Tokinada lounged lazily at the entrance of the Squad 13 barracks, A mischievous smile playing on his lips. His slender frame leaned against the sturdy wooden frame, Arms casually crossed as he observed Ayame with a look of playful intrigue. The afternoon sun painted a warm glow over his tousled emerald locks, Imbuing them with an ethereal iridescence that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly light. His eyes, A deep green akin to the shadowed depths of a dense forest, Sparkled with a hint of sinister delight, As if harboring secrets known only to him.
"Ah, There you are, My dear," He purred, His voice dripping with smoothness like liquid silk, Each word laced with a seductive allure that seemed to wrap around Ayame like a silken web.
"Yes, Tokinada-sama?" Ayame responded, Her voice a soft melody in the otherwise silent room. Pausing in her task, She turned towards him, Her eyes reflecting a mix of respect and curiosity. The way she stood, With her back straight and her hands folded neatly in front of her, Exuded an air of elegance and grace. The sunlight filtering through the paper doors painted her silhouette with a golden hue, As if she were a figure in a delicate painting, Brought to life.
Tokinada smoothly pushed himself away from the door frame, His movements reminiscent of a predatory feline closing in on its unsuspecting target. With calculated grace, He prowled towards Ayame, his presence exuding a magnetic allure that seemed to pull her in like a moth to a flame. As he halted just a breath's distance away from her, The heat radiating from his body enveloped the space between them like an invisible cloak.
"You're looking exceptionally radiant today," he purred, His voice a velvet caress that seemed to linger in the air around them. His gaze, Intense and unwavering, Roamed over Ayame's form with an unabashed appreciation that bordered on the edge of audacity. It lingered on curves and contours that most men would shy away from exploring, Yet Tokinada's gaze held a magnetic pull that seemed to defy boundaries.
"What are you looking at?" Her voice, Like a delicate melody, Floated through the air. She turned her gaze to meet his, Her eyes a mesmerizing shade of violet. Following his gaze, She saw where his attention lay, And a faint smile played on her lips as she waited in anticipation.
His laughter resonated through the air, A melodious blend of amusement and mockery. It bubbled up from the depths of his chest, Soft and derisive. With a graceful movement, He raised his hand, His fingers delicately brushing away a stray strand of black hair that dared to obscure her enchanting visage. The touch was feather-light, Almost playful in its teasing caress, As if he was daring her to challenge his boldness.
"Oh, Come now," His voice, Smooth as velvet, Whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "You know very well the captivating allure that you possess, my dear Lady Utsunomiya." His words, Dripping with honeyed flattery, Wrapped around her like a silken cloak, Enveloping her in a world where she was the center of his undivided attention.
"Why are you here?" She requested. It was not out of any spite or malice but merely curiosity. A part of her wanted to believe this man was nothing more than a cruel, Twisted prankster but the rational part of her refused to entertain such thoughts. This man, This wife killer; Tokinada Tsunayashiro was a noble sleeze-ball who's every thought and action sew malcontence, She heard all the details from talkative noble ladies at the lavish tea parties. Wasteful occasions her elder sister Kiriina hosts at her Shihoin husband's castle.
He feigned indignance, Placing a hand on his chest in mock offense. "Can a man not simply enjoy the company of a lovely woman anymore?" His gaze darkened slightly, And he took a step closer. "But very well, I didn't come here solely for your charming presence. I have a... Proposition for you, Ayame-chan." He paused briefly, His dark eyes sweeping across her face once again. His gaze was unnerving, Even intimidating, But the effect was short lived. He quickly replaced it with a coy smirk, His features turning back into their usual languid state. His demeanor completely changed, And Ayame found herself taken aback by the abrupt change in tone.
She listens to him patiently as he talks about his proposal. His proposition is simple, Really, Which comes as no surprise given his penchant for taking unorthodox measures when it came to his affairs. "My offer is quite generous," He assures, Pausing to give her a sultry smile. She can tell he's trying hard to be convincing as he continues, "As you may recall, I was married, And my wife had passed. If you will accept my invitation, You'll inherit her estate, Along with half of her fortune."
Ayame raises an eyebrow, Her expression skeptical rather than curious, "And what makes you think I want any of this, Anyway?" She asks, folding her arms. "I'm already working at the Academy as an official member of this squad. Surely there are plenty of other qualified candidates who would gladly take the position instead."
"Hmm," He ponders, Before she interrupts, "Perhaps..."
