Desiring to remove herself from that moment, she finally earned the chance to do so.
The crowd appeared divided, some eagerly trying to witness the unfolding drama while others were taken aback by her response. In the midst of it all, she clung tightly to the hand of the man by her side, consciously aware of Mozu's simmering anger as they walk past him. The initial excitement in the air gradually subsided, providing them with the space they needed to exit the scene.
But by the time they reached a safety distance from the wedding venue, she finally released his hand.
Overwhelmed by panic, there was no time for her to contemplate whether her actions were right or if she was merely using this man as a temporary distraction. In the vast expanse of the hallway, framed by expansive glass windows offering a glimpse of the Kyoto cityscape, her nerves driving her to wander to and fro, unable to escape the grip of anxiety.
Muttering to herself, repeatedly saying, "Why did you do this? Why did you do this?" while absentmindedly pacing nervously, her thumb bore the brunt of her anxious chewing.
The anticipation of her phone ringing any moment now weighed heavily on her. She knew it was only a matter of time before her mother discovered the video taken by someone at the event circulating online. What explanation would she offer her mother? How would she express her disinterest in the proposal without being dismissed as disrespectful?
"Are you okay?"
Like a lifeline, interrupting her pool of thoughts. She realized he was still with her. He's leaning casually against the glass windows, with arms crossed, observing her silently. Finally recognizing his presence, she realized he was another matter to address.
Closing his eyes, he let out a sigh, which served as a reminder she had disregarded him earlier. She knew she had been avoiding him all along and didn't want to interact, but it seemed like the situation had now reversed. Now, she needed his cooperation in carrying out her ruse.
Staring at him she curiously asks, "You... You don't have a girlfriend or a wife, right?"
Raising an eyebrow, he couldn't help but let out a slight chuckle, as if her question were some kind of joke. "Are you seriously asking me this now?" he responded, his amusement evident.
Frowning at his reaction, she retorted, "Are you going to answer or not?"
"We nearly hooked up last night, and you ask me if I have a girlfriend? I don't have time for relationships, lioness."
"Will you please stop calling me that?" she snapped, frustration evident in her voice. He suppressed a subtle, lighthearted snicker, and for an instant, it seemed like something shifted within her and her heart skipped a beat.
"Well, you look handsome so I had to ask," she couldn't help but wonder what was happening with her, as she experienced a whirlwind of emotions all at once.
"Of course, I'm not saying this to flatter you," Kohaku added, her tone playful. "But with your looks and that enigmatic, intelligent aura, it's only natural to assume some girls might wonder if you have a girlfriend."
His eyes widened in surprise, and he couldn't hold back a discreet, amused snort. "Really? Is that your way of complimenting me right now instead of explaining what you did inside? Don't you think I also needed an explanation for that?"
She gasped, realizing he was astute and quick to deduce her intentions.
"From the looks of it, you wanted an easy way out, and you chose me, the one closest to you, to be your pretend boyfriend."
Her annoyance flared up, but she knew she couldn't prolong this conversation. "Yes, you're right, I needed you to pretend to be my boyfriend."
He raised an eyebrow, curious. "Do I have a choice now? You just announced to the world we're in a relationship. Don't you think it's unfair that I don't get to have any say in this?"
She gritted her teeth, realizing the validity of his point. He had a right to question her about their situation. She won't just embarrass herself in front of those people; she'll also be lying to everyone.
She wanted to maintain control of the conversation. The only solution is to equal their need for each other. To be fair and not owe him anything, "Well I need it," she said as a matter of fact, "Don't worry, you're not at a loss with me anyway."
He stares at her, a strange look on his face. "Don't tell me you're saying that just because you want a night with me?" He looked at her with a mix of amusement and disbelief, as if her words were absurd.
Kohaku retorted with a hint of playful defiance, "What can I say? You left me hanging last night, so isn't it obvious? Don't worry, as an exchange for what I did with you earlier, I won't force anything on you. I just want you to remember this. I'll give you whatever it is that you want, including myself. I won't even ask you to be in a relationship with me. I won't be a clingy pretend girlfriend either. I'll just do and give you whatever it is that you want."
He chuckled, his voice low and seductive as he leaned closer, his breath tantalizingly warm against her ear. "What if you are? What are we supposed to do if that happens?"
She gently pushed him away, flustered as his proximity continued to affect her. "W-Well, we can end it. I just need you to pretend to be my boyfriend because I want to escape from an unwanted suitor. You want me to do something for you, right?"
No hint of his thoughts appears on his face, no betrayal of whatever works behind those cool, distant eyes.
"So, what do you expect me to do in return?" she asked, her gaze briefly shifting to his lips before a smirk appeared on his face.
"Live with me."
Raising an eyebrow, she responded, "That's simple enough. I won't inquire about your reasons because I'm not one to pry. I'll agree to live with you, but before that, do you have any allergies?"
"No, I don't. Why do you ask?"
"I have a pet cat, and I just want to make sure there won't be any issues," she explained, though he seemed to find amusement in her response.
"Isn't it ironic that I referred to you as a lioness, belonging to the feline family, and you happen to have a pet cat?"
"Can you stop teasing me?" she retorted, irritation evident as she crossed her arms and let out a frustrated sigh. Despite that, she couldn't deny how his smile and laughter had a way of making her feel slightly better.
"I can't promise I'll refrain from teasing you. Especially when you always wear a ponytail that resembles a lion's mane," he teased, clearly enjoying the banter.
"It's my signature hairstyle, okay?" she defended herself. A sly grin played on his lips.
"Jokes aside, I can't guarantee we'll engage in any sexual activity anytime soon. I have a busy schedule and little time for such mundane matters. I just need your help with something. All you need to do is show yourself, that's all."
"We'll live together, mister. What made you think you can resist me? Besides, what made you think we'll do it many times… also, are you even that kind of guy?" she pointed her finger at his chest.
Just the thought sends heat coursing through her. She bits her lip, throwing caution to the wind and seizing on her boldness.
His eyes went down to her lips before he smirked, "I only fuck once, and I'm not one to repeat it either."
"Then do it as soon as you can, and I'll fuck you."
They looked at each other, neither backing down during their staredown.
"So, you're still into that, huh? So yes, I'll do it as soon as I can, and I am really going to fuck you."
Sighing, she's the first to avert her eyes to lean back down. Turning her gaze toward the door, she knew it was time to return to the party.
"Before we go, may I ask if you have any idea for a quick run-through of this? I just want to be on the same page as you in terms of the details."
He put one hand on his waist and another on his chin as if he was contemplating something, he says "I want to let you know that I am the lowest-profile person there is, and I won't even let the media interview me either."
"Okay... What about this, for pretension and a backup story for you? I'll tell you what I have in mind. Our relationship was established two and a half years ago, hmmm, and we met at a bar…" She trailed off, struggling to come up with a convincing story. Stress had taken its toll on her, making it difficult to think clearly.
"That's true. Simply inform them that we've decided to maintain a private relationship. We want it to grow naturally without external interference. That would be the most logical explanation, am I right?"
