" How about we grab some dinner? " Neji said as they exited the elevator and headed towards the building's parking lot.
" Maybe it's better if we buy ingredients and cook our own food, " (Name) suggested.
" Yes, that'll be better. That way, I can make sure that it contains absolutely nothing spicy, " Neji sighed.
Every year on his birthday, his best friend Rock Lee would gift him with a bottle of dried chilli flakes and hot chilli paste. All to quench his 'love' of spicy food. And every year the gifts were left untouched.
" Huh. You sound like a weakling, " (Name) retorted, somewhat rudely.
" Excuse me? " Neji replied, the classic 'are you serious? ' look visible on his face.
" Pfft, I mean, come on. The kimchi wasn't that spicy. You made such a big deal out of it, and chugged down four glasses of water consecutively! "
" I can't help the fact that I'm spicy food intolerant! " Neji argued.
" Well deal with it! " she replied, trying not to laugh. " You know, Hinata said that the Curry of Life restaurant serves pretty kickass curry. She also said that it's your second favourite food, after herring soba of course. "
Neji shook his head. "Oh, is that so? " he said sarcastically.
" Hey, are you angry? " (Name) asked after Neji purposely avoided to look at her.
" Okay, let's get your favourite food tonight! You like baby food, right? They're not spicy and gentle to the palate, " she smirked.
"God, (Name). You're really making me want to kiss you," Neji breathed.
Instantly, blood rushed to her cheeks.
" Seriously? There are people around here, " (Name) countered, her eyes darting around wildly.
Her breathing hitched when she felt his arm curling around her waist, and she was launched into his chest.
" Neji -"
" Shush. I don't like it when people question my actions. "
Neji embraced her tighter, lowered his head to be able to kiss her lips gently. He loved the feeling of her lips against his greatly, and the childlike innocence of her was something new to him.
But it also stopped him from going further. Never in his life would he touch a seventeen year old girl. (Name) wasn't seventeen, but her memory was frozen at that age.
Neji stopped kissing her, and slowly parted away. (Name) stared at him, a questioning look visible on her face.
" It doesn't feel right. I shouldn't be doing this. And about earlier.. I didn't even ask if you felt uncomfortable, " he shrugged.
Much to his surprise, (Name) laughed.
" You know, just the thought of kissing or being kissed by someone scares the living daylights out of me. But with you, I don't really feel uncomfortable or anything. It feels natural, and somewhat right."
At her words, a smile broke on Neji's lips. " You never fail to comfort me, do you? "
" Look at her. Walking around like some sort of saint. I wonder how Neji-sama even got stuck with her. "
" Is she his mistress? I mean, if she weren't, why did Neji-sama hired a nobody like her to become his secretary? "
" That little goody two shoes fits with Fat-ass Megumi so well. They're like castaways, good for nothings. But hey, at least we have something to make fun of! "
It hurts. Not slightly, but intensely. It was an everyday routine - (Name) had to listen to all that, but they stopped temporarily when Neji was present.
She was afraid that Neji would soon find her clingy, but she didn't want to listen to the oh-so kind compliments.
(Name) stirred the cup of honey lemon tea, as per Neji's request , along with her own, and stepped out of the pantry while balancing the two teacups.
Thankfully, (Name) had a very good sense of balance.
However, when a rough shove came in her way, she stumbled down immediately.
The ceramic teacups shattered from the impact, and (Name) could feel the shards cutting into her flesh, drawing blood.
Not to mention, she was soaked with the burning liquid, and it was enough to make her tear up. (Name) let out a whimper as she tried to sit up, the glass embedded in her flesh making her movements extremely painful.
Her eyes darted around, and there she saw her.
Megumi Ikeda.
" Megumi-san? Why did you..? " she blurted out, complete bafflement evident on her features.
That was when Megumi let out a blood curdling shrill.
" Megumi-san, what's wrong with you? -"
The workers flooded into the room, and their eyes widened at the scene unfolding in front of them.
" What's going on? " Harumi asked.
(Name) opened her mouth to speak, but Megumi beat her to it.
" (Name) saw me coming into the pantry, and she began insulting me! Then she threatened to pour the hot tea on me! I was afraid so I accidentally shoved her," Megumi spoke between sobs.
(Name) couldn't believe her ears. What kind of nonsensical blasphemy is this girl saying?
As far as she is concerned, she never even laid a finger on Megumi.
