Chapter 20: Pure innocence…
Zero sneaked another glance at Naomi and Takuma Ichijo. He felt another strong surge of jealousy.
I should have gotten to her sooner…He saw her blush. Smile. Laugh. Frown. All these made his heart softened and eased his envy towards Ichijo just a little.
All of these are her trademarks…He found himself missing her. He missed the sweet and warm feeling when he was with her. He missed her sweet smiles. Her lilting laugh. Her warm and comforting words.
But do I deserve all that…?After all, I've hurt her…
" Zero, did you just hear what I just said? " Mitsumi's voice broke into his thoughts.
HE groaned inwardly and tried his very best not to roll his eyes.
Man, what else can this woman do…?Besides, gossiping and babbling…?
" Uh, could you excuse me for a moment? " Zero mumbled absently.
Without even waiting for her reply, the vampire walked off, leaving a rather humiliated Mitsumi in his wake.
Naomi's head was spinning.
I really can't take this anymore…! I didn't realize that dancing is so horrible…!Maybe, I should take a breather…
" Um, " she began, not knowing how to tell Takuma without hurting his feelings.
" Is there something wrong, Ms.Segawa? "
" I'm, not sure how to say this but I think maybe we should stop dancing. I didn't mean that your dancing is so terrible. It's so excellent but it's me. I feel like I'm such a klutz, steeping on your shoes and all, " Naomi prattled on.
Her dance partner stared at her with an amused look on his face.
" Hey, hey. Take it easy, okay? " He answered. " I get the message. "
" Does this mean I can go? " she asked, hopefully.
Takuma laughed with mirth at her wide- eyed innocence and nodded.
" Oh yeah, I'll return your staff and music sheet. Meet me in the music room tomorrow. "
Naomi nodded excitedly and skipped off. The vampire watched her go.
For a sixteen-year-old…I've never seen such innocence…
Innocence like that of a five-year-old…
She can really warm one's heart simply with her innocence…Even one with that of the coldest heart…
Without even meaning to…
She really is something…
Naomi sighed and inhaled, a lungful of fresh air.
It's really a beautiful night….
So blissful…
" There's that bitch! "She gasped and swung around.
A group of girls formed a tight circle around her, preventing escape. Naomi's face scrunched up in fear when she realized that she was totally surrounded.
" Is there something wrong? " the girl stammered.
" You are that 'something wrong', "a menacing voice rang out.
One of the girls stepped inside the ring and folded her arms across her chest.
Naomi's jade eyes widened in her shock.
" I-I know you! You're… Mitsumi, the person who invited Zero! "
" Oh, so you know my name, do you now? " Mitsumi sneered. " Well then, we can skip the introductions and get on with the show! "
" Wh-what do you want with me? " Naomi demanded, her voice quivering.
The other girl approached her with a razor-sharp scissor in her hand.
" You stole Zero away from me! I've been in love with him for more than a year and then you came along and snatched him for yourself! " She accused. " And what's more, you're not even pretty but Senior Aido and Senior Ichijo likes you and showers you with affection when they barely even glanced at us! "
Naomi's eyes glistened with tears when she heard all that accusations being hurtled at her.
" I-I didn't mean to. I didn't even know you like Zero. I'll- " her words were cut short.
" Enough excuses. It's already too late, Naomi. To save my Zero, I'll hack your face until it's scarred for life and cut you, bald. Then, you can live with your lies! " Mitsumi replied, threateningly. " Hold her down! "
" NO! " Naomi wailed, sobbing pitifully.
She struggled for all she was worth but it did not matter for the sharp point of the scissor was already inches away from her unblemished face.
Zero…Help me…
You promised…
That you would be my guardian angel…
I need you…