Hey readers! 2 weeks have passed and I'm back with another chapter. So... Well, I guess everyone already knows this, but let's go to the reviews.
To Hellfrit,
Ahaha... 2 months to make a single chapter? Well, let's hope it never comes to that.
Yes, I definitely got blocked. However, thanks to your suggestion, I was able to fix the problem. Still, it can't beat having an unblocked line. I wonder why Malaysia block it? I can't find the reasoning to block the site at all.
Yes, you're correct. Making a future fic does allow one to explore more of the ZNT world mainly because you're not restricted to anything. You will have total freedom there and you don't have to worry about a character going OOC because all the characters are OC. So yeah, it's like writing on a blank sheet where anything is possible. However, like I said. I'm not a fan of future fics so I won't make one and it seems you can't either. Handling 3 fics at the same time? That sounds tough. Well, all I can say is good luck on making them.
Not just you my friend. Even I want a girlfriend like that. Ha... to be hugged like that would be a bliss. However, well I'm a little embarrassed to say this, but I'm not good with horror movies so I might be the one doing the hugging.
So... friends, huh? Ahaha... yeah I know that I have gone too long into the story without making a meeting between Saito and his old friends. But don't worry, it will come pretty soon. After this chapter, we will have a lemon and after that lemon chapter, we will have the meeting friends chapter. So just wait a little more, Kay?
To MechaDragon99,
Yes, it's your idea! It has been some time since you give me that idea, but here it is. Hope it meets your expectations. Oh, and thank you for giving that idea to me.
Malaysian too huh? Yay!
Hm... Tokusatsu. I did some research and it basically means a show with special effects. You know, like the explosion after they stylishly transform or after beating the enemy. So you're right, it is Kamen Rider and the Super Sentai series. Based on how those series still live till these days, it was without doubt that they are popular among the Japanese and Saito must have watched it, heck I believe everyone in Japan must have watched those series at some point. But seriously, how can they keep bringing that series over and over without anyone ever gotten tired of those? I mean, how many Kamen Riders and Super Sentai has there been? It feels like they're already hundreds of them.
Anyway that thing aside, I'm not sure about your idea. Don't get me wrong. I do like those kinds of series, but converting Louise into a Tokusatsu fan? I'm not sure how to elaborate that idea, I mean what would she do then? Putting a belt and do a Henshin? Okay, then what? She make a mock fight with Saito while showing off her super powers? Oh god. Sorry, but that sounds so childish. No offense. I know we both might have done that at some point in our life. I don't want to be reminded of that.
So... I'm sorry, but I think I have to reject this idea. But feel free to give me another idea. I'm always all ears. Once again, sorry...
To MGX guest,
Hm... never heard of those guys before. Tried watching their videos and.. wow, they're pretty good. I will see if I can get some inspiration from them. So thanks for telling me about them. Now, I need to do some studying on pranks.
To Kotano-chan,
Hey Kotano-chan! I'm doing fine. How about you my cute ojou-sama? I wish that your days are just as lovely as you are. I miss this conversation so much, but most of all I missed you ojou-sama. I wish we could have a face to face conversation one day, but for now, I guess we have to settle with this. Oh, and yes, Hellifrit suggestion was indeed helpful. It's good to have a concerned reader/friend like him.
So about the 100 chapters. That's only the estimation for this story. I still can't say anything about the sequel, but hopefully, it would exceed 100 chapters as well. About the other characters, I have prepared a basic plan on what to do with them, but I can say one thing for certain. The harem will no longer exist. I really don't want to give out any spoiler, but I will tell you what will happen to Siesta since you're so curious about her. By the time Saito and Louise return to the mansion with their family, Siesta was already engaged to her childhood friend ( It's cliche I know). However, she will still act as the head maid in the mansion and of course, she won't bother Saito anymore. She will also be one of Louise's close companion and main supporter/advisor whenever Louise got into a fight with Saito. Oh, and Siesta's fiance will also work in the mansion as one of Saito's personal bodyguards. Don't worry, there won't be any love triangle or anything.
