MAKE SURE YOU REVIEW. SORRY GUYS I AM VERY VERY BUSY. I'LL UPDATE THE NEXT CHAP ON 21st rather than 14th September. SO SORRY. BUT THE CHAPTER WILL MAKE IT UP TO YOU ALL! :) BIG SURPRISE THERE.
Hint( FOR YOUR PATIENCE) :- KUON finally gives Sho the answer. Shuuhei and Kuu.
XXX
They were back on the couch, resuming their previous position. Bathing in love. It was the same sight as before except for the new faith and trust that enveloped their hearts and souls.
The T.V was off and the room was flooded with silence. The cricket won't bless with its chirping either.
They were just letting go by savoring the moment.
Kyoko was tucked under Kuon's arm while his hand played with her locks.
"Why'd you dye them?" he asked, breaking the trance.
"Huh?"
"Your hair. Why'd you dye them apricot?" She looked up to match his gaze and a grieved smile formed on her visage.
"I wanted to start fresh. That was the best I could do," she answers weakly as she reminisced about those troublesome nights.
"I like your original color. Orange needs to go now," his gaze penetrated her soul making it hard for her to comprehend his words.
"Why?"
"Because I like originality. Moreover, I want to meet the true-to-herself Kyoko Mogami." A smile crawled its way on to her face.
"As you wish, your Highness," she mocked him with a goofy grin. Mirth danced in his eyes enhancing his beguiling charm.
"You're my only wish, my little Lady." Kyoko giggled at his counter attack but Kuon didn't miss the blush.
They kept gazing at each other. Studying the other. Memorizing every feature as if it were their last chance.
The silence rolled on. While his right hand entertained itself with her hair, the left slowly travelled down to her stomach.
It lingered about it for a while. Then, finally he placed it on the hidden scar.
He felt her breath hitch and body flinch. He saw the panic and fear rise in her eyes as they reminisced the past.
"Why?" he whispered softly. She got his inquiry. She didn't know how to answer. She didn't even want to answer but his soft gaze persuaded her to open up.
"He made me dress like a tramp and left me to be raped by one of his dealers," she felt his breathing ceasing and his eyes widening. His grip on the stomach turned into fervent rubs.
She continued, "I escaped." The relief on his face didn't go unnoticed by her.
He never uttered a word so she continued.
"Sho was furious. This was how he "rewarded" my "chivalry"." She emphasized on the words and stopped, gauging his reactions. His resent obvious but so was his anxiety.
There was a long pause. Kyoko noticed his grasp tighten on her stomach and his fist clenched so hard that she feared his nails would hurt his hand.
After hell, he sighed and his soft gaze met hers. The love in his gaze was palpable but the rage was blended in it in the perfect amalgamation.
"Mark my words. I am going to make him pay. Okay?" he hissed through gritted teeth but still managed to keep the soft edge for her. She melted on spot. Although she was worried by his commitment, she didn't want to ruin his moment.
So she nodded in agreement with a smile matching his.
This was their perfect haven.
XXX
KUON"S POV
I slept peacefully. A huge burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I was ecstatic. I made her mine. She showed me her worst fear and I accepted her with it in a blink of the eye. It won't be a lie that I was surprised at myself. I liked beauty. I never dated or slept with anyone below 8 on the beauty scale of 1 to 10. But Kyoko, she was special. When I saw those marks, I wasn't horrified on the fact that it made her ugly. I was enraged that someone else had hurt her. The adrenaline pumping in me was urging me to kill Fuwa. Unfortunately, he was lucky to be not on sight.
I didn't feel a single repulsive feeling towards her. Instead my heart ached to comfort her. When she ran away, I knew I had to make her believe in my love. And thankfully, I did it. She believed me. You won't know how pleasurable was hearing her say my heart's and her own heart's true feelings. Her every word was like a prayer to me. The sacred prayer to whoever was listening that please don't ruin this.
The touch of her lips teleported me in an entire different dimension. You ever heard when you kiss the right person you feel like fireworks? It ain't a lie. The heart takes on the challenge to compete with the speed of light and the throbbing could outrun any fireworks. And another pleasure added to my euphoria. It was her first kiss.
How do I know that? I just do. The way she responded to me. The way electricity charged when our lips touched. I knew I was the blessed one to take her first kiss. And I swear to myself, I will be the only one to kiss those red petals until I die. After that, I know she won't ever let anyone enjoy what is mine. No matter I am alive or dead. I trust her with my life. I trust her even more with her life. That she would keep it safe for me. Call me chauvinistic. I don't care. No matter what, I don't plan on sharing her with anyone. Neither her heart nor her body nor mind. I'll get rid of her fears and she will be completely mine.
There isn't a better feeling than having her in my arms, loving each other.
Love dominates all. And our love will conquer the troubles that I know are coming. But I'll never let her know the dangers. She will not live a life full of fear. I will die making sure of it.
XXX
KYOKO'S POV
My hand was aching to touch my lips. The electricity charged the air as I lay surrounded by his arms. It was my first kiss. And I was elated that it was with him. The one who accepted my heart and soul before my body. You don't find men like Kuon now-a-days.
