I don't suppose flooding rooms with tears of remorse will appease the readers? However, I do find it necessary for me to reason. In short... work, unhelpful colleagues and months of struggling to come to terms with the fact that my life is a nightmare. Writing is my only form of comfort and escape. Despite everything, I have realised that it's time to build a new path.
I am pleased to see that the story still gets some clicks everyday. Thank you everyone for the support. As it's been a long time since the last update, here's a brief summary of chapter 29:
At a Christmas charity event, Akemi met the host who resembled a kid from her past that triggered a series of awful memories. Atobe discovered it was someone she once befriended in primary school who bullied her. Joel was the name. Atobe assured her that he've never heard of Joel Cuthbert in their host's family. At a mountain resort in Hokkaido, Akemi received a surprise Christmas present, along with an invitation letter to a New Year's Day Gala hosted by the Atobe family. On the day she returned home, Atobe whisked her away to his manor. He suddenly ran off is search of a missing person, who turned out to be his grandmother.
29th December
Atobe Manor
As soon as Michael called, Atobe – cursing the bad timing – made a sharp U-turn. He should have waited at the gazebo instead of wandering off.
He left Akemi alone.
Now… she's in grave danger.
Above his head, the wisteria sky stretched endlessly as far as his eyes could see. His vision was briefly shrouded in a kaleidoscopic explosion of white and lilac when he glanced up. Behind the heavily adorned pergola, the pointed form of a roof flitted between views.
Atobe pushed on.
He ran and ran, as if his life rested on the gushing adrenaline in his bloodstream. His muscular legs propelled him like a human canon ball. The speed wouldn't match one in reality, but the impact from a collision could potentially crack a skull (his) or two (his + unsuspecting soul).
Deep blue eyes narrowed against the strengthening glare. The tunnel's end was drawing ever closer.
Atobe skidded to a halt under a stone archway, hand flying out to grab the structure for support. Blood pounded in his ears. He swept his wind-ragged hair back to its natural sweeping look. The air was thick with the smell of freshly baked pastries and tea, and merriment. He threw a glance across the small courtyard.
As rigid as the gazebo, Michael was hovering in the shadows like a restless phantom. He watched over the three ladies sat around the food laden table.
The noirette was among them. Safe, unscathed.
Atobe bit back a sigh of relief. Too early for respite, his intuition had warned.
"That is so like Keigo-san! I can imagine him doing that. He hasn't changed at all!"
What started out as a leisure walk, swiftly turned into an angry march towards the gazebo.
His fervent strides alerted all four, but it was Saeko who acknowledged him first.
"Oh, Keigo. Where have you been? Come join us at the table before tea gets cold."
Her grandson stomped to a halt behind Akemi.
"Nnng – grandmother." A complacent smirk worked its way onto his chiselled face, as though he hadn't narrowly escaped a bite to his tongue. "I hope you weren't befouling her mind with wishy-washy tales while I took Beat for a walk." The beastly hound chose this moment to emerge from the wisteria tunnel and scuttled up to greet them. Ignoring the surly look, he took a seat beside the noirette. "Akemi, are you alright?"
"Find somebody else to feed your fantasy."
"You see, grandmother? This girl is extremely gullible. Her mind soaks everything like a sponge."
"Hang on, Keigo-san. What's with the fallacious comment? Here I was being nice." Akemi waved idly at the glass of iced water in front of her. "I was so worried when Michael said you'd return 'after your wee walk' as soon as possible, knowing it was literal." She scoffed. "What a waste. Guess it's mine now."
Her fingers barely brushed the glass when it was snatched away.
Aghast and thwarted, a helpless Akemi could only watch as every last drop of water into the heir's welcoming mouth. She most certainly didn't prepare the drink for the wicked. A sharp clink rang obstinately in her ears when the glass returned to its previous spot on the table. Empty.
"You were saying?" Atobe grinned like a Cheshire cat, thoroughly enjoying himself.
'That smug bastard!'
"Oh my, what's with that look? Are you hungry?" He placed a smoked salmon sandwich on her plate. "Go on; don't be shy. I know it's your favourite."
Michael bit back a sigh as the inevitable brawl of words erupted between the two youngsters.
Taguchi giggled, "Does this happen often?"
"Always," the butler corrected, weariness seeping onto his lined face.
Fortunately, a mediator was present.
"Alright, that is enough from you two," Atobe's grandmother declared over their bickering, glancing sternly from one to another until they'd piped down. "Much as this is entertaining, time is getting short. I have a reunion lunch with old friends in an hour."
"Sorry," they murmured.
Akemi dropped her gaze, self-consciously reaching up to feel a warm cheek.
Atobe?
The corner of his eyes were somewhat taut despite his aloof countenance.
"Time is our greatest enemy," the elderly Atobe calmly said, leaning back in the cushy wicket chair. "That said, I'm not as sharp as I used to be. I may need your help in refreshing my memory, Keigo."
"Anything for you."
"Good," Saeko nodded, pleased at his confident reply. Interlacing her fingers, she peered over the scrumptious dishes that spread between her grandson and his friend, and herself. "Remember the time when you were into capes?"
Something cold trickled down his spine. It took a bit of time for him to recognise dread. "Where are you going with this?" Atobe cautiously asked, acutely aware that the shameless noirette was well and truly soaking everything with rapt eagerness.
"If I'm not mistaken, you were still in your nappies then. That would be around the same time when you started to walk. You had your nanny make paper crowns so that you could totter around the castle in your nappies, your favourite blanket wrapped around your neck, declaring things to the maids like, 'From today onwards, I am your king and you shall serve me!' and 'This world is mine to rule!' Whenever your parents come home from work, you're the happiest that you –"
"NANA!"
Atobe froze in horror, slack-jawed.
He just –
Did he?
There was a glimmer in his grandmother's eyes.
It struck him.
This was all a plot.
Break through his guard and gain an upper hand.
