H       A       R       D
				    |<      O       R

				interlude Edition

		     K i m a g u r e    O r a n g e     R o a d 
				 F a n f i c t i o n

				   by Robert Kwong
				      ver 1.1
				   Finished: 1-11-99
				   Revised: 1-18-98 (fixed spelling mistakes)


Based on characters from the Kimagure Orange Road Series created by
the venerable Matsumoto Izumi.

As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure Orange
Orange Road Series. In the Prelude edition, it outlines the events following
the breakup of Hikaru and Kyousuke which sets the stage for Shin Kor and
HARD Kor series.  These stories were written in the attempt to clarify
certain details assumed and to provide clues for future Hard Kor episodes.
Book A and Book B chapters provides the events after Shin Kor I. This Book C
will attempt to bridge the gap between Shin Kor I and Shin Kor II.


HardKor Web Site (With Disclaimer and back-stories:
Prelude, Book A and Book B chapters)
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html

My SuperPage for the General Kimagure Orange Road enthusiast
http://www.animeyahoo.com

My contact email address for comments or further correspondence:
rk@soda.berkeley.edu

Feel free to email me your impressions and suggestions for the series. Beta
readers always welcome. If you want new stories emailed to you, please e-mail
me at the above address.

Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR fanfic
on the web! (32000 can't be wrong!)I hope you enjoy reading it as I did
writing it. Thanks again.
Robert Kwong
Ark Productions -98-


Legend:
-------
Akane     =  Akane  Kasuga
Kurumi    =  Kurumi Kasuga
Manami    =  Manami Kasuga

Muroke    =  Koji Muroke
Shijama   =  Shijama Zumi
Taku      =  Taku Morisaki
Shinohara =  Shinohara Asuma

Shun      =  Shun Kisaragi
Hasegawa  =  Hasegawa Kazuya


[]      - denotes scene changes
()      - indicates person thinking to himself
(**)    - indicates action or special effects.


Interlude: Chapter 9: Hospital Hijinx


Manami: Kurumi! What have you done!?

(Hasukawa is lying flat on the floor, after been knocked out by Kurumi's super
wrestling spinning kick!)

Shun: (crouching down) Suka! Suka! Wake up! Say something!

Akane: (to Shinohara) You asshole! Look at all the trouble you've caused!

Mitsuru Ikeda: (coming up the stairs) What in the devil happened here?

Shun: It's Suka sempai! He unconscious and bleeding!

Mitsuru: Don't just sit there! Go get a washcloth and bandages for his wounds!

Shun: Hai sempai! (gets up and scurries off)

Mitusru:  I'm going to get a doctor!
Out of the way, out of the way...

Muroke: Manami-san! I-I-I...

Manami: (mad!) You men are really terrible! I never imagined it took an
incident like this to let me see the light! There's nothing more I can say.
Let's go Kurumi!

Kurumi: But I can't leave now...

Manami: You've done enough damage for one day. Let us go while we can. (grabs
her hand and yanks her off)

Kurumi: Woah Manami! You're stronger than I gave you credit for. But aren't we
going to wait for Akane?

Manami: She can do whatever she wants with those huligans. But I don't want to
be a party to this violence.

(the twins exit out)

Shinohara: Your support is dwindling, as I predicted.

Akane: (clenched fist) Kuso! Is that all you can say, you heartless bastard?

Shinohara: (folds his hands and turns his head in indifference) Should I care
for this incompetant admin? Better he than me.

(*SLAP*)

Shun: HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT! He gave up his dream to save this place! What an
ungrateful fool you are!

Shinohara:  Humph! Lucky you for I don't strike girls, even close
facimiles. (sneers at akane before he walks away)

Akane: (with a twinkle in his eyes) Wow! You really set him in his place. What
a display!

Shun: Don't be too impressed; I was only doing my duty as an RA to set people
like him straight. He clearly crossed the line wrestling with you.
Unfortunately, in kicking in his legs to avoid the incoming blow from that
brown-haired lady, I inadvertantly lefted Suka out to dry. I'm so sorry Suka!

Akane: You mean you did that also? Wow! You helped me twice in one day. Can I
help here?

Shun: If you like. Give me a hand moving him over.

Akane: O.K. (gives thumbs up)

Muroke: I can help too.