He is the first person who knows about these marks. Sho was drunk when he gave them to me. And know what, I didn't leave him after he burnt me. I let it go by the mere excuse that he was drunk!
I was such an idiot.
That day when he left me alone with that perverted man was when I was burnt.
FLASHBACK
After I made my escape to my room. I broke into tears. I tore the dress and washed myself until I turned pink. My mind and heart refused to believe the events.
How could Sho-Chan do this to me? I thought he loved me. I thought he was possessive. That was why he never let me out of the mansion's grounds. I know he is always busy and work is important but how could he just leave me there!
If I hadn't found that vase, God forbid what would've happened to me! I would've been ruined. I was already alone in this world except for the Fuwa's. What would've I done then?
The mere thoughts of 'what if' were sending chills down my spine. The tears weren't looking for a near-future halt. They were flowing freely, demonstrating my torn heart.
In nothing more than my undergarments and a camisole, I jumped onto my bed and let the pillow do its habitual job. Soak up my tears.
All the 'what if's' were making me go crazy. In the frenzy and fright, my mind went through a crazy ride. Sometime I felt like I was being pulled into a black hole of melancholy and then suddenly there is nothing.
I am all alone in an obsolete place where the most deafening is the silence. I ran about the plains with nothing on my mind. I just ran. I didn't know where I was. I didn't care.
And although there was a complete no information back-up, I was happy. I was ecstatic as I hopped about the deserted place.
Somehow I felt as if being abandoned was what was best for it. I couldn't jerk off the feeling even if I tried. I was just satisfied in abandon.
Then the earth suddenly started shaking. An earth quake! my mind shrieked. But I had nowhere to go. Panic rose as well as melancholy, the place was perfect haven when abandoned.
Something's are meant to be great without something else lurking around.
The ground opened and I was swallowed into the perpetual oblivion.
I woke up with a jolt.
The memories rushed back to enlighten me with the present happening. Sho-Chan was banging on my door like some madman.
My body froze. I couldn't feel the strength in me anymore. I was afraid of what might befall me if I opened the door.
Afraid of what I might see instead of the perfect mirage I created.
So I curled up in a ball against the headboard, and stared at the door as it was being crushed.
Bang Bang and boom!
A loud explosion sliced through all my little hopes as the door fell flat on the floor.
There was my prince charming. His eyes were red and rage was clouding the orbs I once adored. His coat was seemingly long gone. His right fist was clenched around a tentative vial. The horror was completed with the dirty smirk he wore.
I was long lost in pain and mainly… fear.
Fear of my lover who was currently gazing daggers at me.
"So you want to play it dirty?" his husky voice was smothered with disdain and despise. The same emotions being exhibited by his eyes.
"Want to be the good girl and save that precious little body of yours?" he continued with his rampaging of my poor heart that was stabbed by every word he uttered in scorn.
Right now, I knew it was my right to speak. I was the victim. I was supposed to be the questioner. He didn't have any right to rampage over me. But I couldn't find the power to stand against him.
I never had! I never had the fortitude to shut people's mouth when I was called a tramp. I never had the courage to stand up to the Fuwa's rude behavior because I felt indebted to them. I never had the sense to mind Sho's any scorn because my alibi of love stood in front of the truth.
I was always weak and so am I today!
Present
Sho burnt me violently that night. He tied me down with his tie and ripped off my camisole. I wasn't even given time to be shy of the fact that a man was gazing at my bare figure for the first time.
I was only given agony to engrave into my soul.
That night I shrieked and pleaded. I begged him for the sake of our love. But he was deaf to my pleas. He spilled the dreaded liquid slowly so I could be ravished by the ache.
He left me on the bed, tied and bleeding. Unconscious. But still with my innocence intact. The cleaning crew untied me, the next morning. They called the doctor who gave me the "First Aid".
That's it.
No one was bothered that I was assaulted. No one cared that I was in agony. I survived on painkillers. But they never covered up the mental torture to which I was exposed.
I was forbidden to leave my room by the Fuwa's. Why? So the news of their son's vicious actions won't spread out. I was the family's new Pandora's Box. To be closed forever to keep away their misery.
Recalling those painful memories still got me goosebumps. After that night, I never saw him for four months. He, like everyone else, never showed up. It isn't that they never came home. They did. But not to the desolate area of my room. That side of the Mansion was off-limits, I supposed.
I learnt to despise men. I learnt it late but better late than never.
In the old times, Sho used to use every sort of blue language against the guy "Hizuri Kuon". I didn't like how he got enraged. He used to vent out his anger on me by shouting and stomping off.
I hated that guy for ruining the few moments I had with Sho. But after he burnt me, I came to be grateful to that person. Why? Because of him for the first time I got to know the side of Sho I never wanted to accept. I didn't realize it then.
I knew it was there all along. The evil. But I never accepted it. Because of his anger on Kuon, I learnt how different he was. I was blind before but the acid was like a miracle in a way. My mind was clear.
