There is something in the forbidden that makes it unspeakably desirable
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Disclaimers: I own nothing but the plot and idea.
A/N: This one's really challenging to write. I hope that despite my absurd use of grammar, you would still find the story easier to understand. Things are getting fast so I think it would only cover up to five to six chapters. I hope you understand. But had there been a few changes, I'd immediately inform you about it. I don't want my writing style to be repetitive so I wanted a few changes on the way I write them all.
Thanks for bearing with me.
AB
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This is dedicated to all Usui Takumi and Ayuzawa Misaki fanatics.
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There is something in the forbidden which makes it unspeakably desirable.
-Mark Twain
-The Notebook
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Two: Ever Night
"Welcome to Ever Night Academy."
I stared at Usui Takumi's silhouette by the upper part of the classroom and watched him as he flirt around demons of other kinds. Maria-sensei acts as though the situation inside was nonexistent. I sighed, and continued distributing out the handouts on a handful of demons that pays attention on us despite the noise inside. When the bell rang for the end of the period, I carefully assessed papers that needed assessment before passing them all up on Maria-sensei who had that frown building up on her beautiful foreigner face. I stared at her, unable to avoid checking out the blond demon before looking up into the sky filled with nothing but dark clouds with the full moon's light illuminating all the dark corners of the Academy.
Someone laughed and I snapped my head towards the direction before gathering my things, remembering a particular someone that helped me out once before shaking my head and got out of the room.
I stayed firm on my belief. I can't fall in love with a demon even if it meant I'd end up regretting it because, in the first place, I will never regret making up such a decision. I'm one to abide by rules and I follow what Mom says like the good girl I am.
I can't fall in love with a demon like him. It's too… dangerous—yes, dangerous. Usui Takumi is dangerous and I can't allow someone like him to put my life in peril. I need to think about my actions and think more of what might happen to Mom had I been endangered— I sighed. This is weird. Why do I seem so affected? It wasn't supposed to be like this, was it not? I was supposed to befriend him and not make him into an enemy… just because I rejected his proposal. I was supposed to find him someone more suitable to him than me because I was nothing but a human. I can't live endlessly like him—my existence itself is transitory.
I decided to drop the topic about Usui Takumi when, out of nowhere, he appeared right before me with other demons tagging along him as if he was some kind of superstar. He darted a quick look on me not noticeable enough for his companions before he avoided eye contact and went on to walking beside me. girls started pushing around and I made sure I wouldn't be dragged into the mayhem by allowing them to walk ahead when he stopped walking and stared at me using that intense eyes of his.
"Why did you stop walking?" he asked, which made me gain the attention of the people he's with. "We're supposed to walk together after school, are we not?"
I look up at the demons that await my answer and damn, I can't help but blushed since he was staring at me as if I was the only thing that matters. In the end, the only thing I could do is look away. "You don't have to walk with me, I can handle myself."
I thought I heard him growl and when I look up at him again, his friend Yukimura Souichirou was already ushering people away from us. My forehead creased and I can't help but check him out again since despite the coldness of the early morning, he was wearing nothing but some dark washed jeans, sneakers and sleeveless black shirt that complimented his pale skin tone well.
I inwardly punched myself as I opened a new topic. "Where are they going—"
"I dreamed I was missing and you were so scared." He said all of a sudden as soon as everyone's gone. He looked away and into the vast darkness covering the courtyard outside as though it was some kind of black blanket. I stared at him again, some kind of unnamed emotions bubbling out of my system as I watched him spill out the real him. I looked away swiftly when he locked his eyes on me. "Will you be?"
I was confused by his question so I frowned. "Will I be what?"
"Will you be scared when I'm gone?"