"Fair enough, that's fine... although it's a bold-faced lie." She sighs, "We'll discuss the details of moving in together after this wedding. I have a speech to deliver, I can't let Yuzuriha down,"
"Wanna go back in?" she said, starting to walk back toward the venue.
"After you." He made a chivalrous sweep of his arm, signaling for her to enter before him.
As Kohaku made her entrance, she couldn't help but feel uneasy under the intense scrutiny of the gathered guests. This was unusual for her; as an artist, she had performed in front of thousands of people without a trace of nervousness. So, why was she feeling this way now? The man who had accompanied her remained silent until they were seated.
"Senku! Good to see you here, man!" someone greeted him as soon as they settled down.
Senku? That's his name?
Confused, she looks at him while making casual talks, she didn't even know his name. She was pretending he was her boyfriend without even knowing his name.
She glanced at him, and it seemed like he understood the confusion in her mind. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Just call me Senku. Also, for the record, I don't read minds; think of it as an educated guess."
As for Kohaku, she had already assumed that he already knows her by reputation alone.
Her gaze swept the room, taking in the change of atmosphere. The media, once fervently pursuing her, now stood at a distance, cautious but watchful. The onlookers held their distance, reluctant to approach. It appeared their plan was successfully keeping prying eyes at bay.
She cast a discreet glance across the room, hoping to spot Mozu. To her relief, he was nowhere in sight. The outcome of him leaving the party to maintain some ounce of dignity for himself was clearly what she hoped for.
Under the table, his fingers found hers. Gently, he lifted their joined hands, fingers entwined on the table. Their eyes met once more. His thumb began a slow dance on the back of her hand, a subtle touch that brushed away the cacophony of her thoughts.
He inched closer, his warm breath grazing her ear as he asked, "We're going to make it believable for everyone, right?"
With a sigh, she nodded, realizing that holding hands with her 'pretend boyfriend' was the most convincing course of action. "We already fucked, right?" she whispers.
He arched an eyebrow, "Okay..." his response laced with casual acceptance,
She couldn't help but feel a hint of surprise. His compliance, even in jest, didn't irk her as much as before.
Kohaku felt the need to assert herself and establish that. She wouldn't have brought up the subject if she weren't so exhausted by the constant fixation on her virginity, especially at her age. She knew some people, including her mother, were obsessed with proving if she's in a relationship. They would scour media reports to find someone who could vouch for her and if there's none they'll pressure her into marrying nonetheless.
And in her attempts to divert their attention, she felt a tinge of disappointment that her time at the club with this man last night weren't even reported. Her reverie was interrupted as he squeezed her hand, pulling her back to the present moment. His thumb continuing to do a delicate, rhythmic dance on the back of her hand
He interrupted her with a surprising confession only they can hear. "Since we're both on the same page, it's your fault I can't concentrate on the speaker up there. I need to be cautious around you. I've had so many provocative thoughts today... Care to guess who inspired them all?" He shot her a suggestive smile as he spoke.
His question made her eyes narrow slightly. "What's this all about? I just wanted to make my intentions cle—"
"So how base do you want me to be?" he smirked.
She narrowed her eyes at him.
"No."
Senku fixed his penetrating gaze on Kohaku, his elbow propped on the table, his hand cradling his cheek, silently urging her for a better reply.
"Hmm, no? I don't think so. I think you'd want me to be as base as I can be." Kohaku shot an annoyed glance at Senku.
She turned her attention to the front and when she heard the wedding coordinator trying to get her attention. She nodded, acknowledging it was time for her to deliver her speech. She glanced at him. He's observing her with pursed lips.
"That detail is very unnecessary, Senku."
He chuckled, holding onto her hand tightly. Getting up she eyed him she needed to go to the stage, he almost refused to let go of her hand. His hand rested on hers, a silent plea in its touch as she slowly withdrew. If only the space between them hadn't widened, he would never have let her go.
Taking a wine glass, she began her speech. It was a concise yet heartfelt tribute to Yuzuriha and her enduring love for her husband, Taiju. While speaking, she noticed the sarcastic glances from her friends Gen and Amaryllis, particularly Minami, who rubbed her temples while gazing at her phone.
"So, Yuzuriha, Taiju. I wish you two the best in your married life ahead. May-" Just as she was about to continue, Gen mouthed the words, 'You have a boyfriend?!' His animated expression conveyed his surprise, and Amaryllis blushed, covering her mouth and pointing towards Senku, as if supporting Gen's jest.
Caught off guard, Kohaku stumbled over her words, momentarily distracted. The couple before her eagerly awaited her next words. Collecting herself, she improvised, "… you both share a love that is pure and unconditional. Cheers to the couple!" With a toast raised, the crowd erupted in cheers. She planned to return to the table where Senku had been, but her friends intercepted her and whisked her out of the reception hall.
Minami, wearing a strained smile, confronted her as she dragged her away saying, "Nice speech. Now, explain what's going on, Kohaku..."
Kohaku glanced at Senku who was now talking to Taiju. He seemed to be aware that her friends had whisked her away as he watched her getting away from the venue. Once they were settled away from the crowds, Kohaku straightened her dress.
"What's this all about?"
"Oh my gosh, Kohaku! It felt like we were watching a live movie," Amaryllis exclaimed, pressing her hand to her forehead. "Mozu proposes to you right after Yuzuriha's wedding, and suddenly you have a boyfriend? And Ishigami Senku, no less!"
Astonished by Amaryllis' words, Kohaku nodded sheepishly. "Yes, I know it's embarrassing. I didn't intend to cause a stir or ruin the wedding..."
"Kohaku, is Senku really your boyfriend?" Gen asks and Minami beside him massaged her temples.
She didn't know who Senku Ishigami was, but 'Senku' wasn't a common name, so she assumed the conversation was about Senku.
"Why didn't you tell us, dear Kohaku?" Gen said as if reading her thoughts, rubbing his chin. "All I know is that he's not one to share his personal life with friends, and you don't seem like the type to commit. It's surprising that this happened between my two close friends without me knowing. Quite intriguing." Gen smiled at her.
"He's right, why didn't you tell us, Kohaku?" Amaryllis said, panicking and hyperventilating.
Minami now had a forceful smile, "Is that why you weren't around last night? Because you were with your boyfriend?" She studied her face. "That look on your face, don't think about lying that you two have it together for long. It's obvious you have no idea who he is!"
"I was about to tell you guys, but then uhm… and o-of course, I know him," Kohaku tried to regain her composure, even though she was nervous, and it seemed like they could tell she wasn't being truthful. "In fact, we've been together for two years now," she said, attempting to cover up.
Minami took a deep breath, her gaze momentarily averted before meeting Kohaku's with a hint of disappointment. "The three of us saw it, not only were you new to each other but the way he held your hand a while ago. I can smell the sexual tension!"
"Oh my! But I heard he doesn't like being in a relationship, unlike his friend Chrome." Amaryllis chimed in. He's friends with Chrome?
"Huh? What do you—"
"I still can't believe it! Throughout our college years, you never had a boyfriend because you were so focused on your studies. Remember when we used to protect you from those sketchy guys at bars and clubs when you started singing? Even as you became a famous singer, winning awards and performing internationally, you remained single. You even lived abroad and turned down offers from influential people because music was your top priority. But now... I'm genuinely surprised to hear that you're in a relationship, and your very first boyfriend is none other than... Senku Ishigami!"