One night when I found out he was home; I made the most adventurous venture of my life. I went to the other side of the mansion without permission.
There I was "blessed" with the sight of Sho, ravishing his secretary. I stopped dead in my tracks. I heard her ask him about me. He told me as his slave.
That was the last straw. I knew it was finally over.
I barged into the scene and vented out my frustration. I found the real Fuwa Sho in full glory there. I bore all the emotional blows and warnings.
Then with my head held high and nothing on me, I made my exit.
That was the best decision I ever made.
I never regretted it.
And today I was savoring in the sweet reward of my patience:
"Hizuri Kuon"
The new centre of my universe.
With Sho, I left myself with an escape route. But Kuon is going to become either the sun that will light up my world or the black hole that will suck my soul away.
Either way could this new blossoming relation go.
My only hope is the former route because death waits on the latter.
XXX
KUON's POV
I woke up to the best sight my eyes ever saw. She was sleeping in my arms… so peacefully. Her hair fanned across my chest as I leaned back to stretch a bit. Her chest heaved in the most serene rhythm. Although I've seen her like this before, it just never ceases to amaze me. To amaze me of the fact that someone so pure could be mine. It almost felt unreal. As if fates were making me dream of the lifetime and then will wake me up to the dark reality.
I wanted to keep my doubts at bay. But when you live a life full of dangers and foes, everything is suspicious. Even your own existence. The joy of being loved feels like the sweetest mirage. And I only hope it isn't one. This is what I want my reality to be. This is what I want to see every morning when I wake up.
Although the bed would be preferable as I could sense her slight discomfort. But the couch works mighty fine as well. I can't really complain.
My eyes wander down from her face and come to a halt at her stomach. She was hurt. And the fact was no mystery that she was putting all her stakes in this gamble with me. I was her everything now. Her hope. Her dream. Her life. Her support. And I promise my soul, nothing swells my chest more with pride than the feeling that I am her world.
It's an ecstasy that you can't suppress. The way I had been smiling lately hadn't been unnoticed by me. I know how I was changing. I knew I was vanquishing the reputation I had worked for in the last few years. But nothing mine matters. It all shades into oblivion when she comes into the picture.
I may be getting too chauvininistic but it's my right. Well according to my heart, it is my right to have her all to myself. To my eyes. To my touch. To my heart. And to my wretched soul.
I am a monster. There is no denying that. I am well aware of how many families I have destroyed. How many children I have orphaned. How many women I have widowed. And how many parents I have robbed their supports of. I am well aware of everything. I mourn every single moment for that. The guilt has always been on my shoulders.
Rick wasn't the only one I destroyed. In the lament of his death, I killed many others. I have realized my mistakes. . But when you dive into the sea to a thousand feet deep with half-filled oxygen tank, you know there isn't a way back.
Kyoko was my way back. The ship that came to rescue me from the water. To take me to the shore, under the sun again.
I know the pains she will face with me. The dangers that will linger around her for the rest of her life. But I won't let her know any of them. I'd make her life heaven even at the cost of my own.
I'll give her the pleasures she deserve. She is my beacon of hope and redemption. I am never letting her go. She is the queen of my heart now. I know she won't ever let me go.
My chest flooded with warmth and a full on smile found its way to where it belonged. Couldn't contain so much joy inside, I bent down and kissed her forehead. As soon as my lips touched her skin, she stilled. I didn't pull away. Rather I lingered longer on the flesh of her brow, loving the sensation of electrifying passion.
When I finally pulled away, she opened her eyes. She was smiling. She looked a decade younger when she smiled such heavenly smiles.
"Good Morning, Kuon-san." She greeted tenderly, winning me all over again.
"Morning to you too. And it's only Kuon, Kyoko. Drop the honorifics." I expected another smile but I was received with a frown. Guess you couldn't always get what you want.
"It'd be rude then. Don't you think?" her trivial worry surprised me. A chuckle escaped my throat. I leaned in and placed a peck on her cheeks. They instantly colored up to another one of my favorite sights. A Blushing Kyoko.
My day couldn't get any better.
"Nope. It'd be…in-ti-ma-te," My tone got huskier as I broke the mischievous word into syllables. Her breathing accelerated and her blush deepened. She couldn't have responded any better.
And my day just got even better.
She looked down at her lap all flustered. My right arm was still wrapped around her. Her legs were bent on her side so she had cocooned herself closer to me.
In her frenzy, she suddenly realized the position we were in. In one bolt, she was standing upright arranging her clothes.
I, like the brazen playboy I was, kept my gaze locked on her while making no attempt to remove myself from the couch.
Unfortunately my moment was ruined when my gaze wandered a bit and landed on the clock which was exactly behind Kyoko.
"10:04 AM," read the deadly red words.
My ego forgotten as I bolted upright and dashed to the bedroom.
Being the boss doesn't excuse you of coming in three hours late.
"Shit, shit, shit," I cursed on my way to the bedroom. I knew she was looking at me in confusion. But I didn't have time to explain.
I threw opened my wardrobe and dived into it to fetch a suit. I grabbed the first one that came into my hand and made a beeline to the bathroom.