Akemi was visibly fighting back a giggle. She failed beautifully and ended up chortling into her hand. "Sorry! I'm so sorry, Keigo-san! Hahahaha – your face is priceless!" She sobered up and managed a quavering grin. She was struggling to control herself. "It's no big deal, Keigo-san. In fact, I find it adorable that you call your grandmother, nana."
Atobe didn't deny it.
No.
Rather, he couldn't.
Not in this stupefied state.
XXX
There's a sense of gentle euphoria when stomachs were filled with warm food. Rubeus had succumbed to its effect, purring as his owner ran her fingers through his thick coat. After the table was cleared, the humans kept tea and conversations rolling with Saeko's recounts of her past life in Britain that enthralled the doe-eyed noirette.
From time to time, Akemi snuck a discreet glance over the uncharacteristically silent figure beside her.
Atobe was sulking. Of course he would. The whole pretence wounded his pride after all. He was inconsolable despite several attempts to cheer him up. Akemi felt guilty for taking part in his grandmother's ploy even if it's to satisfy a petty curiosity.
He scowled at the fluttering butterflies, peeved at their carefree life and the occasional titter. When his grandmother broached the subject of his late grandfather, his grip around the spindly handle of his teacup tightened as Akemi stiffened.
His solemn eyes studied the dregs on the bottom of the cup.
He had moved on. Like the rest of his family, peace materialised in different forms. The least they expected was the surviving elderly Atobe moving back to Britain…
Saeko's old knee problem had worsened to the point that the wheelchair was the only viable option in the enormous manor. She eventually set her heart on their holiday cottage in remote Wales – much to her son's despair, despite striving to make her life more comfortable. Equally devastated, her grandson refused to speak to her until Mrs Atobe put her foot down.
"Honoka scolded father and son, so I was told," Saeko added; a glimmer of amusement playing in her eyes. Briefly. "Time is our friend, our dearest enemy. It changes our perception of life for better or worse. Take for example." She shifted her gaze to her peevish grandson. "After the passing of my late husband, Keigo's more mature than his middle school self."
"Please stop it, nana!"
A hand touched his elbow, cutting off his tirade.
Akemi smiled at him, lips taking on a gentle curve that oozed warmth and… respect?
XXX
"Don't," Atobe hissed as they were preparing to leave.
"Oh, come on, Kei-chan," Akemi chirruped. "You care deeply for your nana. There's nothing wrong about it."
He levelled a peremptory finger. "I forbid you from mentioning it to anyone, so long as you're alive! And never use that vilifying suffix," he added tersely. "That's banned too."
"Fine, fine. Geez, I was complimenting you for once."
She shook her head, refusing to let another trifling argument ruin the day. She had enjoyed chatting with his grandmother, whose down-to-earth personality and dry sense of humour made conversations intriguing. Leaning a thing or two about Atobe through his grandmother almost made being kidnapped by him worthwhile.
Soft thuds of feet touched the grass.
"To the stables, Keigo-san. You promised a ride on Chluaidh to make up for the kidnapping."
"Weren't you crying for home earlier?" Atobe dryly asked. He had given his word that she could have a go on the shire. A true man would never go against his own words. "One hour. I have a busy schedule this afternoon."
Akemi grinned broadly. Spiffing!
Smirk tugging at his lips, Atobe threw on his navy jacket. He had moved two paces when a small voice piped up.
'Hmm? It's… quiet?'
The spring in Akemi's steps faded into stillness.
Upon that realisation, the spring in Akemi's steps faded into stillness. The girl glanced over her shoulder, puzzled.
Under the gazebo's shadows, Atobe lingered. His pensive eyes were glazed over, muscles arrested by his grandmother's murmured words. Nothing could be perceived from this distance, except for the mysterious sombre atmosphere hovering over their heads.
Saeko gave the slightest nod.
There was a moment pause before Atobe glanced up from burning holes in his brogues. Deep blue eyes blinked, shattering the mass of fragmented thoughts swirling behind them. Blinked again; his muscles regained motility.
"What are you standing there for, idiot?" He threw a casual arm on round the back of her shoulders. "Come on. Time is running short."
"Ah. Give me a sec. I haven't said a proper goodbye."
"You're coming the day after for the gala. You'll have your chance then."
"But –"
"I promise."
Atobe met her glower unwaveringly until she relented with a sigh. He patted her shoulder – a chummy gesture of gratification – and led her into the wisteria tunnel. Beat and Michael soon followed.
"Honoka wasn't lying," Taguchi chuckled. "Akemi-chan truly is a unique character. A girl who can rankle and keep Keigo on his toes like that is quite something. I've certainly never known one of her calibre. I can see why your grandson taken with her."
Thin wisp of steam rose from the trickling tea. With care and grace, the teapot sat down on the table. "Something feels off…" Saeko ruminated, adding measured drops of milk into her tea. "Don't you think so? When we about her past, she hesitated a lot. This might be a problem."
XXX
31st December
9:42 am
Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Akemi stopped dead in her tracks and took in the baffling scene. Clothes were strewn all over her bed, an empty luggage laid open at the foot, and chest of drawers rifled through with one hanging precariously over the floor.
Her dearest mother was ransacking her bedroom.
Cautiously, Akemi crept towards Mrs Noda, dropping her bag on the chair as she passed. "Mama, what is all these?" A thought struck. "Are we bankrupt?" she gasped. "Is that it? We're relocating because loan sharks are coming for our lives?"
"Akemi," came the curt response."I have no time for one of your funny lines. We have no business with shady organizations ever. I repeat never."
She struck a nerve.
A dangerous and delicate one.
Her mother was in an agitated state. Further vexation would be twisting the knife.
Akemi replaced the bag on the chair with her bottom and discreetly inched away from harm. She lingered beside her messy bed, resting her feet on an empty spot amidst the clothes. The suitcase was gradually being filled, as her mother fleeted from one place to another like a feeding butterfly. Bored, she turned to the bedroom window. Beyond the grey puffs of vapour gathering above the tin roofs, there wasn't anything that brushed her intrigue. Ah… wasn't there a weather warning?
"How was breakfast with the boys?" her mother broke the silence.
