Byakuya Togami's morning was not going well.

First, there had been a call with regards to some complications with their usual supplier. Then there had been a problem with their accounting and finance department. By the time, he had finally got to his daily cup of Luwack coffee it was already cold.

A headache was already raging as his gaze landed on the cluttered mess that was on his usually organized mahogany desk. Stacks of paperworks and some manila folders were strewn around its glossy surface. His throat ached for his coffee. He felt like firing someone, preferably from the Accounting and Finance department. Or perhaps he could fire all of his employees in that department. Maybe the old man won't mind if he changes the whole A & F department.

Then all of a sudden, his phone went on ringing, the tinny sound further aggravating him that morning- or was it noon already?

He wasted no time in answering the phone.

"What?!"

"It seems like you're having a bad morning, young master," Aloysius's gravelly voice came through the other line.

"What an understatement," Byakuya scoffed.

"I am sorry to hear that, Young master," The old butler said," However, I have some bad news for you."

Byakuya bit back a groan," What is it this time?"

"The princess is missing."

"What."

"We've been trying to find h-"

"Try harder," Byakuya coldly cut off," What is that girl thinking?"

"Go easy on her, Young master. She has as much say in this as you."

"It doesn't mean she has to make things worse."

"Don't worry, Young Master, we'll find her. Everyone is already searching the perimeter."

"I trust you will do so, Aloysius."

After bidding the blonder scion goodbye, the call came to an end.

Putting down the phone, he took off his glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose. If it was even possible, his headache had gotten worse.

Abruptly, his phone's ringtone went off again. Not wasting another second, he picked it up.

"Did you find her?" He curtly asked.

"Find who, Byakuya?" His father's stern voice answered him from the other line.

The younger Togami fought back the urge to groan.

"Byakuya, find who?"

"The princess," Byakuya forthrightly replied.

"…"

The silence that followed was just something akin to the calm before the storm and he knew nothing good would come from this.

"Find her," Was the firm reply that left no room for any objections and if there were, dire consequences would ensue.

"I already had everyone in the household search for her."

"Perhaps I wasn't clear the first time. You should find her, Byakuya. If news gets out of this then there would be bad publicity. Look for a solution out of this mess," The Togami patriarch sharply said.

"I'm needed here."

"I'll take it from there."

Saying Byakuya Togami's morning was not going well would be the understatement of the century.

Flowers and trees of different varieties filled the place, and the grounds were well manicured. Most people would pay more attention to the place and its distinct details however Byakuya Togami was not most people and a meager garden was the last thing on his mind. He was currently occupied and hell-bent on searching the place for a certain blonde princess who decided going missing that day was a good idea, and not to sight-see (Even if he was, flowers weren't really his thing). Hanazawa Garden was a well-known spot and it wasn't that far off from the manor. Said garden was famous for its colorful flowers of hundreds of species and its pristine landscapes. Many tourists would visit this place and the locals had taken pride in this stunning floral haven.

As he was approaching the wooden bridge that was situated over the manmade pond, where violet, pink, purple and blue flowers dwelt, along with some sakura trees, casting a majestic pink and white backdrop, he spotted a distinct figure peering down the tranquil waters of the pond. The blonde hair being unmistakable was a dead giveaway.

Subsequently, he crossed the distance in his usual smooth strides. Sonia Nevermind- (Togami) stood over the wooden bridge with a wooly pale brown winter hat perched on her head, wearing a beige topcoat over a white collared button front dress with black mid-calf boots. Upon closer inspection, he could see she was wearing black framed glasses- Was that supposed to be for disguise purposes?

When he was within a few feet away from her he cleared his throat to get her attention. The sound instantly made her turn her head towards him.

At first, she merely blinked and the she smiled brightly at him," Hello Byakuya. A pleasant surprise to see you here."

"Pleasant?" He echoed in an ironic tone," You should really reassess your definition of pleasant, princess."

"And what made you think that going missing on us would actually be a good idea?" He crossed his arms nonchalantly, giving her a cold look.

"Missing?" She blinked," If my memory serves right, I had certainly written a note, informing them that I was to be exploring the place and I had also left it where anyone would be able to see it. Did they not tell you that?"

Byakuya fought the urge to facepalm and inwardly cursed the imbecile who had overlooked said note (if there was any).

"This had been such a waste of my time," He indignantly uttered.

"Is that why you are here? Because you had the impression that I had went missing?" Sonia asked.

His cerulean gazed fixed on her," Apparently some cretin overlooked your note and everyone thought you had gone missing."

"… And you are here because you were searching for me?"

"Yes."

Her lips gradually curved until there was a radiant smile etched on her face.

The happy expression on her face didn't go unnoticed to the Togami heir who inwardly questioned himself what he did to warrant such a reaction.

He didn't know what exactly happened but he eventually found himself standing in front of Hanazawa garden's renowned stairway. Somehow, somewhat, he had agreed to accompany the princess after some prodding (More like, after she mentioned that she'd have the chances of getting lost on her way back and he knew he'd never hear the end of it from the old man if such thing actually happens).