Not backing down, huh? And you said you finally have peace? Ahaha! Don't you remember my name Kotano-chan? It's ZERO PEACE! Meaning, no peace for you! Ahaha! Prepare for the worst Kotano-chan! I will make sure you regret teasing me! Ahaha! (Continues to laughs like an evil maniac)
Err... Kotano-chan? I-I'm just joking okay? D-don't glare at me like that. Y-y-you're scaring me. And can you please stop m-m-making that face? You're seriously scaring me. Okay, Kotano-chan? Okay? It's just a harmless joke... S-sorry.
Ahem! Moving on... Well, seems like someone is scared of horror movie. That makes the two of us. Unlike you, my defense tactics involved taking a drink. So basically, when some horror scene was about to come out, I will focus my attention on the drink. I purposely take a long time to drink as I keep looking at the glass until the scene passed and then I will just act normal. The only horror movie I have watched without having to take my eyes off the screen was 'IT' which was around a month ago. Not sure if you have watched it, but for me, that show wasn't that scary. It's just surprising because of the jump scares. By the way, I need to tell you that I never screamed when watching a horror movie. In fact, I never screamed at anything. If I'm surprised, I will be just like Woah! And that's it.
How I guess so accurately? Ah... just did some research on this and that. I have actually suspected it for a long time and when you say your country has 22 official languages, that's when I became certain of it. So have I heard of India before? Well, of course, but most of the things I know about India came from the movies. My dad is a fan of Bollywood movies ever since he was a teenager so I guess I got influenced by him a little. I even have an Indian friend myself in my country.
Oh, right. Where I'm from? The answer is Malaysia. Yes, I'm a Malaysian in body and soul. Apa khabar? (How are you?) That's one of Malaysian's greetings.
So... well. I guess that's it. It was a nice conversation. Hope to see you again Kotano-chan. So, bye!
To zergdramon,
Welcome my new follower! It's always a pleasure to meet another new people who enjoy my story.
So, another Asian has joined me! Yay! From the Philippines huh? Well, in case you didn't know, I'm from Malaysia. Nice to meet you!
Yes, I'm always all ears for any kind of ideas or recommendation for my story. I'm pretty open-minded so fire away any ideas you have. So why is Louise not pregnant yet? Well, the main reason is because I want to make Louise and Saito explore a lot of things and having a baby might restrict their capability to do so. Besides, they're only 18 and they have only been married for a few months so it's a little too early for them to have a baby. That's my opinion at least. Don't worry, they will have a baby one day, but for now, it's a no.
Now let's see... Um... actually all the ideas you gave me was already under my planning and to be honest, someone else had given me that idea before, but hey, thanks for trying. Hope to see some more ideas from you.
That's it for the review. Now, let's go to the chapter. By the way, I will be honest here. At first, I had no intention to make this chapter, but based on the reviews, it seems that many are looking forward to see Saito getting his well-deserved punishment for what he had done to Louise. So I thought, why not? So, here it is. Hope you readers like it.
[MAY PEACE BE WITH YOU]
[READ, ENJOY, REVIEW]
Chapter 54: Movie Night - The Aftermath
If you intend to do something, you must be ready to face the consequences that comes with it. A famous person once said those wise words and Saito being quite smart himself, understands the meaning behind them all too well. Why? Because he had just done something that he knows, he's going to get punished of.
Last night, Saito had tricked Louise into watching a supposedly popular movie with him late into the night. Well, the movie was indeed popular so he's not lying on that part, but Saito didn't tell Louise the most important part about the movie which was the fact that it was a horror movie. Having been naively deceived, Louise was left in horror as she has to endure the entire 2 hours of the movie with only a blanket as a form of protection. Even after the movie ended, the terror still lingers in her heart throughout the night as the images of the movie haunts her without mercy.
It was certainly a horrifying night for Louise, a night which she hopes to erase from her memories. However, for Saito, it was a very memorable night as he was able to see another cute side of his wife who was scared to tears by the movie. The feeling of being clutched so dearly from the starting of the movie till they the morning was simply a bliss for him that he couldn't help, but smile throughout the night.