"Fine. Food was better than I thought."
Lie.
There was that one boy… and a man.
They had met in the city centre over breakfast – at one of the rarer cafés opened on New Year's Eve (albeit half day) – for a poignant discussion on kings, princess and evil witches. If it weren't for the lull of paid hot food and book related meeting, she would have refused to leave the warmth and comfort of her bed.
What was Aihara thinking when he arranged an appointment at half seven? On the morning of a winter break, of all things!
Did she mention New Year's Eve?
The sun had barely risen from the horizon when she left. If it weren't for Yukimura showing up at the gates, her mother would have barred her from roaming the quiet neighbourhood in the dark. Speaking of which, how did the captain manage to smile for two hours without keeling over? Ah, the bamboozling feat of mankind. Back to the point…
Akemi subtly threw a nervous look. Her mother was engrossed in packing to probe further.
Sighing inwardly in relief, the girl glanced back to the window. Growing thicker and darker by the minute, the blanket of clouds was idly spreading across the sky. Trees dotting their garden shuddered in the December wind. Brown eyes glued on the formidable beauty of nature, she suddenly asked, "Where's papa? I saw him this morning. He's usually noisy. The garage is empty; I'd checked."
"Oh, he's in Yokohama."
"Eh?"
XXX
10:56 am
Atobe manor
As of late, the great Hyotei captain found disgruntlement scrunching up his fine, chiselled face. Indeed, letting out a despairing moan was incongruous of the strongly hankered after confidence and regal quality of his.
Akemi was fast asleep on his bed, curled up against one of his pillows.
When did she appear? While he was in the bathroom? Was she there when he came back from the gym? Eager for a shower after an intense workout session, he barely gave his bedroom a glance and headed straight for the bathroom.
Atobe pinched his hand, wincing at the too real pain. His arms fell heavily to his sides, as the dreaded reality gradually sank in. Swathed in a cotton bathrobe, a pair of unenthusiastic blue eyes bore down on the sleeping form.
There was a time when he found the girl in a similar state. She was snuck into the manor then, knocked unconscious by the classic chloroform-dabbed cloth; a certain bespectacled Hyotei student had professed after Atobe threatened to knock him out in the most painful way.
Memory fresh in his mind, Atobe searched high and low for traces of shrewd aforethought. A harmless pair of fluffy bedroom slippers, looking as if they were thoughtlessly hurled into the air, laid haphazardly near the bed. He looked again, but found no leads – not even a blasted note on the bedside table pinpointing his prime suspect (see above).
Atobe hovered over the source of his blooming headache at the bedside, noting how the girl's frame shrank in the shadows of his stalwart build. Her loose-fitted cardigan, worn over a modest floral-print dress, couldn't mask the fact.
How should he tackle this?
What tactics could subjugate a heavy and aggressive sleeper without provoking violent retaliation?
Brows knitted together, Atobe studied her smooth, unguarded face…
…the glistening trickle cascading down her mouth…
…onto the damp stain soaking through his pillow.
Atobe snapped. He seized her shoulders and roughly hauled her back off his bed. "My pillow! Y-y-you drooled on it! Clean it, this instant! CLEAN IT!"
Akemi didn't show any signs of being shrieked at. She was deeply burrowed in the arms of Morpheus.
The heir wasn't surprised.
Honest.
His blood wasn't boiling because the thought of it fanned the flare of his wrath.
Oh no.
Atobe held the girl at arm's length, as his composure slowly returned with each ragged breath. His parched throat itched from shouting. His grip on her small shoulders tightened, but not enough to bruise, and shook her gently. He called her name a few times, took a short break and repeated the process.
Patience waned.
"Oh, come on! Wake up! It's almost noon. Are you planning to sleep through lunch?"
On the magic word, her body twitched beneath his touch.
A weak moan escaped Akemi. She groggily peered up through the thick cobwebs of sleep, her dishevelled fringe, and finally, him. Atobe could see the gears kicking into function behind her soft brown eyes. Her lips quirked into a tiddly smile.
"How odd, this friendly peddler looks just like Keigo-san. Two bottles of cranberry juice please, kind sir." She indicated the quantity by holding up two fingers.
Atobe hastily shook off the gawking look. "Get your head out of the clouds this instant," he snarled, swatting her hand away from his sight. "Or would you prefer I knock it against the wall? Maybe that will get some senses through that dense skull of yours."
"Urgh… you're so noisy, it hurts my head. Do as you want. I'm going back to sleep."
"This is my bed, Akemi. You're. In. My. Room." Spotting the beginning of a blush, Atobe narrowed his eyes. "You refused help when the maids offered to take you to your room." Took a wrong turn and ended up here.
Her cheeks turned bright red. "H-how was I supposed to know?" Akemi defended. "The car ride wore me out. I fell asleep the moment I hit the bed. It was the first thing I saw. How could I've missed it when it's the largest object around?"
True. His four poster bed dwarfed every furniture in his bedroom.
"There you have it. Now, can I please sleep in peace?" Her voice almost cracked from the frustrating desperation to fulfil her need. She could barely hold her own weight and had to be supported.
Without a second thought, Atobe cupped her face. A little on the worrying cold side; the room's fairly warm at a comfortable degree. He took another good look at her fatigue shape and relented. An arm around her waist and the other cradling her head, he carefully lowered her down onto the bed and draped the duvet over her body.
Akemi grabbed the contaminated pillow and happily nuzzled her face into it. Had she been fully awake, she wouldn't do that in front of the amused Hyotei captain. She was above caring at this point. Clinging onto the final bond of consciousness, she sent a smile to him before letting darkness succumbed her vision.
Atobe hesitated. Berating himself, he slipped into the privacy of the attached bathroom to change. He reappeared at her bedside in a flurry, hair lustrous and wearing his casual clothes, as if her condition would deteriorate rapidly the second he leave her unchecked.
All was well.
On the surface.
