Spring Winds.

A/N: Well that took me quite awhile to write, I was hoping to have it done by yesterday and instead fanfiction had a server problem. :c Anyways, this may or may not be a boring chapter. It really just depends on if you're interested by the new character(s) or not, haha. I also apologize for the time skips in this chapter.

I'm thinking about adding an omake for next chapter, one focusing on Riri because even though she was my OC, she didn't get much attention and only served a small role. It's already written and I kind of liked it, I had fun writing it. Plus it gives a very small insight on what is going on at Namimori. So just telling you, in case you'll be interested. :)

And also a Valentine's special offer! But details are at the bottom of the chapter so enjoy it first :D

CHAPTER 13

I was twirling in the rain, showered by the precipitation. A man held out an umbrella to me but I shook my head. I like this feeling, I told him. He asked me if I liked the rain. I nodded and continued to spin. He chuckled and told me he did too but that I shouldn't get the bracelet wet, it might get ruined. I looked down at the silver charm bracelet and held it out for him. Hold it for me, I requested. It was rude to return gifts, he said and our laughter mixed with the sounds of rain.

I woke up with a groan and blinked the dreariness out of my eyes. The sunlight seeped through the windows, indicating morning. I woke up a bit earlier than necessary since Oregano wouldn't be coming until another hour and a half. I lazily rolled off of my bed and trudged my way into the bathroom for a refreshing shower to wake me up.

When I finished, I stood in my walk in closet staring at my clothes. It was always strange how I felt like there was nothing for me to wear even though my closet was filled to the brim. After trying on two different outfits, I settled with a long sleeved black chiffon blouse and white shorts. I strolled over to my vanity and sat down to brush my monstrously tangled long hair, such a task took me more than five minutes.

I looked down at the small cherry blossom branch ring that my father gave to me. It laid near the intricately crafted box that Koenig insisted I take, I ran my fingers around the edges and corner of it. It was something that I couldn't open despite what seems to be a hole and a flap to open. When I asked, they simply told me it was just decoration. My dad was creative in a way that I will probably never understand. Instead of thinking some more, I pinned the sakura flower clip onto the usual side of my hair and adorned the silver bracelet over my left wrist.

The bracelet.

That dream. There was rain and a person. But what else was there?

Such a strange dream.

I gave up trying to remember and decided to head down to the kitchen early. I opened the door to my room and almost jumped when I met a figure in front of me.

"Jun." My face grew warm when I remembered what happened yesterday.

The way he placed his hand on my head, moving down to my cheek and cupping it in his palm. How he leaned in… and kissed me, on the forehead. Such was already quite an intimate action for someone he just met.

"Good morning, hime." His thin black bangs fell in front of his face as he bowed.

I sighed one of relief when I realized it was the usual one that I met first. "Good morning. Have you been waiting out here?" I frowned slightly.

"Yes of course, but not for long," he answered.

"You don't have to," I gave a small smile.

"It's my duty," he insisted and I nodded. His obedience is persistence.

"Shall we head down for breakfast then?" I asked. "And you will join me?"

"If that is what you wish."

I laughed softly. "Yes, it is."

The rest of the time was spent with the two of us eating breakfast, absent of my father's presence. Jun, characteristically, was timidly stiff while he sat on the stool and carefully ate his food. I had asked him out of curiousity if there was anything he didn't like but he said he'd eat anything.

The grandfather clock signaled nine o'clock and I figured it'd be good enough to get there a bit early. I wasn't sure if Oregano was going to bring her other student today or not.

"So you're technically attending lessons with me," I remarked as we walked down the hallway.

"I'm afraid and ashamed to say I'm not experienced in academics," he admitted.

"It's okay, I'm sure it's good to try and learn a new thing or two," I smiled and he nodded.

We entered the library and found it to be empty since we were thirty minutes early after all. I took my usual seat on the plush scarlet couch and patted the seat next to me.

"I shouldn't."

"There's no need to be alert," I reassured him. "I can take care of myself if anything."

His thin lips parted slightly but he nodded slowly before taking a hesitant seat by my side, his deep blue eyes focusing on anything other than me.

I took out the books from the shelf under the coffee table and laid it on the table. "Would you like a notebook to write on?" I asked.

He shook his head. "I'm grateful enough to be listening."

I pursed my lips at his formalness. How long will he take to warm up anyways?

We spent the time in comfortable silence until we heard the click of the door. Oregano entered into the room with a young guy behind her. He had dirty blonde hair to his shoulders and large blue eyes.

