Spring Winds.
A/N: Sorry this is such a long chapter. I wanted to cliff hang you guys a bit so I split chapter 11 into two LOL. So this is actually chapter 11 part 2 and the other half is chapter 12. Anyways, hope you guys will like the new plot development despite the lack of the other characters but maybe you'll enjoy the appearance of the new characters! Guess who~?
CHAPTER 11
part 2
I swallowed a gulp before turning around slowly, meeting his gray eyes, cold like the touch and color of steel. I felt the same shiver up my spine as the first moment our gaze crossed.
"Hibari," I spoke softly, calling out his name for what might be the last time. He was standing stubbornly with his arms crossed over his chest. His expression shifted ever so slightly when I turned around, probably due to the poor state I was in.
"I'll bite you to death for trespassing, coming to school in outside clothes, not repaying your debt, and waking me up," he said casually as he took a few steps closer, hands falling down at his sides. I could no longer hold in the tears that were now spilling out at the sound of his voice and the words that I've become accustomed to. I also couldn't help the action that I instinctively took.
I crashed into him, would've knocked him over too if he wasn't so strong. My hands shakily gripped his sweater vest. His arms rested at his side and the only reaction he had was a slight jump when I ran into him. His slightly masculine scent mixed with the smell of laundry detergent hit me. I fought so hard to not talk to him, not reach out to him. Because deep down, I didn't feel like I deserved it. Didn't think it would be fair to anyone else, if they even cared.
"S-so… S-sor..ry…" I hiccuped out the words as my tears made it inaudible. I took in the smell of his now tear stained navy vest. I tightened the grip on his black jacket. "T-this.." I sniffled, trying to calm myself. "This i-is.. the last…" I cried a bit more. "T-time.. I'll s-see you…" I let myself go for another few moments, amazed that I still had more tears in me. I was torn knowing that our true goodbye was coming but I was also surprisingly blissful to be able to interact with him just one more time. I was so stupid, stupid to think that I didn't need this, that I shouldn't have this moment.
He stood still just like how time seemed to have stopped for me. He didn't speak. I wasn't sure what he was feeling, what he was thinking. What I was feeling, what I was thinking. That was the thing with real life, you don't get other people's perspectives. You can't hope to truly understand anyone else but yourself. Then again, it was hard enough even understanding yourself.
The way my heart throbbed and the way my stomach twisted. The way I cried so much my throat started to hurt. How many moments was I wasting away? I slowly calmed down along with a few sniffles here and there. How many minutes has it been? How many did I have left?
"T-The letter.." I cleared my throat. "There should be a check in it too. I'm s-sorry I didn't.. repay the windows fully with my time."
"Repay it another time." He finally spoke, his voice was casual, no change in pitch.
"Like I said…" I backed up enough to look at his face, I was still holding him though. Although I originally didn't want to talk to him, I was afraid that if I let go, he'd just walk away. Fall out of my grasp, out of my reach, out of sight. I scanned his gray eyes that simply stared into mine, searched for something more. Something, whatever I unconsciously wished to find.
Longing? Sorrow? Hope? Anything.
Anything that can tell me that there was something I can reach out to, get a hold of.
"I won't let you off for destroying the property of Namimori," he smirked.
Well, that's certainly something.
"Is that so?" I felt myself smile despite all the sorrow and pain I was felt these past few days. I rested my head back onto his chest and I slowly wrapped my arms around him. What am I even doing? A few months ago I wouldn't have imagined myself to be embracing the infamous head of the disciplinary committee. Someone whose guts I hated and who probably despised mine as well.
His arms shifted slightly and I loosened my hold on him. Slowly, they raised and his reluctant hands met my back gently. Is he actually embracing me back? My heart beated impossibly faster than before and my eyes widened slightly in shock but my surprised lips curved into a small smile nonetheless. I felt the tears resurfacing again but I willed them down.
"I wonder…" I mumbled. "What is this feeling that I have for you?" I mused softly, speaking on a whim, a spur of the moment. I was always either at a lost for words when I was around Hibari or for better or for worse, they would come out without thinking.
I sensed one of his fingers move just ever so slightly and his back tensing up, the only indication of a reaction.
Who was Hibari to me? A friend? No. That's just weird. Perhaps we were because what else would he be? I knew what he liked, what he hated, where he loved to be, where he would least likely be. I cared about his health despite how annoying he could be. I trusted him. I didn't mind being around him for the most part. He made me feel a certain way. Then there was something about those gray eyes. Just what is it?
