To Mend a Broken Heart

I am broke.

That's true, and I have no job right now to pay the rent either. But I guess Sho won't mind paying this month, I mean I've been paying for a long time, right?

Wrong!

The moment I entered the apartment, I heard him shouting my name from the hall, watching some reality show on the tv and eating packed pudding.

"Why haven't you paid the rent yet? Are you waiting for the owner to throw us out?"

I suppressed myself, giving him an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, I—"

"Why the heck are you sorry! Just pay the God-damn rent!"

"I'm broke, Sho-chan!"

He stared at me like I had grown two heads, getting up from his place. "So you don't have money right now?"

"No!"

It kinda felt good that I replied so indignantly, I forgot how to get angry in the first place. It's been a very, very long time.

Then, he placed his now empty plastic container on the table and got up, leaving the flat quietly. I watched after him, hoping that this time he pays and I can relax.

Hopefully, I can spend a weekend sleeping in instead of starting work at dawn.


"Get the hell outta here, freeloader!"

He yanked my shoulders and threw me out of the apartment, not listening to a word I said. He flung the things I had painstakingly arranged in that flat, but now they were lying on the street in front of me.

"Please! My boyfriend said he'd pay the rent, I must've paid three days ago!"

He made a sound much similar to a growl and glared at me, "There was no money in my account! And I am not going to tolerate this non-sense so you'd better get lost!"

I could feel the tears pricking my eyes, but I'm not going to cry, nope.

Grabbing whatever was left of that house, I walked in my uniform, holding a poster I had carried with me since we ran away from Kyoto. Why didn't Sho pay the rent? Was he alright?

He usually didn't come home for days, but that day, he'd left without a word, I thought he'd gone to pay the rent.

Where was he?

My head was aching, and my stomach was growling too. It was only a matter of time I actually passed out, so I bought a small gimbap, and ate it, hoping I can survive on that for another day till I got my wages.

I honestly didn't know that I would go broke this month, I did expect that, but I was able to manage. However, I had to go to the doctor after fainting at work, and the consultation fees cost me whatever I used to use for food.

After walking for an hour or two, I finally sat down on a bench, staring at the club back door. What if I told him I would volunteer to...

No, I can't do that. I'd rather die than stand in front of all the drunken people and let them watch me dance on a pole.

And just when I shut that thought off my brain, I saw Sho walking towards the door with a fancy jacket.

With a fancy girl in his arms who looked eager to be all over him.

I couldn't believe my eyes, was that really him? I got up from the bench and walked briskly towards the couple as they started to show their ID's.

"Babe, I'll show what a good time feels like," He whispered in that woman's ear.

"You b*st*rd!" I screamed as I turned him around by his shoulder and slapped him.

I felt a hundred needles piercing my heart, and right now I was so angry, I didn't care that we were on the street, watched by a hundred people. He was such a cheater, how could I have never known?

He frowned, touching the reddened cheek.

"Is this how you repay me when I practically worked for both of us?! Is that really how you treat your girlfriend? Is this what you've been doing all this time while I worked myself to death? You a*hole!"

I started pounding him, when the security grabbed my arms, saying something I couldn't hear. I was screaming a few more curses, but he seemed unaffected.

"Yeah so what? Did I tell you to work for me? And why should I pay the rent for a shabby apartment? Who told you that I was your boyfriend?"

I couldn't believe my ears, as he sighed, massaging his temples. "Sorry Clara, you had to see that. This woman was my ex-girlfriend, now that I broke up with her, she has no money so now she is coming back to me acting like I used her."

What?

His girlfriend glared at me through her long eye lashes that looked even longer than her eyes, and sneered at me, keeping her hands on that jerk.

"People like you should rot in hell!"

She removed a few dollar bills and threw it at me, throwing me a dirty look before walking inside the club. And just before going in, Sho smirked at me, as tears spilled from my eyes and the guards threw me on the road.

God, what had my life become?


"So you've worked in different fast food outlets and a few other jobs that aren't of any significance?" a woman asked, holding my resume.

I gulped, giving her a smile, "I promise you, I will sincerely do my job and would not my personal life affect my work."

Sighing, she handed my resume, "I'm sorry."

I gave her a smile, suppressing the despair that was threatening to send me into another bout of depression.

I can't remember the last time I had eaten a decent meal, even though I had been surviving on cheap packed snacks. The last of my money had been spent, and I didn't know if the current job would pay for another month. I got fired from McDonald's, and that was the only job that actually gave me good salary. But I'd fainted there, and they feared that someone would paint a black spot on their reputation.

So now I am job hunting, hoping I would get a good workplace even though I am not even qualified.

"Unni-chan, are you alright?" a hand on my palm was placed, and I removed the hands over my face and smiled at the girl, who looked no older than six.

"I'm okay, thank you for asking."

She gave me a bright smile and went back to her father, who looked at his daughter and picked her up.

The girl was so adorable, asking me if I was alright. If everything had been right between me and Sho...maybe by now we would've been married, and had a kid just as cute as the one who left.

But...all these six years I had been tricked. Tricked into being used as a tattered book that was thrown after all the pages started coming off.

I sighed, thinking of all the other spots I would have to look for. The sun was setting, and it was another fruitless day, second week. I wanted to give up on life, it wasn't worth living anymore.

I should've picked those dollar bills up when that woman threw them on me. Maybe now I would've been able to find a small flat to live in. Maybe a room would do too.

"Hey! Kyoko-chan!"

I turned my head, finding my co-worker running towards me.

"I have wonderful news for you, didn't you say you were looking for a job?"

I felt myself being hopfeully as I nodded. She clapped her hands excitedly, "I knew it! You are the right person. Hizuri-san needs a babysitter—"

"No, no, Katie, you do realise that I do not have a decent background to be a babysitter to some big shot house, do you?"

"Ugh, of course I do! Just listen to me, alright? So Hizuri-san has a kid, around six years old, and he is looking for a babysitter. There is a uniform, and the pay is really fine! You are to have no fantasies that the owner would be attracted to you—"

"Okay okay, I get it. So when's the interview?"


I was feeling really nervous right now. And I would really kill to have a meal right now. But I needed to hold on, I already took advance payment of the next month, so I had no other option except finding one more job.

Stepping inside the large building, I looked around myself, fascinated by the lobby that looked like it belonged to a five-star hotel. There was a mini-fountain inside, and a vase like table that held flowers that looked freshly plucked. The chandelier was elaborate and had tiny lights dangling from larger ones, looking really beautiful. I felt so relaxed, there was soft music playing in the background, and it was air conditioned, unlike the fast food corners.

As I stood there admiring the lobby, I heard some people walk inside and towards the lobby like this wasn't the first time they'd seen such an amazing place.

Pull yourself together Kyoko!

Bringing myself back from a trance, I walked towards the receptionist who gave me a smile, despite her eyes sizing me up and down.

Yes, I know I look homeless.

"How can I help you?" she said politely. I wonder what she would've said had it been outside this heaven like place.

"I'm here looking for a job as a babysitter."

She nodded slowly, pointing towards the elevator and giving me directions.

"Please knock on 2003."

I gave her a smile, "Thank you."

I felt so nervous, stepping inside the elevator, observing the other women beside. They were dressed so much better than me, while I was looking like a hundred year old woman in my three year old blouse and trousers.

We all stopped in the highest floor in the building, and I braced myself to walk normally, telling myself that we would not fall.

There was a door in front, open and many others like me, had come to try their luck and be a babysitter to the rich kid.

I knew I wasn't going to get in, but I wanted to at least see how it is like doing that.

We all were sitting on a few chairs placed in the large area, that looked even more beautiful than the lobby. There was a mesh like curtain separating the rest of the rooms and the room we were waiting in. There was a large projector, with 'Interview' written on it. It looked plain and bland, maybe that's how they usually take on all these high end places.

In a few minutes in, and a tall man, I don't mean the average Japanese man, a really, really tall man came, looking so handsome, I thought he was an actor.

His blonde hair was combed back, and he was in a grey business suit, like the one I had seen in a variety show Sho used to watch.

Sho...

Kyoko! Pull yourself together!

"Thank you everyone for coming here, My name is Kuon Hizuri, and I am the owner of Delilia. So, let's get down to business. I am looking for a babysitter for my son, Ren, who would be able to stay with him from morning 7 am to evening 5 pm. Of course, Sundays would be off, you will get the salary monthly."

He strolled confidently in front of the projector, with part of the light falling on his face. I hadn't noticed how beautiful his face looked until now, it was carved by the God Himself I am sure.

Well, the rich people had the money do whatever they liked with their bodies, so I wasn't surprised. Even Sho had gone to a salon to get his hair done, dying it blonde and wearing contacts. He'd even removed the little zits on his face.

"To begin with, you all would be asked a few questions, and your qualifications would be looked over too. All the best and let's begin."

One of the maids from the corner of my eye brought some refreshments, and just noticing her hand some juice out made my stomach growl.

Few women who'd come left before the interview, some muttering about timings. But I didn't care, as long as the pay was decent.

One by one, everyone was called by their names, and I saw how they walked beyond the mesh like curtain, slowly moving them to one side and going inside and coming back only in fifteen minutes.

A woman came out and she started chattering with one of the people waiting in the room, and I was curious since she looked so happy. I slowly made my way and stood behind a bunch of others hearing her recount the interview.

"...and then he looked at my resume and said, 'Very impressive resume, Ms. Kile. The salary is 343,000 yen!"

My heart started pounding faster, because that was the highest I had ever heard! I had never been paid more than 70,000 yen.

Another woman was called, and the one Ms. Kile left the others with a broad smile on her face.

I waited for another half an hour, as I started to feel even more hopeless as many others walked out with a smile on their faces.

"Kyoko Mogami!"

My heart almost jumped out of my mouth, but I took a deep breath and picked my resume, praying that he won't cast a disgusted look my way.

Hopefully.


"So you are twenty-two years old," he said, boring his emerald green eyes into mine. I was so nervous, I was surprised I was answering him.

"What did you say you are doing right now?"

"I am working in Jjampong Fast foods downtown Takeshita," I answered, the sweat trickling down my spine as he looked back into my resume.

And then, he suddenly shut the file and looked at me with an unreadable expression.

"Mogami-san, give me one skill which will help me in handling my kid, one skill where I can be confident that leaving my son in your care is the best option."

I bit my lip, taking a moment to answer. "I can cook."

"We already have a cook," he replied.

I give up.

"Hizuri-san, I don't know what is good for your son or how I can make you trust me. But I have always tried my best in all my jobs. And I can assure you that I will also try my best in taking care of your son."

He raised an eyebrow, "Mogami-san, trying your best, cannot always do the job. This is not a place where you have to smile and serve the customers—no! Many others before you convinced me to have faith in their abilities since they have already handled kids around that age group. What experience do you have."