I am sure I would've looked like some crazy kid late for school to her.
I showered, brushed my teeth and got dressed in the record time of four minutes seventeen seconds. I always surprise myself with my capabilities. :p
Dressed in a charcoal suit with a crisp white shirt whose top two buttons were unfastened, I left the bedroom.
I looked around and spotted Kyoko in the kitchen.
Damn. Breakfast!
I knew I had no time for breakfast. But knowing the girl in the kitchen, I also knew she could make me breakfast in record time and shove it down my throat.
I went to the kitchen. Her supersonic speed shocked me. I've always seen her calm and composed in the kitchen. Currently, that wasn't the case.
There were pots and eggs shells on the counter along with many other things which included a whisk, a peeler, knife etc.
With a shocked expression, I watched her work around the kitchen and prepare a breakfast in the speed of light!
"Food's ready, Kuon-san." Her honorific was enough to bring me out of my trance.
"Only Kuon." I reprimanded as I took my place.
My talented love of life had prepared me an omelet with fried bacon along with toast and coffee.
She is a robot! I'd swear it upon my soul. I had never ever seen anyone work faster and with as precision as her before.
I knew I fell for the right one. She is the only one who could arrange my chaotic mess of a life. I know it.
XXX
I am currently sitting on my chair in my office with two of my most trustful people glaring at me through their bloodshot parched eyes and lank hair in their faces.
I looked down at the file they were gesturing to with their bloody glares.
The title read:
Mogami Kyoko
I was furious when I heard they ordered a dossier. But their sleep-drained faces and bloodshot eyes made me think thrice before commencing a trample.
Right now, I am accountable to answer Kyoko's acquaintance with Fuwa and that dreaded message he sent in the middle of the night!
"I knew about it. She told me the night I saved her from Kijima," I finally admitted it. Brazen and bold as always. They may be angry but I still hold the power.
"What marks?" Kanae inquired curtly.
"I can't tell you that. It's her personal matter. It doesn't matter.," I really can't divulge such sensitive information. She trusted me with it. I just can't go around announcing it to everyone.
But my employees didn't seem convinced. Yukihito finally exploded.
"Hizuri Kuon, she is that fu**ing Fuwa's ex-Fu**ing fiancée. How come it doesn't matter? He sends a threat note and demands her back. He dares to threaten you and you call it 'personal'? What the f*** is f***ing wrong with you? We have been working our ass off for thirty-two hours and you show up late!" Yukihito rants on and I need ear plugs. Calm guy is going blue language.
Kanae was helping him by adding little "That's right" "yes" "why's here and there.
They continue their rampage and I sit back and relax. The poor couple does look beat though. I am a very cruel boss. And I know they will be serving me with something soon enough too.
The door opens at the very moment the thought of a disaster crosses my mind. There standing in his extravagant cow-boy attire and facing his gun towards me is my Godfather, Lory Takarada.
God, I hate this man! Too much informative about my weaknesses and past. If he found out about Kyoko, he'd be having a eureka moment. Another thing to irritate me on by saying, "You are just a kid!"
"Where is that Fuwa? How dare he try to threaten you?" he sashays in with his dramatic monologues. I am really not paying attention since it is fixed on the smirking Yahiros'.
"We are taking a two-day sabbatical. Enjoy your office, boss." Kanae threw down the application which I know she won't bother to care checking whether I signed or not.
Lory, as usual, nods in agreement to the couple's decision.
They leave and Lory makes himself very comfortable on my couch. The atmosphere then decides to drop. Grave silence enrolls.
I am in trouble!
"Who is this Mogami Kyoko?" he finally interrogates.
"My girlfriend," I reply coolly although my chest swells with pride for calling her that.
"What about the rest of the commotion and that dossier?" he gestures towards the still closed file sitting on my desk.
"Not reading it. You can if you want answers," I throw him the dossier which he catches elegantly much to my annoyance.
Grave silence continued.
Instead of wasting time, I started going through the pile of files residing on my desk. I go through my second assistant to check for the details. I also have a meeting with the shipment managers about the recent trade. The accountant briefed me on the payments. I had two more meeting about the new building projects.
All the while, Lory Takarada chose to silently read the dossier. It wasn't very heavy. Just a ten page account of her life. He was taking too much time.
By the time I was finished, it was already 4PM.
Kanae and Yukihito as always took care of everything before leaving this morning. The assistants and managers were warned to inform them about minute to minute updates.
I granted them the two day vacation, generously.
I looked back towards Lory who was sipping tea while his eyes were still fixed on the dossier.
I took my discarded coat and sat on the adjacent couch. He shut the dossier and stared at me grimly.
"What was so interesting in it?" I asked while Sebastian handed me a cup of coffee. Black no sugar no milk.
"How are you going to reply Fuwa?"
"Don't know. I'm letting his hanging for a few weeks until i decided something." I said carelessly. Although I was anxious about it. He nodded.
"Did you read it?" his terse inquiry startled me. I shook my head in refusal.
Then he sighed like a worn-out old man and removed his hat.