Still, truth be told, Saito does felt guilty for doing something as mean as that to the innocent Louise who was only looking to watch a movie for him. He can still remember how Louise was shivering all night in his arms and he could swear that she was sobbing like a terrified child. Maybe he did went to far last night, but he couldn't deny that it feels good for him to be hugged like that and knowing how he enjoys it only makes the guilt he to grow inside him.
So when morning finally comes back into the sky, sending the darkness and the horror beneath it into hiding, Saito was prepared for whatever it is that was about to come his way. A big explosion, a strong punch, a painful slap, a kick to his... 'private area', getting strangled, a good long scolding, he was prepared for everything. Heck, he has even prepared himself for a good old whipping although it has been ages since Louise last whipped him. Simply said, no matter what kind of punishment he will receive, Saito will bravely endure it and then he will sincerely apologize to Louise. It was the least he could do to atone what he had done. However, what happened that morning was not inside his planning, in fact, nothing he could do can prepare himself for the punishment that awaits him.
It all started when Saito finally woke up and immediately found Louise already wide awake and was sitting up on the bed while looking into the distance. He found it a little unusual at first since Louise usually hums in the morning, but he decided to ignore the oddness and slowly sat up without alerting Louise.
After taking a few deep breaths to prepare himself, Saito called for his wife in the sweetest way he can, hoping that it can soothe her heart from any lingering anger. He was indeed prepared to face any punishment, but the most important thing is to make Louise forgive him so he needs to make sure everything went smoothly.
Alerted by Saito's call, Louise turned towards him. Her eyebrows immediately narrow as she looked straight at him with a cold glare which sent shivers into Saito's bone. There was no doubt that she was still angry about last night. Still, Saito stayed calm and tried to approach the matter carefully as he attempts to apologize. However, before he could even open his mouth to say something, Louise stood up and without looking back at him, she dashed into the bathroom, leaving Saito dumbfounded on the bed.
That's how their morning started that day, unlike the usual morning where they would have their lovely morning greeting followed by a sweet good morning kiss. Well, considering what Saito did to Louise, what happens today was much understandable. It frustrates Saito of course, but he knows best that he shouldn't push on the matter as it might end up angering Louise more. For now, he should let her cool down first. Perhaps, she will be better during breakfast or at least that was what Saito thought. Sadly, he was wrong.
When the couple went downstairs for breakfast still without even a single exchange of words between them, Louise did something unexpected. Since she first came to Japan up until now, Louise had always sat next to Saito at the dining table, believing that it was her rightful spot at the table fitting for her status as his beloved wife. However, today she didn't sit there instead, she sat on the opposite side of the table, far from Saito's seat as if trying to distance herself from him.
Saito was no doubt surprised by this as he remains standing at the table, unable to process what had just happened. He didn't expect that Louise would be so angry to do something like that. Still, Saito keeps his mouth shut and reluctantly sat on his usual seat while glancing at the empty seat beside him and his wife who was supposed to sit there.
Other than that, the breakfast went as usual as the family ate their meals at the table while having some mundane conversation among them. Louise herself acts quite normally as she also indulges herself in that family time with a smile like she always did, chatting with her in-laws. Seeing this, Saito thought that Louise has cooled down so he tried to start a conversation with her only to be ignored entirely. Although he was speaking directly to her, Louise acted like she didn't hear him, in fact, she never even look at him throughout breakfast time. It was as if in Louise's eyes, Saito was not present at the table.
At this point, the rest of the Hiragas was pretty much aware that there was something wrong between the couple. Still, despite the uncomfortable tension that surrounds the two, the Hiragas didn't try to bring the matter up and tried to act as normal as they could, thinking that it was best for them not to interfere, especially when they didn't know what had actually happened.
As soon as breakfast ended, Saito tried once again to approach Louise, but all he got was another sharp glare before receiving a view of Louise's back as she dashed up the stairs, leaving him with a sense of loneliness in his chest. It seems like his plan to apologize is not going to be as easy as he thought.
"No, can't give up now," Saito told himself as a form of encouragement.
