Fraud Identity X – Running in Shadow
DISCLAIMER: I don't own YUGIOH
x-x
My Shadow
He stepped on the green grass, burying his foot on its damp leaves, loving the way it tickled his skin. He let his feet merged into the merriness of the midst, hill seemed floating at front, sun fading away. Dried leaves flew like fireflies, creating a dancing halo that circled and followed his moves, his run.
He ran, going nowhere. He ran, catching the butterfly. He ran, singing the bliss melody. He ran, just for fun.
"Seto!" A voice coming from a smiling and waving man erupted. He stood not far from him "Seto! Don't go too far okay?"
That voice. It was so familiar.
"Seto, be careful in playing!" A feminine voice said, tone like a swift song. She stood beside the man, protected by his embrace around her shoulder.
That voice; her voice, he knew that voice.
"Yes father! Yes Mother!" He said, smiling up to his ears. His eyes were a container of happiness and innocence, no taint of either hate or anguish. It had no place for it. It was just him, just Seto, a kid Seto.
He was laughing while running, breeze playing his brown hair, hands extended like embracing the air. He was laughing as he lives, breathes and run. He won't stop laughing. He wont' stop being happy.
He will laugh...
And laugh...
And laugh...
Flicker
The image flickered
"Do you feel his kick Seto?" A woman asked, and held Seto's hands and then put it on top of her tummy.
"Was he really inside it?" He asked innocently.
They were under the sheltered tree, having a family picnic together. It was sunset, light fading yet happiness still reigning.
"Of course my son! That's a miracle of life" A woman retorted passionately, eyes glistening with purity.
"You should take good care of him when he comes out" She said, putting her hands on his head sweetly and then she messed his hair playfully. "You should be a good brother! Do you promise Seto?"
Seto smiled. "Yes mother. I will"
"I promise, I will!"
He will.
He promised.
He had promised.
The woman smiled. Her mother smiled. Her face, he will never forget; how she let those eyes embraced him in comfort; how her voice sheltered him in storm; how her presence filled him with love. That face. Her face... flickered. "NO!"
It blurred in his vision. It can't be!
"Mother!"
She flickered.
Flicker.
His mother flickered.
Flicker.
The image flickered.
Darkness, and then there was darkness.
"NO!"NO! NO!"
There was a shout, like a person stabbed with a knife.
No.
It was much worse, like a person stabbed in his heart, stabbed his hope and happiness.
He remembered it. He was in the hospital, waiting for the birth of his brother, waiting excitedly for his mother and his brother. He was smiling joyously at that time.
Then he found someone crying, a sullen man punching and swearing at the wall. He knew that man. It was his father.
He was crying, crying pathetically. 'Whoever made my father cried, I will make them suffer'
'He was crying, but why is my father crying?'
His crying prickled his innocent heart. To hear his father's crying pinned his delicate smile.
"What's the matter father? Where's my brother?" He walked near him and then tugged his jerking hands. "Where's mother?"
His father looked at him, void was all in his eyes, drained in tears and sorrows.
"She's gone Seto"
"Your mother's gone!" He said between his tears.
It can't be. "I don't' understand? Father?"
"She's gone. She's gone..."He continued, getting harsher in every words.
"She's dead"
Dead.
Dead.
Dead.
Then his father cried again. He couldn't understand. He couldn't think. What is it to be dead? What is it to be gone? She has to besomewhere. He didn't know. He was still too young to understand the meaning.
All of sudden, his father kneeled, levelling his height to him, and then he embraced him. Tears wetted his shirt, hot tears piercing his heart, sharing his father's sorrow, his pain- the death of his mother. He suddenly felt it. His father's tears on his chest seemed like whispering it to him. It was pain, for his mother to die means pain. It was nothing but pain.
Pain.
Damn pain!
He knew that pain. He had felt that pain. It hurts, and it still hurts.
And then he cried, crying silently at first, staring at the air blankly. He couldn't understand it all, but he cried. Then tears started to fall in his eyes, as his father, in a kneeling position, embraced him like he was the father, and his father was the child. His father was so weak at that time, so he must be strong. He must, or their family will fall. And so he had to.
His father sobbed, voice full of sorrow. He was standing, and his father was enveloping him in a mournful embrace.
His embrace was sad but it had love.
His embrace...
His touch...
His cry...
Then it was fading. His chest was getting cold all of a sudden.
Cold.
The image of his father embracing him vanished little by little.
"Father! What's going on?"
"Father!" His chest was cold; no flesh seemed to be protecting him from the harsh air. His father was vanishing.
"Do your promise my son! I'm sorry I can't stay" He said, image fading.
His eyes widened in fear. "What was happening?" the pain of his mother's death was still there, and then this? Again? "No!"
"Protect your brother, Seto" He lastly said, and he was totally gone, and it became totally cold.
Cold.
The atmosphere was so cold, so lonely for he was alone.
Alone.
He was left standing in darkness, eyes panicking, still in denial.
Denial.
Then there was a child voice. A small figure walked towards him, cooing. "br-o-ther"
"Mokuba? Is that you? Let's find father. He must be here somewhere" He said in determination, putting Mokuba at his back. He won't give up. He won't accept it. He ran, carrying the young Mokuba. He ran in darkness.
Darkness.
And these were the dark days of his life. He didn't know where to go. He didn't know what to do. He couldn't see the path. "Father! Where are you?" It was so hard to be left alone.
Alone.
"Don't go! Don't leave me"
Abandoned.
Still there was darkness.
"Protect him, as you promised" He heard him, voice sprung in the air.
"Don't' go. Don't go"
Mokuba tugged his shirt, still being carried at his back. "bro-ther?"
"Don't leave us"
Don't!
And yet he did. His father died, leaving him the responsibility.
He stopped running and looked at Mokuba. He was so young. He didn't know what happened. His father had left them. Still there was darkness, but ahead shone a little place with full of strangers.
It was the orphanage.
A tear fell. It dropped on the ground, like creating a sorrowful sound. He loved his family, so he shouldn't abandon it. He had a responsibility. He had a promise to fulfill.
"I'll do it father...mother!" He finally said, sounding fervently sad.
"I'll never break it!"
He'll do it. He must do it.
"For you...and for my brother, I will live my life protecting him." Another tear fell, and this was the last tear he shed.
The last...
Flicker.
The image flickered.
"Ha! I won mister. Do what's on the deal!"
Gozaburo looked at him, glaring. "Fine! I'll adopt you two!" He said, raising his arms angrily.
Seto smiled. "Like what you said Mother, Father, I'll protect my brother. I want a good life for him! And I did it!"