" I never even touched you! And I didn't say anything to you! " (Name) huffed in outrage.
" Who would've known that Neji-sama's little darling is such a dirty hearted wench! " a worker spat.
" You've been acting like a saint all these time. But in truth you're worst than the devil. Picking on someone like Megumi.. "
Megumi started to cry into her palms, acting as if she was the one in pain. Tears soaked the sleeves of her pink coloured shirt, and when she lifted her head, (Name) could've sworn that there was a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
" Hey bitch, stand up! " one of the workers urged. (Name) tried to, but a piece of broken glass was lodged in her knee. When she took too long, Harumi and another male worker grabbed her by the shoulders and hauled her up.
" Stop acting like you're the victim, lying bitch. "
(Name) swallowed the lump in her throat, and she tasted a hint of saltiness. That was when she realised she had been crying. " Gosh, you're so disgusting. "
" What are you all doing? Step aside! I said step aside! "
The workers made way for Neji, and when he reached the middle of the circle that the crowd surrounded, he had the biggest shock of his life.
" (Name)! " he shouted. (Name) tried to walk towards Neji, but Harumi's grip on her arm was far too strong. Strong enough to push the piece of glass even further into her flesh.
" What's going on?! "
Everyone shut their mouths, except Megumi who continued to bawl.
" She.. She tried to hurt me! "
Neji's eyes widened in disbelief.
" Yah, Ikeda! What kind of nonsense are you saying?! "
" It's true Neji-sama! She even insulted Megumi, and threatened to pour hot tea on her! " Harumi joined in.
However, none of their words sounded truthful to Neji's ears. " Did you all see that happen? Did you see (Name) do all that with your very own fucking eyes?! "
" Megumi wouldn't have lied! "
That was the only statement he needed. These goddamned people were acting like fools, putting all the blame on (Name) when they didn't even see the scenario unfold. They had been feeling dissatisfied with (Name) for a long time, and now they had the chance to insult and belittle her all they wanted.
They enjoyed it.
" Let go of her, Ito! " Neji shouted at Harumi, and unwillingly, she let go. (Name) almost fell down, her knees turned into jellies, but Neji swiftly caught her.
" God, (Name), " he huffed, quickly analysing the injuries on (Name)'s body.
" Neji-sama.. " (Name) whimpered, lifting her head, allowing Neji to see puffy, teary eyes.
Neji's features softened, and he lifted her up, taking her to his office.
" What happened? " Neji blurted as he opened a First Aid Kit and began fussing over (Name)'s cuts. " Ah, these are pretty nasty cuts. I'm taking you to the hospital. "
(Name) quickly shook her head. " That's unnecessary, Neji. I'll be alright."
" That's bullshit, (Name). Okay, if you don't want to go to the hospital, I'll just call over a doctor. "
" I said I'll be alright. These don't hurt so much. The thing that hurts the most can't be fixed by doctors," (Name) murmured.
Neji's eyes softened, and he sighed slowly.
" It's gonna be alright, okay? " he rasped, caressing her cheek gently. " I'll treat you, just to make sure that it's perfectly treated."
He took her to the toilet, and washed all of her cuts and burns thoroughly. Once he was done with that, he brought her to the his office's large and cosy couch.
Neji laid her in his lap, and put the First Aid Kit next to him. (Name) hissed in pain when Neji plucked out the shards of glass, and then he brought out numerous bottles of antiseptic and iodine, along with creams and bandages.
He spread medicine on the injuries, and at the feeling of his hand against her bare skin, (Name) could barely feel the pain anymore. Neji then bandaged her arms and legs, and placed a Band-aid on the scratch on her cheek.
" Now, would you mind telling me what happened? "
" Megumi.. She.. She framed me.. " was all (Name) could say.
" Megumi framed you? " Neji blurted. " What do you mean by that? "
(Name) knew that he naturally would have a lot of questions, but she was exhausted for that. Exhausted of crying. Exhausted of trying to defend herself, only to be shot down cruelly.
" It's alright. You must be tired, aren't you? I'll get you some water," Neji spoke as he laid (Name) down comfortably on couch, fixing the cushions under her head. He fetched a bottle of mineral water from his desk, and brought it over to (Name), helping her to drink from the bottle.
" Have some rest, (Name), " Neji soothed, taking off (Name)'s shoes and tucked her in with a blanket that he kept in the office.
" I didn't do anything, Neji, " (Name) spoke, tears brimming her eyes.