Throughout the day, Saito did everything he can to have a proper conversation with Louise, but it was all for naught. Whenever he tried to approach her, she would immediately leave without a moment's notice and of course, without even a single word. Seeing that proper approach wasn't going to work, Saito tried to chase after her, but Louise was indeed smarter. When Saito chased her, she immediately slips into Asuna's room, a territory she knew Saito won't dare to enter and she was right. There's no possible way that Saito would try to trespass into his sister's room especially when she's at home. His situation with Louise was bad enough so he really didn't want to add Asuna into his trouble list. Dealing with the fury of his wife and his sister at the same time? He rather die than do something like that. In fact, he might die if he did do something like that.
Thus, Saito had no choice, but to wait until Louise left Asuna's room on her own. He stayed in front of the door, staying vigilant for any possible moment that the door will be opened. He could have waited elsewhere, but he didn't want to miss any chance to talk with Louise. So he waited and waited, but it was only lunchtime that the door was finally opened. However, the one who came out first from the room was non-other than Asuna herself.
"Eh, Saito? What are you doing here?" Asuna asked, surprised to find her brother sitting directly in front of the door.
"Ah, t-that doesn't matter," Saito quickly stood up. "Err... Is Louise here?"
"Louise? Yeah, she-"
"Sis, let's go," a clear, stern voice spoke.
Louise appeared from the room and grabs Asuna's hand before pulling her towards the direction of the stairs. Asuna obediently complied with Louise, but not before closing the door first. Then, the two left for downstairs, leaving Saito in the hallway and just like what happened in the morning, Louise didn't even say anything to Saito. She even barely looked at him as she went pass him.
"Wow... she's really angry with me," Saito let out a heavy sigh before following them down the stairs.
Lunch ends up the same way as breakfast. Louise still sat opposite to Saito and she ignored him despite his numerous attempts to talk to her. When lunch was over, Saito had hoped that he would be able to catch Louise, but before he could do anything, Louise suddenly invites Asuna back to her room. Just like that, Saito lost his chance again and was left devastated in the inside. He really didn't like this situation.
Saito can't understand why things have to go like this. Usually, Louise would deliver her immediate punishment to him and after he endures it, they will somehow make up. Even if they quarrel, they will find a way to make up with each other. That's how it has always been. However, with the way things are now, it will be impossible for them to make up. How Saito wished that Louise would just punish him already.
'Wait a minute,' Saito thought as realization hit him. 'What if... this is my punishment?'
With that train of thought, Saito finally understood what Louise is doing to him and how this was actually his punishment. Louise was giving him the 'silent treatment', one of the worst thing a woman could do to a man. She didn't need to say anything. She didn't need to do anything. All she did was to ignore him as if he didn't exist. That is the legendary 'silent treatment'. A technique that can torture any man and Saito was no exception.
Saito furiously scratched his head, trying to rack up his brain. This is the first time Louise had ever done this to him so he didn't know how to handle it. This is definitely the worst punishment he received and the pain in his chest from being ignored was the proof. If Louise scolded him, he at least knows that she's paying attention to him, but now she won't even speak to him. How would he ever handle this situation?
Saito thinks as hard as he can to get through to Louise and he ends up with the same conclusion. He needs to try talking to her. That's the only way for them to make up. So with that renewed determination, Saito went upstairs hoping to get Louise to talk to him.
"Ugh... why? Just why?" Saito let out a heavy sigh as he lays down on the couch in a weak state.
Feeling like he could still make things right, Saito tried every single thing to talk with Louise. From chasing her around the house to slipping a letter under Asuna's door, Saito had done everything he could think of to get Louise's attention. Unfortunately, Louise determination to ignore him was as tough as steel. Nothing Saito did was able to get her to say a single word to him far of from having a conversation. It was almost hard to believe how Louise was able to avoid Saito for so long despite living in the same house, but that's exactly what happened. Not even once Saito was able to talk to Louise and before he knew it, night has fallen upon the city.
It was only on dinner that Louise didn't try to escape from Saito although, she still didn't sit next to him. However, Saito can't possibly approach her about the matter while the rest of the family is there and it seems that Louise knows that as well. That's why she didn't try to escape, but as soon as she finished her dinner, Louise quickly makes her escape without giving Saito any chance to say something.
