It is the Kakusei era, year 3XXX.
The world has undergone a drastic change due to the series of global conflict, ecological disasters, and the advancement of technology. Modern civilization had long collapsed and the merging of countries, increase in oligarchs and totalitarian regimes, corruption, and warfare was rampant.
Left alone, uninterrupted without pause, was a world unbeknownst to those fortunate; a world filled with demons and those who slay them.
MEDIA DICTIONARY
* Thoughts
* "Dialogue."
* 'Telepathic dialogue.'
* "Past conversation."
┍━ 【❀】 ━┑
CHAPTER ONE
In the Yaegashi municipality of Ni-Kunoe Prefecture, a young flower named Himari Maeda was standing in front of a grave, silently paying her respects. The dreariness of the early morning complemented the melancholic aura of the cemetery: misery, sorrow, remorse, and heartbreak.
After a long while of silent prayers, Himari placed a bouquet of white orchids and lilies upon the grave. "I and Father-sama hope you are resting well. We miss you dearly... We wish you a happy birthday, Okasan."
Himari was seven years old when her mother died from an illness that took the woman's life as quickly as it came. It had been over a decade since her death and the wound it left was still painfully raw, vowing to never heal.
Dark clouds appeared in the leaden skies above and a light shower commenced. Himari opened her umbrella upon feeling a few drops of rain and started on the path to leave the cemetery.
I do not like the rain. I enjoy watching it, but I do not like to get wet. I should hurry home before it begins to pour.
A tiny meow heard through the pitter-pattering of rain caught Himari's attention, and she looked to see a tiny black kitten peeking out from behind a gravestone. "A kitten?"
The kitten weaved between Himari's legs before positioning itself at her feet and staring up at her with its large, blue eyes pitifully. Soft mewls accompanied by loud purrs were heard as the kitten rolled around in content on the cobblestone pathway. "Mew, mew, mew!"
Gushing at the adorable creature, Himari crouched to stroke the kitten's damp, fuzzy coat. "Neko, neko, neko. You are so cute."
✧TRANSLATION: Gushing at the adorable creature, Himari crouched to stroke the kitten's damp, fuzzy coat. "Kitty, kitty, kitty. You are so cute."
The kitten rubbed and nudged against her legs before it vanished into the alleyways.
I should hurry home...
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
The wrought iron gates of a grand estate opened with an echoing creak. The manor was owned by one of the most wealthy and notable family clans of New Japan: The Katōwamuros. Centuries ago, the Katōwamuros rose to power and gained control of multiple facets of the government through unscrupulous methods, such as their age-old ties to the Yakuza. All the direct descendants of the lineage possessed two peculiar features: emerald-green eyes and fuchsia hair.
Once inside the manor, Himari began her daily routine of chores and soon, she had finished all but one thing: scrubbing the hardwood floors. She filled a bucket with warm, soapy water and began scrubbing the floors with a sponge. The window caught her eye, so she paused to look out of it. Himari's eyes were met with her very own sky that she watched every day. The sky that was previously a doleful grey was now a serene cerulean sky with wisps of powdery white clouds. The sight brought a small smile to her lips, even if for a moment.
How pretty.
Quiet footsteps were heard as Himari's stepsisters, Saori, and Yui, descended the stairs. Saori, the oldest, was a gorgeous nineteen-year-old young woman with dewy, warm olive skin, slender, emerald-green eyes, and long, fuchsia hair that was neatly trimmed at the ends. She was regarded as the most beautiful young woman of the Katōwamuro family clan. The younger sister, Yui, was sixteen years old and had wide, emerald-green eyes, and dark fuchsia hair tied in high pigtails with curled ends. The sisters flaunted their beautifully styled coiffures and fashionable evening gowns as they spoke to each other as if Himari was not there.
"Oh, we're going to have such an extravagant time at the opera and then at the restaurant!" Yui enthused, twirling and flouncing around. "We look so, so, so beautiful; we will turn every head in such a fancy place! Especially you, Saori-chan!"
Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, Saori flaunted her long, fuchsia hair as she said, "I know, I know. My beauty does not need to be said aloud for all to acknowledge, they can see it with their eyes alone." With a mischievous smirk, Saori sauntered towards Himari, then kicked the sponge bucket and caused dirty water to spill everywhere. "Looks like you missed a spot," she sneered.
Yui covered her mouth and gleefully snickered.
It has always been this way. I do not know what it will take to please them.
Himari quickly began cleaning the mess of dirty water but froze in fear when she heard slow, heavy footsteps descending the stairs. With a sense of urgency, she hid the spill behind the bucket and stood in front of it.
Coming down the stairs was none other than Himari's stepmother, Soaku Katōwamuro. Soaku was a large, heavyset middle-aged heiress and noblewoman. The woman had pale olive skin and the trademarked fuchsia hair and emerald-green eyes of the Katōwamuro family clan. Over a decade ago, after the death of Himari's mother, her father, Kihaku Maeda, married Soaku. The loveless marriage between Kihaku and Soaku was influenced by sheer greed and the desire to further their own interests; Soaku simply wanted a husband so she would not remain unmarried after her fourth divorce, and Kihaku strived to further his career.
Soaku was wickedly cruel to Himari; The noblewoman detested her for reasons unknown since the first day they met, when Himari was a mere child. Himari wished to attend school abroad to pursue her passion of becoming a pharmaceutical botanist, but she could not, for Soaku bound Himari to her and the Katōwamuro family name by an insurmountable debt that would take decades to settle.
I have a debt of 421,348,315 yen.
Soaku wore a black velvet dress with matching satin gloves, a white fur boa, a layered necklace of pearls, all finished with a couture wide brim hat. Her makeup was dramatically simple; white face powder, rouge-colored cheeks, bright red lipstick, and cobalt blue eyeshadow. As she slowly strutted down the stairs like a fanciful peacock, she asked, "Himawari, have you finished the laundry like I asked?"
Himari, wincing slightly at being referred to as 'Himawari,' stood in a respectful manner with her hands clasped. "Yes, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama."
"Did you clean the kitchen counters and cabinets, and all that was within them?"
"Yes, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama."
"Did you reorganize the pantry?"
"Yes, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama."
"Did you clean and polish the fine china?"
"Yes, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama."
"Did you wash, dry, and sort the laundry?"
"Yes, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama."
"Did you tend to all the flowers in the garden?"
"Yes, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama."
"Did you even go as far as picking all the hair and nail trimmings out of the bathroom mats?"
"Yes, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama. I have done everything you asked of me."
Unable to think of any more tasks to bombard her stepdaughter with, Soaku rolled her eyes and went to admire her appearance. The large woman fluffed her boa and primped herself in the mirror but paused when she spotted the puddle of dirty water. "Himawari, are you blind? The floor is still dirty and wet! It looks like you have not cleaned at all. What have you been doing these past few hours? Useless, worthless, ridiculous!"
Saori and Yui stifled their giggles and laughs behind their hands.
The strands of pearls around Soaku's plump neck shook as she continued her harsh berating. "Himawari, since you want to fool around in the manor that has belonged to my reputably distinguished family for generations, then after you finished your duties, you shall polish all the hardwood flooring of this hallowed estate!"
"... The s-second and third floor, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama?" Himari asked timidly, trembling. Her thin frame shivered at the sudden coldness of the room.
"Exactly that, you incompetent oaf," Soaku spat. "We will be late coming home, so finish before we return from the opera and dinner at La Orangé. If these floors are not up to my standards, you will be disciplined. Do you understand?"
Himari sorrowfully lowered her head in shame. "Yes, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama, I understand. Forgive me."
Pleased at her stepdaughter's dejection, Soaku flashed a smug, superficial smile. "If Kihaku shows up, tell him that we are on an outing." With her nose high in the air, Soaku strutted out of the mansion with her daughters following behind her. Yui stuck her tongue out at Himari as she walked out the door, taunting her.