I stared at him and I wondered if he was serious and was about to answer when a bat started flying towards our direction and landed right straight on Takumi's shoulder. He touched the bat and the animal leaned forward his ear as if it was saying something before it flew off again at his acknowledgement. Takumi eyed me again. "I wont coerce you anymore to fall in love with me." he says. "So, can you please stop telling everybody—to Aoi, specially—that you can't grant me what I wanted?" he looked out into the dark moon again and exhales. "I'm leaving today—"
That statement shocked me. "Where are you going? When are you coming back?"
Takumi smirked slyly before running a hand through his already disheveled brownish blonde hair. "Are you going to wait for me?"
I nodded thoughtlessly. "Yes. So tell me, where are you going?"
"A meeting to the Main office of Ever Night." He answered while looking away. "If it takes long, I'd probably be back at around midnight tomorrow. Aoi's coming with me so you'd be alone all day tomorrow. Can you handle it?"
I can't help but laughed at him. "I'm not that dependent on you two, you know."
"Seems so." He leaned forward again as if to kiss me before he paused midway just when I was anticipating for a kiss and pats my head instead. "Don't go on places where I wouldn't be able to see you, is that clear?"
I leaned away too since we're too close to be recognized as only acquaintances—and I don't want him to think that I'm anticipating for his next actions. "What do you mean?"
He shrugged. "What it means. Don't go to the Forest of Hunyad."
"Why?"
"Won't you ever listen to me?"
"Not without an explanation."
"So they say, curiosity kills the cat." I stared at him; daring him to say more as he exhaled and looked out into the vast Hunyad Forest. When he turned to me, he was already wearing such a serious and grave expression. "Let's just say I wasn't the most dangerous person who wanted to get close to you." I flushed and he touched my warm cheeks before smiling at me with such affection he rarely shows when we're in public. "Don't stray off to the path where my eyes couldn't reach you, are we clear on that, Ayuzawa Misaki?"
Even if I find it impossible to get in trouble here, I still nodded. "Fine."
"Good." He held me by the shoulder and gently pushes me off to the dark hallway. "You should go. You still needed to sleep since you have research every morning."
"Wait, are you still mad at me—" but I couldn't hear anything anymore apart from his chuckle and when I tried to look back, a huge throng of black bats flew past me and his chuckle echoed on the darkness that was the hallway. And when I stared down at the book I was holding, there was a black flower resting on the hard bounded cover.
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The sun was hidden behind thick array of clouds as I made my way towards the History library, blending in to the afternoon lunch rush of Ever Night Academy. The clouds were opaque and dull, signaling the advent of the rain and since I hated anything cold-related, I rush to a waiting shed just in time the rain started to fall down on Ever Night's dark grounds. I stuffed all my books inside my impermeable leather backpack and made a rushed run towards the nearest café before dropping my things in a vacant table.
A waitress in a maid outfit immediately walked towards my table and greeted me a rainy good afternoon. "You don't look familiar." She starts an easy conversation with me that I enthusiastically obliged to. She poured free coffee on the coffee cup placed already on the table and smiles a cheerful one. "Transferee?"
I nodded. "Yeah. I'm on the graveyard shift."
"A night class student? No wonder you look far more superior than day class females." She laughed and handed me my menu book that I accepted distractedly. I shouldn't have mentioned that I was facilitating a certain night class. "Rumor has it that members of the graveyard shift are all beautiful beings—they are like Gods themselves."
I coughed on my coffee, wondering how ironic must it have been to be compared to a God when they are, in fact, creatures coming from the Abyss. I got a napkin and wiped traces of coffee off my mouth. "Not really. My co-students are like any normal people would. And oh, I'm having this moon-shaped bread."
The waitress named Erika wrote my order on her notepad and winked at me. "I'll bring it over after a few seconds."
"Okay." I was thankful when she was finally gone, I decided to open my History book and read about History Appreciation when she came around again to bring over my food. I thanked her and she greeted me another good day again and as soon as she's gone, I indulge myself again on my book. But I couldn't properly focus, not when someone else is missing so I decided to ditch the appreciation to historical poetry and focused on my food instead.