I forced a smile at him, "I'm sorry, I am without experience."

Sighing, he looked down, pursing his lips as he dismissed me.

I felt hot tears gathering, but I had to leave before anybody saw. And when I stepped back into the waiting area, all of them were staring at me. I wanted to hide my face, but I knew I couldn't.

At the corner, there was a table with a few glasses of various juices and some snacks placed.

Well, I won't be coming back here anyway. So let's just grab whatever I can.

Ignoring all the stares, I walked out of the apartment, controlling my tears and suppressing the disappointment in me.

I was super exhausted, and the futon look really inviting right now. Doing three different jobs was no joke, but I had no idea which one would go so I thought to work all of them. Crashing on that, I thought back to the interview few days ago.

Who would've passed the test? Was it that woman who was chattering excitedly when she came back? I wondered sometimes when I had time to think.

What would have happened if I had that job? My eyelids were closing and the last thought that comes in my mind is,

I want to die


It was a Monday, and if I wasn't so busy everyday, it would've felt like a new day of a new week.

I sat down on the bench, sighing deeply. It was still one pm, another hour to go before I would change shifts.

Observing the people around me, I smiled. There was a young couple holding hands and laughing as they walked. And another with a baby in their trolley as they argued about something.

There was an old man, reading the bill as he stepped out of the shopping complex. A few girls in uniforms were giggling as they walked into a store.

I once wanted to go out with my classmates too, but they never spoke to me. I don't know why.

And then, I saw a boy, who looked about him and started crying. I felt so bad that I approached him and crouched down.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm lost," he cried, wiping the big tears that fell down his rosy cheeks.

I wiped those tears for him and slowly pulled him to a bench. "Where are your parents?"

"Daddy is at work and I don't have a mummy," he said as he continued to sob looking about himself.

"So who did you come with? Maybe your brother or sister? Come on, don't cry, we will find your mummy or daddy," I said, handing him a handkerchief.

"I came with Aki, who said she would buy me chocolates and chips!"

He waved a bag in his hand in front of me and my heart melted.

"Do you have her number?"

He shook his head and started crying even louder. I tried to calm him down, "Do you remember your daddy's number?"

He nodded, saying it out for me as I took my flip phone out and started dialing it.

"Hello?"

"Your son is lost and wants to talk to you," I replied, handing the boy my phone.

"Daddy..."

He was crying silently as his dad said something on the other side.

"I came her with Aki-san," he replied.

I imagined him getting scolded for running off but he seemed to calm down as he handed me the phone.

"I'm sorry, but could you please look after my son for a little while? He seems to trust you and I find you trustworthy enough since you called me. Where are you?"

I told him the address of the shopping complex and he apologized again before hanging up.

For now, it was just me and the young boy. I looked down and smiled as he sniffled. He was such an adorable little kid.

"So what's your name?" I asked.

He looked at him, still upset but guarded as soon as I asked his name, "Ren. Ren Hizuri."

All the colour drained from my face as I heard his name. Wasn't he the son of that rich man I had been interviewed for?

"You know my daddy."

"Who doesn't?" I muttered, dreading about the meeting.

"Did you make my daddy angry?"

My eyes met his emerald ones, and I was struck with the resemblance between him and his father.

"Of course not."

His innocent eyes looked at me questioningly, so I smiled at him, "Your daddy doesn't like me, that's all. We didn't have a...very nice chat when I met your daddy."

"Don't worry, he will forgive you if you say sorry. So say sorry when he comes here."

I chuckled at his cute and innocent words. I hugged him before I looked at him again, "I hope your daddy does."


I couldn't believe I would ever spend a day skipping work and playing with a little kid. But we had so much fun, I loved it so much. He was one of the most sweetest kids I have ever seen—not like I had encountered small children in my life—but it felt amazing playing with one.

Never thought I could be this silly in my life. I started with making up stories about people walking by and he continued, saying something adorable and funny.

Then he told me the best food in the world, and I tasted it with him, which felt like heaven. We played a few games too, and in most of them I lost because he was smart and knew how to play.

I told him some funny things I experienced during my time working.

"...and then Marie said she didn't like the chocolate Kia gave her and she gave it to me. I didn't want to be rude, so I took that chocolate and ate it."

I laughed, "Really? Was it tasty?"

He pretended to think, "I don't really remember, but if you buy me another chocolate, maybe I can tell you."

I laughed again, and wiped the tear off.

"Someone seems to be enjoying alot."

I froze.

Ren whipped his head and squealed as he ran towards his father, whose deep voice froze me.

I dared not to turn around, but an extremely tall, and overbearing figure walked towards me holding the boy in his arms.

"Mogami-san," he started, making me wonder how in the world he remembered my name.

"When I saw you, I knew I had seen you before, so I quickly went through the names of that day and remembered," he said as a way to answer my unasked question.

I nodded, trying very hard not to look like I was about to run any moment.

"Daddy! Daddy! Can I please play with Kyoko-chan?"

He looked at his son and smiled. That was the first time I had seen him smile, and I knew that he loved him very much.

"Well, didn't you play with her till evening? It's six pm. Besides, you already have your playmates and Kobita Aki to play with."

He pouted and crossed his chubby little hands over himself. "I don't want Aki-san! I want Kyoko-chan! Kyoko-chan!"

He started crying, as Hizuri-san started placating him. And then he sighed and looked back at me.

"Can we please talk again later? Maybe tomorrow?"

"I have work, in the morning from 7 to 2"

"What about 3?"

"I have work at that time too."

"So what time do you get off?"

"Um, around 11 pm in the night?"

For the first time, I saw surprise in his eyes, and I could feel that he was slowly getting an understanding of my situation.

"What about lunch?"

"Yes, I have lunch after 2."

That seemed to satisfy him, because he said, "Great then, I'll see you tomorrow at 2:00 pm, I'll pick you up from here...if that happens to be alright with you."

I nodded, my heart beating wildly.

Was he going to hire me?


I tucked the strand of hair behind my ear and looked around. Trying hard not to wipe off the lipstick I so painstakingly applied during work. I had no idea how to apply a lipstick, and right now I hoped I looked decent enough to be qualified.

At exactly 2, I stepped outside and found a shiny black car ready to pick me, the man in question himself sitting in the driver's seat.

He motioned for me to get in his car and I stood there for a moment wondering where I was supposed to sit before he rolled the window down, "What happened?"

"Um, I'm sorry where should I sit?"

I knew, I knew what he was thinking right now, but I never sat in a car except six years ago when I first came to Tokyo. It was so clearly painted on his face, that unbelievable expression asking me if I was serious.

Sighing, he opened the door of the open window and drew back into his seat. He checked the time as I got inside and was hit by a waft of some fragrance that made me relax. It was so cool in his car, that I felt my wariness going away the second I sat inside.

"So what do you prefer eating, Mogami-san?"

I was worried, I didn't want to eat in any restaurant if I was asked honestly. I already spent half of my pay yesterday, I couldn't imagine how much more I would have to pay to eat just one time that wouldn't be enough.

"Anything is fine."

Hizuri-san paused before he took a turn and he drove us to a place that was far from the shopping complex I worked in. I wondered what excuse I would have to give the manager this time. Should I say I fainted in the bathroom...?

"I've already spoken to the person in charge at your previous workplace so you have nothing to worry about."

I frowned, facing him as he parked his car and was taking his keys off the ignition.

"Am I fired?"

He gave me a look, with his lip twitching as he stepped out of his car. I followed his actions, looking at him, worried.

There was a slightly amused look on his face, but I didn't find anything amusing in almost losing another job.

"Calm down, Mogami-san. He hasn't said anything of that sort. He understood the circumstance and was more than glad to let you spend time with me for another hour or two."

"But you don't even know my workplace! I work in three different places!" I exclaimed exasperatedly.

There it was again, the look of surprise as he led me into an expensive looking restaurant.

I stopped abruptly, biting my lip hard and looking at Hizuri-san who stopped as well. "What's wrong?"

"I can't go inside. I don't have the money to pay for the food. I'm sorry."

There was pity in his eyes, and I knew what he was thinking right now. "I'm fine this way, Sir. I'd rather we spoke about whatever you wanted to speak outside. I don't want to spend my money on food that won't even fill my stomach."

"I promise you, Mogami-san, this restaurant is not one of those places. And I would be paying since I asked you out."

I took a deep breathe as I stared into his eyes, finding no malice and mischief in them. After spending years with Sho, and handling various kinds of customers who came to fast food stalls, I could at least differentiate some intentions.

A waiter led us into the deepest parts of the restaurant, which I knew were reserved for VIPs and we both sat in the comfortable chairs as he stood on the side waiting for an order.

"Spaghetti for two," He ordered, as he sat down. I was thankful that he didn't wait for me to order. I didn't know have of them, and I didn't want to embarrass myself any further than I already did.

"So, Mogami-san, apart from all this, why are you doing these jobs at this age?"

"I came to Tokyo when I was sixteen, so I had no way to survive other than doing odd jobs so I could keep a roof over my head."

He gave me an odd look, "Judging from the way you carry yourself, the way you walk and eat, I can tell that you are from a respectable family. I noticed that your posture is perfect."

I faintly recalled someone saying something really similar to this, and I was reminded of the time I had spent with my parents ten years ago.

But I'm no more from that kind of family.

Forcing a smile, "Thank you, Hizuri-san. But to survive, we have to adapt different requirements."

"Where are your parents right now?"

I gave him an incredulous look, "I am an adult, am I supposed to answer that question?"

"I am your employer to be, so yes."

I blushed, thankful that the food wasn't in my mouth. The aroma of the food was so delicious, I didn't want to finish it at all.

"They are dead."

There it was again, the look of pity. I wanted to slam my fork on the table and tell him to wipe it off. But I had no guts to do so.

"Please don't be sorry. It's been ten years, so I'm over it now."

"So you've been on your own since then," he said, taking another bite.

"Hizuri-san, not to be rude or anything, but I would really like to know how this is connected to me being employed."

He set his fork down and cleared his throat, "Right, now that you have reminded me, I have a proposition to make. I want you to take care of my son from morning till the evening, since the previous babysitter I had hired had carelessly left him alone while she...did whatever she did at that time. In return, I would pay you 500,000 yen."

I choked, the spaghetti hot in my throat as I stared at him, shocked. "What?!"

"I have a propo—"

"No, no, after that, You will pay me what?!"

He sighed, "Mogami-san, after yesterday, my son looked much brighter and I felt that you are trustworthy enough. Besides, he already likes you so I want to save us the trouble of going through an interrogation when I already can see you are the best person for this job."

"B-but I am not experienced enough. And I don't have any qualifications."

He almost gave me a smile but his lips didn't curve, "I've learnt my lesson, that I should not judge anyone based on their achievements in life."