He did it. He was so proud. He did it.
They were adopted as a Kaiba. They were now a Kaiba, the owner of a large corporation, a very rich family.
They were now rich. He had given his brother a good life, just like what he promised.
His promise.
Promise.
"My promise"
Promise
Flicker
"What the hell are you doing? Why are you just playing that piece of card game?" Gozaburo yelled and threw the table, letting his cards to be scattered on the floor.
"but-"
"Don't but me you kid! You want to be a Kaiba, then act like Kaiba!"
"But I'm just having a break. I was studying for hours now-
"Don't answer back you kid! now, you will not get out in this room not until you read those bunch of books and answered all of the question." He yelled, and gestured the attendant to pick up the scattered cards.
"Throw it away. Don't give him any toys"
"Hey, those were my toys, don't throw it!"
"Toys are not needed in being a Kaiba"
"but I want to play"
"Kaiba's don't play for fun. They play for money and power. Now! Study your lesson"
"But I need a break. I want to pl-"
He didn't listen. The door was shut and locked.
He was left all alone in the room to study.
Alone...
"Why?" he asked to himself. "Why they won't let me?"
"Why?"
There was no answer. No one answered. And he knew already what they will answer.
What?
Simple, because he was a Kaiba.
You are a Kaiba now. Act like Kaiba
You're a kaiba.
A Kaiba.
Kaiba's don't have time for fun.
You're a Kaiba.
A Kaiba.
Kaiba.
They always tell him, forcing him to remember, imprinting it in his mind and his heart.
"Yes I am now a Kaiba..."
And it vanished, his memories, his childhood. It vanished. Kaiba made him forgot.
"I'm Seto Kaiba"
So young to be given a responsibility, he had even forgotten .that he was a child at that time, just a child that should play.
"I'm Seto Kaiba"
From love it all started, from love it vanished, and now, even the love vanished.
x-x
His eyes fluttered, forcing it to open from adamant pain. Not waking up and sleeping longer would be more painful for something seemed slashing him in his sleep, in his dream. He had to wake up. He opened his eyes, erasing it all.
What happened?
There was a dream. It was a painful dream. What was in it? He didn't remember. He didn't want to remember.
The stiffness of the floor at his back cringed his senses to sit upright, removing his attachment from the mat. He scanned the room, the small room where he had slept, and sensed the new place that making him feel the fresh air ventilating his lungs, as if healing his body. The atmosphere was so different; the window at the side let the birds visit the room, allowing the rising sun to pass its light and greenish view to capture his sight.
This place. What place was it?
"Damn!" He suddenly swore in an early morning, remembering what he had gotten himself into.
He was in a different place, away from his home, his work, his routine, and his brother. He had now forgotten the beautiful scenery behind the window, trampled by his present state realization. There was no time to waste. Time was ticking, so he hastily got up from the mat and went outside the door. He wanted to start his morning mending all the mistakes that misled him from routine.
He walked outside the door, leaving Serenity sleeping on the mat, too preoccupied to think that she was with him all the time and slept beside him.
x-x
The water from the shower fell on his bare skin, cold enough to erase the taint of blood marks, and strong enough to remove the ache and numbness of his limbs. He rinsed his short hair in a circling motion and used the herbal shampoo of the old couple. He frowned at its fluid, noticing its difference from his usual- it was green and slimy, like an extraction of some plant.
'What the hell is this thing?' He thought, getting meticulous. But too late to take it back; he had put it already on his hair, sponging his every strands, and besides, he kind had like the smell, resembling to lavender at its height of bloom, and so he just let it stay. He also borrowed their soap, rinsed it on his body, and levelled the cuts on his every limb. He winced at the pain, resisting its harsh contact.
'What did those damn bastards do to me!' he thought in irritation, still experiencing the bitter pain combination of soap and wound and bruises. He opened again the shower, and washed his body. The froth fell, going down towards the drain, carrying along with it all the dark marks of the kidnapping, the memories and the painful dream.
He finished showering, and then reached for the Winnie shirt. He released a heavy sigh, irritated. He expanded it, showing it fully on his eyes - a shirt containing large pooh face on the front. He gritted his teeth in annoyance and gestured to put it on. 'As if I have a choice!'
Then, something familiar caught his eyes, something hanging at the bathroom's window; it was a white polo and a dark pants, an outfit he wore at the party, during the kidnapping, and yesterday. He stopped his gesture, put the Winnie shirt down, and reached for the polo and pants in interest. He touched and scanned it, noticing that it was newly washed. 'I thought it's dirty.' However, it was now clean and dry to wear it again. Not thinking why, he wore it hastily, deeply glad not to wear the Winnie shirt again.
He walked outside the bathroom, feeling fresh and comfortable from his shower and outfit. He headed outside, looking impatiently for the old man. He walked to the garage, and found him inspecting his truck.
Thinking that the old couple was definitely so friendly in lending them many things, he asked. "Hey! Can I borrow your truck to get in the town?" Seto asked, sounding arrogant as usual. Roger went to the driver seat and tried to start the engine. Seto lifted his brow from his no response. There was a grumbling sound, noise varying and slowing down. Roger's face crumpled, problematic, hinting Seto a dilemma he didn't like at all.
"What is the problem?" He asked, his tone shading apprehension.
Roger stopped his movement and looked at Seto. "I think the truck wont start" He said slowly, voice grumpy, common to his old age.
He knew it. Just hearing the sound already told him it wasn't functioning. 'The hell!' he thought, getting irritated. However, that problem would not easily affect him since he still had his intelligent brain with him. He therefore went near the driver seat and tried to inspect the problem. Roger let him and went outside the truck.
"Do you have any gadgets for fixing this stuff?" He shrugged, trying to settle it in his own hands. Manipulation, reconstruction, creativity was one of his expertise, which would not make him a good duel disk inventor if he were not.
Roger stared at him, confused at his actions.
"What?" Seto intolerantly asked, bothered by Roger's silence.
"I think there is nothing wrong in the engine" He informed monotonously. He leaned near the driver seat and pointed the gas measurement. "It's the gas. There's no more gas"
Seto stopped his movement and blatantly exhaled in annoyance. He was to answer something harsh like 'Why you didn't tell me sooner you idiot!' but just rolled his eyes and chuckled sarcastically. "Then let's fill it up!" He said, holding his temper. It was so simple. The problem was so simple, but why then the old man even tried to inspect it hardly. He already knew what's wrong, then why the hell he wasn't doing anything about it. 'These idiots, how idiotic they are...'
