I planted an easter egg in this chapter. Hehe.
Enjoy!
Embroidery was one of Ayano's favorite hobby. It was a type of craft that she desired to master, as an aspiring fashion designer. Additionally—alongside crochet—it provided her a unique way to create customized gifts for any gift-giving occasions.
So, despite her busy schedule that included secretarial work and studying for her final exams, the Nicolaou girl was able to create individualized, embroidered, designs on several colorful, handkerchiefs. For what purpose?
Christmas gifts. For those she'd been closest with at school.
For Mina—her very first friend in Namimori town.
For Kusakabe—who helped her get adjusted to the strange culture of the disciplinary committee.
For the Sawada circle—who treated her kindly all the time, even though the recent revelation about their real nature made her behave a little distant since then.
And for Hibari—who made her senior year unnecessarily dramatic, in both an interesting and stressful way.
It was currently the last day of school before winter break, and the last scheduled exam just ended. Just like the Spring term, everyone had to leave campus except for the athletes, who had to stay late to clean equipment and their respective facilities.
With a small bag filled with her small gifts, the fearless secretary entered Hibari's office. The unbothered skylark didn't need to pause his work. He already knew the source of disruption. As if he already memorized her presence, the sound of her knock, and the sound of her footsteps.
"I always give early Christmas gifts to my…" Ayano looked around, cautious of what the next word should come out of her mouth. "… colleagues, or friends. So uhm, here."
She placed a crimson-wrapped gift secured by a gold ribbon, on the Vongola cloud guardian's desk. His pupils scanned the questionable gift.
"What is this?"
"Why don't you open it?" she smiled, although slightly tensed as she didn't really predict how he would react. "I put so much work on that particular design."
"I didn't ask you to," he exhaled, reaching for the small gift and carefully unwrapping it. What it revealed was a lavender-colored handkerchief. He ran his thumb across the cloth, and his palm felt an irregular texture.
"Flip it over."
He followed her words on cue, unveiling an embroidered design of his pet, Hibird, resting on a pair of an embroidered tonfas, at the corner of the cloth.
She sure has the talent, he mused to himself.
"Hn," was his response, but she translated it as his thank you.
"You're welcome," she muttered under her breath. "Anyway, do you need me to stay to finish up any last-minute paperwork? If so, I need to catch some friends first before they leave so I can give my gifts."
He'd feel pleasant if she was around. But he didn't really have any reason to keep her in his office and deprive her of time with her other friends. "No. You're dismissed."
"Uhm… Okay, have a good, winter break then," she hesitated to turn her body around, as if unsatisfied with his answer. Eventually, she pivoted on her heels and took a few steps toward the door before stopping due to the sound of Hibari's chair rolling back.
"Nicolaou Ayano."
His tone startled her; it was strangely, captivating. She heard his approaching footsteps from behind, halting at a distance that felt too close for comfort.
"You don't have to say my full name. Ayano… is fine, geez," she faced him, accidentally making her attempt to evade his gaze obvious.
Narrowing his eyes at her sudden inability to look at him, he continued, "have you seen the toddler in the past few days?"
"I… no, I haven't seen him around."
Hibari had been searching for the baby hitman since the day she revealed Reborn's offer. He had even dared to start a fight with the soon-to-be Vongola boss, but it failed to lure the toddler out.
"But whatever my decision will be," inhaled Ayano, "it is to protect someone who is important to me."
What really bothered him was her indifference toward the dangers of joining a legitimate mafia, when most people would fear the idea of a crime organization. But such notion didn't intimidate her.
It's as if, she's already familiar with the nature of underground organizations, he speculated. But how? He knew that his secretary was an orphan, who somehow managed to find a relative residing in Namimori. He wanted to figure out the source of her fearlessness—so he could stop worrying about her safety.
Since when did I care for her? Hibari continued to question himself.
"Hibari-san?" Ayano poked the motionless chairman, which interrupted his mental self-talk. Ignoring his frowned expression due to her sudden touch, she wondered if he was the type to enjoy holiday celebrations.
"What are you doing New Year's Eve, Hibari-san?" she blurted softly, her left index finger unconsciously poked his hand, again.
"Sleep." He didn't protest her poke. In fact, he relaxed his right hand to capture hers successfully.
"Have you been to… any new year's firework show?"
"No. I don't care about it."
Absent-mindedly intertwining her fingers with his, Ayano finally met his gaze. "Let's go see one? So the town—where the famous wisteria festival is held—is having a new year's festival. Midnight countdown, fireworks, night activities… all that."
He raised his eyebrow upon an invitation that sounded familiar, recalling her bold attempt of asking him out to a flower festival last Spring.