I blushed, aware that he was talking about me. I wanted to argue, say that it was too much. But he looked determined to convince me to agree. His eyes were leaving no room for disagreements.

"So when do you want me to start?"

He looked back at his watch and said, "I'd say right away, but I'll give you a day's time and you can stay day after."

We ate out lunch in silence, and he left after paying the bill, not letting me have a glance at all.


I was here yet again, wearing my brand new dress shirt and black trousers. I tied my hair into a bun, scrubing myself with the new soaps and shampoo. It felt so good to take a bath like this with my favourite products after so long, I couldn't remember the last time I felt so fresh. Getting my wages, and terminating the last jobs, I bought a few things to look good on my first day of work.

I had expected him to have left by the time I went inside, but he was still in, getting ready for work as he sat and drank his coffee.

Beside him, Ren was sitting and staring at his milk. He looked up as I walked towards them and brightened up.

"Kyoko-chan! I can't believe you are here!"

I grinned at him as he ran towards me and I picked him up, asking him if he was alright or not.

"Koshi-san gave me boiled eggs to eat, but I don't want to."

"Why don't you? Okay, what if I told you the story about Humpty Dumpty who sat on the wall?"

"I know that story. I won't eat those eggs even if you told me."

"But you need to eat if you want me to play with you. You do want me to stay, right?"

"Yes! You have to stay with me!" he said firmly, gripping the sides of my shoulders and looking at me decisively.

So adorable

I laughed, "Of course, but only if you finish those eggs."

He made a face but he hurried back to his chair and finally gobbled them down and quickly dissolved the taste with large gulps of water.

Then he came running towards me and gave me a toothy grin.

"I'm done Kyoko-chan!"

I took his hand in mine, and glanced at Hizuri-san, who was staring at us curiously making me feel shy.

Ren was literally dancing on his little feet when he led me into one of the rooms inside. This was the first time I had actually seen an apartment that was looking more and more like a two story house because it was so large and had a spiralling staircase leading up to somewhere I had no idea about.

There were at least a million toys, and me having never had the experience of playing with most of them, I was fascinated.

"Kyoko-chan, what should we play? Let's play blocks!" he said, looking around. He stood in front of a shelf and pulled out a box from below.

"Mogami-san?"

I turned around, finding Ren's father standing at the doorway, looking at his son and me. I stood up from my sitting position and walked towards him, hoping I didn't anger him or anything.

"I'm sorry, did I offend you, Hizuri-san?"

He frowned, making me even more nervous.

"Tell me, why do you keep apologizing?"

I opened my mouth—

"Am I going to eat you, Mogami-san?"

—and closed it again, shaking my head.

"So don't apologise. Say sorry only when you know that you have done a mistake. Not when you think you have done a mistake. Do you understand?"

I nodded, feeling like a kid being educated on speech etiquettes.

He was fidgeting with the tie, which seemed even more crooked than before, and was in an attempt to remove it when I raised my hand forward, looking at him cautiously.

"Sir, may I?"

Hizuri-san looked at me so incredulously, and pulled the tie with so much force, I was going to apologise again for offending him, but he muttered "No thank you" and left before I could respond.

Why did his mood change all of a sudden? Maybe I should not have said anything at all.

Anyway, I went back to Ren, who was waiting for me to play with him. He was placing blocks over blocks, like a tall heap of blocks when I gently showed him another way of using them with other sized blocks too.

That seemed to fascinate him, and we spent some time until he said that he had to go to school, and it was nine. I wondered where his school was, but I didn't need to, for the housekeeper came inside the room and gave me a writing pad with Ren's schedule written on it.

"Hizuri-san told me to hand this over to you. He was going to tell you all this himself but he left since he had to attend an urgent meeting in the morning."

I partly knew the reason he left early, he was pissed at me for volunteering to fix his tie, which he didn't seem to approve.

From 7-8 I was to help Ren with his breakfast, and prep him for school. Today was a Friday, so they had school at 10.

I had to stay with him in school, until he was done, which was at 2.

2-3 was his lunchtime. And I also had to make sure he ate his snacks during the break 11:30-12 pm.

3-4 was time for homework, and then playtime till five until his father arrived.

That was the time I had to get off work.

I followed the timetable of course, watching Ren throughout the day and then back home, he started telling me about the same girl he told me last time.

He was so adorable, I was captivated by his gestures and his expressions. I really wanted to spend all my time with this angel, but I had to go home and change and work.

You don't have work after this, Kyoko.

Right, I didn't need to work till 11, which was a good thing. But I didn't know what else to do either. What do normal people do during that time? I guess I had to figure it out by myself.

I showed him how to make a smily chocolate sandwich with his buttered bread and Nutella, which is not a very healthy food for children of his age. I tried talking to the cook, but she said that he always demanded that so I let it be, since I didn't have any business interfering with his schedule except to be with him.

It was almost time for his father to be home, and he was exactly home at five. As soon as the door clicked shut, Ren left everything and ran towards his father, hugging him, and making Hizuri-san crouch down.

"How was your day, daddy?" Ren asked excitedly.

Hizuri-san gave him something really close to a smile, making me wonder if he ever smiled in his life.

"It was fine, what about you? Did you finish your homework?"

"Yes! Kyoko-chan showed me how to do homework the fun way! Would you like to see?"

He ruffled Ren's hair, glancing at me making me nervous again then raised up to his full height and approached me, his hand holding Ren's hand.

"Can I have a word with you?"

I pursed my lips and nodded. Hizuri-san asked Ren to run along and play till he had 'a word' with me, making me overthink.

"Please stop giving me that look, Mogami-san. I'm really not going to eat you."

I took a shaky breath, as he didn't look as pissed as he did in the morning. He even gave a small, teeny tiny and really small smile.

"I'm sorry for the morning. I hadn't expected that you would...ask to do that. Just so you know, it's not appropriate to fix ties of other people unless they are someone close to you," he said, while making sure I got every word he said looking into my eyes patronizingly.

"I understand, Hizuri-san."

"And one more thing, you don't need to wear formal wear whenever you come for work. You can wear casuals."

"But I was told that I would be given a uniform," I protested.

He nodded slowly, "Yes, I used to ask the previous ladies to dress in the uniform as the rest of the workers here. However, seeing how you are actually following all the rules, it would be better if you wore something comfortable."

I bit my lip, making him raise an eyebrow. "I don't have many casual clothes."

He paused, thinking.

"Alright. I'll send some clothes to your place, could you please give me your address so I can deliver it to you?"

Even I knew that was no appropriate. I gave him a smile, albeit forced shaking my head. "I'm sorry, Sir, I can't accept that. I think this is comfortable enough for me."

"I wasn't talking about your comfort, Mogami-san. I was talking about my son's comfort."

He glanced back, and I saw Ren looking at him as Ren looked at me and smiled, "Yes Kyoko-chan, you should wear colourful clothes. I don't want to play with an unni-chan who looks like an auntie and who looks like my English teacher."

I blushed so red, I had the luck of seeing that full fledged amused look on Hizuri-san's face. He was chuckling, as I tried really hard trying to hide my face which was looking tomato red right now.

"Kyoko-chan, can I please help you shop your clothes for you? Daddy can I please go shopping with Kyoko-chan this Friday?"

He looked at his father with eyes that looked ready to cry, and I really had a hard time thinking what I would do if he directed it towards me and he just did that, just to test my resolve.

I really didn't want to go shopping, in fact, I never shopped for myself. I just wore my old clothes or clothes that were in thrift stores for cheap prices that were affordable and I had some money on me to spend, which was probably three to four years ago.

"I think you should ask Mogami-san if she was alright with you tagging along with her to a store," he said smoothly, looking at me closely for my response.

I gulped, torn between giving in and refusing. But under the full effect of his emotional eyes, I agreed, helplessly thinking where I would shop and how.

Friday came, and so did Ren. He was jumping about himself as soon as he came out with me from the school building. A few girls said bye to him, and he waved back, which he usually didn't do.

"So what did you do in class today?" I asked, curious about his activities in class. He never told me who his friends were, and I wondered if he was like me, but he was so adorable, and I soon dismissed that thought.

"I made a friend. His name is Akira. He wanted to have snacks with me!"

He started talking about how that boy asked him about the girls who approached him everyday.

"Did you make friends with the girls?"

"I didn't. They always want to play with me, but they don't play the games I want, making me play house and make me their boyfriend and act as some girls do with daddy whenever they come home."

"Girls come to your daddy's house?"

"Not everyday, but sometimes when he worked at home."

I didn't want to find out how exactly they acted so I changed the topic. I'd made him the snacks today, so I asked him how it was and was pleased to hear that he loved it.

"It was even more delicious than Diana's cooking!"

"I'm glad to hear that," I said, smiling at him. At least he liked it.

He stopped just before getting in the car and looking at me with those big innocent eyes again. "Could you please cook for me everyday, Kyoko-chan?"

I smiled at him apologetically, "I'm sorry, I can't. Diana-san is the best cook, so you must eat from the best."

"But Kyoko-chan's cooking is the best!" he pouted, making me ruffle his hair slightly. We'd become closer, and I couldn't help hug him, pull his cheeks or ruffle his hair. And he didn't mind, in fact he seemed to like it.

"You spend the entire time with me, so that's why. But if you spent time with Diana-san, then you would like her cooking too."

"Diana's taken a few days off, so I suppose you would have to cook for Ren now."

I jumped, falling on my butt as I snapped and saw the door open and Hizuri-san staring at us with an amused look. He was in his business suit, and I couldn't help think how beautiful he looked.

"W-w-what?"

"Kyoko-chan you hafta come! Please, please please please—"

"Wait wait, since when did Diana-san take some days off?"

"She just did. Now would you please get inside? I don't have all day," Hizuri-san answered smoothly, his hand on the steering wheel. Ren got in the front seat while I got inside in the back.

I didn't know whether to pull my hair out in frustration or yell at him for being so manipulative. I had a feeling that there was no one taking days off, and this rich man had just done whatever he wanted so his son could get everything.

I didn't know whether to feel touched or angry, although this was the first time I was feeling so angry at someone who was above me.

As soon as I sat inside the car, I remembered what we were actually going to do. I panicked as moved ahead and said, "I just remembered! I had an appointment!"

"Appointment?" Hizuri-san asked.

I nodded frantically, "You see, my friend Katie said I should fill in for her since someone in her family wasn't well and—"

"Mogami-san, you quit the work in the shopping complex days ago, are you still working till 11 pm everyday?"

"Um, no. But I speak to Katie and I—"

"Mogami-san."

I shut my mouth, noticing how Ren was stifling his laugh and Hizuri-san was trying hard not to smile, but his eyes were shining.

"You are a terrible liar, Mogami-san."

I opened and closed my mouth like a fish, crossing my hands over myself. Why, why had I accepted this job if I was going to be led around like this?


"No, no and no. I am not going to wear that!"

