"Behind the masks: Love's Flare"


Chapter Three:

She suddenly blushed upon realizing that he is making fun of her misunderstanding and that made her even more upset than she already feels.

He stood up and fixed his shirt while she took a pillow and started running towards him. But, as usual for our number one klutz, Hino Kahoko, she tripped over her own sandals and became out of balance. "Iyaaaa!" she gasped and waited for an impact.

Instead she felt someone grab her and then when she opened her eyes, golden-brown ones were staring at her and she realized she's under Len Tsukimori.

And most importantly, why did his eyes drifted to her lips?

There was a deafening silence which lasted for almost a minute and somehow disappointed, Len himself stood up and fixed himself. "I didn't know that I'm going to marry a very clumsy lady." He commented and removed the buttoning of his suit.

She stood up and faced him with glaring eyes. "Don't mumble things behind other people; it'll be better if you spit it on my face."

Len huffed and gazed at her. "I don't like saying so much harsh words towards ladies so, I am controlling myself."

"Are you kidding me? You're already controlling yourself at that point? Wow, how…interesting." She retorted, rolling her eyes.

He smirked and removed the buttoning of the last button of his suit and whatever she was about to say disappeared in the air as she stares at his chest. Is he working out? Why…why does he have such a god-like body and god-like handsome features?

No offense but he doesn't look much like his parents. He is so unique and…captivating.

"…no…ino….Hino." Len shouted as he waved his hand infront of her face.

She snapped back in reality as she realizes that he's only few inches away from him. "Y-Yes?"

He frowned. "Are you feeling ill? Is there anything you need. I could get it for you. You look quite pale." Len queried and gently placed his palm on her forehead.

She involuntarily closed her eyes as she felt his palm's warmth against her skin. How could he be so cold and stern and yet could still be gentle and kind? For few hours, he changed a lot from earlier.

"You have a slight fever, I may say, but it's not too serious. You just need some rest. You must have been exposed to the cold outside too much that your body couldn't handle it anymore." He muttered and removed his hand. "You can sit on the bed first while I get some medicines."

She looked up at him and sighed. "Ne Tuskimori-kun."

He stopped dead on his tracks and turned a little. "What?"

The same cold mask is on his face and he has such unreadable eyes.

She blinked. "Who are you?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Wha-?"

"Earlier in Hino's—you were like a wolf. Loner, trying to separate yourselves from others. Trying to avoid interacting. And you are avoiding people. Acting cold as an ice cube. Saying harsh things so others look at you badly and stop trying to communicate with you. Then, just few moments ago—you were like the opposite of your façade. You were gentle. Trying to not hurt me with harsh words. Doing what seems to be right. Starting a conversation to make me comfortable. Who are you between the two?"

Speechless for knowing a lot, Len gulped and turned away. "Your fever might get worse if I don't act upon it now. Let us leave this topic—"

"Is that cold personality of yours…could it be that…that is a façade? A mask you are holding in place? And the gentle side of you, you are hiding it in the shadows. Trying hard to push it away. Trying hard to eliminate it….Why? Why do you need to do such a painful thing?"

Len, faced her and looked at her with cold stare. "Please give me a break. Many things already happened and you trying to ruin my privacy could make my mood worse than ever. Mayhap, someday I would tell you the whole story behind it."

"So, I'm right?" she urged.

He shrugged and walked away towards another room with bothering to answer her.

She sighed again. "Damn him." She cursed and lay down on the bed.

Kaho stared at the ceiling and deep slumber started to invade her senses.


After almost ten minutes of unpacking things inside the bathroom and taking out the things needed, Len went out of the bathroom and headed directly back to their room.

He stopped, astounded, on his tracks as he saw the crimson-head girl he was just talking with earlier has now fallen asleep on their bed.

His cheeks heated as he registered the term: their bed.

Why do things need to end up on this situation? Why did fate let them meet each other? And how can a crimson-head who is the total opposite of him, could know the truth about him? Is it right to agree to marry her?


