Chapter 7
Kahoko stepped back as she looked at the corner of her eyes. She paled. "A-h, maybe l-later, I'll clean your room first."
Letting her guard down, Kazuki unceremoniously pushed her nevertheless made sure not harsh to throw her small body away.
In her shock she hadn't had the strength to sprint at the shutting door. "Kazuki-san!" he heard her voice loud rather irritated.
"Kaho that's unfair you said you'll clean every room, I won't let you in if you don't clean my brother's room first." Kazuki demanded behind the door.
He heard another scream, in some case he never thought she was that bold in expressing her feelings. "Ok, but promise me you'll let me in, as soon as I finish cleaning his room."
Again he never thought about this, he gulped first before he answered. "P-promise."
Kazuki melted from his stance feeling too stupid of forgetting such plan b for her advent later.
Simultaneously Kahoko gulped in the bitter tang of anxiety, she feared even nearing in that white door akin to hers. "Ah! L-Len-san?" she knocked at the door.
A creak of an opening door on its own welcomed her. She coughed what she tended to gulp earlier. By hook or by crook this house is creepy, and it made her regret more this volunteering idea?
"H-hello," she muttered with difficulty as she was still affected with the prior episode.
Silence chilled her…
"Now or never, you can do it Kaho."
She walked in, inhaling the familiar scent she always came across. She blushed. Kaho, what are you thinking.
She restrained herself shaking her head as if perchance would make her rubbed out the flashback bustle.
"Where is he?" she looked side by side. "Oh! Is that his violin?" she asked herself at the same time swept towards the side table as she cluttered all her things on the floor.
"So Kawaii, I haven't seen one in closer look, Sugoi! How can I make it work?" she rocked the violin on her little hands. There was no doubt he most probably kill her for that.
"What… on earth are you doing here?"
She flinched as the voice trailed in her psyche. Somehow the tone of the voice automatically caused her to look back. Never thinking of how she would regret it later.
"I-I'm here to clean your room…eep! Sorry." She swirled away. Why? Why? Stupid Kahoko! Stupid! "W-would you please be more decent?" she closed her eyes.
His fine brows twitched in frustration way far from irritation. "What did you say?"
Still closed eye, Kahoko struggled to place the violin on its previous position and hesitantly gazed at the lad.
"Y-You should…" she averted her look, time after time her face turning redder than before, gosh this is difficult. "Wear some shirt!"
Len narrowed his eyes as brisk as possible, he started walking, and "That is what I am going to do…." he hissed.
It was not his fault, he left his room with not even a soul was there, simply to take a bath and when he got out he saw the 'annoyance' he considered, holding his violin. It was his room and his private bathroom, he never expected anyone.
"B-but…" Kahoko lowered her sight which it landed in the cluttered things. "W-wait!" she shouted.
Sadly he was too enraged, he ignored her.
"W-what's this?" he tried not to step in any odd looking things on the floor. Obviously he was still mad that he hadn't think of walking at the other side instead.
"I told you so," Kahoko responded sauntering toward him.
"Get this garbage out of my—" he demanded however his feet met the laying dust pan drawing it up as it staggered his feet.
Kahoko tried to stop his leaning body, as her hands touched his chest not to mention bare chest. She drew back her hands afterwards.
"Kahoko, Kazuki-san said you're in….what the—"
A loud thud of pain echoed the room.
~NeKo Meow~
"Ryoutarou, eat your lunch," Manami said shoving the plate to him.
The lad gazed at her, suppressing the anonymous sensation inside him. "Manami, do…you…know…what happ…happ," Ryoutarou endeavoring every might he had, he sucked all air in his lungs and maintained in his statement. "Happened?"
Manami glared at him apparently she was holding back something within her as well, in alternative she ignored him. "Eat your lunch instead."
He glimpsed at his so not not unloved brother eating quietly, he pursed his lips, and then he glanced at Kahoko. The poor girl stared back though as he kept on looking she started shrinking on her chair.
He gazed back to his brother, he couldn't take it any longer, and his tightly pursed lips couldn't hold to any further extent, on time with the silence Ryoutarou guffawed out loud.
"What happened to your face?" Ryoutarou mocked accusingly at his brother.
Len brought down his spoon and glared at him.
"So cool! I didn't know Kahoko is such an amazing artist." Ryoutarou shifted to Kahoko.
She mentally giggled nervously. Very funny Ryoutarou-kun but still now how I thanked Kami for allowing me to live. I thought I wouldn't leave that room alive otherwise handicapped if I still survive. She mulled over.
