She sat on the bed on pins and needles as she carefully observed him serving her tea and gave her a selection of fresh fruits. His eyebrows were furrowed, not to mention he was frowning causing her to barely waft in the aroma. It wasn't until she sipped the contents of the cup did she feel the tension in her muscles loosen, followed by the realization that she actually didn't eat anything that day. She popped some berries into her mouth, but tried her best to not make it appear like she was wolfing down the food.

As she was savouring the sweetness of the fruits with every bite her eyes followed Yu's as he was studying her room. The was a fleeting moment of panic as she wondered if it was messy or something was out of place and she darted her eyes around the room quickly. Her bed had been barely touched since she only sat on the mattress after she came back. Her books and notes were stacked properly on her work desk and shelf. All her fresh laundry was back in the closet so none of her... unmentionables was seen.

She was about to continue reaching out for more berries, but the only thing she felt was the coolness of the china plate. Her cup was also clean, too. Come to think of it, the tea flavour was foreign to her... she tasted some rose... maybe lavender, and definitely chamomile, with some other stuff.

"Umm," she peered up at the raven haired man sitting on the chair near her dresser, "What brew of tea is this?"

"Secret Garden. It is a mix of rose, lavender, chamomile, and rooibos. I happened to stumble upon it when I was having some free time in another country for a business trip with Glenn. I've been ordering from them ever since," Yu replied with a faint smile as he recalled the memory, "I have another blend from them, but it's only for insomnia purposes."

He then gave her his usual kind smile, "But, I just want you to relax for now, not sleep."

"You know someone could mistake that smile and those lines for something you would say before you finish them off," she raised an eyebrow at him.

He gave a soft chuckle that flowed into her ears like a harmonious tune, "Are you this someone then?"

"If I were, I wouldn't still be sitting here like this," she laughed, which was a strange sensation as she felt like her smile was taken away for good after today. They stared at each other smiling for a few moments before she realized something and bolted up.

"I gotta wash my hands," she wiggled her fingers dyed berry red and gave him a wistful smile. "I won't run away, promise."

"This is your room you know," he called out to her as she strolled into the bathroom.

"Touche!" she called back. She washed her hands carefully while singing the Happy Birthday song twice in her head. Becca often sang it aloud when she washed her hands to make sure they were thoroughly washed and it became contagious ever since. It was also comforting at a time like this as she began to make use of the limited time she had to think about how she should explain everything.

To refresh her senses, she splashed a bit of cool water on her face. After dabbing herself with a towel, she took a deep breath, followed by some pep talk and emerged out of the bathroom.

"So... I'm guessing you're wondering why I've been out of sorts lately?" she spoke out from where she sat upon the mattress. He nodded in reply and she gave a shaky sigh as she draped a blanket around her shoulders while pulling her knees close to her chest.

"First off, I apologize for worrying you and Aya-chan. I thought that if I could convince myself long enough, I would be okay... but I was being silly."

She locked eyes with him a gave a weak smile.

"How about I tell you a story?" and he nodded quietly, no wanting to disrupt the pacing.

She started to fill me in with the parts I never knew. How her father left his family by free will because he hated the way conservative thinking and the frequent feuds causing her grandmother to disinherit him afterwards. Not too long after that, he met her mother and they wedded a few years later. A year and a half after the wedding, they were planning on opening an architectural company and recently bought a house since they wanted a house big enough for them and Nadeshiko, who was a new addition to the family

Unfortunately, their friend who was helping them start the company as well as investments took off with a good chunk of the money. Leaving them with debt and a mortgage to pay. Nadeshiko was barely ten months old when her father passed away on a business trip due to a cold he nursed to the point where it became pneumonia since he refused to get himself checked-up or take any medication.

Her mother became depressed after that. It also didn't help that she was diagnosed with leukaemia shortly after she given birth, but hid it from her husband. Since she didn't have any family or relatives, she was trying to find a match. Luckily, she did, but unluckily, she passed away before she could start the treatment.

"So, that's how you ended up with your grandmother?"

She bobbed her head. Then , she pulled the blanket so it would cover her forehead and wrapped it around herself even tighter. From the blanket, a shadow was cast upon her eyes so he could barely read her expression.

"Is it weird that I'm upset even though I never knew them?"

He shook his head as if she could see it. "No, it isn't."