Himari felt relief as soon as the front door closed, and she heard the chauffeur driving off. The aura of the manor was instantly lifted, and its quietness allowed her to finally breathe after so long.
It is so quiet... I better finish polishing all the hardwood flooring for Lady Mistress Soaku-sama.
That was when Yui's pet dog, Fuwapo, scampered to the puddle of dirty water and defecated. Fuwapo was a shih tzu with long, silky white fur that draped over its eyes and hid its stubby legs. A pink hair bow secured a top knot on its head. "Yip, yip, yip!"
"Oh, Fuwapo, now why would you do that?"
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Once the floors were clean enough for one to see their reflection, Himari went into the piano room with Fuwapo following behind her. There, a white lacquered grand piano with gold accents gleamed underneath a glittering chandelier. While it was a sight to behold and imposing like the rest of the manor, the history lodged in between the ebony and ivory keys, and the fibers of the finely aged wood were the opposite.
Traumatic memories of Soaku slapping and bruising Himari's arms whenever she made a mistake during piano lessons plagued the young woman relentlessly. The punishments were even more severe when the noblewoman was inebriated.
Wincing, Himari finished dusting the grand piano and closed the door with haste.
It pains me to go in there…
The familiar sound of jingling keys drew Himari to the front door with an expectant glimmer in her bronze-colored eyes.
Could it be?
A tall, lithe man dressed in a conservative navy suit entered. He rested his suitcases on the floor before approaching Himari with tired, weary eyes that appeared to see through her.
"… Father-sama," Himari spoke softly. "I was not expecting you to return from your business trip so soon."
Kihaku Maeda was pale-skinned man with once-handsome features turned gaunt from age, stress, and grief. He worked as a business and political lobbyist and had made a name for himself in the corporate world. He was a genuine workaholic as he would eagerly volunteer and partake in lengthy business trips, work long hours at his workplace, and happily retreat to his home office to continue his expertise. He seldom had time to spend with the rest of the family but when he did, Soaku would make certain that Himari was excluded. That is why Himari would savor these rare moments with him.
"I am so sorry, Himari," Kihaku muttered, looking downward and fidgeting in an awkward manner like a schoolchild about to receive punishment. "I was supposed to leave a few days ago, but I got tied up in work and did not realize today's date. I flew back as soon as I could."
I wish he would look me in the eyes.
"It is fine, Father-sama," Himari answered softly. "I gave her both our respects."
It was not long before the despondency in Kihaku's bronze-colored eyes shifted to suppressed, misdirected anger. "I am always being judged for something! As if going to that cemetery is supposed to be easy on me! How long will you hold this against me?"
Understanding that her father was under immense stress and was prone to lashing out, Himari forgave him with no delay. "Father-sama, I am not holding anything against you; I have no reason to. You give your all to provide for me like you always have. I understand that you cannot bring yourself to visit her resting place, but I do not think that makes you weak, I think it makes you strong for enduring the pain. Mother would be proud. I am grateful that you returned home safely."
"All right, Himari. I apologize for my rashness. I was not thinking."
"It is fine, Father-sama. Have you eaten today, Father-sama?"
The man did not respond, his head lowered.
Himari took her father's hand and guided him to sit at the dining table, then went into the kitchen to prepare a meal. The rice boiled on the stove as she chopped vegetables and cut pork into thin slices.
"I— I also apologize on Soaku's behalf," Kihaku spoke haltingly. "I know how she has been hard on you lately. She is… I am sure you understand."
"It is fine. You do not have to apologize, Father-sama."
"Soaku has been going through a difficult time lately," Kihaku continued. "Still, I cannot believe she started drinking again. She promised me that she would stop."
Himari abruptly froze as if she was rooted in place with large, widened eyes. "She what, Father-sama? She did what to you?"
"Soaku promised me that she would stop drinking carelessly… I thought nothing of her vice because this is not the first time she has gone through this. I was a fool to take her word that she did not need any outside help."
… Promise?
As Himari's mind wandered, her father's voice became garbled along with his face becoming blurred. Hearing that one word aloud triggered a memory she had long locked away; the memory of a promise her father made to her years ago.
FLASHBACK:
It was raining.
The air smelled of damp earth, musk, and white lilies, and the sun was not out, like it has not been all day.
A young Himari stood in front of a restaurant, soaked from head to toe. The school day had ended and instead of waiting to be picked up by the family chauffeur, she ran off to a nearby establishment to use their phone to call her father.
A luxury vehicle parked in front of her and Kihaku exited it, wearing a black business suit with the tie hanging and swaying side to side. Upon seeing the pitiful state of his daughter, he rushed towards her in a frenzied manner. "Himari, look at you, you are crying and all wet! Where is your umbrella? Tell me what happened, Himari."
"Father-sama, I do not like it here," Himari confessed tearfully. Her short hair that stopped just below her ears dripped water onto her face. "I do not like it here in Yaegashi!"
"Why? Did something happen?"
"I had a terrible day at school because of Saori-chan. Saori-chan has been really mean to me! She spread mean things about me and now nobody wants to be my friend, so I ate lunch alone in the courtyard today! She also broke my umbrella this morning because she knew it was going to rain, now I am all wet!"
Kihaku heaved a deep sigh and shook his head. "What if Saori did not mean to do those things? I doubt she did anything on purpose. Are you sure you are not just imagining things?"
"No, no, no, Father-sama, I am not imagining things!" Himari cried, stamping her foot. "I am not! Saori-chan hates me and I do not know why. It's super weird because I thought we would be the best of stepsisters. Our names even sound the same…"
There was a prolonged period of silence until Kihaku spoke. A solemn expression came upon his face as he said, "Himari, I am going to tell you something that must stay between us, all right?"
"Yes, Father-sama? What is it?"
"All of this is only temporary."
"Temporary?"
"Yes. I have no feelings for your stepmother. I am only with her to get closer to my dream of having a prominent position in the government. The corruption within our current administration is unfathomable, and someone needs to make a stand."
While the latter did not faze Himari at all, Kihaku's first sentence shook her to her very core. "Father-sama, you… do not love Lady Mistress Soaku-sama?"
"Not in the slightest. You see, Soaku and her people… are not the best kind of people to be associated with but they are necessary steppingstones for, well, people, like us."
"People like us? What ever do you mean, Father-sama?"
"Good people. We are good people, Himari. Bad people should not have all the power and riches, is all I am saying. Us good people deserve our fair share as well, do we not?" Kihaku playfully tickled Himari as he repeatedly said, "Right? Right, 'Mari? Right?"
When Kihaku's tickling ceased and Himari's fit of laughter subsided, the serious ambience from before returned.
"Father-sama, may I ask you something?"
"Yes, you can. You can ask me anything."
"If you do not love Lady Mistress Soaku-sama, then do you still love—" Himari covered her mouth in shock at her own words, unable to finish her sentence. "Oh, no, no, no… I did not mean to—"
Kihaku knew exactly what Himari was about to ask and simply looked up at the cloudy sky above. A few raindrops swept by the wind landed upon his nose and faintly freckled cheeks. "Yes, I do, and I always will. I miss your mother. I think of her every day."
Himari's lips pursed at the mention of her late mother.
Okasan…
Sensing that his daughter was on the verge of tears, Kihaku consoled her by kissing her forehead. "The reason I am doing all this is for us; so that you may never be without anything. I only want the best for my Himawarihime, so, believe me: one day soon, I promise to get us out of here. Then we will be happy together, just you and I."
The profoundly beautiful words her father had just spoken were placed in a special place in Himari's heart, and the hardships of the day did not matter any longer.
"All of this is only temporary."
"I only want the best for my Himawarihime, so, believe me: one day soon, I promise to get us out of here. Then we'll be happy together, just you and I."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Himari burst into tears and cried loudly with wet hair stuck to her reddening face. "F-Father-sama… Father-sama, all I want to be is happy with you!" she wailed.