Takumi was… well, he's something. And I couldn't help but admit that I'm starting to like his character because he was pretty persistent. And God knows I have a soft spot for guys with persistence. But still, he's asking for the impossible. He wanted me to marry him and I simply can't do that. We're still children—I'm still a child—and I wasn't sure if I could commit to such kind of vow when there was something else that I wanted to do so badly. I wanted to explore the world, drink with people and learn lessons from them while carrying a single bad. I wanted to be like my mother—I wanted to be free. And I would never be able to attain that kind of freedom if I were to marry him.
Because surely, I'd feel trapped. I don't even know if I could commit to him until I die. What if something changes? What if some kind of vital emotion started to dissipate? What if just when I'm really in love with him, he realized that I wasn't the one for him because I'd eventually aged and when I'm old enough to be considered as his grandmother—
"A rainy evening to you… ojou-sama…" I stilled, and when I look up, I was welcomed by an unfamiliar face of an old woman clad in nothing but all gray clothing. She smiled at me, showing me her withering teeth before pointing out the seat before me. "May I join you?"
I looked around in hesitation, wondering why anyone hasn't noticed the old woman yet and turns back to the old woman. "Sure… er, can I get you something?"
"Your hands… may I see them?"
What is this, some kind of public future prediction? "Of course." I handed her both palms and she was about to touch me when something black sparked on both of my hands that seemed to have electrocuted her. I was startled too because I was certain I saw that too and that she saw it too because she reacted on the spark. She took her hands back and smiled at me. My forehead creased. "What was that all about?"
Again, she smiled. "Do not be frightened, my child. You are well protected by that someone who wants you with such honesty and pure love."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you shouldn't hesitate and go for it." She stands, and again, I wondered how come people aren't noticing this gray woman before me. "Do not let him wait for another longer period of time. He has been waiting for you for thousands of years… and the one fated to you will come around in a place where demons of the Abyss gather"
I blinked, and when I was done blinking, the woman was already gone before my line of sight. I looked around, too startled to say anything as I frantically searched for the woman when a flash of blonde and brown flickered on my peripheral sight. I snapped my head towards it and when I saw such a familiar view of a silhouette of a man, I swiftly left my payment for the food and gather my things out to follow the silhouette that disappeared into the thick forest that was the Hunyad.
I got into the forest and winced when I felt something break inside me. I clutched my chest and felt as if something was gone—like something became broken—as I fell down on my knees and collided down on the ground. My things dropped as well but I barely minded it because what matters is the fact that something is wrong with me.
What is Usui doing here? He wasn't supposed to be here. He was supposed to be in a meeting at the Ever Night office and would be back late in the evening… right?
I shake my head, and tried to stand and balance myself on both feet before looking around the forest in search of Usui Takumi. I pushed past huge trees and willows and shrubs and was about to step forward when something—another noise—echoed behind me. I stilled, and slowly spun around to face the creator of the noise behind me only to completely regret it at the sight of such a distorted animal before me that I couldn't seem to explain the physicality properly. I covered my mouth and dumb as I were, made a dash deeper into the forest. The animal growled and when I look back, I screamed when I notice it chasing after me.
I was running as though hell is chasing after me when I made a wrong step on something soft and I ended up crashing down on a mud pit. I panicked that it could be a quicksand but when I realized I wasn't sinking, I nearly heaved out a sigh of relief—only to completely regret it when the animal—the demon—stood so tall and terrifying before me. I took one step back and ended up slipping as my head collided against the slightly softened ground. I quickly stand despite the dizziness and faced the demon animal again.
"Please don't hurt me." I whispered as I though of something convenient to say—to ward off the demon because to me, it honestly looked like a demon. "I—" I got something from my pocket—a pen—and was so ready to use it for self defense when something spoke behind me.
"Now, did you learn your lesson now, Misaki?" I stilled again and spun around to face Usui Takumi standing above me. From in front of me, the animal growled and started to back away. Takumi jumped on the mud pit and before me as soon as the animal made its narrow escape, he faced me. "Good thing I came here just in time."