"No, I cannot... I'll just be the scapegoat for your former marriage troubles," Ayame sighs getting to the point, "I'm no fool, Tokinada." Her eyes glint with anger, As she stares daggers at him.
The corners of his mouth twitch upward as he lets out another soft chuckle, His grin widening until he looks downright manic. "You misunderstand my intentions, My dear." He responds confidently, Before continuing in a quieter voice, "Besides, There are many people willing to do whatever it takes to acquire riches and power." His voice turns cold as his sharp eyes bore holes into hers. "But you have no care in the world for such? Am I right? My dear?"
"No, Tokinada," Ayame murmurs reluctantly, Averting her gaze.
His expression becomes smug as he takes a step towards her.
"That's better." His voice drops to a low husky whisper as he leans close, Brushing past her face, Causing a shiver to run down her spine. "Let me rephrase. What do you say, My darling little rose?"
Ayame shakes her head vigorously, Refusing to meet his eyes. "Please, Tokinada..." Her words fall softly like fragile butterfly wings. "Explain yourself."
"Well, How about this, My lady," He returned her smile, His gaze roaming over her features again. "You're a rare flower, Ayame-chan. A beautiful blossom with thorns." His tone was mocking, A smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "But I must say, You surprise me. The women of your family are known for their beautiful faces, Blessed long locks of hair and cold hearts. Yet, You seem more cautious, More intelligent than I expected."
He took a step closer to her, His body nearly touching hers now. His voice dropped to a whisper, His breath warm against her ear. "Do you know what that makes you?"
"What?" Ayame asks in confusion, Looking up at him, Her eyes filled with innocence, Confusion, Uncertainty and apprehension all mixed into one.
"It's very interesting how much time you devote to caring for those beneath you while you ignore those above," Tokinada mused, His words dripping with sarcasm. "You are tantalizing," He murmured, his lips hovering just above her ear. "Unattainable. And that, My dear, Makes you all the more appealing."
He pulled back slightly, His eyes locked on hers. "You're not like the others, Are you? You don't trust easily. You guard yourself. Your eyes stare at the ground because you know you are in your own personal purgatory." He pauses momentarily before letting out a laugh that sent chills through her. "This makes you the perfect candidate."
His words reverberate throughout the room, Tauntingly echoing around their eardrums, Sending the hairs on the nape of her neck standing on end.
Ayame gulped, Her eyes wide as saucers. "You are a snake who preys? Are you not?"
A slight quiver runs through her, And the feeling intensifies as she watches him lean closer, His fingers ghosting against her cheek, Lightly caressing the side of her face. She doesn't move a muscle; her heart hammering inside of her ribcage like the beat of a drum. When his eyes finally lift to meet hers, He smiles gently. It sends shivers down her spine, And a wave of heat rushes through her veins. It burns like wildfire and consumes every ounce of restraint she possessed to remain calm.
Tokinada slowly tilts his head upwards, And for the first time since they've met, her eyes meet his. There is something dark in his eyes; something frightening. As if a beast was trapped deep within his irises. She studies him for several seconds, Studying him as if she knows exactly what lies hidden in those dark pools.
Then, Suddenly, He jerks backwards, Releasing her face, And takes several steps back. He laughs, That evil sound once again invading her ears. Her body trembles uncontrollably, And she feels goosebumps crawl under the surface of her skin. She clutches her hands tightly together and tries to calm down, To regain control of her shaky breath. But she isn't able to. It's as if the air has been snatched out of her lungs.
"So you see, Ayame." Tokinada words ring out through the night air. "You were right to doubt me. For, Despite having tried everything to win your black heart, You have managed to evade even my most cunning plan to win it all. So you see, My sweet, precious flower." His smirk widens. "There are many things I can do to make you fall willingly into my hands... Recently I've heard about the news of a noblewoman who's arranged groom violated his family's contract in favor of marrying a woman from the rukongai..." He chuckles at his own joke. "You may look as sweet as porcelain, Ayame. In truth, Your insides are as black as coal. The only reason why I bothered courting you is because you're an easy target. You are insulted and spurned, Thrown out to the snakes."
A cruel smile graces his pale face.
Ayame's stomach clenches uncomfortably. She felt nauseous. She manages, "You're just here to break me down? Aren't you?" She asks in disgust.
His smile widens even further, And his eyes begin to twinkle with sinister amusement. She swallows dryly, Staring hard at the floor in front of her feet.
"Yes. Of course, I am." His laughter rings hollow throughout the room, Sending prickling chills racing down her spine. "Goodbye, My petite rose."
And with that, He was gone.