I remember the first time that I saw him. Truly saw him. It's still clear as day in my mind.

Back then, I wasn't fortunate enough to own a television. All of my money went into paying for the rent at that small, broken apartment that I fixed up with cut up, splintered, and bruised hands. I wanted a home, and I gave myself that. I saw Seto in new headlines, read about his company, caught glimpses of his duels while I worked at that small coffee shop way back when. Back then, I was never really looking at him.

I'm a hypocrite. I used to think poorly of the CEO. Everything I had ever heard about him was horrible. From rising up and taking over his father's company to shaming the people who loyally worked for him. His ego was like the sunlight, coating the world. It was large, so much that I resented it. I think I could even say I disliked him, perhaps even say I hated the man back then. He could shine so bright and stand so tall while I was a speck on the world that he covered with his light. I was nothing more than that tiny speck, blending in with the backdrop of everyday life.

But there was one night that changed my outlook of him entirely. Before the night I met him face to face at the banquet hall, dressed up to please the man who dared to place a ring on my finger and call me his. It was a night when I was still struggling and restless.

I couldn't sleep that night. I decided to leave my apartment to walk the city, hoping to tire myself out enough to be able to sleep. That night was cold and the air was so brisk that it hurt my lungs to breathe. I didn't mind walking in it though. I felt safe in the night, even if that part of town could have been considered dangerous in the dark. I never knew nor cared enough to know though.

I remember hugging my arms in that navy blue light jacket. It had two white stripes on the left arm, just below the shoulder. I was often mistaken for a university student when I wore it. Other than that, I had a pair of jeans I wore with a hole ripped in both knees. My hair was much longer back then, tied in a side pony tail that draped over my shoulder. I think I was wearing athletic shoes? But I digress…

I remember walking through the city, and eventually stopping outside of the massive skyscraper. The only sound that filled the air around me at the time was of the wind, blowing the leaves of the autumn trees. I stopped at a bench to watch the trees. It took so long for them to grow large enough to stand tall over the world. I envied them. I liked this park that I found my way into. It was just across from the devilish skyscraper, Kaiba Corporation.

There was a bench I always found myself at, next to one of the tall trees I always looked up to. After meeting the palm of my hand to it's massive trunk, I would sit at a bench close by. From there, I had a perfect view of that building, hogging the surroundings. I was so insignificant to Kaiba Corp. The building was tall enough that it could black out the moon. Fitting for a man who I compared to the sun. Had it been any later, I would have missed the moon just peeking over the top of the building, illuminating it like a halo.

I recall scoffing at it though. A halo, atop the building of a man who only cares for his name? It didn't sit well with me back then. Perhaps it was my jealousy that made me think that way about him. I almost never cared about the Kaibas… And yet, that CEO always found a way to creep into my mind.

I closed my eyes for a moment, checking my tiredness by how heavy they felt. They weren't heavy in the least though, but I didn't want to open them. At least for a moment, I kept them shut… Until I was drawn to open them. The wold was suddenly filled with the sound of a muffled yell. Muffled, only because it sounded so far away. The peaceful silence was interrupted, and my eyes were forced open by the figurative call, bringing me back up to my feet.

Atop that building, at the highest point of the corporation was a man. He was standing at the edge of the building, just barely viewable from the streets below where I was standing. The thought that he was going to jump entered my mind, sending a sense of fear through me. But he never did.

All he did was scream, at the top of his lungs. This was a man who had been hurt. This was a man who lost something important. This was a man struggling. This man… Was Seto Kaiba. And this… was the first time I ever truly saw him.

Why was he screaming? What could a man like him truly need to scream for? To yell like that—not undermining the world. I never understood, but I always wanted to.

That's when I started to notice him more. I began to truly look at him. As I got older, the way I viewed him changed. I always though back to that night where I stood below, looking up at a mad man on the verge of going insane and screaming himself to a mute.

Those screams of pain, of being hurt… The overwhelming feelings that could not be stifled any longer. Seto may have the fame and fortune that most of the world desperately seeks to achieve, but that was the first time I viewed him as a normal human being. From that night on, I kept silent of my opinions of him… But I watched him more and more.

There were so many times I thought of purchasing duel monster cards. I thought of simply trying the game and even one day meeting him, all for the purpose of asking him why he lashed his voice out to the moon and stars that witnessed his cry.

But I only now remembered this. Only in this moment my mind was thinking of the first moment I ever truly saw him. I repeated the question he asked me over and over in my head. Would I have regret it?

And at this moment… I wish I could run away, and scream my heart out like he did that night. How could I have regretted it? If anything had happened between us that night, of course I wouldn't regret it being him… But would I have regret putting myself on Kojiro's level; a cheater? It balances it out. But, it can't just be a simple yes or no. It's more of asking if I would have done it… If I would have slept with Seto that night…

Could I have? Could I have given myself to Seto at this point in time? I know my feelings for him… But morally, where would that leave me?

"I..." But when I tried to speak, I couldn't make out the words.

Another issue to size up… Seto is my boss. He made if clear that he doesn't have relations with his employees. But… He's letting it slide? The fact that he would have potentially slept with me and I'm still here, standing with him as his employee should be enough to sway my decision… But was it only okay because he was drunk and thought it happened? It wouldn't excuse my behavior to take advantage of the situation though.

I wonder if the night he was screaming atop the roof if he had been drinking that night… I can't get my thoughts together.

There's just excuses going through my head.

Would I regret it?

Seto's face was burning red. He kept his eyes shut. What was the answer that he was expecting? What was he wanting the answer to be? All week… He had been so much more kind to me. He was always kind to me to begin with, but it felt like he had been reaching out to me. He was getting closer to me… I know that now. Was it all really because he thought we slept together?