I opened my mouth to say something else, anything, but then I heard the numerous marching of footsteps coming our way.
Shit.
We quickly broke free of whatever form of embrace that was and when I turned, we were already surrounded my many men dressed in black, my father's personal body guards.
"Miss, please surrender yourself without a fight. We, and the master, do not wish to hurt you," a man spoke up. Hurt me physically, you mean.
I nodded and took a reluctant step forward, that was the plan all along anyways. However, Hibari moved quickly and the next thing I knew, I heard a groan. One man down.
"Get him!" I heard someone yell but then he yelped in pain too. A few of them fell but the rest were faster, the sounds of an armed gun.
I felt my eyes widen along with the amount of panic that was rising in me along with the pace of my heartbeats. I heard Hibari's tcht noise from behind. But something told me that even guns weren't enough to scare or stop Hibari Kyoya. It was reckless though and he could get hurt which was something I definitely didn't want.
"Don't shoot! Don't hurt him or I swear I'll kill myself." I boldly commanded loudly, raising a needle up to my neck. "You all know it's poisoned." Well that was reckless too. My needle wasn't poisoned and I was unsure whether or not I would ever be capable of killing myself but it worked when they lowered their weapons anyways. "I'll talk to him."
I turned around to a shocked looking Hibari, stance still up. I walked over to him smiling, hand still positioning the needle at my neck. I placed my hand gently on one of his. "Lower your weapon, it's okay." His eyebrows furrowed but he obeyed hesitantly despite the fact that he probably hated anyone giving him any sort of command. "Thank you," I whispered and carefully put away the needle.
"I need to go back home, I'll be fine there. I don't know when I'll see you again but..." I tiptoed and hugged him, arms wrapped over his neck.
I pressed my lips near his ears and whispered something that only he could hear, something that I could barely hear from myself. Something that I couldn't have discovered until now.
I felt him tense up before I let him go. His eyes only shifted slightly but he did not speak. I backed up a bit and turned, savoring the last moment I see him only for a second. I walked up to the men with my hands up.
"Check her for any needles or weapons." The man commanded. The woman beside him nodded before walking up to me, patting me up and down. She pulled out the case of needles and snatched away the fan keychains that were capable of extending into weapons, my father's creation of course.
"You can have this back when you behave," she said, dangling the keychain in front of my face.
"Don't act like I'd need that." I smirked. "I'll have you know that I'm willingly going back with you to hell."
Her expression didn't change. She nearly took my hands and handcuffed it. Smart move. "Should we tie her legs too?" Smarter.
"No, we have something else. Take her to the car," he commanded. Something else? They shuffled me towards the black car, the men surrounding us. My eyes widened when I saw a flicker from the woman's hand. I didn't react until it jammed into my neck.
Fuck.
An anesthetic.
"Don't hold it against me me, it's only temporary." She smirked. Too late. I made a mental note of having her fired despite that fact that it was simply her just doing her job. I was in a bad mood after all. "Master's orders." I scoffed at her insignificant words and narrowed my dreary eyes at her before they closed completely. I felt myself slump into someone's arms. I was slid into the car.
And then I lost conscious.
...
I woke up to an unfortunately familiar ceiling. My mind felt groggy and I attempted to blink out of my dreary state I was in. The anesthetic. I sighed.
"I will never stop fighting you." I looked up at the man who just walked into my room.
"I know, honey." He smiled kindly, gently stroking the bangs out of my face before he handed me the sweet smelling tea. "I understand why you did what you did. For love, for him. But it doesn't mean I won't try my best to protect you." For him? I winced at his tunnel visioned ignorance but there was no point in trying to correct him, it wouldn't change his mind anyways.
"This isn't the right way." I spoke tiredly as I stared up at the ceiling once again, too exhausted to argue. I couldn't stand looking at him.
"I'm sorry. Please try to understand me, do it for me." He squeezed my hand but I didn't speak. "At least drink the tea, it will calm you down." I sighed and sat up slowly, shuddering. My body felt exhausted and ill. I cautiously took the tea from him. At least this is one thing I am willing to do for him.
"What is it?"
"I didn't ask. I only told the maid to get something that will soothe you down."
