Chapter 07: Falling
"Where the hell is that stupid girl?" Saena said through gritted teeth. The two piece business attire hugged her body like a glove. A pencil skirt with a matching grey blazer gave her an appearance of wealthy sophistication. Long black hair was pulled back into a lovely, simple bun. Square black framed glasses rested on the bridge of her nose. With her arms folded across her chest, she paced the length of the large kitchen as Okami prepared a long list of sweets for the special order she received earlier in the day.
"Will you calm down, Saena-san?" Okami barked bitterly as she rolled her eyes at the younger woman. "You're going to burn a hole into my floor." As usual, she was dressed elegantly in a black silken kimono with golden cranes and blossoms, clean fingers wrapped tightly around a feathered pen as the list continued to grow.
"Is she always this late?" Kyoko's mother asked, ignoring the request. Her black pumps clacking upon the hardwood as she walked down to the left, spun and walked back, nails digging into the expensive material of her jacket. Thin shapely brows were furrowed with mounting rage. "Such a rebellious little brat."
Sho stood around the corner with his back up against the wall, head bowed and ears picking up every word. His jaw tightened as he contemplated his fiancée's whereabouts. There was only one place she would lose herself in, Sho thought. As the sounds of extremely harsh insults wafted out to him, he sighed. And if this bitch is back then no doubt Kyoko will avoid coming home for as long as possible.
Glancing to his wristwatch, Sho knew that if Kyoko didn't return very soon, she would be in for the punishment of a lifetime. Mentally cursing, he pushed off the wall and meandered towards his bedroom. After climbing the stairs, he started to pass Kyoko's bedroom. He couldn't help but stop and question as to whether there'd be a clue in the darkened room. Making sure that no one was coming after him, Sho walked up to the door and quietly slid it open. Stepping inside he closed it behind him.
The space was always so clean and organized. Her desk against the left wall had her textbooks neatly standing on the shelves in the corner, in alphabetical order. Light pink slippers sat slightly tucked beneath her bed. The hard tatami covered floors were completely clear of clutter and dust, unlike the heir's own room. Walking over to the bed, he sat down and ran his hand over her pillow. Images of his abuse flittered to his mind, making him smile. If he was lucky, maybe he would get to punish her instead of Saena.
Relishing the different methods that sprung to mind, Sho got off the bed and walked out of the bedroom. After grabbing a leather jacket decorated with zippers from his own room, he made for the exit, hoping not to get caught. I better go get her and drag her ass back, pronto.
Sitting like a perfect Japanese lady, Kyoko continued to drown in the green eyes that regarded her. Feeling the seeds of fear sprouting within her throat, she swallowed. When the silence stretched on a bit more, her heart sunk. Kuon just kept staring at her, his lips held firmly together. Kyoko as was afraid that if opened that heavenly mouth then insults of her station in life would flow freely. Even though she didn't know much about him, she knew that he had to have come from a very well-off family. She shivered.
"Won't you say something?" The teen finally managed the courage to ask.
As if caught red-handed with his hand in the liquor cabinet, Kuon cleared his throat and forced his face away from her. "I just can't believe that you have such a life." He replied honestly.
Ever since she told him about her engagement, he had been overwhelmed with both silence and curiosity. This unfamiliar rain maiden that swept into his life and stole his peace of mind. Now, it looked like he would never be able to get his chance at loving her. It made him burn with sadness. After an awkward silence befell them, Kyoko tried to escape, but Kuon wouldn't allow it. He needed to know everything about her. Every detail of her life, why she felt that she had no choice but to marry this man she obviously hated. Being a Royal, Kuon never had to deal with real-life situations that Kyoko suffocated from.
In her telling, time had stopped for them both. The seconds and minutes ticked on by and the sun fell lower and lower, hoarding the light and warmth of the day. Dusk befell the sky above them and they still didn't notice.
"It's just life for me, Kuon." Kyoko said smiling.
Kuon moved his eyes back to her presence. The moisture of her misery was clearly blanketed in those unforgiving orbs. Her lips spread in warmth but he could tell her heart felt nothing but ice. "Why don't you run away, Kyoko?" Turning his body towards her, he reached out and swept her long hair over her shoulder. Cupping her face tenderly, could feel the heat in her cheeks. His heart skipped. "Run away so these horrible people can't treat you like a fucking servant. You have such vibrancy inside of you. If you continue to take this path, you'll die in darkness. You can't possibly want that?"
Bowing her head, Kyoko couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her. Tears rolled down into his palm, sticking them together. A brush of a soft thumb beneath her eyes intensified the unusual feelings that swam within the young woman. "I have nowhere to run too." She answered honestly. "Even if I did run, the Fuwas are a very prestigious family in this region. They would find me." Reaching up, she covered his hand with hers and gave him a gentle squeeze. "It would be much worse for me, Kuon."