"Good morning, Sakura. And…" Oregano paused when her eyes met Jun.

"This is my friend and a bodyguard my dad recently hired."

"I'm Tadashi Jun," he stood up and bowed.

"I'm Oregano. Sakura, Jun. This is my other student, Basil," she introduced.

"It is a pleasure to meet thee." Thee?

"His primary language is Italian. He learned Japanese from an… older source," she explained after seeing the confusion on my face.

I nodded. "It is nice to meet you," I smiled. "Please have a seat, anywhere."

Everyone took their seats and the lessons went on as usual. Today was Japanese and we studied a few texts here and there. It wasn't too strenuous today. Basil seemed to be a quick learner while Jun just listened in quietly. The student seems to be kind and soft spoken but not too shy, a person that was easy to get along with.

A/N: I'm going to write Basil's speech normally so I'm sorry but I'm not very good at such things and it just sounds weird to me LOL.

We finished around two and Oregano excused herself to get some free air while the three of us were left. We went out into the balcony, looking out to the rose garden. The weather was a bit breezy but it wasn't cold. I watched a few birds fly alongside each other against the cerulean sky.

Envious. Oh how envious I am. Just look at them. Those birds could fly where they wish, when they wished. They got to see the world, to watch different people. To learn more about them. They could spread their wings freely, have space to spread them.

They were uncaged.

They were free.

"You said you transferred schools often, Master Nanase?"

"You should really call me Sakura," I chuckled softly. "But yes."

"I see. I never really went to school," Basil admitted.

"Does it get lonely?" I asked him.

"No, I have a lot of interesting times with my… group. Plus I met really great people recently," he smiled.

"Ah, I see. That must be nice," I mused.

He hummed for a moment while watching my expression. "Maybe you should meet them too!"

"What?" I asked, eyes widened.

"They go to a school not too far from here and they're around or the same as our age," he explained. "They're all really nice and interesting. I'm sure you'd get along with them. If you don't mind me saying, you seem outgoing and adaptable."

I laughed softly. "Thank you, and for the offer as well. But I don't know…" I felt my smile transition into a frown.

"Maybe you transferred there before? It's called Namimori Middle School," he continued.

"Nami..mori," I repeated. A pang sliced through my head and I winced. I hated receiving headaches. "I think….. I think I was supposed to transfer there this year.."

"Are you okay?" he grasped my arm with a worried expression.

I smiled and nodded. "Just a headache."

"I see," he smiled softly. "Well tell me if you ever want to meet them. I have to go now, Master Sakura, but I'll see you during another lesson." I still didn't like being called master but I nodded anyways and saw him off.

Despite the large layout of this mansion, I inhibit these halls so often I could navigate through it with my eyes closed. It was my home. Home. Home started to sound like a rather comfortable word for something so restricting. It didn't seem so much like a home to me. But I suppose it is.

If home was a cage.

"Are you alright, hime?" Jun asked worriedly, the emotion reflecting in those blue eyes of his.

"I'm fine. It's just a headache." I walked down the hallway and he followed closely behind me. I stopped in front of my room. "If it's alright with you, I kind of just want to lie down. You should go do something you'd like."

"Don't mind me, hime. I'll stand outside," he stated firmly.

"I really don't want you to wait upon me, it makes me feel bad."

He frowned slightly but nodded. "Then I'll be in my bedroom which is down the hall."

"Okay," I smiled. "Thank you," I said and walked into my room. After closing the door, I let my legs cave in and I slumped against it, sliding down onto the cold tile floor. My lips curved into a frown and I pulled up my legs to hug, resting my forehead onto my knees.

I'm tired.

I'm so very tired.

I thought it was nice having someone to talk to everyday. But I hate being followed. I hate having to feel like I should talk to someone at all times. I hate not being able to be left to my own thoughts. But of course, I didn't hate him. It was his job. He was loyal, dedicated. And I appreciate that.

But I just wanted to be normal. Wanted to go to school like a normal person, not homeschooled. Didn't want a guard, didn't want to have a guard because I didn't have friends. Didn't need for my tutor to bring in another student because I was lonely. I didn't want to be pitied, didn't want to have something for people to pity me for.

I got up slowly and made my way over to my bed, falling upon it. My back landed on it and I bounced slightly, my arms out at my side, my legs dangling down to the ground. I gave a loud huff and closed my eyes.

I still had a headache.

