A very quick note:
Sorry everyone! It took me some time before resuming because I caught up with the Kimetsu no Yaiba manga and it's actually a mistake because I've been feeling down about it for three whole days (lol). And so I wasn't that inspired but Sesshomaru appeared in my dreams and scolded me - that I should get my ass back to finishing this story or else. Therefore I'm publishing two chapters today! :)
Chapter 31:
Arisa climbed out of the well, and the sunset sky welcomed her.
"Phew!"
The air and surroundings were indeed fresher and more natural in the feudal era, but the present-day setting was still something she occasionally missed.
"Mom, Jin, Ayame nee-san! I'm home!" she greeted as she opened their door.
Their mother and Jin, who were seated at the sofa watching television, quickly stood up and greeted her happily.
"Oh, you're finally here!" their mother said.
"Sis, welcome back!" Jin said as well.
"Yes. Where's Ayame?"
"She still hasn't come home from her work tour."
"Oh, I see. By the way, what day is it now?"
"It's Sunday…"
Arisa gasped. "What!? I was out for a week, then?"
"Two weeks, actually." Their mother answered.
"What!? Then I better go and prepare my school stuff…!"
Their mother and Jin chuckled as they watched her frantically go upstairs.
Later that night, Ayame had come home, and visited Arisa in her room.
"Coming in!" she exclaimed, which made Arisa jolt from her seat.
"Welcome back, Arisa. You really took your time with Sesshomaru, huh?" she teased, but there was faint jealousy in between the lines.
"It turned out to be like that, because he put himself in trouble…" Arisa replied with a small laugh.
"What!? What happened? How is he?"
"Just some scratches he got from being too adventurous…but don't worry, he's fine."
"Well that's a relief…!" she said, and smiled.
There was a short pause before the two talked again.
"Do you really like him...?" Arisa carefully asked.
"Yes, I do. I know that I just interacted with him for several moments but until now...I still think of him." Ayame replied gently, and it made Arisa's heart ache.
What should I do...
Ayame noticed the pile of books on her table, and commented.
"Looks like you've got a lot to catch up on."
"Y-yes, since I've been absent for two weeks..." Arisa replied, chuckling nervously.
"Okay then. I'll leave you so you can concentrate."
"Thanks."
With that, Ayame left her room. Arisa rested for a while, and stared at her bedroom wall. She then spotted the handkerchief she used to bandage Sesshomaru's wounds, neatly folded and encased in clear plastic, hanging on the wall near her window. It made her remember her moments with Sesshomaru, and when she thought of that time she unknowingly grabbed his arm, she was stunned. Soon, a light blush crept up her face.
Why in the world did I even do that!?
She screamed internally, as she shook her head, trying to erase the memory.
Though Sesshomaru didn't seem to mind which was also astonishing; she deemed her gesture as certainly embarrassing. Her heart continued to pound as she thought of their moments.
Get yourself together, Arisa...! You came back to think about school, not him!
Arisa reported to school the next day, with Yukino and Mari anticipating a big explanation regarding her absence.
"Where did you go this time?" Yukino asked.
"Umm…well…"
"What?" Mari impatiently said.
"I…went with my sister on her field work!"
Yukino and Mari's eyebrows knitted."
"But…why would you? Knowing it was the weekdays…"Mari commented.
"You see, she told me it would only be for two days, so I got excited and went with her last weekend. But then her boss said that she had to extend. Surely I didn't want to travel alone, so I stayed and waited for her."
"For two whole weeks, Arisa?"
"Y-yeah..."
"Oh well, it can't be helped. We'll lend you our notes, if you want." Yukino suggested, and Arisa's eyes sparkled.
"Thank you so much!"
A while later, Arisa grabbed onto her cell phone and sent a quick message to Ayame.
'Sis, I told Yukino and Mari that I went with you on your work. That would also be my reason when I will report to our class adviser. I can't ever tell them about Sesshomaru or about the story I once made. I'm really sorry, but please bear with me!'
Ayame read aloud while on her way to work.
She sighed, and then smiled weakly. "Seriously, this girl…"
Dawn came, and Sesshomaru woke up from his nap.
"Jaken."
There was no answer from the loyal companion, causing him to look in his direction. He was there, sleeping soundly, and even drooling. Seconds later, a rock hit his head, instantly waking him up.
"Aaahh! Who the hell would dare throw a rock at—"
"It is me."
Jaken froze at the casual yet warning tone of Sesshomaru.
"O-oh…I-I'm sorry, Sesshomaru-sama. It was a slip of the tongue…" he nervously replied, but the dog demon only looked at him, expressionless.
"Go to the well with Ah-un and fetch Arisa."
"Five days have passed already!?"
"Now."
"Right away, milord!"
Jaken quickly went to Ah-un and took a ride as Sesshomaru watched them fly away.
"Mom, where's Jin?" Arisa asked as she went down with her bag filled with some necessities.
"He's in his room as usual, playing games."
"How about Ayame-nee?"
"She's yet to be home. Why?"
"Umm…I'm going to the other world."
"My, you're going there this instant?" her mother replied thoughtfully.
"Yes…I told Sesshomaru I'd be back after 5 days. Knowing him, he might get awfully mad." Arisa said with a troubled smile.
"It seems you and Sesshomaru have finally become friends."
Friends...huh.
"N-not really…"
Nevertheless, her mother gave her a cheerful smile. "Keep safe over there, and be mindful of the days."
"I will…but if I don't make it back by Monday, please make an excuse for me if ever the university asks." She pleaded, tittering.
After a moment of silence, their mother chuckled. "…okay then, as long as you can cope up with your studies."
"Thanks, Mom. Please give them my regards. I'm off."
She went to the forest as quick as lightning. Once she reached the well, she jumped off, as if it was a part of her routine. She already knew that she couldn't get back to her normal life anymore, ever since the day she decided to try getting back to the olden times.
I don't know…but I really can't wait to see Sesshomaru!
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