The aroma was different but it wasn't a bad one so I took a small sip. It warmed me up despite the cold raging sea I felt inside of me. No matter how exhausted I was, my body will never rest.
I didn't tell him but I will never forget these emotions. I will swim against the currents, fight him until the very day he grants me freedom. But for now, I am empty of all except those feelings. I had run out of tears and energy.
My eyes started to feel droopy again, my mind was boggy. Was the anesthetic still in effect? It must be strong if it was something my father worked with.
"I'll let you rest," he smiled gently as he brushed my bangs out of my face. "I'll see you tomorrow morning."
Tomorrow morning?
I opened my mouth to speak. To tell him something.
What was it?
Ah.
Darkness.
It was welcoming.
"I know you'll find me."
CHAPTER 12
I woke up to a bright sunny morning. I yawned and stretched. What day is it today? I felt so much better today, perhaps it's because of the amount of hours I slept. Today was one of those days where you would just wake up and you feel energized and ready to go. Homeschooling definitely has its perks.
I felt like I was angry about something but I can't remember it now, whatever it was, it was probably nothing big. I can't remember what my dream was either. I tried to recall as I brushed my teeth and showered but nothing sparked my memory. I gave up and changed into a simple outfit consisting of dark denim jeans, a thin black knitted cardigan, and a light canary yellow blouse. I brushed my frustratingly tangled pink hair; I gave up about halfway, deeming it good enough. I ran my fingers over the cherry blossom clip on my vanity and clipped it where my bangs ended. It was my favorite and something that my father gave me that belonged to my mother like the rest of my accessories. I also picked up the dainty silver charm bracelet and placed it on my wrist, another one of my mother's. I swiftly made my way downstairs into the kitchen for breakfast.
"Good morning, honey. How are you feeling?" My dad was perched on the stool, newspaper in hand.
"Good morning, dad. I'm feeling fine as always," I smiled and pecked him on the cheek before taking a seat on the stool beside him. "Anything interesting?"
"Nothing in particular. Just some robberies," he said, taking a sip of his orange juice.
The butler placed a meal in front of me. Today was a ham and cheese omelette with sauteed peppers on top with hash browns on the side. "What kind of juice would you like today?"
"Mm… Grape, please. Thank you." I answered as he left to fetch the juice. I turned towards my dad, "How is research going?"
"We're making quite a lot of progress," he smiled to himself. "Which subjects are you learning today?"
"Mmm...Math? It might change since Kirigawa-sensei stopped working for us, right?" I started finishing my breakfast. It was delicious as always and I felt incredibly full. If only I didn't have lessons today. Well, homeschooling is much more laid back.
"Right," he smiled gently. "Your new tutor is coming today." I hope it isn't a strict one.
"Then, I'll be waiting in the library for the tutor to come."
"Okay, sweetie. Have a good day."
"You too," I smiled and left the dining room to the library which was a floor up. Usually I would have arrived there earlier than Kirigawa like usual. For the last 3 months, she's been late.
"Sorry, Sakura-chan! I spilled coffee on myself again," she stuck out her tongue and sat down in front of me. "What should we start with today- Ahhhh…" The papers flew everywhere and I sighed.
"Kirigawa-sensei, you're awfully clumsy as always," I giggled.
"I agree completely. Maybe you would've been better off at a public school," she smiled.
"You know how father and I feel about public education. Either way, I haven't been to one since last year," I helped her pick up her papers.
"Don't you miss hanging out or making friends?"
"Not really," I shrugged, feeling strange. She was asking such an unnecessary question. "Plus I talk to dad's assistants sometimes."
"Oh c'mon! You're so young. Don't you want to experience… love?!" Her eyes seemed to sparkle as her grin only got wider, her hands clasped in front of her.
"I'm not really interested," I smiled awkwardly but something about my voice sounded oddly distant.
"Oh Sakura-chan. Well, I'm not complaining. I'm getting paid," she winked and opened up a book.
I sat on the sofa recalling memories I had with my tutor, I kind of miss her already. She was a sweet person despite being clumsy and unorganized. However, she moved houses therefore it was more convenient for her to work elsewhere. I grazed the polkadotted cover of the notebook she gave me as a goodbye gift along with a silver ballpen.
The door to the library opened and a lady walked in wearing a blazer, white dress shirt, a black tie, and black pants. Her light brown hair was tied up in a bun, her brown eyes were behind oval black rimmed glasses.