Now, sitting on the couch with his heart torn, Saito didn't know what to do anymore. Frustration, guilt, despair, loneliness, all of those feelings were mixed up in his heart as he was now on the brink of giving up. He had never felt so helpless before in dealing with Louise. He usually had hundreds of ideas to deal with Louise's behavior, but it seems like the 'silent treatment' was too formidable even for the legendary Gandalfr.
"Uh... What should I do?" Saito muttered to himself. He was so desperate that he would do anything to get Louise back.
"Seems like you're having trouble Saito," a familiar voice spoke, awakening Saito from his deep thought.
Saito looks up and there was his dad, casually taking a seat on the couch next to him.
"What's wrong?" Ryuji immediately asked with a friendly tone.
I just... got some problem," Saito weakly replied before letting out another sigh.
"With Louise?"
Saito's eyes widen with surprise as he heard that. He didn't know how his father was able to figure that out.
"Don't look so surprised. We all know something happened between you two."
"Ah... is it really that obvious?"
"Very," Ryuji smiled wryly. "And I'm sure it has something to do with last night."
"Ahaha... Yeah, sort of," Saito replied.
"Well, with the fact that you two are watching a movie last night and Louise screaming in the middle of the night, I can pretty much guess what happened. But I want to hear the story myself."
"Err... well, it's like this..."
"Just like I thought," Ryuji exclaimed after hearing Saito's explanation. "And now Louise didn't want to even talk you."
"Pretty much," Saito sighed.
"I was right to ask you first. If your mother or Asuna knows about this... I'm sure you can guess what will happen."
Ryuji was right. Saito can indeed predict what will happen. Obviously, his mother and sister will take Louise's side and then he will have to face the fury of the three women at the same time. He would rather not experience something as that.
"Lucky for you, I'm on your side in this," Ryuji claimed as he gave an assuring smile.
"Wait, you are?" Saito asked in disbelief.
"Of course. As a fellow guy, I understand the temptation to see a girl tearing up and cuddling up to your body. Haa... the feeling of being clutched for a sense of protection... Seems like you had an amazing night, Saito."
"Err... yeah. It's very memorable," Saito blushed as he remembered the events. Having Louise's soft body in his arms with her small chest pressed against him. It's truly worth it.
"I'm sure it is. It reminds me of when I took your mother for a horror movie for the first time when we're still dating."
"Wait, you did that with Mom too?"
"Well, like the saying goes. Great minds think alike," Ryuji said jokingly.
"So... how does it go?" Saito asked out of curiosity of his parent's horror movie experience.
"I think it's more or less like yours. Your mother screamed, she hugged me, she cried on my chest. Something like that. Oh, and she slapped me."
"Slapped you?" Saito stared at his father in disbelief. He never thought his mother would slap someone much less her own husband/lover.
"Yes, she slapped me. Twice."
"T-twice?"
"Yes. Once when we left the cinema and the other one after I sent her home."
"Wait, dad? You still send mom home after she slapped you?" Saito raised a brow in confusion.
"Ahaha... well you know? Back then, there were not many street lights so it was very dark at night. You think your mother will walk alone after watching a horror movie?"
"So you decided to send her home?"
"Err... She didn't want me to let her go so she kind of dragged me all the way to her home. Well, I do intend to send her home so I didn't complain. Not when she's clutching me like that," Ryuji lightly laughed in amusement. It was clear that he was enjoying that trip.
"So you just send mom home?"
"Yes, and guess what I got for being a gentleman? Another slap."
"Same cheek or...?"
"Same cheek. And your mother hits pretty hard too. It took a few days for the mark to disappear," Ryuji said as he rubbed his left cheek, possibly the spot where he was slapped.
"That... sounds rough," Saito sympathetically said.
"It was, but what comes after that was worse. For 2 weeks she won't even speak to me. I tried going to her house, but she didn't want to see me at all. She really hates me at that time."
