinking of having those laundered." He added, creating a leeway for her just in case she's reluctant to say no. He knew how friendly and nice Rosemary is. And because of this, he doesn't want her to feel inclined to accompany him out of politeness and being amiable.

Kazu kept talking and talking.

Rosie didn't want to be rude or anything by telling him to give her a second to actually speak, but frankly, she knew her way around here just as well as he did. Although, yes she had been here countless times throughout her past two years livng in the United States, because she becamw pretty much best friends with Kate the next cuople of days after she had arrived.

How should she put it? She kind of wanted today to be a day of just hanging out around the house, maye go down to the lake, and not run around anywhere. "Well, I don't really know my way around here that well..." she began to say, her voice musical and upliftng, showing no signs of anything other than her ususal persona what so ever. She opened her mouth to speak once more, but Kazuya beat her to it.

"If you want we can also ask others to accompany us. It'll be fine with me, it's just that my sister packed me several of clean clothes and a lot of dirty clothes for this trip. I don't think the clean ones will last for my whole stay here and so I'm thinking of having those laundered."

So, more people could come? Hm, maybe a group of them coiuld go with him, and then head into the little town she passed on the way here. So, Rosemary had a change in thought.

"Okay!" she decided with a bright smile. "But, I think some more people should come that know this place better, because, honestly mate, I am just as lost as you are." also slipped from her lips. Bright blue eyes darted around to everybody else in the room.

"Anybody else up for some exploring?" she chirped in a voice that almost nobody could say no to. Rosemary didn't try to make it that way, it was jsut natural and she didn't even realize it. Then again, she didn't realize half the things she did. Like for instance, she was now on the ground, sitting on the floor, back resting against the cabinets clsoest to the ground. Since when did she get down from the island? The thought made her laugh quietly.

Rosie perked up when Philip said he was up to showing them around. At least that was some reassurance that she wouldn't get lost. That would have been embarrassing.The Australian girl flashed a smile of gratitude at the guy across the kitchen. "Thanks mate!" she chirped and tapped her heels on the ground, unable to contain her movement, always moving. Her legs were stretched out in front of her, and the faint thumping of her heels bouncing off the tile floated to her ears, and meanwhile, her fingers thrummed a steady beat against the floor as well.

Rosemary looked at everybody in the kitchen to see if they were truly up and at em or not. Philip seemed a little... down, so to say? Kris seemed kind of ticked, and Rose should know, but was clueless that it was because of Kazu. And meanwhile, the Japanese American boy seemed kind of nervous, and once again Rosemary was oblivious. The only thing she seemed to recognize, was the fact that the past day has been drama filled, and she didn't want, or need, the next months during the summer, to be identical.

(short...)

"Well, I don't really know my way around here that well..." Rosemary started to say and Kazuya found his hope dropping into nothing. He knew what will be the next statement after that. He may not socialize with others that much, still he knew enough when someone is aiming for a 'nice' way to reject an invitation. He was still cursing his luck inwardly, having gone through most of the Japanese curse words that he knew and now he is going over the recent American ones that he learned on his stay at the States.

He actually knew next to nothing about cursing. Aside from the usual 'shit' and other 'mild' ones, the black-haired man doesn't usually curse. It wasn't that he aimed to be the all around nice boy, someone weak and totally unknowing of how the society works. But he can't help it. His mother's never ending preachings and reminders had been instilled into his very soul that he just grew used to it without ever thinking anything else.

Still, inwardly blaming and belittling himself for ever opening his mouth and asking that dreaded question, Kazu stared at Rosemary in utter surprise when he heard her reply. "Okay!" She had stated, smiling widely before adding, "But, I think some more people should come that know this place better, because, honestly mate, I am just as lost as you are."

He noticed her looking around, apparently searching for someone else to come along. He wished to all the Shinto Priests he can find to not have Kris Sanders accompany them. Anyone else can come, even the 'scary' antisocial Izzie, or the other nerdy guy in the group, Ray. But never Kris. He might just endlessly annoy him with his unwanted and sometimes useless comments.

When he heard Philip volunteering to guide them for the exploration, Kazu is actually torn between feeling relieved or stressed. This is another guy he never had a decent conversation with. After that, Izzie and Alex have both decided to join and the boy had felt the control of the situation slipping out of his hold. He wasn't a social person first and foremost. The only reason he was here with them was because of Rosemary and Katelynn. Though Kazumi repeatedly reminded him to make some friends along the way, Kazu actually care not much about that. His main concern for joining them was to 'confess' to Rosemary. It was his way of closure. He has had this feeling ever since he met Rosemary and got to know her better and being a man of logicality and rationality, Kazuya would rather rid of this romance thingy instead of pursuing it.

It wasn't in his character to do so, he never imagined or planned himself into the scenario where Rosemary and him would become more than what they are right now. Call him pessimistic or a loser, like what Kazumi always never failed to tell him, Kazuya is not the type of person to fall in love and sail in the sunset type of guy.

