Vito had just finished his warm-up with his teammates before their baseball game, when he decided to stop by the refreshments' stand. He spotted a group and recognized some of the students he was in charge with Camelia, but she was not there. As he was approaching, he understood that Haru noticed him and informed Suki, because she looked in his direction. Toshiro, turned himself to face him too.

Vito: What are you guys doing here?

Toshiro: Camelia went to look for you, and she asked us to wait here.

Cheng: So, we were talking.

Vito: With those kids?

Doris: Eh! I'm here too!

Vito: Hum... I don't think those two have a lot of things to talk to with you.

Toshiro: Why not? I think we have more things in common that with any of you.

Vito: Why? Because they are half-Asian? (He chuckled.)

Toshiro: Yes. It's always good to see someone with the same roots.

Vito: You are way more talkative today... I didn't expect that from you. (He stared at him.)

Doris: Vito, you can't blame them for trying to talk with other people.

Vito: I don't blame anyone, I'm just curious. We are starting a quick baseball game in 3 sets. Are you in?

Cheng: I'm not really accustomed to play baseball...

Vito: And you, Toshiro? Do you want to compete, or do you prefer to play dinette with the kids?

Toshiro: Why not... I haven't played lately, but I can still throw a ball.

Vito: Great, I can't wait to see what you can do! (He nodded toward the field.) You should go and warm up, we're starting in 5 minutes.

Cheng: I'm okay to participate but don't expect too much from me.

Doris: Guys, I will go with them for few minutes! (They left.)

Suki: Vito... do you want water? (She handed him a bottle that he took.)

Vito: Thanks... Aditi, are you not going to watch the game?

Aditi: I think I'm going to join Camelia. (She answered, shyly.) If the boys are going to play, we can do something else with Javier and Claire. (She left after smiling to the two youngers.)

Vito: (He looked at Suki with a deep gaze.) Those two guys, what did they really want?

Suki: (She stared at him few seconds.) Nothing special, just talk, I guess... your classmate introduced them to us.

Vito: So, it was just because of your origins?

Haru: Yes.

Vito: You don't need to be friendly with them, just because they are Asian. In two weeks, they will be gone.

Suki: Why... (He glared at her.)

Vito: Because I tell you! (He left, mumbling.)

Suki: Why... is he angry?

Haru: Why Vito is Vito? (He smiled and she giggled.) I'm wondering who will win their game... you know, baseball is pretty popular in Japan and Korea. It's one of the only sports that I like to watch.

Suki: Really? We can go take a look when Doris will be back.

Haru: Yes, if she comes back in time, I kind off want to see who is going to win... your brother seemed to want to challenge Toshiro and Cheng.

Suki: I think Vito likes too much to show how strong he is...

Haru: Yes, the typical alpha male...

They both laughed before displaying some more bottles on the table. Some groups came to have a refreshment and after 10 minutes, Doris was back with one of her friends. As the two teenage girls were talking, Suki asked Doris if they could let her manage the stand for a moment while they go to see Vito's baseball game.

The young girl couldn't really say no as long as the little girl used her brother as a reason. The two friends promised to not be gone for too long. Doris told them that it was alright, that her friend will stay with her.

Suki and Haru took few bottles with them to distribute to those that needed water near the field. They found a free spot near the first base.

The game had already started but it was still the first set. Vito's team was defending. Cheng and Toshiro were in the other team with one guy from the baseball team of the school. There was 2 more teams in wait to play the second game and also some students that came only to watch. When Vito's team went at the attack, Toshiro was in charge of throwing the ball and everyone could see that he was skilled.

Haru: Whoua... Toshiro is good... he must play in Japan since a long time. His ball arrives really fast.

Suki: (She looked at Haru.) Really? It's a good thing?

Haru: If the batter cannot return the ball, they will never mark. I wonder how your brother will react if he loses that game.

Suki: I'm pretty sure, not well. He will probably yell at everyone.

The complicity between the two best friends was clearly visible now. Suki was totally natural with Haru, and the young boy opened up more too since he knew her.

As predicted by Haru, Vito's team was not able to score a point at the end of the first set. Suki's brother was not the only one annoyed by that result. One of his friends in the team was already complaining.