I eyed the baby pink dress, which had floral print till the waist and it was a contrasting dark pink ending at the knees, which I hadn't worn in years and they'd chosen it.

"And why are you shopping for your employee?!" I asked exasperatedly. This was not at all appropriate!

They both exchanged glances and I had a bad feeling about this.

"Well, the said employee would end up wearing a hundred-year-old dress and if we suddenly had guests over, then it would look embarassing."

"And some of the dad's and mom's in my school asked about you, they wanted to know your name, how would I let them talk to you if you don't look like it?"

It?! What it?!

"I-I-I—"

"Please don't protest Mogami-san, we are only doing this to protect our reputation. So just agree to it and accept this."

I gave up as I took that dress and was about to disappear when they both thrust a few more clothes in my hands before I could step any further.

I sighed and walked towards the dressing room, to try them on.

I could feel them following me, but I wasn't going to have a fashion show, they were not my friends or family.

I felt a pang when I realised how lonely my life was. But I wasn't going to fall into that pit again, I had spent a week in depression, not again.

I tried all of them, surprised to see myself looking so good, and how they all fit perfectly. Some were tight fitting, making me blush. So I rejected them.

And finally, I was out with three outfits.

"I'm okay with these."

Ren looked especially disappointed, and I could see even Hizuri-san had been expecting a showdown, making me flush slightly.

"Oh well, since you have decided, Excuse me!"

A salesperson came back, and I noticed how her lipstick seemed darker than before.

"Please pack all the dresses she tried!"

"What?!"


I tried to argue with them but Hizuri-san picked his son and they both would disappear somewhere, appearing back with an ice cream, or some roll, or something whenever I opened my mouth.

As if I didn't know what they were trying to do.

In the end, I gave up and we were going back to my place since it was late. It was silent, because I was upset.

"You don't need to worry about it, I will cut it from your wages, Mogami-san," Hizuri-san said after a moment's silence.

I thought about it, thinking how it would affect my daily expenditure. But no matter, I anyway did not know how to spend that money. But at least this wasn't something I felt like I stole it.

"...from the bonus I was giving, because of your goodwork."

My jaw went slack, "Hizuri-san!"


"Breakfast is ready!" I announced, watching as Ren ran from his room all dressed up for school. I smiled at him and watched as Hizuri-san came from inside looking dishevelled. That was the first time I saw him like that, in the three months I was here.

"Would you like to eat bread with jam?" I asked, like everyday. He usually skipped breakfast, most days he ate, but in the rest, he would only drink his coffee.

However, lately he'd been eating everyday. Especially the ones I made instead of bread-butter-jam.

"Daddy! Eat waffwes! They are shooooo dewicious!"

He looked at the mountain of waffles in his son's plate and gave me a look that had me melting. These days, he was acting more and more like a kid.

Were billionaires supposed to act like that?

But who was I to judge? I am just a mere babysitter. And this was his own home, he can act however he can.

I quickly whipped some waffles and served it to him keeping the syrups on the side. Ren liked it with cream and blueberries.

And Hizuri-san copied him, listening to his son chatter about his friends.

Yes, Ren was making new friends, and I had met a few of them. They were adorable little kids, and their fathers were so nice, smiling so openly and talking to me about how amazing Ren was. I rarely spoke to the mothers, so I didn't know much about how they behaved with others.

Today I was in a yellow sundress that I bought on my own few days ago. There was a gathering after class.

Yes, I had been attending night classes to finish off give an entrance exam and finally, today was the last day before I gave it tomorrow.

I was easily terrified.

"Are you going somewhere?" Hizuri-san asked.

I nodded as I placed his plate in front of him.

"We have a gathering at 6 pm today, and we have to attend."

He frowned, "You are going to go dressed like that?"

I started picking the belt on my waist, looking down and biting my lip.

His emerald eyes got darker, and he pursed his lips.

"Is it bad? Do I look funny?" I asked.

I know, asking your employer for his opinion was bad. But I couldn't help myself.

"Oh no, Koko-tan, you wook pwetty!" Ren said with his face stuffed. I gave him a sweet smile and wiped his face with a napkin.

"Eat slowly, Ren-san. You don't want to choke."

He whined, "Don't call me that!"

I chuckled but turned my face. I can't call him closely, and not now since Hizuri-san was sitting right across me.

"You should call him by his name, since he is insisting so much."

I set the napkin down and flashed him a tight smile, "Of course, if that isn't an order, I shall remain respectful to my em—"

"Unfortunately, it happens to be an order. And you are not to go dressed like that."

I didn't want to, but I felt ticked. "I'm sor—"

"Mogami-san," he warned me, his eyes daring me to finish the sentence.

My nose flared, "Hizuri-san, as you might have noticed, I do not work after 5:30, and and whatever I do in my spare time is actually none of your concern so—"

"Today I am having an important meeting, so might be late, or worse, come the next day. Of course, you can attend your party—"

"It's a gathering, Sir, not a party."

"—ah yes, a gathering, wearing something decent. That is not appropriate clothing for such an occasion."

"Pray, tell me what is then?" I quoted a sentence I read in one of the Jane Austen books.

I know, I was acting very differently than I did before. But I had learnt that I can say no, and I can be myself and confident.

Hizuri-san taught me that, when one day I returned crying because I heard some women talking about me when I took Ren to the park.

"Wear a scarf over those soft locks, tie your hair in a bun— a plain bun, and wear a cardi—"

"Daddy, she will look like an old lady instead." Ren pointed out, and I smiled at him really gratefully which was exactly what I had been trying to say.

"I don't care, just don't wear that!"

He slammed his fork on the table and stomped his way back inside the room. That was the first time I had seen him so frustrated. Was he alright?

"Is Hizuri-san alright?"

I scrunched my eyebrows, wondering if I should go after him.

"I saw the lights on in daddy's room last night when I woke up in the night to go to the loo."

My heart softened a bit, "Why don't you go and see, Ren?"

Something seemed to flash in his eyes but it went very quickly.

"I can't. Daddy doesn't like it when I go over there. I think you should go."

"If your daddy doesn't like you going, then he won't like me going either."

"Trust me, he wouldn't mind," he muttered.

Then he looked at me pleadingly, "Please go, I haven't seen my daddy like this ever. Do you think he would do something to himself?"

I got worried and I walked towards his room and opened it without thinking, when I saw him in the process of pouring himself whiskey.

I gasped as I took the alcohol from his hand. "You shouldn't drink right now!"

He growled in frustration, "Just give it back to me."

I shook my head, "Drowning your worries in alcohol is never the solution, Hizuri-san. What would Ren-san learn from you?"

That seemed to sober him up a bit, and he noticed that Ren was watching from behind us. Then his expression changed, he was almost smiling.

However, he snapped his eyes at me, looking hurt and what I thought was a smile didn't seem like that anymore. Maybe it was my imagination, and when he stepped closer to me, with that look, I was even more concerned. "Mogami-san, I have no one to pour my worries to. Can you imagine who would want to listen to a man like me?"

"Of course there are so many people who would! You are a kind and generous employer and you love your son. People would love—"

"Would you listen to my worries?"

"Of course, Sir I would. You have been nothing but kindness to me when I thought I should just die—"

I slammed a hand over my mouth, cursing as I was about to talk about dying. Worry flashed in his eyes and I panicked.

He held me by my shoulders and looked at with his eyebrows all scrunched up and his lips turned up in a frown.

"What? What did you just say now?!" He demanded.

I removed his hands from around me, "I'm sorry!"

And I ran away from there, even though I heard him shout behind me.

"Kyoko! Wait!"

My heart was racing when I heard him saying my name so intimately, probably wondering why he'd hired a pessimistic woman who could be a bad influence for his son.


My phone had finally stopped ringing, as I sat in a corner biting my lip, even after feeling the blood come out.

I think it was around one when I finally moved from that corner, when my stomach constricted from being empty for so long. I had forgotten what it felt like to be hungry, it had been so long since I starved out there searching for work all those weeks ago.

I chuckled, what would have been my fate if I hadn't met Ren?

I probably spent my entire life working three exhausting jobs and ended up dying early in life. I was more than grateful to God to letting me have this chance. I felt the luckiest woman to have such a good salary and a good employer who cared about me so much.

Suddenly, I heard knocking on my door, and I froze, wondering who would come visit me at this time of the night.

Slowly, holding a broomstick in my hand, I opened the door, finding a boy, with tears in his eyes.

It was Ren, who looked terrified and was sobbing silently.

"Mommy!"

He hugged me as I crouched down and hugged him, stroking his head, ignoring the fact that he called me that. I kissed his head, comforting him.

"What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"You aren't gonna leave me, are you?"

I gave him a smile, wiping his tears, as he sniffled and looked at me with teary eyes.

"Of course not, why would I?"

"You just ran off like that on the morning, daddy and I got so scared! We thought you would come but you didn't, and then we got worried and daddy started calling people and asked them about you. And you...you-you didn't even pick up..."

He started sobbing again, and I hugged him, slowly stroking his hair, "I'm fine, come in, don't cry. See? I'm perfectly fine."

I gave him a bright smile. "Now now, come on give Unni-chan a biiiiiiig smile?"

He sniffled as he gave me a watery smile. I chuckled as I got up to my full height. "How did you come here? Why are you here in the middle of night?"

"Daddy."

I blushed, remembering how I left them on the morning. "So...um...your daddy is here?"

"Yes, and I would really love to hear the rest of the explanation why you ran off like that," a deep voice said.

I didn't want to look, but I slowly moved my eyes from Ren to a blonde haired man who looked at me with an unreadable expression.

Oh boy.

This is not going to be fun.


"So you spent weeks on the streets?" Hizuri-san said after a longtime.

I had invited them inside my humble house, embarrassed that it was smaller than them, and they didn't seem to belong in this place. And then, I put Ren to sleep, who refused to leave me and clutched me tightly. I told Hizuri-san that I used to live with my ex-boyfriend who betrayed me and whatever happened later on.

I was gently caressing his hair, as he snored quietly. He looked like an angel, even while sleeping that I couldn't help kiss his forehead.

"Yes, I had nowhere to stay. As I said, I was broke."

"You could've told me that, I would've let you stay," he said.

I chuckled, "Would you have let in a hobo-looking ugly woman in your house, about whom you had no knowledge and who had no—"

"You discredit yourself alot Mogami-san. But I agree, I wouldn't have since I was an arrogant man then."

"And now? What changed?"

I was looking at him questioningly, my hands still on Ren. Hizuri-san was staring at Ren in my arms, with a longing expression.

He shifted a little closer, leaning so close, I had to move back.

Clearing my throat I implored him with my eyes.

"Do you really want me to answer, Kyoko-chan?" he whispered.

His voice had dropped an octave, and I blushed so hard, I lost all ability to think.

"Y-y-yes—I mean No!"