Kihaku embraced his daughter and held her tightly against his chest as the rain began to fall even harder.
PRESENT:
Lost in thought, Himari had a vacant, faraway expression as she stared at the chopped vegetables on the cutting board. A distant memory of Himari and her parents running through a field of sunflowers came to mind. Their laughter, the warmth of the sun, and the grassy, earthy scent was etched in her mind.
It was so long ago when he used to call me Himawarihime. I have not been called that in years, not since Lady Mistress Soaku-sama turned it into a joke. I miss the way things were between us…
Kihaku placed his hand upon Himari's to get her attention. "Himari, are you feeling all right? You zoned out for a minute."
"I am fine, Father-sama, thank you. I am tired, that is all. Your meal is almost ready."
"Oh, I almost forgot." Kihaku went to rummage through his suitcases and returned holding a drooping, deep violet bell-shaped flower in a jar. "I got that Chinese plant you were talking about. Frittata…?"
"Fritillaria unibracteata," Himari corrected with a laugh. "I thank you for retrieving it, Father-sama. I am forever grateful."
"Ah, it was not too much trouble; I had an assistant search high and low for it. So, what are you planning to do with it? Are you going to make medicine out of it?"
"Yes, I am. This flower provides treatment for cough, phlegm, and fever. It will be medication for those suffering from bronchitis."
"Marvelous. Have you given any thought about your career?"
Himari nodded excitedly, showing more emotion than she ever had during her father's absence. "Yes, Father-sama, I have! All I can think about is my future and the blinding brightness of it. I will continue my studies, work as an intern, serve the community and then someday, I will have my own botanical medicine practice!"
"She would be so proud of you for following in her footsteps."
Kihaku's words made Himari blush; being compared to her mother was the greatest honor.
Okasan would be so proud of me; she was a pharmacist as well. I cannot help but follow in her footsteps. She was my world for what little time we shared. There is no word that describes how much I miss her.
Himari placed a bowl of vegetables, pork cutlets, and rice in dashi and soy sauce in front of her father. "Father-sama, please eat well. You have been working so hard."
Kihaku's hands trembled slightly as he used chopsticks and as soon as he tasted the food, he ravenously gobbled it down with a newfound burst of energy. "As always, your cooking is delicious, Himari! I've missed the taste of it. The food in the hotel we stayed at was practically inedible."
Flattered, Himari bowed repeatedly as she said, "I am glad that my cookery pleases you, Father-sama."
Soon, the man finished his meal. "Himari, you are too sweet of a daughter to a fool like me. Still, I must ask if my little girl loves her father."
"Of course, I love you, Father-sama," Himari replied sweetly. "I love you more than anything."
┍━ 【❀】 ━┑
CHAPTER TWO
The main dining table was filled with a variety of delicious Japanese dishes. Kihaku, Soaku, and Yui were seated and Fuwapo was lurking underneath the table, hoping for scraps even though the canine had already eaten. Himari idly stood off to the side with her hands clasped, waiting at the family's beck and call. She was not allowed to speak during the family dinner unless spoken to directly.
Soaku grinned at Kihaku with a smile so wide, it showed the red lipstick on her teeth. "Husband, I am pleased that you have returned from your business trip in Beijing. How was the weather?"
"Nothing noteworthy," Kihaku answered bluntly.
There was a long period of silence until Soaku spoke once more. "… We were surprised by your return, right, Yui? I thought I had more than enough wine at the restaurant when I saw your automobile parked in the driveway."
"Oh."
"Kihaku, why is your conversation so brisk? Is something the matter? What troubles you? Did something happen during your trip?"
"No, not at all."
As if the mask fell off, Soaku's concerned tone shifted into a more spiteful one. "Why are you being this way? Is it that hard for a husband to speak to his wife?"
Kihaku gave a quiet, exasperated sigh. "I am fine, honey. I am a little tired, that is all. You look… lovely." Flattering his wife was one of Kihaku's ways of getting out of things and in this case, it was to get out of Soaku's interrogation.
The noblewoman's cheeks would have blushed if they were not submerged underneath caked layers of foundation. "Oh, Kihaku, you beast!"
Repulsed and uncomfortable, Yui squinted her eyes and looked away. "Hey, can we eat now? I mean, may we eat, please?"
"No, we cannot eat until your sister arrives," Soaku scolded. "You know how this goes, Yui. This is how we have always done it."
"Oh…" When Soaku was not looking, Yui snatched a piece of sashimi from a platter and gave it to Fuwapo under the table.
Aggravated, Soaku looked upstairs and called out for her daughter. "Saori, sweetie, come down! Dinner's ready!"
Silence.
"Saori, sweetie?"
Silence.
Suddenly, Soaku slammed her hands upon the dining table and screamed, "Saori! Come down here so dinner can commence!"
"Honey, I am sure she will come down soon," Kihaku muttered, reaching to touch the noblewoman's hand. "You must not worry too much or else your blood pressure will—"
"Be quiet, Kihaku!" Soaku hissed, yanking her hand away from him. "Himawari, stop standing there like a statue and make yourself useful! Go get Saori and tell her to come down here!"
"Yes, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama."
SAORI
Saori was resting on her bed peacefully until she heard rustling from outside. She ignored the sounds until the noises grew louder, and there was persistent rapping against the window. Curious yet irate, she opened her curtains to see a young man pressing his face against the window.
"Ikuo!" Saori whispered sharply as she opened the window's latch and helped him inside. "I cannot believe you are here!"
"As if I could stay away from you for so long. I could not wait to see you again. Let's continue what we started the other day." Ikuo's hands scoured all over Saori's slender physique hungrily before they began sharing a ravenous kiss like starved wild beasts. Grunting softly, he tasted the nape of Saori's neck and rubbed his pelvis against her.
"Hush, keep it down," Saori warned, pulling away whilst biting her lip. "Someone may hear us…"
"Oh, yeah? Then they can watch."
In mere seconds, Saori's clothes fell in a puddle around her feet, and she was laying on her back upon the bed. She watched her lover climb on top of her with eyes that reflected nothing but a thrilling sense of happiness, anticipation, and love. She realized that she now loved him deeper than before because like a knight in shining armor riding on a white steed, he came for her. He climbed over the tall garden hedges, ventured through the labyrinth of a garden, and conquered the vine-covered lattice to her balcony; his hands that were scraped and bloodied by thorns attested to that.
Ikuo fondled Saori's breasts with one hand and touched in between her legs with the other. His consuming mouth covered hers swiftly. The two danced in their lustful waltz, oblivious to the knocks upon the door.
"More... More, Ikuo, more! Ah!"
"Saori! Oh, my Saori, I will give you my all!"
"Yes, please do!"
Suddenly, light flooded into the bedroom. The silhouette of someone standing in the doorway was cast against them. "Saori-chan," a soft, sweet voice said. "Saori-chan, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama wanted me to tell you to—"
Saori shot up and covered her bare chest with a blanket, causing Ikuo to topple over and fall off the bed. "Bitch! Get out of my room!"
"Sumimasen!" Himari sincerely apologized as she rushed to shut the door.
✧TRANSLATION: "Excuse me!" Himari sincerely apologized as she rushed to shut the door.
Saori looked down to see Ikuo hiding underneath the bed with a pitiful foot hanging out. "You can get up now," she sighed.
Ikuo stood up in relief, rubbing his head from having bumped it. "Hey, who was that? She was cute!"
"That was the maid. Do not look at her with wandering eyes, Ikuo!"
"Oh, she was the maid? Wow, I wish we had a maid like that. Our maid is saggy and overripe."
"Ugh, just forget about her, Ikuo! You should only be focusing on me. I am your woman, remember?"