"Then is it strange that there where times I blamed them? I don't know why but my grandmother never liked me, nor did my relatives. It could be that they were still bitter about my dad leaving or that he got scammed and died in a way that was so preventable... either way they always called my dad a fool and my mom weak. My grandmother never said such things, but she not once had showed any kindness towards me despite how hard I tried to live up to her expectations..."

The corners of her lips twitched into a bitter smile.

"But in the end, I got sent away because I..."

Her voice trailed off. She wrapped the blanket around tighter and he could feel his heart clenching as he witnessed this. He had never seen her look so small before. He was about to get up to close their gap, but perhaps she heard the sound of the chair and scooted away.

"I tried my best to not make the same mistakes they did. I developed a good eye for reading into people, especially their lies. At first, it was because I didn't want my parents to be branded that way... somehow it became to be that I didn't want to be stuck in the shadow they created for me. I thought I could finally move on after the day I graduated from high school and moved out."

She yanked the blanket down so it concealed her expression even further and he could see her form trembling a bit.

"I guess that invitation served as a reminder I could never escape from my past or my parent's past among other things... and I was consumed with dread, fear and self-hate. I hated living such a life where I was terrified everyday and lived to please others... I hated having such horrible thoughts about others, especially my parents because it was never their fault such misfortunes happened... How can I even perform my job when such a dark si-"

"Thank you for telling me, but you don't need to say anything anymore about the issue," was the first thing he said after pulling her in an embrace with her face buried into his chest.

She didn't protest, instead he could feel her shoulders trembling and warm tears were soaking into his robe.

"I was trying so hard not to cry... and if I did, I wanted to hide them from you."

He gently let go of her and cupped her face, tilting it upwards so their eyes could meet.

"Nana-chan, I want to be here for you. Not just because you've been there for me, but because I genuinely want you to be happy," he wiped the tears streaming from the corner of her eyes and smiled. "Please, don't feel like you have to hold everything in and depend on me more."

She sniffled a little bit, but nodded.

He pulled the covers over her body once he confirmed that she was fast asleep and pulled a chair close to the window as he stared out at the clouded moon.

"But in the end, I got sent away because I..."

Because she what? Come to think of it... what did happen before she leave?

The answer dawned to him in an instant.

The sound of heavy rain cascading down onto the ground was the only thing he heard from where he sat on the swings. He prayed that it would last longer and caused him to be ill as it continued to shower on him. He hoped that his illness would bring so much pain that it would erase the other type of pain he was currently drowning in.

Thinking back about it, he started to laugh loudly for a few seconds at how stupid he is, but the laughter was soon replaced by tears that became concealed as the millions of droplets from the sky continue to fall. It was as if he was being pitied.

There was a pitter-patter of someone's footsteps that disrupted the sound of the rain. Probably his mother or father... It could never be Aya.

"Yu-chan! What do you think you're doing?!"

He swivelled his head at the direction of the voice in shock.

"Nana-chan? Aren't you suppose to be playing at a concert today?"

"It hasn't started yet," she replied through gasps for air, "Why are you out here at a time like this?"

He looked away.

"You should go before you're late. I'll be fine."

"Yu-chan do you know what you're saying? You could get really sick and maybe even die if you continue to stay in the rain like this!" she grabbed him by the shoulders with a fierce look in her eyes and shook him, "I want to know what is wrong and I want to hear it NOW!"

He gaped at her change in attitude for a few seconds and she continued to glare back at him.

"...Aya told me she has someone she likes and refuses to go to those sunflower fields we were planning to go to because its their special place now. I got into a fight with her after because I was jealous... she probably hates me now."

She gave a big sigh.

"I know, you probably think I'm being dumb again, but—it's not as if I can stop myself from feeling hurt."

She shook her head, "You're not being dumb. It's called being human and even if you were being dumb, we all have our moments. I don't know who this boy is, but... the most important thing and you've said it yourself is Aya-chan's happiness... I'm sure you're someone who can do that... even though she may like someone else right now."

Her voice was strained for a moment there.

"Also, I don't think Aya-chan hates you, but you need make up with her and you can't do that when you're out in the rain, right?"

"...Well, no, I can't."

"So what do you say we head back? I'll ask my driver to take you home," she smiled and offered a hand which he held.

"I'm sorry. You're soaking," he spoke softly as he stared at her hair and dress.

