Faith
At his pet's action, Akito was surprised beyond words. He watched as Ling-chan cooed to the bird and ruffled the feathers beneath the bird's breast. He watched as the bird continued to stay put on her palm, looking so at peace and with pleasure!
"For years, this bird of mine never approaches anyone, much less to stay on anyone's palm. Who is Ling-chan exactly? Is this a sign that she is to be my lady?" Akito wondered. While Ling-chan teased the bird, a maid entered the room with a tray of finger food and a pot of tea. She set the food down, arranged the food, bowed and went out. All this while, the bird stayed in Ling-chan's palm.
"I am really impressed, Ling-chan. This is the first time that this bird of mine does not take flight when someone else is in the same room as me. Come, let my beauty go. The tea will be cold by the time you finish with her."
"Alright. Coming." With a flick of her wrist, she sent the bird flying off. The bird flew out, landing on a branch outside the room, looking at both with bright black eyes. Ling-chan laughed as she saw it.
And so it goes, with both of them in the room, chatting away. Or rather, it's more of Ling-chan speaking to Akito, who listens intently. Through Ling-chan, Akito learned more about the outside world. To him, she is like a living book of knowledge, a beam of light in his darkness. Though Ling-chan seems to impart a lot of knowledge, she also gained the information on Akito himself. It was near evening when they both noticed how long they had chattered. Akito found himself revealing almost all his secrets and fears; spilling his heart and soul to a stranger he met on the street. However, he did not find anything shameful or embarrassing about it. By the time Ling-chan left for her home, she knew all about the Sohma's curse.
At the school's main library
"He really likes you a lot." A voice came out of nowhere.
Ling-chan startled and nearly dropped the book which she was reading. "Oh! Oh! You gave me such a fright, Hatori! Do you refer to Akito-kun? I think he is a fine fellow. Just a tad too engrossed in his sad and bitter memories. He is actually very nice to me."
"So you know all about the curse." Hatori stated, with an eyebrow lifted in question.
"Yes. Yuki as the rat, Haru as the cow, Kisa as the tiger, Momiji as the rabbit, you as the dragon, Ayame as the snake, Rin as the horse, Hiro as the sheep, Kureno as the rooster, Shigure as the dog and Kagura as the boar." Ling-chan replied off handedly, as she is back with her nose in the book again.
"Akito do really trust you to tell you so much. It really seemed to me that he is very fond of you as well." Hatori leaned against the metal frame of the cupboard as he looked at her.
Ling-chan did not look up from her book as she retorted "No. you must be imagining things, Hatori. I don't expect my naïve and one sided feelings to receive any sort of reply or commitment. Wait a minute, what did I just said?!" Only then did Ling-chan tear her graze from the book and looking at Hatori frantically, blushing madly now, "takes it that I never say anything earlier!"
"No, I won't. So you do care for Akito-sama? That's good. It is nothing to be ashamed of, Ling-chan."
"But………this is only a crush. He would not feel anything for me other than a friend. Furthermore, as you well know, I will be returning back to Singapore soon…… The exchange program is about to end." Ling-chan held the book close to her chest as she looked down at her feet in despair.
"Yeah…..does Akito-sama know about this?" Hatori asked.
Ling-chan shook her head and added "In addition, I really have no idea how to break this piece of news to him. I hate saying goodbyes." At this, Hatori advised "it is better to settle this soon for he would be disappointed and not to mention, furious if you leave without a word. Have faith, Ling-chan. Things might turn out for the better."
Ling-chan was silent for a moment, absorbing Hatori's words. Finally, she nodded as she replied. "Very well, I will see him today and tell him after school."
AUTHOR'S NOTE
How will Akito react to Ling-chan's announcement? Will he be able to let her go? What will his reaction be? For those who are interested, please kindly hang in there, chapter 10 will be out soon!
Perhaps, for those who had been following the story, give me some suggestions as to how will Akito will react! I have the idea in mind and on paper already but I am always welcome to suggestions! As for the matter of Akito being too OC…..well, it can't be helped. As said, this story explains how Akito got such a nasty temper. So before that, I am assuming that he is easier to get by. Till the next chapter.