"As if I could ever forget that! I cannot forget the cute, sexy, hot, gorgeous, beautiful chick I call the love of my life!" Ikuo dove into the crook of Saori's neck and bit her, eliciting an excited, aroused squeal from her.
HIMARI
Himari hummed to herself as she scrubbed the hardwood floors until a pair of heels appeared in front of her. She lifted her head to see Saori glowering down at her with a fearsome scowl.
"Himari, you stupid, hollow-headed fool!" Saori hissed. "You embarrassed me in front of someone of high status! Why can you not learn to knock like a normal person or is that too much for a pig like you?"
"Saori-chan, I did knock on your d-door," Himari pleaded, her breath wavering. "Forgive me, but I would not be so impolite as to—" That was when Himari felt a strong blow to the side of her face. She instinctively crouched and covered her head for protection, saying, "Gomen'nasai! Gomen'nasai! Gomen'nasai!"
✧TRANSLATION: "Saori-chan, I did knock on your d-door," Himari pleaded, her breath wavering. "Forgive me, but I would not be so impolite as to—" That was when Himari felt a strong blow to the side of her face. She instinctively crouched and covered her head for protection, saying, "I am sorry! I am sorry! I am sorry!"
Saori rolled her emerald-green eyes and pouted her lips. "Why are you always so polite all the time? It is annoying. You are so pathetic; I do not even care for disciplining you as much as I used to."
Trembling, Himari prostrated herself with her forehead against the hardwood flooring. "Forgive me, Saori-chan, please… I did not mean to upset you. Please, do not strike me once more. I am sorry."
Saori crouched to Himari's level and seized a lock of her hair with nearly enough strength to scalp her. "If you tell anyone about what you saw, I will murder you in your sleep," she threatened in a voice oozing with malice.
"I w-will not breathe a word about what I saw, Saori-chan. I will not tell a soul!"
Smirking deviously, Saori released the lock of Himari's hair and raised her hand as if to strike her.
Himari flinched and cowered in fear, expecting a painful blow that never came. "Gomen'nasai!"
✧TRANSLATION: Himari flinched and cowered in fear, expecting a painful blow that never came. "I am sorry!"
Saori laughed at Himari's frightened response at the mere sight of her raised hand. "Ha! Pathetic! You believe that I would break a nail just to hit you? What a stupid, hollow-headed fool you truly are!" Saori erupted in a fit of derisive laughter.
Himari stayed in that position until she was certain Saori was gone before resuming her duties. She scrambled to finish scrubbing the floors until the intense, stinging pain on the side of her face became intolerable.
I should put some ice on this.
Ice soothed the bruise and numbed the pain, but nothing could alleviate the pain of when Himari caught sight of her reflection. A pitiful, frail young woman wearing a tattered, dingy apron stared back with eyes filled with loneliness and despair.
A piteous, abused housemaid.
I hate everything about what I see in the mirror.
A pudgy hand bejeweled with rings was placed upon Himari's shoulder, and Soaku appeared behind her in the mirror. The noblewoman loomed above Himari as she asked, "Himawari, have you finished all your duties?"
"Yes, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama..."
"Good, good. Now, Himawari, I need you to go to the market and gather the ingredients for a well-made dinner and a dessert. I am inviting a prominent guest tomorrow, and I expect a fabulous dinner for the five of us."
"You wish for me to go to the market this late, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama?"
"Yes, of course… There will not be an issue, will there?" Soaku's bright pink nails began digging into Himari's shoulders. "You do wish to pay off the entirety of your debt, right?"
"No, no, n-no, there will not be any issues, Lady Mistress Soaku-sama."
"Good, good. I also have a list prepared for you." With a cruel smirk, Soaku presented Himari with a list that could go a mile long. "Now run along. You know that Alde does not work this late, so you will have to walk."
Weary, Himari descended the basement stairs to her bedroom: a small space that was intended to be a wine cellar with a barred full chord window. She once had a proper bedroom upstairs across from her stepsisters, but Soaku condemned her to the basement in a senseless rage. A futon, a dresser, and an oval full-length mirror were the only furniture present in her bedroom. A dim light bulb hung low from the coffered ceiling. It was more than humble but it did not bother Himari, for she was grateful for all she had.
The basement had a door that led to the Katōwamuro garden, which Himari cherished and took care of. In a corner, there was a workstation where she studied and concocted perfumes and herbal medicines. It had shelves lined with jars of flowers, herbs, essential oils, and books about chemistry, perfumery, and botany.
Himari approached the windowsill to observe a small budding sprout in a flowerpot. "You are growing so beautifully, little flower," she cooed. "I cannot wait to see you bloom. Your fragrant petals will be used to make the sweetest perfume… I must leave now."
Himari dressed herself in a plain dress and boots, then stared at her reflection in the foggy mirror and winced at the red and violet contusions that marred her skin.
I hate looking at myself, so why do I even gaze into the mirror? What is the point?
Himari's hatred of looking at her reflection was not about vanity; the young woman was as pretty as a flower with long, straight jet-black hair, lightly tanned skin, and heart-shaped lips. The only thing that made others hold their tongue about her beauty was an ugly scar that stemmed from the side of her mouth to the bottom of her ear.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
The bus ride to the marketplace was quiet and lonely, which was just how Himari liked it. She sat in a window seat and passively stared at the pale, full moon that overlooked all Yaegashi.
The moon is so pretty tonight.
The marketplace was still bustling with shoppers even though it was extremely late, the way of life in New Japan. Himari waded through the crowd, invisible, with her head down and belongings close to her chest. An introvert at heart, she disliked being near other people and would speak sparingly.
Soon, Himari's bags were filled with items like green onions, bean sprouts, and pickles. The last item she needed was pork belly, so she walked around the marketplace until she found a butcher. "Three slabs of pork belly, please."
As the butcher went to prepare the order, Himari's eyes fell to a coil of rope on a crate. Dark thoughts clouded her mind as she stared vacantly at the rope for a long, long while.
I would be doing everyone a favor, even myself...
"Miss?" a gruff voice asked.
Himari returned her attention to the butcher, who was glaring at her with an expression of irritancy. He opened his palm, indicating the need for payment. "… Oh, my. Sumimasen!"
✧TRANSLATION: Himari returned her attention to the butcher, who was glaring at her with an expression of irritancy. He opened his palm, indicating the need for payment. "… Oh, my. Excuse me!"
The bus ride to the marketplace was the last ride of the night, so Himari had to walk home. She stayed on the sidewalk as she carried multiple bags of groceries, the handles of the totes cutting into her hands. Her breath was visible against the coolness of night air.
Oh, I must get home quickly. I have never been out this late. I am so afraid but if I walk fast enough, I will be home in no time.
Himari began walking at a faster pace until a rustling noise in the forest nearby caught her attention. Petrified, she slowly looked up to see a pair of large, yellow eyes peering at her through the spidery tree branches. When the yellow-eyed creature sprung forward and swooped over Himari's head, the groceries were sent flying in the air as she let out a bloodcurdling cry. "KIYAHHH!"
The yellow-eyed creature perched upon a nearby tree branch before letting out a low, soft hoot. Himari stood there awkwardly, clutching her chest that was rising and falling from fright.
It is just an owl, Himari, it is just an owl! I need to pull myself together or else I will die of a heart attack before I am thirty!
Himari's attention fell to the scattered groceries at her feet and the apples that were rolling down the sidewalk and into the street. "Oh, no, no, no! This cannot be happening! Lady Mistress Soaku-sama will certainly be disappointed in me!"
Just as Himari rushed to collect the apples, another grocery bag toppled over, and more items fell astray. She lost her footing and tripped, scraping her knees on the way down. The dreadful sight of expensive goods spilled in the street, the pain from scraping her knees on the sidewalk, and the certain disciplining that would follow for her failure was more than enough to make Himari cry. Hot tears streamed down her face as she let out pained sobs.