Atobe wondered if there was more to a simple car ride than meets the eyes, as he made himself comfortable on the opposite side. On top of the duvet, because propriety. He closed his eyes. "If I find a fresh spot of drool, you'll regret the day you set foot in the manor. I'll smother you with the very same pillow you defiled."
His tongue-in-cheek warning received a muzzy grunt.
Sighing inwardly, he glanced over Akemi who was lying on her side, facing him. The pillow hid her face, but he could tell from the way she was hugging it that she was pretty much awake. "I thought you're dying to sleep, so why aren't you?"
"… can't."
They fell silent after that, each wading in their pools of thoughts.
Atobe's scowl furrowed deeper and deeper.
Something just didn't add up.
"Akemi?"
"Hmm?"
"Why are you here so early? The appointment isn't until five. It's barely even noon. Where are your parents?"
His mother always hired a team of beauticians for high-profile business and social occasions, like tonight. She had somehow persuaded the Noda ladies to join her in a bit of pampering. Mr Noda was thus obliged to join the ride, albeit sidestepping the pamper part.
The dithering silence reeked of bitter acrimony.
"Akemi –"
"Papa is at work."
Atobe blinked in astonishment.
What?
"Three PHD students left their machine running overnight without the cooling system turned on," she explained, cuddling against the pillow for comfort. She blew a weary sigh. "There were doing maintenance work yesterday, but failed to check the whole damn thing before leaving the lab. It could have erupted into flames… or triggered a gas explosion if there was a leak, were it not for the rancid smoke alerting the security guard. Papa rushed to Yokohama the moment he was informed. He managed to reinitiate the cooling system, last I've heard."
A huge 'but' hung in the air.
Her scoff was soft and bitter. "He felt responsible, since he's supervising the students' project. The machine is calculating an important heaven-knows-what equation. He hasn't the heart to call them up on a public holiday, so now papa's stuck remediating their mistakes on his own."
"How long has he been working on it?"
"Hmm… he left home around eight-ish; that's all I know. He said it might take three to six hours depending on the situation." Budding reluctance filled up the pregnant pause. "Mama's waiting for him at home. She… insisted I come early. Your parents have been informed." Left their miffed son in the dark. "They agreed that I should stay overnight if they can't make it to the gala."
Atobe mulled over everything she'd said, finally grasping the noirette's situation. "You quarrelled with your mother." Though they have a good familial relationship, he was told that their contrasting personalities and opinions often clashed.
"Nope."
"Akemi."
"…it's fine. Go to sleep."
"At least apologise to her."
"Keigo-san, just sleep."
"Ake –"
XXX
12:00 pm
Atobe woke up with a searing headache. He slammed a hand down on his vibrating phone and silenced the alarm. Moaning groggily, he got out of bed and plodded towards the mirror. The sight that greeted him was less than welcoming.
"Tsch! That girl," he glowered at the fading imprint of a fist on his forehead. He turned sharply and marched towards the bed. He had the right mind to frighten the sleeping girl like crazy, but cursing his heart, he abandoned the idea upon closer look.
Akemi wasn't having a pleasant sleep.
He gently stirred her awake. "Oi, rise and shine. Time for lunch. Hot meals are waiting for you."
Akemi whined softly, hugging the pillow tighter. "I'm not hungry."
Her stomach objected lividly.
Atobe didn't meet further resistance when he next suggested that she freshened up beforehand.
While most guestrooms were on the East Wing, specifically equipped with spaces for entertaining visitors like the salon, a handful of rooms in the main building were reserved for special guests of the Atobe family. Akemi's temporary accommodation was the very same room where Mrs Atobe had her modelled a wedding dress.
At the sight of her luggage and schoolbag, doubts suddenly rose through her mind. A hand resting on the small of her back nudging her towards the bathroom. She came out not a minute later, wearing shadows under lacklustre brown eyes. Her raven hair was brushed, but didn't do much to improve her haggard appearance.
Atobe matched his pace with her sluggish ones, so that they were walking side-by-side as they headed for the dining room.
He slid a covert look.
Akemi was scowling at her phone; lines inundating her forehead increased in depth and quantity. There was a text from her father, notifying a slightly relieved noirette that he was leaving campus.
Ten minutes ago.
Recent weather reports showed unpromising times. Nature had unleashed its fury on Yokohama. Here in Tokyo, over the Atobe manor, it wouldn't be long before the storm clouds caved in too. From time to time, roars of thunder broke through the thick walls and drowned out the clattering china and shuffling feet of the maids. So strong, it seemed like rain itself would pour through the dining room's ceiling.
Lunch was a light serving of lentil soup with bread on the side. Salmon fish cakes on a bed of tossed salad for main.
The young master attempted stirring conversations with idle topics to no avail. He and his guest ate in complete silence.
Akemi had her head down, but could sense a pair of eyes occasionally glancing in her direction. Curiosity, displeasure. She ignored them, concentrating more on the laborious chewing task than the food inside. She barely tasted anything, not even her tea. She turned down dessert on the grounds of, "I'm full. Thanks."
Atobe nearly spilled hot tea down the front of his T-shirt.
The girl could stuff herself with servings double her weight and still have room for her all-time favourite dessert. Yet, she refused a small glass of berry parfait!
XXX
2:30pm
Library
Above the estate, the storm clouds had thickened enough to give a deceptive impression of nightfall. Lights in and around the manor struggled hard in keeping hungry shadows at bay. Scores of lightning flashed, ending their pathetic battle for dominance, and persisted into the next hour. Winds howled; trees and the very earth anchoring them trembled fearfully. The whole manor waited for the heavy deluge with bated breath, as each lightning and accompanying thunder grew more vehement than the last.
Nature's beautiful and wild side… ha?
To Atobe, it meant chances of seeing the New Year fireworks were narrowing exponentially. An alternative was prepared as backup, but it'd be bizarre… practically unheard of ushering a new calendar year without the usual pop and dazzle.
Taking in the miserable view, he was grateful for a warm fire. The scent of charred pinewood was calming.
He glanced up from his book.
