89. Because

602 Words

Satsuki did not realise she had blurted the word aloud until she noticed Ken's arched brow and heard him return the question.

"What do you mean by 'Why'?"

Her jaw dropped and eyes widened. Then, she blushed furiously.

"Never mind, I was just talking to myself," she muttered hurriedly, before she turned and briskly walked away.

She had made it to the edge of the clearing, past the cameras and the crew, when he caught up to her. A strong hand wrapped around her wrist, ending her attempt to escape. He spun her around. She stared at her feet, unable to meet his eyes as his grip eased and his voice demanded an explanation. His tone was surprisingly gentle, but also firm. It had not been a request.

She shifted uncomfortably, unsure where to begin.

"You remember those three girls you rescued me from? My high school classmates…"

Ken nodded, and the memory made his anger flare up. He knew that something from her past was still paining her.

"You were already acting in dramas when you were in high school," Satsuki said in a soft voice, "so I don't think you can really understand, but I hated high school. Those girls never passed a chance to pick on me. I was on the volleyball team; I was an athlete and a tomboy, and awkward and gangly. My figure didn't really start filling out until I was entering my twenties."

She wrapped her arms around her, seeking comfort in the gesture.

"Like I said on our first night here, during the guessing game… I've never had a boyfriend. I wasn't feminine enough, I guess, I had plenty of guy friends, but no one ever asked me out. Even in college. I've never even been on an actual date. My first kiss was with you!" she confessed, pain evident in her voice. Her nails were digging into the fabric of her school uniform. "No one has ever been interested in me. So I don't understand what you want from me! Why do you keep flirting with me? You of all people! You shouldn't even notice I exist!"

Silence fell, during which Ken regarded the beautiful woman before him. She still refused to look at him and was breathing heavily after her outburst.

"You have this aura of innocence around you. I suppose that makes most men see you as a friend, regard you more as a sister than as a woman," Ken spoke at last.

Satsuki's heart fell and her shoulders slumped.

"You are different from other women, Yukino-san. You command attention without seeking it. And to me, this innocence of yours is addicting. It makes me want to both corrupt you and protect you."

Satsuki bit her lip, hesitantly peering at him under her lashes.

"Whether you believe it or not, Yukino-san, you are strong. I respect you for your persistence. And contrary to your personal conviction, you are a very attractive woman. How could I not notice you?"

He hooked his finger under her chin, tilting her face up, forcing her wide blue eyes to meet his amber ones.

She saw no amusement in them this time, no predatory gleam either. Only sincerity.

"I wish you could see what I see," he murmured gently. He leaned in, placing a single, soft kiss on top of her head. Satsuki didn't even feel his lips, since she was still dressed up as 'Kagome' and wearing a wig, but she could sense the sheer comfort of the simple gesture.

Then he turned and walked away, leaving her alone with her confusion and mixed feelings.