I cannot stop myself from crying. I am so very ashamed. I am such a stupid, hollow-headed fool! Shameful, shameful, shameful, shameful, shame—
"Miss, are you all right?" a deep, alluring voice as smooth as velvet said.
Startled, Himari turned to see a tall, handsome man emerging from the darkness. He had very pale skin, wavy black hair, and gentle, light red eyes. He wore a white fedora, black cloak over a charming beige suit vest, and white trousers.
Oh, my, he is so handsome, and his skin is the color of moonlight. I've never seen anything like it.
Relieved, Himari's frantic heartbeat slowed to a normal rate upon seeing a pleasant, non-hostile face. She could feel the warmth of a blush rushing to her cheeks. "K-Kon'nichiwa…"
✧TRANSLATION: Relieved, Himari's frantic heartbeat slowed to a normal rate upon seeing a pleasant, non-hostile face. She could feel the warmth of a blush rushing to her cheeks. "H-Hello…"
"My apologies for approaching you so suddenly," the man said, holding an apple to her. "Here you are."
"Arigatō…"
✧TRANSLATION: "Thank you…"
The man collected the apples and helped placed them in the grocery bags. "Some of these apples have bruised, but it is not too much to worry about. Forgive me, but I heard your scream from before. What frightened you?"
"Oh, it was nothing!" Himari laughed unconvincingly. "I thought I saw something, but it was just an owl. An anxious mess like me is not used to being out on a dark night like this and being alone worsens it."
"Well, you are not alone now because I am here with you. There is nothing to be afraid of." He noticed the many groceries Himari had so he politely asked, "May I hold a couple of those bags for you?"
Himari nodded fervently, grateful. "Oh, my, yes, arigatō!"
✧TRANSLATION: Himari nodded fervently, grateful. "Oh, my, yes, thank you!"
"It seems I have not introduced myself; I am Tsukihiko Kobayashi, and you are?"
"Uh… Um… Oh, I am H-Himari! Himari Maeda-Katōwamuro!"
I forgot my own name! Gosh, he probably thinks I am a forgetful klutz.
"Miss Maeda, may I accompany you on your way home?" Tsukihiko asked. "I cannot allow myself to leave a young lady such as yourself alone during times as dangerous as these."
Oh, my, he's so kind. I do not want to appear as rude by should not decline his generosity but…
Flustered, Himari shook her head as the reddening of cheeks intensified and spread to the rest of her face. "No, no, no, Mister Kobayashi-san! You do not have to do that. I am sure you are very, very busy, and I do not want to burden you with my— Actually, yes, yes, yes… I would like for you to walk me home."
"Please, feel welcome to simply call me Tsukihiko. We do not have to be so formal."
A warm smile spread across Himari's face at the man's charming cordiality. "Okay, then, Tsukihiko-san. You can simply call me Himari."
The light of the moon guided Himari and Tsukihiko as they embarked on a shortcut in the forest that would soon lead them to Himari's residence. The dark forest was eerily quiet, and Himari would jump at every noise she heard, whether it was the sound of owls, crickets, or frogs. Her fear dwindled away when Tsukihiko walked closer beside her as if to protect her from the creatures of the night.
"Himari, may I ask what perfume you are wearing?" Tsukihiko asked. "It smells very captivating and sweet."
Himari turned her head to look at him, her heart-shaped lips curling into an almost knowing smile. "Oh, arigatō gozaimasu, Tsukihiko-san!" she exclaimed happily, turning scarlet. "I made it myself with tuberose, orange blossom, and marshmallow extract."
✧TRANSLATION: Himari turned her head to look at him, her heart-shaped lips curling into an almost knowing smile. "Oh, thank you so very much, Tsukihiko-san!" she exclaimed happily, turning scarlet. "I made it myself with tuberose, orange blossom, and marshmallow extract."
"Ah, so you are a perfumer," he chuckled. "I take it you are proficient in botany?"
"Yes, for the most part. I have quite the green thumb," she giggled. "I study botany and medicinal herbalism, and I am skilled in making traditional medicine. I am also skilled at identifying plants… Look at that white cherry blossom tree over there. It is taxonomically called prunus lannesiana."
"Lovely and intelligent," Tsukihiko commented, genuinely intrigued.
Oh, my!
Flattered, Himari looked away from him to hide her reddening cheeks. "Oh, arigatō…. So, Tsukihiko-san, what brings you out here this late?"
✧TRANSLATION: Flattered, Himari looked away from him to hide her reddening cheeks. "Oh, thank you…. So, Tsukihiko-san, what brings you out here this late?"
"I am only out for a midnight stroll to clear my mind," Tsukihiko responded. "I feel that the darkness of night is superior to brightness the day."
"Oh, my, forgive me! I am sorry for interrupting your midnight stroll with my burdens."
"No, you did not interrupt anything, Himari. Helping you is not a burden."
"Oh, my… No one has ever done anything so nice for me."
"Well, people should."
It was not long before Himari and Tsukihiko were standing in front of the Katōwamuro manor. The wrought iron gates slowly opened wide with a loud, echoing creak.
Himari deeply bowed as a show of gratitude to Tsukihiko. "Tsukihiko-san, I thank you for walking me home safely. You have helped me so much, but I can take it from here. Goodbye."
"Himari, I wish to see you again," Tsukihiko said as he handed her the grocery bags.
The words Tsukihiko had just spoken made Himari freeze and nearly choke on air. "W-what? I mean, pardon me?"
"I would like to enjoy a conversation with you over dinner," Tsukihiko continued. "I know of a wonderful café here in Yaegashi."
Flustered, Himari gawked at Tsukihiko with a face as red as an apple. "W-what are you saying? Are you asking me out… on a date?"
"Yes, I am, Himari."
Oh, my, he is asking to take me on a date! What could a handsome man like him see in a housemaid like me?
"Am I overstepping any boundaries?" Tsukihiko asked with an expression of visible concern. "Or perhaps I am too late. Surely a young woman of your beauty belongs to another man. Forgive me for my transgressions."
He thinks that I am beautiful? Has he noticed my scar? Does it not scare him?
Himari searched for an ounce of dishonesty and deceit within the man's attractive face but the longer she gazed into his light red eyes, she could tell that he was genuine. "Oh, my! No, no, no, I am not with another man! I belong to… I belong to no one."
I belong to no one… That should not hurt as much as it does.
"I am pleased to hear that. So, Himari, may I take you to dinner?"
"Yes… Yes, Tsukihiko-san, I would love to go to dinner with you! But I— But I do not have anything suitable to wear…"
"What you wear is not of importance, Miss Maeda-Katōwamuro. I am asking you to join me for dinner, not your clothing. I will send a chauffeur for you tomorrow night at nine o'clock sharp."
"… Okay. Will I be picked up from here?"
"Yes, I suppose."
"Please, no! I mean— Forgive me!" Himari covered her mouth in sheer embarrassment.
I cannot risk anyone seeing a vehicle coming to take me, let alone seeing me speak to anyone, especially a man, like I am right now!
"Is picking you up from your residence not acceptable?" Tsukihiko asked with an expression of genuine concern.
Himari looked back at the Katōwamuro manor and felt a twinge in her heart. "Truthfully, no, it is not acceptable… But we can meet at the same place you first saw me, on the road going to the marketplace."
Tsukihiko tipped his hat to Himari as the wrought iron gates closed. "Very well, Himari. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night."
"I do as well, Tsukihiko-san," Himari cried out, her face rouge beyond belief. "Goodbye!"
┍━ 【❀】 ━┑
CHAPTER THREE
HIMARI
The guest speaker Soaku had mentioned the night before was a wealthy investor named Jiro Adachi. Multiple agencies were vying for him to invest in their business and the last thing the Katōwamuros wanted was competition, so Soaku organized a dinner so that she could woo him over.