"Don't worry, I still have time to change."

Looking back at it, that was definitely a lie and he couldn't help but believe that it was the catalyst. She had never put off any of her lessons or parties or really anything her grandmother wanted her to do until that day.

"You never notice her do you?"

He pinched the bridge of his nose and hissed as another realization struck him. It was as if a veil had lifted over his head as this thought came to light. It wasn't just her family that caused her pain.

"...silly..."

The voice was faint, but was audible enough to hear from where he sat in the quiet room. Yu lifted his head up and turned to where the source was. She was still drunk in deep slumber, but her lips parted to mutter something else.

"...paperwork..."

If he were one of those characters in the manga Alan had been secretly reading he would've been sweatdropping. On the bright side, at least she wasn't having any nightmares. He smiled at the sight of her peaceful slumber. Though her words weren't directed at him, but it woke him up as he remembered what he said to her earlier.

He glanced back at the moon; the clouds the once covered most of it had drifted away.

"Please get changed into some comfortable outdoor wear you can easily walk and sweat in."

She blinked a few times at the sudden command from the man wearing casual wear that was standing in from of her door at half past five in the morning. No one was really awake at this time and probably for good reasons.

"I have work today, you know," she replied back with a perplexed expression. Well, as perplexed as she could get when she was still craving for slumber. "Don't you?"

He dug for his phone from the pocket of his coat and pressed a few things on the screen before showing her the screen of his schedule. Today was marked as "break" in blue.

"Do you really want to go to work today?" he gave her a teasing smile.

"Well..." she shifted her eyes away from him causing her to be more aware of how painful the puffiness of the area around her eyes were. She sighed. A part of her was still cringing at how she behaved yesterday, but Yu sure knew how to lighten the awkwardness.

She could really use some fresh air and she didn't have any patients coming in today nor were there any meetings. No one would really notice if she was absent since she spent most of her day in office. Plus, paperwork could always wait.

"Not really." Her eyes travelled back to his indigo ones. "But where are we going?"

"You'll find out when we get there. Just change for now. I'll be waiting in the car just a few minutes away by foot from the palace," Yu grinned mischievously as he playfully and lightly shoved her back into her room. Then the door gently closed in front of her face.

"Here," he handed her two round green tea bags the minute she finished fastening her seatbelt, "Soak them in this thermos of hot water and apply on your eyes. They should help make the puffiness fade away faster. Just sit back and relax."

"Thank you," she spoke and carried out the instructions as he started to drive. "So, are we heading there now?"

"No, we're going to need to have breakfast first since we'll need all the energy we can get. I also need to buy lunch for us since I doubt they sell them at the place we'll be going to. I'm sorry I couldn't prep up bento for the two of us."

"It's alright," she replied as she was still pressing the wet tea bags against her eyelids, "This was a last moment thing and there's always next time. Will we be going to Kashiwabara-san—I mean, Atsumu-san's place?"

"No. His place doesn't open until later in the day. We'll just drop by a restaurant followed. Then, we'll buy some lunches at this bento shop. I've never bought anything from that particular bento shop before but I've heard that it's one of the most popular ones in this city."

"Is it the Kotobuki Bento Shop?"

"Yes, how did you know?"

"Like you said, it's popular. I heard my roommate talking about it since it's run by a famous singer's mother and how he occasionally helps out there. She's a singer herself and likes to research about other singers nationally and internationally. She also likes listing random facts that she finds in magazines. Her room is full of cutouts from magazines and autographs."

"Maybe we should get his autograph for her if he happens to be there today," she could her him chuckling.

"Welcome to the Kotobuki Bentou Shop~ How may I help you two today?" a cheerful voiced piped up from across the counter. Nadeshiko and Yu just hung their mouths open slightly at the sight for what stretched on like moments. The brunette man's bright smile was starting to become strained at the lack of response before speaking out again.

"Umm... is something wrong?"

Nadeshiko was the first to jump back a little. She gave him a courteous, yet flustered bow in response.

"My sincerest apologies for our rudeness," she then lifted her heard up. "It's not everyday that we run into a someone such as yourself."

Well... not exactly. They did see people who were of high social status or famous daily, but rarely those in the entertainment business.

"That's alright. I'm pretty use to it by now. Just treat me casually, okay?" he smiled brightly once more. "So, what will you two be ordering?"