"I already feel exhausted from hearing that," he yawned loudly. Although, in reality, he wouldn't mind watching the art of exploding colors against the darkened sky.
"I think it'll be fun," her eyes smiled, hoping she could convince him this time.
"And I still hate crowds."
"Then we'll go somewhere that has no crowds."
Hibari was amused by her persistence. Slowly, his fingers interlocked with hers loosely, while his thumb traced the side of her palm, memorizing the sensation of her skin.
Both seemed to be aware of the intimate moment they were currently having.
Yet neither wanted to say a word about it.
He didn't oppose it, so she assumed that he was fine with her display of affection.
It's a harmless act, so he assumed that she was comfortable with displaying her vulnerability to him.
A buzz from Ayano's skirt pocket caused her to unlock from Hibari's grasp first, grounding herself back to reality. Reading the text from Mina, she quickly typed 'I'll be there in a minute!' before reverting her attention back to him.
"Well, if you'd like to join me that night, you'll find me at this place," she handed him a written address and immediately left the room before he could see the rosy tint that crept up on her cheeks.
"Silly woman," he muttered under his breath. He looked at his palm, already missing her warmth.
Why do I care about her? This question kept reiterating itself. He was confused that he allowed his boundary to expand to the point that, her proximity supplied him with calmness. He should've not let that happen, because the Nicolaou girl was influencing his source of tranquility, which could possibly develop into a weakness—an idea that he absolutely hated.
But what if, she actually became a possible source of strength?
He needed answers to his internal confusion, once and for all.
Two weeks later, it was expectedly loud outdoors. Families and relatives got together, while the children were outside playing in the snow before lunch time.
After all, today was Christmas day.
Unfortunately, Agatha had to fulfill a rotation at the hospital, leaving the teenage Nicolaou to spend the day by herself.
Today was Ayano's first Christmas outside the Vesta house. But she didn't have to feel lonely today. She was invited to spend the day with GM and a few acquaintances she made at the range place. They were going to have a gift exchange game after a small Christmas lunch. They were also going to have a shooting contest—an activity that she was most excited about.
To address her safety, she had already informed GM a few days ago about a hitman's blackmail—omitting the Vongola/mafia part. He admitted, he wasn't sure how the local gang would react upon GM's breach of contract, but he assured her that she would be protected, as long as she played along with GM's "relative" card.
"Young lady, did you hear what I just said?"
Ayano snapped out of her flashback daydream. "Hmmm, could you repeat it, aunt Agatha?" she grinned, while preparing her breakfast avocado toast in her kitchen.
"I said, I thought you mentioned that you wanted to celebrate at the Vesta orphanage?" Agatha's voice drowned from the sound of the brewing coffee machine.
"I contacted Fujioka-san last week, but she never responded."
"Not even a text? That's strange."
Ayano carried her breakfast plate to the dining table. It did concern her that she couldn't get in touch with Tara Fujioka, but she stayed optimistic.
"She might be very busy—she usually is—every holiday season. It's also a far travel. Besides, I made a promise with GM-san today. I will call Fujioka-san before I leave though."
"Okay, sounds good. Just come back home before sunset?"
"I will." Satisfied with going over her plan for the day, Ayano took a bite of her toast, meeting the sight of her aunt's smug look.
"Aunt? What's… funny?"
"Hmm. Nothing. I was trying to figure out if you really are going to the range place or if you've secretly set a date plan with that boy and you just didn't want to tell me…" she winked at the surprised teenager.
Agatha was always updated by her niece about Hibari (exluding the mafia part). And frankly, she was simply… amused.
She did not anticipate that things would turn out this way, because a few months ago, her niece hated his guts.
Now, they were an inch away from being in a relationship.
She was happy for her niece, though. She thought it was cute.
"Aunt! We're not… official, he didn't reject me, but he also didn't give me an answer," the flustered teenager hid her face behind her palms.
"Ugh. Weird sexual tension both of you have."
The flustered Ayano screeched silently. She knew her aunt was joking. But being teased just made her blush even more.
"Aunt, aren't you late for work?" Ayano brought up to dispel her aunt's next tease.
"Nope, but I am about to take off."
"Okay, Merry Christmas aunt Agatha! Dinner and Christmas presents tonight?"
"Of course darling. Have fun today and get home safe."
Ayano hummed as her aunt walked out of the house. When the door fully closed, the adult let out a loud and concerned sigh.
Oh man, that woman is going to be upset once she finds out about this, Agatha scratched her head.
Several more days flew by and tonight, the year was hours from becoming… well, new.
