Chapter 3
I looked at Hatsuharu, worried. Suddenly, the door of the living room flew open. Kyo marched in and started towards me. I looked from him to Hatsuharu, who was currently glaring at Kyo and looked like he was ready to charge.
"Come here!" Kyo reached for my arm as Yuki, Shigure, Hatori, and Tohru came running into the room. Before his hand could reach my arm, Hatsuharu slapped his hand and stood between Kyo and me. I could nearly feel the anger radiating from him. Why was he being so aggressive? No, that's not the word I'm looking for. Protective. Yeah, that's it. Why was he being so protective?
Everyone looked at Hatsuharu with shock. Everyone was being surprised today.
"Leave her alone." He spoke in angry chopped words.
"Fine, Haru. Why don't you test the theory?" Hatori spoke, not being as shocked as everyone else. Everyone, including myself, was still trying to process what was going on. Then again, I'm sure everyone else has processed more than I have.
Hatsuharu stood still for a moment then turned around so he was facing me. He took a deep breath then hugged me. I stood for a second, confused and shocked. I hugged him back and we stood like that for a minute. The room was silent.
Hatori was once again the first one to speak. "Interesting," Was all he said.
"What exactly are you guys experimenting with me?" I asked, pulling away from Hatsuharu. I watched as they all looked at each other. Hatori's and Shigure's eyes met and they had a silent conversation then Hatori nodded.
"Well, you might not believe this but, all of us-aside from Tohru-turn into an animal of the Chinese Zodiac when a member of the opposite gender hugs us. But, for some unknown reason, we don't change when you hug us…" He continued to explain about the curse and how they are going to try to figure out why I can hug them but no one else can. "So, that means that you're going to have to stay here for a while. You guys don't mind her moving in, do you?"
My eyes widened and Shigure's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "No! Not at all!" Shigure answered too quickly.
"Um…" I started but Shigure and Hatori started discussing the details. I looked at the ground and started to rub my stomach again.
"Hey!" Hatsuharu's voice boomed over everyone else's and everyone grew silent, looking at the two of us. "Are you even going to ask Paige if that's alright? What if she doesn't want to stay with a bunch of guys."
"There are only two of us. Kyo and Tohru moved out, remember." Yuki spoke this time, walking over to us. "Are you alright with staying here?" He asked, looking at me with eyes that would cause me to say yes.
"Alright, if she stays, I will. She's going to need someone to protect her from your fan girls and Shigure." I looked up at Hatsuharu as he said this. I don't know why I trusted him so much. I felt like if he as around, I would be safe.
"Um, if Hatsuharu will stay, I will." I whispered and looked down at my stomach as I felt my face burning up.
"So it's settled then! Hatsuharu will help you move in tomorrow." Hatori said, "Oh, and Yuki can help also."
