Malachi's POV

A sheet shaded with warm gold enveloped the sky when we finally left the tea house, indicating that it was already sunset. "We stayed out rather late." Mitsuhide commented. "Mmhmm.. We did." I agreed. Strangely, I'd been enjoying his company so much I hadn't noticed the time. Yet I wasn't expecting that from Mitsuhide.

I remember my earlier days here, when the mere sight of Mitsuhide would make me turn in the other direction. Yet, he had protected me from those quick-to-anger warriors and treated me to a snack, even if it was a bit unpleasant. Even though I had gone behind his back to ask questions about him, he simply laughed it off. Strangely.. I found myself thinking of Mitsuhide as a nice person.

I glanced at Mitsuhide, taking in his fine jawline and elegant features. He was pretty, I'll admit it. But I had found a new appreciation for the man bathed in moonlight glow. Suddenly, he met my gaze, his pale golden eyes boring into mine, "Are you looking at me with blushing cheeks?" His lips curved into an attractive smile, his long, smooth fingers brushed gently underneath my chin. What the fuck am I thinking?! Oh no- I am blushing- Malachi, no!

"Have you fallen in love with me?" My eyes widened at his question, but I merely laughed and gently shoved him away from me. "H..ha! You wish.." I averted my gaze from his, I didn't think I could handle looking into his eyes any longer. "If only I'd known, I would have treated you to a kiss instead of sweets." Mitsuhide gently forced me to turn back into his direction, lightly stroking my bottom lip with the cool pad of his thumb. It was like a kiss from winter itself.

I felt myself redden further at his motions, but I refused to give him the satisfaction. "..You can treat yourself to a lovely dose of reality, because frankly you seem delusional right now." Despite my harsh words, I tried to keep my expression light-hearted, yet my flustered annoyance got the better of me. "Gracious!" Mitsuhide gave a little surprised shout as I gave him a less gentler shove and began walking away. The fact that I could still feel the lingering motion from his imaginary kiss was my own little secret to be added to the pile.

"Now, Malachi, why the bad mood? It was only a joke." Mitsuhide called from behind me, I could tell from his tone that he was smirking. Stopping in my tracks, I balled my fists and glared at him. "That's the reason I'm mad." "You wished I was serious, then?" Mitsuhide lifted his thumb to press against his lips, as if he was attempting to offer an apology kiss. I frowned angrily and pointed my finger at him in a threatening manner, "That! That kind of joke is what you need to stop doing. It's not funny to tug at someone's heartstrings like that." And also I was heavily warned to not get romantically involved with you-

"Oh, you are barking up the wrong tree, sweetheart.! Tempting as it is, do not get close to that one!" My smile slowly fell, I was confused. What on Earth is she referring to? "And if you get involved with him, you have to prepare for your life becoming a LIVING HELL." One of the women warned.

Hell may be just right. Mitsuhide catches onto every single little opening you give him. But he never once slips any insight into himself. I tried to keep my glare, but.. I found it increasingly difficult to be angry at that damned attractive smile of his. "You can lower your hackles, little mouse. It's not good to spend so much time looking unhappy." My frown only deepened, "You know, most people would place an apology there." I spoke flatly. "What excellent information." Not a single hint of remorse could be heard in his voice.

Mitsuhide should really be the exact opposite of my type, teasing with a definite evil streak- Yet.. I find myself increasingly attracted to him. But- I can't. I can't be with a mortal..