"You mustn't simply give your first kiss to anyone, Kohaku. It should be with the right person." Was what her dearly departed mother once told her.

The girl took those words to her heart and carried it everywhere with her. It was like a promise. She reserved her kiss for someone worthy. She never let a boy kiss her, and, even though it was improper, she would slap their faces.

Of course, her father looked horrified when she did that to her suitors.

Kohaku won't get married at this rate. My daughter will grow old by herself. A lady like her will never find a lord or duke because of her personality. Earl Bluebelton's youngest is too feral. The family's only hope is the eldest.

There were so many words she heard from her father and other people. She can deal with the judgement of others. People would never know the truth behind their words. They couldn't see what was beyond. But, her father's?

It was too painful.

Was there something wrong with keeping her word to her mother? Is it a mistake to protect herself from those opportunistic men? Did her father not know her mother's requests to her and Ruri? Did he not want them safe and sound?

Kohaku clenched her fists tightly. It's so unfair.

"Milady, is there something wrong?" Kujaku asked, stopping to brush the girl's hair.

Kohaku looked at the woman from the mirror and smiled politely. "Everything is fine."

"Your father wants you to meet someone later. He said he thinks he finally found you and your sister good suitors." The short-haired woman stated as she went back to her previous task. "However, if I may speak my mind, they're not enough."

"I guess that's something we shall see."


"Kohaku, you'd behave well for today," Kokuyo ordered his youngest as headed to the parlour.

"Father, I don't think Kohaku would do something unacceptable." Ruri softly stated, but the words fell on deaf ears.

Kohaku could only look down in silence.

When they arrived at the parlour, their father smiled at the waiting guests. "Welcome! Thank you for joining us."

Both the siblings curtsied in front of the Earl's sons. Kohaku looked up to take a quick once-over at their guests. Her eyes widened as blue met blue. She recognized the lord in front of her. She knew him, and she wasn't happy with this meeting.

"Lord Magma, Lord Mantle, shall we?" Kohaku could hear her father speak, but her gaze was on the large lord she knew too well.

As if she was going to let the two of them become part of their family.


Kohaku couldn't believe it.

Kokuyo immediately sent her to her room when he noticed her defiant attitude towards the Earl's sons. She had to chase them away. And knowing Lord Magma's personality, she knew she had to make an extra effort. Her image be damned. She was going to protect her older sister!

Feeling frustrated, Kohaku grabbed her cloak, took her horse and snuck out of the manor.

She needed a breather, and it was impossible to have that inside the house. She had to go somewhere. She had an idea where, but anywhere but this place was fine. The lady urged her horse to move faster. She trusted the stallion would lead her to that place.


Kohaku had gone to the marquess' house several times before.

She and Senku Ishigami first met before her big introduction to society. It was during one of the times she sneaked out of the manor. She found him by accident trying to make something fly up into the air. Upon seeing his crafts, she became fascinated with it and frequently came back to watch. He found her soon after.

When they saw each other at her debutante, Kokuyo wondered why they seemed close. He was also the reason why they had to dance together for one song. It wasn't bad. Kohaku would describe it as a pleasant experience. However, it was only good because that day was full of men trying to pursue her. A duke's son even tried to kiss her, but she dared to punch him in front of many.

The incident became part of the morning news.

"Lioness, I thought you weren't leaving the house today," Senku said as she approached him.

"I'm not a lioness!" Kohaku sighed. "Father found a suitor for Ruri. I made a scene and got kicked out of the dinner table."

"I can't see anything new there. Who was it?"

"Lord Magma." She intentionally left the part that her father thought she could be a match for Lord Mantle.

"Hmmm... Your father seems to be getting desperate in finding suitors."

"As you said, marquess, there was nothing new," Kohaku repeated his words. She looked over to what he was holding in his hands. "What's that?"

Senku chuckled and looked at a part of his latest invention. He only needed the piece he was holding in his hands. "Rather than explaining, why don't you see it first?"

She blinked in confusion, but still nodded as she trusted him. The boy grabbed the lamp he was holding, and they crossed the fields together. It was a long, silent walk as the marquess' land was expansive. Despite having light to illuminate their way, there were times that he would trip. It's why Kohaku would always hold him for support and not the other way around.

Finally, they arrived in front of an enormous tree. It wasn't like the others in the land. It was one of a kind. With the lady's impressive eyesight, she could see that something shined on the trees whenever the moonlight hit it. What was it? She wasn't sure. It was probably another thing the boy crafted.

Senku removed himself from her side and walked towards the tree. She could see him tinkering with a box. Her heart was beating with excitement. She was looking forward to whatever that was. His skill to diligently work on his inventions made her have respect for him. Maybe that's what made her hang around him too.

Not only was she amazed by his scientific endeavours, but his personality was unlike other men.

"I'm going to turn this on now," Senku stated.

As he pushed a button, the tree lit up, and Kohaku couldn't take her eyes off of it. There were so many specks of light decorating the tree. Nature even decided to make it better by drizzling snow from the heavens. She could have sworn she saw a faint rainbow of colours. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking.

It was probably even the most beautiful thing she has ever seen.

From beside her, Senku smiled. She didn't even notice him walking to her. He noted how her shoulders relaxed as if her previous worries faded. A smile graced her lips, and her eyes lit up far brighter than the lightbulbs he made. Kohaku was supposed to say something to him. However, as soon as she looked at him, his gaze caused her to forget her words.

Everything seemed to vanish as they stood there caught in a spell by the brilliant glowing lights.

They took in each other's features memorizing each detail to heart. In the end, their gazes landed on each other's lips. They closed their eyes. The distance between them slowly shrunk with Senku cupping her face. Kohaku held onto his coat, and like that they kissed each other softly.

Years later, Kohaku would be able to say she gave her first kiss to the right person.


A/N: Lacie here~!

Day 4 of SenHaku Week 2021 was First Kiss. Since the AU was set in the regency era, it wasn't the time where lightbulbs were invented yet. That's why we have Senku who has now invented it! It's Kohaku's first time seeing one so, that was a challenge to describe somehow.

I hope you were able to enjoy it! See you in the next chapter~. ^o^