Roger quivered his mouth, hiding the protest. "Well, filling it up is not that easy"
Seto suddenly removed his smug look, feeling the tension of his words. He never liked that kind of tone and set of words at all. 'Don't tell me...' He swallowed hard, preparing himself to ask. "What do you mean it's not easy?" He asked heavily, worried that the answer might affect his span of time staying.
"You see...We're out of gas right now and unfortunately..."
Seto glared, having a great dislike at the 'unfortunate' word.
"...the delivery of gas will still come next week" He finished, sounding formal.
That's it, damn!
"What the hell do you mean by that?" Seto suddenly yelled, getting out of the driver seat angrily. "That we are still going to stay in this place for a damn one week? Shit!"
"I'm sorry Mr. Weaver but that's the schedule"
He walked towards Roger, eyes furious. "I don't care! Don't you know how much I need to go home right now? Ha?! I still have lots of important business meetings to attend to!" He went on, flying his arms in anger. Roger was left dumbfounded at his flare up; the man in front of him right now was acting out of his age, so young to get furious easily, and so young to take things too seriously.
"Damn! I left my corporation there! I have no idea what my blasted subordinates are doing on it right now, and my brother is definitely worrying." He added, standing beside him. Roger slowly backed out, naturally fearing his bossiness. "Damn! And then you'll tell me this truck has no gas in a week? "
"What the hell is this place?" He continued yelling, voice shaking the calmness of the site.
His eruption reached the house, making Maggie and the newly showered Serenity to run hastily outside.
The sight of Seto bursting in anger and Roger calming him down greeted them. Serenity ran towards Seto and held him, stopping his flare up. "Seto, calm down. What's the problem?" She said worriedly, frowning in perplexity. It was so early and his boyfriend was already yelling rudely at the old man who helped them. Serenity was definitely so embarrassed at what was happening. She continuously muttered 'I'm sorry' while backing away Seto.
"What's the problem Mr. Weaver?" Maggie, who was standing at the door of garage, repeated Serenity's question with her brows knitted.
No one answered. Seto finally stopped bursting, and pasted his glare in replacement. "Mr. Weaver? Mrs. Weaver?" Maggie asked again, and sauntered towards Roger. Still no one answered. They were standing side by side. "Mr. Seto? Ms. Serenity?" Maggie asked again, this time she used their first names hoping they will now answer.
Both of them looked at her, hearing her question. "Oh! I'm sorry." Serenity said, shameful for not answering. They had forgotten they were Weaver now, pretending to be a couple.
"Would you guys tell me what's the yelling all about?" Maggie tried to clear the mess, voice in a stern manner.
"Mr. Weaver suddenly got angry when I told him the truck was out of gas and would be empty for a week." Roger answered, still sounding calm and unaffected after all that had happened.
"Oh..." Serenity's voice trailed naturally, trying to understand the situation. 'One week still...' She would not lie that what he just said didn't dismay her. After all, like Seto, she was yearning to go home and settled their messy experience right now. She looked at Seto, who was standing and glaring in annoyance. She could feel his frustration, his worry to business, Mokuba, and his wanting to go home. She understood his feelings, for she too, felt the same. However, it wasn't right to burst out like that. It wasn't right to loose temper in front of the kind people like them.
"I understand the situation Mr. Roger. Thank you really for your great hospitality." Serenity began, bowing her head. "And I want to apologize for Seto's behavior-"
Seto suddenly looked at her warningly. 'What is she doing?' he mused, bothered by her apologizing in his behalf when he wasn't really sorry at all.
"He was just so tired and depressed to all that had happened, so it was just his initial reaction to get angry like that. I'm sorry, he didn't mean it." Serenity continued sincerely while Seto discreetly rolled his eyes. 'No Wheeler, I mean it so much!'
Seto looked at her peevishly, brows knitted, lips curled. He looked at her, as if she had done something stupid, not totally understanding her behaviour.
She was bowing so seriously, apologizing earnestly.
'How come there are people in this world that are so…so…ethical'
"I'm really sorry for his actions...please forgive us" She said, eyes looking genuine.
'She is damn too ethical!'
'What she was doing right now, her words, gestures, interruptions, last night, her apology were all too ethical it was so annoying'
"We're sorry"
'Why does she always apologize? Does this girl have some pride at all?'
Serenity finally looked up and faced Seto. "Right Seto?"
She saw his frowning look and widened her eyes, convincing him to agree with her and change his hesitant expression. "We're really sorry, right Seto?" Serenity repeated, louder, stronger.
Seto just held his stare, unmoving, and then shook his head in frustration. 'Unbelievable…' Seto groaned, anger suddenly faded, transformed to nuisance from Serenity's actions. He didn't say anything anymore, his energy seemed drained from looking at her, exhausted just from trying to analyze her.
"It's okay now." Roger suddenly said, breaking the tense situation, settling the issue. "I don't mind"
Setos sighed and paced to walk away. He put his hand on his forehead and massaged it, clearing his frustration. He had no choice anyway. The situation was very depressing so he must leave. Maggie and Roger eyed him in awe, pitying him. He really looked affected at what happened, so desperate to go home. 'Poor fellow...if only I have another-'
"Wait!" Roger rapidly called, stopping Seto. He just remembered something that made his eye went excited. Seto looked back and glared. "If you are really in a hurry, I have something that could help" Roger said in a suggestion.
Seto and Serenity squinted, feeling some hope. "What's that?" Seto demanded, voice yearning for positive answer. "Yes honey what's that?" Maggie echoed in interest.
"I have something here that you could use to go in the town" He went on while leading them to the garage's back. He pushed some boxes away, trying to reveal something. They followed him and waited impatiently.
"Aha! There it is!" He exclaimed in animation. Seto hastily bent down, finding their what they called last hope. "Tadan! My precious and lovely...bike!"
'The hell!' Seto mused, changing his expression into a scowl as he saw an old steel bike, with basket at the front and an extra seat at the back.
"That's so great honey! You're so intelligent!" Maggie enthusiastically commented, clapping her hands. "Why didn't we think of it before? You could use the bike to get in the train 15 kilometers away from here"
"And riding the train will take you to the town. And then you can call your brother there" Roger added, smiling proudly in his suggestion.
Serenity walked near the bike and scanned it. She dragged it for testing and then peeked at the chain. "Well, it looks fine and working" She said in a hush voice. She looked at Seto, and waited for his answer.
"You bet it is! That bike is strong to last for years" Roger said.
"But you said 15 kilometers to the town? That's far for a bike!" Serenity said, worried mostly for Seto. "How long will it take us to the train station?"
"I guess at least 4 hours" Roger said shortly.
