Chapter 26 - She's Off-limits!

Sato's screams that sounded like a mother hen got the attention of the other members of EXODUS. They were in the boys' clothing section looking at some new arrivals. They all turned to look in the direction of where the commotion was coming from. When they saw their fashion designer, they all hurriedly went towards him with the articles of clothing that they had picked for themselves.

They wanted to get Sato's opinion on every article of clothing they had picked. However, when they arrived at the location, they saw that Ashton was there as well, standing regally and having a glaring competition with a very prestigious-looking young man.

They all huddled behind Ashton, ready to protect their lead singer at any time.

President Kai Hanada decided to intervene. It would not be good if the fans outside saw what was going on. So he stepped forward right next to Ashton and put his arms around his shoulder before leaning down to whisper something. "There's a crowd outside, you don't want them to get a picture of your face looking like that, do you?" He said softly, but his face said something else otherwise.

Ashton turned his head and slightly glanced outside the store and saw crowds of fans gathered outside trying to get a picture of their idols. He backed down and put on a slight smile for show. However, deep inside of him, he wanted to strangle the young man, whoever he was.

President Kai Hanada was going to say something to the young ladies and the young man when he saw his niece, Akira, from behind trying to hide her face.

Then he saw Akira shaking her head left and right while her two hands were up in the air waving. She then put her finger to her lips, telling him not to say a word. He swiftly understood what she was trying to say and disregarded her, and acted nonchalantly.

'Phew' Akira let out a sigh of relief. It's good that they didn't have the same last name, no one would guess that President Kai Hanada of THJ Group was her father's maternal cousin.

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"So, who might all these beautiful young ladies be? No wonder you caught the attention of my lead singer!" President Hanada exclaimed to no one in particular. He was only trying to ease the eerie silence that fell on them, mainly due to Prince Edmund and Ashton's standoff.

No one spoke at. First, they all looked at each other, wondering who would do the honor of introducing themselves to the President of THJ Entertainment. Finally, Ava stepped in front of them to introduce herself first.

"Hello, sir! My name is Ava, and these are..." she then started introducing the others by only providing the first names to hide their identities. She then added, "we are fans of EXODUS. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir!" She then extended her right hand for a handshake.

President Kai Hanada, with a keen eye, suddenly brightened when he realized who Ava was. He gently took Ava's hand and, with a smile that reached his eyes he said, "The pleasure is mine, Ms. Ava. We have actually met before when you were this high." He then put his hand out, showing a height that was right around his hips.

Ava's brows knitted; she couldn't remember any memory of meeting the President of THJ Group Entertainment. But then, she was too young then if she was only that tall. She nodded in agreement before she removed the confusion on her face, she turned her head away slightly while one maintained eye contact before replying. "Really! It must have been such a long time ago, forgive me if I don't remember." She then moved back a little and squished in between Pearl and Prince Edmund.

Sato decided to intervene, they didn't have much time left, and EXODUS still had to practice before the concert. He looked around and saw that all the four members of EXODUS all had clothes on their arms.

"Boys!" Sato clapped twice, "Let's check out all the outfits you have chosen so we can all get out of here." He then ushered them towards the fitting rooms leaving only the girls, Prince Edmund, Ashton, and President Kai, standing awkwardly.

President Kai's phone lit up, and he excused himself to find a more secluded area to talk. After he left, awkwardness still hung in the air. Finally, Pearl, who couldn't take her eyes off Ashton, spoke...

"A-Ashton, do you mind if I ask for a picture with you as a souvenir?" She said while biting her lips.

A dimpled smile that reached his eyes popped up on Ashton's handsome young face. He walked towards Pearl and Ava before inserting himself in between them, "Sure!" He then grabbed Pearl's cellphone and handed it over to Prince Edmund.

"Do you mind taking our picture?" He politely asked, then turned to Akira and beckoned her to come closer.

Prince Edmund was stunned beyond recognition, and he was about to retaliate, but he held himself back and gladly accepted the phone then went in front of them to begin taking pictures.

His assistant was going to say something to Ashton, but Chupsy grabbed hold of his arms. "Let them be, there's no harm for Prince Edmund to take the picture. Don't be too obvious since he doesn't want his identity known." She warned and then let the assistant's arm go.

Akira decided to play games with her older brother, she wanted to see how he would react. When she came closer, she squished in between him and Ava. She then whispered to him, "She's my best friend, so she's off-limits." Unknown to her that Ashton and Ava actually already betrothed to one another thanks to James.

"Akira, you better switch places, or you will get it. I want a picture next to her. Move!" Warned Ashton under his breath while gnashing his teeth. Akira only held on to his arm in response and looked at him with puppy dog eyes, acting as an avid fan in love with her idol.

There was nothing Ashton could do but let his younger sister play her games.