Wait! Why does it seem like such a big deal all of a sudden, and she can't admit it because it'll be obvious that she doesn't know who the guy is. Sure, where the hell did she hear the name Ishigami?
Her friends' surprise hit her like a sudden wave. As they voiced their astonishment, she found it hard to come up with a fitting reply. Her inability to remember where she had heard Senku Ishigami's name before only added to the chaos in her thoughts.
"I don't really look at his… uh… achievements, or fame, or… well, wealth, that's why I didn't bother to dig deeper into it. As long as we vibe and... uh... love each other, nothing else matters," she said to slip past that part.
Amaryllis appeared to be the only one among the three who weren't that attentive of her reaction. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at her.
"Are you serious? He's an Ishigami! They're one of the most prominent families in Japan and he's also well-known in the scientific field."
She didn't know that! Amaryllis looks almost clueless about the fact that what she had with that man wasn't true. "You make a perfect match!" She said with excitement, holding both of her hands with glee.
Most of all, how did she entangle herself with a man such as him? She was already tired of fame, and now she had someone as famous as she was. When would this cycle end?
Gen smiled warmly, "Senku is a good man, Kohaku. Trust me, we've been friends for years. So, don't worry but be fortunate you have crossed paths with him."
Growing up in a wealthy environment, Kohaku's early years were marked by close friendships with Gen and Amaryllis. They often invited her to high-society parties, yet she never crossed paths with Senku Ishigami, nor had she ever heard his name.
"Oh, Kohaku, this is exactly why I used to invite you to parties back then. You were so focused on your studies and singing career that you missed out on a lot! You were active on your socials before, but when that scandal with your old music label's producer happened, you let Minami handle everything!" Amaryllis wore a mischievous grin, "But I suppose you didn't miss out on much after all, did you? Because now you have a handsome and wealthy boyfriend, right?"
Taken aback by the revelations from Gen and Amaryllis, Kohaku couldn't help but ponder how she had been so oblivious.
"Oh wow! Your boyfriend is quite a catch," she said, raising an eyebrow. "He's not only good-looking but also incredibly smart." She let out a sigh, a hint of impatience in her tone and a longing for it to be over.
Amaryllis couldn't help but giggle as she glanced past Kohaku, her gaze fixed on someone behind her.
Gen couldn't help but chuckle, "Dear Senku has that charm, huh?" Amaryllis blushed with excitement, sharing in the amusement.
She turned her gaze to where Senku stood, deep in conversation with Taiju and a small group. He exuded an air of sophistication and charisma. But beneath his apparent innocence and intelligence, there was an enigmatic quality that intrigued her. His spiky hair neatly pushed back, the locks framing his face, and his intense red eyes that appeared to penetrate anyone's gaze all added to his mysterious allure.
Just then, her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts.
Realizing it was her mother calling, Kohaku excused herself from her friends and moved to a secluded corner, where she could have some privacy for the conversation. She didn't think twice about answering the call.
"Mom, please let me explain—"
But her mother's immediate response was sharp and unforgiving, "What the hell, Kohaku?!"
There was only one reason why her mother would be calling her now.
"Is there a problem?" her tone carefully measured and somewhat detached,
"Mozu is right here, talking to me and your stepfather! You humiliated him at someone's wedding?!"
Why hadn't she thought about it? Just a short while ago, she had been jubilant that he was no longer around. The events of the recent proposal drama with him had taken a toll on her, and she had hoped that she could finally put it all behind her. She chided herself for not contemplating the possibility of him taking his grievances to her mother.
At some point, Kohaku had allowed herself to hope that Mozu would handle rejection in a more mature manner. After all, it had been his impulsive decision to kneel down out of nowhere after all. She had never led him on, and she couldn't understand why he would choose to propose to her in front of so many people, especially at someone else's wedding. It left her questioning his actions and even his sanity.
Kohaku had, in some way, hoped that Mozu would understand the consequences of his impulsive actions and be ready to deal with the aftermath if she rejected him. However, her expectations had proven her wrong. This ordeal only strengthened her conviction that Mozu was, in her eyes, were nothing more than a pitiful excuse for a man, incapable of handling any rejections with grace and maturity.
"Mom, please, calm down," Kohaku implored, her voice strained as she tried to reason with her mother. "I didn't ask him to kneel out of nowhere in front of so many people... And at Yuzuriha's wedding at that…"
But her mother's anger remained unabated, cutting her off sharply, "Don't tell me what to do, Kohaku! You rejected him!"
Frustrated and tired of defending her stance, she couldn't help but raise her voice further, "What do you want me to do?! Accept his proposal even when I don't want the man?"
"Yes, Kohaku! Isn't that what I told you last night! You even told him that you have a boyfriend! He has been checking up on you. Your social media, any news about you both locally and internationally. Your preferences and whereabouts. He even had someone of your closest guards to spy on you. He made sure you don't have a boyfriend. So, it's highly impossible that you have one-"
Kohaku was taken aback by this revelation. "What? Why would he have me checked?" she exclaimed in frustration.
Her mother's voice remained stern. "Isn't it obvious by now? He wants you Kohaku!"
Kohaku's frustration deepened. "I don't want him! I told him that from the very beginning, Mom! Mom, please don't do this to me. I'm already an adult... please," she pleaded softly, her voice laced with desperation, "I don't want a rich, perverted man to take me as his wife, Mom-"
"What did you call him? You really don't understand, do you, Kohaku? It will help boost your reputation! It will help us! Don't forget that you studied at a prestigious university, you studied abroad, and you're now successful in your career because of my husband!"
There were so many things she wanted to say, but her mom kept on talking.
"You really have no gratitude, do you? We are the reason why you have your own money and why you're successful even though your singing is worthless! If we didn't take you in, you wouldn't be where you are now!"
Kohaku's frustration reached its breaking point. "Took me in?!" she felt utterly insulted, "I am your child, Mom! Yes, I lived lavishly growing up! And I never asked you for anything other than wanting your care as a mother! But if this is how you're going to throw it back at me later on, then you should have just let me roam around like a stray!"
It felt as though her heart was being squeezed. She was about to continue her conversation with her mother when an incoming call abruptly interrupted her. Glancing at her phone's screen, she saw "Tokyo Matsuzawa Hospital" displayed there.
Without hesitation, she ended the call with her mother. She knew what her mother was likely to say next, and her phone was always open to the hospital's calls regarding her father.
"Hello?" Kohaku answered the hospital's call with a trembling and tearful voice.
"Hello, is this Miss Fujiwara Kohaku?" a familiar voice from the hospital staff echoed.
"Yes, this is her speaking. How can I help? Is there a problem?" Kohaku inquired, her emotions still running high.
As she spoke with the hospital staff, she couldn't help but steal a glance back at her friends, who were still there, patiently waiting for her to finish her conversation. They appeared engrossed in their own discussion, but Kohaku couldn't shake the feeling that her earlier outburst might left them feeling uncomfortable, adding another layer of distress to her already tumultuous day.
