Key.2.♥ [Private]

I was surprised by his concerned gesture, and I smiled at his kind suggestion. "I don't care for shrimp all that much," I replied politely, but I scanned down the menu once more to find something else to add, for his sake.

"There. Salmon sounds delicious."

Kichiro now pouted slightly, sticking his lower lip out as he always did when he didn't get his way. The rest of us ignored him, however, and I was about to tell him to wipe that stupid look off his face when our waiter approached our table with a friendly smile. She was a red headed woman, seemingly Italian, and an accent lingered on her lips as the words flowed smoothly out of them.

"Good afternoon. May I start you off with something to drink?"

Hyne smiled, "Yes, I would love some red wine." She chuckled lightly, quite happy to be having wine- she loved wine. "With a lemon slice." She had some odd taste, but she just loved the taste of lemon in her red wine. Hyne smiled, and looked to Taro, "What will you have?"

"Water is fine." He said lightly, he didnt care for fancy drinks of wine and such. He liked water just fine, it was after all what he drank all the time, other then coffee. Other drinks, such as alcohol and caffinated soda's wernt good for a singers voice.

Hyne huffed, "Your so plain, you should try red wine with lemon- so good~ <3" She laughed lightly, and glanced from Kotone and Kichiro as they placed thier orders. Hyne set her menu aside, as she'd just decided on what she wanted to eat.

"Red wine, water...And for you Miss?" she questioned politely, her pen ready to scribble down her order. "I'll have water to please," I replied, and I opened my menu to glance at the item I wanted once more before I ordered it.

"I''l have a glass of red wine as well," Kichiro smiled, "but without the lemon slice."

The waitress smiled and jotted everything down, then took their dinner orders as well, finally collecting the menus before taking her leave with another friendly smile.

"Now then," Kichiro began, his tone now changing to a light but serious tone. "The tour. There are many preparations to be made, you know."

Hyne sighed, "Your too closed minded to try new things, the lemon slice is what makes it so good." She commented lightly before he turned slightly serious. "Well of course, I've done this plenty of times- plus. My Taro here has it all planned out in his head-" Hyne sighed.

Taro looked from Kotone to Kichiro, "Not really, most of it has already been aranged. I already have a tour bus, it already has two rooms- and its just been remodled. I already have all of nthe places we're going, and all of that down. I do suggest that you start writing some new songs for a new CD, because after this tour would be perfect releash time. Also start planning some more concerts for her after this tour." He spoke in a serious tone, as well.

"I've got a few songs I've already written since my new album debuted," I replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear as I did. "And I would think that-" I suddenly paused, my eyes catching sight of Mio stadning in the window of the restaurant-staring right at me. She remained there for a moment before vanishing from sight, leaving me looking like an idiot as Taro and our managers followed my gaze to find there was nothing there.

"I-" I began again, but I let out a small sigh, having forgotten what I was going to say. "I'm sorry, could you exuse me for a moment?" I asked, my eyes still glued to the place she had been standing a few second ago. Why was she here? I thought Taro had gotten rid of her earlier. And how had she found out where it was they were meeting? A small rush of furstration passed over me and stood up rather quickly, nearly falling back down at the sudden feeling of dizziness that threatened to knock me over. For a split second, I had forgotten I hadn't eaten anything all day.

Taro looked to Kotone as she spoke, he nodded lightly to her words- and watched her eye's become stuck in a general direction. He glanced over, seeing nothing- which confused him slightly. That was the least of his concerns though, he was about to speak when she suddenly stood up, and then almost fell over. Taro blinked, quickly standing to help her- but she'd managed to catch herself. "You should be careful. We cant have you sickly for this tour."

Hyne let out a light sigh, and nodded. "Yes, thats all very good-" She blinked as she caught sight of Mio, and someone walking towards thier table. "Oh dear gawd-" Hyne sighed, and then gasped when she realized the person behind Mio was the President.

Mio was all smiles and giggles, she clapped her hands together and smiled a big smile. "Oh-mi-gosh Taro! Im so happy your here! I ran into the president, and we totally agreed that we were both craving carmel cheesecake- and they make the best carmel cheesecake eva here!" Mio giggled, "Im just so happy your here too!"