" I know you didn't. Megumi may be able to lie to them, but not me. Megumi doesn't know you well, and nor do the other workers. But I know you (Name). I know what you're like. And the (Name) I know wouldn't have done anything that they claimed. "
Neji ran his fingers through her hair, a concerned and caring look evident on his face.
" I'll take care of them. And you, just get a good rest."
" Eh? Where did this scar come from? " (Name) said, analysing a scar she thought she never had.
The scar on her arm was small and faint, but still it was there. " Ooh, it looks pretty ancient too.."
Neji beckoned (Name) to show him the scar, and his expression grew gravely. It was times like these that he was somewhat glad that (Name) didn't remember a thing.
If he was able to erase memories, he would definitely erase that event from her mind. (Name) was far too fragile, far too innocent to be treated in such a way.
" That was from three years ago. You accidentally got nicked by a thorn, " he spoke.
" Oh, I see.. " (Name) nodded. She made herself comfortable on the cushion , and waited for their order to arrive.
Neji took her to a traditional Japanese restaurant for dinner that evening, and in (Name)'s eyes, it was a truly remarkable place.
The customers were asked to remove their shoes and wear getas, and then they were showed to a private room.
And there she was , sitting in the beautifully oriental designed room, alone with Neji.
" I don't think a place like this serves herring soba," (Name) said.
" They actually do. A more elevated version of it, though," Neji replied with a soft laugh.
Then, a waitress wearing a yukata walked towards the table, quietly placing two menus in front of them, along with a pot of green tea and two earthenware cups.
" What would you like to have today, Mr and Mrs Hyuga? " she asked.
(Name) flipped through the menu, absolutely clueless. She knew Japanese food, but the menu presented in front of her was far too tricky and confusing.
Why does it say Sweet Pancakes with filling of choice, such as azuki beans, red beans, coconut jam or green tea?
Why not just Dorayaki?
And the sushi.. (Name) didn't know there was such a variety. Back in Akahana, she would call them according to appearance. For instance, the one with salmon meat on top, the one with roe on top, the one with a lot of seaweed and many more.
She didn't even bother knowing the names.
" What would you like, (Name)? " Neji asked.
" Huh? Umm.. Ah! This thing! " she burst, pointing at the picture of a grilled eels.
" Grilled eels? Are you sure? You're not very fond of it, " Neji frowned. " In fact, you hate it."
That was when he noticed the clueless, confused in her eyes. It was nostalgic, and it reminded him of his first lunch out with (Name). The time when he brought her to a French restaurant, in specific.
" It's alright. I'll do the ordering," Neji smiled.
Neji ordered a wide variety of dishes, some that (Name) never knew existed, and mostly never tried before.
At least as she remembers.
" And an extra serving of sakura mochi," he said.
The waitress nodded, jotting it all down in a small notebook.
" Got it, " she said, and left shortly.
" That's a lot of food, Neji. You must be a big eater, " (Name) chuckled. Neji followed suit, but later he shook his head.
" Not quite. I just wanted you to taste new things and savour new flavours, " he smiled.
" Aah, try this, " Neji said, holding a piece of sashimi using chopsticks in front of (Name).
" What's that? Raw fish? " she asked indifferently.
" Well yeah.. But it's called sashimi. Give it a try."
(Name) slowly bit into the fish, and her doubting eyes lit up.
" Woah. I thought it would taste seriously fishy and disgusting, but it's actually decently refreshing. Very exotic, if you ask me, " she spoke, as if she was a food critic. Thank god she didn't start rambling about the textures and depth of flavour of the sashimi.
" Ooh Neji! It's your favourite condiment!" (Name) burst, shoving a small bowl of wasabi paste in front of Neji.
Apparently, even the scent of it was unbearable to the dark haired man, and his face grew bright red a second later.
" Hey, are you alright? " (Name) asked, cautiously putting down the bowl of wasabi paste. " You're not going to pass out are you? "
Little did she know that he was playing a prank on her.
Neji pretended to pass out completely, and didn't respond when (Name) yelled into his ear and shook his body.
" Oh well. I remember this movie I once watched. There's this guy who's weak and spicy intolerant, but when he eats something hot, he becomes strong like Hulk. Now.. Let's see what we have.. Wasabi? Ah, there's bird's eyes chilies too! And there are chili flakes in this condiment jar! "
(Name) grabbed a spoonful of wasabi paste and brought it close to Neji's face.