"Good morning," she smiled as she strolled over to me with a few books.
"Good morning," I stood up and greeted back. "I'm Sakura. Nice to meet you."
"I'm your new tutor but you can just call me Oregano." She held out her hand and I extended my hand to shake hers. She gestured towards the chair and I nodded, sitting down. "Well Sakura, I'll be trying my best to teach you the subjects your father requested of me," she took out a piece of paper. "Which is… Math, English, Japanese, and History."
"And I'll try my best to keep up," I laughed softly.
"Let's get started then, shall we?" she smiled. Straight to the point, wastes no time, got it.
It was around afternoon when we got through two lessons in Math.
"What do you think so far, of your progress?" She asked.
"I understand it. You're good at explaining it," I smiled and she returned it with a nod as well.
"That's good to hear. We can take a break now."
I nodded, relieved. "Would you like some tea?" I glanced at the tea that the maid just placed down not too long ago. Judging from the aroma, it must be Earl Grey tea.
"Yes please."
I poured it carefully and gave her a teacup with a plate underneath. She took a small sip of it. "It's wonderful," she smiled. She looked about the room for a moment. "Were you always homeschooled?"
"Ah, no," I shook my head. "I used to transfer around schools but it was a lot of work for my father. Since January I've been homeschooled. I should've been in my second year of middle school," I explained.
She nodded and took another sip. "Your father seems very protective. All the guards and what not," she remarked. "Are they always around like that? It seems a bit suffocating."
"It's fine," I drank a bit of my own tea. "I got used to it. They were there ever since I was young and most of them are friendly."
"I see," she set her tea down. "You don't have siblings, Sakura?"
"No, I don't."
"And your father is always immersed in his research?"
"Ah, yes."
"Do you speak to any assistants? I'm sure nowadays there are young ones, around your age, that are naturally geniuses. Maybe even a little kid!" She chuckled softly.
Little kid? Like the one with the green hair? "I speak to them but there aren't any my age in this house. The only kid I saw was apparently an assistant's child. He was probably only around five though."
"Five, huh" she repeated to herself with a smile. "Does it ever get lonely?"
"I guess," I set my tea down as well. "I'm used to that as well. Father doesn't want me to get too acquainted with people."
She chuckled lightly. "He seems quite cynical." She looked out the window for a moment before returning her gaze to me. "Tell you what. If you're interested, I have another student that I can try convincing your father to let him come once in awhile. I think it'll be fun. He's a sweet kid around your age."
I turned the thought over in my head. It would be nice to have company. "I'm fine with it and I'd be interested in having a friend for once," I laughed softly. "But I don't know about father."
"I'll do my best in convincing him, don't worry," she smiled and I returned it with appreciation.
We spent a few more hours covering English as well. She left around three o'clock to talk to my father and I was left to my own to do whatever I wish.
I decided to use my spare time in practicing piano that was in our living room. It was an enormous black grand piano, shiny and beautiful. We've had it for as long as I could remember but it was always kept in the best of conditions. I ran my hand along the smooth white keys and over the black bumps.
I sat down and positioned my foot onto the pedal. I closed my eyes and let my fingers dance where they may, to a pace that was etched into my memory. Letting the music carry my mind elsewhere like leaves in the wind.
Chopin, Beethoven. After an hour of immersing myself in the practice of songs, my father came in clapping. He was in his usual lab coat and his hair was disheveled as always.
"Wonderful as always," he smiled.
"Thank you," I got up and pretended to curtsy.
"So Oregano came in to speak with me about bringing in another student once in awhile so you won't be too lonely," he spoke. I nodded warily but he placed a hand on my head. "That's fine."
I felt my eyes widen. "Really? You don't mind?"
"No, I think it's a good idea. As long as you promise me one thing," he smiled.
"What is it?"
"Promise me you won't get attached," his smile pressed into a firm line.
"I promise. I just think it'd be nice to have someone to talk to that's my age," I smiled and grabbed his hand. "Thank you, father."
"Even though I already went through the trouble of finding you a young but capable bodyguard as well and with a thorough background check of course," he chuckled.
I raised an eyebrow. "You did?"
"Yes, but you will meet him later at dinner. He's a few years older than you though."
"That's very kind of you," I smiled.