My eyes locked onto Mio's irritatingly innocent appearance, and I absent-mindedly leaned on Taro for support as I flashed her an obvious fake smile. "What a funny coincidence," I replied through gritted teeth, and I laughed half-heartedly. The tension in the air was thick and uncomfortable, and I immediately thought of those cartoons where they cut the tension with a knife. I wanted to cut something iwth a knife right now, I'll tell you that, but it wasn't the tension in the air.

That innocent stare, that cute smile of hers, that giddy giggle she was notorious for-it absolutely disgusted me, and I paid no heed to the nervous glances Kichiro was sending me.

Taro looked to Mio, it was as if he'd expected it. If anyone could, it was Taro would could always see right through Mio. She knew it too, but it never stopped her from trying. Taro wrapped his arm around Kotone's waist as he helped her sit back down. "Is that so?" He said lightly to Mio's cheery words. "Maybe another time I could join you, but we have buiness to discus." Taro said in a slightly dull tone, as if he was bored.

Hyne blinked, she was shocked that taro was declining Mio- not to mention the President! Usualy Taro was very tolerable of Mio, but he was being slightly blunt with her currently. 'I wonder if this Kotone girl is somehow changing Taro...? He acts so differantly...'

The President smiled, He was a very well dressed slender man with a flashy sense of dress. His clothing were expensive, top line. Everything about him seemed perfect. His long dirty blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and he was cleaned shaven as always. "How plesant, we must have carmel cheesecake another time then. Mio says its your fravorite."

Taro nodded as he moved, sitting down in his seat. "Another time it will have to be." He said in a smooth tone as he looked from the President to Hyne. "Lets not get distracted." Taro then looked to Kotone, "Where exactly were we at?" It was almost as if he was testing her, but quite a few things seemed odd with Taro to begin with.

Mio bit her lip, she felt defeated- and she now loathed Kotone. How could her Taro deny her like that? Carmel cheesecake was his fravorite! And with the President none the less! Mio just didnt get it. But she smiled sweetly even though you could tell she was frusrated. "It'll have to be very soon!" She said as she waved cutely, walking away with the President.

I forced another fake smile on my face for the sake of Taro's impression upon the President, if not my own, and I waved a goodbye as the two exited the restaurant. Once they had exited the building, however, the smile disappated and I clenched my fists tightly.

What was it about her that made me so damn irritated? Was it that stupid giggle? That aggrivating smile of hers? Or was it just the fake attitude she had toward me that made me want to ruin that pretty little face of hers? It was obvious she was jealous, no doubt about that, and the way she had been acting over the past few days was only making her look like a fool. But even still...why was her crush on Taro bothering me so much? It's not like I was his keeper or anything, but something about this whole situation made me wanna rip her head off.

"Excuse me," I bowed slightly, and I stood up slowly this time. I needed a bathroom break.

Taro nodded lightly as he then looked to the managers as they spat about something, he let out a light sigh- and sat back in his chair. He glanced around the noisy resturaunt, noticing people and sounds- it made him think of lyric's and life. Thats just how he thought sometimes, to escape the world- he turned to music. Of course Mio annoyed him, and drove him insane- but he tolerated the poor girl, why? He wasnt quite sure himself sometimes.

Hyne sighed, and rolled her eye's Kichiro. "Oh that was so not the case of our situation." She grumbled, "Dont you dare place the blame on me, you never called me back. Your acting sooo mauture." She said in a sarcastic tone, and was sightly annoyed on how he'd turned everything around on her in a matter of seconds.

"Come now, sweetheart," Kichiro cooed, reaching for her hand. "I had told you I would be going on tour, and that I might not be able to get in touch with you for a while. We agreed to meet up as soon as I returned to Tokyo."

He placed his hand gently on hers, expecting her to snatch her hand away and call him a slew of names like she normally did, and the thought of it almost made him smile. She was so fiesty.

"You can't say you don't remember that conversation, love."



--In the restroom

Kotone let out a small sigh as she stood in front of the mirror and began to fidget with her hair, though she knew nothing was wrong with it. She just felt restless all of a sudden, and she had no idea why.