Jiro spoke loudly, laughed every time he opened his mouth, and could down sake like water. Himari would constantly walk back and forth to fill his cup so much that her feet ached. When the conversation shifted to business dealings, Jiro took on a more serious, intellectual persona. The man was not like his peers: he was passionate and believed that his money should be used to help the community.
Soaku attempted to steer the conversation to more avaricious principles but that was when Kihaku spoke over her and engaged in the conversation with the most energy and enthusiasm he had in years. While Soaku looked repulsed and vexed with Kihaku, Jiro was impressed and agreed with Kihaku wholeheartedly.
Himari could not help but smile as she watched her father's face light up as he spoke about his generous, charitable beliefs.
Father-sama, please smile more often. Please stay this way.
After she finished cleaning up, Himari rushed to her bedroom to get dressed for the date night with the handsome, mysterious Tsukihiko Kobayashi. She did not have anything nice to wear for the occasion other than a black party dress and a pair of flats. She used a lip balm she made from beetroot and rose petals to stain her lips rouge.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
It took less than twenty minutes for Himari to arrive at the street near the marketplace where she saw Tsukihiko waiting for her. His charming, finely tailored suit compared to her plain dress made her feel even more self-conscious, but she was more than happy to see him. "Tsukihiko-san, I came as fast as I could."
The man greeted Himari by taking her hand and kissing it. "I have longed to see you again, Himari. You look lovely."
"I have been wanting to see you again, too. I could not stop thinking of the night before, the time we first met."
"Come. I reserved a private table for us in a café with a scenery I think you will enjoy."
Himari and Tsukihiko walked a few blocks until they arrived at a high-class café. Upon their arrival, a waiter greeted and guided them to the balcony where a lone table for two awaited them. Romantic candlelight surrounded the area, and the balcony overlooked the beautiful, flowery spectacle of Shibuya at night.
Tsukihiko pulled out Himari's seat and she sat down with an expression of pure amazement. "Oh, this place is so beautiful, Tsukihiko-san!" she exclaimed. "I did not know that such a place was not so far from where I live. I have never— Excuse me. I am just so happy to be here with you."
"Himari, I will take you to places even finer than this if you are willing," Tsukihiko replied.
The man's words made Himari's heart throb in a way it never did before. "Oh, my…"
It is like Tsukihiko-san is not even real, like he came from some other world where the men are wonderful and kind, unlike the ones I am used to. He is going out of his way to treat me to such nice things out of the kindness of his heart. That leads me to believe that he genuinely likes me for who I am. I am so happy that I met him, but I must ask... Is all this too good to be true?
A waiter arrived and asked what they would like to order. Himari ordered chamomile tea with orange blossom honey and a slice of lemon chiffon cake while Tsukihiko asked for a glass of water. Once the server left, Himari gathered the confidence to start conversation. "So, Tsukihiko-san, may I ask what your profession is?"
"Yes, of course. I am an international trader and importer. The business is extremely lucrative albeit time consuming, I must say. Yourself?"
"I do not have a career just yet, but I did mention my area of study. I plan to study abroad and become an apprentice soon," Himari chimed cheerfully. "I am eighteen, so I have a long way to go before I have a clinic of my own!"
Tsukihiko's smile shifted into a wry, concerned expression. "You are eighteen years old?"
"Yes, but I will be nineteen in November and that is only three months away. What, is something wrong?"
"There is nothing wrong, I just presumed you were older… I am far older than you, Himari. Are you comfortable with that? If not, we can end this immediately."
So, what if he is older than me? I am of age; I can be with anyone I want.
Himari giggled behind her hand as she spoke. "A man your age? You say that like you are ancient or something, Tsukihiko-san! I am more mature than I look." She placed her hand over his and spoke in a more serious tone as she said, "And I do not want the relationship we have to end… You truly are a wonderful man, Tsukihiko-san."
Tsukihiko covered Himari's palm with his and stroked it softly, reassuring her with his gentle touch. "And you are a marvelous young woman, Himari. I am pleased that our relationship can continue. I could not imagine never seeing you again."
Once their orders arrived, Himari stirred a spoonful of honey into her tea as she stared at the floating chamomile flower. The lemon chiffon cake was a small slice of cake topped with blueberry sauce, strawberries and whipped cream. It melted in Himari's mouth and was incredibly light and fluffy. "Mmm, this is delicious, Tsukihiko-san! Would you care for a piece?"
"Ah, I appreciate your kindness, but I ate earlier. I am happy that you are enjoying your dessert," Tsukihiko laughed.
Neither of them said anything for a short while. Himari nibbled on her slice of cake and sipped her tea, and Tsukihiko watched her eat contently. "Forgive me for my quietness and lack of conversation, Tsukihiko-san," Himari said softly. "It is just that this is my first date…"
Tsukihiko stared at her in disbelief before forcing an incredulous laugh. "This is your first date? No man has wanted to take a young lady as lovely as you out on a date? How can that be? What, is your father a stern man?"
"Yes, you could say that… I seldomly see my father but my stepmother is twice as strict. She would be angry if I went against her rules, like I am doing right now. That is why if anyone found out about us, I would be p-punished severely…"
The unreadable expression Tsukihiko gave Himari as he contemplated how to respond filled her dread and made her gulp inwardly. "… It seems your stepmother views you as a child," he said forthrightly.
"Oh? What makes you say that, Tsukihiko-san?"
"You are of age to make your own decisions. I do not see why your stepmother would be angry enough to punish you for not following her rules unless she simply wants control."
Himari dabbed her mouth with a napkin. "Control? I… I do not understand why she would want that but maybe I am not meant to understand."
"Perhaps but enough of that subject," Tsukihiko said, rising from his seat. "Himari, let us leave this café and go for a stroll. A walk would be perfect for a night as beautiful as this, yes?"
"Yes, it would, Tsukihiko-san!"
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Himari and Tsukihiko held hands as they walked through the glittering streets of Shibuya, stealing occasional glimpses of each other. They became lost in deep conversation until they stopped at a flower stand. Tsukihiko purchased Himari a bouquet of yellow and blue blooms composed of sunflowers, yellow roses, goldenrods, hydrangeas, and delphiniums.
Blushing, Himari fluttered her long eyelashes at him as she inhaled the scent of the fragrant flowers deeply. "I adore them so much, Tsukihiko-san. Arigatō."
✧TRANSLATION: Blushing, Himari fluttered her long eyelashes at him as she inhaled the scent of the fragrant flowers deeply. "I adore them so much, Tsukihiko-san. Thank you."
"Anything for you, Himari. Moreover, I find your love of flowers and botany riveting. I promise to give you a garden one day, if you wish for it."
Himari's joyous expression fell upon hearing Tsukihiko's vow. The memory of her father promising her something that he neglected to honor made her heart ache.
Promises are doomed to be broken…
"Himari, is something the matter?" Tsukihiko inquired. "Your countenance has changed."
"My father… You remind me him."
"I do hope that is a compliment," he chuckled.
"It is a compliment; you remind me of the man he used to be."
"Used to be?"
"Oh, did I say that?" Himari laughed sheepishly. "I meant it as in the way he used to be when I was a child. We always made promises to each other, no matter how immature and comical they were, and we always kept them... My father is a man of his world." Himari turned her head away from Tsukihiko so that he would not notice her twitching nose; an idiosyncratic habit that signified untruthfulness.
I do not want Tsukihiko-san to know the truth about me. If he knows, then he will not look at me the same way ever again. What kind of man will see value in a woman who own father does not see value in her?
Tsukihiko took her hands in his and caressed her palm with his fingers as they locked eyes. "Himari, I am gladdened to know that you see the virtues of your father within me. I am flattered. Like your father, all that I promise rings nothing short of true. Every vow that leaves my lips will be upheld. So, believe me when I say that you are the most important person in all my years of living."