"Oh! That was so real, erh… I mean yeah it's real…really painful. How did you put your hand print on his face? That was great Kaho, I really love this view." He laughed again.
Len gave him another death glared nonetheless this guy was too entertained to care.
"Now, now kids, stop it this instant. Eat your lunch and…" Mr. Shouzaburou butted and transferred his gaze at Kahoko. "Can I talk to you later?" he intoned.
Kahoko nodded, deep inside she was nervous. Who would not be? She just slapped this old not to mention most influential man's grandson with no obvious, logical reason merely an accident. What would she do? Reflexes did everything… they didn't know… she sighed.
As a dull sound converged into the floor simultaneous to their tumble, Kahoko groaned in pain as Len's forehead hit her shoulder. He propped up his elbow, supporting his weight as both their eyes met. Kahoko suddenly found herself losing of breath. They remained still, surprised.
"Kahoko, Kazuki-san said you're in….what the—"
She felt he tried to get up however as he searched for a place for support, he perchance brushed his hand at her right leg. "Eep!"
As soon as he got up, Kahoko did the same thing yet her hand moved on its own, somehow, seeking to meet his face. And yes it met his face in rather firm.
"Oh! Shoot!"
Kahoko's consciousness came to process after those words. She looked at the person who said that and back to the lad.
He was glaring like she wouldn't live another second long. She stood up hurriedly. "S-sorry, sorry, sorry!..." she didn't know how many times she said that, countless maybe but one thing for sure it worked, though she was unsure if it was the apology or her unrestrained hand did that.
"Maybe something snapped in his head." she still had the guts to joke.
As he as well stood up, Kahoko paused from her trance.
"Manami!" She muttered dragging the girl as they stormed out the room.
"Hey, Kaho? Are you finished?"
She blinked her eyes first before transferring her gazed at that someone. "Manami…yes," she muttered yet doubtful, did she heard it right? Or does she make herself look stupider.
"You should just say so, here let me handle this, Mr. Shouzaburou wants to talk to you." Manami cocked her head as she held the dishes.
"D-d-do I have to?"
Manami smiled, it was cleared that the crimson haired lass was more than nervous, to make it to the fullest Manami went along with the situation. "Tsk… Kaho, why did you do that in the first place," she prompted.
"I-it's an accident…"
Manami heard her voice started to quiver; she turned on her back and smiled.
"Well you have to go now." Manami's smile grew wider as it contorted into a smirk. "I suppose he's kinda round the bend, he was shouting to this guy earlier," she maintained. Well of course he does…Third floor duh!
The poor redheaded nodded faintly and walked like there wasn't any tomorrow left in her life, if anything might happen it would not change that she shared some faults in her earlier action.
She stalked down in front of her new fearing door, how she feared doors nowadays but rather who would she see behind it was another story. She inhaled before knocking as she might need that in any case.
"You may come in," the voice trailed.
"A-ah, Mr. Shouzaburou, Manami told me you wants to—"
"Yes, you may sit in the chair," the old man intoned pointing at the vacant sit.
His tone was totally serious, perhaps since he seemed to be struggling to be serious.
Kahoko bit her lower lip to avoid the trembling it caused as she bowed her head and complied with the old man.
As she was settled in her position the old man cleared his throat. "Kahoko, about earlier…"
Kahoko tightly writhed her fingers. She nodded and tore a look at the old man, heck I'm seriously in a big… big trouble… "When will I leave?"
"Soon after this conversation…"
"I understand, thank-" she paused as her spectacles landed at the man.
His shoulder was shaking along with his gritting teeth. "S-sorry, but I think I should leave now. Thank you for your kindness." Kahoko initiated to stand.
"Kahoko where are you going? We haven't finished yet."
The despaired Kahoko turned back, "It is much better if I leave now before I—"
"You misunderstood me dear," Mr. Shouzaburou muttered. In Kahoko's enigmatic senses the old man laughed likewise what Ryoutarou did earlier.
"I didn't say that you have to leave my house. What I'm trying to say is you can leave after we finish our conversation."
"But… about what I did to L—"
"It was an accident and rather amusing," he chuckled once more.
"Aren't you mad?"
The old man shook his head.
"Uhm, aren't you mad? It's my fault actually…." Kahoko went on.
"Of course not, it was been a long time since this home haven't had those amusing moments furthermore a person who had the courage to do that to my grandson…maybe you both can get along well." he laughed out loud.