"Could it be that Taro puts up with Mio because he cares about her?" she asked herself, turning the water on and waiting for it to warm up. Hot water never failed to relax her.

Hyne blinked, and looked down at his hand now covering hers- lightly holding onto it- as if he knew she would pull it away. But she didnt, at least not right away. "No, you told me that yes- but then you never contacted me while you were on tour- or when you got back." Hyne scoffed, and then pulled her hand away- crossing her arms over her chest.

"I found out from a friend of a friend that you were back, and you were now switching over to be Kotone's Manager." Hyne grumbled lightly, "If you had any intentions of calling, you would have done it much sooner." Hyne breathed out, "Lets just let it be in the past, I dont want to agrue while we're on tour." She never gave up this easily, but for some reason it was starting to get to her. Even though she told herself over and over she was over this guy.

--Meanwhile...

"I doubt thats the case. Mio just latches to him like no other, he just puts up with her because no one else will." A woman stepped beside Kotone, she'd been there the whole time- but Kotone was too focused on her hair to have noticed. The lady was very tall, beautiful and slender. She was sleek looking, with dark black long hair- flowing down her back- with beautiful green eye's.

"Im sorry, Im Naive." She smiled, "Mio's manager." She chuckled lightly, "I lost the brat while she ran in here with the president, I'll have to page her to find her- but if she's with the President- I wont have to worry." She sighed, "Sorry, just venting- the brat drives me absolutly insane."

Kichiro's eyes twinkled with delight, and he nodded and brought his hands back to his lap. "No arguing. Yes, that sounds wonderful," he replied with a charming smile. He gazed at her silently for a moment before turning his eyes to where Taro was sitting.

"Now that I have you alone," he began in a more serious tone, watching Taro with calm eyes, "I'd like to ask you why you chose to work with Kotone. There were many other artists, ones much more experienced and-" He paused, a sif searching for the correct word to use. "Ones much more agreeable," he added, "that desired to collaborate with you. Why her, Mr. Yoon?"

--In the restroom

"Oh-" I let out a small breath of surprise at the voice of the woman. When I turned my gaze, however, I was met with an even greater surprise. How beautiful she was! I felt a flicker of evny spark within me, but I was quick to extinguish it at the reassuring smile she gave me. So she was Mio's manager?

"There's something you and I agree on," I replied with a small chuckle. I felt the tension and worry begin to drain away from my body, collecting in small pools beneath me and quickly evaporating into the warm air. "She does come off as being quite the handful."

I smiled at her, though my smile was mostly evident because of the words that had come out of my mouth. It was the nicest way I could put that she absoluetly disgusted me. In a way I had surprised myself, really. Normally I would have come right out and said that I couldn't stand her, but lately I hadn't been so upfront about things. Was it because I was trying to impress Taro?

Taro was slightly annoyed with the managers bickering with one another- but he just blocked it out while thinking his own thoughts. He then looked to Kichiro once a question was directed his way. Taro smirked lightly, "Maybe so, but you as her manager shouldnt say such things. You of all people should be pushing this upon her. Lets leave it at this is a good chance for her to show the world she's more then an Angel."

Hyne blinked, she was simply amazed Taro had said any of that. She glanced at Kichiro to see his expression- and then looked back to Taro. "Of course we all want to see what she has." Hyne casually laughed, "She may have a reputation for being difficult- but I doubt that'll be a problem. Haha, ya'know-" She waved her hand lightly. 'More then an Angel? That girl is anything but--' Hyne sighed to herself.

--Meanwhile...

Naive smiled, she had a very gental smile. She listened to Kotone as she brushed her fingures through her long silky hair. "Oh she is, but I dont mind it really. She listens to me, and well- just a favor Im doing for her mother really." Naive puckered her lips as she checked up on her lipstick. "So even if she is whiney and drives me crazy- I still dont mind it as much as some others. But dont let the brat get to you, she cant have everything she wants- and she deffinatly cant have Taro. I dont even know why she trys."

Naive then blinked, then smiled away that slight look of worry. Seemingly she'd said too much. "But dont mind me, just a small rant for chat." She chuckled, "Good luck on that tour of yours, I'll most likely be seeing more of you- now that you'll be around him. So will Mio, and of course- Im that girls keeper."