I was still a bit shaken. "You… you weren't supposed—"
He walked towards me and brushed traces of mud off my face before meeting my terrified eyes. "I wasn't supposed to be here, I know. But as soon as I felt the block I set around you snapped and break, I hurried in here from the Main office to get you." He flicked me on the forehead. "How could you be like this, Misaki? Do you plan to get yourself killed before you could even wed me?"
I was speechless because generally speaking, the person whom I'm denying of his happiness just saved me from my impending death. And all I could do is simply stare at him because I was scared shitless from that distorted animal that nearly ate me alive.
Takumi touched my cheek again and lifts me up to his arms before looking out straight ahead to the forest as trees moved to give way for him. "You look so scared and cold and filthy." He says and balances me in his arms as we walked off to the exit. "Let's get you to bed so we could clean you up."
I flushed beet red. "T-There's no need. I can handle—"
"Says the girl who nearly got eaten by Hunyad." He said and walks me off towards Poenari dormitory. It didn't startle me anymore that mortals can't see both of us. He must have used a charm again to keep our physical bodies hidden as he paved our way to the elevator and finally, to my room. I didn't know why but I did felt safe inside his arms, and I thought, no one would be able to hurt me when I'm beside him. But then again, I was unsuitable for him. I can't simply indulge myself from his perfection when I'm damn imperfect and freakin' flawed. I'm weak and he's strong. I can't have him protecting me forever.
I gasped when he suddenly dropped me and landed right straight on my bed. I look around, startled, only to see that we were already inside my room. I leaned away when he suddenly loomed over me and tried to press his forehead on me. "What are you—"
"Look at me." and I can't help but follow after his orders. I gazed at him and it was seconds later that I realized he had peck me on the lips for the briefest of moments. "Don't ever leave my side, Ayuzawa, do you understand that? Because my side is where you are safest."
The only thing I could do is nod as he leaned away and entered the bathroom so he could prepare it for me. He went back to me again and carried me up to bring me to the bathroom before he closed the door behind him and left me all by myself.
.
.
Aoi waved at me as soon as I entered the cafeteria and I couldn't help but be hesitant at the sight of Usui Takumi sharing our table. Demons stared at me and at him and I swear I could hear whispers coming from every corners of the huge rectangular sized room. It was almost considerable as unsafe for me but since Aoi has already seen me, there isn't anything left to do but to go all the way and to our table.
I dropped down my reading materials and acknowledged their presence. "Hi," I greeted them—more like I greeted Aoi. "—I thought you'd be back around late midnight."
Aoi snorted at me. "Well, if you haven't gotten yourself into trouble, maybe we would have gotten back more later than usual."
I glared at him but he simply grinned and continued eating. I looked away. "It isn't like I wanted to give you trouble. It's just that when I saw a glimpse of Tak—I mean, of someone I thought I know, I thoughtlessly followed it." Aoi grinned at my almost slip of the tongue before chugging in his drink. I frowned inwardly. "Sorry for giving you trouble."
"I don't mind saving you any time of the day. Just make sure you won't enter a place where I couldn't see you properly anymore. " Aoi and I stared at Takumi in astonishment and I can't help but flushed another shade of red again due to his too bold announcement. He ignored our rude gawking and leaned back on his chair, playing with the wad of napkin on his long pale and beautiful fingers. He locked his eyes on me again. "But since our work is disrupted, you would have to come with us back to the Main office."
My forehead creased. "Why?"
"I already told you, didn't I? My side is where you're safest." He stands and opted to walk towards the exit but he paused and leaned forward my ear again to whisper something. "And be prepared because I'm going to make you all mine once things are settled back at the Main office."
I blushed another harsh red and I so wanted to punch him because what he's saying is making me embarrassed but he was gone already and next thing I know, he was gone again.
Damn. He surely knows how to make me speechless.