"You are in dangerous waters. The girl belongs to a very complex background. Life will be very tough for you both. She will always be in danger. She needs to be protected. She can't know about your Mafia works. She is forbidden to enter this office or any other workplace. Keep her guarded and safe. Don't let her out of your sight. You don't want to chew more than you could bite, Kuon." And with that stern note, he left. While I sat there dumb folded gazing at the dossier.
What was in there? Curiosity sparks within me. My hand reaches out to grab it. But as soon as I touch it, Kyoko's crying face flashes in front of me. I withdraw my hand immediately.
She trusted me and I have to trust her.
Whatever Lory read should remain to him only. Kanae and Yashiro didn't get a chance to read it either before since they came to me with it first.
I pick the file folder up and saunter over the cracking fire in the fireplace. Without a second thought or a doubt, I throw it in their to burn.
I get my cell phone and make some important calls.
She needs to be safe? I will keep her safe. I appoint body guards for her who will follow her around without her knowing.
She can't know about the Mafia stuff? Then she won't. I'll keep her in the dark until I know what was in that dossier from her lips. If she knew the complex part, that is.
What was the dark secret hidden behind her? What was her dark past?
I'll figure it out for sure.
But right now, I was to go home and pull her in my embrace.
And so I do. And she lets me.
XXX
Kyoko's POV
I am in heaven. The most beautiful place to be whether you are living or dead. In my case, I am happy to be alive and my heaven has a name, Hizuri Kuon.
Like a fairy tale, he came into my life, made me fall in love with him, loved me and held me precious. He just got rid of all the fears and doubts from my life. It was like magic.
The love I ever felt for Sho feels like stupidity now. I always based love on compromise. I never dared to look at the other factors. The factors that require reciprocation. Now I get the love I give. I love him and he loves me back. He holds me close and I give him a way into my life and heart.
The world seems to vanish away. These seven days were just perfect.
Sleeping on the couch every day. Having breakfast, lunch and dinner together. Watching movies. And most of all: talking.
We talked so much these last few days. He told me so much about himself. He told me that he wasn't so easygoing with everyone else. He is bossy and conserved. He likes control. He told me his parents were dead. I was so amazed to know how much he had accomplished at such a small age. He is only 23! I thought he was almost 27 before. He pouted the cutest when I told him my guess. He told me everything that Yashiro-san and Moko-san had done for him. He even told me how he was always alone in the past. How his parents never came home for birthdays and other occasions. He told me he got into pretty dangerous brawls in the old days. He told me his likes and dislikes. I was surprised to know he liked to see me in dresses. He liked spice not sweet. He takes his coffee black. He is a tin-food eater although he could easily afford five-star food every time of the day. I am going to get rid of this rubbish habit of his. I kind of gave him a long lecture on health as well. On the end, the sexy rascal made me eat take-out food! He overpowers me easily.
And I happily let him.
I also revealed a lot. I told him I could sew, cook and self-medicate myself with herbs. He was quite surprised at the medication thing. I also told him about my Masters degree in Business. He was amazed. I told him about my lonely times of childhood. We comforted each other. I told him I hated take-out and tinned food. He made me eat it after my confession!
I revealed my love for fairytales. The romantic scene that he carried with me after my revelation is engraved in my mind. Especially his dialogue: "Don't love the prince charming. It makes me jealous."
Just thinking about these perfect seven days makes me giddy with pleasure. I feel fresh and new. Like I just faced a rebirth into the reward of my patience; heaven a.k.a. Hizuri Kuon.
XXX
Yashiro looked out of the bedroom window. Kanae handed him his coffee and sat beside him on the couch.
"I am worried about him," he said softly like an old man who was talking about a child getting himself into trouble. Kanae smiled at her husband's elderly behavior.
"I am too." Yashiro sighed at his wife's reply. Kuon's life had always been a mess. And this new trouble won't bring any good. Both of them were worried.
"But he is so happy. So carefree. He is so hopelessly in love with her," he muses forlornly.
"He knows what's best for him," Kanae consoled him while rubbing his shoulder.
He nodded and leaned forward to kiss her.
She was so young but with Yukihito she accepted old age happily.
He knew her sacrifice and he planned to make it worth him. He was always going to make her happy.
The couple was happy with the other's companionship. They cherished their moments together. Every look. Every touch.
Today there something else eating them from the inside. They knew the storm was coming.
And they were both afraid of the apocalypse.
XXX
"Did you get a response?" he interrogated her rudely.
She shook her head.
He ground his teeth and his fists clenched hardly.
"Commence the operation," he ordered with a dirty smirk, his hand ruffling his blonde hair.
He didn't know the meaning of failure. And he wasn't planning on learning it either.
He always gets what he wants.
"Always," he smirked.
XXX
"Okami-san called," she told him during dinner.
"Hmm."
"They are returning tomorrow morning."
The clatter of spoon and fork came to an abrupt halt.
No one dared to speak a work until Kyoko decided to break the silence.
"I'm leaving tomorrow," she informed slowly. The frown line on Kuon's face proved his dislike towards the notion.