Over the bay window, Akemi was perched in her nest of throw pillows and long abandoned homework, wrapped in a woolly blanket like a snug cocoon. Her head rested against the cold glass, droopy eyes glued to the brewing storm. Her countenance reflected the dark gloom. But behind those listless eyes, danced a tiny spark.
As the thunder roared in the background, a clear image of the noirette cropped up. She'd stood without fear underneath a violent sky, enthralled by the lightning forking across the heavens. It poured heavily soon after.
Consistent whining pierced through his thoughts.
Beat threw his head back and let out another pitiful whine. He pawed at the skirting board, seeking affection from a sleeping noirette. He pulled back on his haunches, but a firm hand resting on his head stopped him from launching a lick attack.
"Bug her another time. She needs her rest now, okay?"
The hound was reluctant, but a fond ruffle of fur quickly won his heart over. He stepped back for his master and observed with canine intrigue when a sigh escaped.
Atobe studied the girl's face, once boasted a touch of sunshine since becoming a tennis club manager. Her complexion had swiftly returned to its natural paleness owing to shorter daylight hours. However, this shade of pale was on the worrying scale. Her skin felt cold... so cold.
'Tsch! I knew it.'
Atobe withdrew his hand from her cheek, scooped up the girl with the blanket wrapped around her form. Beat flanked his side as they headed to the reading corner where a lit fireplace awaited. Something poked the underside of his chin. A pillow, concealed under the blanket. The heir had grabbed his cargo without noticing she was hugging it.
"Geez, you're trouble even when you're not awake. How are you going to atone for this?" Atobe twisted his head at several awkward angles before finding a comfortable one. Incoherent murmurs rose from the sleeping girl. She was shivering in his arms. "Yeah, yeah. If you have listened, you wouldn't have dug your own grave, catching your death at the window." He held her closer despite his harsh tone.
He gingerly lowered her onto the sofa beside the crackling hearth. Her arms loosened. The pillow slipped from her grasp and fell at his feet. As he bent down to pick it up, he caught sight of her phone in one of her hands. He heaved a sigh.
How long had she holding onto it?
That speck of hope of a call or text… perhaps a chance for reparations?
She wouldn't know the first thing to do if her mother answered. She was hamstrung by guilt and qualm. And she refused to let him call.
With a few tugs, Atobe wrestled the phone from her death grip. He turned around and stiffened. His favourite armchair – his throne – was usurped by a grumpy looking mini-lion.
Rubeus.
He and the feline were never on good terms since day one. They tolerated each other in the presence of his grandmother, but with Saeko absent and Akemi out like a light, enmity surfaced like an animalistic instinct.
Rubeus opened his mouth in a threatening snarl. He flexed his sharp claws, making Atobe think twice about reclaiming his throne.
Face twisting in rancour, the heir grudgingly backed down, but it's infinitely better than walking around with feline scars. He glanced around, coming into conclusion that this corner of the library required proper furnishing. His best and only option, the sofa.
He hovered over Akemi, feeling heated animosity towards the oversized moggy and dubiety swelling like the howling winds. If he move the girl a few inches down, it should fit two comfortably. Problem solved!
So why was he staring down at her, doing nothing?
Shaking his head, Atobe berated himself. His calculation a success, he plopped down beside Akemi's head with a heavy sigh. He stayed motionless for a dubious amount of time, listening to the storm. His gaze wandered to the noirette, almost out of habit.
Furrowed brow, bottom lip puckered inward as if biting the inside.
Nightmare.
Atobe swept her fringe away from her eyes. Creases spread across her forehead slowly faded under his feather-light touches. A great sense of satisfaction washed over him as he withdrew his hand from her smooth and unsullied face. He studied the portrait of peace, his masterpiece, feeling a smirk tugging his lips.
His grandmother's words whispered in his ears.
A grim shadow fell over his face.
XXX
4:12 pm
"Please give it back!"
"No."
Akemi almost stamped her foot in a snit.
Atobe was inexorable. Her phone was in his clutches. He slipped it behind his blazer, drawing an indignant cry. He crossed his arms and jerked his chin up. "If you want to cower forever, you might as well give up. Go rot in that self-pity hole for all I care."
Akemi flinched at his abrasive words, hurt flashing in her eyes.
He didn't see any of it. He was walking towards the door, hands deep in his pockets. "I'll send someone if there's any changes. Be grateful that I'm escorting you to the ballroom before reception starts." The doorknob rattled as it turned. "I expect you to be ready by then."
"Don't even bother!" Akemi shouted, just as the door swung to a close behind the Hyotei captain. Fury washed over her in tides, tautening and twisting her features. She curled her hands into fists, inhaling sharply to calm her seething heart. Her face suddenly crumbled with distraught.
"Umm… Akemi-sama?"
The noirette jumped at the voice. She had forgetting about the maids.
They exchanged nervous glances. One of them eventually piped up, "We know it's not in our place, but please forgive the young master."
What?
"He never does things without good reasons. Maybe he can't say it now."
"So please don't hate Keigo-sama. It'll hurt him more."
Hurt? His galactic pride?
The trio bowed deeply from waist down.
"Please, Akemi-sama!"
XXX
'Forgive him? After what that jerk did?' Akemi huffed. 'As if!'
Water rolled away from her in gentle ripples as she carefully climbed into the bathtub. She leaned against the side, sighing wearily. The heady flower fragrance overwhelmed her senses, but the knot in her chest remained stubbornly tight.
This troublesome feeling…
Guilt.
XXX
Akemi stood in front of the floor-length mirror. Her reflection stared back, mimicking incredulity and wonder that radiated from their faces. Really, her face was glowing! And all it took were two smears of shimmers over her brown eyes.
She turned this way and that, to view the elegant gown at different angles. The bodice and overskirt was silk mikoda, adorned with lace embroidery depicting flowers and multi-layered chiffons that gave the dress its voluminous look.
"I've always said Honoka has an exceptional eye for details." Hoga Chizuru, the kimono-clad beautician, looked the girl up and down critically while the maids fussed over the dress. Proud, bossy and poised, she barely looked and acted like a woman in her golden age of 78. "A good thing she left her family business to join the fashion industry. No. It's a relief she left them."
