There was a long silence on their way home. Hitomi seemed to be lost in her thoughts. She thought about how she enjoyed having Ein around.
It seems like his memory have not returned at all yet. One of these days, he would want to figure out who he truly was and there is probably someone out there looking for him…
She then sighed at the thought when that day would come. A little part within her wished that he would stay with her forever and live his life as Ein but even so, she knew deep down that it wouldn't be fair to think that way.
It wouldn't be right for those who are missing him not to know what had happened to him. There is a possibility that he has a wife or a girlfriend or even children waiting for him. Hitomi kept thinking.
"You're awfully quiet, are you alright?" Ein suddenly asked when he noticed her aloofness and broke the silence.
Breaking her thoughts, Hitomi quickly replied. "I'm just a little tired, it's been a long day."
"I'll prepare us dinner when we get home so you can relax." He offered since Hitomi usually was the one doing most of the cooking for them.
"That's nice of you, Ein." Hitomi replied with a warm smile.
They reached the house and then went to their own bedroom to freshen up before dinner. Hitomi's father would usually come home late because he often stayed at work extra longer to finish the paperwork after giving lessons.
…
The first thing Hitomi did once inside her room was stripped her clothes off and walked leisurely to the shower. Steam filling the room as she turned the shower on. The semi hot water slowly touched her hair and the rest of her body.
This feel so good after a long day…
After the quick shower, Hitomi slumped her body onto her bed with the towel still wrapped around her. She just laid there staring at the ceiling for a time, thinking about that specific unforgettable day.
Flashback
"So, this is where you go to train regularly?" Ein looked around at the surrounding. It was a peaceful secluded wooded area where the sounds of nature were only to be heard.
"I usually come here to train and gather my mind. This is where I found you, Ein." Hitomi thought that it might help triggered any kind of memories of his by bringing him back to the place where she found him. "At first, I thought you were attacked by an animal but when your wounds were treated, there was no mentioned of any signs and nothing explained why you weren't wearing clothes either..."
Ein's eyes grew wide and he quickly turned to face her. "…I was naked?"
"Well, yeah…but I was so scared for your health that I went into a panic mode and I hardly noticed you were naked though." Hitomi was trying to look serious but his cute embarrassed expression made her want to let out giggle, though she managed to control herself.
Ein stepped closer to her. "One of these days, I'll get even." His lips held a smug smile. He then turned his back away from her.
"Hey, what is that supposed to mean?"
He ignored Hitomi on purpose to tease her.
"Whatever Ein…" Hitomi mumbled in the background.
Ein's expression turned serious again. I was naked and badly injured in the middle of the woods…what the hell happened to me? The more he tried to figure things out the stranger it got where it only led to more confusion and questions that he began to worry about the truth behind his memory loss.
"There's one more thing I need to tell you."
He looked back at Hitomi curiously then.
"You called me Kasumi that day before losing consciousness. You thought I was someone named Kasumi…it doesn't sound like a German name though."
"Kasumi..." He repeated the name.
Ein's gaze fell, trying to remember anything related to the name, but nothing came to his mind. This frustrated him even more and anger was forming across his face. Ein then lowered himself to the ground and sat down defeated. "Why can't I remember anything?"
Hitomi looked at him, not quite know what to say to make him feel better, as she felt a little helpless at this point. That was the only information she could give him.
"What am I supposed to do? What if my memory won't return at all?"
A sad sigh escaped Hitomi as she sat down next to him. Ein was pretty much a stranger to her but for some reason she felt comfortable being around him.
"I'm sorry Ein, I wish there's more I could do to help you."
"Don't be, you have done more than enough by welcoming me into your home. I owe you and your father too much already. The last thing I want is to be more of a burden for the both of you."
"Burden? Please don't say that..." Hitomi quickly assured him that he wasn't. "I can promise you this, I will be here for you until you can return home."
He responded with a faint grateful smile, trying to stay hopeful but it wasn't easy.
They let the comfortable silence took over as they stared into the sunset from hilltop where they had a perfect view of the town. The surroundings became romantically beautiful as the evening sunset was slowly making its way down to the ground getting the set ready for the nightfall. Hitomi had unknowingly put her head to rest against the side of Ein's shoulder.
A moment ago, Ein felt anger and frustration that now had changed into calmness and comfort. He didn't mind her being that close. In fact, it was a good feeling to him to feel connected to someone since he didn't remember anyone in his life. A month into his recovery, he had felt lost and lonely. Hitomi had been his only friend during this confusing time in his life. He planted a light kiss to the side of her head as an appreciation, it came somewhat naturally.
In a slight surprise, Hitomi shifted her head to look at him and he looked back at her. Something like absolute tenderness flashed in his gaze.
He didn't know why but all he was feeling at that moment was a strong urge to kiss her. Hitomi slowly raised her lips closer to his and he did the same, within seconds their lips touched, the kiss was soft and gentle. His hand reached and gently cupping her cheek, pressing his lips a little firmer. Their lips moved together perfectly. He pulled her closer to him. She could feel the beating of his heart against her chest.
This is not right… what if he has a girlfriend? A wife worrying sick? The sudden voice whispered in the back of Hitomi's head. As much as she was enjoying the intoxicating moment, a sudden harsh reality made her pull away from the kiss in an instant.
She avoided eyes contact and looked away with a look of regret, leaving Ein confused. They both stood up, but he noticed her feet taking a few steps away from him...neither knew what to say to each other and were still dazed from the storm of pent-up desire they'd both for a moment lost themselves to. The whole situation was making Ein feel terribly guilty, as if he had done something wrong that had made Hitomi upset. He moved closer wanting to say something, but Hitomi moved even further away not letting him get closer.
How could he let this happen and let his weakness ruin their friendship? He asked himself. By doing this, Ein thought that he had put Hitomi into a difficult situation. He didn't want her to think that he was taking advantage of her kindness, and he felt like a failure at this point.
"Hitomi, I didn't mean…" He tried to explain his action.
"You don't have to explain, we both got caught up in the moment that's all." Hitomi quickly replied.
He sighed to that. "Well, I didn't mean to upset you in any way and-"
"Why should I be upset?" Hitomi interrupted once again.
"You seem upset and it pains me to see you hurt for something I did."
"Really, it's okay Ein." She forced a faint awkward smile.
A brief silence fell between them…
Ein didn't believe for a second that the kiss didn't bother her as it clearly did and he didn't blame her. He should not have done it. It bothered him just as much, as he didn't know what got into him.
"It's getting dark… let's go home before my dad starts to worry." Hitomi suggested trying to avoid any further conversation about their kiss.
Hitomi was upset. She wasn't upset with him but with herself for letting herself get that far with Ein. She had never been the type of girl who would force herself on a guy in a weak situation and everything just felt morally wrong to her. She didn't want to make his situation worse than it is. What kind of friend would she be?
"Alright." Ein agreed since he didn't want to start an argument and just let the situation be what it was.
They soon made their way out of the woods.
End of flashback