Serenity widened her eyes. "Oh my gosh! That's so long" At least 4 hours of biking, paddling it specifically, was very exhausting. She was now having a second thought, worried again for Seto.
"Don't worry, the view out there is very beautiful" Roger informed, relieving the negativity.
"We used to bike there together. It's really enjoying!" Maggie added smilingly, remembering her memories.
Seto remained silent, thinking hardly of the situation. He really wanted to go home right now, but because of the gas dilemma they can't for a week. And now, he was given an option of another tansportation. 'Is that little thing even considered as transportation? Never mind' So whatever is that thing, that little steel thing, that was his given option: riding a bike for 15 kilometers, at least 4 hour ride in an unknown uncivilized place. He would drive a bike which has no gear, no motor, no gps, no privacy, no back seat, no windows, no shield for the rain and sun, no compartment except for the mini kiddie basket, no air bag protection, no-
'Damn it's too many!'
"Well what do you say Mr. Weaver?" Roger asked, waiting for his answer.
"Don't you have at least a motorcycle?" He asked, hoping there was still other choice.
"I'm sorry, we don't"
He gave a heavy sigh, getting desperate. Why was he so deprived of many things these past few days? He couldn't even use his power and richness in times like this. If only he had his battleship right now, he could get at the town in a few seconds.
"Well..." He began, still thinking of his decision. 'How the hell would I ride that thing? Pushing the pedals?' Of course he knew how to bike, but he did it a very long time ago as a child, and buried its memory in the past.
"Um..."He stammered, still thinking. All his life, he tried to forget things that would bring back his memories. He tried to forget how to bike. But then, this day...
"Fine!" This day is an exception. "Fine, I'll use it!" He finally said, agreeing to the suggestion. 'Damn! I am so desperate to use this thing!'
"Nice! Now it's settled! I'm sure you will enjoy your travel!" Maggie said and then paced to walk away "Roger, it's already late. Let's feed the chickens"
"Now, prepare your stuffs, and be sure to bring food and water." He reminded them, pacing to leave. "Excuse me, I'll just do my job" And he walked away, following Maggie.
Serenity then moved near to Seto and asked. "Are you sure Seto?" Serenity hissed worriedly, leaning as she moved closer to him. "You are still wounded. Can you bike it?"
Seto smirked. "Wheeler," Serenity shrugged hearing how cold her last name sounded from him. "I would get worse If I stay more to this blasted place! He hissed through his teeth, glaring. "Now, get on! We're leaving" He ordered authoritatively.
"Now?" She asked, sounding surprised. He had just decided to use it, and then they were already leaving? Seto indeed loved to make hasty decisions.
"Yes!" He said emphatically.
"Okay! Give me ten minutes to prepare" She said and then went inside the house.
x-x
Seto stood at the gate, holding the bike to his side. He was feeling a relieved now that they will go home.
"Hey Mr. Weaver!" Roger called, waving his hand in the air.
"You're talking to me?" He asked, still not used to his new name.
Roger walked near him and then stood beside him. "So, you're really going now?"
He just nodded and hid his boorish thoughts. 'I desperately want to leave this place old man!'
Roger stayed with him for a while, scanning the scenery. Seto remained standing, eyes on the grass, chest folded. "You know, you're lucky" He said in an undertone.
He looked at him and snarled. 'Was he starting to make a conversation? I'm not on the mood'
"You're lucky to have a wife like her"
Seto lifted his brow questionably. "A wife? I have a wife?"
"Yes, your wife, Ms. Serenity"
"No, she's my girlfriend" he clarified without thinking.
Roger shrugged, getting confused. "I'm sorry?"
Seto suddenly became aware of his comment and corrected it. "Oh yeah you're right!" He had forgotten again "She's my wife!" He said plainly. 'Now I'm getting confused to all these lies' he thought, shifting his gaze, avoiding his reaction to his near slip. 'First she's my girlfriend and now she's my wife. What's next? She's my long lost soul mate?'
"So back to what I'm saying..." Roger continued dully.
"You're really lucky to have a wife caring for you. You know I heard she was so exhausted last night at your kidnapping dilemma and still, she stayed awake just to wash your clothes."
Now he knew who washed his clothes, but then, he wasn't looking for anyway. He looked at him and frowned.
"She was so worried that you're not comfortable to the shirt so she washed your old one, and hurriedly dried it so you can use it today." Roger continued, squinting in a hint.
"She did that?" He said timidly, and then surprise at himself for asking the question.
Roger smiled, and then nodded.
Seto suddenly gestured to ride the bike, stopping the conversation. "...We have to go" He said, changing the topic. He just didn't feel good discussing topics like these.
Just right in time, Serenity appeared outside the house and ran towards him. "Okay I'm ready" She said joyfully, carrying a backpack.
She stopped running when she was near at Seto. "Thank you so much for your great hospitality" She bowed again, thanking Roger beside her, and then she faced Maggie, who was standing at the doorframe. "We're grateful. We'll never forget. You are so good!"
They smiled. "You're welcome" Roger said sweetly.
"So, enjoy your ride okay?" Maggie said.
Roger handed Seto a map sketch and instruction where to return the bike. He took and put it in his pocket.
Serenity tried to seat at the bike's extra seat, putting both of her legs at the side, and holding Seto's waist from the back.
Seto began to paddle and they moved away. "Bye!" Serenity said, waving her hand.
They waved back happily, eyes glinting joyously. .
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
My Run
The swift blow of the wind cradled the falling leaves, movement seemed dancing harmoniously. Brownish bark of the trees blended in fined soil, its roots hidden, creating animosity in solemn perfection. At such moment, anyone could wonder: Life is alive, present in two individuals moving in rhythm, touched by the inviting nature.
The morning shine of the sun highlighted the approaching figure mounted on bicycle. One person was peddling and the other one was sitting calmly, holding the other from the back.
Seto peddled, and Serenity with both of her legs at one side, played her foot up and down as she loved every moment.
Seto biked seriously, eyes darted far away, eyebrows slightly knitted, obviously holding his temper. Serenity however kept on moving her head on almost every side, smiling and marvelling the beautiful site.
The wind played with them, combing every strand of their hairs, whispering on their ears, ruffling their clothing and embracing their movement forward.
The breeze blew Seto's white polo, exposing his chest. Serenity's long hair somehow imitated the shift of the leaves falling, seemed like welcoming earnestly its cuddle.
They moved straight forward, destination still not visible. Serenity released her grip from Seto's back and raised both of her hands sideward, balancing herself. She closed her eyes and smiled, feeling the slowness of time. Seto felt her detachment and looked at her, frowning.