"Heh! What?" Seriously? He knows how that arrogant guy treats me rather threat me in some cases.
The old guy smiled at her as if he knew what was in her mind. "Well, he gives you a different treatment other than us," he murmured.
"I'm sorry but… can you repeat it?"
"No it's nothing, you can go now…."
"O-ok…."
Kahoko turned her back as she posted to take her leave until her spectacle met a picture frame resting at the book shelf. She hadn't noticed it when she was cleaning.
She paused and gazed to its direction.
Knowing what she was looking, Mr. Shouzaburou chuckled and stood from his chair as well. "Ah! Isn't she beautiful?"
Kahoko glanced back at him and nodded. "Yes," she said.
"She is my daughter."
His voice sounded proud and at the same time Kahoko could feel the sadness. The sadness of losing something very important that even time could not bring back to existence. It couldn't be?
What she saw, was eerie, how familiar it was. She already encountered this kind of eyes though she knew it was beyond, but still, there was a big similarity if she could just make him smile.
She looked back at the old man, confused.
The old man laughed matter-of-factly. "Yes, if you're thinking the same as I," he simply responded.
"So I'm right, she is…" Kahoko approached the picture frame. "It was really her…"
Everything about Len's surrounding made him annoyed. Things he could record the girl's presence made him more irritated. It's all because of her. He gritted his teeth.
He turned to the stairs she foolishly fell without of her consent as he became her savior yet what did she do? His mind simmered in anger. Indeed, she is one of a kind.
He turned to the third floor making his way to his room, which by now he bore in mind staying beside her room was a living hell.
"This is ridiculous, absurd…"
Len stopped.
"It's been a long time…" his grandfather said to his companion.
The girl chuckled. "I can make a tea for you if you wanted."
"That's a good idea…I'll be at the garden then." Mr. Shouzaburou smiled as he passed to his grandson. "Ah! Good afternoon son."
The girl beside him jumped and hid herself behind Mr. Shouzaburou. Doing all she could do, just to hide herself from Len.
"Kahoko, are you alright?" Mr. Shouzaburou looked over his shoulder.
"I-I'm fine." She turned her back to Len before she sprinted away.
Headache…headache…headache. In a succession he managed to utter it without stuttering. He opened his door and closed it
Len dived to his bed, back facing the cozy comforter.
Len dear, why don't you thank your auntie?
"I already did that, mother…"
"Nah-uh, don't be grumpy. You have to smile a little bit."
"But?"
"Len, do you really want to thank them?"
"Of course."
"You have to say it wholeheartedly. Trust me, it feels better if you do that. Smile dear."
The five year old Len sighed in defeat and walked to his relative. It was his fifth birthday as his entire relatives, whether he like it or not, were there. "Thank you…" he said bowing in front of them.
"Ah! What a nice boy," the said aunt commented patting his head.
Little Len raised his head and gleamed the brightest smile he could ever lend. His mother was telling the truth, somehow smiling made him feel better and appreciated even the simplest action he had.
"So how does it feel?" Len heard his mother when he approached her.
"Uhm…" he squirmed his finger.
"What is it Len?"
"Am I a nice boy, mother?"
The lady lifted him up and hugged him. "Of course dear."
"Is that true?"
The lady chuckled. "Dear, you are…"
"Are you happy?"
The lady gazed at her son.
"Len, simplest thing is the most wonderful thing to do. Your smile will make me happy," the lady said caressing his cheek.
Len looked at his mother. "So you're telling me if I smile, you'll be happy?"
The lady smiled. "Certainly, I'll always be…dear."
He closed his eyes for the matter of fact that his eyelid grew heavy. He positioned himself comfortably in the bed and went back to slumber.
Another display came in his mind.
LEN!
"Why can't you tell me the truth?" little Len sobbed.
"Dear, please, it's not the right time. You don't understand."
"No!"
"I want to see… I want see…him," he cried more, sprinting out of the mansion.
"Dear wait!"
"Misa!"
A searing shriek somehow deafened the poor boy's ear as it echoed in the whole ground, how it was unreal in his innocent eyes. He was pushed back severely in the pavement, panting for his own life, knees could not avail to stand and golden eyes welled crystal water cornering his vision.
His knees decorated with various kinds of bruises however it didn't par with what his heart was suffering. It was painful; the pain, a little boy like him should hardly acquaint of.
He desired to close his eyes but he couldn't. He wished for somebody to come at least until as his grandfather hugged him tightly to his arm attempting to avert the little boy's gaze just to look at him and nothing more.