Akemi stifled her curiosity; outsiders like her shouldn't stick her nose in personal affairs.
She glanced back to her reflection. Dresses she owned were modest, which suited her fine. Atobe often teased her rustic taste, but could shamelessly slip in compliments about her appearance in the same breath. For his amusement without a doubt.
Her heart sank at the thought of him.
"Now that I am seeing it in person, her son definitely has her talent."
"Eh?"
"I was told that the young Atobe chose this dress." Chizuru motioned at the maids to step back from the noirette. "Come, to the dressing table. We'll do you hair next."
A heavy kind of dullness was growing inside. Whatever it was, she could only look anywhere but her reflection.
"That's a beautiful necklace you have there," Chizuru remarked, running a brush through the raven waves. "Sapphire is it?"
Akemi nodded. She placed a hand over the butterfly charm, her much cherished precious birthday gift from Atobe. She pressed her palm against the charm, seeking comfort… reassurance. Her world was hazy. Vaguely, she heard the beautician speaking again.
"Hmm… let's see. Soft wavy hairs like yours should be left unfettered."
I'm sorry.
"I have an idea."
Damn that accursed suit wearing monkey.
"Tilt your head back."
Akemi leaned back against the backrest, granting herself a brief moment of reprieve with a tiny sigh. Again, the heavy feeling. Though this time, it was spreading throughout her body. Her eyes fluttered to a close.
Remember to breathe… in… out…
Relax.
Empty your mind.
Focus on the hands instead.
Did her parents call?
Atobe promised.
He promised.
But what if they called, a-and he's hiding it from her?
Would he?
For what?
'He is an assertive, overbearing guy, but… he won't do that.'
Her own conviction surprised Akemi. She wasn't allowed to mull over it when two knocks struck the door and it swung open.
Mrs Atobe stuck her head through the gap. "Hello! I've come to check on everyone," she chirped, closing the door behind, and glided towards them. Her slender figure swayed gracefully with each step, catching the chandelier's light on the myriad of Swarovski crystals adorning her lacy, pearlescent gown. "My! You look like gorgeous, Akemi-chan!"
"T-that's not true."
"Nonsense! Come, stand up. Let me take a good look at you."
"Sprightful as always, Honoka," Chizuru calmly said, as the maids helped a red-faced Akemi out of the chair and led back her back to the floor-length mirror. "I see work hasn't worn you down. You may be an editor-in-chief, but you do travel extensively around the world, attending fashion shows and parties." She caught the giddy redhead on the shoulders to inspect her dark makeup with a sceptical scowl. "Satisfactory, but not good enough. My apprentice still has rooms for improvement."
"Your demands are high."
"And achievable."
"Oh, give her some credit," Mrs Atobe chuckled, turning away for the mirror. She motioned a dubious Akemi to do a circle. "I'm happy with the look. Nervous at first, but she has exceptional skills. Otherwise, you wouldn't have taken her in as an apprentice. Meeting the requirements of the former legendary geisha itself is an achievement. Don't you think so, Akemi-chan?"
Err? Geisha?
"It is a business we run here, after all. She has a lot on her plate over the next three years."
"I'm sure you'll be a great teacher."
"Hmph! Flatteries won't sway me in the slightest, Honoka."
Akemi, who was furtively watching the exchange with curiosity, gave a little jump when Mrs Atobe suddenly glanced her way. The redhead smiled, sending a somewhat disconcerting shiver down her spine. When the two of them were left alone, the noirette ducked her head, shuffling uneasily.
"You look beautiful, Honoka-san," she blurted. "I love your dress. I don't think I can pull off what you're wearing – sorry! It's a compliment. Honest! Please don't take –"
Mrs Atobe giggled, causing the girl to blush heatedly. "I've never heard of anyone apologising for saying nice things, especially when you're sincere about it. Regardless, thank you, Akemi-chan. You look charming too." She held up a finger when Akemi was about to protest. "It's fine to have doubts once in a while, but don't ever let such thoughts discourage you from living a happy life. Never belittle yourself, Akemi-chan. That kind of pain can be destructive." A radiant smile spread across her features. "I stand firm with my judgement. Keigo's done extremely well choosing this dress for you."
Akemi broke the eye contact, brows furrowed.
"Did a rift open between you and Keigo?"
There was a moment of stunned silence.
"Did he… say anything?"
"No. In fact, he refused to tell me what's wrong. But a boy like him who wears his heart on his sleeves is an open book. When he didn't show up at the entrance hall to greet the guests, I went to his bedroom. And that was when I instantly knew something's bothering him, Akemi-chan." Mrs Atobe sighed. "Can you believe it? He was half-naked in bed."
"Ho-Ho-Ho-Ho-Honoka-san!"
"He must have climbed onto bed for a short rest but overslept unintentionally," Mrs Atobe mused aloud, as though Akemi wasn't perturbed by her nonchalant remark. She giggled. "That silly boy of mine. He could have put on a shirt."
'That buffoon can't even dress himself properly… because of me?' Her heart gave a sharp twinge. Fear. Akemi couldn't look at his mother, but she was desperate for a closure. She took in a deep breath and glanced up. "Honoka-san?"
"Yes?"
"Did he… get into trouble with his father?"
A look of bewilderment fleeted across Mrs Atobe's face. "He's fine. Keigo went straight to the entrance hall as soon as he was dressed. And, Akemi-chan, it takes more than that for my husband to lose his composure," she winked playfully.
"O-oh…" Hand over heart, Akemi heaved a long sigh. "I'm glad."
"I'm not sure what happened, but I won't pry; that's between you and Keigo. Both of you have reached the age where you're capable of judging the world, without being taught the rights from the wrongs anymore. It's what I told Keigo."
Akemi nodded, sheepishly.
"I have news of your parents."
The effect was immediate. Her brown eyes were set alight.