After one minute, the two teams changed their position. Cheng was the first batter, and he miraculously succeed at touching the ball. He run as much as he could but was eliminate at the first base by Vito, who showed his best mocking smile.

Cheng: That's mean, Vito. I told you I'm not good at baseball.

Vito: Life is unfair dude!

Cheng: You're too serious for just a school's game.

Vito: It seems that I am not the only one serious about that game!

Of course, Vito was mentioning Toshiro. The game continued and the second set ended. Vito's team was behind by 2 points. The two teams took a short break and Suki's brother, who had seen the two children coming earlier, approached. The little girl naturally handed him a bottle of water. He took it and finished half of it in one sip.

Vito: What are you doing here?

Haru: We just wanted to take a look at the game... I like baseball.

Vito: You? (He looked at him from head to toe.) Hum... I thought that you were the new cheerleaders for those guys!

Suki: No... (She looked at him a bit annoyed.)

Vito: Don't create troubles, I have no time to monitor you!

Once again, Vito left just like he came. The students near the two children were whispering about the little girl and her brother's relationship. Suki tried to not pay attention to them.

As the weather was pretty nice and the boys were doing sports, most of them were only wearing a t-shirt during the game. Vito had lifted up his sleeves already short, showing his well build upper arms. The tattoo on his right arm was visible but he didn't seem to care. But there was one teenager that was still wearing his sweater, Toshiro. Even if he was sweating, he didn't take it off. He was ready to throw the ball to the first batter. His gaze was serious.

With his baseball abilities, Toshiro eliminated the first two players. The third one was able to hit the ball and ran until the second base. He was a sporty guy, and he wanted to win, just like his teammates. It was now at Vito's turn to be the batter, and his gaze was clearly showing his will to destroy his opponent.

The young man missed the first ball and the little smile that appeared on Toshiro's face angered him. He closed his eyes a second and put all his senses in alert, as if he was in a training mission with Gianni. Even if there was people around, a heavy silence took place before Toshiro threw the ball.

Suki: Ah! (She covered her mouth with her hands, shocked.)

Vito: Argh... what the fu**!!! (He threw away the bat.) Damn... are you stupid!! (He held his left arm and had a murderous gaze.)

Vito's teammate: Vito... are you okay? Toshiro, dude, you screw up!

Toshiro: (He stayed at his spot.) Sorry...

Vito: I don't give a fu** about your sorry! You targeted my head!

Toshiro had missed his throw. Thanks to his reflexes, Vito had protected himself with his arm, but the hit was strong enough to already show a big bruise. Even for him, it was really painful.

Toshiro: It was not on purpose...

Vito's teammate: You should go to the infirmary... we will find someone to take your place.

Vito: It's not necessary. It's the last round and as he made a fault, I gain the first base automatically. Do the necessary to do a homerun so we can win that stupid match!

Vito walked toward the first base, but he kept his dark eyes on the Japanese student. Just moving a little his arm was painful.

Haru: Your brother must be in pain...

Suki: (She looked at him.) Why does he continue?

Haru: I don't know... he is maybe too proud to abandon.

Suki: He is too careless... it could cause more damages.

Haru: I don't think that he would listen to anyone right now.

Suki: He is too stubborn.

The match started again but unfortunately, the next batter was eliminated too, and it was now time for Toshiro's team to be at the bat. Vito went to his spot, and he grimaced more than once when he had to move. The boy from the school baseball team easily hit the ball and score one more point with his homerun.

The match quickly ended, and with that, the second team was victorious. Cheng was happy to win that type of game for the first time and he thanked his new friend, Toshiro, for his valuable participation. Vito and his teammates were annoyed and as soon as the game was over, the young man left the field. Suki couldn't resist to follow him, so Haru followed too.

Vito: (He felt their presence.) What the hell do you want?!

Suki: Are you okay? Do you need help or something?

Vito: (He stopped and turned to face them.) Are you a doctor? No! So, give me a break, I don't want to see your stupid face right now!

