21: Rain
Sojun found Sakura dancing around the gardens the next morning, rain pouring down from the cloudy gray sky. He smiled slightly and leaned against a pillar, watching his daughter splash about. She spotted him a few minutes later, eyes widening in surprise. "Father!"
He laughed. "Yes, Daughter?"
She grinned and skipped over to him, her yukata drenched. "I didn't think anyone would be up this early."
"Well, I did not think you would be up this early either, but I guess we're both wrong in that respect," he replied, smoothing her soaked hair from her forehead.
"Good point," she conceded with a smile, then shivered slightly.
"Are you cold?" Sojun asked, concern in his voice. "Come inside, Sakura. You need to dry off." Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he led her inside the manor.
xXx
Ginrei walked in as Sakura and Sojun were walking into the house. Upon seeing the drenched Sakura, his face darkened with disapproval. "What have you been doing, Sakura?" His voice was chastising.
"Um…" Sakura wasn't sure what to say. She had always been aware that her grandfather hated when she played in the rain, saying that it was 'unbecoming of a noble'. However, she found it immensely refreshing. "It's raining."
Ginrei looked at her, irritated. "I'm aware. You were outside in the rain, were you not?"
Sakura opened her mouth to speak again, but Sojun spoke up in her stead. "I'm afraid it was my fault. You see, I wanted Sakura to show me the gardens this morning. However, it started raining on the way, so we had to turn back."
Ginrei's eyes narrowed. "Then why are you dry, Sojun?"
Sojun looked around sheepishly, at a loss. Ginrei sighed and waved them away. "Go, go. Sakura, dry off, and be sure not to catch a chill."
Sojun and Sakura walked out. As soon as Ginrei was out of earshot, they burst into laughter.