"I just don't want you to be too lonely, homeschooled and all. I will also have my assistants invite their children now and then," he ruffled my hair.
"Okay," I hugged him.
"Then, I'll get back to my work for now. I'll see you for dinner and introduce your own personal bodyguard to you," he waved before leaving and shutting the large mahogany doors behind him.
I thought about what to do with the remaining two hours of my time. Perhaps I'll go take a walk in the rose garden. I pressed a hand onto the window and looked out into my next destination. It seemed warmer outside so I went into my room to change from my blouse and jeans into a plain white sun dress.
When I left outside, I was greeted by the ever so patient guards standing at the door. I gave them a nod before strolling into our rose garden. I could smell it from afar, the abundance of roses were pleasant to the nose. The beautifully colorful garden under the cerulean gradient sky and the delicate white patches of clouds was always a mesmerizing sight.
Apparently it was my mother's favorite place to be so it was still nicely kept and the lush green bushes were all neatly trimmed. She was buried in her own special little spot in the garden and a complimenting marble statue of her was served as a tombstone. I tend to visit it every few days just to tell update her on what was happening in my life. I strolled over to the red roses, apparently her favorite. Our garden contained many different types of flowers and within this specific one, many colors of roses.
I bent down next to one of the prettiest one I spotted. I usually cut one so I could place it on her tombstone. I carefully grabbed a part on the stem, avoiding the thorns, to inspect the flower to make sure it was one that I wanted.
"Do you need help?"
I gasped as the voice made me jump, causing my hand to slip. "Ouch!" I accidentally pricked myself with a thorn. I frowned at my bleeding finger.
"Are you okay?" the owner of the masculine voice from behind me spoke again. I couldn't even feel his presence. I stood up and turned around to meet him. My lips parted slightly.
I expected a man like the usual guards but the one before me was young, still dressed in the formal attire of our body guards. He had black hair that was thin and straight, the back which hugged his head was gradually shorter than the few strands in front that almost touched his shoulders. His bangs were swept to both sides, parted in the middle messily, and a few strands seemed to remain in the middle. What captured me was the deep blue eyes, dark like the ocean.
He grabbed my wrist gently and raised my hand up closely to his face, inspecting my small injury. In fact, he was rather close to me which made me feel a bit flustered. "It doesn't seem bad. Would you like for me to run in for a band aid?"
"I'm okay, really." I snapped my attention back to normal. "It's fine, thank you," I smiled.
He nodded slowly and let go of my wrist. "Would you like some help then?"
"Ah, I just need to grab the garden shears." I turned my head over to the tool that the gardener would leave out for me. He strolled over in graceful steps and brought it back to where I was standing. "Was it this one, miss?" He pointed to the flower I was holding earlier.
I nodded. "Ah thank you but, you don't have to call me miss. It's kind of weird since you're not that much older than me," I laughed softly. "I suppose you're the new bodyguard?"
He bent down to cut it carefully. "Yes I am." He backed up to face me and bowed with the hand that was holding a rose over his heart. "My name is Tadashi Jun but you may simply call me anything to your convenience."
"Then, Jun. I'm Nanase Sakura. And you don't have to speak so formally to me," I giggled. He held out the red rose and I took it carefully. "Thank you," I smiled. "I was told I wasn't going to meet you until dinner?"
"Yes, I was told the same. Your father had given me permission to tour around the place for the remaining time and I was fascinated by the garden. Am I interrupting?"
"No, no you're not. I was going to visit my mother's tombstone. Would you like to come with? I'll introduce you to her," I smiled.
"If you don't mind, miss- Nanase-san."
"That sounds rather strange. You can just call me Sakura."
He pressed his lips together in thought. "Hime," he decided.
"Princess? Uh," I laughed softly. "I'm not a princess."
"I think it suits you," he remarked bluntly.
"As in spoiled and protected?" I teased.
His eyes widened. "I didn't mean any offense-"
"I'm kidding," I smiled to reassure him. "Shall we go?" I asked and he nodded. I could tell that I already liked this guy's personality. Soft spoken, quiet, innocently naive, kind, considerate. Hopefully I wasn't wrong.
I lead the way through the maze that I've memorized like the back of my mind into the heart of the garden where my mother lies. I kneeled down and placed the rose onto the tombstone. Apparently I made more trips recently than I remembered because of all the withering roses on her tombstone.