"Is that a yes, or a no! You coming mate?!" He then heard the blond-haired girl's musical voice calling towards Ray, who he didn't know when he came in the kitchen. He had been so absorbed in his thoughts that he failed to notice certain things about his surroundings. He had actually been mildly surprised when Philip suddenly piped up before.

He held back an incoming sigh, with the way Rosemary is inviting everyone who is currently in the kitchen, he's quite sure that in one way or another, Kris would undoubtedly accompany them. If he didn't need this, and if he didn't have a blasted problem with reading the map or looking for the right directions, things would not progress into this. Don't misunderstand him; he does not hate any of them. Besides Rosemary who he knew for quite a while, the others are total strangers to him. Yes, they usually meet at the campus grounds. Once or twice he can see them at the cafeteria during lunch time. But as far as novelty and the cliché go, he doesn’t know anything about them.

He just hope that he wouldn't end up regretting ever asking that question more than he currently does. A week's worth of clean clothes and some time with Rosemary might not be worth the stress that would soon to follow now that the whole entourage seems to be coming with them. He groaned inwardly with his anti-social thoughts and instead cleared his mind. Yes, it would be stressing to be with these people longer than he normally wanted to, but at least he will have his change of clothes. He may not like how the circumstances came to be, but at least, Rosemary will be with them.

All throughout the exchange, Kazuya kept a passive face. He didn't look happy but he never showed himself being disappointed or anything of the like. His expression looked passive, and he tried to paint a small smile in his face to cover whatever turmoil he felt inside. This people may not deserve all the negativity he has for them. Though naturally not-social by nature, still Kazu tries to pave his way to ensure that his judgment about others will not be purely tainted and based on initial impressions.

He pushed his glasses to the bridge of his nose and stared at Philip, giving him a somewhat grateful nod.

Dakota nodded without exception. " I like the little mermaids." Damien, he simply nodded calmly and then sat Annabell down in the chair softly and stepped out of the kitchen, into the living room and out the door.

Kate looked at the door as he exited worried that maybe she had over stepped her boundaries with Annabell. She knew Damien wasn't really comfortable with the fact that she had a lot of money.

Annabell hopped down and watched her brother close the door. She scurried through the living room and ran down the small hallway as Kate looked after her in confusion. She kept her eyes down the hallway that Dakota ran down for a few moments until the child ran back back and extended her hand up, picture in hand towards Katelynn, smiling with great enthusiasm.

" Cherished are the memories that,
brought us to this day.
For yesterday was a just a dream,
A wish to contemplate,
A fantasy where in my mind,
A fleeting glimpse I'd see
A vision of the true desires
I longed for endlessly.

And when I dreamed I did not know
The love I'd feel today
The height of my truest feelings
And the depths that they would portray."

Kate ran her fingers over the words back of the picture. She could remember that day exactly, Phillip had just told her that he didn't get accepted into his number one choice for school. Katelynn had tried to cheer him up but, he didn't want to hear it and went off with his girlfriend to give himself a 'distraction' after getting in an arrangement about his talent. Katelynn had decided to go to the dance studio in an attempt to cheer herself up. It was then that she decided she wasn't gonna live with any regrets and that she would try to get into Julliard despite her own self doubt. That she wasn't gonna give up on something that gave her so much joy.

She looked at Anabell with a smile, "Your brother wrote this did he?" She said scooping her up, Kate sat Anabelle on on her lap so they were facing each other. "Your brother really likes me, doesn't he?" Kate watched as she nodded enthusiastically. "I like him too...but I want to make sure he has plenty of time to spend with you..because he loves you more than anything else."

Kate hadn't noticed that Damien walked back in. "He wants to make sure your happy and safe...and successful. I would like to be with your bother like a prince and princess...." she trailed off finishing the sentence in her head 'but if he's with me he won't have time to spend with you while he's here. Because I would want him with me more often then not and I can't do that to you.'

Looking up as she heard movement only to see Damien standing there. She smiled at him as Anabell ran over. "Hi..." She said softly.

Kris went upstairs grabbing his small back pack. He came back downstairs grabbing some water from the fridge. "Alright." He said pulling on a baseball cap. "Lets get this stuff rolling." He walked over to Rose wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her back to the kitchen with the others. "Don't worry about Ray...Today's just not a good day for him...I think he just wants to stay in the house." He said not noticing the look Kazu was giving him.

He looked at Phillip. "So where are you taking all of us." He said with a grin grabbing an apple from the table. "Any places you and Kate think are really cool? I mean she told me you guys had been coming here for a while."

Kazuya stared at Philip as he started to speak about some of the places that they can visit downtown. Suppressing a sigh as he eyed the baseball fanatic who wrapped his arms towards Rosemary, he settled on tucking his hands on his pockets.

Today wasn't really one of his best and now that they were about to get an impromptu 'tour' for an exploration of Lake Kenforth, he can't imagine how things will get good.