As he heard that story, a deep worry washed over Saito. Will he face the same fate as his father, having to endure the silent treatment for 2 weeks? If that were to happen, he might lose his sanity due to the pain of being ignored by the girl he love. Saito rapidly shooked his head, casting away those scary thoughts. He needs to do something to fix this problem and he needs it fast.
"So... dad? How did you make up with Mom in the end?" Saito asked the question as it could determine the fate of his life.
"Hmm... The usual way. Continuous apology and showing your sincerity. Eventually, she will open up to you."
"Seriously? But that's what I have been doing for the whole day. Louise still doesn't even want to look at me."
"Then, you just need to try harder. Don't ever give up. Do something that shows your sincerity."
"Okay, so what did you do to show your sincerity to mom?"
As soon as Saito turned the question to his father, Ryuji's face went all flustered all of a sudden while glancing away. From that reaction, Saito could tell that whatever his father has done, it must've not been good.
"A-ahem! That's a little personal and as your father, I strongly advise you against doing it," Ryuji said while scratching his chin. His face slightly red, seemingly embarrassed by what he did at that time.
"Come on, dad! I'm really desperate here! Who knows, maybe it will help," Saito begged. He didn't know what his father had done, but at this point, as long as it works, he will do it.
"*Sigh~* Fine. But don't tell anyone else."
"I won't. I swear!" Saito said without any hesitation.
Ryuji took a deep breath and closed his eyes as he reminisced the memories on that day. Then in a single breath, he said what he did in one quick sentence.
"I broke into your mother's house."
...
"... W-what?" Saito blinked a few times as he was having a hard time believing what he heard.
"It was... midnight." Ryuji began his story, ignoring his son dumbfounded reaction. "I climbed over the fence of your mother's family house then I picklock the back door. After that, I sneakily went into your mother's room."
Saito only sat there as he heard the story. He can't believe his father had actually done a crime as breaking into someone's else home. He knew that it was his own mother's house, but that only makes it a lot worse. However, that was only the tip of the ice.
"As soon as I entered, I quickly woke her up. Naturally, she was surprised to see me. She even started calling me a pervert, but that was the first time she said anything to me after the movie night so I was a little happy about it," Ryuji awkwardly form a smile.
"Then?" Saito asked although he knew that he might regret it.
"Then I... Well, I..." Ryuji speaks hesitantly but quickly continued. "I take my shirt off and bowed for apology in front of her."
Saito stared at his father with a blank face, not knowing how to react to this... unbelievable story of his. Breaking into someone else's house before stripping in front of your lover. He didn't know whether to call that idea as ingenious or just plain stupid, but one thing for sure, it was crazy. Just crazy.
"So... that's how it went. Is it helpful?"
"I- I don't know... But, you're crazy dad. How can you think of doing something like that?"
"Your mother said the same thing to me. But, as long it works, it doesn't matter. Besides, you're the one who asked."
Saito couldn't deny that fact. He's the one who's so curious about the maybe, thinking that it could help solve his own problem. However, it only makes his brain hurts as his mind was warped with his father's crazy idea on apologizing.
"Ah, look at the time," Ryuji exclaimed. "I have a meeting tomorrow, better not stay up too late."
Ryuji stood up from his seat before stretching his arms while letting out a yawn. He then makes his way to the bedroom, only to be stopped by Saito.
"Dad! You can't leave me like this! I still don't know what to do!" Saito exclaimed as he pulled on Ryuji's shirt, not letting him leave so easily.
"L-like I said. J-just sincerely apologize. She will forgive you sooner or later," Ryuji replied as he easily free himself from Saito's hold.
"But I can't wait for two weeks! I will lose my mind by then! I want Louise to forgive me now!"
"Hm... okay... Okay. Here's a tip. Louise wasn't angry about you showing a horror movie. Instead, she was angry because you tricked her into watching one," Ryuji told him in a serious tone.
"That's... your tip?" Saito was unconvinced.
"Don't underestimate this tip. Back then, I wasn't able to figure it out. That's why it took me two weeks to make up with your mother. So don't repeat my mistake," Ryuji gave him a smile before patting his shoulder. "Go get her back Saito."