The stone was cool to my touch as I ran my hand across the words, Nanase Sumire. She was named after a violet, which symbolized honesty, like how most of the women in our family were named after a flower. Like a violet, she had long lavender hair and dark plum eyes. I've only ever seen pictures of her though.
Good evening, mother. I've been doing fine lately and I hope that you are too. I recently got a new tutor and father is trying to find companions for me to talk to during my time of being homeschooled. I'm glad he has been finally taking my social interactions into consideration. I still wish you were here with me but uh, I hope you'll continue to watch over me.
I stood up and gestured to Jun who stood stiffly straight. "Mother, this is my new bodyguard and friend. His name is Tadashi Jun." He bowed to the tombstone and watched it intently, probably speaking to her from within his mind. From this angle, I could see a short ponytail sticking out in the back from under the first layer of his hair. He turned his attention to me after he had seemed to have finished.
"Want to take a walk? I'll give you a tour," I smiled and he nodded. I strolled down the stoney path to my favorite spot in the garden, the white gazebo. "I enjoy spending my time in there," I pointed and we carefully walked over the bridge. There was water, a pond, surrounding the white gazebo. The pond contained numerous large koi fishes, a few lilypads, and lotus flowers.
"It seems relaxing," he commented. I smiled and leaned against one of the poles. The Spring winds carried a few petals from cherry blossom tree a bit farther ahead; the petals danced in the air around us. "Would you like to stay awhile longer or move on?"
"It's up to you, hime."
I felt my cheeks growing a bit warm from being called princess and I had a feeling it was going to take awhile to get used to. "Then, five more minutes." I leaned over and watched the koi fish swim about in their carefree life. Must be nice. Then again I was content, I didn't have any problems with my life.
After what I had assumed to be five minutes, I lead him over to the cherry blossom trees. I was entranced by their own little waltz, moving in a silent music played by the wind. I was lost in my thoughts until he spoke again. "Your name really suits you," he regarded with a small ghost of a smile.
"Thank you?" I giggled.
I looked up at the trees and found myself captured by something. There was something familiar about this. Well of course, since I see this sight every year. But something tugged at my conscious, begging to be taken notice of. It was like forgetting what I had to say, it frustrated me.
"Something wrong, hime?" He asked and walked up to my side.
"Ah, mm. I just felt like I had forgotten something. It's probably nothing big though," I smiled softly. "Shall we move on? I suppose I should show you the layout of the house if you haven't explored it on your own."
"No, I haven't. I'd appreciate it. Thank you for your time," he bowed.
"L-Like I said," I waved my hands about. "You don't have to be so formal to me. We're friends, okay? And I don't have any plans."
His eyes widened a bit and he tried to smile. "Yes."
"Then let's go."
I lead him into the mansion and showed him almost every room except my dad's own little corridor of rooms for his scientific endeavors or the private bedrooms.
"Will you be staying in one of the guest bedrooms?" I asked.
"Ah, yes. Your father arranged for me to stay here since I'll be your personal bodyguard."
"I will get to be in my room alone right… And you won't follow me to the bathroom?" I teased.
"Yes, unless you request me to," he replied ever so seriously.
"I-I'm okay!" I laughed. "I didn't even have a personal bodyguard until now." I didn't need it either. Father probably just wishes to give me company. Then why didn't he let me go to school? This year I was supposed to transfer into one by the name of like Nami.. Nami something.
The grandfather clock signaled the indication of six o'clock and I lead Jun to the dining room.
My father was already seated when we entered. "Ah, it seems like you two have already met," he raised an eyebrow.
"I found him in the garden while finding a rose for mom."
"I see," he smiled and gestured for us to have a seat. My father was at the head of the elongated granite table while I sat to his left and Jun sat to my left. "Do you like the mansion so far?"
"Yes, sir. Thank you," Jun replied.
"He has a thing with being too formal, doesn't he?" I laughed and my dad chuckled.
"We're one big family here, Jun." He smiled and Jun thanked him again. "Sakura, it looks like you got yourself a brother." He shifted slightly at the words but did not speak.
"Yes, it seems so." I smiled. Having dinner with three people instead of two, or most of the time one, is nice.
The butler placed our dinner in front of us which looked mouth watering as always. We thanked the butler and he bustled out to finish his other chores. The three of us ate our meals in silence and a bit of the usual small talk between my dad and I. And like usual, he ate quickly and excused himself after dabbing his mouth with the a cloth napkin. "I'll be continuing my research. You two take your time," he smiled and left.