Moving closer, Kuon touched his head to hers. "I refuse to believe that you can't escape them. I can see how much it's destroying you."
"Please, don't say such things to me. You're only making this…" Her voice faded and her eyes widened at the sudden awareness that slammed into her. Oh my god… I'm falling… for him…
"What?" He pressed on. "I'm making this what?" Cupping her face with both hands now, Kuon looked longingly into the glaze of ochre.
Licking her lips, Kyoko gulped again. "You're making me realize… How numb I've become." Pulling his hands from her face, Kyoko scooted back a bit and wrapped her arms around herself. "I can't believe that I've laid myself completely bare before you. I no longer have any secrets from you."
"Is that really a bad thing?" The Prince questioned, trying to ignore the guilt that swirled inside of his chest.
"Yes!" She replied without hesitation. "I know nothing about you at all."
Momentarily their eyes locked as Kuon contemplated giving her the same respect. But his biggest fears turned him craven. What if she started to treat him differently, just like every other stupid person in this nation? What if she hated him for what he was? Or what… What if she refused to see him ever again? No! It was a risk that he wasn't prepared for, one he didn't know if he ever would be prepared for.
Feeling soft drops on her hands, Kyoko looked at the sky and gasped. The beautiful blue had darkened to a hazy grey, covered with ominous clouds. "Oh no!" Hastily, she gathered her bag and stood up. "I have to go! I didn't realize how late it's gotten!" Looking around to make sure that she had not forgotten anything, she offered her companion an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, Kuon. But I have to go right now!"
Kuon was up on his feet along with Kyoko, already feeling the strings of loneliness settling in. "Wait!" He shouted to her retreating back. "Please, Kyoko! Tell me I'll see you again!" Racing after her, he caught her elbow as she reached the edge of the clearing. Pulling her back to him, he slipped his other hand around her waist and held her. "I need to see you again, tomorrow."
Biting her lower lip, Kyoko shrugged slowly. "My mother is in town. I… I don't know if I can get away while she's here. Besides…" Her chest ached horribly at the thought of never seeing him again, but worse than that, his presence in her life had disrupted her acceptance of the destiny before her. She no longer wanted to blindly walk down this horrible nightmare. No… she wanted to run away, with him and find a new destiny… All foolish dreams that she knew she didn't deserve, dreams that would never come true.
"Please, Kyoko. I'm begging you." Kuon caressed her lips with his fingers and drew her body against his.
"Kuon…" she whispered, eyes falling to his parted lips. "I… can't…" she added as her eyes involuntarily slid shut with anticipation.
Kuon kissed her, sending a whirl of chills down her spine. Her pulse quickened and her body fluttered from her chest down to her tummy. Kyoko wrapped her hand around his neck and returned the kiss with equal warmth and ardency. Oh god, I am falling in love with him…
Breaking the kiss, they both were out of breath. Pressing his head to hers, Kuon begged. "Please, Kyoko. I can feel myself falling for you."
Looking into his eyes, she gasped.
"I can't go another day without seeing you." Covering the hand over his heart, Kuon squeezed. "Promise me you'll come back."
Nodding deliberately, Kyoko smiled. "I-I promise, Kuon." She shoved him back, twirled around and disappeared behind the wall of trees, cheeks aching from joy.
Sho fell back, cursing as the feeling of sharp wood pierced his palm. "Fuck," he cursed as he felt the pain in his hand. Shoving back into a stance, he roughly brushed his pants and then looked at his palm. A thin, long piece was protruding from the bottom of his palm, blood seeping out brightly. Grabbing it, he yanked it out and stifled a groan.
"I'm so sorry—" Kyoko began her typical apology, but froze when she saw what she had bumped into. "Sho…" she whispered.
"What the fuck are you doing, you goddamned idiot?" Sho yelled as he started walking over to her. Seeing her scuttle away from him only made him angrier. Stomping closer, he leaned down and grabbed her wrist violently, pulling her to her feet. Her moans of pain made no difference to him. "You deserve much more than a manhandling."
"What are you talking about? Why are you here?" She asked, eyes closed and face turned to the side. Kyoko could feel his fingers curling around her and she had to bite her tongue to keep from screaming out.
"You're fucking mother is having a shit storm, Kyoko." Sho replied through clenched teeth. "Do you have any idea how pissed she is that you weren't home?"
Kyoko took a deep breath. Looking into his eyes, she thought she could see a small hint of concern mirrored in them. Realizing how stupid that sounded, she shook her head. "I-I'm sorry. Is that why you're out here? You came to get me?"