He lightly patted his back pockets to check for his wallet and took it out. He knew he had enough cash to pay for a week worth of laundry but it wouldn't hurt to be certain that it would be enough. There were some cases after all where his brother swaps wallet with him. Normally it wouldn't be a big deal for the Japanese-bred boy. It would have been more interesting actually, more often than not he gets blackmail material towards brother whenever such exchange happens. The bad thing is, though his brother lives well-off--being a professional doctor at such a young age, his older brother had the habit of emptying his wallet off cash and solely depending on his credit cards. It was such a pain for the black-haired boy whenever he needs to buy something only to see 'his' wallet out of money.

Upon seeing his own black-colored wallet, he looked at the others and quietly watched as Izzie and Alex interact. Those two are such good friends that an outsider can easily assume that they are in a relationship. He wasn't a romance gossip or anything of sorts, but he can't help notice them and think about that way. However he wasn't going to expound on this thoughts. It wasn't any of his business and he actually doesn't care if they end up being together.

Studying the small group in the kitchen, he wondered silently. He didn't know how they are planning to go downtown. It would be more practical to share transportation instead of bringing each car, after all they are going to be on the same way. Though if it was up to Kazuya, it would be probably better for everyone else if they will go separately.

Approaching their improvised tour guide, he addressed him, "I'll just go upstairs and prepare my clothes. I will meet you guys outside." He didn't knew if anyone else heard him but he figured that some of them may be actually antsy to leave sooner and so he quickly left and went to his temporary room.

He scrounged around his bags to see if his sister prepared a paper bag. He found some and took out two paper bags. He scooped the dirty clothes inside those. Kazumi had the strange habit of packing him paper bags enough to last a lifetime. He once asked her why she felt the need to pack him those and she vaguely answered that he would need it sometime in the future. Good thing, there are times that his sister's warped common sense works in favor of him.

After finishing with his current task, he grabbed his car key from his bag and turned off his laptop. He was planning to continue revamping one of the older systems that he made this morning. It was only one of the many prototypes that he had experimented beforehand and so it was a little buggy than normal. He then thought of finishing it later once they get back from going downtown.

Closing the door and holding the paper bags in both of his hands, he trudged towards his car. After placing the bags into the back seat, he waited for the others to go outside.

Kazuya stared in amusement as everyone else went out in groups heading to each of their preferred modes of transportation. What he had predicted in the kitchen just moments ago had indeed happened.

Instead of carpooling as what is more practical and thrifty, still all of them had chosen to leave in their own cars. He watched as Philip got inside his car and maneuvered it towards the porch. It looked like Philip would rather ride Kate’s white Audi for this impromptu tour. Though his mood had obviously dulled the moment that he noticed Kris cockily revving his motorcycle and asking out loud (when all of them knew who he had been directing his question to) who would ride with him.

He silently watched while taking his seat behind the wheels as Rosemary happily grabbed the helmet and placed it in her head. He studied her quietly as she sat, beaming, next to the baseball fanatic.

‘At least someone is happy in this tour.’ He murmured to himself, gazing at the girl’s brightly shining face. Shaking his head, he started the engine and turned to look expectantly at Philip.

The man gave them a signal and not long after, he followed the leaving car. Moving away from the lake house, he concentrated on following the escort in front and decided that once he got their destination it might be best to buy some additional supplies too if he can. While following the others in a steady pace, he in turn took time to study the place. Looking at it, there had been two exit routes for Lake Kenforth. One of those was where Kazumi had painstakingly persevered Kazuya to teach the directions and the other, they are currently taking towards downtown.

He didn’t know how much of these landmarks and road signs, his brain will retain and seeing the place looking isolated from where the summer house currently is; he then lost the focus to take note of the directions and instead settled on just staring straight ahead, quickening his pace a little as he trailed after the others.

They went past the highway into the town central and zooming on the Laundromat near the Grocery store, he parked in front of the establishment. Getting off his car, he opened the backseat door and took out two paper bags.

He saw Philip standing in front of the Kate’s car just in front of the Grocery store, obviously waiting for their arrival. He gestured towards the bags in his hand and said pointing towards the Laundromat, “I’ll just drop these here.”

He nodded at him and saw in the corner of his eyes, Kris leering at Rosemary in such an irritating way, as he parked near the Audi. Quickly crushing down the ire that was rising in his being; he didn’t wait for Philip’s reply and walked inside the laundry shop.

He approached the girl behind the counter and conversed with her about his clothes and asking when it would be available. He was trying not to hasten his pace. In fact, he preferred that the others will leave him on his own now that they are downtown. The thoughts of going home and what path to take back to the Lakehouse left his mind. Instead, all that he can recall is Rosemary's smiling-widely grinning face as she gazed towards that comment-it-all sports boy. He sighed, causing the girl in front to look at him in alarm. She was about to open her mouth and dish out an apology when he nodded. Trying to paint a small grimace, he tried to pacify the girl and settled for giving her the payment.

With the way he is currently acting, it would really be better for him to go back the house after leaving his clothes, else his mood might get darker than it already is. He didn’t want to be a reason to foil the already thin line of thread connecting these people with his unfriendly and accommodating presence.