A/N:

Hi guys, I am really sorry for not updating much. Life has been busy, and I did some crossover work for Akagami Shirayuki. I have completed one multi-chapter series and another is ongoing.

I intend to finish this, but pardon me if I took some time to do it.

This and the next chapter will be one of the longest once ever written. I can't decide whether I wanted to chop it up into smaller chapters. I eventually decided against it. More to preserve the mood I was in when I wrote this.

Do check out this manga if you happen to just stumble upon my work. I may be putting some spoilers here, so be warned!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my ramblings here.

Into the Mouth of a Lion

I bowed my head awkwardly in greeting. Yukichi Kumamoto continued to stand there, staring at me. He wasn't frowning, nor was he smiling. He probably just wasn't expecting to find me lurking in a corner of his home like some creepy stalker.

I felt my cheeks grow warm in embarrassment. I knew I shouldn't be here. What the hell am I thinking?

For a moment the silence between us grew.I can sense that I am an unwanted visitor, so I decided not to be persistent. I don't mind retreating for now. Afterall, I didn't expect today of all days that I will find myself standing a few meters outside her home.

I opened my mouth. But I wasn't expecting Yukichi to do the same.

"I was worried so I came." My explanation came out in a sheepish way.

"Come with me and stay for dinner." Came out his unexpected invitation.

I was about to turn and take my leave when his invitation finally registered.

"Uh.. what?" I asked, incredulous, though to be honest, feeling like a first class idiot.

Yukichi shrugged nonchalantly. "I kind of figured I should be expecting you one of these days."

"Really?" I tilted my head skeptically, heart beating with hope.

"Of course. You're a troublemaker. And I always wondered how long will you stay away from her." His tone sounded disapproving.

My hopes were instantly dashed to the ground by his words. It sounded like he is still against my pursue of his niece. And it didn't help when he emphasized it with the next explanation.

"Yes. I don't like you influencing my niece. But at the same time, I find, to my displeasure, that I sort of don't mind having you around my niece."

I frowned at his contradicting sentences. What is he saying?

"I wasn't right for her." I said slowly. "I am too old for her. The difference in our ages is 10 years." As if that wasn't enough to convince him? What am I doing? I should be convincing him I on my side, not the other way around.

He nodded in agreement. "You are correct. But then, I personally think, a mature person best suits her."

"But a highschool professor and a student.." my voice trailed off.

"Will always be definitely not the best combination; for the moment." He added like some after thought. Yukichi began to walk towards his home, taking small, measured steps. I fell in step, compelled to follow him, the desire to know more about his cryptic comments intrigued me.

"What do you mean for the moment?" I asked, afraid to hear his answer. I don't want to get my hopes up again. Yukichi has bashed me enough to bruise my ego that has yet to recover. But still, my feelings are somewhat bolstered by what Yuyuka Nekota mentioned to me earlier.

He gave an exasperated sigh when he saw my puzzled expression. "Suzume is smart, though most people doesn't realize it. It just takes her some time to figure things out. But she's not downright stupid. She's sensitive and remarkable with the way she picks up vibes and stuff. I wouldn't mind surrounding her with older, mature people to influence her in a positive way. Except I wasn't expecting you to fall for her. She's changed a lot since you broke up with her. Although on some days, I thought she's okay. Most of the time, she's very… How should I put it? She's quiet. A little gloomy perhaps. But I'd like to think she's growing up. And the more I try to understand what's going on around her, the more I am convinced that's it's only a matter of time before she grows up and start making her own decisions. And I won't be able to stop her once she decides something for herself."That was the longest speech Yukichi ever gave about someone.

I fell silent at this. I was right about Suzume undergoing a change after I hurt her. I am not sure whether I should be happy about this or not. Because it may mean that whatever she feels for me, may have undergone some changes too.

"Look, Satsuki. I really, really like you as a friend. You are a good guy, diligent and stubborn at times. And you are smart and loyal. I don't doubt that you'll be successful in your career path. Hell, you're on your way to establishing yourself as a good teacher and example for today's youth."

"But?" I couldn't help but ask for it.

Yukichi gave an ungentlemanly snort and continued. "But you're a real ass for taking advantage of my niece and playing with her feelings. I don't mind if you wait for her, if you want things to work out. At least, let her graduate first before your push your luck again. I want Suzume to make her decisions on her own and decide what she wants in the future. I want her to make up her own mind and take control of her life without any influence from you."

Call it magic
Cut me into two
And with all your magic
I disappear from view

A lot of things went through my mind. I know Yukichi is right. I shouldn't be selfish with her. I have the priviledge of living my life as I wanted to be, experiencing all the heartaches and the triumphs that came with my personal journey of self-discovery. I wouldn't be here now, if I didn't persevere and went through the grueling trials life has to offer. Why should I deny Suzume the same thing just because I am older than her and wanted to make her all mine? It was really selfish of me. Seriously. But at the same time, even if I do decide to stay away from her and let her experience all things life has to offer, I couldn't help but selfishly wanted to be part of it with her.

And I can't get over
Can't get over you
Still I call it magic
You're such a precious jewel

When we turned to the corner and back again to the main street, Daiki Mamura is nowhere to be found. I guess he went back after visiting her.

The tightness in my chest continued to burrow deep. Despite this unexpected talk with Yukichi, I am still standing at a crossroad. I will only know my path for certain after I talk to her. And only after I can finally learn if I still have a chance.

A/N: As the same with Chapter 13, "Magic" song was taken from Ghost Stories album by Coldplay. I will continue to use this song as a theme when I was writing Chapters 13 to 18.

Let me know what you think.