But more than that,

I felt empty.

What was this sorrow in me? This ache that resides other than my head? What was it that I was missing? This frustration?

Why was it that I felt so completely sad but frustratingly held no meaning to me? What was it that was pounding against the cages of my mind, wishing to be freed? To be taken notice of? Why did I feel so incomplete? So empty? So…

I brought my hand up to my face, to cover my eyes. But I found it to be wet. My eyes watered against my will. Why?

The sound of the door made me jolt up, eyes widening. "Goodness," I glared at the intruder. "Please learn how to knock," I lectured before falling back down as he closed the door behind him.

"Kufufu," he laughed. "My apologies, dear Sakura." I could hear his footsteps coming closer and then I saw the wisps of his black hair. I met his blood red and ocean blue eyes. He sat down on my bed leisurely, his hand reaching out to pat my hair.

"What are you doing?" I asked, no longer bothered to be overly shocked by his behavior.

"Is there something troubling you, my dear?" he smirked.

"No," I closed my eyes and turned the other direction, away from him.

"Oya?" he said before I felt the pressure of my bed from behind me.

"What are you-"

And he pulled me in from behind, his arms wrapped around my waist. My back bumped against his chest.

"S-Stop."

"Kufufu. It's fine, isn't it?"

"No, it isn't!" I squirmed away from him and sat up to glare at him. He was on his side, on my bed. His black hair tucked behind his ear to prevent from falling into his eyes. That trademark smirk. The mismatched pair of eyes glinting in amusement.

"Then goodnight," he closed his eyes, still smirking.

"Don't fall asleep on someone's bed!" I reached out to push him but he grabbed my wrist quickly, without opening his eyes. With a strong tug, he pulled me towards him. My eyes widened, my words caught in my throat as I barely caught myself with my free arm, propping myself up above him. My face above his. Slowly, he opened those eyes. Staring into mine.

I didn't feel it anymore. The heat in my cheeks were absent this time. I wasn't feeling flustered despite this close proximity. Instead, I simply watched him as he watched me.

"Oya? I thought this would have a much more interesting turn of events."

"Well you thought wrong," I sighed before attempting to sit back but he had a death grip on me, his smirk only widening along with my eyes at his next words.

"Would you like to remember?"

At an attempt to be oblivious, disbelieving in the coincidence, I asked. "Remember what?"

"You can't possibly tell me you don't feel like you're forgetting something." My lips parted before forming into a frown. "Kufufu. Seems like I'm correct."

"How do you know?"

"I can tell. It's keeping me from reading that precious mind of yours" he smirked.

My eyebrows furrowed. "You wouldn't."

He seemed to shrug. "Well then, answer my question."

"What is it that I would be remembering?"

"That's not something I would know, dear Sakura. I just know that you wouldn't be content with your life if you remember."

I raised an eyebrow but took his thoughts into account. "I was never all that content."

"Maybe so," he spoke. "I can make you remember, if that is what you wish."

I pursed my lips. I managed to wriggle my wrist out of his grip and sat back, watching him. He did so as well and reached his hand out, cupping my cheeks in his palm. "So what will it be?"

I sighed, thinking about all the emptiness I felt. The sorrow, the tears. Perhaps it was better for me to not remember. Whatever it was, it wasn't making me happy. "It's fine. At least I don't need to know yet. Whatever it is."

My answer seemed to have amused him to no end. He cocked a delicate eyebrow. "Oya? You don't wish to know?" he laughed in his strange way. "Well then my offer still stands. For a price," he smirked.

I rolled my eyes but nodded with a smile. "Thanks." He got up and walked out my room as I watched his retrieving back with quite a lot of confusion.

I finally collapsed back onto my bed in peace and time for my own thoughts. What did he mean? How did he know?

Who is he even?

- One week later -

The sun was beating down and everything was in a pink hue due to the sunlight emitting through the gaps of cherry blossom branches. I sat under the cherry blossom trees on a picnic blanket. Someone was lying down with their arms behind their head. Hey, I said as I turned to face them. The man's head turned slightly towards me. What, he asked grumpily. I giggled and shook my head. Nothing, I'm surprised you agreed to come, I answered. It only gained me a scoff. I smiled and laid down next to him on my side and snuggled into his.

I squirmed under the warm touch on my cheek. I opened my eyes hazily to find a black sleeved arm stretched out to me, the back of a large hand brushed my cheeks.