Suki stared at him without saying anything. She was hurt and somehow, she felt stupid to be worried for him. Vito kept his deep gaze on the little girl few seconds before leaving. Haru was sorry for his best friend.

Haru: Suki... don't mind him, he...

Toshiro: Your brother is... special...

The two children startled at Toshiro's silent arrival in their back. The young man smiled to them, but the situation was awkward.

Toshiro: Sorry, I didn't want to scare you. I wanted to apologize once again to your brother, but he doesn't seem ready to listen to me... or to anyone else, I guess.

Suki: I don't think that I can be of help for this... (She smiled, a bit embarrassed that he could have heard Vito's way of talking to her.)

Haru: Suki, we should go back to the stand, Doris must be waiting for us.

Suki: You're right. Sorry, we have to go back. As for Vito, I'm sure that he knows that it was an accident, don't worry too much. (She handed him one of the bottle of water that she got.) You want it?

Toshiro: (In Japanese.) Thank you so much. You are way more kind that your brother.

Suki: (In Japanese.)Have a good day.

Suki was pleasantly surprised that Toshiro spoke in Japanese with her. It made that discussion less uncomfortable. She lightly bowed to him, then she left with Haru.

Haru: What did he say?

Suki: He thanked me and said that I was kinder that Vito.

Haru: Clearly two opposite side of a coin... (He smiled.) He showed us, once again, his bad character. (They joined Doris.)

Doris: You're back? So? Vito's team won?

Suki shook her head and Doris didn't ask much. Miss Paris arrived with a teacher, and she asked if everything was alright. She was glad that the event was running well. They brought with them drinks for the stand and quickly left to check the other students.

The afternoon continued without incident. After his baseball match, Vito didn't participate in any other sports. In fact, he wanted to stay far from the general hustle, so he went to the infirmary to have his arm treated and rest at a quiet place.

When the school day eventually came to the end, Suki wished a good weekend to her best friend and walked toward the car that was waiting for her. She was surprised to see Gabriel.

Suki: Onii-san... (She smiled.) I didn't know that you would pick me up. (She sat on the passenger seat.)

Gabriel: I finished work earlier than planned. Everything went well at school? Nothing special happened during that sports event?

Suki: With Haru, we only distributed drinks... but...

Gabriel: But? (He looked at her with the same beautiful eyes.)

Suki: It's not about me... don't worry, but Vito... he was hit by a ball during the baseball match...

Gabriel: Is it serious enough for you to mention it?

Suki: He protected his head with his arm, but it still seemed really painful.

Gabriel: (He looked at the students coming out of the school.) You want to wait until he comes out to be sure he is fine?

Suki: No... I mean, if he knows that I told you everything, he will not be happy... so please, don't say anything.

Gabriel: Suki, you're not reporting a crime that your brother could have done, you are just worried for his wellbeing. Let's wait a moment, and when we are sure that he is completely fine, we can leave and I will not tell him that I am aware of that incident, okay?

Suki nodded and Gabriel smiled. Despite Vito's awful behavior with her, he was proud that she was still concerned about him.

After 2 minutes, Vito passed the school gate with Mary at his side. The young man was showing a smile while talking to her but just by looking at him few seconds, Gabriel understood that his younger brother was injured. He was doing his best to not move his left arm.

Gabriel: I'm calling him. (He smiled to Suki and called Vito.) Vito, I'm in front of your school to bring Suki home, do you need a lift?

Vito: No... why are you asking me... that little snitch told you, right?

Gabriel: Don't force me to come out of the car to teach that little mouth of yours to use appropriate words, dear brother.

Vito: (He sighed.) It's nothing and I'm hanging out with Mary, so keep your free time for your little protégé... Bye! (He cut the call.)

Gabriel: That idiot... (He looked at Suki.) I guess we can go home.

Suki: He was angry?

Gabriel: Vito is always angry... late stage of puberty!

Gabriel chuckled and started his car. Suki looked by the window at Vito and Mary, they were walking toward Vito's car.

The two siblings talked mostly about school on their way home. Then, Suki had a snack and Gabriel stayed with her in the kitchen. Mrs Maria was also there.

Gabriel: Mrs Maria, do you have plan for this weekend?