"You don't have to," he insisted although he knew it was a lost battle. She won't ever move in with him so early.
"I do," she confirmed it leaving no room for an argument.
He looked down and continued his meal although his appetite was long lost.
XXX
They cleaned up the dishes in silence. This was the most silence they endured during the whole week. It was killing them both. The fact that she was leaving tomorrow was vexing. Both knew that she had to stay all day in his home. But her leaving at night was an annoying notion to him.
Although she knew it was right to go back tomorrow, she couldn't help but feel melancholic.
After the chore, they headed to the living room. Both stopped dead in their tracks when they saw the couch. All the memories of waking up on it together rushed back. A chill ran through them. It already felt cold without the other.
But they knew it was the right thing to do.
"Do you want to practice sleeping alone tonight?" Kyoko suggested although she disgusted the idea.
Kuon nodded in defeat.
"Then, good night." She greeted in dismay and turned to head to the guest room.
Although he was letting her sleep alone, he sure as hell didn't plan to say such a dry good night.
He caught her hand and pulled her, swiveling her into his arms.
Their gazed met and their smiles connected. He leaned forward and felt her breath hitch. Finding his cue, his lips found hers in a chaste kiss.
This was the second time he kissed her lips. But it felt like the first time all over again. The warmth. The passion. The love. Everything was there but only intensified.
Reluctantly he pulled away but remained lingering over her lips. Their eyes met and an eye lock is formed by two pairs of scorching eyes with passion.
"Have a bad night without me," he moaned huskily. Kyoko's breath caught in her throat at his intimate remark. But she soon found her senses back and chuckled.
"You too," she replied and quickly pecked his lips. They turned into the goofiest grins again. She loved to see mirth and pleasure dance into his eyes.
They kept grinning idiotically, mesmerized into the love charm.
Kyoko was the one to break off. She pulled on his wrist to break free. But instead of releasing her, he pulled her even closer. She tried again but to no avail.
"Let go, Kuon," she chided softly.
"Never!" He growled ardently. She melted on spot.
After a while he finally left her after kissing her one last time. They reached their rooms with a sense of lacking.
XXX
"He is here, Sir," Sean informed. The man in the dark nodded.
The door opened and reveal a blonde man in his mid 40's. He was relatively handsome and fit.
The man in the dark stood up. He advanced towards him. They looked at eachother and crashed into a fierce hug.
"It's good to see you again, Shuuhei," the blonde exclaimed when they pulled apart.
"The feeling's mutual, Kuu."
XXX
Kyoko's POV
I went to that dreaded guest room feeling empty. I was ashamed to admit it but my body ached for his warmth around it. I wanted him with me but I couldn't. I'll leave tomorrow anyway so I had better get used to sleeping alone again.
I jumped onto the bed, not bothering changing clothes as they were quite comfy.
The bed felt huge as my mind started comparing it to the couch I had been sharing with Kuon. My heart went into the frenzy giddy mode and a smile decorated my face.
I was finally on terms with myself now.
Doubts or no doubts. Dangers or no dangers. I was incurably, irrevocably in love with Hizuri Kuon. And I don't plan to change that anytime soon.
With all the happy thoughts surrounding me, sleep found me quick. I drifted off to the awaiting dreams.
I gazed around absorbing in the vastness of the serene blue ocean. The birds were high in the sky, chirping happily. The cool breeze whispered gently upon my cheeks. My spirits were flying high with the birds, but it wasn't because of the beguiling scenery. It was because of the mesmerizing man sitting beside me, smiling. The wind did wonders to his dirty blonde hair. They were all tussled up but he didn't bother about them. He was grinning cheekily at me who was giving him my best smile as well. Our fingers were entwined. The contact sending sparks of passion into our systems. He slowly maneuvers a lock of my long, raven hair and twiddles it playfully. I giggle at his cute actions.
Suddenly out of nowhere a bullet came and pierced right through my lover's heart. His eyes widened in shock and his grip on my hand tightened. A shriek of pure agony escaped his throat as I watched him wither in pain. My tears cascaded down my cheeks as I failed at my petty attempts to encourage him to keep his eyes open.
I took his head into my lap and ran my fervent fingers through his hair. All the while trying to assure him of the impossible future. I watched with horror as my lover tried to fight with the inevitable. Until finally wrenching my heart with him, he escaped from the shackles of his body. Leaving me alone.
My voice was lost as was my sanity. The surrounding shaded away and my system shut down. I felt nothing. No pain. No agony. Just deep emptiness coursing through me.
My gaze landed gradually on my hands which were wrapped around his head. My soul almost left me when I found a bloody corpse of some stranger in my arms. I shrieked in fright and abruptly dashed away. My mind finally realized the oblivion I was in.
A never ending pit of darkness surrounded me. As far as vision stretched was nothing!
My head snapped towards the corpse but it was vanished away as well!
A series of tremors shook me to the core and my legs gave in. I fell on my hand and knees on the dark ground, crying and whimpering in the desolate place.