"The hell!" He swore and glared at her. "I won't pay for you accident, hold on " He said, voice hinted with annoyance. He looked back at the road again and received no response. Serenity continued to play her arms like a plane, eyes still closed.
"Are you deaf-"
"This feels good" Serenity said calmly. Seto gave her a sideways look and saw her still not holding back. He glared at her once more, controlling his growing annoyance. "You look stupid" He went on, eyes focused on the empty road.
Serenity still didn't make an attempt to put down her arms and then hummed in a sweet melody.
Seto grunted and flew his one arm in anger. "Fine!" He answered in a stern manner, somehow challenging her doing. He can't understand her. Why was she so stubborn; If he would put a word to it, he would describe her as stubbornly stupid childish annoying woman he's stuck with. She's not even listening to him. 'Hah! I'm Seto Kaiba, CEO of Kaiba Corporation. I command and people listens, no questions asked'.
He then speed up his biking, and then suddenly pushed the brake. Such movement made the bike unbalance, hence Serenity opened her eyes and held on to Seto immediately. "Hey!" She yelled warningly. "You did that on purpose!" She said and hit Seto's back lightly.
'Serves you right'.
He put his feet on the ground and looked at her. "Next time, it might happen for real and I will not stop just to pick you up from the ground because of your stupidity!" He finished, holding an eye contact with her. Seto was glaring, and Serenity just looked at him blankly. He then turned his back and continued biking, hoping she had listened to him.
She didn't answer back. 'Nice one Wheeler, you're learning'.
He was biking in silence when Serenity broke in. "I don't think that would happen" she said sweetly, and then raised again her arms, hummed and closed her eyes.
"What?" Seto asked in confusion, eyes still on the road.
"That we will fall, I don't think that it will happen"
He then felt her hold release and looked back at her questioningly, irritation coming back.
"I trust you" She added, while playing her arms again like an airplane.
Trust. You.
Words somehow slammed onto him like a fist. He looked at her, her eyes closed, self deeply indulged on fantasy. This woman has no idea who she was trusting. She's so gullible
She kept on humming softly, her lips forming into smile
She was so relaxed, as if she had no problems at all.
Serenity swung her head swiftly, letting the sunshine bring light to her delicate face.
Had she even thought how serious the dilemma we are in? And what's with that stupid balancing thing?
Serenity tilted her head upward, feeling the falling of leaves on her hand and the cold breeze flowing around. She was smiling innocently, like a child brought out to the park. Her long hair floating with the wind made her like a doll, so frail, innocent and pure.
"Look on the road mister or we will really fall for real" Serenity said playfully, eyes still closed.
Seto jerked and turned away, wakening from his thoughts. 'How did she know I am looking at her?'
'The hell Wheeler!'
He continued biking and ignored her. To notice her, to look at her or analyze her gives him too much discomfort.
Time became unnoticed as they move and reached a barren un-cemented road, ground uneven. Biking danced with length of time and perspiration; an hour of effort gave Seto tiredness and sweat, visible with his exhausted and annoyed facial expression and slow peddling. His wound on his arm seemed bleeding again.
"Seto?" Serenity said softly and then patted his back.
"Seto I think we should rest for awhile" She continued, worried. "You look so tired-"
"I'm not asking for your opinion Wheeler" Seto hastily said, eyes still on the road.
"No it's not that. Your wound is already bleeding!" She corrected and then tugged his shoulder. "If we will still continue, it will open again and might get worse"
"Please stop" she said, sounding begging. He didn't answer back and went on biking.
"Please" Serenity said and he still continued, not showing any hesitation.
He biked faster, firmly ignoring the growing pain.
"Stop…please!" She shouted, voice faltering. "I'm so worried"
Seto ignored her and still peddled faster.
"Hey watch out!" Serenity yelled as a large log suddenly appeared on the road causing Seto to push the break rapidly. The bike wobbled as Serenity tightened her grip and Seto put his feet on the ground to support the break. They timely stopped few inches away from the log, both panting.
Seto then gripped his arm, flinching in pain. "Heh… that was close. Told you we might really fall-"
"What was that about?! Why won't you even listen to me!" Serenity yelled, hitting his shoulder, eyes furious and teary-eyed.
Seto held his wounded arm defensively. "Hey, that hurts"
"Oops Sorry" Serenity withdrew her hand, suddenly shifting expression. She released a sigh, as if calming herself then looked back at Seto and pleaded again "Can we rest now, please" She said softly.
His wound really hurt, forcing him to say yes.
x-x
They found a large tree as a shelter and sat under to rest their weary body. Serenity sat beside Seto and then reached for her backpack. She opened it and retrieved pieces of cloth.
"Here, let me change your bandage"
This scenario already happened yesterday and Seto knew that resisting just like last night wouldn't work so he just followed.
He extended his wounded arm so Serenity could clean it. He let her cleansed again his wound and just looked at the other side, avoiding seeing her expression. He noticed her bag with complete medicine and food and he can't help but snort at how ridiculously it looked like.
He just remained extending his arm, while the other hand tapping the ground restlessly, clearly annoyed.
Serenity wrapped the clean cloth on his arm and clasped her hand.
"There it's finished" She said and then reached for a towel. "Now, turn around so I can wipe your sweat"
"What?" Seto said incredulously.
"Just do it okay? Look at yourself in the mirror, you already looked like a chick soaked in the rain"
He then turned his back and then rolled his eyes, holding his temper, covering his embarrassment. 'What the hell am I doing?''
Serenity wiped the sweat at his neck and then she lifted his polo to insert a towel at his back.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Seto protested and flinched, struck at her gesture.
"I'm just putting a towel at your back so it will remain dry." Serenity explained serenely while folding the towel near his neck. "You are going to catch cold if we let it stay wet for hours"
"The hell! You're treating me like a baby!" Seto countered irritably.
"Am I?" Serenity retorted, sounding innocent.
Seto grunted then forcefully stood up. "Look at me, I look like a baby with a bib" He said, pointing the towel furiously .
"That's not a bib Seto" She corrected calmly. "Bib is on the chest. That one is at your back"
"Whatever! whatever this is, this makes me look like a baby!"
"No it's not. It makes you look cuter" Serenity replied, smiling shyly at his response. "It really looks perfect on you"
Seto glared at her and sniggered. "Are you insulting me?"
"No. I'm just telling the truth" She said casually. "So now come here and let me fix it" She reached for his hand and pulled him near her. He just let her and sat again, then glanced how seriously she was organizing the towel at his back. 'She's putting too much effort nursing him. Is she laughing how pathetic he looked like at the back of her mind? What is this woman thinking?'