Mrs Maria: Yes, we are celebrating my sister-in-law's birthday this weekend. My husband and my daughter are coming in few minutes, and we are going directly, it's at New Haven.

Gabriel: That's sound great. You should have taken 2 or 3 days to enjoy more time with your family.

Mrs Maria: Everyone is busy with work, so the weekend will be enough, and my daughter has school on Monday. And you? (She looked at Suki.) You maybe have something planned with Miss Suki?

Gabriel: (He smiled.) Not yet, but if Suki wants to go somewhere, I will be honored to go with her. (Suki smiled to him.)

Mrs Maria: (She received a notification.) Oh... I have to go, have a good weekend and Mr Gabriel, take care of our little Miss!

Gabriel: Sure, and ask your husband to be careful on the road.

Suki: Have a good weekend, Mrs Maria. (She left with a smile.)

Gabriel: So? My sweet little sister wants to do something with her brother?

Suki: In fact,... with Haru, we wanted to see an Arts exposition. There is a gallery on the same building of the music academy, so, if you have time one day... can you go there with us?

Gabriel: (He smiled.) Of course, I can. What about tomorrow?

Suki: Really? (He nodded.) I can ask Haru if he is free and confirm to you after my piano lesson?

Gabriel: My day is reserved for you.

Suki: Thank you, Onii-san. (She stood up.) I have to go and prepare my lesson before Mrs Lawrens' arrival.

Gabriel was glad to see his little sister leaving with a bright smile. He left the kitchen to sit more comfortably in the living room. He switched on the television to watch the news.

The young man received a text message from Dante. He was on his way back from the airport; he picked up their cousin, Dominico. The young man was back from a last-minute trip to Los Angeles, where he went few days ago. He was going back to Italy at the end of the next weekend, after fixing all the businesses he had planned.

After few minutes, Mrs Lawrens arrived and one of the guard guided her to the library, where Suki was waiting for her. After 30 minutes, Vito was already back.

Gabriel: Vito... were you not on date with your girlfriend?

Vito: Change of plan... I'm tired, it was a long and exhausted week.

Gabriel: And your arm? Did you have it treat?

Vito: Except put pomade, there is nothing to do.

Gabriel: Show me. (He stood up.)

Vito: Why... It's nothing... (Gabriel's look made him show his arm.)

Gabriel: That guy didn't miss you.

Dante: Who beat your ass? (He just entered with Dominico.)

Vito: No one! Baseball accident... one of those nerds doesn't know how to throw a ball.

Dominico: (He stopped near Vito.) He knows enough to do that to you.

Vito: It will disappear in few days... Can I go to my room now?

Gabriel: Put pomade on it too after your shower.

Vito: Yeah, yeah... (He quickly went upstairs.)

Gabriel: Welcome back, how was LA?

Dominico: Great. Deal signed, beautiful women, nice beaches.

Dante: Did you go there for work of holidays?

Dominico: When you're good at your job, you can do both, cousin!

Dominico went to refresh himself while the two Smith brothers opted for a drink. That quiet moment was needed after a week of work. Their father was having one last commitment tonight, a charity gala organized by a magazine and the head of the family decided to go alone. He knew that his sons were not big fans of that type of events. In the past, Valentina was the one going with him, but it was the past.

Currently, the witch, as named by Dante, was living a nightmare in a dirty cell of an old building. She was barely holding on her life, sure that Salvatore would forgive her, but the mafia boss already considered her dead.

On Suki's side, her lesson went well. After Mrs Lawrens' departure, she went to her bedroom to take a shower and wear comfortable clothes. Then she exchanged with Haru about Gabriel's offer to visit the Arts gallery the next day. The young boy immediately asked permission to his mother who agreed. Suki proposed to pick up Haru at his house at 10am and she will confirm to him after checking with Gabriel.

When the little girl joined her brother for dinner, she was surprised to see Dominico back. She was now way more comfortable with him and asked him a lot of questions about his trip at Los Angeles. The evening passed quietly, Suki preferring to rest and letting the three men together.

The next day, she was ready to leave with Gabriel when Dante showed up in the garage. He had decided to accompany them, as Suki's surprise.