She took a brief scan of the kinds of bento available for the one that had the most vegetables, "I will have that one, please."

"Then make that two, please," Yu spoke and the man started to bring them out. Yu took advantage of what little time they had to whisper in her ear. "I was joking before, but wouldn't you want to ask for his autograph for your friend?"

She could feel the blood rushing and pumping within her ears at the way his breath tickled her ears, but she urged herself to keep cool.

"Do you think he'll mind?" as she stood on her tip-toes, cupped a hand over one side of her mouth and whispered while staring at the humming man who was packaging their lunches.

"I don't think he will," he gave her an encouraging smile. She wasn't sure if she was still half-asleep, but she could've sworn his ears were slightly pink. It wasn't too chilly today either.

"Okay, we'll need to take the train to get there from here," Yu said as soon as they drove into the parking lot of the station. "You might want to tuck that into the glove compartment."

She folded the paper containing the autograph neatly in half where it wouldn't damage where he signed in and stuck it inside. The thought of how Nicky was going to ask her all sorts of questions made her unconsciously slip out a grin.

Just as they were unbuckling their seat belts they heard a sudden click and thud along with a shadow behind the back seat of the car. The two of them snapped their heads to the back and saw an unfamiliar man sitting on one of the seats. His face was initially concealed until he peeled the black baseball cap off his head and gave them a bright smile.

"Good morning! You're a bit early today. Why did you suddenly decide to par—huh?"

The three of them glanced at each other in silent shock. The strange man was the first to break the silence.

"Wh—whoa! Sorry, wrong car!" And he immediately scurried out faster than a squirrel catching glimpse of the first nut it sees after hibernation.

"That was... random."

"Yeah... it was," he nodded and then his features froze in place for a split second. "Wait! Wasn't that... Kajima Yuta?"

The name drew a blank in her mind. "Do you know him Yu-chan?"

"Sort of... apparently he's a rising star as a comedian."

"I didn't you know you liked variety shows, Yu-chan."

He shook his head, "I haven't seen any, but I've read around. One has to do a thorough amount of research about one's country just in case. It's a funny day so far, isn't it? We've ran into two celebrities so far... I wonder if he didn't get a clear look of our faces before he entered the car." And he stared off at the direction the man fled.

"Your windows are tinted, remember? Hmm... he could've been meeting up with his manager or something."

"Such a shame we couldn't ask for his autograph."

"I don't think my friend knows much about Oriesian comedy, though."

Today was just full of surprises, but this was the first intended surprise she experienced.

"A mountain? We're going to hike to the summit of this mountain and back down?" she gaped at her friend as they stood at the entrance. "Do you have any idea how many hours this will take?"

"About an hour and a half without breaks, but since we'll be taking some rest stops... add in another hour, maybe?" he grinned at her like it's the most natural thing.

"I've been out of shape," she frowned.

"Then it's good exercise and you will feel like you've accomplished something once you're at the peak."

She still didn't look impressed. "I never knew aching joints and exhaustion were accomplishments. If I wanted to be proud of something, I'd take a look at my diploma."

"Could it be that you're afraid the elders and kids would be faster than you?" he stared at her with innocent wide eyes. Scratch the innocent and replace it with mockery.

"..." she puffed her cheeks as she buried her nose into the warmth of her powder pink cashmere scarf. "...Yes."

"Don't worry," he gave her a sweet smile in contrast to the torture he was going to put her through and he held out a hand towards her, "We'll take our own sweet time, okay?"

A heavy sigh leaked out of her before she accepted his hand. "You know this is still random, right?"

"I prefer the term 'spontaneous'. It's more fun and romantic that way."

"Of course."

Maybe she wasn't so out of shape as she thought. She wasn't gasping for air by the time they made it up to the peak, nor was she on her hands and knees. There was this sense of relief that it was over for now.

"So, what do you think?" he spoke up from beside her.

"Mmm, it wasn't so bad and the view of the autumn leaves we saw as we hiked up was worth it," she gave him a tiny smile.

"Then how about I show you a nicer view," he took her by the hand one more and led her to a viewing platform.

"Wow!" was all she could say. The hues of autumn leaves that stretched for what seemed like forever from the elevated height where they stood was absolutely mesmerizing. She leaned over the wooden fence unconsciously to get a better look before turning back to him with a big and bright grin.