"Not a problem?" Kichiro grinned, and he placed his chin in his hand neatly. His green eyes flashed with amusement as he gazed at her for a quick moment before reaching for his cup of water. "What an odd tune compared to when you first found out I was Angel's manager! What did you say again? About her being..." He paused, as if attemtping to remember the words, though it was obvious he had never forgot them in the first place.

"Do you remember, Hyne? It seems it must have slipped my mind."

--In the restroom

"Yes, I suppose," I smiled, taken aback not only by Naive's words, but by her own feelings about the situation as well. Why did it matter to her whether Mio wanted Taro's attention or not? "Don't tell me you're getting jealous, Kotone. Please, since when do you have anything to envy, especially anything that little bitch has?"

There it was again: the old Kotone. But what about the new Kotone that was threatening to take over? The nicer, more polite, even envious one-the one that didn't speak her mind and didn't make as much of a fuss about petty little things? "Fuck."

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and smiled, bowing as I made my way toward the exit of the bathroom. "And thank you," I added before waving and slipping silently through the door. I still felt as if I needed to time, alone time, to sort things out in my head, but I couldn't stand being in the bathroom anymore. But where to go?

A door was left open that lead to the back of the restaurant, one that a waitress or busboy must have left open. Perfect. I took a quick glance around me to make sure no one was paying attention and sliently slipped through the door-smiling triumphantly as I was greeted by the sun. But my smile immediately disappated at the sight of who stood before me.

Ryan. An American boy who had made it big here as well, one that wanted to collaborate with me a a little over a year ago, one that I turned down because I would only work alone-an American pop star who also happened to be my ex.

My eyes widened and I attempted to take a step back, but he grabbed my arm and pushed me up against the wall behind him. How did he find me here?? I hadn't seen him in over six months, not after the incident where he had gotten too drunk in a bar and tried to hit me. He was arrested and thrown in jail for only a few hours before his lawyer bailed him out, but he hadn't shown his face since. And thank God he hadn't-there was nothing that frightened me more than his venegeful stare.

Hyne looked away, and turned slightly pink in the face- and bit the inside of her cheek lightly. She breathed out, and waved her hand lightly- all the while advoiding Kichiro's look. "Like my opinion matters- its what taro wants." She grumbled, "As you know, we're all fake here."

Taro breathed out, "Wont either of you two grow up?" Taro looked very annoyed, since he'd put up with thier bickering all afternoon- it was giving him a headache. "Im going to go find Kotone-" He simply added in as he got up from the table.

Hyne blinked, "Taro Im sorry-" But she didnt really get a chance to say anything, he'd already started to walk off- and was ignoring her from this point. 'Damnit-' Hyne clenched her fist tightly in her lap. 'I let this asshole get the best of me- and now Taro's pissy...'

Taro sighed, he looked to the bathrooms- but obviously could not go into the womans restrooms without causing a panic. Or a scene. He spotted an open door, leading out to the loading docks- where the sun was shining inside brightly. He was walking towards the sun when he heard some angry words being throw about outside. He was about to turn around, and ignore it- since he could care less about some angry busboy or unfornate waitress that couldnt do her job right- he heard part of the converstation.

"Miss me?" Sneered words escaped from Ryans mouth, of course he was slightly pissed off. He'd seen her walk into the place with Taro and thier managers- and he'd slipped behind the building to make a plan. When she happened to walk out, right into his grasp- what better timing then to make her pay.

"You made my life hell! You know they wanted to send me back to America because of your little outburst! One bitch starts to cry- and they freak out!" Ryan snapped at her, and started to shake her aginst the wall. "You know I would have never hurt you!" Lies, all lies. "But now I want you to pay for the bullshit I've had to go through! With the media and what not- god damn! You-" He stopped, he looked over and saw Taro standing there. "You mind your own God damn buinsess!" He snapped.

Taro's expression looked quite blank, "Let her go now." He walked towards them slowly, "You think you've had it bad with the media before? You obviously didnt think about what this would do to add onto your horrible reputation. They didnt send you home last time, but they will for sure this time." Now taro smirked, "You lay another hand on her, and I'll kill you."