"Your father arrived home about fifteen minutes ago, a bit weather-beaten, but he's alright. And also..." Mrs Atobe's resolve wavered. Akemi's incandescent expression was too much to bear, but the redhead had insisted on breaking the news to spare her son. Biting back a sigh, she gazed sullenly to the rain-splattered windows. The ferocious storm was howling gleefully.
"Honoka-san?" the girl pressed; her voice meek upon seeing the sudden change.
"There's a high chance they can't come. Kawasaki is taking a huge beating. But rest assured, Akemi-chan, my husband is aware of this. He'll think of something." The smile plummeted from the redhead's face when she turned back to a devastated noirette.
She rested a consoling hand on one shoulder, but Akemi was crestfallen.
"Come, child. If your parents see you like this when you greet them, they'll throw a fit." Mrs Atobe was straining to smile now. "Why not visit my mother-in-law while waiting for Keigo?"
XXX
"This weather is horrid. It's putting off a lot of New Year's Eve plans, I'm sure." Taguchi Hotaru crinkled her nose. With a firm tug, she drew the curtains closed, covering the dismal sight. Arms wrapped around herself despite the heating, she returned to her comfortable armchair. "I thought Wales has it worst. Your father is lucky to make it home."
The television was blasting live footages from various prefectures affected in the Kansai region. They were blowing the storm out of proportion on the seven o'clock news. Shrines everywhere closed to public, traffic brought to standstill, planes grounded. So despite an early weather warning, many were caught out in the storm. Some had very little say in the matter. Others were reckless… like her father.
"Will you join us at the gala?" Akemi asked the elderly Atobe. It was a silly question, really. Saeko and Hotaru were dressed down in their cosy jumpers and cardigans, but she was eager to distract her mind from her parents.
"I've long retired from making public appearances when my late husband's health took the plunge. It made me think twice of my own, especially for one my age. My son and his family are more than capable of taking care of our business; they have my blessings."
Unable to think of a comment, Akemi nodded wordlessly. She shifted awkwardly in the plush armchair, rubbing her hands around the warm teacup. In the background, the two old friends were arguing over a newspaper article, something about a 'Year-end Song Festival'.
Restless brown eyes darted about the opulent room.
From the chortling women, the exquisite grandfather clock, to the drawing room's door.
Elderly women, clock, door.
"Akemi?"
"Yes?!"
"Are you alright? Is something the matter? We've called your name a few times."
"You were staring very intently at the door, as if expecting it to melt."
Blushing, the noirette chuckled sheepishly. "Sorry, lots of things on my mind. The gala," she took a long breath and exhaled, "I'm feeling nervous." Dread hit her, seeing Saeko's countenance, which bore uncanny resemblance to the piercing sort of look Atobe wore if he suspected or saw through her lies.
Then it was gone.
It was all in her head.
She hoped.
"You're not used to this kind of social events," Saeko reasoned. "It's only natural to be nervous. However, stressing over it exacerbate matters. Worry not, dear girl. A good cuppa can only soothe the mind and body temporarily, but you'll be with my grandson."
The elderly Atobe was very certain of herself, unlike Akemi.
It wouldn't be the same.
There wouldn't be excitement, banters, laughter or thrill of a dance. Just awkwardness as their company all night.
Her selfishness and cowardice ruined everything.
How could she face Atobe?
To apologise?
"Akemi, I am happy that Keigo introduced you to us." Saeko clasped her hands and rested them on her lap. "When I saw the numerous faces he pulled on our first meeting, I was pleasantly surprised. I thought I was dreaming at first. He was truly quarrelling with a girl."
"Is it uncharacteristic of him?"
"I was told he took you on excursions around Tokyo, and a party before this."
"Umm. Yes?"
"As I've thought. Do you know that for years, Keigo had been accompanied by different girls to each social event?"
"Oh, I see. He's a playboy."
Saeko's blue eyes darkened. "Rest assured, my grandson isn't one. He'll be beaten red and raw, and hung on the flag pole in a blizzard."
"Sorry, it was a joke," Akemi chuckled uneasily, scratching her chin. "I didn't mean to be tactless… sorry. However, please consider another form of punishment if he displeases you."
The elderly Atobe's expression softened, a small smile working on her lips.
Her tone, however, was solemn.
"Business is a cruel world. While maintaining a healthy, mutual network – forming alliances and joint ventures – with others are crucial for growth, beneath that confederal façade, every company big or small are fighting to gain the upper hand, using whatever methods we can formulate. I'm sure you've heard of marriage interviews and arranged marriages. They're less rampant nowadays among the Japanese population, but some families still conform to this old-fashion custom. It is appalling, the way children are seen as mere possessions."
Akemi remembered the case of Rikkai High's karate club's captains and couldn't agree more.
"Having suffered grievously dodging overeager families in the past, my son is adamant that Keigo chooses his own partner. Keigo may have inherited plenty of Honoka's traits, but there are a few things that father and son share. They see escorting girls as nothing more than part of their responsibilities."
"Keigo-san thinks it's his duty to entertain girls?"
It sounded absurd.
"Sad it may be, I can't blame my grandson. Girls I've seen him with had an insatiable attraction to his appearance, talent, status –"
'His patented brand of cockiness,' Akemi dryly added. 'He doesn't mind, really. He harnesses life from bring worshiped.'
"Good thing, Keigo loses interests in them very quickly. I've seen how he behaves, this boy. He can't produce more than two connotations through his smirk."
'Be awe at my prowess, and I'm the one man who can show you a good night… okay, that last one sounded wrong on several levels.'
"From what I can tell, you two are very close," Taguchi smiled.
"We pick on each other a lot," pointed out Akemi, pathetically.
"Friends won't be friends without the occasional jabs."
"But I…" she sighed in resignation.
There came a knock on the door, then the clatter of a handle being turned and a creak.
Saeko arched an eyebrow. "Speak of the devil."
A young man, bearing a chiselled face and strapping physique, entered the family living room with his butler trailing him at a respectful distance. He was immaculately dressed. A tailored-fit evening suit that elegantly accentuated the powerful muscles beneath, (questionable) silk top hat riding on his slicked back hair, and a sapphire-tipped cane swinging in one hand. His suave demeanour practically oozed refinement and luxury.