I felt my color and energy drain from me. My hands wrinkled and so did my body. I was aging at a deadly rate while hot searing pain kept shaking my system.
My wilting body fell discarded on the ground. My mouth was dry. I was so parched that it alone was enough to strangle me to death. But the ravenous hunger accompanied the thirst into my breaking.
"I told you to come back, bitch. Guess you didn't love him enough to save his life, did you?" the resentful noise caught my attention. I forced my aching neck to turn into the direction of the intruding noise.
There stood my greatest trial and torture. When I saw Sho victoriously grabbing the cut off head of my Kuon, my heart, my soul, my mind all left me in my one final excruciating scream.
I woke up disoriented, screaming my soul away. My body was soaking wet. My face felt drenched. With shivering hands, I touched my face. It was wet with tears. I was crying and still screaming.
In the perplexed state, my mind barely registered an accompanying scream. Slowly but deftly, it registered the owner of the scream. My throat clenched itself, my screams ceased. All my attention was focused to the terrifying shrieks coming from the adjacent room.
He was crying!
XXX
I went to my room, sulking inwardly at not having her in my arms. I hated this feeling of emptiness. I wanted her back on the couch with me.
Another unwelcoming thought decided to greet me on cue. She was leaving tomorrow. I would be alone everyday again.
Ever since I had experienced how feeling her in my arms was, my body refused the otherwise situation and so did my heart and mind.
I jumped onto the mocking bed and slipped under the sheets. I won't be lying if I said that I was planning to convince her to move in with all my passion.
As much I would "love" tossing and turning without her, my weary mind allows the treacherous sleep. And I am drifted off to dreamland feeling alone and hollow.
"Kuon, watch out!" she shouted. My head snapped towards her and was received with water. She giggled at my off-guarded now-drenched self.
I was so consumed in my thoughts about her that I totally missed her splashing water on me.
We were swimming in an ocean. A tranquil and quaint body of water surrounded us. There was no one but us in this haven. The beach was empty as well.
Kyoko was dressed in a white bathing suit that covered her entire torso and back. She was giggling and swimming around me in ecstasy. Her beautiful raven hair stuck to her wet body but once in a while, a lock would be carried away gently in the breeze.
She looked heavenly. Perfect. I just watched her with a happy smile on my face. I was watching my heaven swimming around me, playing with me like a happy child.
Out of the blue, she looked at me with a terrified gaze and dived into the water. It was so abrupt that I couldn't react at all.
Everything suddenly morphed into a dark inferno with Kyoko drowning in a black river of what felt like.. tar!
It was sucking her in! I saw, dreaded, as her arm sunk in after the rest of her body. Her face was long gone. Little bubbles over the surface of tar indicated that it was just fed.
I never moved. I was stupefied. She dived into it without knowing she'd never come out! She never even screamed. So quietly, she was … gone!
I felt my heart shattering and my mind numbing. My breathing slowed and my vision blanked. Tears trickled down my cheeks.
I lost her! So quietly, she slipped away. I lost her…
"You destroyed her. Like you always do. You always destroy everyone. You are a monster. Murderer! You deserve to be alone! You deserve to be in pain! Murderer! Monster!..."
A chorus of screaming mob surrounded me. I clutched my ears in my hands in exasperation! I tried to run. Tried to run to her comfort. But she was gone. And I was trapped here; alone. The voices were rising. Tears accelerated as well as my heartbeat. Agony roared in my system. The heart broke into a million pieces and pricked me from the inside.
The agitating frenzy sky-rocketed with every moment. It was becoming unbearable. The pain was unexplainable as it ripped my heart.
Not knowing what to do. Not being able to keep the ordeal inside, I let it all out in the most agonizing shriek I ever screamed. I poured every bit of my fright, my loneliness, my heart break, my pain into the scream.
It pierced through the noise of the screaming mob and the oblivion shattered, sucking me in.
I woke up screaming hysterically. My body was drenched with sweat. The breaths felt heavy. My chest rocked in a hideous rhythm.
In the frenzy, my numb mind somehow registered another scream. It wasn't mine. Fear threaded into me.. it was hers!
She was screaming!
XXX
They were terrified by their own nightmares. But as soon as they heard the others cry, they were on their feet and running off to the others aid.. Their own agony forgotten. Their own pain ignored.
At that moment they connected. Their hearts synced. Their love magnified. Without even seeing the other, they felt their hearts bonded.
Both of them opened the doors of their respected rooms at the exact same time. Drenched and anxious they ran to the others room.
"Ouch!" they yelled as they collided with each other in the dark of night. Suddenly they were alarmed at the intrusion.
Kuon's hand immediately flung to the light switch.
Light flooded the room instantly. They both adjusted their eyes to the discomforting light.
They stood flabbergasted, gazing at the other.
"You…" they chorused.
"You speak first,"
"No you do."
"Ladies first."
"Okay." Kyoko succumbed.
"I heard you screaming. Are you alright?"she asked anxiously.
"I'm good. Why were you crying?" Kuon inquired softly.
"Nothing." She brushed it off.
Both were still terrified by the nightmares but didn't want to bother the other.