"Hey, Senku, long time no see," Gen greeted in a cheerful tone, catching Kohaku's attention. She was about to move away but paused when she saw Senku joining her friends.
Amaryllis, reached out to shake Senku's hand and introduced herself, "Hi, I'm Amaryllis." However, to Kohaku's surprise, instead of a handshake, Amaryllis gave Senku an enthusiastic hug, clearly excited to see him. Senku was a bit surprised but didn't push her away too forcefully. Amaryllis quickly realized her mistake and apologized, bowing her head in remorse. Even though Senku said it was fine, she kept apologizing.
"Nice meeting you, Mr. Ishigami, I'm Minami," Minami said, extending her hand to Senku, who returned the gesture with a polite handshake.
Kohaku felt Senku's gaze briefly fall upon her, but she quickly averted her eyes and turned to her friends, "I'm sorry, but I need to excuse myself," she explained, directing her attention toward Senku.
Kohaku noticed how excited her friends were to talk to Senku, especially since Gen had known him for a long time.
Not only that but that she also needed to take a private phone call away from prying ears, as no one in her friend group knew the truth about her father's condition.
"I know it's past visiting hours, miss, but I wanted to inform you that your father has been crying incessantly since this morning. He has already been given his prescribed medication... but..."
Kohaku could hear her father's familiar voice wailing with distress in the background, which caused her eyes to widen with deep concern. She shuddered at the thought that he might have caused harm to himself again. The attending physician's instructions to hold her father firmly as he struggled further intensified her unease.
"Sure. I-I will go there immediately,"
Tears began to flow down her cheeks, and she desperately tried to cover her mouth to stifle her sobs.
"...and uh… all because I was asked by our administration to call you because they have requested for you to come here as soon as possible."
With a heavy heart, Kohaku ended the call and took a deep breath before turning back to her friends, knowing she needed to leave immediately to go to her father.
She immediately messaged her friends that she needed to leave. With her heart racing and the weight of her father's situation on her shoulders, Kohaku hurried to the elevator.
Scanning her surroundings, her eyes lit up when she spotted an empty elevator opening its doors, offering a chance to make a hasty exit.
"Do you need to go somewhere, Kohaku?" a familiar voice, Senku's, called out from behind her. Kohaku turned around and found him following her. She offered a reassuring wave, trying to decline his assistance, "I'm fine, Senku. Just get my number from Gen, and I'll message you when I'm available to move in."
Surprisingly, Senku decided to join her in the elevator, without any questions. Her mind raced with worry as she anxiously pressed the button for the parking lot floor inside the elevator.
Staring and getting impatient as the seconds tick as she watch the switching of the floors on the screen, the events of the evening weighed heavily on her mind.
'As soon as possible,' 'they have requested for you to come here as soon as possible'? Her heart sank at the thought that the hospital was calling her at this late hour. The urgency of the situation and the hospital staff's insistent tone had her deeply concerned about her father's condition and what might be unfolding in his hospital room.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, revealing the empty and humid air of the parking lot, Kohaku absentmindedly searched for her car, but her thoughts were a jumbled mess, and the memory of where the valet had parked it seemed to have slipped her mind. Frustration began to well up inside her.
Out of the blue, she felt Senku walking behind her. She turned to him, feeling a little embarrassed "I... I need my car, but I forgot to ask where the valet parked it," she admitted, overwhelmed and feeling lost about what to do next.
Senku reached into his pocket, retrieving a small object that she soon recognized as his car key. With a swift motion, he pressed a button, and from a distance, she heard a faint beep. Suddenly, a flash of headlights caught her attention, illuminating a sleek vehicle parked nearby. To her astonishment, the car began to move on its own, stopping right in front of them.
Kohaku watched in awe as Senku's car blinked with a soft glow, seemingly responding to his command. For a brief moment, the small marvel of technology captured her attention, momentarily distracting her from her immediate concerns. "That's so convenient," she remarked. "I never knew car keys could do that."
Senku chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Indeed, technology has come a long way," he replied, offering a playful shrug. "It's just a small convenience, but it can make a difference, especially when you're in a crowded place like this."
As they stood there, momentarily mesmerized by the sight of the car, Senku's voice interrupted Kohaku's thoughts. "My car is already here. If it's urgent, let's just go. I'll drive you and maybe drive you back to your house," he suggested, his gaze fixed on her.
She blinked, slightly caught off guard by Senku's offer. After a moment's hesitation, she smiled and nodded, accepting his gesture. As she settled into the passenger seat, she noticed that there was no traditional gear shifter—instead, Senku simply pressed a button to shift gears, a seamless process that further showcased the car's advanced automation.
"The car uses advanced sensors and cameras for self-driving capabilities," he explained, his fingers lightly touching the steering wheel. "Of course, it's important to remain attentive while driving, but isn't it remarkable how technology has progressed in this field?"
As they smoothly cruised through the city, Kohaku couldn't help but appreciate the quiet elegance of the car.
Breaking the comfortable silence that enveloped them, Senku's voice filled the car. "So, Kohaku, where would you like to go?" He turned his gaze towards her, his eyes filled with gentle curiosity.
Remembering about the reason why she's riding with him created a hollow pit in her stomach. "Please bring me to Tokyo Matsuzawa Hospital."
In her heart, Kohaku knew that her arrangement with Senku was built on a pretense. She had asked him to play along to ward off her mother's expectations. Yet, there was a strangely comforting feeling in the way he held her hand as he kept his eyes on the road. It provided solace, offering a brief respite from her worries about her father's health and momentarily soothing the lingering resentment she held towards her mother.
Amidst it all, Kohaku couldn't shake the thought that Senku probably knew they were going to a mental health facility. She didn't feel any shame about it, but her mother's hurtful words lingered in her thoughts, casting a shadow of negativity, like a second voice…
"Your father is mentally unstable, Kohaku. You carry those unstable traits, even have his crazy genes. You'll succumb to madness too."
Throughout the car ride, there was a deafening silence.
She couldn't help but feel that Senku had sensed her mood and had chosen not to ask or speak during the entire ride. The weight of embarrassment settled upon her for hitching a ride with him without any explanation, particularly as they were heading towards a mental hospital.
She made a mental note to explain everything to Senku soon, but she knew that this wasn't the right time. Perhaps, when they moved in together, she would find the courage to share why she had asked him for help, along with her struggles and the reasons behind it. The reason being with how chaotic her mind was right now she wouldn't be able to concentrate driving herself there.
Kohaku murmured a soft "Thank you" as the car came to a stop in the hospital parking lot. The door opened on its own, adding to her hesitancy to speak up, as her thoughts and emotions swirled within her. Nevertheless, she didn't want to be rude, particularly since Senku had shown her kindness by driving her to the hospital.
"Uhmm, you're free to go now," she began, her voice reflecting her gratitude and courtesy. "I'll just call one of my guards to fetch me or maybe commute to my house myself. Thank you again, by the way. I promise I'll make it up to you."