Shun: No. You boys are in enough trouble as it is. I'm imposing a curfew on
all of you effectively immediately until further notice. In the meantime,
return to your rooms. Let's go Miss --

Akane: Call me Akane!

Shun: I have this strange feeling that we've met before.

Akane: Umm, we could have. Let's get your friend squared away first.

[At Narita Airport]

(Kyosuke, clean shaven and showered, sits in the visiting area, waiting for
Madoka.)

PA System: Flight 423 from San Francisco will be arriving 10 minutes.

(Kyosuke in a daydream back to his dinner with Aso Tamaki)

Aso: As I was saying...

Kyosuke: (*Ahem*) I believe you have been avoiding my question all night.

Aso: Moi? I have? What question would that be?

Kyosuke: (smiles) A very simple question which you have been skirting. Why did
you want to be a reporter? If you don't want to tell me, I understand.
But leaving me twisting in the wind in doubt isn't very appealing to me.

Aso: (smiles back, as she takes a big gulp of her sake, as her cup dangles a
few inches from her chin) I might be persuaded to reveal that fact. But I
would need something from you in return.

Kyosuke: You do? What might you want from me?

Aso: A consideration of a proposal. Not too much to ask.

Kyosuke: Sure. I'll listen to anything. After you've spilled the beans.

Aso: You are partially to blame for this.

Kyosuke: Honto? How so?

Aso: Your experience in Bosnia. It triggered a memory I had as a child.
I remember as a child, watching the daily reports by this woman field
reporter. She was reporting on the Vietnam war. It struck me at the time as
the oddest sight, to see a Japanese woman correspondent there. Why was she
there? This wasn't our war. Why should we care? Why was she risking her life
in covering this? I didn't understand at that time. That question lingered
within me for years.

Kyosuke: So it was based on that experience.

Aso: It is. Then came a particular day which brought everything into
perspective. We had a high school ceremony honoring the memory of those who
had perished or suffered from the first atomic bomb drop on Hiroshima. Then I
understood why that reporter was there...what it meant to be a reporter.

Kyosuke: And that would be?

Aso: To report the truth of both sides and be honest with oneself. To not let
politics or personal views influence the way the news is presented. At least
that is what being a good reporter means to me.

Kyosuke: That sounds very noble of you. Thank you for sharing that with me.

Aso: I have a personal question of my own for you, if I may ask.

Kyosuke: Go ahead. You've already done a masterful job of slipping in a lot of
questions to me already.

Aso: (smiles) I am curious. What was your reason for going to
Bosnia, amid the civil war unrest ? Did you have any ties in the region at
all?

Kyosuke: No. None what so ever.

Aso. The nwas it a search for the truth for you as well?

Kyosuke: Perhpas it was. Perhaps it was a crazy stunt on my part. Frankly I
don't know what ever possessed me to go in the first palce. There was a
series of events which triggered my decision to go there. Perhaps, one day, I,
like you will realize my true intention, whether it be altruistic or selfish.

Aso: Perhaps the first step in finding out would be to join our small outfit.

Kyosuke: Excuse me? Are you offering me a position?

Aso: Yes. That was the proposition I was referring to. Given that you
don't have a full-time salary-man job yet, and that you yearn for flexible
hours, I thought you might be interested in a segway. To be the photography
and camera-person for our small cable tv outfit. That is, if you don't think
it is beneath you. As you mentioned previously, you have worked up in the big
studios of TTV Studios. Is this beneath you?

Kyosuke: No,no! It's not that. I wasn't expecting this at this juncture.

Aso: Perhaps you're waiting for a another serious of events to let you decide
this? Hmmm?

Kyosuke: Maybe so. I give it some thought.

Aso: Yokata. Now let's not waste this good sake. (points to huge bottle)
Kanpai!

Kyosuke: Kumpai!


[At the hospital]
(Hasukawa is lying in bed, with his brother and his brother's wife talking
with the doctor)

Kazuhiro Hasukawa: How is he doc?

Doctor: And you are?

Kazuhiro: I'm his older brother.

Doctor: The patient has suffered a mild concussion as a result of his injury.

Sumire Hasukawa: Is that serious?

Doctor: No, it is not life-threatening. Nonetheless, to be on the cautious
side, I like for him to stay a few days so I can perform some more tests.

Kazuhiro: If that is what you advise.

Sumire: When will he wake up ?