He leaned back, looking at me earnestly. "Just know this, Mogami-san. You are really precious to Ren."

I smiled looking down at Ren, "I know."

"And to me too."

My head snapped at Hizuri-san, looking into his sincere eyes. My heart picked up it's pace, and I didn't know what to say. There was something warm spreading in my chest, and I felt happy. I could feel tears forming in my eyes, and I only knew I was crying when he wiped those tears away.

He gently touched my cheek, making me get lost in his eyes as I leaned into his touch, feeling electrified.


When I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was, Ren was sleeping with his hands drawn over me. We both had been covered with my duvet.

I glanced about me, finding Hizuri-san fast asleep on a chair. It must've hurt sleeping in that position with his head resting on the wall. I carefully got out Ren's embrace and got covers from inside to cover him. As soon as the covers fell on him, he grabbed my hand and pulled me over him, me yelping and almost waking Ren up.

My heart almost gave out, when his eyes snapped open and stared into mine. My hair was falling over my face, and I gazed into his beautiful eyes.

For a moment, no one said anything, and I got lost in those beautiful shade of emerald, as they seemed to swirl and get darker and the pupil in the middle got larger.

His fingers moved, bringing me back to reality and I pulled myself up. Hizuri-san released my hand, still staring at me. Escaping his gaze, I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear feeling nervous all of a sudden.

"Daddy? M—"

"Oh look at the time! You have to get ready for school, Ren-san."

He rubbed his eyes, looking adorably sleepy. I helped him get up and he was mumbling something as I bit my lip and looked back at Hizuri-san who was still staring at me.

"Hizuri-san, both of you will be late, you must go back and get ready."

"We will get ready here, I'll call for my suit and Ren's uniform."

"You can't do that, Ren must have his nutritional food and his ba—"

"Hello? Mr. Johnson? If you don't come here with my suit, Ren's uniform and school bag within twenty minutes, you will be fired."

I gaped at him as he stood up and stretched, removing the watch.

"Now, where is the bathroom?"


"But I don't want to eat it like that! I want you to feed me!" Ren opened his mouth and pointed inside. I couldn't believe it.

What did this boy think I was? I was his babysitter! But everyday, it seemed less and less like that.

"I'm going to go hungry to school!" Ren declared as I tried to beg him to eat.

Hizuri-san raised his eyebrows, "It can't be helped then. Didn't you say you fainted when you didn't have your breakfast five months ago?"

"I don't care! I'm not going to eat until I am fed."

I looked at Hizuri-san, who shrugged carelessly, pissing me off.

Why? Just why?!

I sighed as I picked the spoon up and fed Ren who happily ate it and brought his chin closer to me, when he got a little outside his mouth. I wiped it and continued to do so, secretly enjoying it.

"Could you help me wipe it off too?"

"Huh?!" I asked incredulously when Hizuri-san leaned forward pointing his cheek. I had a feeling he was deliberately doing it, pointing his left cheek with something on his right cheek.

I gulped as I gently wiped his right cheek with a fresh tissue. I heard Ren giggling, but I ignored him.

Hizuri-san gave me an extremely bright smile, blinding me and almost sending me a heart attack.

"See you later, bye!"

And he left me behind, wondering what had just happened in my own home.


I was sitting on the bench, with a troubled expression and my stomach churning inside, I felt like vomiting if I was being honest.

"Calm down, mommy, you will be alright."

"Ren-san, please call me Kyoko-chan," I repeated for the millionth time. Since that day, he never called me Kyoko-chan again. I panicked it the next time he called me that, glancing at Hizuri-san, expecting him to be furious.

But he seemed perfectly fine, as if it didn't affect him at all.

Didn't he feel angry that his son was calling a strange woman his mother?

Some days I wondered what happened to his wife, but I didn't have to courage because both of them never seemed to be affected her absence.

"You really need to calm down right now," Hizuri-san said.

I glared at him—without even meaning to. But I honestly didn't have control over my emotions right now.

"Tell me, Hizuri-san, just how exactly am I supposed to calm the heck down?!"

He smirked, "Would you like me to help you with that?"

I shook my head vigorously, not wanting to find out what he was going to propose.

Ren leaned up and kissed my cheek, "I know my mommy will pass with flying colours."

I held him in my arms and smiled at him, my heart melting when I felt another pair of lips on my cheek, hot and soft.

I froze, even when they left my cheek and I heard, "You will be fine."

My mind went blank, I sat frozen in my place for a whole five minutes until my phone started ringing and I saw that it was my classmate who was calling me.

I gulped, picking the phone up and pressing it to my ear.

"Hello?"

"Kyoko-chan! Did you check your result yet?! They are out!"

The phone fell from my hand and I went white, my heart beating so fast I was sure it would come out of my chest. Hizuri-san took the liberty to pick my phone up and respond to Jennifer.

"Mogami-san, I think you will have to see this for yourself," Hizuri-san said solemnly.

My heart stopped.

I grabbed his smartphone and searched for my name from the bottom of the list, reaching to the top and finding my name amongst the top three.

I was ranked third.

I had passed.

"Mommy?"

"Mogami-san? Kyoko?"

I squealed happily, hugging Hizuri-san hard, "I passed! Oh God, I passed! I can't believe this!"

His hands wrapped around me, and another pair of hands wrapped my waist, squealing like me.

I inhaled the rich scent of ocean breeze and his manly scent which seemed to wake me from my trance and my eyes snapped open.

I pulled away abruptly, gaping with a horrified expression—I am sure— and walked backwards.

"I'm so so sorry, I didn't mean to hug you, Sir, I—"

"Mogami-san!"

"I should just go! I think I really should leave right now or else—"

"Kyoko calm down!" he shook me by my shoulders.

I looked terrified. I needed to get away right now.

"Why do you panic everytime you let your guard down?"

"I..."

"You really need to stop running away like this everytime."

Ren was watching.

"Ren-san is watching," I whispered, looking into Hizuri-san's angry eyes.

"Ren, go and play."

"Yessir!"

Nooo please don't leave me alone with your father!

I helplessly watched Ren run along and leave us alone in this sunset, and I felt like a poor rabbit stuck beneath a preying tiger who looked ready to devour me.

"Do you think I will eat you?"

His question so many months ago was a ridiculous one until now. Right now, I really felt like he would eat me.

"Hizuri-san, you are too close," I muttered, squirming as he held my shoulders firmly.

"..."

"Pardon?"

"I am not Hizuri-san! Don't call me that! I have a NAME!"

I opened my mouth to respond when suddenly I felt a soft wetness on my lips, and I froze as the same scent wafted into my nose, and I was forced to inhale them. I felt my thoughts coming to a halt, and my brain and limbs had stopped functioning. His lips were on mine, and I was staring wide eyed into his closed ones as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer. My heart was beating in my stomach, I was starting to believe that it had changed position, when I didn't know what else was going on.

Damn! Was this how it feels to be kissed?

Kyoko! Hizuri-san is kissing you right now!

That seemed to wake me up as I pulled away, breathing hard as he looked at me with the same look he gave Ren.

I couldn't believe this, I really couldn't.

What in the world had just happened?

"Kyoko, I—"

I started with a sprint but he was quick to grab my hand and I ended up putting both of hands on his chest as he looked at me with longing.

"Kyoko please! Don't run away!"

I lost all ability to respond, and I didn't know why Hizuri-san looked so desperate. I stayed, looking into those eyes I had grown to admire and adore.

"All these months, I spent so hard controlling my feelings, just because I don't want to push you away. But you always run away. I can't let you go anymore! So please, don't."

I bit my lip, and he gulped, his Adam's apple bobbing as his eyes landed on my lips. I blushed red, imagining what exactly was going on in his mind right now.

"Why me?"

There it was again, that heavenly smile he was giving me as off late.

"Because it is you. I have never met a more kindhearted, beautiful and the most amazing woman in my life. And I can't let you keep degrading yourself, selling yourself short of what you really are. All these months I just couldn't help realise why hadn't I met you before?! Maybe as a childhood friend so I could store it as the most cherished memory. Or in my teen years when I had only people who wanted things from me instead of about me."

I blushed so hard, I couldn't believe his words. This was too good to be true. After spending six years with Sho, I had learnt that life wasn't a fairytale. There were so many thoughts running through my head right now, I wasn't sure if this really was a dream or a sweet sweet reality.

"Hey, hey, don't make that expression. You are not allowed to look sad."

My lip trembled as I raised my eyes and looked into his, that were gazing at me so tenderly, I was sure I was falling for him, hard and fast.

"What about Ren's mother? Don't you miss your wife?"

His jaw clenched, and I knew that it wasn't a good topic. But when his eyes met mine again, they softened again. He took my hand in his and led me back to the bench we were sitting in.

"Ren's biological mother is still alive. And she is not my wife."

My brows furrowed as he combed his hair back with his fingers, sighing. "She was a woman who had drugged me and got pregnant accidently. I was on a business trip to London, and one of the clients took advantage of that situation. Few months later, I went back to London for another reason and found out that she was pregnant and had scheduled an abortion to get rid of the baby. "

"Out of all the people there, how were you able to find out?"

"One of my business partners were acquinted with her, so they told me that she wasn't feeling well for a few months, and I wanted to terminate the contract with her company because she was useless to me. And I hated people who tried to blackmail with sex."

I blushed at that word, he seemed so fine using that blasphemous word.

"So I met up with her and proposed her a deal, to which she agreed and oh so heartlessly gave away the child she bore for nine months."

I felt a pang when I heard him, my heartbreaking even more for Ren because he didn't have motherly love since he was born.

"So do you understand now?"

I nodded, different emotions going through my brain. But I really really wanted to hug Ren right now.

"So, Kyoko," Hizuri-san said, drawing circles on my hand.

I blushed, as he continued, "I'll wait for your answer. But please please don't run away. It's not just Ren who needs you. I need you too."

I wanted to, to—

"We cannot live without you, now that we both know how it is to have warmth in the large apartment where we had learnt to live without emotions."

"But it can't be for Ren, I mean—"

"Kyoko," I wanted to die right now, as my heart skipped a beat again, "Before you came he never chatted so much. He was this quiet kid who came to the table, ate and ran back to his room, staring at his toys or trying to play with them I didn't know. I regularly hired nannies for him because all of them would want to get closer to me and try to seduce me."

Another blasphemous word, why was he so shameless?

"But after you came—"

"I get it, please. Stop now." I put my hand on his mouth, unable to listen anymore. I can't handle all of this at once. I need time.

He licked from inside, and I instantly pulled my hand away, shivering at his touch. He smirked, his eyes darkening and I thought, Dark Lord, he is Dark Lord!

"I need time, Hiz—"

"My name, Kyoko, name."

"Anyway, I want to spend some time thinking about this, so please let me go home today."

He released me, pouting slightly as I refused to call him his name.