"No! Stop it!" I tried to cry out, but my voice cracked asgainst the rising lump in my throat. I struggled to get free, wriggled and swung at him, but he only shoved me harder against the wall. I winced and bit my lip as he shook me, and I began to feel the copper taste of blood in my mouth. I had bitten through my lip.

"Just leave me alone," I pleaded, and a hot tear escaped from my eyelashes and slid down my cheek. Was this it? He'd kill me now, I was sure of it. That crazed look in his eye, it was nothing like before.

And then I heard a voice. What it had said, I'll never know. I could barely understand what Ryan was shouting to me. My eyes raised and I couldn't hide the wave of relief that passed over me-it was evident in my expression. Ryan must have taken it personally, however, and his grip on my shoulders inched its way up toward my neck. His grip was tight, and it seemed to be getting tighter by the second. I found myself gasping for air, struggling against his strength, but I soon fell limp. How could I fight him? He was too strong.

I took small, shallow breaths so as not to give into his crushing grip, though I was beginning to wonder just how much longer my neck would be able to hold out. My face felt hot, my head dizzy. Was I turning purple?

And then I heard something, words as clear as day that immediately forced me to snap back to:

"You lay another hand on her, and I'll kill you."

Kill him? Taro...Was he serious??

"Please," I managed to get out, my voice strained and hoarse. "Please, just let me go..."

And yet his grip tightened again, so tight that my vision began to cloud over. Had he completely lost it??

Ryan saw how she'd looked at this man, and that made him more angry then before. His grip tightened on her neck, and he had no intention of letting her go. Of course this pissed off, and made him rage with anger that she was with this other man. "You take one more step towards me- and I'll snap her lovely little neck." He sneered.

Taro's face was cold, "I warned you, that'll be the last mistake you ever make." Taro's smooth voice was chilling, and his words as serious as he could be. He casually continued to walk towards them. "Hold on Kotone." He said quickly, though loud enough for her to hear.

"I warned-" Ryan yelled out, but it was too late- Taro was there. He grabbed Ryan by the face, and slammed him downward. Taro wasnt exactly that threatening looking, strong built- but he was also average looking. Skinny. But muscular.

A waitress had stepped out the backdoor to smoke, but once she looked over- and saw what was going on. She screamed. Of course, attracting a few more people. And then the cops. Hyne was out there in a heartbeat, she quickly grabbed Taro's arm- but he pulled away. Punched Ryan in the face one more time- and then looked to Kotone. "She needs medical help. Now." He went over and picked her up, "Call an ambulance."

"One is on the way-" Hyne breathed out, and moved a loose stran of hair away from her face. "Taro the press is going to be all over this- lets get out of here." Hyne urged, she didnt want for them to have to be bothered at a time like this. Tight before a big tour. This was horrible timing.

"No, Im staying here til she gets to the hospital, and them Im staying there." He said in a stubborn, cold- but smooth tone. He was calm. And set on what was going on. Weather Hyne liked it or not, and even if the press got involved- none of that mattered. For some reason this woman in his arms was his only focus.

I coughed and sputtered and gasped for air as his hand was ripped away from my neck. Immediately I felt my body go limp, and I began to fall to the floor. My throat felt tight, my head light and airy. My chest began to burn. Was this it? Was I going to die?

What seemed like hours later to me I gazed upward, trying to make out the blurry face hovering above me. Who was it? And why were they growing darker...darker...darker...

And they faded to black.

Kichiro had rushed out right behind Hyne, and his usually teasing attitude had completely vanished. He stood there emotionless, stood there gazing at the unconscious Kotone.

"Fuck-" he whispered under his breath, and he motioned for the cops to get Ryan out of there. They had him in handcuffs, pinned against the wall, but it was not enough. He was still struggling, still sending his peircing eyes their wayand pausing on Taro's hands-the hands that held Kotone's still form. He was yelling, screaming, trying anything to get loose.

"Don't you fucking touch her!!" he shouted, his voice dripping with venom. "I'll come after you. I'll fucking kill you, and then I'll come after her and-" In a split second he was shoved in the back of a car, still resisting with all his strength as they watched him be driven away.

"Well this isn't good," Kichiro commented lowly, and he took a small step toward Taro to inspect her. "How long does it take to get a God damned ambulance?"