"I heard that legend has it that if you descend the 100 steps of Hanazawa stairway, you can have any of your wish granted," Sonia said, regarding the stairway in front of them with a certain twinkle in her eyes.

"That's rubbish," Byakuya scoffed.

"Perhaps it is," Sonia shrugged, still smiling," But we would not lose anything if we try, right?"

"Hn."

Sonia took a step on the stairway then faced him.

"Will you be joining me?"

There was that smile again.

And yet again, he found himself accompanying her despite him deeming this as a waste of his time.

The stone steps had high rises, vast in width and had steel grip railings, extending almost as far as the eyes could see. Unlike other ordinary people, Byakuya had no problem descending the flight of steps being the ultimate perfection that he is.

What slightly (just a bit) intrigued him was his blonde companion's unwavering enthusiasm and energy. She was all but bouncing on her toes as she took jovial steps.

When they had reached the end of the steps, Sonia had gleefully cheered, pumping her fists with a smile that certainly reached her eyes and made them crinkle.

What awaited them at the top was a vast meadow filled with a myriad of flowers as far as the eye can see, a cacophony of flowers over a glorious expanse of foliage. The cool breeze made the waves of flowers that sprinkled the lush greenery slightly sway along with the wind.

Sonia had gone silent from beside him, a content expression on her face as she gazed at the stunning landscape in front of her. He figured she was also making that wish she had been spewing about a while ago.

The soothing aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries lingers in the air as the city continues to stir from the clear glass of the large café window. Said café was quaint and peaceful, not bustling with a throng of costumers. The interior of the place was warm and welcoming with mahogany tables and comfortable cushioned seats. The walls were glossy vintage wood and mini chandelier-like lights hung from the ceiling.

Byakuya quietly sipped his luwack coffee, the bitter taste soothing his taste buds. From across him sat Sonia who had been scrutinizing her drink. She had ordered a steamed milk and coffee drink with a 3D art of a foamy hamsters jutting out from her drink. She had also gotten a mini French apple tart.

Byakuya sighed," Don't tell me you're feeling remorse for your drink and now you're having second thoughts on drinking it."

"I am merely admiring such a culinary craft," Sonia replied, poking her drink with a porcelain teaspoon.

He merely shot her a flat look. Eventually, she brought the cup to her lips and gingerly drank from it.

Putting down the pristine white cup, it was impossible not to notice the foam that had found its way above her lips and at the tip of her nose.

"There's foam by your lips and at the tip of your nose," He nonchalantly pointed out.

She immediately reached for a tissue dispenser, only to find none. Sheepishly and in a flustered haste, she was about to search her purse when a white handkerchief was shoved towards her.

"Thank you," She said in appreciation before proceeding to painstakingly wipe the lower part of her face with it.

Because there was no way in hell, he was going to do something as distastefully cliché as wiping the foam from her face.

"So will you finally head home after this?"

"Hmm…" Sonia mused," I was thinking of visiting a nearby movie theater."

He merely gave her a deadpanned expression.

After finishing their drinks (also, Sonia with her tart) in the café they made their trek towards the nearby movie theatre, on Sonia's insistence. It was also on Sonia's insistence that they ended up watching "Wolf Children." If there was one thing he discovered from this about Sonia Nevermind (Togami, he inwardly corrects himself at that) is that it was either something about the occult or Japanese drama when it comes to her. To her delight, they had just arrived in time for the drama that came in the form of the film, "Wolf Children."

At least, she didn't whine and sob like he had expected her to as the movie as approaching its end. He did catch her patting a handkerchief to the corner of her eyes as she had her gaze glued to the screen in front of her.

While they were waiting for the limo that was to take Sonia home (he still had to go back to the company), Sonia suddenly turned to face him and momentarily leaned towards him before letting out a bright smile, tilting back with her hands clasped behind her.

"Thank you for today, Byakuya," There was that smile that took over her soft seafoam eyes, making them crinkle in a distinct way (Though other people would use the word "adorable" in that situation).

Seated comfortably inside the limo, gaining more distance from the Togami heir, Sonia let out a sigh…

Honestly, she chickened out…

Later that night, as they both laid on the large king sized bed, an undeniable distance between them, Sonia suddenly spoke up.

"I forgot to ask you but did you make a wish?"

She meant that time at the Hanazawa stairway.

"No, I have no time for such rubbish."

She smiled at this, she was expecting that.

"I wished to see you smile," She muttered under her breath before closing her eyes, gradually relinquishing to the embrace of slumber.

She didn't know if he heard or not and even if he did, she knew he wouldn't particularly care.

Do you get the "chickened out" part? Feel free to tell me what you think

Author's note: I'm really sorry for the long overdue update. I know it was really horrible. I wasn't really feeling like it but I had to. You guys atleast deserve an update. I'm sorry it was terrible. Something really bad happened in the family and right now I couldn't even bring myself to write.