-'He' raised her head and smiled. "Ready?"

"No. Please no….Let me go."

'He' lowered his head and savored her.

All she could do is cry as his hands tortured her. How could she fight if she's tied?

'He' smirked and ruffled her hair. "The true game starts now…" he whispered and something she values the most was taken from her. Taken by 'him'.- KAHOKO'S MEMORIES


"Nooo….Please, let me go. No more….Please, I'm begging you. Stop it! STOP! PLE—" With fast heart beats, Len shook Kahoko awake and her eyes opened with terrified expression. "T-Tsukimori-kun…" she greeted with a shaky laugh.

Len frowned. "What kind of dream was that?" he mumbled.

Kaho gulped, which is obvious, before answering, "I-I cannot remember it anymore." She lied poorly.

"That couldn't be. It was just few moments ago and now, you already forgot it?" Len commented, sternly.

She stood up and smiled fakely before changing the topic, "E-er, um…"

Len could see hesitation with her eyes and he let go of the topic. "Fine, forget it. It is none of my business, anyway." He mumbled and walked towards where he placed the medicines and a bucket with two towels.

Kahoko turned. "No, that's—"

He's already too occupied with his work that he didn't hear her. She could stare at him now even how much she wants. Even while he's facing her with his back, it's like she could still see his face.

Those eyes which hold secrets and mystery. Those eyes which smile at her in a different way.

Their start is just beginning and she's already feeling uneasy.

"Hino?" She blinked when she realized that he's already infront of her.

She involuntarily stepped backward and tripped. He caught her wrist and stood her up. With fast instincts, she slapped his hand away.

There is this unwelcome silence again which is becoming more and more familiar to both of them.

She looked up and was about to apologize but he suddenly placed the wet towel on her forehead. "Ohh, cold!" she gasped and flinched.

"That's better than just wet cloth." Len stated and handed her, her medicine and a glass of water.

She reluctantly accepted it and took the medicine he offered. He took the glass and put it back on their bed side table. His colder attitude made her down. "Tsukimori-kun—"

"Tomorrow, a friend of mine is going to visit to give me reports about the errand I passed onto him. Please mask your face." Len interrupted and faced her again.

There's no sign of madness or disappointment on his face. Just the usual expression and Kaho sighed in relief.

"And what does that sigh mean?" Len demanded and crossed his arms.

She sat on the bed and kept the towel on her forehead in its place. "Oh, nothing."

"Are you laughing at me because I said 'friend of mine'?" he protested like an angry child.

She couldn't help but laugh. "Really? You said the word: 'friend'? I didn't hear it, because I heard the word enemy instead."

He arched an eyebrow. "And what do you mean with that statement, hn?"

She grinned. "I just couldn't believe that you have any friends." She teased.

He didn't respond.

"I…I'm sorry." She stuttered and looked at the ground.

"Hn. It's fine. Besides…" he paused and she felt the urge to raise her head. Her eyes widened when his lips formed a warm smile. "I wasn't the one who urged to be his friend. I was just surprised that one day, he already calls me his best friend even though I am so cold and stern towards him." He added and it made her smile as well with his glad tone.

She smiled sweetly. "Do not let go of him. There are very few people who will accept you for who you are and he's one of those few. Both you and him are lucky to have each other!"

He glanced at her and she stared back at him for awhile before smiling dumbly. His cheeks heated and he looked away. Her innocent smile has made his heart jump once again.

Damn that innocent smile.

"Move aside, I'm going to sleep. It's late already." He commanded.

She didn't move and grinned. "No way."

"Hino." He muttered with a warning look.

She grinned wider. "Nuh-uh."

He sighed. "What do I need to do so I could already sleep?"

"You need to listen to my terms first!"

He sighed, bored. "Fine, what are they?"

"You should never cross this pillow—" she placed a pillow at the center to separate the two spaces. "—No touching! Then, we should share with the blanket! And lastly, I want to sleep with the lights open!" she enumerated.