I started walking away, wishing I had at least said bye to Ren, but he wasn't around.

My heart started pounding as I stopped abruptly, turned, walked back and leaned down, pecking his cheek and running away after saying, "Bye Kuon."

I looked back just briefly, having the pleasure of finding him frozen in his place with a shocked expression.


Ring!

I jumped, startled, as I glanced at my phone. It was 11:30 pm in the night and two days since I last saw Hiz—Kuon.

I didn't know how to respond, this was the first time someone pursued me, no no, scratch that. Someone who pursued me relentlessly, and openly, because the last time it had been me having a crush and ending up being found out and asked out only to run away and end up devastated.

I didn't want that. I was scared. I didn't want to experience that kind of heartbreak again. But even I knew, that Kuon was not like Sho at all, in any way.

But what if what if—

Ring!

I grabbed my phone, seeing 'Hizuri-san' flashing on my screen.

I dropped the phone, my heart picking up speed. But I didn't want face him right now, I would end up telling him everything. I wasn't even that pretty. I had a—

"KYOKO!"

I fell over myself, nearly getting a heart attack. Rushing towards my window, I found Kuon standing in front of the building with his car behind. He was breathing heavily, and he pressed the phone back in his ear as his eyes met mine.

I searched for the phone with shaking hands and found it ringing it on the floor.

"H-hello?"

"If you don't come down in two minutes—"

"I'll be right away!"

I grabbed my trenchcoat and ran down. Few months ago, I didn't have the luxury to own a trenchcoat, I treated it well everytime I remembered about that time.

I was breathing heavily as I stood in front of the great Kuon Hizuri, who looked like he ran a hundred miles just to stand in front of my apartment building. His eyes were wild, dress shirt all out with sleeves half folded.

He looked hot, and I couldn't deny that I was irreversibly attracted to him.

"Ren—"

"Is he alright? Did something happen to Ren?"

"He is alright, but he crying non stop. I can't calm him down, he isn't calming down. He's been—"

"Just take me to him right now!" I couldn't bear to think what would've happened to that poor child.

We got into the car, and I bit my lip just thinking about the poor boy when he reached his place and we both scrambled from our places, hurrying towards the elevator. The receptionist looked at us as if we were crazy, but she said nothing. This woman was a different one since that time, I remember that I stopped seeing her after sometime, although I don't remember when.

As soon as we stepped into the apartment, I switched the light on and—

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMY!"

I was stunned, frozen and completely glued to my place, as Ren ran towards me giggling as he held a helium balloon wearing a birthday cap.

"Happy Birthday, Kyoko," Kuon whispered in my ear, making me shiver deliciously.

Ren grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the table. The feelings were indescribable, this was the first time I was actually celebrating my birthday after so many years, since my parents died.

"How...how did you know it was my birthday?"

Ren took my hand, holding a knife, and Kuon kept a hand on mine, making my heart race.

We cut the cake, as they sang the birthday song, sounding ridiculous. That was the moment I realised that Kuon was a terrible singer.

I laughed happily, and openly as Ren fed me the cake and smashed the cream on my face. I didn't mind, I was so happy I didn't care at all.

"Let me get your gift from my room!" he ran inside the room, and it was just me and Kuon now.

"Happy birthday, Kyoko." he said again. I looked at him, as he took a piece and brought it close to my mouth. And just when I ate a part of it, he took it, still staring at me, and ate it while licking his fingers.

I felt the ends of my hair stand, goosebumps spread throughout my body.

God! Why was he so sexy?

Shut up! Control your mind! Control your thoughts! Think about sky! Water! Pigeon—

"Here is the gift for you!" I was broken out of my inner battle, thankful that I wasn't about to think something dreadful.

It was a small card and there was a cute little box too. I opened the card, and my heart just melted when I read it:

Dear mommy,

Happy birthday mommy! I and daddy love you! Please come live with us. I want to sleep with you, eat with you and play with you all the time. I feel so sad when you are not around. Please stay with me, pretty pretty please?

Love,

Ren.

I was tearing up, when Kuon suddenly wrapped his arms around me, looking into the letter as I looked at Ren's toothy grin and how he was shifting from one leg to another.

I hugged him fiercely, kissing his head, forehead and his cheeks.

"I love you too! Oh Ren this was the sweetest letter I have ever read in my entire life!"

"So would you stay with us?"

I felt Kuon leaning near my face, "Think about it. No rent, free food and you can even save up on transport money."

I turned my face, getting kissed on the cheek accidently, making Ren squeal.

"And what do I have to do in exchange?" I whispered back, holding my cheeks.

"Well, nothing much. Just be here and yourself, that would be enough."

I sobbed openly, my heart giving away, and finally letting my guard down instead of running away. I hugged the both of them, saying, "Yes! I will! I will!"


I pushed the trolley out in the front, looking for the rest of the things on the list.

"Can I buy this?"

I looked at what Ren was holding and took it, reading it over.

"It's not healthy. You will end up with a stomach ache," I said after I found out that it was rich in trans fat.

He took it back, "Okay, I'll keep it back."

"You take it if you promise me to eat all the veggies," I said, making him flash me a big grin.

He ran towards my trolley and dumped the snack into it, making me chuckle and then frowned looking at me.

"But mommy, I always eat my veggies."

I laughed shaking my head, "Well, aren't you a good boy, hm?"

"Hey himbo kid!"

Ren ran towards me and clenched my waist.

"Are you alright?" I asked, then looked at a group of children who looked much older than Ren.

They laughed at him then glanced at me and ran away.

"I'm okay," he muttered, releasing me.

"Who were those kids?"

Ren looked worried, "Please don't tell daddy. They are kids from my school."

I frowned, "But I never see them whenever I am with you."

"Yes, they don't come when parents are around."

I clenched my jaw. "Ren, just show them to me tomorrow. They are not going to be off the hook like this!"


I adjusted the modest maxi dress looking into the mirror. Kuon wasn't home yet, and the other women surprisingly wanted to talk to me. I could guess, since they were the mothers of the boys I had taught a lesson last time. I was sure they were here to get even with me.

I steeled my nerves, telling myself not to let their words get me. I hadn't told him about the meeting, and I also persuaded Ren to keep quiet about it too. I don't want others to say that I was only a woman with no spine.

Stepping into the mansion, I released the breathe I was holding.

There were only a handful of women inside, and all of them were looking at me with contempt.

I smiled at them sweetly, "Good evening ladies."

The host, who was the mother of the boy who called Ren a himbo smiled back at me whilst sizing me up.

"Good evening, good evening, Mrs. Hizuri."

I was about to say something when another one laughed behind her hand, "Mrs. Hizuri?! Why, Mrs. Joshi she is only the babysitter! The others fake gasped as I continued to keep my calm although I clenched my fist, about to punch her, if only I could.

"Pardon me, it's just too funny when I think about it," the same woman said.

I gave her a sickly sweet smile, "No worries. At least you find amusement. Although in things that are fickle and shallow."

"What!" she demanded as she got up from her place looking at me angrily.

"Please calm down, Mrs. Tora."

I strode calmly towards an empty sofa and sat down, crossing my legs and looking at each one of them, making sure they weren't going to think I was an easy opponent.

This is for Ren, my son.

"Excuse me, but there is a Mr. Hizuri waiting outside for his wife."

Murmurs erupted as they all looked at me, astonished. I myself was shocked, I hadn't expected Kuon to come here. Let alone, know about this affair. And my heart skipped a beat when I heard the butler. Kuon didn't leave this chance to call me his wife.

"I'll be on my way," I said, nodding at the servant. I gave her a smile as I walked beside her. She was an old woman, and I respected women like her who worked at an age that needed attention.

Waiting for me, leaning against the slick black car, was the man in question, whose expression was hard to decipher.

"Y-you called for me?"

He snapped his head, giving me a really long look before getting in the car.

I gulped, as I slowly stepped forward and got inside, finally being able to see him. His hair was messy, and he looked tensed.

"What were you thinking?"

"What?"

He was frowning, "What were you thinking putting your leg in the fire like that?"

"Well, I couldn't let them defend their children's action, and act all high and mighty while their sons bullied my son! I can't stand and watch him suffer like this!"

His expression changed, and he started smiling, "Your son?"

I faltered, leaning back as he started leaning towards me, his smile growing as I started stammering.

"Y-y-yes of course! He is my son! I mean, he does call me mommy! And I really love him like a mother does! So of course we both are—"

"Then what is his daddy to you?"

I was flabbergasted, caged between his arms.

"W-w-we are in the car!"

"You still haven't answered my question."

I moved my head, blushing. Here I was, avoiding his advances when I know fully well that I felt equally eager as him.

But I was scared.

I am always reminded of that moment when I saw Sho with his new woman who threw money on my face. Although it's been almost ten months, I was only just healing.

He pulled away, laughing when I shut my eyes tightly. I felt disappointed, but I breathe a sigh of relief when his foreboding presence was not overbearing.

"I do not want you to go these gatherings again, especially without me."

I nodded, unable to respond. He was enraptured by him, I was sure. That perfectly sculpted jaw was clenched, that straight nose, Oh God, those eye lashes that I often admired on Ren too.

We drove towards the restaurant he had brought me all those months ago, making me laugh.

"Seriously? Why are we here?"

"Well, it was supposed to be a date, but the beautiful woman sitting beside me didn't read the text and I ended up questioning my son, persuading him to spill the whereabouts about his mother."

I flushed in embarrassment, and at his words, I couldn't believe that he was still behaving the same way as he did two months ago.

Yes, we had kissed on that day, and it had been two weeks, and it's February, I was sure he would've gotten tired because I was taking so much time to respond to his confession.

"Hey Kyoko!"

I snapped my head, my heart running cold as we got out of the car.

A man with grey eyes, and blonde hair—yellowish blonde—was gasping for air holding his knees. He seemed to have run from somewhere, with a woman running behind him wearing revealing clothes.

I knew exactly who it was. But I didn't want to see him, or even be in the same place as him.

"Please, let's leave," I mumbled at Kuon, who was staring at him in confusion.

"Hey! Wait, Kyoko you can't run away like this!"

I clenched my fist, and tried really hard to control myself before I blew a fuse.

"I need you okay? So please don't go!"

I whipped around, seething and stepped forward, swinging my hand so hard, that his jaw was starting to swell.

"Really? You need me now?! After abandoning me to fend off for myself, and leeching off of my for years, you actually need me? For what? To use me again?!"

He held his cheek in shock, hearing me yell at him as if he had never seen me before.

"K-Kyoko j-just c-c—"

"I'm freaking calm right now! If you hadn't so brutally broken my heart! Then I wouldn't have ended up like that! You jerk!"

I punched him one last time before I stomped my way towards Kuon's car and slid inside still fuming.

Only when Kuon hugged me, saying words I couldn't hear, I realised that I was crying.