Ayano still hadn't received any responses from Tara Fujioka, which rightfully raised concerns. The lack of response was odd; they had been keeping in touch since she left the orphanage, but this was the first time that the Nicolaou girl couldn't get ahold of her orphanage mother.
However, she stayed positive, hopeful that everything back in Vesta orphanage was fine. For now, she focused her energy on spending the evening with her aunt, who accompanied her to the New Year's Eve festival. Yukata was the traditional attire, but due to the cold weather, everyone dressed warm and bulky instead.
The two Nicolaous enjoyed the night performances, street foods, and other exuberant activities. By 11 pm, Agatha had to go back to the hospital to resume her shift.
"Are you even sure that boy will show up?" Agatha's forehead furrowed in doubt, as she dropped off her niece at a coffee shop that was still open late.
"I think he might, aunt."
"He didn't last time."
"He might," the long-haired girl remained optimistic. Still, there was a high chance that her aunt could be right.
"Well, if he doesn't show up, call this number. Remember my friend, Lily? She is also at the festival and is offering to give you a ride home after the fireworks."
After they parted, Ayano still had 30 minutes until her meeting time with a certain Vongola boy. Their rendezvous spot was the same coffee shop as the one she went to during the wisteria festival. It was situated on a hill that overlooked the whole park, providing a stunning bird's eye view of the entire festival.
Ayano ordered a hot, black tea. When she approached the owner, she was met with a baffled look.
"You came back miss! Although, you look quite different, your hair is longer?" the elder beamed in wonder.
"Pardon?"
"You also didn't have those bangs this afternoon," the elder squinted her eyes, pointing at Ayano's fringe in awe. "Oh, but I'm so glad you enjoyed our special lunch today!"
Ayano was even more confused. "I'm sorry, ma'am, you must have mistaken me for someone else."
The elder stepped forward and took a closer look at the confused teenager's face.
"Oh! My apologies, I thought you were the customer that I had this afternoon. You look similar to her!"
"It's alright, ma'am."
After clearing up the misunderstanding, Ayano got her tea and stayed indoors. It was too cold to wait outside by the balcony; there was still about twenty minutes left before the firework show.
After ten minutes of scrolling through the countless pictures she took on her phone, Ayano suddenly heard a motorcycle pulling up. Curious at the loud motor crank, she turned around to see a figure heading towards the entrance door.
"No… way."
He actually showed up.
"This better be worth my time, herbivore." The familiar voice said as the person took off his helmet inside the café.
"…"
"What?"
"You own a bike?"
"Hn."
Ignoring her snoopy curiosity, the skylark sat across the bewildered girl. After pinching her wrist to make sure she wasn't dreaming, Ayano cleared her throat.
"This place has non-caffeinated teas if you prefer," she awkwardly pointed at the menu.
The owner of the café came back from the staff room, as her warm greeting smile met the detached Hibari.
"Another customer? Welcome! Would you like to have any warm drink, sir?"
"I'm fine," he politely declined. He turned to the window on his right, silently admiring the lively city lights in the midst of cold winter.
There were three minutes left before the end of the year, and the start of a new age.
"So what's your final answer?" he started, not giving any additional context.
But she immediately knew what his question referred to: Reborn's offer.
"I'm going to accept it," her gaze adamantly remained on the steam rising from her teacup.
Hibari crossed his arms and sighed disappointedly. "Terrible decision, really. You won't last."
"You don't have to worry… about me."
She was right, he shouldn't be worrying about her own foolishness.
If only there was some type of assurance that, this girl in front of him, was not a featherless bird anymore, then he wouldn't need to worry about her safety.
If only he knew more about her. Even the toddler mocked him for not knowing enough about Ayano.
But how was he going to figure her out?
"Partnership," he muttered. "Trust, loyalty, and strength. The main elements in a partnership."
Ayano tilted her head in question. "Okay… and?"
"You have those qualities."
"Thank… you?" She scratched her head. "I don't get what you're trying to say, Hibari-san."
"Tsk, I thought you're a smart, Ayano."
Suddenly, both were caught off guard as a colorful stream of lights followed by a loud explosion illuminated the dark sky.
"The fireworks!" Not having enough time to process the sound of her name escaping his lips, Ayano ran out to the balcony. She already missed the countdown, but she wasn't going to miss the fireworks.
Hibari followed his secretary outside. Despite the sub-zero weather outdoors, neither felt the cold. Both were too wonderstruck by the vibrant new-year greeting of the firework show.
From the distance, Hibari could hear the celebration chants down at the festival. He frowned at the large crowd, but his attention returned to the sky. This isn't bad at all, he admitted to himself. Yet the firework taunted him.
It showcased its great power, parading its force like a strong opponent that he wanted to bite to death.