Doctor: It's difficult to gauge, but for your reassurance, he is not in a coma.
I believe he needs for his body to regain his strength. That's another reason
why I want him to stay longer. His body is in a greatly weakened state, as if
he hasn't slept for days. In time, he will wake on his own power.

Sumire: (places her hands together) Yu-ka-ta!

Doctor: To aid me, I was wondering if you can give me more insight on how he
received his current injury. It seems this patient has had a long medical
history.

Kazuhiro: (puts his hand behind his head and laughs) Yes, that. I believe his
roommate mentioned that he was "accidentally" whipped kicked in the face. And
my brother does have a streak of bad luck getting injured.

Doctor: Is that so? I'll keep that in mind. If you will excuse me...


[At XYZ Studios]

"Ryu-hon. You were looking for me?"

Ryusei: Yes Nagasi. I've been going over the books these past 3 months and
have been a strange transfusion of funds which cannot be accounted for.

Nagasi: Oh that! Isn't nothing you should worry about. 20,000,000 yen is no
biggie.

Ryusei: Is that how much you've been siphoning off?

Nagasi: Sure. You did say I could reward myself any which way.

Ryusei: That I did say. That would explain your sudden performance. But it is
very unfortunate you used the company's funds for your own personal pleasure.
This will look very suspicious should an audit occur.


Nagasi: Ah, you worry too much for your own good.

Ryusei: Having to worry about the "company" is my job. As such, you have
caused me a great deal of trouble to fix the books.

Nagasi: Oh, come on ryu-baby. You know I have expensive habits. I was a little
tied up with my own cards so I decided to "borrow" some.

Ryusei: Now, it has to stop here. No more pilfering from the company money.

Nagasi: But that's no fair! I had other plans. You promised!

Ryusei: It seems that promise has been long fulfilled. Don't do this again. Do
you understand?

Nagasi: Fine. Be a cruel-hearted miser.

[Back to the hospital]

(Shun and Mitsuru come in)

Shun: What is his condition? Is he going to be alright.

Kazuhiro: Of course man. He's my brother, tough as nails. Whenever he's
suffering, I can feel his pain. (clutches his heart as if in a play)

Mitsuru: Man, aren't you the funny one. No wonder he got ulcers.

Shun: Has he woken yet?

Kazuhiro: Not yet.

Shun: What? Suka still asleep?

Kazuhiro: Yep. Got me worried too. It's been a day and half since he got
knocked out.

Shun: Doesn't look good.

Suka: (murmuring in sleep) Semapi....'rashi.

Kazuhiro: He has been mumbling in his sleep every so often.

Mitsuru: This calls for a divine diagnosis.

Shun: You?

Mitsuru: I am the spirit doctor! Stand aside a few steps and allow me to
perform my magic.

(whips out a stick out his garb and starts chanting a mantra. After doing some
funny hand motions, he just tilts his head sideways right next to Hasukawa's
face.

Hasukawa: (softly utters) Iga...Igarashi.

Mitusur: (snaps to attention) Ah ha!

Shun: What is it? You found out something.

Mitsuru: (casually) Of course! He suffering from a a case of the love blues.

Shun: Honto? You don't mean that girl?

Mitsuru: Yes, that girl: Miya Igarashi.

Shun: I'm so surprised. Suka certainly gave us all the impression that he was
over her.

Mitsuru: That would be our tortured friend; alwyas hiding and bottling up his
real feelings for the sake of others. Don't you agree? I remember that day...

(*begin flashback at ryokurin ryo*)

Shun: Got your mail for you Suka! This looks like a hot one.

(holds up a pink colored envelope)

Hasukawa: Give me that. Oh! (blushes)

Shun: I'll get some tea for you.

(In the hallway)

Shun: Hi sempai!

Mitusur: Oh hiya Shun-chan. what's up?

Shun: Not much. Suka got a love letter from his girlfriend.

Mitsuru: Is that so? I'm glad for the little bugger. But I would never have
expected for the likes of those 2 to cross together. I know Miya and she can
be a mean, stubborn, bull-headed girl. Humph.  I was wrong. Maybe it'll work for
them after all.Eh, you and Hasukawa going to join that new program?

Shun: Sure we will! It was Suka's brilliant idea in the first place to save our
Greenwood home from demolition. If he doesn't stay, the whole plan will fall
apart. Besides, we're attending colleges in Tokyo, so certinaly it's a good
deal for the both of us.