"Told you he's possessive." Aoi said while drinking on his tea.
.
.
"Takumi? What are you—" I watched as Takumi sit by the railing of my floor-to-ceiling windows and waved at me as though what he's doing isn't considerable as trespassing and disobeying of the rules of morality since males are not allowed inside the chambers of the females. I dropped down what I was reading and rushed to the windows so I could open it. He jumped off the railings as soon as the glass windows were open and simply stared at me. I ignored the way he looks at me and rushed to him before checking out the vast space of nothingness and frowned.
I look back up at him. "As far as I'm concerned, this is the fifth floor. How were you able to do that?"
"I jumped."
Of course. That's the explanation I needed. "Thanks for summarizing your explanation." I told him and gently punches his forearms. But something sparked inside me and it felt as though, even physically speaking, my body and heart retaliates from hurting him. I shake my head, wondering why I feel so weird before looking up at him. "So, what brings you to my humble place?"
"I just wanted to see you." He answered timidly while still looking away. "Is that a bad thing now?"
I pretended to laugh. "Come on and lets get you inside. It's freezing here." I got inside and he followed me in before he occupied the rocking chair while I sit on the bed. We stared around for what seemed like an awkward minute until I finally decided to speak out. "So, can I offer you anything?"
He shakes his head. "Not really. I just wanted to see your face before I leave tonight."
My forehead creased. "What do you mean? Where are you going?"
"I'll be arranging a place for both of us to stay once we leave for the Main office tomorrow." He rocked on the chair and stares out at the blackness outside. I decided to open the lamps to allow us little light in the least since it doesn't feel good to me if we're surrounded by darkness. "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable around once you get to meet the Gray sisters."
"Why are heading to the Main office to meet them anyway?" I asked. "Another prediction?"
"Yes. They predicted the decision of the other demons with regards to my rule." He answered, and it felt as though it stresses him too much. "But just before they could voice it out, I felt you were in trouble so I rushed back here as soon as I can."
I sighed in defeat. "I'm sorry. If you hate me—"
"How could I?" he asks and suddenly stands before lying down on the side of my bed. "Can I sleep here—even for the briefest of minutes? I just really want to see your face."
I was suddenly hesitant, but he didn't seem to be the type to do anything improper so I nodded in agreement. "Why are you speaking like that? It's not like we're not going to see each other again." he patted the space next to him so I occupied it and faced him. "Are you worried whether they wouldn't hand over the throne to you?"
"Not that."
"Then what is it?"
He shrugged. "Nothing. Are you sleepy now?"
"Not when you're here." I frowned when he laughed. "What is it? What's so funny?" he shakes his head again. I punched him on his kidney. "One more it's nothing and I swear I'm gonna punch you again."
Takumi laughed. "I just came here to say that once we get to the Main office, I want you to always stay on my side where you will be safest."
"Why do you keep on saying that?"
"Because it was the truth." He placed one arm under my head and pulled me closer to him. "Before they could get to you, they would have to fight me first. That's how I value you."
I flushed and I decided to not respond to him anymore as I stared into the dimly lit interior of the room and calmed myself on his also calm disposition. I shaped myself into his body and sighed when I felt him kissed me on the top of my head. "Why must you love me like this when you haven't even known me by heart."
"I waited for you because I have known you by heart." He kissed me again on my head and traced my lips with his fingers. "Just go to sleep, Misaki. We'll be leaving first thing in the morning."
And with just that, I was able to sleep in peace.
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Ever Night has been experiencing some kind of minor problems like my laptop being invaded by some kind of destructive and damned virus. Anyhow, it might take long before I updated again so I'm informing you all about it just in case my computer refuses to open. :(. Anyhow, I won't stop writing; I just needed a few days before I could post another chapter of Ever Night. Anyhow, I'd try to post the next chapter of EN as soon as I can so I hope you'd all be patient enough to wait for it.
Thanks for supporting me and as always, do tell me what you think.
AndyBunny.