Kohaku didn't wait for Senku's response. She quickly closed the car door and made her way into the hospital, her determination pushing her forward despite the heavy burden weighing on her mind. The guilt that had been building, not only for leaving without further explanation but also for feeling embarrassed about being dropped off at a mental hospital, now washed over her. She had never allowed herself to be ashamed of her father's condition before, but now, those thoughts had finally caught up with her.
It was late in the evening, and only a few nurses were stationed at the front desk. Kohaku approached them, her presence causing one of the nurses to look at her in shock.
"May I ask for Fujiwara Kokuyo?" Her tone was indifferent, unshaken by the nurse's initial reaction.
The nurse, who appeared starstruck, stammered as she says "I... I-It's t-truly an honor to see you in person, Miss Kohaku." Her eyes gleamed with awe, and she seemed momentarily taken aback. However, the more experienced nurse beside her nudged her elbow, reminding her of the urgency of the situation. It was not the time to ask for Kohaku's autograph, especially as she had come to the hospital with an urgent matter.
Kohaku overheard the nurse referring to her father as "the insane wailing patient," a description that struck a chord within her. Despite her discomfort at the term, she found a flicker of relief in knowing that the staff here would likely uphold confidentiality.
The hospital staffs made sure her visits would remain private, shielding her from the onslaughts of the media.
She was aware of the unique arrangements made by her mother and her husband. They had invested a significant sum of money to ensure that every worker at the hospital would maintain strict confidentiality, preventing any leaks to media outlets about her visits. Her fame was not just a matter of personal pride; it had far-reaching consequences, affecting her mother's reputation and their clan's standing. Such a breach could tarnish their family's image, and they were determined to prevent that at all costs.
The nurse guided Kohaku through the hospital's eerily quiet hallways, leading her to her father's ward. This late-night visit was unusual for her, as most of her previous visits had been scheduled on days.
The atmosphere in the hospital was also eerily different at this hour, with faint screams emanating from some of the patients. Kohaku encountered individuals who were disoriented and confused, with one person mistaking her for a ghost and another nearly trying to snatch her purse while calling her 'Mommy.'
If Kohaku hadn't had the nurse and a few male nurse assistants with her, she might have been in trouble earlier. She tried to calm herself and not be afraid, for she had a clear purpose for being in this hospital, which was to check on her father's condition.
"Can I ask what happened to my father, Nurse Rie?" Kohaku inquired, seeking answers from the hospital employee. However the nurse in question remained silent, and her eyes revealed fear, as if she were struggling whether to tell her the truth or not.
The moment they reach her father's room, her heart sank at the sight that greeted her. Her father, who had never behaved in this manner before, except for occasional childish mumblings that weren't too serious, was now screaming and spitting while being held by two male nurses and completely losing control. The distress she felt was evident, and she couldn't help but wonder what had led to this abrupt change in her father's condition.
Kohaku's father's screams filled the room until he saw his daughter enter. His desperation was palpable, and his pleas for her to save him were heart-wrenching. "Kohaku! Is that you, Kohaku! Save me, daughter! These men will kill me! Kohaku, please!" he cried out, his voice carrying a desperation that shook everyone in the room.
A male nurse beside Kohaku formed a protective barrier with his arms as they stepped back, wary of her father's aggression as he attempted to kick the nurses holding him down. The hospital staff in the room were understandably scared for Kohaku's safety.
But something remarkable happened as her father locked eyes with her. As soon as he saw Kohaku, he seemed to switch to his gentle demeanor, almost as if her presence had a calming effect on him.
Kohaku took a deep breath, tears threatening to fall, as she observed her father. "Kohaku, Dad is tired from work. Can you sing a song for me?" The two male nurses who were holding him also appeared to relax, assisting him to sit on the edge of his bed.
The room was filled with a heavy silence, and it was evident that the hospital staff had been struggling with Kohaku's father for some time before her arrival.
Kohaku walked over to her father and held his hand as she sang a soft lullaby. Her father closed his eyes as she sang, his head gently swaying in response to the soothing melody.
"That was so beautiful, sweetheart... Your mother might get mad at me while waiting for you to get back to your room. You may go and sleep now," he told her, patting her head as if she were a child.
Kohaku's heart ached watching her father's mental health deteriorates. To ease his distress, she often had to pretend to be the child Kohaku, a role she reluctantly assumed.
She had long accepted that once a person's mind deteriorated in such a way, there was no going back.
Kohaku wasn't entirely familiar with the hospital's protocols, but in the past, when her father had become violent towards himself or the staff, they would put him in a straitjacket. The hospital typically resorted to restraining patients when they became extremely violent. This was the first time he had displayed such violence since being admitted to this hospital, indicating that the situation must be particularly serious for them to require her presence at this late hour.
"I'll stay here, Dad... It's okay, Mom won't get mad,"
"Is she here?" he inquired.
"No, but she will be," Kohaku replied. Her father had been longing to return home for a long time, and he still held onto the hope that Kohaku would come to take him back to her mother.
"Okay. I trust you, daughter," A glimmer of faith in his eyes as he placed his trust in the daughter who had always been a source of comfort and solace in his turbulent world.
Kohaku tried hard to suppress her emotions; her eyes filled with tears as she tried to understand the sudden loss of control her father had experienced. She didn't know what the issue was this time. He used to look for her often, although her mother more frequently. That's why she was afraid to find out that the hospital had a serious problem with him.
"Why haven't you been around? Your mother called me and informed me that you've been rebellious,"
"I just came from a friend's wedding, Dad," Kohaku replied, striving to maintain a calm tone. She noticed the nurses exchanging worried glances, and the attending doctors looked at her sympathetically, encouraging her to continue engaging with him. Uncertain if she was doing the right thing, but with no interruption from the medical staff, she pressed on, determined to bring comfort to her father.
"I rushed here because they said you were looking for me, Dad," carefully choosing her words, "Dad, there's no need to worry and lo—"
"Kohaku, you know who I want to see, don't you? I'm tired from work, and I want to see your mother... That's what I usually do, right?" he softly expressed.
She inhaled deeply, struggling to hold back tears.
"I want to see your mom, Kohaku."
Kohaku couldn't bear to meet her father's gaze, even though it would have been the right thing to do. The weight of the truth was too heavy for her to speak, and she couldn't bring herself to lie and give him false hope that her mother doesn't want to see him anymore.
"What are you doing to mend our relationship? It seems like you're not doing anything!" her father's voice grew more intense, reflecting his desperation.
Kohaku closed her eyes briefly, gathering her thoughts, and then opened them to respond, "Dad, I'm doing everything I can. Don't worry, Dad. I'll come to visit you again tomorrow. It's best for you to re—"
"Kohaku, please," her father interrupted her. "Obey your mother. I'm pleading with you. You know she'll only come back if you're a good girl, right?" His plea struck a chord with her, and she swallowed hard, feeling a lump in her throat, torn between her father's desires and the painful reality of her mother's abandonment.
Kohaku's father's words weighed heavily on her, his teary eyes held a mixture of anger and desperation as he implored her.
"She wants you to be a good girl! She wants you to marry a good man. She just wants a bright future for you," he insisted.