"Is that all?" he queried.

Kaho nodded, smiling widely. "Yep! Now you may sleep, monsieur." She moved to the right side as Len slid into the left side of the bed.

"Too bright." Len grunted.

"Uh-uh, no complaining." Kaho scolded and covered herself with their thick blanket.

Len sighed and covered his face with a reserved pillow.


He's already reaching the dream world when he heard his name being called. "Tsukimori-kun?"

He half-opened his right eye and glanced towards Kaho. "What is it, this time?"

She laughed shakily. "I-I was just wondering if i-it's alright if we close the spare windows…."

He opened both of his eyes now and looked at her. Her face is terrified and scared and she was quite shaking. Not from cold.

"Scared?" he teased.

She pouted. "O-Of course not!" she protested.

"Ok then, goodnight." He retorted and faced the opposite direction.

"C-Chotto, Tsukimori-kun!"

He heavily sighed and faced her once again. "It'll be too warm if we close the windows, Hino." He stated.

"But…"

Thinking deeply, his mind caught –literally- an idea from somewhere.

Kahoko was too astounded to react more than she already did when he did that thing she never expected. He took hold of her hand and intertwined their hands with a firm grasp.

"Better?"

His hand's warmth is transferring into her hand and she finally felt secured. "I…Y-Yes…" she stammered.

"Now, can we please go to sleep?" Len demanded.

"Fine." She grumbled and pouted.

After awhile of staring at the ceiling, she looked back at her bedmate's face. He's already quietly snoring and roaming around the dream land. His face was very different from the way he looks when alive –I mean, awake- He looks like an angel when sleeping. An angel that couldn't even hurt you. While he's the opposite when awake, he could stab your heart with his blunt words and she hates the way he teases her.

Her hand moved on its own and caressed his cheek. "Sweet dreams, Tsukimori-kun." She murmured.


-'She' laughed as 'she' pointed 'her' knife on his mother's neck. "Now, it's your mother turn." 'She' mumbled.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" He yelled and tried to stop 'her' but it was too late.

Beneath his feet is a pool of blood.

"Wait for me. After six years, you will be forever mine, Len. Mine alone." 'She' threatened and smiled slyly then laughed like a maniac.- LEN'S MEMORIES

He covered his ears and couldn't stop his tears. "NNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO!" He yelled hysterically.


Len awakened, sweating and panting, with something heavy and warm on his chest. He slowly opened his eyes.

Why is it so cold?

He blinked and realized that he has not even a part of the blanket anymore and when he was about to search for his bedmate culprit, he gulped upon seeing the girl with crimson hair on his chest. Sleeping like she's hugging a big teddy bear. In short, like a kid.

"Geez." He mumbled and tried to move. "Ugh."

He tilted his head and stared at her face. How could something so cheerful, energetic and clumsy live lie there are no problems in the world? He suddenly felt envious of her. He raised his hand and rubbed her hair like she's some kind of animal which wants to be loved. "Smooth," he whispered to himself.

While staring at her sleeping figure, sleep overtook him again.


Kaho awoke with full of energy and warmness.

She looked at the solid yet warm figure she's leaning at and gasped upon seeing Len beneath her. "Kyaa!" she rasped and sat down immediately. He was still holding her hand and she felt very pleased with the feeling.

He sneezed in his deep slumber and she felt guilty. He wasn't able to sleep well because of her.

She covered him with the blanket then secretly kissed his forehead before quietly went out of bed and fixed herself.


Almost an hour passed and Len was still sleeping so Kaho decided to wander around the temple.

The doorbell rang and there were several knoks on the door.

Who could that be?

"Tomorrow, a friend of mine is going to visit to give me reports about the errand I passed onto him. Please mask your face."

She panicked and took her mask while tripping over and over again all around the place.

She composed herself and opened the door.

"Good morning, how may I help you?" Kaho greeted to the green-head guy infront of her. Wow, he's tall. He has brown eyes and good built body.