Serenity smiled as she finished inserting the towel and gestured again to get something in her bag.
'It looks like she's enjoying this. What would she gain from this? She'll probably use this against me and blackmail me in the future. Hah, as if that would happen-'
"Here, have a drink." Serenity gestured to give him a mineral water.
Seto remained still, simply staring at the bottle. He swallowed, feeling his thirst.
'She wouldn't dare to put something on that, would she?'
"Hey, you don't drink it by just staring at it. Take it!" Serenity teased, perceiving no reaction from him.
'Nah. She's too naive to do something like that. Shit I'm so thirsty'.
He then grabbed the bottle and drank hungrily. The water flowed, cooling the heat inside his body. He was nearly getting dehydrated from heat and exhaustion. It has been a while since the last time he exerted this much physical effort. He really needed more exercise.
"You want some?" Serenity interrupted, offering him some biscuits this time.
'Is this woman a girl scout or something? What else does she have on that bag?'
Seto put down the bottle and turned around, ignoring her.
"Ah okay. I will leave some of it anyway just in case you become hungry" she remarked, putting half of the biscuits inside the bag.
Seto smirked. "Do as you wish"
They sat in silence as they rested under the tree. Seto sat with one of his legs folded, arm on top of it. His head stooped down, thinking heavily. His wounded arm and weary expression made him more like an old man inside a prison. He was tired, not solely from his biking but from everything that had happened.
The Kaiba Corporation...he had left it for almost three days now. He was supposed to be on a meeting yesterday. He wondered how his business partners will react to his absences.
'Damn! That meeting is important'
The shipment of the new equipments had probably arrived by now. He needed to contact his partner to negotiate its trading value.
And Mokuba...
'Damn life! Damn...Damn Blasted Bike! Damn this wound! Damn-'
"Seto?" A sweet familiar voice disrupted his musings. He looked up and saw her staring at him worriedly- her same worried expression she kept on shooting him.
"Why are you glaring too much?" She stood up and looked down at him.
He looked at her, uninterested. 'Will this Wheeler mind her own business'
"Well, I saw you knitting your eyebrow and enlarging your eyes like a wolf prying its prey. Like this" She explained slowly and imitated his expression earlier at the same time. If Seto was just a normal playful teenager, he might already laugh at her. But he was not and just raised his brow looking annoyed.
"Why are you then so angry in a beautiful day like this?" She said cheerfully and then turned around, pacing to saunter.
'What is beautiful on a day where I left my company and brother and got stuck with you' Seto retorted in his mind.
Serenity didn't hear any response so went on. "Well, if you will keep on doing that, you will get old faster" she continued comfortably as she saw a log nearby and walked towards it. She playfully jumped above it and stood up on it. "And that would be so unfortunate for someone as handsome as you" she said shyly, slightly blushing, as she raised again her arms and walked straight on the narrow log.
"Right foot. Left foot. Oops! Right then left" She said seriously while looking down on how her feet walked on top of the log.
He then looked at her interestingly. "What are you doing?"
Serenity continued to walk straight on a log, balancing her body with her raised arms. "This?" She said, eyes straight. "I'm balancing on a log. It's a game I used to play when I am a child"
"You remember now?" Seto abruptly asked, alarmed. He was not yet prepared to settle this play especially now that Mokuba was not here around to shower her with explanations. He leaned back a little, somewhat interested.
Serenity shook her head. "No. I just know..." She said, still serious to her balancing. Seto scoffed hearing her ridiculous answer.
"Oops!" Serenity was just few steps at the edge when he nearly slipped but then recovered and balanced herself and finally reached the end. "Yes! I did it!" She yelled animatedly and then jumped down.
She turned around and looked at Seto. "How about you?"
"What games do you play when you are a child?"
Seto shifted his gaze at the other side, getting uncomfortable at the topic.
'Play?'
"Throw it away. Don't give him any toys"
"Hey, those were my toys, don't throw it!"
"Toys are not needed in being a Kaiba"
"but I want to play"
"Kaiba's don't play for fun. They play for money and power. Now! Study your lesson"
Serenity continued to stare at him, waiting.
"I don't remember" Seto finally said, barely audible. 'I don't want to remember' he said in his thought.
X-x
Serenity could barely hear his answer but she definitely felt something's not fine.
'Seto...' She could obviously see his hurt. His expression changed, somehow restraining something. His eyes looked at the far side, seemed lost in uncertainty. "...Really?" She asked softly, feeling his pain.
Suddenly, Seto looked back at her, and his expression became cold again. "I'm a Kaiba " He said hardly and then sneered. "I'm very busy to remember such unnecessary and petty things like that" "So, would you now shut up?"
From one moment there, she saw him...really hurt
She was supposed to be offended in what he had said but she was not. She knew there was something bothering him.
"Ah. Okay" She retorted slowly, following him.
But right now, she would just stay right beside him. Whatever it is, she wouldn't force him to tell her.
"Let's go" he said and then stood up.
To understand him is enough...
"It's already late. I still have an appointment to catch" He walked away, leaving her behind.
'Right. I understand him, as Seto'
However,
"Wait!" She called out and Seto stopped his pace. Serenity took few steps so she would be near at his back.
"But you are not a Kaiba" She expressively said, voice spoken softly.
"You are Seto. Just Seto."
"You are just yourself"
"Seto" She repeated once more, loving how his name sprung out from her lips. She wasn't able to see his face right now but she knew that he heard her very well. It hurt her the same way it hurt him and that was why she had to say those words. She had said it hoping it helps.
x-x
"Seto!"
"Seto! Don't go too far okay?"
"Seto, be careful on playing!"
Seto remained motionless, staring the air vacantly.
"Do you feel his kick Seto?"
"Do you promise Seto?"
Seto...Seto…
Seto
Silence...
The rustle of the leaves, the blowing of the wind, and them standing still, formed a deafening silence for a while.
"Let's go" He finally said and then walked away.
x-x
They continued biking as the direction of the wind seemed to change. No, it was more like the direction of Seto's mood, his trademark glare expression removed. His peddle seemed so light, like all worrying thoughts vanished. The mood between them was light, so light that the bike they were riding won't seem to touch the road. It was so light that the mere touch of the falling leaves drifted them away. It was so light that Seto couldn't remove Serenity's hand that was raking his hair right now.
His bangs kept on touching his eyes and it was Serenity who was gently tucking it.
He let her
Let... .
Time played with them as it flied so fast and faded from Serenity's smile. They reached the road where there were lots of cherry blossoms grown on every side. The pinkish environment gave sweet scent and chills to their movement.