"Oya? Did I wake you up, dear Sakura?" a voice cooed. I sat up slowly and looked up to meet the pair of mismatched eyes. "Were you dreaming of me?"

"Jun," I spoke with widened eyes now. "Or…" It was weird calling him Jun even though it was him but wasn't him at the same time.

He hummed in thought. "You can call me Rokudo."

"Rokudo? Like Rokudo-rinne?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I see you're familiar with the Buddhist concept of a cycle of life and death," he smirked.

"I did some reading in my spare time. But why that out of all names?" I stared.

His hand ducked under my chin and tilted my head up as he leaned his face in closer. "Then, did you already have a name for me?"

My eyes widened at the close proximity and I felt my face grow flushed. "Yes. Flirtatious and unreasonable," I frowned and pushed his hand gently from me.

"Kufufu," he chuckled. "Quite the feisty one, aren't you? You looked quite adorable peacefully napping."

My face grew warmer. "Y-You!" I glanced away from his strange gaze. "You often change personalities at random, inconvenient times."

"It's convenient for me," he raised an eyebrow when I turned back to watch him. In what way? "When do you wish for this side to appear?" his playful grin only grew.

"Who knows?" I smirked. "I can't seem to think of a time at all."

"Sassy girl," he remarked. "Can't say it isn't entertaining though."

"So."

"So what?" he hummed.

"Tell me the truth."

"What are you talking about?"

"You can't expect me to believe this split personality thing, do you?"

His eyes widened slightly but he remained calm. "Kufufu. Then why do you trust me?"

"I don't," I stood up. It was an easy answer, I didn't have to think about it. "But I believe you when you say you won't hurt me."

"Oya? What's the difference?"

I turned around to give him a smile. "I don't know myself." I walked over to the tray of tea and poured some for us. I handed him the teacup, "so tell me."

"What makes you so sure there is something to tell you?" He quirked an eyebrow as he took the tea from me.

"Why are you sure I'm so ignorant?"

"I never said that," he smirked.

"If you show yourself to me, why don't you just tell me?"

"Things are never simple, Sakura."

"That's why I'm asking for an explanation," I frowned.

"It isn't time yet."

"What?"

"I'm saying you shouldn't know yet."

"When will you tell me?"

"You'll know when the time comes. Don't be impatient, my dear. Good things come to those who wait."

"Then. Where do you go?"

"What do you mean?"

"When Jun is here, what happens to you?"

"I don't go anywhere, Sakura. But if you wish to talk to always have me to talk to, you could just say so," he smirked.

I sighed. "Why do you keep changing the subject?"

"Why do you wish to know?"

"I'm concerned," I said hesitantly.

"Curious," he corrected.

"I could be both."

"But you're not," his smirk turned into a small frown, his eyes grew serious for once. "I'm technically always here but not at the same time. If you need me, you'll reach me."

"I never-" I was cut off when he seemed to stagger. "What-"

"Hime," he murmured, he seemed paler. His hand darted up to his face and pinched the bridge of his nose before brushing his slender fingers through his thin raven hair.

"Jun?"

"Don't worry about me. I just get dizzy sometimes," he smiled softly and I helped him sit down. "Thank you. I'm sorry to have troubled you."

"Not at all," I smiled. "Just rest, okay?"

"You don't have to take me into consideration."

"I want to sit as well. Will you sit with me?" I asked.

"Of course," he closed those dark blue eyes and I nodded.

"You may sleep if you wish."

"I can't do that," Jun opened them again to prove his point.

"Then rest. It's an order," I smiled softly and his eyes widened for only a short moment before nodding slowly.

I decided an hour after dinner that I should try to gain permission to go out again. But there was nothing to say. I mean all I could do was ask to go look at clothes. There was no point in anything else, I had no friends to make plans with. I had Jun but what was there to do with him? I had no ideas, I never had many experiences to know of any. I had no one who could recommend things to me.

I was bored. I was so bored at home. I wasn't content, not at all. But what was there to do? What else is beyond these walls?

"Father, can I go shopping this week?" I asked in shallow hopes.

He pushed up his glasses and watched me. "I'm sorry, sweetie. Can you wait awhile longer?"

I pursed my lips. "Wait for what?"

"I just don't feel like it's very safe."

I nodded and sighed, walking out and leaving him to his room. Jun greeted me when I came back outside and I was too tired to speak. There was less to say the more you were with someone. I paced down the corridor, down the stairs. I wanted to keep walking, walking out of here. Somewhere, anywhere.