"Thank you for taking me out. I feel much better. Ah..." she could then feel the warmth of his palm on her right cheek.

"That's the smile I love." And off her heart soared which sent her whole system in panic. Her eyes darted around to find an escape and spot a shop that situated not too far from where they stood.

"Oh! There's a shop that sells postcards of the mountain," she said with a louder voice than usual as she leaped away from their contact. "And look! You can put them in the mailbox over there to send them off! Isn't that cool? I think I'll get some for my friends."

And off she fled.

Yu sure was acting strange today. Was the thought that ran through her head as she absentmindedly scribbled a few words on the one of the postcards she purchased.

Sure, he was usually caring, but she couldn't remember the last time they held hands for just a casual outing. He never touched her cheek before either. The best she got was a pat on the head or shoulder. Ugh, maybe she was reading into it more than necessary.

After she was done and about to head out to slip them into the box, something stole her glance. It was a postcard with a picture taken of the platform where they stood earlier.

On second thought, she'll get another one.

The train ride back was quieter than usual and slightly less cramped enough for them to find a seat this time. Yu and Nadeshiko didn't exchange words for a while as they glanced out at the scenery with a serene look. When Yu finally decided to speak up he discovered something unexpected. There she was fast asleep beside him. Her head was tilting back and forth in an attempt to find something to lean against.

He realized that he could never get tired of seeing her sleeping face. But the peaceful moment was replaced by a twinge of panic as she began to lean closer to the shoulder of a young man on the left side of where she sat. It could be his imagination but the strange man seemed to be eager at the potential situation.

With quick thinking, he gently grabbed her left shoulder and pulled her closer to him. Thus, guiding her to lean on his shoulder instead of the strange man and shot him an apologetic look, though he was far from apologetic on the inside. He was then able to close his eyes with ease as he could pick-up the scent of cherry blossoms from her. The way her head was comfortably place upon his shoulder just felt right.

Today was a strange day... with strange things happening. He did some strange things himself. Yet, this new found feeling of bliss wasn't so strange.

"I've got a special delivery for you today, Master Yu," Susumu grinned as he held what appeared to be a postcard in between his fingers. Yu, who was having a Libertarian-style breakfast with Alan in the young prince's room placed his knife and fork down with a raised eyebrow. After dabbing the corners of his lips with a napkin, he headed over to where Susumu stood at the door and took the postcard. He then dismissed the butler.

Yu scanned the contents of the card which was written neatly and beautifully:

Consider this as a token for one of the fond memories we can even recall years from now. Thank you so much for taking me out. It was a great change of pace and I feel as if the weight of my distress lifted up—no, I know it did. I look forward to visiting this place with you again throughout the other seasons. Hopefully, that is alright with you?

"Of course..." he murmured unconsciously. He was looking forward to the seasons yet to come. He continued to smile as he read the card over and over the he didn't notice the young prince was glancing at it from underneath.

"That's a really pretty picture! Who is it from?"

Yu snapped back to reality and tucked the postcard into his suit. "Someone special to me."

Alan tilt his head to the side as his hazel eyes glimmered in curiosity, but then gave a knowing little grin. "Oh, I know that smile! It's the same one Glenn has on when he thinks about the Princess. Could it be you're thinking about her, too?"

"No, I'm not," he shook his head. Not anymore.

"Hmm... you sure are being stingy today, Yu. Won't you tell me?" he tugged the sleeve of his suit with pleading eyes. Yu let out a soft chuckle and pat the boy's head.

"When the time is right. So, please be patient until that day comes, alright?"

Alan pouted a little bit as he turned to head over to his unfinished breakfast until he caught sight of something from the window.

"Snow!" he dashed over eagerly and pressed his palms against the window. "Yu, look! It's snowing!"

"So, it is," he smiled as he too walked over to see the scenery from outside. He soon caught sight of someone out in the gardens. It was her.

"Look! It's Doctor Shiraishi! Good morning!" Alan waved furiously from where he was. It was as if she sensed their presence and glanced upwards towards their direction with her mouth slightly open. Once she took notice of their presence, she smiled back and waved to Alan. Her eyes then landed on Yu, she gave him a different smile as she tucked a loose strand of hair back—one that sent his heart fluttering.

Though most life had either decayed or went to slumber by this time of year, he knew something in his heart was blooming. And this time, it will be different.