Unable to find the words to respond, Himari could only stare at him with her bronze-colored eyes that were pricking with shimmering tears.
This man... I am young but there is a love I harbor that is deeply entrenched in my soul. It is meant to be shared and cherished. Would it be fine for me to allow myself to fall for him, to love him dearly?
Is Tsukihiko-san the one? I pray he does not look away from me. If he continues to hold my gaze, then I will know.
Then, I will know.
Their eye contact remained unbroken as Tsukihiko simply kissed her palm. His lips brushed across her hand, the feeling akin to silk. "Come, let me take you to this secret spot I know of," he spoke into her palm as if her hand itself would respond.
Before Himari could take in a breath of air, she was being guided through the twisting, turning path of the woods to a clearing. The forest glade was filled with autumn-blooming cherry blossom trees. There was a shimmering pond and a breathtaking view of the golden, full moon in a sky of stars. Fireflies twinkled and fluttered about in the grass.
"Tsukihiko-san, this is so beautiful!" Himari gasped. "The moon is so pretty tonight."
"You and the moon are not so different," Tsukihiko complimented.
Flustered, Himari turned away to hide her rouge-colored cheeks. "Oh, my, you flatter me."
The man laid his overcoat on a boulder near the pond, then gestured for Himari to sit beside him. "Come, let us sit."
Himari obliged and sat closely beside him. She was unable to conceal her happiness and could not stop fidgeting but when Tsukihiko brought her closer to his side, her anxious fidgeting ceased. "Tsukihiko-san, I thank you for taking me here. I would have never known a place like this was here in Yaegashi."
"No, I thank you for allowing me to take you here, Himari. It is nice to have someone to relish the beauty of nature with. I know of more locations like this, and I would like to take you to all of them in time."
"I would love that, Tsukihiko-san," Himari giggled. "I look forward to going to more places with you."
It does not feel like I and Tsukihiko-san met just two nights ago. It feels like we have known each other forever. I cannot help but feel myself falling for him. I wonder, does he feel the same as I?
Close, they silently admired the last fireflies of the season. The late summer was bidding farewell, so the air carried a touch of coolness that Himari could not feel while resting against Tsukihiko.
It was like a dream.
Tears began stinging the corners of Himari's eyes and spilled down her cheeks. Sniffling, she hid her face behind her hands and shied away from Tsukihiko's concerned gaze.
The man gently moved Himari's hands away from her tear-streaked face. "Himari, you are shedding tears. What has upset you?"
"No, no, no, Tsukihiko-san," she whispered tearfully. "I am not upset. I am not upset at all. That is the reason why I am crying; I do not remember the last time I felt this happy… Do you think that is strange?"
"No, that is not strange at all," Tsukihiko replied, wiping a tear away from her face. "Your happiness brings me joy, Himari, even if it is in the form of tears."
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
It was a quarter past midnight when Himari arrived home. The date with Tsukihiko went amazingly well and neither of them wanted it to end. All was quiet in the manor until a familiar voice called out in a tired, groggy manner.
"… Is that you, Himari?"
Upon hearing her father's voice, Himari turned around like a deer caught in the headlights. "Father-sama!"
Kihaku yawned and rubbed his eyes as he came out of his office. His crinkled nightwear and disheveled hair suggested he had slept in his office. "Himari, what— You were out? I thought you were in your bedroom... Is that lipstick?"
Himari shook her head with her nose twitching like a rabbit. "Oh, no, no, no, Father-sama, it is… It is stains from a strawberry and raspberry tea I drank! Yes, hahaha! It is very… Uh, staining."
I detest fibbing to Father-sama, but I must. I cannot have anyone knowing about I and Tsukihiko-san…
Perplexed, Kihaku came closer to her. "Why were you out? Where did you go?"
"I… I went out for a drink," Himari muttered, clinging her body in shame. "There was— There was a w-white peach drink I have wanted to try before summer ended… I thought it would be okay… for me to go after d-dinner. I saw how much fun everyone was having at the dinner and assumed that it would tire everyone out, so I did not b-bother asking…"
Kihaku stared at Himari for a long while, not giving any indication if he believed his daughter's words or not. "All right, fine, but you must ask for permission to leave next time. I need to always know that you are safe. Do not leave without telling anyone of your whereabouts ever again, Himari!"
"Yes, Father-sama. I will not leave without telling anyone again." Himari kissed her father on his cheek before heading downstairs to the basement.
┍━ 【❀】 ━┑
CHAPTER FOUR
TIMESKIP: ONE WEEK
HIMARI
For the past week, Himari and Tsukihiko were out together nearly every night. The two of them would go to cafes and restaurants, sightsee, or travel but tonight was different. The man revealed that he had scheduled a private session with a professional stylist just for her. Before Himari could object, she found herself in a large dressing room surrounded by a stylist and her league of assistants.
The stylist and her assistants swarmed around Himari like bees, touching her hair, measuring her bust and waist, and showing her pictures of models. Tsukihiko sat in a chair and watched the spectacle from afar, laughing to himself.
"Oh, you are just so pretty, and your skin tone is beautiful, like a milk tea!" the stylist exclaimed. "I will take great pleasure in dressing and styling you to my heart's delight! Is there anything you would like to start with?"
"Um… Forgive me, but I do not know what I like," Himari answered sorrowfully. "I do not even know where to start. Forgive me."
"Oh, I see. Well, do you fancy any fabrics?"
"I am kind of fond of leather…"
The stylist snapped her fingers and her assistants left to retrieve the clothing.
An assistant presented Himari with a case of various leather gloves while the other presented her with leather boots. Another assistant wheeled a rack of elegant coats towards her.
"I must mention that all of these articles of clothing are the new, unreleased items of our Autumn and Winter women's collection," the stylist said. "Mister Kobayashi emphasized that he only wanted the best of the best to be presented to you, so it is only right to show you what has yet to be even pictured in the magazines!"
"Oh, everything is so beautiful!" Himari exclaimed. "Arigatō gozaimasu, Tsukihiko-san!"
✧TRANSLATION: "Oh, everything is so beautiful!" Himari exclaimed. "Thank you very much, Tsukihiko-san!"
"So, what will you try on first?"
"That one," Himari said, pointing at a white leather fur-trimmed trench coat.
"Excellent choice, my girl! That trench coat also comes in the shades of black, navy, chestnut, and mulberry."
An assistant helped Himari put her arms through the sleeves of the luxurious trench coat. Giggling, Himari twirled in front of the mirrors and for the first time in a while, she could stomach looking at herself. "Oh, Tsukihiko-san, I love this one dearly!"
"Please, could we have a moment?" Tsukihiko asked abruptly.
Once the stylist and her assistants cleared out of the room, Tsukihiko went to stand behind Himari and stood behind her. He reached into his pocket for a gift box and took out a necklace; a heart-shaped ruby with brilliant diamonds outlining its silhouette on a chain of sterling silver.
The necklace was so beautiful, Himari was rendered breathless and could only watch Tsukihiko secure it around her neck. "Oh, my, Tsukihiko-san, is that— This jewel is real, is it not?"
"It is," Tsukihiko replied smugly before leaning in to kiss her neck and collarbones. He scowled when Himari moved away from his advances. "What?"
"No, no, no, Tsukihiko-san. I cannot accept this."
"Why not?"
"Because… Because it is too much! We have only known each other for a short amount of time, and you are already showering me gifts! Do you not think things are happening a little too fast?"
"I see no issue with spoiling you."
"Fine, but this necklace is still too valuable and expensive, Tsukihiko-san! I cannot accept something so valuable."
"Expensive? Do not insult me. I have more than enough capital to purchase whatever I wish, and I chose to give you jewelry. I find it looks lovely around your neck."
Himari gazed at her reflection in the mirror and realized that Tsukihiko's words were true; the necklace did look lovely around her neck. "Well, I will not wear it," she muttered under her breath.
"You will," he countered.