Kohaku's gaze shifted to the medical staff in the room. The doctors averted their eyes, seemingly uncomfortable with the emotional exchange, while the nurses continued to watch her with sympathy.
The immense pressure and stress Kohaku had been experiencing in recent weeks stemmed from this very situation. Her own mother had resorted to blackmail, leveraging threats by revealing her closely guarded secret of disclosing Mozu's existence to her father. She knew her father was her daughter's weakness, the one vulnerability that she could easily exploit.
In the past her mother had considered using different tactics to make Kohaku follow her wishes, such as revealing her father's mental health issues in news articles. But she knew that doing so could also damage the family's prestigious image, so she abandoned that plan. Instead, her mother turned to manipulation, using threats to place Kohaku's father in a nursing home and employing various methods to pressure her into a relationship she desired Kohaku to be involved in.
She strongly felt that her father, who had nothing to do with the problem, shouldn't be brought into it. Kohaku believed it was better to address the issue directly between herself and her mother, without dragging her father into it.
Despite all her mother's insistence, there's also Mozu who's remained relentless since the day Kirirsame introduce him to her. She had never experienced any romantic relationship with men, but she knew better than to be with him.
Kohaku's behavior isn't rooted in a lack of respect for her mother or a desire to be rebellious. Instead, it's driven by a deep-seated instinct that suggests her mother may be exploiting her, and this belief traces back to her mother's prior abandonment.
Five years ago, Kohaku and her sister got into a car accident. This ordeal had greatly affected her recollection of the past. She had lost a significant portion of memories from her teenage years, and the revelation that her mother had remarried only made matters worse.
As Kohaku slowly awoke in a world blanketed by the darkness of her forgotten past, her mother presented her with clear and stern conditions. Financial assistance would be provided sporadically, but any emotional support as a mother was not something Kohaku should anticipate. Confronted by this harsh reality. She desperately clung to the hope that her missing memories would one day return to her, thinking she may have done something wrong to cause her mother to turn her back on her family like that, but five years later that never happened.
Kohaku then threw herself into her studies and devoted herself to refining her singing skills. Her unwavering determination was focused on establishing a successful career as a singer. This pursuit wasn't solely for her own future, but also to finance her sister's treatments and offer support to her father during his time of need.
Enters her rising fame, Kohaku had a straightforward perspective on her romantic life. She didn't see her onscreen partners in music videos, with whom she shared staged kisses, as genuine romantic interests. Those interactions were solely for the purpose of performance and entertainment, even if some of them had expressed interest in pursuing a real relationship with her. Her unwavering determination and fierce independence made her look elusive, and this sense of strength often had an intimidating effect on potential suitors. Men frequently felt reluctant to approach her romantically, sensing that she wasn't someone who readily entertained such advances.
Though she vehemently denied it, there was a part of Kohaku that longed for a meaningful romantic connection with a man. This desire had long been simmering beneath her strong and independent exterior. It was why she had felt a certain desperation that night when she first met Senku. In a way, she had yearned for the intrusive media to capture a glimpse of her and Senku together, perhaps even had them speculate she was in a romantic relationship.
Yes, it might have sounded like a ludicrous plan to anyone who'll heard of it, but in Kohaku's mind, there seemed to be no other way to escape the pressure her mother had put her into.
The idea of not being truthful to her father troubled her, yet she didn't know if it was the right time to tell him the truth. She was in a state of inner turmoil, weariness, and fear, all while battling nerves and a feeling weak.
"I know, Dad,", she couldn't help but wonder if her mother had truly reached a point of desperation. Had she meant her words, or was it all just an empty threat?
"I implore you to accept Mozu's proposal, my dear, so you can find happiness. Then, I can be with your mom again, and we can all be happy.
"I will carefully consider it, Dad," Her mother really went through with it huh? All along she had assumed it was just an idle threat, given her mother's knowledge of her father's mental illness. Somehow, she believes her mother still had it in her any compassion or love left for her father. She felt their problems shouldn't have been handled this way.
"You'll consider it?" It pained her to hear her father speak in such a manner, but she felt trapped in the situation.
"At least Mozu had the decency to ask for your mother's permission. It shows that he's serious," her father continued, bitterness tainting his tone. "And what about the others? They'll only use and exploit you because they can't face your mother and ask for your hand properly."
She yearned to defend her decision, to explain why she couldn't marry Mozu but she can't.
Gazing at her father's fragile state, the understanding of the need to tread carefully washed over her. Lying to him could jeopardize their relationship, something she couldn't afford to do. With a heavy sigh, she made the choice to yield, aiming to maintain peace and spare her father from any more distress. The thought of him hating her or labeling her as a liar, especially given his current mental condition, weighed heavily on her heart.
"Kohaku, you're only like this now because you are still at the peak of your success. But eventually, I am sure that you'll want to have a man like Mozu as your husband. Trust me, daughter. Trust me, I've been there," he said.
She nodded slowly, a heavy feeling in her heart as her father responded with a faint smile. If only you knew, Dad. If only you knew...
"Very well, my dear. Now go home and start dating that man. Your mother only wants what she believes is best for you. This way, your mother and I can find a way to reconcile," he said.
Tears welled up in her eyes, and a weight settled in her chest at the thought of squandering her years with a man she didn't love. She desperately wanted to tell him the truth, to confess that she couldn't go along with it. But...
"Dad, please rest now. The doctors, nurses, and hospital staff are all exhausted," she smiled weakly, "Good night, for now."
Eventually, he calmed down when she discreetly nodded at one of the doctors, signaling them to administer a sedative while he was unaware. There was no need to physically restrain him any longer, as he willingly settled down on the bed. He smiled and nodded at her. She stood up and nodded at the men holding him down, whom she saw relief on their faces as they helped him lay down and sleep on the bed.
Once the hospital staff were all done, she approached her father's attending psychiatrist, determined to uncover the truth. "What happened?" she demanded.
The doctor only looks at her with sorrowful expression. "Miss Fujiwara, I regret to inform you that I am under strict orders not to divulge any information. However, I can provide you with your father's anecdotal notes and recent medication records."
"Strict circumstances? But he's my father!"
Before she could say anything else, the doctor hastily left, leaving her dumbfounded. She couldn't understand right then and there why she was being kept in the dark about her own father's condition.
Then it hit her. The moment her father mentioned Mozu, she immediately realized that there was a high chance that everyone involved in her father's care had been instructed not to comply with any requests or share information. It dawned on her that her stepfather's influence and power might be playing a role in this secrecy, and her mother must have taken advantage of that.
As much as she wanted to seek answers from the doctor, she was exhausted from spending nearly two hours talking to her father. She realized that pursuing answers from the doctor would likely prove futile, especially when her stepfather's connections and wealth could easily manipulate the staffs into secrecy as long as money were involved.
She made her way through the hospital corridors feeling lost and helpless. Catching a glimpse of her reflection in the elevator mirrors, she realized she was still clad in the maid of honor dress designed by Yuzuriha for her wedding.
In that moment, she couldn't help but wonder when this overwhelming ordeal would come to an end.
When would she have the freedom to make her own choices and be heard? No scratch that, when would she free herself from her mother's incessant control?