"Hm... How long do I have to wait?" Saito sighed as he waited on the bed. Every 10 seconds, he will look at the door, hoping that it will be opened.
Kreak...
'Oh? She's here,' Saito thought to himself as he glanced to the door to find a certain pink haired girl standing in front of it.
Louise was no doubt skilled at avoiding Saito for the entire day. Perhaps, it's also due to her stubbornness to keep avoiding him. However, no matter how determined Louise is, Saito knew that at certain point, Louise has to return to their bedroom especially since it was already nighttime. Even if she wanted to sleep in Asuna's room, she still needs to get her nightwear and preferably a blanket as well. So Saito's strategy that night was to wait inside his room until Louise comes in and it seems like his strategy worked.
"Hey, Louise," Saito greeted his wife.
As expected, Louise didn't say anything. She only glared briefly at him before cautiously walking to the wardrobe. She also keeps the door open as an escape route for when Saito tried to chase her. It seems she was still fixed on the idea of avoiding him, but Saito didn't mind that because Louise has already fallen into his trap. There's no possible way he could have just waited in the room without preparing something to make sure Louise didn't run away.
"Ugh... Where is it?" Louise irritatedly muttered to herself as she was unable to find her nightwear.
Saito smirked to himself as Louise was searching for her nightwear. Thing is, he had changed the arrangements of her clothes, putting her nightwear into a different place making it difficult for her to find it. Not only that, Saito also mixed up his clothes with hers making it a lot harder to find. Normally, Louise should have noticed that the clothes arrangements were all jumbled up, but since she was such in a hurry to leave, she failed to notice it and was unable to perceive it calmly.
As Louise was so distracted to find her clothes, Saito took the opportunity to sneak pass her towards the door. Every step he take was as silent as the step of a cat and by the time Louise noticed him passing her, Saito had already locked the door and was standing in front of it.
Louise cursed herself in her head. She can't believe she just fall into his trap, but of course, she still keeps her mouth shut and looked away from him. Saito had predicted that Louise would react like that. She was extremely stubborn after all. However, he was sure she won't look away from this.
"Louise," Saito called, but received no response. So he just did what he planned to do. He's going to do what his father did.
Without saying anything more, Saito took off his shirt which managed to attract Louise's attention as she stared confusedly at him. Still, Saito wasn't going to stop there. Intending to show his full sincerity, Saito also took off his pants, taking his father's technique to the next level.
"I'm sorry!" Saito quickly bowed to his feet as sincere as he can with only his boxer still left on his figure.
"Huh...?"
Just like how Saito reacted to his father's story, Louise also stood dumbfounded as she was unable to comprehend what her husband was trying to do. It took her a moment of thinking before her mind was able to grasp the situation. Her cheeks slowly turned red as she realized Saito's half-nakedness, but Louise quickly folded her arms and look away, avoiding eye contact with Saito.
Saito knew that it won't be that easy to earn his forgiveness. Louise was stubborn after all, but Saito was also quite stubborn himself. He had already decided that he won't let Louise leave the room until Louise forgive him. He took a deep breath, raised his head up and smashed it into the floor.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Saito repeated his apology like a chant without stopping his smashing motion.
Louise once again was left dumbfounded as the sounds of Saito smashing his head echoed in the room. He didn't really smashed it that hard, but she could tell that it hurts. Still, Louise still refused to say anything to him. She keeps looking away while gritting her teeth, refusing to give in to sympathy.
However, no matter how strong-willed Louise is, her heart was still soft. Hearing Saito repeated apology followed by the banging sound, her stubbornness was peeled one by one. She grips her arm and clattered her teeth. She did everything she can to fight the temptation. She failed. There's no way she could stand seeing Saito hurt himself like that.
"B-baka! Saito, stop that! You'll hurt yourself!" Louise kneeled down and held Saito's shoulder, stopping him from hurting himself.
"No! I won't stop until you forgive me!" Saito struggled with Louise.
"Uh... I said stop! Stop now, you baka!" Louise hugged Saito, effectively stopping him. "I told you... I don't like to see you hurting yourself."