Mitusuru: Things do happen, so if you do need a place to stay, both of you are
welcome to shack up at the temple.

Shun: Thanks sempai!

(Hasukawa walks out with letter loosely in hand, looking very morbid)

Shun: Suka! What's wrong? You lok so pale.

Hasukawa: I'm not feeling well now. Maybe because I was just dumped by
Igarashi-san.

Shun: What? That can't be...

Hasukawa: I'm afraid so.

Shun: Oh gawd, you must be so deveastated. Is there anything I can do?

Hasukawa: That's ok. (slight laugh) I was kind of expecting something like
this might happen in the back of my head and I guess now it's come true. No
big deal. Maybe with our diverse backgrounds and temperment, it wasn't meant
to work out. At least, now I know where I stand with her in our ended
relationship. I'll be taking a walk now. See you two in a bit. Ja.

Shun: Wait Suka! You dropped...

(picks up letter, but he has already left)

Shun: Wow, that's such a major crusheer!

Mitsuru: Something's seems fishy. (takes letter from Shun and reads it)

Shun: Sempai! You're not suppose to be reading that.

Mitsuru: Ah, as I suspected.

Shun: Now what?

Mitsuru: This is Miya's handwriting...

Shun: (pratfall) Is that all?

Mitsuru: No, I know from my experience with her that she's not the
letter-writing type. It is so unlike her. If she was going to end things with
him, she would have done so in person.

Shun: Then why didn't she?

Mitsuru: That, I'll have to find out.

(*end flashback*)

Shun: Yeah, I remember that. But a lot of things happened after that, with you
moving off to the temple and what happened to poor Shinobu-sempai. The events
seem like a blur to me. So what did you find out?

Mitsuru: Nothing much. That's because she wasn't living there anymore.

Shun: She moved?

Mitusuru: Yes. I smoozd it up with the new occupants. They moved somewhere in
the Kyoto region.

Shun: That's strange. Why didn't she tell him.

Mitsuru: Don't you see? It makes perfect sense. If she was moving away, she
wouldn't want him to com after her. He probably told her about the rescue plan
for Greenwood.

Shun: Ohh....I get it.

Kazuhiro: I don't. Who is the Miya Igarashi girl you're talking about?

(door swings a bit as if it was accidentally kicked)

Shun: Hey, who's outside?

(rushes out to see a figure just turn the corner)


[At the Shin ABCB]

(Hatta is furiously drawing again. 'Izzy' is as usual dozing on the bar
counter)

(Komatsu is exiting from the bathroom)

Komatsu: Ahh...that felt good. How are we doing pal?

Hatta: (pencil in his mouth) I'm getting there. Why is it like this every
month?

Komatsu: Deadlines, deadlines. Gotta keep the money flowing. Holiday season is
coming up and we're going to charge up a storm!

(Master appears)

Komatsu: Hello Master! You're here today.

Master: Yes. Today is my turn to mend this "shop."

Hatta: Whose the postcard from?

Master: Hikari-chan.

Komatsu: Hon-to? (folds his hands together and brings it up to his chin in a
loving way) She is so kawaii!

Hatta: And a major fox too!

Komatsu: (clutches his heart mockingly) Oh, how my poor heart pines at her
divine, hot gorgeousness!

Hatta: Do you get postcards from her often?

Master: No. This is the first one ever since she traveled back. I believe she
might have sent postcards to my old shop location.

Komatsu: So what did her loveliness have to say?

Master: She said she was fine and hope everyone was ok as well.

Komatsu: Oh, how boring. I guess I'll go for her beauty instead of her brains.

Master: Oh, she did mention that she did a tryout for another play in town and
is one of the finalists.

"Who is she?"

Hatta: You're awake?

Izzy: I'm half awake, half drunk. You're speakin' to my drunk side now.

Komatsu: Hikaru? She's one of the hottest chicks you're ever meet. Heard she
was even the lead in that play before she left.

Izzy: My play? Must have been something special. Please me tell me more
about her.

Hatta: If you heard her life story, you certainly can whip out a fancy drama
out of it.

Izzy: Ok. But tell me later. I feel like sleepin' some more. (heads falls back
down on the counter again)

[At Waseda College]

Akane: Girls! Guess what I got!

Manami: Ummm a piece of paper?

Akane: Not just that. It is a formal challenge from our arch enemies at that
boy's club hoarding house!

Kurumi: So what does it say.

