Chapter Thirty Eight

Officially Mine

It was a couple of days after Christmas, and almost new year. Fay was finally better as she descended the stairs. I feel weird. I haven't seen Ren since Chistmas, and still haven't told anyone that he's my boyfriend. Wow… My boyfriend? It has a nice ring to it.

She walked around the mansion looking for anyone and found her aunt seated on the terrace with Atobe. It seems Keigo is getting used to aunt Akari as well.

Fay was hugging her kitten when she reached the terrace. I really like Keigo's puppy. "Hey," she said, joining them.

"Come on, Dai," Atobe said, waving at the puppy.

"Dai?" Fay asked.

Atobe rubbed behind its ears and nodded. "Because he's great," he said with a grin. "He's an Atobe now."

Akari grinned at that. "So what did you name yours, Fay?"

"Yukiko, but I call her Yuki for short. Snow child, it suits her. She's so white." Fay explained. "I'm just surprised that Yuki doesn't falter when Dai's around. One would think they would be at each other's necks."

Akari laughed. "Mitsuru bought them a week before Christmas. He kept them both together in the same room until they learned to love each there." To think that it didn't work on the children.

Fay sat down and nodded.

Akari noticed the bracelet she wore. "Rather nice, it's Keigo's gift?"

"Yes, I like it," Fay said, showing it off.

Atobe didn't comment.

Akari raised an eyebrow, "and the other one, dear?" she asked, referring to the pink gold one.

Fay blushed, but was thankful when her phone rang. She quickly excused herself and left the terrace. "Hello?"

"Hey."

Fay blushed hearing his familiar sound. "Hello," she said softly. "How are you?"

"Good. Good. Haven't seen you since Christmas, and our texts haven't been that long. Free today?" he asked.

He's asking me out? Fay wanted to say yes, but then groaned remembering that she promised her aunt that she'd show her this new place. "Oh, I wish…" she admitted. "I promised my aunt I'd take her somewhere." I really want to see him.

"That should be fine, and then I guess I won't see you until New Year 's Eve." He replied.

"New Year's Eve? What's happening then?" she asked curiously. I'm not aware of any plans.

Takeda chuckled. "I guess you don't know because you weren't around for the past couple of years. We normally throw a party. Father does it every year so mother can have some 'normal' time."

Oh. I keep forgetting his mother has clinical depression. "That sounds nice."

"The fun part is that it will be a masked ball, so you have to guess who I am," he said with a laugh.

Ren in a mask? Sounds heavenly. "Sounds like fun," she chirped. "I'll see you then?"

"You'll see me then," he repeated softly. "By the way…"

Fay felt that his tone was serious now. "Yes?"

"I do miss you. I haven't sat down with you like a proper boyfriend yet. There's a lot you need to learn about me," he explained.

Fay didn't expect that. I keep forgetting what an upfront person he is. There are no hidden agendas with Ren. Everything is crystal clear. "We have time, Ren."

"True. Anyway, I will catch you on New Year's Eve. I might even show you my room if we can sneak out of the ballroom." He added.

Fay could tell that he was grinning. His comment did make her blush more, but she didn't remark. 'See you then."

He hung up the phone, and Fay ended the call. That was different. Hearing his voice… I really get this butterfly feeling in my stomach. I feel fresh as well. Oh my… Am I in love?

Fay went back onto the terrace, and found her aunt and brother still there. "So are we going?" Fay asked, Akari.

"Yes, I'll get my bag," she said, standing up. "I really need a massage."

Fay smiled, and followed her out.