A Demon's Lapse

Three months had passed, and Nora was preparing for the start of the fall semester that was the following week. The summer was calm and consisted of her just working and hanging out with Rosie. They went for walks at Golden Gate Park and around the block. They watched movies. She made sure she spent quality time with her before school started because she was going to be extremely busy. Rosie was doing well too. She recognized that Nakano wasn't a good guy and wasn't worth the worry. She decided to hold off on dating for a while since she wasn't ready. Thoughts of Kiyohira slowly left Nora's mind until he became a distant memory.

When she looked back at her time on his island, she thought of it as just a crazy adventure that no one would ever have believed her if she told them.

One evening, Nora was on her way home when she came across Gorland.

"Hey, neighbour! Just a heads up, there are some guys looking for you. I told them that you lived there so they're waiting for you," he told her as he jogged away. She grumbled, not again, her heart leapt. Could it be? She made a beeline to her place, expecting to see Matsuda like the first time but it wasn't. It was Hideyoshi and his men.

"Hello, Miss Ramírez, remember about that favour," he asked.

Nora looked at herself in the mirror while the makeup artists and stylists were dressing her up. Her hotel room window revealed the Singaporean skyline across the bay. She was getting ready to accompany Hideyoshi to a gala. A couple days earlier, when he went to her house, he explained that he needed an escort to the function. Nora wasn't comfortable inviting all these men into her house so they spoke on the street.

"It's just one night with no funny business right," she asked.

He nodded, "I promise, that's all there is. I will have you back the day after."

It seemed simple. Honestly, she just wanted to honour this favor sooner to finally sever any ties to that family. She agreed and went to tell Rosie.

As Nora was packing, Rosie sat on her bed, "Nora, are you sure about this?"

"It'll be ok, sis, I'll be back soon," she reassured her. Rosie had peeked out the window earlier and had seen Hideyoshi. She blushed to see how handsome he was.

"It's just a favour. I'm going to the event with him and then I'll return. I have to because school starts next week," she explained further. When she finished packing, they hugged tightly.

One of the stylists asked Nora to accompany her to put the ball gown on. It was an emerald green satin dress. This one seemed more expensive than the one she got when she had dinner with Kiyohira. It looked like something a princess would wear. It had matching heels and gloves. Her hair was put up in an elaborate bun with a diamond tiara. She felt like she was in a movie. She twirled around in front of a mirror, and her stylists looked at her in wonder. Her makeup was simple, so as not to distract from the dress. She wore a vibrant shade of red lipstick that complemented the dress. She thanked everyone and one of Hideyoshi's men came to fetch her.

"Master Kimura has requested your presence," he said. She nodded and followed him.

Nora and Hideyoshi took a limo downtown. The venue was being held at the Grand Hotel. The city was beautiful. The sun had just set so all the city lights shone brightly, creating a dazzling mosaic of colours. It reminded Nora of San Francisco with the lights reflecting over the bay. The hotel had bright neon purple lights cast over it, giving an ethereal appearance. Hideyoshi had told her that he wanted arm candy for this corporate fundraising event, as many wealthy and influential people would be attending. Nora scoffed internally at the thought of a bunch of rich people just throwing money at some cause they most likely didn't care about.

They had arrived, and Hideyoshi got out first to help Nora out. As she stepped out she looked at the exterior of the building in awe. It was an architectural marvel. The hotel was designed in a neoclassical style, and the pillars granted it a regal allure. This place was definitely made for high society. So many people were entering the building, all dressed for the occasion. She was nervous, not just because she had social anxiety but because she felt like she stuck out like a sore thumb. She had never been around so many wealthy people.

Hideyoshi interrupted her thoughts, "Don't worry, just follow my lead." He extended his arm to interlock it with hers. She nodded, and they proceeded inside.

The inside was just as beautiful as the outside. There was a grand staircase that led up to an atrium. The event was being held on the top floor, so they made their way to the elevators. Nora still couldn't believe that she was surrounded by such opulence. They made their way to the ballroom. It was a sight to behold. People were dancing and mingling. The air was filled with music and people chattering. The light of the chandeliers reflected off of Nora's sequins, giving her a magical glow. They walked down the staircase to join the people. Thankfully, all Nora did was follow Hideyoshi wherever he went. She didn't speak but just nodded and bowed whenever he introduced himself and her to people. They danced even though she had never danced in a ballroom before. He reassured her to just follow his lead.

Everything was going fine. Hideyoshi went to get them drinks while Nora waited. She stood by the staircase just watching everyone else. Then everyone seemed to stop what they were doing and looked at the top of the staircase. Nora wondered what all the commotion was and she too looked up. Her heart dropped at what she saw. There, at the top, stood Kiyohira. He was dressed in a well-tailored tuxedo and had perfectly styled hair. He was accompanied by several voluptuous women like the case when she first met him. She wasn't aware that he would be here. Hideyoshi didn't mention it. Kiyohira descended the stairs with his harem and his men. She saw Matsuda and was glad he was there. Kiyohira noticed Nora but he looked through her as if she were a ghost and then he turned his gaze.

Nora watched them enter the crowd and go to the center of the event. Seeing Kiyohira brought back all the feelings she thought were left behind. It was too much for her, so she scanned the room for an exit. She saw an open door to a balcony and booked it. The fresh air helped her gain some relief. She looked out into the city skyline. She wanted the night to be over. As soon as she saw Hideyoshi she would tell him that she wanted to leave.

As she looked out with her arms resting on the balustrade, a voice asked her, "What are you doing here?" She knew exactly who it was.

Kiyohira.