"I will not."
"You will."
"I will not!"
"Himari, are you not my woman?" Tsukihiko asked abruptly.
"Yes! I mean, I think so. Why else would we be seeing each other in this way if we were not together?"
"A woman of mine wears only the finest clothes and jewelry, therefor you will accept whatever I give you."
"But—"
"The decision is final," Tsukihiko interjected. "From now on, you must always wear this necklace in my presence. Do you understand what I am asking you, Himari?"
"Yes, I understand, Tsukihiko-san… May I ask you a question?"
"You may."
Himari looked deep within herself to muster the courage to ask a question she had been wanting to ask him since they met. "… Why are you doing this?"
"Doing what?"
"Everything. All of this. Treating me with such kindness, taking me to so many places, giving me such expensive things… Why? Why me? What is the reason? No one, and I mean no one, has ever been so nice to me. I would assume you want something, but I have nothing of value to offer. There are so many other women who can give you all you desire, so why choose me?" Himari burst into tears and wept and sobbed freely. All the pain, heartbreak, and grief she had been harboring for years came out in the form of tears.
Tsukihiko stared at her for a long while with an indecipherable expression as if he never saw a woman cry nor knew how to console one. Instead of answering her questions verbally, he pressed his lips against hers.
Although she was visibly flustered by the suddenness of the kiss, Himari did not move away. She slowly closed her eyes and allowed Tsukihiko to kiss her deeply. When the kiss came to an end, Himari's countenance had changed: the gold outer color of her bronze-colored eyes was glittering, and her face had gained a rosy tint.
Tsukihiko-san…
Their lips interlocked once more but this time, Himari initiated it. The couple kissed passionately, and the world around them faded away as if it meant nothing. At that very moment, the only thing that mattered was how warm, soft, sweet, and vital the kiss was. An irresistible hunger for intimacy festered in her loins.
His kiss is the tenderest thing I have ever experienced, I do not wish it to end.
Withdrawing from the kiss, Tsukihiko turned Himari around so that she faced the mirror with him standing behind her. "Himari?"
"Yes, Tsukihiko-san?"
"Pardon my forthrightness but I must ask: Have you ever pleasured yourself?"
Himari felt her tingling cheeks becoming even redder. "W-what? Oh, my!"
"Masturbation," Tsukihiko clarified, unabashed. "Have you ever engaged in self-gratification?"
"No, no, no… I have not."
"How come?"
"Because I w-was told— Ah!" Himari was interrupted by Tsukihiko biting her earlobe without warning. The pain was superseded by a strange, unfamiliar sensation that Himari could yet describe.
That feeling… I— I think like it?
"What were you told?"
"H-huh?"
"What were you told?" Tsukihiko asked once more, enunciating each syllable. "Finish what you were saying."
"I was told that it was wrong, a sin. Unchaste and impure." Himari mewled when Tsukihiko's hands began scouring all over her body. She wanted to tell him to stop and that she was saving herself for marriage, but her heart did not want him to stop. Her heart wanted the touching to continue and escalate further.
P-please...
"They are wrong, you were lied to," Tsukihiko said earnestly. "It is not sinful to pleasure yourself. How else would you discover more about yourself, your likes and dislikes? As a blossoming young woman, it is your right to explore your body. You should not deprive yourself of pleasure any longer."
"I should not… deprive... myself of pleasure? Oh, my— Ahn!"
Time stood still as the man fondled and groped her body erotically, but time resumed when he paused and went close to her ear. "Himari, tonight when you lay your head down on your bed, I want you to touch yourself," Tsukihiko whispered. "Think of me as you do so."
"Yes… Yes, I will, Tsukihiko-san." Himari watched her and Tsukihiko's reflection in the mirror as he cupped her tender, perky breasts. The young woman breathed heavily, squeezing her thighs together as a weak effort to quell the simmering heat between her legs.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
As soon as her new clothes were in the dresser, Himari practically ripped off her clothing and threw herself on the mattress. She felt feverish from her head to her toes and the only thing she could think of was what Tsukihiko said to her.
"Himari, tonight when you lay your head down on your bed, I want you to touch yourself. Think of me as you do so."
The simmering heat emanating between Himari's legs grew into a roaring blaze as she fell deeper into what was once regarded as unholy and sinful. Her dark, lustful side was beginning to awaken from dormancy and with its awakening would come an enlightened sense of self. If someone were to ask Himari why she so eagerly defied the very principles that were instilled at her at a young age on the behalf of a man she become acquainted with less than a month ago, they would not receive a proper answer.
What is this sensation? I… I feel so feverish down there… I am so hot!
The barred window was open, allowing crisp air of autumn inside. From between her thighs, the erotic scent of a young woman's awakening left a sillage more potent than the morning dew of jasmine flowers.
Himari tossed and turned whilst squeezing her thighs, whimpering softly. The heat pulsing between her legs coaxed her to remove her panties, and she obeyed. As soon as the cool air of the bedroom hit the warmness of her privates, she began to feel tingly all over. The slightest touch from another would drive her mad, and with the man in question not around to quell it, she had to take matters into her own hands.
I… I have never done this before. What do I do? Do I just plunge right in? No, that is not it. I guess I will take it slow…
Uncertain, Himari moved a delicate finger along the trail of her inner vaginal lips. Shivers fluttered down her spine as she neared her clitoris. Even the slightest friction from when she neared the sensitive bud of flesh created indescribable waves of pleasure.
Oh, Tsukihiko-san. I cannot stop thinking of the kiss that we shared...
As she thought about her kiss with Tsukihiko, it began to feel as if it was actively happening, so much that she could taste his tongue and feel the softness of his lips. She could still feel him cupping her breasts and rubbing the area near her privates. "Ahhh…"
This feels so good…
Himari's expectant fingers continued wandering through her Garden of Peach Blossoms until she climaxed. She covered her mouth to muffle a piercing moan. "I am going to—I am coming!"
I came… My first orgasm… So amazing!
Himari held up her fingers and saw that the two digits were coated in her clear nectar. Aroused, she shoved her fingers in her mouth without a second thought and sucked them dry. She mewled in desire and was amazed at how flavorful she tasted: sweet yet tangy from salty perspiration.
I am… I am behaving so impurely. H-how lewd of me! I do not know what came over me, but this tastes so good! Is this what I have been missing all my life from being so chaste?
It was not long before Himari hungered for more pleasure, so she began rubbing and squeezing her clitoris between two fingers until she felt herself at the brink of climax once again. The young woman covered her mouth and released a muffled wail as she experienced an orgasm more powerful than the last. "Nghhh!"
Exhausted, Himari laid flat on the mattress with her arms outstretched and breathing heavily. An even darker rouge came upon her flushed cheeks upon acknowledging a sudden realization.
… I am in love with Tsukihiko Kobayashi.
*ೃ༄OUTRO .ೃ࿐
𓆩 𓆪 HYDRA - MYTH & ROID 𓆩 𓆪
破滅さえ 厭わないで
ねえ まだこの手に残る欠片だって
貴方のもの
何もかも 失くしても
捧げるものが 在るの
未来だって 命でさえ
焼け尽きた感情も 不毛な祈りも
縋る無様も 貢ぐ愚かも
病んだ声も 穢れた両手も
傷で裂かれた心も
𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳
何もこの手に失くても
時間がまだ 在るのなら
何度も繰り返そう
無意味だって 無駄だっていい
積み上げた日々が 無残に散っても
想いが呪いに 変わったとしても
報いも無く 徒労に終わってもいい
もう貴方しか見えない
暗く陰った この道の先では
どんな光も やがて潰えるでしょう
運命がそうなら
希望待つように 生きるより
尽くしきるの 今を
焼け尽きた感情も 不毛な祈りも
縋る無様も 貢ぐ愚かも
何もかもが どうなってもいい
全て貴方に 捧げよう
𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