Sho remained silent. He released her and took a step back.
"Why didn't you just tell her where I was…?"
Turning away from her, he tried to walk off, but was stopped when she seized his wrist. "What the hell are you doing?" he asked.
"You're bleeding…" Kyoko answered quietly. Dropping his hand, she ripped off a small part of her skirt and then carefully wrapped it around the small wound. "There."
Looking own at her makeshift bandage, Sho could feel a small flow of warmth in his face. Twisting away, he started to walk off. "Grab your shit, let's go."
Feeling utterly baffled by this behavior, Kyoko hastily picked up her bag and pursued her fiancé, her heart thrumming like insanity.
By the time they made it back to the ryokan, the sky had fallen completely black, the clouds overhead hid the stars and rain was pouring down upon them heavily. Just outside of the back entrance, by the kitchen Sho slipped out of his shoes quietly and signaled for Kyoko to do the same. Then he peeked inside and found the area empty. Feeling the girl behind him, he grasped her wrist and yanked her in after him. "Stay quiet," he whispered over his shoulder.
Leading her to the far entrance on the opposite side of the large kitchen, Sho was sure that everyone would be in their rooms by now. But as he started to turn the corner he heard voices. Stepping back, he wrapped his arms around Kyoko and held her close as they stayed tucked into the dark corner. Looking down at her, he saw the fear that was painted in them. When they realized that she was back, especially her mother, she was probably going to beat her daughter horribly. It was something that didn't settle very well with the heir. Turning his ear to the voices, he eavesdropped carefully.
"Well, well your highness, she is currently upstairs focusing on her studies. She has exams coming up and I like to make sure she does the very best."
Saena's voice, Sho thought.
"Of course, I can relate to that myself. I just returned from studying abroad," a velvety masculine answered with a slight chuckle. "It is quite standard for the king to make this kind of request. Since tomorrow is his anniversary, we want to ensure that everything will flow as smoothly as possible."
"I understand completely." Saena answered. "I can send her over—,"
"Nonsense," the royal replied. "The weather is quite displeasing as it is. I will escort her myself."
There was a moment of silence that made Sho feel more cautious. He tightened his arms around Kyoko. Feeling her shift, he looked down and found her face and neck red. Dew drops kissed every inch of her skin, long wet hair stuck to her temples and neck. So many filthy thoughts occurred to him, but he shoved them away for both of their security.
"I have no problem waiting for the young woman," the royal added in what sounded like a pleasant tone. "Besides, it will give me an opportunity to get to know you all better."
Kyoko pressed her hands against his chest and pushed him away, trying to fight the disgust that was starting to infect her stomach. But as she looked at their situation, she knew that the only way to speak to him would be to get close. Stepping on to her tippy toes, she leaned up and whispered into his ear. "There's another way up,"
Sho hid the chill that her breath gave him. Facing her, he nodded questioningly. She motioned for him to follow her and he did reluctantly.
Saena stormed down the long hallway, fuming at the ears. Reaching Kyoko's bedroom door, she stormed inside. After speaking with the royal, she went into the kitchen for some libations and found the wet tracks that had made her realize that her daughter had finally returned. Now as she stood in the middle of the young girl's bedroom, she fought the urge to reach out and rip her head off her body.
"Mother…" Kyoko muttered nervously. She was in the middle of changing out of her wet clothes. Clad in khaki skinny leg pants and a simple black cotton bra, Kyoko felt completely exposed. Grabbing the plain white t-shirt off the bed, she raised it to her chest and blushed. "I'm sorr—,"
"You selfish little whore," Saena said as she walked over to her daughter. "Do you have any idea whom you've kept waiting? Do you?!"
Flinching, the teenager shook her head quickly.
SLAP!
The sound thundered through the whole room. "The King's son is downstairs, Kyoko. The royal family is here and where were you? You were you too busy out there fucking god only knows what to honor us with your presence?"
"N-no one, mother. I'm not like that!" Kyoko answered, her body shaking terribly with terror. "I promise you—,"
"I don't want to hear your lies." Saena spat rudely. "Get dressed and put on something that makes you look like a woman."
Kyoko lifted her eyes to her mother's. They were filled with so much disappointment and ire that the young girl felt she saw fire dancing in them. "I-I d-don't understand…"
"You're going with him for the night. No daughter of mine will look like some sewer slut. Understand?" She nodded to the closet. "I already have a dress picked out. You have ten minutes." Stepping away from her mistake, Saena walked to the door. Before exciting, she stopped and glanced over her shoulder. "Don't think you won't be punished for this, Kyoko. You'll have to answer for your disobedience. And you can start by doing whatever that royal wants done."