Feeling the girl who has been avoiding him hugging him like this, Saito felt a sense of relief. Baka. That's the first word she said to him today, but he was happy that he managed to break the ice. However, that wasn't enough for him.
"Will you forgive me?" Saito promptly asked.
Louise didn't say anything as a response. She keeps wrapping her arms around her lover as if fearing he would do something stupid again. Eventually, she lets him go, but she still had that glare in her eyes. She stands up and folded her arms as she stood mightily in front of Saito. It doesn't seem like he was off the hook yet.
"Tell me..." she spoke. "Why do you think I'm angry?"
At that moment, Saito remembered what his father had told him earlier. This is the most important question that will decide his fate tonight.
"You're mad because I tricked you and I'm very sorry about that. I really regret it", Saito answered.
Silence filled the room as Saito waited for Louise's response. He didn't know whether he was right or not so he didn't say anything more. All he could do was wait for Louise's response.
"Baka..." Louise finally spoke. "I'm really scared last night. You're such a meanie," she pouted.
"I'm sorry. I really am. I won't show you something like that again."
"Promise?" she cutely asked which brought a smile to Saito's lips.
"I promise," Saito confidently answered.
"Then... I guess. I will forgive you," Louise shyly said.
Saito let out a sigh of relief as he received his forgiveness. He can't believe that it actually works. After taking the whole day to apologise, he finally managed to make up with Louise. It felt like a huge burden has been lifted from his chest and it seems he won't have to sleep alone tonight.
"Um... Saito? Can you... put your clothes back? You look silly like that," Louise said with a blush, pointing out Saito's half-nakedness.
"Silly, or sexy?" Saito teased.
"Do you want me to take my forgiveness back?" Louise glared.
"S-sorry... I will put it on."
"Moo... Seriously. Stripping all of a sudden. You really are a pervert," said Louise.
"Well, it was dad's idea," Saito muttered.
"What is that?" Louise asked as she could barely make out what he was saying.
"Ah, n-nothing," Saito shooked his head as he dressed himself. "Let's go to bed."
"Hmm," Louise nodded before she was suddenly pulled into her lover's embrace whom she has forgiven.
[The next day]
"Yawn..."
Louise let out a yawn as she looked at the TV screen showing a drama of some sort. She rubbed her tired eyes to hopefully refreshed her eyes, but it hardly works as she only gets sleepier every passing second.
"Sleepy?" Saito asked as he looked at his wife who has been using his shoulder as some sort of pillow.
"Hmm..." She tiredly nods. "Saito, let's go to bed."
"Go on ahead, I will follow you later."
Louise wanted to go together with Saito to their room, but her eyes couldn't handle it anymore. She stood up from the couch and went up the stairs, but not before telling Saito to hurry up.
"Seems like you two made up," Ryuji pointed out as he entered the living room. He has noticed the change in the air between them since morning, but never had the chance to say it.
"Yeah, and it all thanks to you dad," said Saito.
"Me? What did I do? Ryuji asked," seemingly confused.
"Ah... N-never mind," Saito quickly drop the topic. He didn't want to tell him that he had used his idea. Not like he has any reason to.
"Suspicious, but I won't ask. Ah, I better head in too, good night Saito."
"Ah, wait, dad. Can I ask something?" Saito called as a thought came to him.
"Hm? What is it?" Ryuji halted his steps
"I'm just... curious. Have you ever take Mom to another horror movie after what happened that day?"
Ryuji didn't give Saito an immediate answer as he chuckled to himself. Then, with a big smile, he said, "I'm sure you already know the answer. You're my son after all."
After that, Ryuji left for his bedroom, still keeping a grin on his face. Now alone in the living room, Saito turned off the TV and make his way upstairs. In his mind, he remembered that promise he made with Louise last night about not showing her another horror movie. What Louise didn't know was while making the promise, Saito was crossing his fingers at the back. With a big grin, Saito entered his room to meet his wife while his mind was thinking about the next scheme he would pull on her. Truly, the man of the Hiragas just won't learn their lessons.