"Mommy?"

I looked up from the book I was reading. Ren was rubbing his eye, looking at me sleepily.

"Yes sweetheart, what happened?"

"I can't sleep. Can you please sleep with me?"

"Of course, love, I will."

I closed the book I was reading and took his hand in mine, walking towards his room. We both got into the bed, with me hugging him and telling him a story.

"Can I ask you something?"

I hummed in response, feeling my eyes get heavy.

"Why were you crying yesterday? Were the other mommies bad to you?"

I kissed his forehead, feeling love for him. "Of course not, darling. I just wasn't feeling well."

He seemed to accept that, and we finally drifted off to sleep.

The next day when we awoke, I found myself caged between two bodies, and I noticed a large hand draped over both of us and blushed as I realised whose hand was over me.

This was nice, getting up together like a family.

Family

That time, when I fainted, and was admitted in the hospital, I thought I'd never have a family, especially after the doctor's visit.

Don't think about it, No Kyoko, don't!

I got up, slowly removing Kuon's hand from over me. But he grabbed my hand, and pulled me into him.

"Don't go," he muttered sleepily.

I smiled gently putting my hand on his chest and pushing myself away when he wrapped his hands around me and pulled me into his embrace.

"Please don't."

His eyes opened, looking at me with desperation. I was falling for that again, like always. I needed to get ready, at least to make breakfast.

"Please let go," I hissed, trying to get up.

"Hmm..."

"Ren is sleeping!" I hissed, not wanting to wake him up.

"Only if you give me a kiss," he said shamelessly, looking at me innocently.

I tried hard, but he was so strong. Ugh, why does he always do this to me?

I closed my eyes and slowly leaned forward intending to kiss his cheek and move away when I felt a pair of lips on mine. I sucked my breath, as his moved in sync with mine. His arms were holding my waist, pulling me even closer as I kissed him back, getting lost in the feeling. It felt chaste, soft. I never thought I was ever going to feel a kiss like this...twice in my freaking life!

We pulled away slowly, opening our eyes.

He looked into my eyes, and for a moment I felt like it was just the two of us right now, facing each other.

"You are so beautiful, Kyoko," he whispered, tracing my face making me blush.

He was leaning in for another kiss when we heard incoherent voice from beside me and we froze.

"Mommy is mine..." he muttered and we both chuckled hearing him mutter a few other cute things in his sleep.

I glanced at Kuon before taking that chance to escape him and run into the kitchen.


"Am I looking okay?" I bit my lip as I combed my already combed hair and adjusted the band around it.

Ren sighed and grabbed a stool, standing over it and grabbing the band from around my hair.

"What are you doing?" I demanded, holding all the hair in place.

"I'm making mommy look even more beautiful. There, now daddy won't be able to look anywhere else."

I flushed red at his words, ruffling his hair. He jumped down from the stool as I gave myself a final look.

"Please eat the rice with miso soup, and make sure to switch the lights off, and don't trouble Mrs.—"

"Yes I got it, I will promise to be a good boy and sleep before you get back."

I pursed my lips worriedly, holding his cheek, "You will be alright, right?"

He gave me a thumbs up and a really cute grin, "Of course mommy! Don't be late and you have sleep next to me like everyday!"

I chuckled, getting up to my full length. I was grabbing my purse and dumping all the necessary things when I heard the doorbell ring.

My heart thumped, hoping I wasn't looking too bad.

Taking quick steps towards the door, I opened it, finding Kuon in the very process of fixing his crooked tie.

I smiled, "May I, Sir?"

He gave me a meaningful look, his hands stopped fidgeting with the tie and he stepped forward.

"Gladly."

He took the purse from my hand as I stood on my toes and adjusted the tie.

"How did you learn how to tie a tie?"

"I used to do it for my father."

He was silent.

"Do you mind if I asked you about your childhood?"

I patted the tie slightly, satisfied at my perfect work. I raised my eyes, looking at his curious ones.

"Of course not."

That seemed to satisfy him, as he held his hand out to me and I gladly accepted it.

"Good luck daddy!" Ren yelled behind me before closing the door.

We both laughed, walking towards the elevator. Earlier this afternoon, I'd recieved a text when I'd gone to pick Ren up. Ren seemed to already know about it, so he excited asked me as soon as I opened the text.

Kuon was asking me out, and I couldn't say no, because I had already ruined our dinner few days ago when Sho appeared in front of me.

I had been thinking for a few days, wondering what I really was in these two people's lives. I was staying in their house for Ren, but it was not at all right. This wasn't right. He was my employer, and I was an employee. Of course, I had a different room, but I slept in Ren's room every night.

So what am I to them?

"You look really beautiful, Kyoko."

I looked down, feeling even more shy today. I had taken the effort to dress up, even the housekeeper had helped, she drew the eyeliner below my eyes and applied the lipstick that went with my skin colour.

"Thank you," I said, looking down at my off shoulder trumpet sleeved dress, which flowed whenever I moved. It was a really pretty dress, mint coloured that complimented my skin colour.

I was ready with my answer, I wanted to tell Kuon what I felt, after thinking about it for so long.

He drove us to a seaside restaurant, which was simple and overlooked the sea. I was awestruck, as Kuon got out of the car and helped me out too.

"This is really beautiful," I exclaimed.

Kuon chuckled, taking my hand and leading me inside the restaurant. I was feeling nervous, I was scared of his response.

Would he be shocked?

We ate the food silently, shrimp and fresh pesto pasta. It was delicious, unlike anything I'd every tasted.

We finished faster than I thought, stepping out of the restaurant and taking a walk. Kuon slipped his hand into mine, saying nothing.

This is it.

"Remember how you said you would wait for me?" I said, crossing my fingers.

"Of course I do."

"Well, I have an answer."

We stopped walking, as Kuon faced me, his smoldering gaze making me extremely nervous.

I took a deep breath, "I can't return your feelings—I'm sorry."

Releasing his hand, I walked back. But he wasn't letting me get away, he caught my hand again and pulled me into him, forcing me to look into his eyes.

"Say that again, Kyoko. Say that while looking at me."

I controlled my urge to scream, cry and pull my hair out, but I didn't. Taking a deep breath, I looked him in the eye, "I cannot return your feelings. You have only wasted your time on me."

There was hurt in his eyes, and it was breaking my heart. He went on to say something, but I ran away before he could see my tears or say anything to crumble my resolve and give in to him.


"Please mommy, please don't go," Ren was sobbing. I was crying too, but I cannot stay in this place.

"I love you, I promise to be a really really good boy, please."

Kuon hadn't left his room since we came back. I came much earlier, thankfully when Ren was sleeping. But I spent the entire night crying, and skipping breakfast. Holding the file in my hand, I stared at it, wishing it was not the reason I was rejecting Kuon in cold blood.

"Ren? What are you doing over there? Don't you want to go to school?"

My heart clenched when I heard Kuon's voice but I had to do this. He deserved much better.

I refused to look up, even when Kuon pulled Ren forcefully with him, and their voices died down when the main door closed.

I let the painful sob out, clutching my chest. Why, why were the heavens so cruel to me? Just why?

I picked up the bag, leaving all the things Kuon had bought for me behind and left with whatever I had bought, with the money they gave me as salary. Even after they'd considered me as a family, Kuon had still put the money in the bank. I can never be more grateful than this.

Remember all the times I spent here with them, I felt even more compelled to leave them. My entire being was screaming at me to not leave. But I had gone and done it. I broke Kuon's heart.

Gripping my and glancing around the now empty house one last time, I stepped out.

Good bye, Ren. Good bye Kuon.


"Moko-san? Did you see my purse?"

"I have no idea!"

I sighed, searching for my purse. I had to go for an interview this afternoon, and I couldn't miss it.

I found it inside the drawer, and grabbed it quickly, appearing in front of Moko-san adjusting my necklace.

"How do I look?"

"Like you would rock this interview."

I was called yesterday, that I had been accepted into Zinnia, a jewellery brand, and they accepted me as the secretary for the manager. I was ecstatic after they tested me on my skills and accepted me.

I knocked on the door, and opened the door, finding the person I wanted to see the most, with my boss.

Bracing myself, I closed the door and went back to my seat.

A thousand words were going through my mind, but I had no idea how to react right now. It had been a week since Iast seen him. And only God knew how I spent that week.

"Mogami-san? The CEO wants to talk to you," a woman said as she came out of the room.

I took a deep breath, hoping I wouldn't have to talk to Kuon. Helping myself stay focused and motivating myself, telling myself that I can handle it.

However, it looked like fate wasn't on my side this time, because in the room was only Kuon.

I gulped, looking around and said nervously, "I'm sorry, I was told I would be meeting the CEO."

He was staring at me with an unreadable expression. "I am the CEO."

"I mean the CEO of this company, Sir."

"I am the CEO of this company."

I bit my lip and muttered an excuse, turning around.

But Kuon was quicker, and he strode with those long long legs of his and slammed the door shut before I could open it fully. He even locked it!

"Hizuri-san!"

"You never told me the reason why you oh so brutally rejected my confession."

I held the handle with one hand and gripped the file in one hand.

"I-I-I—"

"And you never explained anything, never shared anything about yourself, never told me why the heck you were so hellbent on rejecting me!"

He stepped back, frustratedly running a hand through his hair. "I never suspecting, it never even crossed my mind why you were so attached to Ren, how you so easily accepted him as your son, why it never occured to you that families rely on each other!Kyoko, did I really mean nothing to you?"

My lips were trembling, and I was feeling like my knees would give out from all the pressure.

"It was only when I read that bloody report, I understood, I understood perfectly why you didn't trust me."

"No! I trusted you! I trust you more than anyone!" I wailed, closing my ears and my eyes.

I fell down on my knees, crying, and wishing I wasn't here. I felt Kuon crouch down. He sighed, gently gripping my hands and pulling them away from my head. I opened my eyes, finding him looking at me with hurt and pain in his eyes.

"Can you please tell me why you rejected my confession that day?"

"Don't you already know? You said you read my medical report. Didn't you read the conclusion. I am not fertile!"

"And that's somehow supposed to change my feelings, how?"

"I can never have children, Kuon! I'm imperfect, an incomplete wo—"

Kuon cut me off with a searing kiss, but I resisted, trying hard to push him away before I gave in.

But he wouldn't budge, I didn't know with what resolve he had come, but he wasn't giving up like the last time.

Finally, after a few seconds I gave in and kissed him back, pouring all my heartbreak and longing in that kiss.

When we pulled away, Kuon linked his forehead on mine, breathing heavily, his breath mingled with mine.

"Come back, Kyoko. Ren misses you. He isn't eating and doesn't want to go to school anymore."