"Wow! Look at that tall cherry blossom tree over there" Serenity pointed out lively "It was so beautiful"
They passed the tree and Serenity raised her arms to catch a fallen pink leaf. Seto then glanced at her gesture.
He looked at her
Look...
Sweat started to fall again on Seto's neck. Tiredness appeared again. The towel folded at his back looked like enough to be squeezed. Serenity organized its fold so that it will spread out full on his back. She also reached for the dried towel inside her bag and wiped the sweat at the side of Seto's face. He looked back at her, getting uneasy. "Don't worry, I think we are already near" Serenity reassured, smiling.
"We'll get there soon."
He stared at her
Stare...
The sunlight was getting harsher. It was already 12:00 pm and their travel was not only very tiring but also making them hungry. Seto didn't take breakfast. He also didn't take Serenity's biscuits earlier. It was not that he was not hungry. He was... No. It was pride. His pride.
Seto's eyes were seriously on the road when a hand of biscuits covered his sight. "Here, have a bite" Serenity joyously offered.
Seto looked at her questioningly.
His pride.
"Don't' worry, it's not poisoned" She said, noticing his frowning expression.
His pride...
He ate it.
He then took a bite with biscuit still on Serenity's hand. He didn't complain nor reacted but just let her. While biking, Serenity handed him the biscuits.
Serenity smiled.
And he shyly smiled at her
Smile...
x-x
They reached an old barren house and stopped. Serenity got off the bike and Seto followed.
"Are we already here?" Serenity asked while walking around to scan the place.
Seto read the sketch that was handed to him, and stared at the house. "This is it" He said plainly, expression blank.
Suddenly an old man wearing a brown shirt and grayish old pants stepped out the door. "May I help you?"
"Mr. Roger asked us to put his bike here. Is this the place?" Seto dragged the bike towards the man.
"Oh! I see...let me take it" He retrieved the bike from Seto and set it aside.
"By the way, where's the train station?" Seto said hastily, wanting to get out of the place fast.
"Just move straight ahead. It's just 1 kilometers away from here"
Seto then turned around, pacing to go. Serenity stared at him anxiously as she noticed again his trademark rudeness. 'Where's his manners?'
The man was about to leave when Serenity called out. "Wait!" She said.
"Thank you so much sir!"
The man looked back and smiled at her. "No Problem!"
Serenity bowed once again and then ran towards Seto who was walking far ahead.
"Hey!" Serenity said while running. "Hey wait up!"
Seto didn't stop nor slow down. Serenity ran faster and then slacked his back when she reached him. "Hey! That is rude!"
"What's rude?" He retorted coldly.
"What you did. You didn't even say thank you" She explained while walking beside him.
Seto just continued to walk, eyes looking forward. "Thank you is unnecessary" He replied, glaring at the road. "It is unnecessary just like what you're saying"
"No it's not. People need thanks to show their gratitude, their emotion. "
"It's also a way of letting the other people know how you feel, that you're thankful to them."
"There you go again...talking garbage" Seto muttered irritably under his breath.
"What? What did you say?" Serenity asked, not hearing him clearly.
"Never mind. I'm in a hurry to explain such highly complicated terms to you" He said sarcastically and then glanced at her. Serenity stopped walking and frowned at him. He then smirked, seeing her reaction, loving to get back his old self.
Seto continued to walk as Serenity remained still. He sighed, exasperated and turned back. "What? You're not going? It's fine with me"
Serenity stared at him in awe, marveling his Kaiba like behavior. She then took few steps to face him directly and leaned her head to make it few inches away from him.
"You know what's your problem Seto?" She said strongly, looking at him directly in the eye. "You're too serious!"
He stared back at her and showed off his teasing smirk.
"And you know what's your problem Serenity?" He said fervently, following her pattern. "You're damned too Childish!"
"No I'm not" Serenity countered playfully.
"Yes you are" Seto corrected, leaning his head down so she would hear him better.
"No. I'm not childish"
"Yes you are. And I'm not serious"
"Yes"
"No"
Though they were closed, no one seemed to notice and no one seemed to mind.
Serenity backed away and sighed, giving up to their verbal game. "This kind of argument is lame. Let's settle it in a race" She suggested, flying her arms up in the air.
"Hah, you called that lame and yet propose a race?!" Seto said incredously.
"Let's race up to the train station. If I won, I'm not childish and you are serious" She put her hand on her chest, explaining animatedly. "And if you won, I am childish and you are serious"
"You gotta be kidding me-"
"Game!" Seto's reply was cut as Serenity already started to run ahead.
She moved fast, leaving Seto still. She didn't even hear his opinion about it. She didn't even ask if he agreed on it.
"What the hell..."He swore when he suddenly noticed . "Hey! What stupid bet is this when 'Im serious' in both?!" But she no longer heard him. She was so busy running.
"Arrgghh stupid annoying girl!" He lifted his bangs, annoyed.
"I wouldn't give in to this ridiculous game of yours. I wouldn't tolerate your childish behavior. I wouldn't-"
"Hey! Where are you going?" He said as he saw Serenity going far away in the bushes.
"You'll get lost there and I won't find you!" He yelled, trying to stop her. But it was not useful. She didn't listen and still went on running.
"Hey! There's a snake there!" He called out one more time, scaring her.
Serenity wheeled around, and showed off her tongue scornfully. "Loser!" She shouted mischievously and then ran again. Still, scaring didn't work.
"Arrrghhh. Damn!" He said and finally ran.
The moment he leaped on the grass, his foot touching the soil, glare not present, he remembered...
To run…to run...and to run just for fun
"Hey!" He yelled while running.
Serenity encountered a large rock and leaped on it. She did it perfectly and turned back to brag it to him who was still catching up with her. "See that?" She shrugged, smiling impishly.
Seto raised his one eyebrow and scoffed.
He then tried harder. He ran faster.
'What the hell am I doing?'
"Seto!"
'This is really unnecessary'
"You're just Seto"
'This is really stupid'
"You're just yourself"
And yet it really doesn't felt like one. It felt...
He ran faster, and it felt different. Running while not being a Kaiba and just be himself is enjoying, no pressure, no punishment, no rules.
Being a tall man make his leap larger and soon he finally leveled his distance. Once he was able to catch up, he showed off his proud smirk at her. Serenity looked at him and frowned, affected at the shortened distance. She then looked forward, squinted her eyes, and concentrated more. She ran really fast and Seto stared at her in amusement. 'This girl is so damn serious into being childish'
They went on running, forgetting the worries, moving their feet like leaving the past, taking a leap towards a certain future, and most especially, enjoying this moment.
