Announcing Our Love
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I could feel everyone's eyes on me the moment I entered the hall. I should of probably been thinking, "Why me?" but I knew why. Yesterday before class, I received a blue rose on my desk. Apparently at this school it means the 'Phantom' wanted me. I heard many rumors of this phantom the moment I started attending. It was some mysterious man that would give girls blue roses to signify he loved her, and then the student would randomly be missing. I didn't believe these folk tales, so I just ignored it.
As I walked to the buffet table with Min, I could hear whispers from the other girls. "Is that the girl Saya?" "I heard she received a blue rose…" "I can't believe the phantom wants her?"
I didn't bother saying a word and just ignored it. Of course, Min couldn't allow anyone to insult her new best friend.
"You're all just jealous of Saya because the Phantom wants her!" Min exclaimed. I lightly tugged on her dress and whispered, "It's okay Min, don't worry about it." She refused, "No Saya, they have no right to insult you!" Min gave an evil glare at the girls that were gossiping about me. Once they stopped and looked away she was satisfied. I blushed in embarrassment and continued to walk.
As I was approaching the buffet table, I admired the decorations that were laid out. Beautiful ribbons strung across the ceiling, and gorgeous artwork was hung on the wall. Not to mention everyone in the hall room was dressed so elegantly. I felt a little out of place with my poufy pink dress, but it was better than one of my casual dresses.
I was just about to pour myself a glass of punch when Min started to tap me on the shoulder. She leaned towards my ear and whispered, "Saya! It's the gardener!" she said and pointed across the hall. Standing against the wall was Haji, which didn't look much different than usual. But he was handsome non-the-less. My lips gave up a smile and my cheeks turned the lightest of pinks. He was wearing his usual black suit-coat and dress pants, but the coat wasn't done up. Instead it was displaying a gray vest with a white dress shirt underneath. An adorable deep purple bowtie was tucked under the collar of the shirt. As usual, his long black hair was tied up with a blue ribbon, with his bangs slightly covering his charming blue eyes.
"Saya! You're going to burn right through him with that stare!" Min said, laugher mixing in with her voice. My cheeks turned a shade brighter. "I… I was staring that bad, was I?" I touched my face in embarrassment, shyly glancing over at Haji. I noticed that Haji glimpsed over at me. That moment, the jazz band that was preparing earlier, started to play. Min took the chance when the band started and playfully pushed my back. "Go ask him to dance Saya! Come on! The music just started!" She continued to pressure me until I began to walk. I could hear her voice from behind, "Go get 'em Saya!" My cheeks couldn't get any brighter.
I was about five feet away from Haji when he stepped away from the wall and faced me. The entire time I was walking towards him he was staring at me, the same way he always does. His look always made my heart skip a beat and my stomach flutter. He lightly grasped my hand and gazed into my eyes. It seemed as if his eyes were made out of the sparkling ocean water that always shined in Okinawa.
"Hello Saya. You look very beautiful tonight." His voice was so soft and sweet, instantly putting a smile on my face. "Thank you Haji. You look very handsome." He gave me a nod as thanks. I blushed, my face practically red by now. "Anything wrong Saya?" Haji spoke. I quickly shook my head. "Oh no… nothing at all!" I quickly spat out and gave him a reassuring smile. He glanced over at the jazz band that was playing, "Would you like to dance, Saya?" he proposed. I shyly nodded my head yes.
We strolled over to the area where everyone was dancing. We stopped, and then I faced him as he faced me. Haji gently grabbed my hand and placed the other one around my waist. His hand was cold, but just the feel of his touched I enjoyed. I placed my other hand on his shoulder. I could feel him pulling me near as we slow danced, or maybe we just gradually got closer. It didn't matter, none of us were arguing.
I laid my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the rhythmic sound as we moved. It felt like time had stopped; it felt like a dream. He was so cold, but warm at the same time. I couldn't help but smile at the moment, and wondered if he was enjoying it as much as I was. I lifted my head and looked up at him. He must have been watching me because he was gazing into my eyes the moment I looked up. Those beautiful, blue eyes. I couldn't dare look away; it was like he put me in a trance.
Haji suddenly stopped moving and let go of the hand he was holding. Instead, he placed it on my cheek. As he was staring at me, a smile formed upon his lips. It made my heart melt; such a warm smile he had. He rarely showed it, but when he did he meant it. He softly spoke, "Saya, I am having such a great time with you." "And I, Haji." I barely was able to speak the words. His smile got wider. He gently pushed my bangs aside and pressed his lips against my forehead. His hand moved down to the back of my head. "You are so beautiful, Saya. I will always protect you from harm." He spoke with such emotion; I could see it in his eyes. "I love you… Saya." He just barely whispered the words out of his mouth. I couldn't speak; I wanted to say I loved him too. It didn't matter though because in that instant I felt his lips touch mine. Time had stopped, and it seemed like our lips were touching for an eternity. They were so soft and warm. I closed my eyes and kissed him back, placing my hand behind his head and the other touching his chest. He drew me closer, and I could feel him. I didn't care if people were watching; this was our first real kiss. In centuries we had been together, our feelings were finally announced. He passionately kissed me one more time, and then broke free. He grazed my lips with the touch of his fingertips. "Saya… I will always love you." He spoke softly then continued, "Shall we continue this somewhere else?" I nodded in silence.
