Chapter 15:
As soon as they reached their house, Sesshomaru proceeded to the tall, big luscious tree located on their backyard and sat under it, without any word to the three.
Arisa's mother noticed that, and simply chuckled while facing Arisa.
"I didn't know that he is the grumpy kind."
She released a very deep breath.
"Mom…! You don't know how lucky you are. You could have been slayed right at that moment...!"
"Hmm…really?"
"Uh, yes! Didn't you see that sword he's carrying?"
"Oh...? I thought that was just a toy."
Arisa did a face-palm. "I can't believe you...! And technically, it's like you chewed out your great, great, great grandfather..."
Her mother's eyes widened. "You don't say? He looks so young though."
"I did tell you that he's a person from ages ago! Also, he's...kinda different."
She chuckled. "What do you mean? He looks like someone who prefers a strange style and appearance."
Oh, right. I didn't tell them that he is a dog demon...
Arisa sighed. "Forget it, mom."
As for Jin who had just been listening there, he shrugged his shoulders and went ahead of their house. He didn't want himself to get dragged in the situation anymore.
For the meantime, Arisa decided to not bother him and went inside, following after her mother. She knew he was in a real bad mood, and he would seriously kill anyone who would approach him, be it the butterflies or her.
Pathetic.
That was the only word Sesshomaru could coin to describe the situation he was in. His insides were raging, as he was stuck with humans that he hated so much. He struggled being with Arisa at first, but he was able to tolerate her, and that should've been enough. But now, he had to be with two additional humans. It frustrated him more that he couldn't do anything about it. If he was in his own world, he would've instantly killed them, and Arisa was no exception - well, supposed to be. But being in this strange world, he felt powerless.
No – it shouldn't have mattered where he was. He should've just killed them, but he just can't.
Aside from that, he also could not believe how he trembled over the old woman's words earlier, even if that was just for a split-second. He was never afraid of anything, but now he felt that from a human? Disgusting.
And why did it have to sound like he was being scolded by his own mother? That made him feel more frustrated; but all he could do is sigh, and play with it for the time being.
But then again, he was most of all puzzled of his own behavior. It was actually his fault to begin with. Why did he even have to come here and return her handkerchief? He could've just thrown it away, just like before. Since when did he have a sense of obligation and gratitude? And worse, to a human?
However…the feeling of being pleased, even a little, after seeing her also ticked him. What the hell was that for?
And yet, after all that thinking, he made a rather pointless conclusion.
I was merely curious about the bright light. Nothing else.
Ayame happily walked home after receiving good news a while back. As she drew near to their house, she noticed Sesshomaru and stopped for a while. She couldn't help but study him carefully. He looked so cool with his eyes closed, his handsome features blending with the serene environment. His body aspects sounded familiar with the man Arisa talked about, but she wasn't convinced. It could just be a coincidence.
But what would a guy like him be doing here? Could he be someone Arisa knows?
But as much as she knew, Arisa never had a boyfriend her whole life, so it was impossible. She then thought that he might be one of her secret admirers, and that made her blush. She decided to approach him, wanting to get acquainted with a rare one like him.
Sesshomaru's brows knitted, as he sensed someone coming to him.
Now who is it this time?
"HI there!" the woman greeted happily, but he only gave her a brief glance, ignoring her after.
She looks a little like her...
"Are you perhaps here to visit someone?"
He still didn't answer her, and Ayame was starting to feel uneasy.
"Umm..."
And after that, there was silence. Ayame continued to stand there, thinking of other ways to make him talk.
"Please don't be shy! Why don't you come inside and-"
"There is no need. Now leave." Sesshomaru coldly replied, clearly not interested with her.
Startled at the sudden authority in his tone, she slowly stepped back and started walking off. Still, she glanced back at him from time to time.
"...just come in whenever you feel like it!" Ayame yelled with a smile on her face, but he didn't say anything back.
She felt down about it, but she decided to brush it off.
So he's not an admirer, then. But...showing up at a time like this makes me think he would be worth it.
For the first time in her life, Ayame was willing to be the one to do the first move.
"Mom! Arisa! Jin! I'm home."
"Oh, sis! Welcome back." Arisa cheerfully replied.
"Congrats for winning third place." Ayame said, grinning.
"Thank you. But I haven't told you yet."
"Information travels fast, you know." She casually replied, winking at their mother.
"Ah...no wonder."
After changing clothes and settling down, Ayame suddenly put an arm around Arisa and smiled mischievously.
"Say, who is that guy under the tree at the backyard?"
Arisa jolted out of embarrassment. "O-oh! Well…"
"So you saw him, Ayame. Why did you not call him out?" their mother said, butting in on their conversation.
"I did. But he flat-out ignored me...!"
"Really?"
"Yeah…he was dressed like an ancient person, and has long hair..."
"He's Sesshomaru, by the way."
Her eyes widened.
"Wait a minute. Don't tell me he is the Sesshomaru you told us about!?" she said shockingly as she turned to face Arisa.
"…what if he is?"
For a second, Ayame grimaced. How am I supposed to get close to him if he's a man from a different world and time!?
She quickly forced a smile, as not to become obvious.
"W-weew, took me this long to realize. So how in the world did he come here?"
"Same place. From that well in the nearby forest."
"Seriously? Wow. I can't believe it's actually real."
"SO you didn't believe me then, huh?" Arisa asked, crossing her arms.
"A-haha. Never mind about that. But he really is charming! Just my type." Ayame exclaimed.
Arisa's mouth fell. "W-wha—"
"He's like, crush at first sight for me!"
Arisa didn't know why, but that made her feel disappointed. She didn't like the idea of Ayame suddenly setting an eye for Sesshomaru, and it even sounded like she really wanted her to know on purpose.
"You can't be serious..."
"Why not?"
"Well…he's not what you think he is. I told you, he's a cold and cruel person. Good thing he didn't do anything bad to you..."
"He did completely brush me off like I was an insect..." she replied, pausing.
"Hmph! I'll just make him change!" She continued to say, looking determined. Arisa was speechless.
"Come now, the food's almost ready. Arisa, you better call for Sesshomaru. It's also getting dark, and he might be cold outside." Their mom interrupted.
"Wait, mom. I'll go!" Ayame quickly replied, but Arisa grabbed her hand.
"W-wait! You can't. Who knows what he might do to you this time…"
"Oh, it's fine!"
"No…! I insist that I be the one to call for him." She replied, trying to convince Ayame.
"No, really, Arisa. Let big sis do the job."
"Ayame, you go and call for Jin. He'll definitely listen to you more than Arisa. He's immersing himself on gadgets again." their mother suddenly said, making the decision.
"...fine then."
As Arisa quickly rushed outside, Ayame looked a little unhappy and their mother noticed that. She already had an idea of what was going on.
"I think you should leave him alone...and maybe consider someone else." she said, offering her an apologetic smile.
Oh no...am showing off too much?
Ayame suddenly grinned, earning a confused look from her mom.
"Step 1, done!" she said aloud.
"What do you mean by that?"
"A trigger is needed in order for her realize, considering how inexperienced she is when it comes to things like this." Ayame replied, smirking.
"Oh...! I see. Well, I hope it works." she replied, giggling a little.
Once their mother turned away, the smirk on her face faded. She now had a look of slight exasperation.
What am I doing? Acting cupid? …I'm serious about him being my crush at first sight, though...
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