*Mitsuba's POV*

That fateful day was when I first met Toshiro-san.

"Mou, Sou-chan, everyone is training hard at the dojo. How come you are still lying around here?"

"There's this guy that recently came. Everyone is idolizing him and even Kondo-san has ignored me. I can't stand that guy. I'm not going to the dojo ever again," the straw-haired boy replied grudgingly.

Footsteps were heard and I looked out to the shoji screen and see a young man with jet black hair tied up and had a sour face. He noticed me and I swear I saw him blush a little.

"Okita-sempai, Kondo-san has requested me to bring you to the dojo," the man said.

"You bastard! Who let you in the hous— HEY! What do you think you're doing? Put me down this instant!"

That man had grabbed Sou-chan by the collar and dragged him out of the house. Amused, I giggled a little.

Later that evening, Sou-chan was late in coming home for dinner. I was beginning to be very worried until I spot a figure approaching the door. It was that very same man that had dragged Sou-chan out this morning. Sou-chan was asleep on his back.

"Ano, excuse me. Sougo has fallen asleep at the dojo. I have brought him back," the black-haired man said as he gently placed Sou-chan down onto the tatami.

"Ah, sorry to trouble you, mister…"

That was when he told me his name.

"Hijikata-desu. Hijikata Toshiro," he said with a nod, "Now if you will excuse me, I shall take my leave."

"Ah, Hijikata-san. Please, the least I can do to thank you for bringing Sou-chan home is have you over for dinner," I called after his retreating back.

"No, thank you. It was nothing," he replied without turning his back.

His back, a strong back that carried many mysteries and secrets along with it. I was intrigued and wanted to know more about this man.

I stood there, watching the figure slowly fading into the darkness.

As the days went by, Toshiro-san and I spent more time together. He would help me carry groceries and walk me home. I was beginning to fall for him.

One night, when Kondo-san and the rest of them held a birthday party for one of the members at the dojo, Sou-chan fell asleep on my lap while we were watching the fireflies dance in the moonlight on the veranda.

"That brat, he really acts differently when you're around," a voice said.

I turned around and found Toshiro-san coming out with a pipe in his hand.

"Mou, Toshiro-san, smoking is bad for you."

"Ah, sorry," he apologized as he put his pipe away. He sat down beside me on the right.

We were both silent. It was awkward yet nice. He was looking at the reflection of the moon in the pond.

His features were soft. His grey eyes shone. A breeze was playing with his hair. His kimono hung loosely on his built frame, slightly showing his toned chest and stomach. His face remained emotionless.

There were a lot of fireflies that night. I lifted out my left hand and one of the fireflies landed on the back of my index finger. I chuckled and turned my head to the right.

I had not realize that Toshiro-san was looking at my every move.

"Ah, sorry… I didn't mean to stare," he turned away, trying to hide his pink cheeks. I giggled more. My attention went back to the firefly. It fluttered away as I felt something warm on my right hand.

I looked down and saw that Toshiro-san had put his over mine. His hand was calloused, an obvious sign of regular training, yet it was soft. My eyes looked up to his face questioningly. His eyes were staring straight ahead.

"T-Toshiro-san…" I started.

"Mitsuba, I—"

"TOSHI! AH! SO THIS IS WHERE YOU WERE! COME ON! WE ARE HAVING A BLAST INSIDE. HAVE SOME SAKE!" Kondo-san was obviously drunk out of his head.

Both Toshiro-san and I withdrew our hands. Sou-chan began to stir.

"Ane ue?" my little brother said groggily as he looked up at me. He then noticed Toshiro-san getting up.

"YOU BASTARD! Why are you sitting beside my sister?"

Toshiro-san did not say a word and followed Kondo-san back inside.

I wonder what he was going to say to me…