I turned to Jun who was meticulously cutting the steak. He seemed so careful about everything. We finished our meals a few minutes after my father left and the maids came to clear out the table.
"I appreciate your family's hospitality and kindness even though I'm only a guard."
"Don't say that. Like my father said, we're all a family here. And I usually eat alone so it's nice that you can join me. What did you do before?"
"I lived by myself after leaving the foster care. I was trained and worked under a corporate boss."
"Foster care? I see," I nodded slowly, frowning a bit. So he was an orphan? And I was always complaining about being lonely. At least I had my father.
"Hm… What to do now. I suppose I feel like reading in the library. Would you like to join me?" I asked.
"I'm not much of a reader but it is my duty to watch over you."
"That sounds restrictive. I really don't mind if you do something you want to. There's no danger around here anyways," I smiled.
"I'm fine with just doing what you want to do," he insisted.
"Okay then," I replied and walked over to the library. I took a seat by the window and pulled out the novel I was still reading, my metal bookmark was placed in the page I stopped at. "Just tell me when you get bored," I smiled. He nodded and stood with his back against the large window, by the dark scarlet curtains.
I was immersed in my book, flipping page by page that I forgot I had company. The heroine was about to uncover the mystery.
"You seem to quite into your book," he mused as he walked closer to me.
I didn't look up at him but simply nodded. "Yeah, I got to a good part. Sorry."
"Don't be, it's amusing to watch your facial expressions." He took a seat on the right arm of my chair. I took note of his masculine scent.
"Are you bored?" I asked, still fixated on the text before me.
"No." Something about his tone seemed a bit different but maybe I was just imagining things. "I can't say I'm not jealous though," he spoke with a lower tone.
"About what?" I mumbled, half paying attention.
"That you're giving the book more attention than me," he whispered softly next to my ear. It sent a shiver through my spine and I stiffened in response. My eyes widened as I looked up at him. He had on a smirk which seemed irregular compared to his behavior all day.
"Jun?"
"Hm?"
"Uh," I wasn't sure how to ask him of his strange behavior. "You seem a tad... different?"
His smirked widened. He took a lock of my hair and pressed it to his lips which caused my face to grow hot. "Is that so?" he asked teasingly.
"Jun, what are you-"
"I'm kidding, Sakura. I have… hm. What do you call it," he watched me with a bemused expression. "A split personality, perhaps?" His voice was different or perhaps it was due to the change in his tone.
I simply stared at him and let that sink in my mind. For such a quiet and soft spoken person into a what seems to be teasing and mischievous guy.
"Which do you prefer?" he smirked, leaning in closer to me.
"S-Stop," I blushed, extending my arm to keep him in place. What? My eyes widened immensely and froze when I looked into the ors that I had recognized to be a deep ocean blue. One of them, his right instead, was blood red. Could it be a trick of the light? I looked down at the small lamp on the coffee table beside me. No.
I got up quickly and backed up, suddenly cautious of this person before me. Who is he?
"Sakura," he watched me, amusement glinted in his eyes.
"Who are you?" I narrowed my eyes, reaching around for my fans. I never needed a bodyguard to begin with.
"Kufufu," he laughed strangely. "I won't hurt you, sweet Sakura. I'm merely your bodyguard."
'Your personality changed ...and your right eye," I pointed out bluntly, my eyes narrowing.
"I'm almost hurt that you're judging me so," he put out his arms. "I won't hurt you. Won't you believe me?" he smiled. "If I wanted to hurt you, I could have simply waited till you fell asleep," he brushed the few strands out of his face, running his slender fingers through his raven hair. Perhaps he had a point.
I stared at him for a moment, running the possibilities through my mind. I sighed and put my arms down at my side. "Does my father know?"
"I believe not, it's not something most people find out."
"Then why-"
"I thought it'd be amusing to show you," he stood up and took a few steps toward me. I fought my urge not to back up in caution. He extended a hand out and I stayed in place, watching him carefully. "Oya? I appreciate you trusting me," he smiled. Jun placed a hand on my head and brushed down to my face, cupping it in his warm hand.
I felt my face growing hot and I looked away from his mismatched eyes. "That's enou-" I was cut off when he leaned in.
And kissed me.