He kept a hand on my cheek, forcing me to look at him, "Please. Never say that you are not perfect. You are perfect, as a woman, and as a human being too. I can go on and on about what I find so amazing in you. So don't. I love you just the way you are, with your perfections and imperfections too. I am not perfect either. I can't cook, I can't—"

I placed a hand on his mouth, "Don't. It's not a crime if you cannot do something."

His eyes softened, and I realised that I had done exactly what he had been doing a while ago.

Placing both his hands on my cheeks again, he leaned closer. "Please come back. We cannot live without you, Kyoko. I love you, Ren loves you more than me you know. Everyday he tells me that he would find you and stay with you because I made you angry."

I laughed, wiping the tears off, imagining that cute little angel stomping his feet indignantly and demanding his father.

"But I have no reason, with what reason should I stay?"

"Marry me," he said, producing a ring box from inside his suit.

I gaped at him, shocked that he carried a ring around.

He chuckled, "I knew you were coming today, so I that's why I was with a ring."

"So you really are the CEO of this company?"

"Of course I am, but right now, just answer my question. Will you marry me or not?"

I bit my lip, making him growl and close his eyes. "If you do that again, the next time your lower lip would be in between mine."

I paused, scared and letting the negative thoughts run through my head.

"Do you love me?"

I bit my lip again, but stopped when I remembered what he just said. "Yes, I love you."

"Should I...Should I seduce you into agreeing?"

I blushed so hard, I punched his arm. I stared at his closed eyes, and leaned in, closing my eyes and kissing his cheek lightly.

"I'll marry you, Hizuri-san."

He kissed me soundly, and for a moment we forgot that we were in the office, in the CEO's office.


I told Kuon how I was born in a normal, average family, with no siblings. My parents loved each other and me too, but they were extremely strict and had really old fashioned way of thinking. They taught me to be a perfect lady of a Ryukan, already thinking of giving me to their friend's son, Shotaro Fuwa. And then after they had died, they mentioned in their will that they wanted the Fuwas to take care of me, so I spent four years of my life in his house as a slave, being ordered around and beaten when things weren't perfect.

He kissed me, and I closed my eyes, revelling in the feeling of being in the arms of my husband.

He climbed over me and slipped his tongue into my mouth, as he unbuttoned my night shirt.

"Ren will wake up," I whispered.

"He won't, he is dead asleep," Kuon whispered back, unbuttoning his own shirt too.

I blushed as he laid me on the bed and kissed me, making me feel like the luckiest woman alive.


"Daddy what did mommy eat last night?" Ren whispered to Kuon. I smiled tiredly at Kuon, who glanced at me before giving Ren a look.

"We all ate hot pot, don't you remember?"

"Of course I do, but she has been vomitting non stop."

"Really?" Kuon switched the phone off and leaned forward to listen to his son nod vigorously.

"Yes! And she didn't have breakfast yesterday either, and she threw up the lunch too—"

"Ren! You've got to finish that before you go to school."

I cut him off.

I didn't want to worry Kuon, he was a worrywart. The last time I had a fever, he rushed me through the emergency ward and I ended up coming after three days from the hospital just because my husband refused to let them discharge me until they had examined me completely.

Ren ran into his room and Kuon turned his attention towards me. "Are you alright? Was I too rough last night?"

I blushed to the tips of my hair, glaring at him. "Could you please—"

"Daddy you really need to take mommy to the hospital, she is coming down with a fever I am sure!"

Tiny cold hands were pressed on my forehead and he looked extremely worried. I hugged him, giving him a bright smile despite feeling like I could fall over any moment.

"I'm alright, darling. Hurry up, the bus will be here any minute now!"

Yes, Ren started going to school by bus. Kuon felt that he was robbed his time with me so he thought it would be a good idea to send Ren school by the schoolbus.

Ren nodded and drank the milk in his glass before he ran out of the door.

As soon as he left, I sighed and took a bite of my bread, but I could already feel it rising back up, so I ran to the bathroom and threw my guts out.

"Kyoko, we are going to the hospital this instant."

I wiped my chin, washing my hands and feeling really weak right now.

Kuon grabbed my hand and hurried out, ignoring my protests and the fact that I was still wearing my pyjamas.


"This can't be true."

The doctor turned and raised an eyebrow, "Of course it is. You are ten weeks pregnant."

I snapped my head at Kuon, whose eyes were shining and he looked so happy right now, that I wanted to capture his expression so I could store it forever with me.

"B-but I was told that I was infertile!"

The doctor turned to me fully, "Could you tell me what was told to you exactly? Do you happen to have the report?"

I nodded, getting my previous records out. I carry all the reports, to avoid re-tests and Kuon going mad again.

She read my report, and closed it.

"You seemed to have been under extreme stress at that time, and because of that, there was an imbalance in your menstrual cycle. Stress, tension and extreme physical activities with lack of sleep lead to infertility but, you were just bordering the danger of being infertile. I'm sure the doctor who did these reports must've advised you to take plenty of rest and eat food everyday instead of starving yourself."

Looking back to the day I fainted at work, I recalled the doctor saying something like that but I had become deaf to whatever she said after the word infertility because it got me so hard that I couldn't forget it even now.

"Well, you are lucky, and congratulations, Mrs. Hizuri."

We thanked the doctor, and when I finally sat in the car after getting the suppliments and the ultrasound, it finally sank.

"I'm pregnant, Oh God! Kuon I'm pregnant!"

I started breaking down, feeling so happy, that I couldn't believe it. This was a dream! I am sure of it! Touching my stomach, I laughed while tears streamed down my cheeks.

I was going to be a mother of two now.


"Ow! You are stepping on my toes!"

"Shut up Setsu! Do you want to wake mom and dad?"

"If you both would just shut up, maybe I can actually grab that cookie jar from the top," Ren said, annoyed. His little brother and sister glared at each other while sticking their tongue out.

He sighed,looking at the cookie jar on top.

Why was I in cahoots with these little devils again?

"Big brother, we try by pulling the chair out and I can grab that jar," the five year old boy said.

"I wouldn't be so sure if I was you," Setsu said, snatching his hand behind him before he could make any noise and wake mom and dad up.

The black haired boy gasped, and started fighting with his older sister. She fought back and soon they were slapping each other on the front.

"What's going on here?" a booming voice said, and they all froze as the lights were switched on.

They all turned slowly, making a sheepish expression as their father looked at them sternly.

"Why are all three of you awake? Ren? Setsu? And you, Kenji?"

Busted.

"Kuon? Wh—"

Kyoko looked at all three her children and immediately understood what was going on. Her youngest son ran towards her and put his ear to her stomach.

"Is little Rosa awake too?"

She smiled, putting a hand on her stomach. "Well, she might be. After all, all her older brothers and sister are not asleep."

"But we are hungry!" Setsu complained, even though Ren warned her meticulously.

Kyoko raised an eyebrow, "And I wonder why you are awake in the middle of the night. Tell me, where you watching something right now?"

Setsu shut her mouth real quick, but the guilt in her eyes was caught quickly.

"Kyoko, before you start scolding the children, why don't you go and sleep? I'll take care of them. Just go—"

He gently pushed his wife back into the room—which let the three kids breathe a sigh in relief from being saved from their mother's wrath—but Kuon was back.

"So what was it that you wanted?" he grabbed the keys off the counter and quietly tiptoed towards the main door and urged them all to do the same.

"Burger!"

"With extra fries!"

Ren didn't move, glancing back at the room.

"Big brother isn't coming," Kenji said, looking back.

Kuon looked in the same direction and found Ren looking at him, "Mom will be alone."

Kuon nodded, "Take care of her, I'll get you a burger in the meantime."

He closed the door behind him and drove his children to the nearest McD while Ren took care of his beloved mother, finally happy that he was able to have his mother all to himself. She was caressing his hair when she fell asleep and he was about to, when he heard the soft click of the door.

Slowly putting his mother's hand on her stomach, he covered her with a duvet and stepped out of the room, finding Kuon holding a sleepy Setsu's hand while carrying Kenji who was snoring on his shoulder.

Quietly, the family made sure that the woman they loved so much was not disturbed as they tiptoed around.

Kuon finally relaxed on the couch as his eldest son grabbed the burger and unwrapped the cover over it before he started eating it.

"Mom is fast asleep," he said as he gulped the first bite.

Kuon nodded, "Good job. You should go to sleep too."

Then he leaned and looked at his son with a stern look. "And no more midnight movies. You know how your mother is sensitive to sounds."

"I swear it wasn't me! Setsu just goes and uses my computer because she knows the password! And no matter how many times I change it, she somehow figures it out!"

Kuon held the bridge of his nose, "I am really going to confiscate that computer if I find any one of you awake next time. Didn't you say you had an exam this week?"

The thirteen year old boy nodded, "Yes I did. I'm sure I am going to ace it too."

Kuon smiled at his son, "Good. You have to make your mom proud."

He smiled back, "That I will."

Looking back to their wedding, and everything the three of them had gone through, it seemed so horrifying to not have Kyoko in their life. It felt like someone had stolen the light of their lives.

Kuon was a happy man, coming home to a loving wife and wonderful children, albeit a little mischievous but he loved them.

Who would've known that a woman would change him so much?

But Kyoko was not just a woman. Giving birth to two, and to another one, was not easy. And no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't control himself. It wasn't his fault his wife was so irresistible and beautiful and she seemed to get even more beautiful everyday.

A few months later, when their youngest daughter could sit, they took another family picture.

A boy with blonde hair and emerald eyes smiled brightly, holding his younger brother, who had emerald eyes like him but hair colour like his mother. The daughter stood beside her brothers, her blonde hair neatly combed back as she looked at the camera fiercely with sharp crystal green eyes. Their youngest daughter was a replica of Kyoko, much to Kuon's delight.

They all fit in the largest picture that hung on the corridor wall in their humble abode.

The End.


Author's Note:

Hey guys!

Here I am with another one shot! Have you guys noticed that my one shots are getting longer?

I know this is way different from others, I had never tried writing about this kind of romance but I wanted to try. Hope it has turned out well. :-)

Well, I can't help myself. But I do hope it wraps up all the loose ends and ties like a nice neat bow. :P

I'm working on Gravitating, but I am really nervous because it seemed like I messed up with the latest chapter. I reread it, although not finding any fault in it I still felt like something was wrong.

Could you guys please tell me if I had really messed up or not?

Apart from that, I am so glad to see so many amazing stories out there, especially Kyoko Has A Sword by Claraowl and miss mika namariya! I was enraptured by the language and realised just how far behind I was!

I really really need to improve, I just couldn't help admire the way it was written, so beautiful!

Okay, I'll stop here! Sorry, ;p

Please let me know how you feel about this story, because I am literally on my toes, looking at my phone every minute of the day just to know if you guys liked it or not.

Thank you again, for reading, because it means alot to me. I may have failed in most of the things in life, but writing is the only thing which keeps me having hope and work harder to go get better!

See you guys later!

XOXO

Loyalty Counts.