Akane: They've apparently now call themselves the "Greenwood Gang". What a
stupid name. And they have the audacity to make a challenge to our women's
group!

Manami: So what is the challenge?

Akane: It says to meet at this hospital to hear the declaration, face to face,
if we're "man enough. Ooh! That really boils my blood.

Manami: So what are we going to do?

Akane: Easy. We're going to go and beat 'em up. Every last one of them. I'm
not letting them off so easily.


[Madoka and Kasuga in her car, driving back]

Madoka: So, how are things here?

Kyosuke: They're ok. Cleaned up the house.

Madoka: Really? Did you just do it a few hours ago.

Kyosuke: Uh huh.

Madoka: (giggle) That's my Kasuga-kun.

Kyosuke: So, how are your parents enjoying their new home in Seattle.

Madoka: They're fine. You know them. They get bored very easily, so they
travel all around the United States where they are currently performing and
buy a place there.

Kyosuke: So that's where you get your moodiness from.

Madoka: Hey, better watch what you say around a lady. Especially when she's
driving.

Kyosuke: What I meant to say was that from the light reddish blush on
your cheeks to the fiery red ruby on your hand, it is all symbolic of the
fire and passion you exude. That's what makes you so special.

Madoka: Good make-up line. You definitely becoming a better smooth-talker
Kasuga. So...did anything interesting happen to you while I was gone?

Kyosuke: As a matter of fact, something did. I'll tell  you on the way back.


[The next day]

(On a Friday Afternoon)

(Muroke walking back by himself)

Muroke: (*sigh*) Been pretty quiet around the place lately. Shijama gone late
afterschool again, and Taku-san finishing up his astrometric studies, and with
most of the admins gone to see Hasukawa-san, there hasn't been much action.
Well good! Ever since I've been to Tokyo working for Haroken-san and then
staying at this zany boarding house, there's been nothing but bizarre things
happen. It's time to have some peace and quiet for me. Yes, I deserve it. I
need to rest up for the upcoming December finals.

(A white Lincoln pulls up)

"Yo man! What's happening?"

Muroke: Kaori? What are you doing here?

"Hop in! Let's go for a spin around the block."

Muroke: No, I really shouldn't. I have to study. And who's driving?

"Your bestest friend."

Muroke: #1! Now I know something is up if both of you are here.

Kaori: Yeah, yeah. Now stop being a twerp and get into the limo! (grabs him by
the shirt collar and slings him in!)

Muroke: H-H-Hey! This is kidnapping!


[At the hospital]

(The twins and Akane wandering around)

Akane: Where the hell are we?

Kurumi: Why did we have to come here? I hate hospitals!

Manami: Why the sudden tirade? I never knew you hated hospitals.

Kurumi: Gives me the creeps.

Akane: Is this the west wing?

Kurumi: Cause.

Manami: Cause what?

Akane: You two aren't helping.

Manami: We're having a sisterly discussion, if you don't mind. (to Kurumi) Now
please tell me.

Kurumi: You know. It all started with oniichan's car accident about 3 years
ago. Ever since then, I hated going to the hospitals. With all these sick
people in here, it just...just...

Manami: makes you feel sick?

Kurumi: Yeah. I mean, not sick, but just weak and vulnerable. Like I'm not
indestructible or immune to the sicknesses or diseases all those poor people
are suffering from. That's why I don't like hanging around here. Does it make
sense to you?

Manami: Yes, it certainly does. But I'm here. (puts a hand on her shoulder)
We're twins after all.

Kurumi: Good. I'm glad we have each other to turn to when we need it.
Hospitals bring back a lot of bad memories for me.

Akane: Baka! I think we've been suckered again!

"What are you girls doing here?"

(They look back and see Shun Kisaragi staring from there behind a door)

Akane: Oh, Kisaragi-san! It's you. I didn't recognize you at first.

Shun: Did you come by to visit poor Suka?

Manami: Suka?

Shun: Yeah, the guy that one of you knocked out a few days ago.

Kurumi: (raises her hand) I was the one!

Akane: (edges her with her elbow) No need to be so forthright.

Kurumi: She asked!

Manami: So the poor person who was mistakened injured by my sister is here?

Shun: Yes, but alas, he still hasn't woken up yet. It's been 3 days now and
we're all getting worried. I had to coax his brother to go home and get some
rest. It's so kind of you all to come and visit.