Her mind was consumed by the overwhelming urge to call one of her guards and instruct them to take her to her mother's house in Nagoya. She felt an urgent need to confront her and hold her accountable for everything that had transpired. She was the root cause of all this. Why would she involve her father to do such a thing? Was she seeking allies against her? Was her intention to gang up on her? What else was she capable of doing now? At this point, she couldn't help but question if her mother still loved her father. All she seemed to be doing was poisoning his mind in order to manipulate her.
Letting out a sigh of frustration, she made the decision to go home instead and find a nearest convenience store to purchase some beer or wine, anything to distract herself for the night.
She's making her way out of the parking lot, when suddenly, two headlights and a car horn startled her. She turned her head to see where it came from, squinting her eyes in the darkness.
Amidst the darkness, the glow of the streetlights partially illuminated the face of a man leaning against his car. Her eyes widened as she recognized who it was. As soon as he saw that she recognized him, he straightened up, composed himself, and walked in front of her, his hands tucked into his pockets.
Was he waiting for her? She had told him to leave, so she didn't expect him to still be there after two hours. She assumed he would have gone home.
"Are you done?" he asked, leaning slightly towards her and peering into her eyes. "Have you been crying?" She instinctively moved back a little, surprised by his proximity.
"Why are you still here?" she asked, intentionally ignoring his question. Her tone may have come across as rude, but she was caught off guard and had many thoughts racing through her mind.
"Just as you were occupied with your own matters inside, as stupid as it sounds, I had to stay because of a phone call," he explained.
A phone call that lasted two hours? She couldn't help but let out a small laugh and turned her gaze away. She found it amusing that he had chosen to wait for her, especially considering it was late in the evening. It was difficult to fathom why he would spend his time waiting, considering his dedication to his scientific work and other responsibilities. Weren't scientists like him usually busy and prioritized their experiments and research?
She sighed when she came to a realization. Just like Mozu, who was willing to make a fool of himself and embarrass himself just to marry her. Was this another one of those situations? It seemed like men to her were all the same.
She smiled at him, while confusion furrowed his eyebrows. Here they are, two strangers alone together tonight. It must be unfortunate for him to accompany her to the most depressing place in the world.
"Yes, I'm done. Let's go?" she spoke. He nodded quietly and opened the car door for her. Without further ado, since she was familiar with automatic cars like his, she entered the destination she wanted him to go to first.
"A convenience store?" he asked, puzzled.
"I remembered that I need to buy some treats for my cat before going home, but don't worry, my penthouse is just a few meters away from there... and you might want to go..." She added another street, "here, that's my back entrance. There are a lot of media and journalists waiting for me at the front yard, hoping to get pictures and scoops about my life. But don't worry, it's heavily guarded and armed. If anyone dares to enter, they won't think twice because some of the guards are actually security officers that I've hired."
"You're quite the celebrity, huh?"
As they drove through the stillness of the night, she leaned against the window, absentmindedly watching the city lights passing them by.
Thoughts swirled in her mind of wanting to confront her mother directly and express her grievances. It seemed only right to address the fact that she was involving her father in her plans. She was involving her father, knowing that he was vulnerable, and that she wouldn't easily give in. But she was mentally and emotionally drained to deal with her right now. She needed time, a clear schedule. After that, she would confront her mother. But for now, she wanted her father to have a peaceful night's sleep, to feel reassured. Yet, she was at a loss as to how she could prevent her mother from repeating her actions with her father.
What could she do to prevent her mother from repeating her actions with her father? How could she stop all this nonsense? Frustration filled her sigh as she exhaled deeply.
"You okay?" Senku asked. "We've been here for thirteen minutes and fifty-three seconds, Kohaku," They were already in front of the convenience store, and he was patiently waiting for her to get out.
"Oh! My fault!" She faked a laugh and was about to open the car door, but it wouldn't budge. She looked at Senku, a little confused.
"Don't tell me you'll go out wearing that?" Senku looked her up and down, "Also, aren't you worried people might recognize you?"
She scratched her head and laughed a little, feeling a little guilty about her reckless action earlier.
Senku sighed, "I have a jacket and sunglasses in the back seat. You can wear those for the time being to conceal yourself." Wearing his jacket, she couldn't help but feel her cheeks warm a little, as Senku's scent wafts her nose.
Wearing his dark sunglasses and a hood on her head, she went straight to the wine section. She grabbed a few bottles and a few cans of beer, as well as some ramen.
"So, cat treats are six bottles of high-end wine and ten cans of beer, huh?" Startled, she almost dropped some of the bottles she was carrying. He smugly lifted an empty basket in front of her, "You're quite a strong woman carrying all of those, aren't you? You didn't even notice me following you while you're busy hoarding stuffs," She placed in the basket all the things she would buy, mouthing a quick "thanks" along the process.
Waving some packs of cat treats some other items in front of him to show that she was indeed buying, he just rolled his eyes at her.
A thought stirred in her mind. He had done her a favor by not bringing up the awkward situation with Mozu at Yuzuriha's wedding, and he played his part without any complaints. Considering his fame, as mentioned by Gen and Amaryllis, it must be a big deal for him to be seen with her. Although she didn't know him well, the fact that her friends were excited about him meant there was something special about him.
He wasn't unattractive by any means, and he certainly didn't feel the need to be desperate for anyone's attention. Women would naturally be drawn to him. In fact, she found him incredibly attractive and appealing. So why would he go out of his way to wait for her and even drive her back to her penthouse late at night, when she was sure he must be tired from his own activities? There could only be one motive: sex.
"If you want, you can stay at my house for the night. But it's completely fine if you don't. I just... felt lonely, and I thought maybe I could use some company to help me finish all these drinks," she blurted out without really thinking as soon as they finished paying and he started the car to drive her home.
"So, you brought all those drinks because you wanted someone to drink with?" he asked, amusement evident in his voice. She nodded in response.
"Don't you want to?"
He snorts. "You seem exhausted to me, Kohaku. I think you should just rest for the night."
She didn't seem to mind but was really determined to get him to stay for the night.
She contemplated the idea. Senku didn't strike her as a playboy, but she wondered why he would agree to this arrangement only once. They were already entangled in a scandal, being seen together at her friend's wedding. If they suddenly stopped seeing each other, the media could attribute it to a short-lived romance. They will certainly find another story to chase after, and she could regain some semblance of normalcy…. Yes, but it's not enough…
Kohaku's thoughts raced as she mulled over her audacious proposition. She took a quick glance at her plain dress and concluded it would be easy to remove, which boosted her confidence. Moreover, Senku beside her, appeared to shift his attention between her and the road ahead. When their eyes locked, she detected a trace of curiosity in his gaze, all the while maintaining an air of detachment. With a sly smile, she thought, "That's it. That's right. I've got him now."
Truth be told, she was in no mood for any nonsense or to be around anyone who would play with her emotions.
She felt she wanted to have a clear and honest conversation with Senku and finally establish a proper relationship. The drinks were just an excuse for them to spend time together. Before they even reached her house, she opened a can and quickly downed it, finishing it off.
"Are you okay, Kohaku? What are you—" Senku began, but Kohaku cut him off before their conversation could drift.