He bowed and she smiled as a response. Which made his heart do gymnastics stunts even though he cannot see her face. He could only see her eyes. "I am Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, Tsukimori's best friend. Nice meeting you."

She giggled. "I'm Kahoko Hino, nice meeting you as well."

He offered a hand and blushed. "I'm so pleased to meet such a fine lady. I know that behind that mask of yours is a pretty face." He complimented.

She blushed and took his offer. "Thank you very much."

They were hand-shaking for so long that Ryoutaro is feeling more…aware of her. He suddenly had this urge to—

A hard-covered book was slammed on his hand and he quickly pulled it away in pain. "Hands off." Len warned and went infront of Kahoko.

Ryoutaro raised an eyebrow. "Rare for you to go into action."

Len ruffled his hair and sighed. "Even though you are my best friend, I will warn you in advance. Back off, Kahoko Hino is my fiancée." He muttered with possessive tone which made Kaho's heart thump loudly.

Ryoutaro raised both of his hands. "Sorry. Calm down, Len."

Len sighed and raised an eyebrow. "So, where is the thing I asked you to bring?"

He earned a smack on his head which had a loud bang which astounded Ryoutaro making his jaw drop. Kahoko just smacked Len's head. "Such manners! Be a little polite, Tsukimori-kun!" she protested.

Len stood upright, rubbing his head. "Ow, that hurts you know."

Ryou couldn't help laughing anymore. He almost wants to lay on the snow and roll on it from so much laughter. "Now I know why she became your fiancée! Nice action, Hino-san!" He made a thumbs up and this time he was the one who earned another smack on the hand with Len's hard-covered book.

If you are wondering where that book cam from…..

I also have no idea.

"Fine, come in." Len urged with the least enthusiasm you could write on the Guinness Book of Record with the name: The least enthusiast of all: Len Tsukimori.


Ryou sat on the dining room as Kaho went directly on the kitchen. Len sat across Tsuchiura.

"Found anything yet?" Len mumbled.

Ryou shook his head. "None yet."

Len sighed. "I see. So the case is still not solved."

"Yeah for six years, still no clues."

Len rested his head on the headrest. "I'm tired."

"Don't push yourself to the limit."

"Stop sounding like my girlfriend, it gives me creeps." Len pretended to look disgusted.

Ryou made a flying kiss. "Oh dear, don't be shy."

Len frowned. "Cut. That. Out."

"Oh darling, no one can see—come on kiss me." Ryou stood up and clung to Len as he continued to tease him. "Come on, Len. Can't I seduce you? Want me to get naked here?"

"RYOUTARO!" Len protested.

"Aw, don't be shy, honey. Come on…just one kiss?"

There was a loud Thud and they were surprised to see Kahoko jaw-hanged at them. "No! Miss Hino, I was just kidding!" Ryou defensed.

Kaho looked away. "To think Tsukimori-kun will choose you over me. I admit my defeat."

"NO! I'm a pure man! I was only faking that!"

"How did I get myself into this mess?" Len muttered to himself.

Kaho placed the tray of food in the table. "I will just leave your snacks here. Please continue whatever you are doing; I won't disturb you anymore." She turned to her heels.

"NO! MISS HINO, LISTEN TO ME!" Ryou begged.

Len couldn't help smiling from the epic scene infront of him.


Not aware….two persons are watching both Kahoko and Len outside. Two persons who will ruin their starting life.

"Oh, found you at last, my dear Len. It's already time for you to be mine forever." 'She' mumbled and licked 'her' lips.

"Oh my, Kahoko. You've grown a lot. It makes me hungry again. Wants me to have a second round…Just wait then." 'He' murmured and smiled.

'They' joined hands. "Let us start the fun."


A/N: What's with those memories and who are those 'she' and 'he'?

Let's find out in the next chapters!

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Love you all.

-LFMH021

No sneak peek for now. Sorry.