The walls look so boring, so plain. They look suffocating. Always trapped between walls. The same walls.

- 3 weeks later -

It had been a month now since Oregano became my tutor. I had learned a lot from her and I think her method of teaching was quite efficient. Basil came about two out of five days of the week to talk to me. Sometimes he would share his recent experiences. More and more, it started to make me feel as if I was a caged bird who knew not of the outside world. That instead people would come and go to tell me all the wonders of a world I did know, painting a picture for me. It had been awhile since I actually went out into a town and my father had been avoiding an explanation. He told me I didn't need to go. Sure, I didn't. But I would like to go.

Often, I had nothing to do. I read, I read all the time. I read so much I'm running out of books despite our rather large library. I've played chess with Jun; I feel like he would let me win all the time even if he had the chances to. We would take walks in the garden, well I would and he would be forced to accompany me. I would fold origami stars, cranes. I would string them with thread and hang them up in my room with Jun's help. I made some for his room too. I would ask my chef to teach me how to cook and Jun would assist me.

There was so much I tried to do. But I was so bored. How did I do this before? How did I stand being homeschooled for so long? For being in one place everyday, all day. The more I tried to remember, the blurrier it became.

And then Rokudo's words. His words. He asked if I would like to remember. That it would no longer make me content. Remember what?

Jun's split personality or whatever he is. I haven't seen it in awhile. Not after I asked him who he truly was. Did I push it too far? Did I scare him off?

It was kind of like losing a friend. He was way too different than Jun to be counted as the same person. He even gave me a name to call him by. Who is he? Where is he?

I suppose the days and moments were bland without him. It's not like I preferred one over the other. They were different.

"I'll just be reading in my room. You may come in if you wish," I noted.

"If you want privacy, I don't mind standing outside," he offered.

I laughed softly. "It's okay, I don't mind. Plus it'd be lonely standing out there by yourself."

Jun nodded slowly with a hesitant expression. "Then, sorry for the intrusion."

I was sitting on the red plush chair in the middle of my room next to the glass table. Jun positioned himself against the wall as I picked up my novel. "Are you sure you don't want to sit?"

"I'm fine, hime. Thank you," he gave me the tiniest of smiles and I returned it.

"Well tell me if you grow bored. You may also leave whenever you feel like," I informed him before burying my nose into my book.

I wasn't aware of how many minutes that passed but I had read about sixty pages. I was a pretty fast reader but it also must mean that quite some time had passed.

"I'm bored," I heard a change in tone as two arms draped down from behind me, over my shoulder. I jumped slightly when Jun's head leaned in from my right side. Those eyes, that tone.

"Rokudo," I whispered. I was wary of our distance and I scooted a bit away, as much as I could but his arm kept me from going too far.

"Oya? Reading again?"

I sighed and put my book down after inserting the bookmark where I stopped at before I was interrupted. "No, not anymore apparently."

"You may continue, if you can," he playfully grinned.

"I can't if you're going to be breathing down my neck," I frowned.

"It's very adorable how you try to cover up your shyness," he smirked as he gripped my chin. Rokudo leaned in to gaze into my eyes with his mismatched pair. I stared at him back, willing myself to not get flustered. He wouldn't do anything to me anyways. After being unsatisfied with my reaction, he raised an eyebrow.

"You haven't shown up in a while," I spoke.

"Kufufu," he chuckled as he let my chin go. Rokudo moved his arm off of my shoulder and positioned it next to his other one, clasping his hands together. He was still leaning over the chair though. "You miss me then?" He gave a trademark smirk.

"It was peaceful, actually," I smirked back.

"You don't have to hide it, sweet Sakura. I'd miss you if you were gone," he teased. I felt my eyes widen despite his probable joking words. I glanced away.

"You're quite the tease," I replied.

He walked around the sofa and sat down next to me. "Would you prefer it if I were serious?" I turned back to face him while his eyes glinted with a playful emotion, watching my reaction. His elbow was propped onto the arm of the chair and he leaned his head onto his hand. One leg over the other.

"I don't prefer it in any way," I mumbled. He smirked but continued watching me without speaking. I started fidgeting under his gaze. "What?"

"Nothing. I was just thinking that you were like a little bird stuck in a cage," he remarked.

"That.. isn't entirely wrong," I admitted.

"Why don't you spread your wings?"

"Because I don't know how to fly."

He seemed to be lost in thought for awhile. "Then, how about I take you under my wing."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Want me to set you free?"