" Let's start with the wasabi, " she grinned. Deep down, Neji's heart was beating rapidly, and his face grew flushed.
" On second thought, why feed him with wasabi? Did anyone try using it as a beauty mask? Hah, I'm going to start a new trend of beauty! "
At the thought of having his face smeared with wasabi paste, Neji sat up immediately.
" Oh, rise and shine! " (Name) smirked.
" Fine, fine. You win (Name), " Neji sighed. Of course, (Name) sniffed out Neji's plot like a hungry person smelling pizza from ten miles away.
" What did I win as a prize ? It better be good, " she said with a raised eyebrow.
" What about a kiss from me? " Neji suggested. (Name) shook her head, pouting playfully.
" Nope. A kiss from me. I get to kiss you, " she smirked.
Just millimetres before her lips met Neji's, the shoji doors slid open.
" Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know this room was taken, " the waitress apologised, desperately trying to usher the couple behind her to the opposite direction.
" Looks like we have to go to another place, honey," a voice cooed.
In displeasant, (Name) looked up and saw a couple. A very odd couple.
Many people would defend that statement and say that age is nothing in love. But in that situation, the only thing that rung in (Name)'s mind was the word 'gold digger'.
How could she not think that way? The guy was at least in sixties, and his head was bald and shining on the front, with patches of gray hair on the back and sides. He had an obvious potbelly, but his branded clothes and thick wallet made him desirable.
And then there was the woman who desired that money.
She was young - just around (Name)'s age - and not to mention attractive. (Name) would've thought that the woman was born with that beauty, but Neji knew better.
Plastic surgery. Liposuction. Botox.
Silicone implants.
Of course, how often do you see someone with perfect features walk by? Even the beauty pageants have several secrets tucked away.
" Oh, is that you, Hyuga-san? " the old guy suddenly said. Grumbling to himself, Neji nodded.
" Long time no see, Takahashi-san, " he greeted.
Neji walked up to the doors, and motioned (Name) to follow suit.
" Ah, meet my wife, (Name), " he smiled. When she felt the Takahashi's eyes shift onto her, she turned on her brightest smile.
" Isn't she the one who got into the car crash? You poor little thing," he spoke, and later he leaned closer towards Neji.
" By the way, I rarely see you with that white haired girl anymore. What was her name, Yuki something.. She's still at the night club, if you were wondering."
At those words, Neji resisted the intense urge to knock out the remaining teeth out of Takahashi's mouth.
" Ah, I forgot to introduce you both to my wife! Meet my Momoko! "
Megumi smiled, tucking a lock of pinkish-peach hair behind her ears.
" Nice to meet you, " she greeted, holding out a hand to (Name). Although she hesitated, (Name) took her hand, and slightly winced by how strong her grip was.
Megumi's fingers were slender and dainty, and her palms were smooth and delicate.
The pressure they were putting on (Name)'s hand just didn't fit there.
' Ah, so you want to play this game? '
With all the might her hands could muster, she gave a bone breaking squeeze, and at the same time, a blinding, insincere and sickly sweet smile appeared on (Name)'s lips.
" Nice to meet you too. Pleasant day, is it not? "
Megumi's eyes flashed with distaste, and her mouth twitched into a dissatisfied scowl, but it only lasted a millisecond.
However, (Name) had been staring at her face all along, and she saw the expression of dislike very clearly.
" Who are they? " (Name) said to Neji after the couple left.
" That man is Tomozo Takahashi, a politician. And the woman is his new wife. I never thought he would actually marry her. Even at the age of 67 he's still a player, " Neji sighed.
" His wife.. She seems somewhat familiar, " (Name) murmured. Neji frowned, casting his gaze onto her.
" Do you remember anything? " he asked.
" No. Not really. I only felt something like.. Dejavu.. Do you know who she is? " she said.
" I don't. What confuses me is that you remember somewhat like her. Well, there are many people with faces like that. The people who underwent plastic surgery have the same features, you know. It's like the doctor uses the same face mold. At one point, everyone will look like clones of each other.
You probably saw an actress who happened to have the same plastic surgery on TV. "
(Name) nodded, finding logic in his words.
" But it's not her face. It's her aura. Her voice.. Ah, maybe I'm mistaken. "
Neji, however, didn't want to take any risks. That night, after (Name) fell asleep, he called Itachi.
" Itachi, I want you to find information and the background of Congressman Takahashi's new wife, Momoko. "