The boy complied staring at his grandfather, scared and shaking. For that instant the tear welling in his eyes flowed down without of his consent, he hugged his grandfather tightly and in words he cried.
He merely couldn't take it… He was who …
It was his fault…
Len opened his eyes as he notice the warm salty waters flowing to his pastel cheek.
He wiped the sign and symbol of emotion of the past he had. How he most wanted to shutter all those memories, pay no heed to the pain it caused however his heart mocked him more, simply to push him deeply in sorrow.
So you're telling me if I smile, you'll be happy?
The hand resting in his cheek slammed in his bed, clenching his fist into ball as his knuckles drained out of its natural color.
He tried to calm his raging feeling.
It's worthless? He exhaled.
He removed himself at the palate of distress as he browsed his surroundings.
The golden orange light he had previously seen was succumbed in the nocturnal darkness.
He yawned, he had slept yet his mind was stressed.
He exited his room and went downstairs to calm himself in some way. Up until the kitchen door where he had heard some rustle behind the oak entrance.
"Who's there?" he asked, opening the door wide.
A form of a girl engaged in her business met his eyes.
"You?"
Since the girl had a familiar flaming locks flowing down to her shoulder she was easily distinguished. As his word reached her ear, out of the blue she dropped the mug she was holding.
Len closed his eyes, trying not to notice the screeching mug meeting the floor. He sighed and turned around. This place would just make him more restless.
"Ah! L-Len-san wait!" she trailed however she decided more to clean the mess she made before following the lad.
She wiped the chocolate stain in the floor and went to look for the lad. Her feet came to a halt as she perceived the lad in the terrace, mulling over. "Len-san are you al—" she trailed off.
What's wrong with him? Kahoko's first question misted to her head.
The word loss engraved to his concealed action, an emotional turmoil enveloping his atmosphere.
Kahoko stepped.
She paused and contemplated more. What could she do? No, she was not aware of everything; she must not draw another farther.
Heavy exhale left her lungs but still… "I should not. I know…." she knew… the pain he was yielding at. She felt the same way before.
Her grandmother, her parents flashed to her reverie. "Yes, I know…" she turned around. Perhaps he needed to be alone, a space for a while, perhaps she would approach him later.
Time passed as she went back again, holding a tray as she walked with caution towards him.
He didn't move a bit, hands still supporting his somewhat heavy head but Kahoko could tell he pacified a bit.
She cleared her throat. "Uhm… L-Len-san?" she prompted, acquiring his attention.
Len gazed at her, wearing his mask of sternness. He hid it again, the emotion he just freely lit earlier.
"What is it?" his voice was cold, quite colder than before.
"You…see you're ah…" she paused searching for the right word to utter. "…Uh! Here, I made tea for you," she said instead.
She saw him lamenting around thus she thought of cheering him up… quite simple nonetheless she knew he wouldn't care.
Len gazed at her, dubiously.
"It's edible." She chuckled while rubbing her nape. How there he thinks I'll poison him, I must say I'm here to cheer him up, not that. Her side-self muttered.
The said lad grunted and grabbed the cup of tea.
"Why are you here?" his rigid voice inquired.
Well this is the terrace, take note the second floor terrace. He doesn't have the authority to forbid her to go there. She wanted to verbalize yet she silently smiled and sat in the vacant chair instead.
She knew what he could do afterwards and besides he was too poignant to piss more. "Well, I see you all alone so I thought of joining you. And— Hey! You asked me a question but you're not interested to my answer."
"Sorry, may I rephrase it?" he asked and she nodded. "You don't have any business here. You can take your leave."
Not what she desired to hear. "Well sorry, but I won't." She firmly stated.
The guy ignored her as usual and sipped some tea. He paused and once more glanced at her, eyes bearing such inquisitive product.
Kahoko suppressed the chuckle lumping in her throat. She gulped and gazed at the never-ending night sky. "Mr. Shouzaburou said you like teas so I made one for you." She stared back at him. "Do you like it?" she asked, artlessly.
Len didn't respond simply training his golden eyes fixed at her. Who is this girl, for real? In how many times he lent the infamous cold and rather threatening treatment but still, she remained unaffected.
He heaved a sigh of defeat, "What do you want?" he asked.
"Uhm… honestly I'm here to ask if you're ok."
His eyes dilated. Did she know…?
"I know you're bothered, you can't deny it to me. Instead you can tell me your problem." Her respond answered his question.
"There's nothing bothering me apart from you," he coldly replied.