They finally reached the train station, both reaching at the same time. Serenity put her hands on her knees and panted. Seto remained standing, staring at her.
"Whew!" she said and then stood up straight and looked at him. "That is tiring"
He put his hands on his pocket, shifted his gaze at the other side, somehow avoiding seeing her reaction from what he did.
"Well we got a problem now" Serenity said while panting.
He looked at her boredly. "What?"
"This! It's a tie!" She howled seriously. "So who won?" she went on, sounding problematic.
Seto rolled his eyes."That's the problem?"
He never really took the race seriously unlike her. He then chuckled, hoping she will take it back and say it was a joke. 'If she's trying to make me laugh, well she did.'
"Of course it's a problem" She retorted defensively. "Wait, let me think" She continued and then put her hand on her chin, thinking heavily.
Seto caught her thinking expression and stopped his chuckle. 'This girl is again definitely serious being childish'
He shook his head, giving up. He then strolled around, observing the place. They were at the old train station, presence of few people around bailing it from the look of abandonment. 'This is their main city?' Rugged tracks etched the ground, sprouting over distance. Wooden chairs, barely could hold more than two people, stood wobbly on each post, scratches and vandals covered. He wouldn't even classify it as a resident area place.
Seto approached a man standing at the post and talked to him. Later on, he went back to Serenity who was now sitting at the wooden bench.
"The man said the train will arrive soon." He said while walking towards Serenity. "We have to wait-"
"Hey! I got an idea" Serenity cut him, her expresion excited.. "Come on sit" She held his arms and pushed him down.
Seto frowned at her, getting uneasy again. Serenity opened again her bag and reached for a white hanky. She unfolded and folded it again to be like a blindfold. She raised her arm, positioning it forward to his face.
"Hey! What are you doing" Seto said, automatically backing away his head defensively.
"This game is called blind snapping. I will cover your eyes, and then I will snap you with one of my finger. Then, you will have to guess which finger I snapped you. The one with the most number of correct guess wins. Simple!" She explained naturally, her hand moving animatedly. "From here we will know who really won"
"That's a game?" He asked sarcastically.
"Yes! Mokuba teach me that" She smiled somewhat proudly and waved the blindfold playfully.
"Mokuba?" he repeated, sounding doubtful. Serenity nodded. 'That kid is getting childish as well'
Serenity gestured her hand in blindfolding. "Since I'm the one who gave an effort thinking how to settle this and you didn't even help me, then you're the one who should be blindfolded first"
'She's so shallow' Seto thought rudely, remaining motionless. 'I didn't help her? What's to help? What is she saying to settle?'
Serenity then extended her arms and blindfolded Seto's eyes.
'Blind snapping, hah, name sounds idiot as the game description. This is really stupid. Whoever invented this game didn't even use his brain'
Seto didn't move away, too busy criticizing.
x-x
After she finished knotting the cloth across Seto's eyes, she backed out and clapped her hand once. "So let's start!"
She's really excited at this. She was so proud of her self to think of this game and make their 'adventure' fun even in just simple ways.
She was enjoying every moment with him. Spending quality time like this with her boyfriend is like first time to her. Back home he's more stiff, she couldn't even get close. But here, right now, she's near him, and she think he's letting her.
She breathed in and out, as if preparing herself, then looked at Seto sitting still as a post, blindfold covering his eyes. She can't help but smile at the sight of him. 'He's so cute not resisting'
Serenity flexed her fingers and then slowly snapped his forehead "So guess." She said, thrill at the edge of her voice.
No reaction.
"This is damn so ridiculous" she heard him. She had a feeling that Seto's rolling his eyes right now even in blindfold. "Oh come on, just guess"
"Just guess! Or you are just scared that you will lose-"
"Fine! It's your forefinger" He said, finally complying.
"Gosh" Serenity said, surprised as she put her hand on top of her mouth instinctively. "How did you know? Oh well, it's my turn"
She took off his blindfold and covered it on her own eyes. She released a sigh, disappointed for losing the round. 'I thought I already have the upper hand from being the first to snap' She pouted as she finished knotting the cloth. 'Why is he genius in guessing? '
'I really have to win this round. You can do this Serenity!' She peered a little as she adjusted in darkness.
"Okay I'm ready. Just snap" She said as she raised her head to signal. "Just do it gently okay?"
No response.
"I'm ready Seto" She repeated, head leaning forward.
Silence. Seto wasn't moving.
"Seto! You can now snap. I'm ready"
"Seto!" Serenity shrugged, getting annoyed. 'Why he is not moving?'
"Are you still there?"She leaned more forward and felt his sudden closeness and backed away a little.
"Serenity" Seto finallysaid, voice low and firmed.
"What's the problem now?" She asked, confused at his numbness.
"This is so pathetic"
Serenity sighed. "Oh please..."
"This is stupid"
Serenity grunted, whining in her thoughts 'Geez how can I make a comeback if he won't even snap. That will make him a default winner. So unfair.'
"Oh come on! Is snapping someone's forehead that hard?" Serenity replied, annoyed.
"Serenity" The way he said her name this time sent sudden shivers in her spine "Can I just do it my way?" Seto asked, tone serious.
"Your own way?" She raised her brow, confused. "What's the rules?"
Again, there's no response. She bit her lip getting impatient.
'He was so stubborn!' She grunted, getting impatient. 'So he really wants to do it in his own way, fine!' She then raised her arms irritably, giving up and removed her blindfold "Fine, you won! Do it in your own way-" She wasn't able to see next because the next thing she knew, there was a soft lips on top of her that made her eyes closed.
He kissed her.
"Toot...Toot" The sound of the train erupted, shaking the railings below them.
Serenity, surprised, took her a whille to know what had happened. Just she was about to kiss back, her lips became cold all of a sudden. She opened her eyes, and he was no longer there.
"Seto?" She looked around and saw him standing near the railway. He looked calm, as if nothing happened. His plain bitter expression was pasted again.
"The train is here. Let's go" He said as he looked at her coldly.
She walked towards him and stood beside him. She was looking at the other side and so was Seto.
"Toot...Toot"
The people now started to stand up and positioned themselves near the door mark. The wind blew, seemed enveloping the awkward silence growing between them.
"Um...a" Serenity stammered, attempting to start a conversation.
"Toot...Toot"
"Um...is that your own way?" she asked softly and then looked at him. Seto just did one uncomfortable glance and looked away again.
"I like it" She said, smiling.
The train stopped and a door was opened in front of them.
Seto finally looked at her and smiled timidly.
TBC
x-x