I parted my lips slightly. "You're never serious."

"And if I am?"

"Then?"

"Would that be what you want?"

I scanned his facial expressions. He was smirking, like always. But his eyes didn't seem as playful and teasing as earlier. I turned away. "I don't know what free is."

He hummed. "I suppose there's a time for everything. For now, why don't you rest?"

"Wha-"

His hand snaked behind me and grabbed the side of my head, pushing me down. My head gently hit his shoulder and I felt my face grow warmer. "Comfortable?" He asked, playfulness evident in his voice.

"N-No!" I struggled to get up but his hand was firm. "What are you doing?" My lips formed into a pout but I released a sigh instead. He could be quite stubborn when he was in this state.

The only answer I received was a nonchalant hum. We sat there in silence for a few moments which seemed much longer.

"You still there?"

"Oya, are you afraid to lose me?" he chuckled softly.

"Shut up," I sighed and softened my expression. "I won't push you for an answer anymore."

"Hm?"

"So you don't have to hide," I closed my eyes.

"Goodnight, dear Sakura." was the only thing he said after a few minutes, his hand lightly brushing through my hair. I settled with that and let my mind drift where it may.

- A few days after -

"Would you like to go into the garden, for fresh air?" Basil asked.

"Oh. Maybe in a bit. Let me find Oregano, I need to ask her about this problem." I smiled as I started to turn around to leave. I noticed that he looked from me to the door.

"Sa-Sakura-dono!" he grabbed my arm, pulling me quickly. From the corner of my eye, I could tell Jun twitched slightly next to me.

"What is it, Basil?" I blinked, amused at his behavior.

"U-Um…. I uh… I want to…" he murmured as he glanced away. I raised an eyebrow but waited for him to continue. "H-How about we go shopping?! Yeah, shopping!"

"Shopping? Didn't you want to go into the garden?"

"I mean… I just want to go to town with you," he smiled. "And with Jun too, of course," he looked over at Jun who only shifted uncomfortably. "The three of us! It'll be fun."

"That sounds good but… I don't think we can. Plus I need to ask Oregano-"

"Ask her another day! It can wait, right?"

"I suppose.. But I might forget by next week," I frowned.

"I'll remind you, I promise!"

He seemed so persistent on going that it was kind of strange. After running through possible suspicions, nothing seemed to make sense so I just let it go. "I'll have to ask my father."

"Okay, then I'll wait here."

"Okay," I said before walking out slowly, with only a glance back at him before leaving. Jun followed out quickly behind me as expected.

So I proceeded down the hallway and up the stairs, leading up to my father's corridor meant for his labs. Every door had a security pad and could not be entered from outside. However, his office was reachable as long as we knocked. He had cameras outside of it that relay its sight into the lab so he would see that I needed to talk to him.

However, I saw the door was slightly ajar. I figured that he was probably in there and so I walked closer. I didn't hear voices except the sound of paper shuffling around so I knocked once and pushed open the door.

I saw the wisps of brown hair. A black suit. But when I blinked again I saw my father's blonde hair, white lab coat. He was bent over the desk, shuffling through the files. He looked up at me. "Sakura, I didn't hear you knock."

"I did it really quickly. Sorry," I smiled as I side stepped through a few piles of papers and books scattered around the floor. "Basil invited me and Jun to go around the town really quickly. Perhaps a bit of shopping? Can I...Can I go?" I gulped as I looked him in the eyes but then I found something strange. And then what I heard was equally as strange.

"Hm….. Sure, honey. As long as Jun stays by your side," he smiled and he looked in the direction of Jun, who was standing guard at the door. Jun bowed with a "yes sir".

"Really?" I was shocked. He would give me a hard time and he would still not let me go.

He smiled softly as he ruffled my hair. "I shouldn't keep you in here too much."

"Thanks father," I grinned and hugged him. When I pulled apart, I watched him for a moment. "Father, did you get new glasses?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Ah, yes. I had them ordered in online, too busy to actually go out."

I nodded with a small smile. "Well, I ought to leave now. Can't keep Basil waiting."

"Of course."

I turned to walk towards the door to Jun.

And with the most minimal movement.

I flicked my wrist, ever so slightly, backwards.

And threw a needle towards the man behind me, hoping to hit a pressure point.

Jun's eyes widened but so did mine when I turned around.

He had caught the needle in between his index and middle finger. With the other hand, he pushed up his glasses slightly.

"That was close. You're quite sharp, Sakura."