Day 50

Waking from the best sleep he ever had for the last month, his mind became clearer and his mood was okay too. Is this because? Layla was with him last night. Looking around the room there was already no sign of her anymore.. He feels empty again.

Sneaking inside the castle quietly doesn't want Koyuki or her family to know about her missing last night, " Cursing herself for letting her feelings sway by Gaara again, she doesn't know what Koyuki will know if she goes to Gaara and .. Walking on tiptoe to lift her kimono, She almost arrived at her room…

Where were you going, last night I've been searching all over for you, "

Her tracks stopped as Layla saw Koyuki already in front of her room as well Garu stood behind her.

Sat her sandal down to the floor, Layla walked closer to them, " I was jogging nee sama, "She gave an excuse.. " In this heavy snow?.. Koyuki eyebrows lifted as they see snow falling hard today

I,.. M- ar..

It's okay, I won't force you to tell me but I need you to prepare and dress up. We have an unexpected guest.. Mei mei will help you..

Unexpected guest?, Layla thoughts asking..

"Don't be late, He was waiting for you.. "

Nodding in understanding, Layla backed off to give some space when Koyuki walked past her.. After she saw Koyuki's silhouette was not there, only then she could take a deep breath.. It luckily Koyuki won't mad at her

Finishing the touch up with a slightly pink color of lipstick, After taking an hour to finish, She was ready and it was all thanks to Mei mei..

Thanks to her for making her look so beautiful like this, " She was wearing a furisode (Swinging sleeve) the color of this kimono were white while the chrysanthemums flowers were bathed in red. It matches today's weather and somehow matches Gaara color hair. As her hair was tied up into a single bun while her bangs just above the eyebrows .

Layla is so curious why Mei mei looks so happy as she doll her up, and all the details make her wonder what so special about this guest until Koyuki let her hook earlier, Nee sama definitely knows that she was with Gaara last night instead she just told her to get ready.

Her mind instantly remembers last night as she mentions him, but not for too long she brushes her thoughts away and walks to the hall.

Accompanied with Mei mei on their way to hall where Koyuki ask her to meet her, Just when she about to turn right, Layla bumped into someone , her face smack on the person hard chest until make her almost fell thankfully Mei mei support her from behind. " Are you okay, My lady. " Mei mei says worriedly.

"Im okay, Mei mei, don't look so panicked like that..

Im sorry,' are you okay?".. A tall man appeared in front of Layla and Mei mei, as he offer his hand to Layla,

As she reached out his hand, The man slowly lifted her up gently while the smile never left his face, Layla then politely pulled her hand back while stealing a gaze upon the unfamiliar man ..

You're so small, I don't see you taking this way'. The man tries to open conversation.

It's okay, we both fault you for not looking, Layla says .. If you excuse us can we pass through?".. Layla added while The man quickly walked back away and Layla and her attendant walked away..

Oh my god!!!, Layla sama!,.. he is so handsome!.. After being far from him, Mei me squealed in excitement upon seeing a beautiful man in front of her.. ' While Layla just smiled at Mei mei behaviour she was such an energetic girl..

Her face turned serious when hall in her sights, Garu greeted her and opened the door for her as Mei mei left waiting for her outside the room.. inside the hall, there were five elders with Koyuki sitting in front of them as she was the leader in this country.. 'Bend her body , Layla bowed to her and others.

Come, sit beside me , 'Koyuki instructed her to sat down,

While wondering why the atmosphere was so tense, Layla sat down at the empty space beside Koyuki as she too had a higher rank like Koyuki.

Okay, now we discuss the marriage proposal for my little sister 'Kazahana Layla'..

Her eyes widened, shocked and surprised at Koyuki's topic , as she wanted to talk, she held herself when Koyuki looked at her and told her to listen. 'As you guys know , Layla was my adopted siblings and as the one took her I want her lived happily with her own family

Thus, I seek your advice for this matter and Layla for let us find someone worthy of her happiness..

The elders were murmuring among themselves about the decision on what Koyuki just stated while Layla bit her lips holding her back to cry on that spot.

We agreed on what Koyuki sama said, and we do not protest on what you may order.. ' One of the highest rank elders stated while the other nodding their heads ,

'Thank you, It makes me happy when you guys understand.. ' Koyuki expresses her feelings.

Why?!.. After a long silence, Layla finally spoke when just two of them left in the hall.

Koyuki sighed, watching her from her side,' it for your own good,. And stop crying Layla it is not like I abandoned you .. it for your own good..

Why can't everyone just make my own decisions, it's my life!!Her voice resonates inside the hall.. Layla eyes meet Koyuki,

" Are you being like this because of that man?I know you sneaked last night to meet him. Layla instantly got silent.. Koyuki said calmly as she stood up. " I really disappointed at you Layla,

We didn't do anything, we're just..

What exactly is your guy's relationship?! , I been wondering all long night

Koyuki sama, I'm sorry for interrupting.. But someone wants to meet you.. Garu comes inside the room and interrupts.

Quickly wiping her tears aways, Layla rushed out from the room leaving Meimei behind..

Walking outside towards the outer village while walk in secluded road she doesn't want to people watching her like this specially Kiyuu

Cold air comes out from her mouth when she release a breath, After for while walking, She finally arrived at her old house where she lived when her both parents still alive.. Looking from outside, the house really wreck, There was many crack on the wall and the ceiling was already has holed

Creaking sound ringing when she takes a foot steps on worn out floor as she slowly opens the door, Layla heart begins tightened when seen inside the house she grew up in became a non human livin state..

'Im home, Mama papa.. ' She whispered softly..

Spend the rest of time she had in her house , her mind was only filled her last moment when she was still in her parents .. everything happen so fast, In front of her ,she watch her mom and dad was stabbed to death by the guild merchant.. and when she was all alone Koyuki kindly take her as adopted sister.

But she can't deny herself for getting married to someone she doesn't know, all she want freedom she want to travel around again,

She is not ready yet to have a family, including Gaara, she can't forsake her freedom for them.. She really can't ..

I knew you were here',

Layla awoke from her deep thoughts when someone's voice echoed in her ear. As she looked up she saw Koyuki suddenly appeared from the door without her guard.. quickly Layla wipes the tears from her face as Koyuki sat beside her..' Kiryuu searched all over the place to find you. He was worried when he heard you suddenly went missing. Koyuki starts a conversation..

Sniffed her nose, 'Her face was so red ..' I'm so emotional earlier , I'm sorry nee sama'… Layla muttered softly.

Brushing a strand of her hair back, Koyuki smiles looking at her, ' It's not your fault, 'I'm too quick to make a decision without waiting for your consent .. '

No!!.. no, I will do whatever you just said,i'm fine really '.. Layla tried to sound very convinced..

You don't have to, you can make your life path by yourself, but can you rethink your decision to get married?"..

..to be continued.