Her eyes widened at the implication. She took a step forward, ready for a full protest. "But mother! You couldn't possibly—,"
Saena turned around with deathly eyes. "Enough! Whatever the hell he wants, you'll do it without question! I'm so tired of your disappointments."
Kyoko closed her eyes and curled her hands into tight balls around the fabric she clutched to her heart. Feeling the diamond scrape against her other fingers, she looked to her mother again. "What about Sho, I don't think he'd appreciate it if I… was with another man."
The lawyer laughed with a harmonious sort of maliciousness. "That's not my problem, Kyoko. If it really bothers him so much, then I'll allow him to do whatever he wishes. Since you're engaged already there really is no point in waiting is there?" Scoffing at the sight of her daughter, Saena exited the bedroom.
Placing her cold palm against her skin, Kyoko hissed when it burned. She would need some make up to cover the redness. Liquid diamonds rolled down her cheeks as she walked over to the closet and sought the dress that was chosen as her prisoner's uniform. After finding it, her face flushed. First Sho and now some royal… I guess I really am no different than a whore…
Kuon walked into the lavish, empty kitchen, unable to contain the smile that was glued to his lips. Opening the fridge, he browsed around for something to drink, but eyes suddenly fogged up with an image of his kiss. Bringing his fingers to his mouth, the young prince felt entirely like the adolescent he was. It was no secret that he had been with many women, but none of them had affected him so intensely, especially not from just a little kiss. How he wished he could have wrapped her up and continued for as long as possible, but alas circumstances made that difficult.
Sighing heavily, he closed the refrigerator doors and flinched when he heard a tray crashing to the floor nearby. A young servant knelt down and quickly started gathering the shattered tea pot and cups, mopping up the spilt liquid. The sight held the Hizuri absolutely immobile. A sad portrait of Kyoko's tear-streaked face appeared before him, replacing the boy. Kuon could see her breaking dishes at the ryokan and then being dragged away for "punishment" by that lecherous fiancé of hers. His blood boiled.
"I'm so sorry, Kuon-sama," the servant exclaimed as he worked quickly with shaking hands. "I didn't realize that you were in here, it startled me."
Dropping his head with an unbearable flow of guilt, Kuon grabbed a tea towel off the center island and walked over to the mess. Kneeling down, he began to wipe the steaming milk tea off the floor, gathering the shards as he worked.
The servant's eyes grew so large they could have popped out of his handsome little face. "W-what are you doing? No! Please, sir just l—,"
"I'm sorry," Kuon said quietly. Noticing the servant's frozen position, the prince blushed heavily. He then took the pieces from the boy and placed them back onto the tray. "I'm really sorry for treating you that way this morning." His large hand dabbed at the last bit of liquid. "I was having a bad day and I took it out on you, and everyone else." Raking his hair back, he looked at the servant and felt his chest tighten. He can't be much older than I am, or she is… And he has the same fear in his eyes that she does… "Will you please forgive me?"
Jaw dropped in total astonishment, the boy had nothing to say. This was the crowned prince for heaven's sake. How could he possibly apologize to someone as lowly and inconsequential as him?
This expression, one he had seen every single day of his life since he could crawl, was starting to irritate him, but he kept it all inside with grace. Conjuring the gentlemanly smile of perfection, he tilted his head and repeated his apology. "I'm truly am sorry. Forgive me?"
"O-of course, Kuon-sama!" The servant said bowing. "Everyone has bad days, sir. I understand completely."
Kuon nodded. "Thanks." As he started to stand up, he realized that he didn't even know the boy's name. Actually, he didn't know any servants names, not even most of the female servants that he had screwed around with. I don't know Kyoko's last name either…His guilt sunk deeper. "What's your name?"
Standing, the boy slid the tray onto the counter and turned his body towards the royal, not lifting his eyes to him out of respect. "H-Hikaru, sir. Kotonami Hikaru."
Kuon patted him on the shoulder. "Well, Hikaru, thanks for helping us out so much. I really don't think we'd do so well on our own." I wonder if anyone ever shows her their appreciation, considering how much she does for them, he added inwardly. He then spun around and walked towards the kitchen's exit. But a sudden thought struck him. Stopping at the mouth, he turned back. "Please, don't tell my father about this. I don't want him to make a big deal, which he'll do obviously."
Hikaru smiled. "Of course, sir. Have a wonderful evening."
"You too, Hikaru-san."
A/N: It should start to pick up a bit more in pace from this point, but I'm still gonna take my time so I don't ruin the story. Have a great night! :)