Kuon nodded although he knew she wasn't alright.
Silence rolled on. They looked at each other. Gauging the other's reactions.
"Good Night?" Kuon offered reluctantly. Alrhough the notion of sleeping alone again was revolting.
"Okay," she nodded in agreement although against the idea.
Unwillingly, they turned back to their doors but stopped at the threshold.
"Kuon…" "Kyoko…" They again spoke in unison.
"You go first, Kuon."
Kuon looked at her expectant face and gave into his desire. He rushed towards her and gathered her in his arms, catching her by surprise.
"Kuon?" She said slowly, taking in the warmth she was craving.
"Damn the practicing! Let's sleep together," he murmured into the crook of her neck. She giggled and hummed her agreement.
Without wasting a second, he picked her up bridal style. He kicked open his door and carried her to his bed. Kyoko nuzzled closer in his arms.
Reaching the bed, he gently placed her on it and pulled away. She groaned at the lack of warmth.. Kuon rushed into his side of the bed.
As soon as he slipped into the sheets, he pulled her closer to him until she was cocooned in him.
"Much better," he whispered huskily. Kyoko blushed realizing their intimate position. But cheekily, snuggled in closer to him.
"Much much better."
He smiled at her reply and kissed her temple.
They drifted off to a peaceful sleep in the other's embrace.
XXX
Beep, Beep, Beep
Kuon groaned loudly. His hand searched out for the pesky alarm and smash! The poor device was crushed into pieces. All the movement, caused Kyoko to wake up. She slowly opened her eyes. When Kuon realized she was waking up, he opened his eyes to the welcoming sight. As her eyes adjusted to the light coming from the curtains, a heavenly sight curled her lips into a happy smile.
"Morning, love." Kuon purposefully greeted her huskily and he surely got his reward in the form of her blush.
"Mor-nin-g, Kuon," she stuttered cutely. Kuon leaned in and pecked softly on her cheek. Her blush intensified. His satisfaction multifold.
In the dreamy haven of his arms, it was difficult for her to force her eyes to see the time. As soon as her eyes landed on the wall clock, she panicked.
8:06 AM! He was late again!
Kyoko immediately tried to struggle free of his grasp. She needed to prepare breakfast.
"You're late," she pleaded. "Let go, Kuon."
"Never," he growled and pulled her even closer. Kyoko sighed at his dramatic reply although she loved it.
"You're late. I have to make breakfast," she tried to convince him again. He pulled a little away and looked at her.
"On one condition," he declared with a cheeky grin.
"What is it?" she asked suspiciously.
"Move in with me," he said enthusiastically, startling her to the core.
"What?" she choked.
"Simple. Move in. Last night proved that we can't live alone any more. So I decided that you'll move in. Okay?" he said nonchalantly.
Kyoko was taken by surprise at his cheeky proposal. Every cell in her was screaming to say yes. But she was worried about rushing things too quickly.
"Haste makes waste," she remarked wittingly.
"Necessity is the mother of inventions," he countered with a huge grin.
"Prevention is better than cure," she fought back coolly. Now with her own grin intact.
"Someone has to take the initiative," Kuon replied, challenging her to try and change his mind.
"Take one step at a time?"she fought back half-heartedly. Happily losing to him. Kuon was enjoying himself.
"Screw the steps. In love, everything is fine," Kuon attacked daringly and smirked his swoon-worthy smirk at her. Her heart skipped a very long beat. He was very dangerously handsome. She was very well aware of that.
"So when are we going to get your things?" he asked pulling her body closer to his and turning huskier by the moment.
She looked at him incredulously. He didn't even give her a choice!
"Cheeky bastard," she murmured in defeat. A very happy defeat.
"Ouch. That hurts," he feigned pain and Kyoko giggled.
"Stop the drama, playboy. Let's get you breakfast," she leaned in and kissed his cheek. The distraction loosened his grip and she made her escape. Kuon realized his mistake a bit late. She was already off the bed.
Kyoko arranged her clothes and hair quickly and headed to the door. Kuon stayed on the bed like the playboy he was.
"You get up anytime today?" she asked, standing at the door.
"Only if you can pull me off it," he challenged holding out his hand. Kyoko gazed at her lover with amazed incredulity. His challenging tone flared her up.
She went to the bedside where he was holding out his hand brazenly. He was smirking at her. Kyoko felt her legs turn jelly every time he smirked like that. He was so devishly handsome.
She took his hand with both of hers and pulled with all her might. She pulled and pulled. Kuon grinned at her useless efforts and made sure they remained useless. She couldn't even move him a little.
She pulled again but no avail. Game time over, in a flick second, Kuon pulled Kyoko down and towered her.
Her breath stopped under his powerful, loving yet lustful gaze.
"Marry me."
XXX
Next Chapter Precap:-
Marry me (21st September, 2014)
XXX
A/N:-
Sorry for the super late update. I was lazy and busy although mostly lazy ;)
REVIEW OR KUON AND KYOKO WILL SUFFER!
Seriously guys I work hard so please review. No offending ones please!