"You can stop pretending now, Senku," she said as she swipes away any excess from her lips.
He raised an eyebrow in response to her statement. She grabbed another can from the plastic bag, quickly drank and finished it, "I really don't need your care nor the bullshit right now, so we can just cut it." She challenged.
"You think it's all bullshit?" Senku replied. "I'm just asking if you're okay. You've been a mess since that guy proposed to you. I don't know why he did it, but honestly, I don't care. I drove you here because it's not safe for a woman like you to—"
"I want to drink my problems away, okay? How about you? Do you have your own struggles that you face?"
A brief silence hung in the air before Senku offered a response, and their eyes locked. His enigmatic demeanor felt somewhat at odds with the moment. He came across as someone who typically had things go his way, yet there's underlying caring nature about him. Kohaku couldn't help but wonder if her judgment was influenced by the impressions of Gen and Amaryllis. If there was one thing she knew about them, it was that they were always in the know and well-informed about everyone.
"Why do you ask?" Senku replied, his tone gentle yet guarded.
"I wanted to see if you were facing any struggles as well, so maybe we could support each other."
"We live in different worlds, Kohaku," he said sincerely. "Anyway, its research, since you're asking."
She scoffed when she realized he didn't have his own personal problems. You're a world-renowned scientist with achievements and accolades and you only had research problems? Surely you must've been used to it by now, but then what would I know? Even I always had to put up a strong and courageous front if I want to stay relevant and leave a legacy to this world through music.
She asked, "Have you ever turned to alcohol to cope?"
"Yes, I've considered it."
"I want to do that now," she sighed.
"But using alcohol to hide our problems only makes things worse,"
He just watches her as she downed her fifth drink, already feeling drowsy.
"I appreciate your concern, Senku," she acknowledged, feeling a bit unlucky that her plan didn't work out.
She thought this is the only way she can prepare herself for him, after everything that happened… and the exhaustion she felt.
"I like you," she confessed. His brow furrowed again as she leaned closer, his gaze fixated on her lips.
With a chuckle, he asked, "Really? What's the deal this time, Kohaku? It's only been a day since we met."
"Hmmm, what can I say, there's no bullshit with you," she mused, appreciating his honesty. He raised an eyebrow and kept his intense gaze on her.
She took his passivity as a signal to press on. "I like that. It's better than those who claim to love you when they don't."
His mouth took on a grim expression as she held his gaze. She could sense a strong desire building within her, whether fueled by the alcohol or her carefully crafted state of mind, everything was falling into place as planned.
Heat swirls inside her, pooling between her legs. Her brain begins to shut down, giving itself over the rising tide of her own desire. It's madness to proposition this mysterious man in front of her, but as she downed off another can, she knows she's about to do just that.
Like she imagined, she touch his cheek. Kohaku's fingers brushed lightly against Senku's cheek, a featherlight caress, her gaze locked onto his, searching for answers in his eyes. She held his face delicately, her touch soft and lingering. He tracks her fingers. Lifts his eyes to hers. Nothing in his gaze betrays anything he might be feeling.
His reds were like a magnet, pulling her into his orbit with a gravitational force so strong that it was as undeniable as the Earth's pull on the moon.
"Or those who think they love you but are just using you for what you can offer. Can you imagine how disheartening and frustrating that is?" She continued; her words calculated.
Senku appeared confused now, not entirely convinced yet.
"I like you because you know what you want," she pressed on, "you don't sugarcoat it with flowery words. I know what to expect." She chuckled, watching his reaction.
"You've become silent. Are you tired?" she inquired.
His eyes were all on her, and they're full of banked heat.
"No," Senku replied, "I am aware of my own body clock, Kohaku," stating it matter-of-factly.
Heat blazes through her. Whatever hesitations she may have felt falls away.
"Good, because I had a feeling the night is not over for us,"
And then she brings his lips to hers. Her eyes drift shut, and she sighs. Her kiss was deliberate, each moment savored. At first, he hesitated, a hint of uncertainty in his response. But gradually, his hand found its way to her cheek, and their mouths converged in a passionate union.
His tongue ventured into her mouth, exploring its depths with a delicate and sensuous touch, a dance that unfolded exactly as she desired – slow, sensual, and filled with a desire that spoke louder than words.
"I know what you're doing, Kohaku," he whispered, his voice firm. "You think you can fool me with those words? No."
She chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and kissed him again, catching him off guard. "Hmmm, that's for sure," she teased. "But I'm serious, Senku. I'm not fooling you. Don't you like me?" Her words slipped between their kisses, and the sound of bottles hitting the ground resonated as he let go of the bag he was holding.
She flicked her tongue into his mouth, and he reciprocated with a more passionate kiss. His hand found her waist, drawing her closer, as if their proximity hadn't been close enough. It seemed like he wanted to push further, to explore more deeply, yet something held him back, a barrier she couldn't quite decipher.
"As much as I wanted to do it now, we should do it some other time when you're feeling better," he whispered between their kisses. He was about to push open her door and lead her inside when she stopped him by placing her hand on top of his on the doorknob.
She paused as he gently pushed her back, her attention fully on him. She's thinking of going inside just in case he really doesn't want to yield. His eyes flickered with dark desire, and she could tell it took all of his strength and willpower not to give in to temptation.
"Really? You wound me, Senku," she challenged, her gaze fixed on him still in his suit and tie, stirring a whirlwind of emotions within her.
There's no way she could best him.
And yet she might. Not too long his lips cling to hers before she can turn her back and then ducks back in to take her mouth again. Her tongue flicks along his lower lip, and he push her until her back is on the wall, giving her a tantalizingly brief brush against his half-hard member.
He pressed her against the wall, their kisses growing more fervent. The urge to continue pulsed through her, a mix of alcohol-induced desire and the allure of that impending night. Her thoughts raced to what was to come, intensifying her desire for him.
She felt so prepared, so incredibly turned on, as though this was the right moment. She knew deep down that she wouldn't regret giving in to him. He was already proving to be skilled, and he was undeniably her type. That certainty assured her that the pleasure would be beyond her wildest dreams.
"How sure are you I'm not feeling better now?" She teased; her challenge laced with desire.
As if to prove her point, she felt him touch one of her breasts, a low grunt escaping his lips before he continued kissing her. She ventured her hand to his slacks, confident she'd find what she sought, and she wasn't disappointed. A chuckle escaped her when she felt him. However, his hand soon gripped her wrist, preventing her from taking it further.
"Not here," he whispered hoarsely.
"Why not? Don't worry, there are no cameras around," she pressed.
"That's not it," he said, his voice straining.
Her body goes electric with need as she continued to kiss him, and by now, it was undoubtedly the alcohol influencing her actions. She felt her own hand taking his, guiding him toward the slit in her dress. With a deliberate movement, she pushed the fabric back, creating an opening for his hand to explore her wetness.
"Fuck me" she whispered.
This one should be 6 or 7 (+-) chapters long. It depends on whether I go for one ending or the other. For now, I'll just enjoy this wild couple troupe. Thank you so much for reading! I'm sorry there's not much smut in this chapter. I promise I will make it up to you next time.