Or maybe he was just a little tired that he started imagining an untouchable firework being personified into a strong enemy.
When is this ending? His impatience slowly appeared, even though the firework had only been going for 5 minutes. His attention then turned to the girl to his left.
She, on the other hand, had been fixated on the sky's spectacle. The sky's sparkles reflected on her cloudy gray eyes, with an overjoyed expression that never left her face—he wondered about how his cheeks would have cramped if he attempted to smile for that long.
"Happy new year, Hibari-san," her voice was masked by the firework explosion, but it successfully projected its way to him.
New year. Only a few more months left with her, he emphasized in his head. The sky was multi-colored, but that thought made him only feel the color of blue.
After the grand finale of the firework show, the sky faded back to black. The Vongola cloud guardian went back inside first, and soon she followed.
"So, was that worth your time, Hibari-san?" Ayano pondered, while at the same time, she texted her aunt's friend for a ride home.
"I'd still rather be asleep right now," he lied. The Nicolaou girl sighed at his expected answer.
The two returned to their table to collect their belongings and were interrupted by a sudden reappearance of the owner.
"Did you two share a new year's kiss?" the elder blurted out.
Ayano accidentally dropped her phone on the floor after hearing such a flustering question.
"No, ma'am! We're just… classmates," her face became warmer than her tea, taking a quick glimpse at her chairman whom was unaffected by the elder's comment.
"Oh, I just assumed that you two were dating, forgive me, I'm just a romantic grandma!" The owner walked away giggling, leaving the two seated in an awkward silence.
Someone had to break the silence. So Hibari did. "You. Are you not going home soon?"
"My aunt's friend… she's picking me up soon." She was going to ask him if he was about to leave, but she needed him to stay a little longer to continue an important conversation.
"Hibari-san. So about what you said earlier," Ayano mumbled, before raising her volume a little so that her message was delivered clearly. "I thought we already have that partnership thing going on, being that I am your secretary."
Indeed, she was right. But he wanted to clarify that the connection was weak and needed improvement—an odd excuse so that he could to get to know her… on a personal level.
"It could be improved."
"Then, do you want to… try a different type of partnership?" she met his metallic gaze.
"Explain," his eyes narrowed.
"You said, partnership has three foundation: trust, loyalty and strength. What if we add, affection, as another element?"
"Affection?"
"I know that you might think it as a weakness. But it could be a source of strength instead, once we both get to know each other better."
Her response echoed the internal confusion that Hibari had been seeking answers for, which made him finally realize that his past behavior toward her was his method of displaying his approval—or fondness—of her.
He had been reciprocating her displays of affection recently. Maybe because he wanted all of her, and that his confusion stemmed from refusing to acknowledge his feelings… as he perceived it to be a weakness when it could be seen as a strength instead.
In that case, maybe, there was no internal confusion, at all?
Maybe he had been in a big denial this whole time.
He wanted her to be his, hence why he cared for her and wanted to protect her at all cost… so that the image of her disappearing from his sight wouldn't frighten him anymore but instead, the separation would make him even stronger.
How convenient that I found my answers on the first day of a new age? Hibari exhaled an invisible weight off his shoulders. He closed his eyes; he knew exactly what Ayano was suggesting.
"You want us to be in a romantic relationship?" he crossed his arms and re-locked his gaze on her. Although, the more he fancied that idea, the more his mind felt clearer.
This was what he wanted: a way to know her better.
"Well, you mentioned before that I was never rejected," she inhaled the uncertainty of the current atmosphere. Part of her was afraid to hear an actual rejection—the dreaded 'No I don't like you' phrase.
"You're a tolerable companion."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"What else would it mean, Ayano?"
They were back at it again, with his vague answer, leaving her to solve his response like a prompt from the Wheel-of-Fortune game. However, there was a strong sense of confirmation from his words, as if he actually agreed to enter a relationship with her.
Wait.
Maybe it was indeed, a confirmation?
From the corner of her eyes, the Nicolaou girl saw a car pulling over outside. At the same time, she received a text from Lily, telling her that she had arrived to pick her up. The skylark saw her phone screen lit, indicating that it was time for her to leave.
"Uhm… so are we a… well, I mean… my ride is here," she managed to form a semi-coherent sentence while the butterflies went crazy in her stomach.
He followed her outside and didn't remove his gaze on her until she was inside the car. She waved at him and mouthed the word 'bye' as Lily drove away, and just like that she was out of his sight.
Soon after, Hibari wore his helmet and started the engine of his motorcycle. Behind his protective gear was a smile he'd probably never ever show to anyone.
Any thoughts? Please leave a comment!