Swinging his top hat off, Atobe bowed deeply. "A pleasant evening, my good ladies. Truly, I am blessed to be in the presence of three fine ladies. Presence? Ah, but of course – presents!"
He rapped the cane's bottom on the ground twice. With a hiss, the sapphire tip erupted into a puff of silver smoke, startling his audience. The smoke swirled away, revealing two bouquets of camellia sticking out from the spot where the sapphire was.
"Oh, they're beautiful! Keigo darling, you shouldn't have!" Taguchi giggled, eagerly receiving the proffered flowers. "Thank you."
"Camellias? Appropriate for the winter season," Saeko approved. "You've done your homework."
"Thank you, nana; Aunt Hotaru. Of course, they can't compare to the love and support you've given me, but I am very pleased that my tokens of appreciates are to your liking. Please continue looking after me for the next year."
Akemi had a strong feeling that she's encroaching their familial moment. Nobody's paying attention. It's time to escape –
Atobe glanced in her direction.
The girl shrunk back into the armchair, as he took purposeful strides toward her. He towered over her, making her feel hopelessly trapped, his dark blue eyes pining her down.
Unperturbed, Atobe bowed and put on a suave smile. "Forgive me for being bold, my fair lady. You caught my eyes from the distance, I feel a strong desire to speak to you in person. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name, miss?"
"Eh? Erm… that…" the girl fretted, caught off guard. She glanced around frantically for help, to find that the rest were immersed deep in conversation, as if neither she nor Atobe existed in front of them. Her shoulders dropped resignedly. "Akemi."
He gently grasped her hand, lifted it up to his lips whereupon he placed a delicate kiss on her knuckles. He peered up at the flummoxed girl, eyes twinkling. "A name befitting of a lovely lady such as yourself."
A vivid memory flashed in Akemi's mind.
Their first meeting.
After helping her out of the armchair, he wove illusory spells in the air and materialised a single white rose between his long fingers. He presented the flower to the flummoxed girl. "Would milady honour this lonely soul a company on this auspicious night?"
XXX
Akemi knew the way to the ballroom, so the walk shouldn't be this agonisingly long to the point every corridor looked the same. It was hard to tell how much time passed through the dark windows.
She let out a soft sigh, caressing the white rose. Her eyes wandered up the figure strolling ahead of her. Her heartbeat was incongruous with her breathing. Not a good sign. Her chest constricted. She swallowed hard, trying to calm her pounding hard.
Her escort hadn't spoken a word.
Atobe left the top hat and cane back in the living room. Walking with a nonchalant air, he gazed ahead as if he couldn't sense the unease.
His indifference was doing Akemi in. She knew very well that she had no right to be angry. All the same, this had been dragging on for too long. She took a deep breath. "Keigo-san?" She paused for a moment, giving him a chance to speak. She ploughed on, "I-I'm sorry… for being an inconvenience to you."
"That's not what I want to hear."
"Eh? Wha – Ah! Wait up! Keigo-san!"
Akemi struggled after his lengthened strides, stumbling every step due to the unfamiliar weight of her dress and high heels.
"Keigo-san! Please listen to me!"
She stretched out an arm to tug on his sleeve. Atobe wheeled around, the movement catching her by surprise. She hastily stepped back, the ground beneath her feet suddenly wobbled. She was falling backwards rather precariously.
Atobe, bless his reflex, caught her before her back could soundly hit the ground. Heaving an exasperated sigh, he shifted his arms to steady her footing. "Geez, you're a bumbling idiot to no end. Haven't learn from past mistakes?"
An old flame erupted.
"That has nothing do with this! Let me go!"
"Look at you, breaking my heart," Atobe tutted. His arms wound around her waist and he leaned in with a sneer. Akemi froze. "What was it you were saying earlier? Something about inconvenience?" His lips curved wider at her blush. "Haha… I agree with you whole-heartedly. You're selfish."
Akemi's eyes widened to the size of platters.
Atobe nearly faltered at her helpless expression. He let go of her and planted his hands on his hips. "Honestly, your recalcitrant attitude really gets on my nerves. It's alright if you worry over others, but you get extremely work up when you receive the same treatment. What's wrong with relying on people?"
"…th-that's not true. I do depend on others."
"How often though? Look at yourself now, Akemi. You're beating yourself over an avoidable misstep. Perhaps it isn't easy for you, but I'm fed up of seeing you drabbed in gloomy colours." He grasped her arms, causing her to glance up. He searched her eyes. "Don't you trust me?"
She looked away, feeling her cheeks heat up. "Of course, I do."
"Then let me help you. Though you can never brush me aside." Atobe's lips quirked into a roguish smirk. He pointed a finger at her. "Like it or not, I will hound you if you insist on running. Got that?"
The corner of her lips twitched.
"How rude. You're asking so much from me. I can't promise anything, but…" She gave him a mousy smile. "I'll try."
"I suppose that's better than nothing. 90% for you."
"Only ninety? What happened to the other ten?"
In one smooth motion, Atobe snatched the fallen rose from the ground and slipped it behind her ear. As he withdrew his hand, he playfully flicker her earlobe. "Penalised for using hint."
"P-p-p-penalised!?"
"It's not my fault your guard slipped."
"Unfair! That was so unfair!"
"Is that so?" Atobe let out a barking laugh much to Akemi's vexation, and resumed the walk. "Burning holes on my back can't change a thing, Akemi. Hurry up or you'll be sorry. Mind you, we have fifty guests from the government, political parties and military congregated in the ballroom – not including the thirty-eight representatives from charities and companies around Japan." He grinned darkly over his shoulder. "I wonder; how does it feel like to have hundred-and-eight pairs of eyes watching your grand solo entrance?"
Next chapter's draft is complete, so an update won't be far off (fingers crossed again). Do visit my tumblr blog for status updates.
Thank you for reading and see you next chapter!