She sighed which made Len somehow surprised. "I can't predict this girl…"
"Like what I said, you are. Don't deny what obviously can be seen," she informed. She assured he was looking at her before she flashed her moving smile.
For the first time Len averted his eyes. He grimaced inwardly. How pathetic he was. So what if she smiled, it didn't matter… nonetheless it mattered to him.
She gasped. Len gazed back at her, surprised as well.
"What—" he trailed off as a warm hand touched his cheek.
"Aha! Does it still hurt? I'm terribly sorry Len-san." Kahoko caressed his cheek. She felt really guilty for doing it without a reason.
She lowered her head. "I'm really sorry…."
Len simply ogled at her, confused… why is she suddenly became dismal? And in spite of it, there she was, cheering him up…"Why are you doing this?" those words drew to his lips without of his awareness, his hand drawing closer to her hand.
It stopped and held her hand which was still in his cheek.
Kahoko snapped from her despaired stance and gaped at him for a long paused before towing her hand away from his grasp.
He didn't give her another chance. Len pulled her closer enough for him to rest his head on her shoulder.
"Len are you alright?" she asked.
Bolts of electricity ran through her spine, same as her hitching breath.
"Do I look like I am?" he retaliated.
He had to admit he needed someone right now however this someone made him more confuse.
"Why do you keep on doing that? I can't understand a thing…" he mumbled.
Kahoko suspended her free hand in the air, heart hammering faster. She took an ample of air before responding him. "What do you mean?" she queried.
"Why do you have to be selfless? You have your own problem why do you seek others?"
Kahoko smiled, he never saw it but he could sense that she just smiled. "Why do keep on smiling?" he whispered.
"Because I feel better whenever I'm smiling, it takes away my sadness…and…I thought smiling would make others feel better too." She allocated her hand to rest on his back. "Did you know it is the simplest thing to make people happy?" She went on. "And I thought of doing it to make you feel…happy."
Len raised his head and gazed at her. Her words sounded familiar; too familiar it gave a trace of acrimony within him.
His golden eyes met her golden ones, quite in proximity. Breath mingling with each other though they hadn't notice since their senses fixed directly just to each other's eyes, reading and scrutinizing every glimmer it implying.
Kahoko tried to free her sealed hand from him and drew it nearer to his face, making a light caress as if comforting him. He closed his eyes and leaned his head on hers.
The sudden infinity of spell was razed by someone's footsteps, hauling them out of their trance.
Kahoko, who first realized their proximity, flinched back from her chair, causing her little form to fell on the floor.
Her cheeks glowed to such deep crimson. Why am I feeling this? She asked, as she pressed her chest as if sooner or later her heart would pound out literally.
The footsteps stopped just ahead of them. Kahoko had to purse her lips to stifle the gasp.
The owner of those steps cleared his throat and chuckled. "Are you two still fighting? And son… why do you let Kahoko sit in the floor?" the man behind Kahoko muttered.
Len slapped himself mentally and wore another mask of impassiveness before transferring his look at the table and back to his grandfather. "No we're not."
The old man raised his delicate brow and shifted his stare at the girl, seeking for a proper and well detailed explanation.
Knowing what the old man was querying about, Kahoko stood up hurriedly even not caring to dust her short. "Ah… I saw Len-san here so I brought tea for him…"
"And why are you sitting in the floor?" the old man folded his arms.
"She's too irrational, foolish and I may as well add clumsy that she fell on the chair," Len shot back.
Kahoko scowled at the younger lad. After all she had done… She huffed "Is that how to thank the person who brought tea for you?"
"I did not instruct you to bring one."
Kahoko clenched her fist into ball and opened it again. "You're so awful!" she sauntered toward him.
Len's brow twitched after hearing that, he likewise glared at her. "Who are you to call me such imprudent word?"
"But you are…"
Len rose from his sit, towering the girl in front of him. Kahoko stepped back as the lad stepped forward.
"You two, stop bickering…. It is already late why don't you two get some sleep and settle this tomorrow," Mr. Shouzaburou pried in.
Len heaved a sigh and passed to his grandfather. It was better to lounge to his bed than to let himself waste another time.
"I was planning to thank you but I realized I should not be." Was he said when he passed to her. "Perhaps another time…" yet he decided to share it to himself.
Kahoko watched him until he disappeared to the stairs.
Her heartbeat started to wheeze again in no logical reason… she settled by shrugging it all but it didn't budge. "What's wrong with me?" she whispered while she ran her slender fingers in her cheeks. Somehow it felt burning.