Misaki's POV

I quivered with anxiety as two abnormally large hands caressed my face, smearing the droplets of tears across my cheeks. Not even registering the fact that I was crying, my eyes simply pleaded with his own, begging for freedom. However, my calls went unnoticed; all he did was bore into me with those glistening blue orbs, full of concern. Both of our visages expressed bottomless sadness, but for two completely different reasons.

Once again, being naive has gotten me into trouble, and this time, there might be no escape, no light at the end of the tunnel. I desperately wanted to be saved, and rid of this guy forever, but I wasn't going to wait around like a damsel in distress. It's not that I haven't fought back against him before, but my attempts always failed, and pushed me into deeper water. I've lost count of the days, and my exact location, but at the moment, it seemed like unimportant information. The only thing on my mind was: I need to get back to Usagi-san.

I wonder how he's doing. Is he eating and drinking enough? I immediately forced my brain to cease those thoughts, because I knew I could go on and on about my concerns for him. My mind suddenly traveled to the idea of his actions to find me. I'm sure he has the best of the best out there searching for my destination. Does he know that I'm not in Japan? Now that question stumped me, but I told myself not to dread it.

'He'll find me,' I reassured myself, 'I know he will.'

That uplifting statement was suddenly forgotten, as I felt warm lips press themselves against my forehead. Normally a soothing gesture, but from him, it only made me tremble more.

"Don't worry, my love." He started, wrapping his long arms around me. "You'll forget him soon enough."

How did I get into this mess again? Ah, that's right. It was on that fateful day...

Xxx

"Oi Misaki, are you ready yet?" My lover asked from the other side of the door.

'Since when is he in a rush?'

"A-Almost!" I called back, while scolding myself for stuttering.

Wiping at my suit to brush off any invisible particles, I made one final attempt to fix the tie hanging off my neck. As I stepped out of the bathroom, a brisk laugh echoed throughout the hotel room. When I tried to look Usagi-san in the face, I immediately dropped my gaze to the floor.

"Are you trying to start a new fashion trend, Misaki? Unfortunately, I don't think this 'origami tie' idea will go very far."

Well, this is humiliating. I could already feel my cheeks turning red.

"Idiot! It's not my fault I don't understand the art of tying a tie."

Continuing his chuckle while fitting my tie, the two of us stepped out the entrance, side by side.

'I'm twenty-two and I still can't fix a tie. I am truly beyond pitiful.'

A sigh escaped my thin lips. I guess Usagi-san noticed my sudden change of mood, because he tried to entwine our hands together. Slapping at his wrist, I turned my attention to his now saddened and somewhat offended expression.

"Usagi-san, you know we can't hold hands. What if someone sees?"

"No one's going to see. The only people in there already are the other writers and assistants setting up their booths, and they're too busy to notice. Besides, your body intoxicates me."

Satisfied with my now flustered look, his signature victory smirk painted its way onto his lips. Tugging at my hand, he beamed as I relaxed, slowly tangling our fingers together. I lifted my head to meet his gaze, but he was just staring forward, with that beautiful smile.

'How does he stay so composed…wait, did I just call Usagi-san b-beautiful?'

That thought was soon forgotten as we stepped into the large room, decorated with a variety of flowers and colorful lights, shining bright like stars. In fact, the moment we stepped in, I removed my hand from my lover's, just to cover my eyes.

"Come now, let's find our table."

He reached for my wrist again, but I maneuvered around his grabby hand. He immediately seemed disappointed.

"You know that I can't be by you when everyone comes in, right? I'll help you set up with Aiwaka-san, but that's it."

I did my best to stay calm and firm, but those glaring lavender spheres stung. I almost flinched from his dark stare.

"Fine, but I'm not staying here the whole four hours, so meet me at our suite at eight."

I nodded my head in agreement, but still felt a tad bit of sadness for him.

'I know he hates these things, but it is for work.'

"Misaki-kun, Usami-sensi: over here!"

Turning our heads to the direction of the energetic call, I grinned as I met Aiwaka-san's gaze.

"Speak of the devil." Usagi-san frowned just at the sight of his editor.

"Hey, don't be like that; she does a lot for you. C'mon, let's go!"

Grumbling, Akihiko slumped, taking his time to reach her, along with his desk. I took note of her attire once I was close enough to get a good view: a long ruby dress with matching stilettoes. Her hair was down, sliding past her shoulders.

"It's so good to see you, Misaki-kun! Don't you look rather dashing tonight."

"You too, and thanks! You look great. Why haven't you considered being a model?"

Giggling at my compliment, while receiving a death glare from a certain author, I smiled at her cheerfulness.

'It's nice to know I made her happy. She works so hard for Usagi-san.'

"Sensei, you're lucky Isaka-kun is using the toilet, or he would've ripped your head off! Which, by the way, I'm about to do to you! Do you know how much extra prepping we had to do because you didn't come earlier, like you promised?"

"Ha? When did I state such a thing?"

"You don't even remember? Ugh, never mind. Hurry up and sit down; we're about to start!"