The media showed up quicker then the ambulance- they were trying to get pictures, but the cops keep holding them back. Questions were being screamed out, and the poor waitress was being flooded by people. Though taro paid no mind to all of them, he just stood there until the ambulance arrived- then he fallowed it to the hospital.

Hyne frowned as she sat in the back seat next to Kichiro, and across from Taro. She watched him carefully, she'd never seen him like this before. All of this was new to her. She bit her lip, and continued to think about everything that was going on. It concerned her.

The arrived at the hospital, but no one was allowed to see her til they got her stablized- and in her room to rest. "She's still out cold, we put her in a medical coma so she can rest- just give her a few hours." The doctor informed the three. "We know to only let you three, and family in- we're keeping out the media best we can."

"Well thank God for that," Kichiro replied, and he let out a small sigh of relief. "The media is swamping the hospital. They can't enough of this." And it was true. He could just see it now. Love Triangle turns deadly: Diva Angel get's attacked by ex popstar boyfriend and is rescued by her new Prince Charming. Oh yes, they would just eat it up.

His eyes shifted over to where Taro was sitting. His expression was serious, his eyes emotionless as he stared down at one of the tiles on the floor. "He has been acting rather strangely..." he thought to himself. He looked him over for a moment before turning to the extremely anxious Hyne.

"Now, now, sweetheart. Calm yourself. You look as if you're about to faint."

Taro only paid mind to the doctor, he was ignoring the managers- as he wasnt in the mood to pay attention to thier bickering. He stared at the floor tiles once again as the doctor left, he planned to stay here until she was awake. He stood up, and left the two in the hallway as he stepped into her private bedroom.

He shut the door, and walked over to the window- and sat down in a chair as he stared outside. It was much quiter in here, good, his headache should calm down now. He glanced over at her, there were noticable marks on her neck. He looked away, and looked back outside.

Hyne blinked, she looked from Kichiro to Taro as he got up- and walked into Angels hospital room. "I cant calm my nerves in this sort of situation." Hyne grumbled, as she sat down on a bench and rubbed her temples. "I should just go back to my hotel room, and take a nice nap..." She sighed.

--A few hours later

It was dark when I finally came to, and it looked to me as if the sun had long since set. I remembered everything clearly-the face of Ryan as he attempted to squeeze the life out of me, his hands crushing my throat, me gasping for air, trying to grasp the fact that I would probably die in that God forsaken place...and then Taro's eyes, fierce with determination to save me.

How long had I been out? My eyes fluttered open, still heavy with sleep, and I scanned the room I had been brought to. I was lying in a hospital bed, no doubt about that, with all sorts of unsightly needles and tubes attatched to my body. I attempted to sit up, but I immediately winced at the pain that shot through my body. I felt like I had been hit by a truck.

"Oh, so you're awake now."

A voice startled me and I jumped, but a reassuring hand on my shoulder quickly dissolved my fears. It was Taro! I opened my mouth, but my voice caught in my throat and I ended up coughing violently. My throat! God, it burned.

((Let's just jump ahead. ^^))

Taro frowned, he hadnt ment to startle her. "Hey calm down-" He said lightly, "Take it easy." He handed her a water bottle to help her throat out. He sat back down in the chair that was beside her bed. "Your okay now. Your in the hospital- and there is secirty. This whole floor is reserved for you." He told her, reassuring that she was safe now.

"And that guy, he's locked up for now- but he could get out on bail." He commented, "So Im not going to let you leave my side." He looked away, he wasnt good at comforting people- but he was trying his best.

He could...get out?

At that moment I wasn't sure what hit me, either fear or frustraation-or maybe even a mixture of both. All I knew was that my eyes began to sting, and tears began to flow freely down my cheeks as I tried desperately to blink them away.

"Please...Please don't leave me," I cried softly, burying my face in my hands to hide my pathetic state. I was weak, vulnerable...Sobs began to rack my body and I pressed my eyes tighter against the inside of my hands. I just wanted to curl up in a little ball and disappear.

The only problem was I wanted to take Taro with me.

"Please...I know you said you wouldn't, but just promise me anyway." I lifted my gaze, my eyes red and puffy, and sniffed softly. "Please..."