Akane: Why don't you two go in first while I buy Kisaragi-san some coffee.

Shun: There's really no need to do that.

Akane: Come on. It's my treat and you look like you need a break.

Shun: But I...

Akane: I insist! (She grabs his hand!)

Kurumi: Gawd, isn't it a little wierd between Akane and that girl Shun?

Manami: I'll say. Strange for her to be in a house in a den of boys. Well
shall we go in then?

Kurumi: Yep.

(They enter the room)

Kurumi: Hey...I've seen you before...It's you!

(They see Mitsuru Ikeda inside!)

Manami; You're the guy from the temple!
//referring to Book A series during Madoka's birthday

Kurumi: Wow, you're still the hunkmeister!

Manami: Kurumi!

Mitsuru: I don't believe I've made your acquaintance before...

Manami; Actually, we did meet back in late May for a tea ceremony held at
Ikeda Temple.

Mitsuru: Ah yes. How could I forget the faces of 2 pretty ladies such as
yourselves.

Kurumi: Wow! Sweet talker too.

Mitsuru: But curious for you two to show up here. Are you friends of Hasukawa
as well?

Manami; Well, no. Not really. In actuality, the only reason we came here is...

Kurumi; because I accidentally knocked him out. I thought it was a light blow.
Gomen. (bows) Are you his friend?

Mitsuru: Yes, and one of his mentors too. Yes, Hasukawa always did have a
frail, weak body. I always told him to do more exercise, but he would never
listen.

Kurumi: Yeah, I know what you mean. I have a oniichan who is lazy like hell.
But unlike him, I keep myself in peak physical condition.

Mitsuru: Maybe you can say a few words of encouragement for him.

Kurumi: Sure. (comes up to the bed). Umm, what is his name again?

Mitusru: Hasukawa Kazuya.

Kurumi: Hasukawa-san. I'm awfully sorry for beating you up like this and
getting you in the hospital. I hope you recover soon.

Hasukawa: (still asleep but mumbling) I forgive you, Igarashi. Please don't
leave me again.

(He grabs a hold of Kurumi's arm!)

(*SLAP!*)

Manami: What are you doing Kurumi!?

Kurumi: He touched me!

Mitsuru: You did it!

Kurumi: Did what?

Mitsuru: You woke him up!

Hasukawa: Oww! (rubs his cheek) Why'd you hit me Igarashi?

Kurumi: Who are you calling Igarashi?

Hasukawa: You're not Igarashi? (rubs his eyes) Oh my! Who are you?

Mitsuru: She's the girl who beat you up and who just woke you up.

Kurumi: Will someone tell me what's going on here?

Mitusuru: You're right. In an uncanny way, she does sound like Miya.

(As Akane and Shun are walking back to Hasukawa's hospital room, they see
Shinohara, hair down, blocking the door.)

Akane: You!


[Back in New York]

(At Shuri's apartment, where she is bummed out at not making the tryout.)

Shuri: (looks at herself in the mirror) Life sucks. Life really sucks. Shit, I
feel like going back to Japan, but then I don't want to face the pressure from
my in-laws again. Look at me. I'm so fat...why am I so fat? Why
can't I have a small, petite body like Hikaru? Why do I have to be big and
bulky? Why? (blows at her hair) Hikaru. Sometimes, I wonder. She has all the
luck. Even went out with a cool guy. (glances at the Kyosuke portrait) Why
can't I meet a guy like that?

(*Knock knock*)

Shuri: Door's open. Come in.

"You should keep your doors locked. New York can be a very dangerous place."

Shuri: Sure can. What can I do for...(jaw drops) I know you! You're that star!
Anita Brussel! I, I, I'm so shocked!

"Don't be. I get that all the time."

Shuri: I can't believe it! Anita Brussel at my doorstep. I can't wait to tell
everyone about that!

"I preferred that you don't do that."

Shuri: Of course, of course. Miss Brussel. I know you've got a reputation to
protect. Want to avoid all those scandalous tabloids. I completely understand.
Where are my manners? Please sit down. Let me get you something to drink.

"No, nothing for me now."

Shuri: Wow! This is so amazing! You know that you've been my idol ever since I
came to the big Apple.

"Yes, I'm flattered, but that is not why I came here to see you."

Shuri: Then what?

"I have a proposition to make for you to fulfill your dreams."

[End of Chapter]