As I was about to speak, he turned his back to me and took a deep breath. "You know what… Forget I asked..."

In a flicker of a moment… I think I saw fear on his face. But I could be wrong. Does he fear the answer I might give? It may be naive for me to think this… But is it possible that he values what he already has? Could he possibly believe that my answer could change things? Or… Is that just how I'm feeling? Afraid to screw things up further.

Am I finally speaking for myself?

Seto gathered his cup of coffee, taking it and adding in cream and sugar before stirring it. I held my hands to my chest as I watched him, biting the inside of my bottom lip. I wanted so badly to give him an answer… But I feared my words. I feared the response I would receive. I feared that Seto would… distance himself from me… That we might be nothing more than strangers again.

I watched as he sipped his coffee. I could see the steam rising from his cup. I could smell the aroma of his drink. I wanted so badly to answer him… But the more I watched him, the harder it felt to breathe… I don't think I could at this moment.

I dug my nails into my blazer. "Seto… I—I can't answer that right now..."

"Didn't I just tell you to forget it?" He didn't sound angry, but more rather defensive. "I overstepped my boundaries… So forget I asked… Let's get back to the sign ups."

My thoughts weren't going to settle any time soon. My stomach was flipped. My Skin was hot, and not to mention the color of an apple. My sight fell to the ground, but slowly looked back up to Seto's face. He kept his eyes closed, focusing on the taste of his coffee. His skin was back to its normal beige color. As Seto started to walk back the way we entered, I wanted to reach out to him. To stop him… But instead, my vision fell back to the floor.

I envied his ability to calm himself down in any situation… I regret ever thinking horribly about him, even before I took the time to notice him. I know that I regret that.

I also think I regret not being able to answer him… But maybe this is for the better.

The day came and went. Seto wasn't kidding when he said there wasn't going to be a lot of people at my station. There were a few who came over though, one of them being Yugi Moto. I wasn't surprised to see him and his friends there at all. They stopped over to chat for a few, even though I told them I couldn't really talk since I was working.

That fact alone didn't really seem to bother them though. The social butterflies valued their time with friends more than they cared to let them work. I guess it was fine though. I was mostly concerned about Seto being upset with them around, but he actually had his own conversation with Tristan on the side. I was curious as to what it was about, but it really was none of my business. I couldn't take my eyes off Seto though…

He didn't once look over at me… But I guess I have no reason to complain. After what happened, I'm sure he's trying to just stay focused. I'm not his lover… I shouldn't expect him to see me the way I do him. I could have told him though. I could have answered. I guess it… just didn't feel like the right time.

But when will that time ever be? There's never a good time to confess. It's always stressful… At least that's how it is in every novel I've read. I've never confessed to anyone… Kojiro was the one who confessed to me… I really lack the experience.

"You okay, Kisara?" Tea was asking me as I stared off in Seto's direction, not registering her question for a moment.

But quickly I snapped back to reality, looking up at her. "Oh, I'm fine!"

I tried to smile, but felt awkward as I did. Every time I looked over at Seto from that point on, she looked at me with a concerned look. I'm not good at convincing others that I'm fine though… But I didn't know them well enough to just tell them my drama. And it wasn't long before Tristan and Seto finished talking. Soon after Tristan's return, the group made their leave. I only felt more uneasy.

There weren't many more duelists that ended up at my station. Seto had left a few different times. I assumed each time that he went for more coffee, since it never seemed to run out. I started to yawn as the day passed by. I felt fatigued. That conversation really sapped the energy right out of me…

When will we finish that conversation? Or… Will this just be where we end it?

The dive back to the mansion was awkward to say the least. I wonder if he would continue to have me just take the limo with him to Kaiba Corp? Or would he just have a driver take me separately from this point on? Perhaps he would just really act like he had forgotten the conversation and let things fall back to normal?

After we got back to his mansion, I didn't stay. I decided it would be best for me to go home, give Seto his space to breathe and collect his thoughts without me to distract him. I'd be doing the same on my end. At least, the best that I could.

After some time of walking silently home, I made it back to the Fujiyama mansion. I didn't want to be driven, even if I would have been picked up by my own driver. I just… Wanted to enjoy the silence—turn off my brain for a few and not have to think. Though, there were a few times when I had stopped in my tracks and thought of turning around. I thought of running back to him and refusing to let things end the way they had. But… I guess I'm a coward.

I wonder if he'll yell atop the company again tonight?

I made my way inside, greeted by that forest green haired girl. "Welcome home, Kisara!" She bowed to me before popping back up with that bright grin. "I've never seen you home before Mr. Fujiyama! You must have finished up early. Is there anything I can get for you? I can take your coat if you'd like."

"Thanks." I gave a gentle smile, taking off my white coat and handing it to her. "And I'm okay for now. I'll let you know if I need anything though."

She nodded, and we both took off in separate directions. She went to hang my coat as I scurried up to my bedroom. The stairs felt like they stretched longer than usual. I felt more fatigued than usual. When I finally reached the bedroom door, I hurried in, closing the door behind me.

I wanted nothing more than to run to the bed. I wanted to cling to a pillow. I wanted to curl up into a ball. But I just stood there, staring at the bed that was presented before me. Neatly made to the standards set for the household. Clean sheets, the smell of fresh detergent on them filling the air, even from the few feet away where I stood. It looked like a normal bedroom, without the clutter that a normal home would have.

But to me… This doll house was a prison. Have I ruined my escape...? Is there really any way to put things back to normal between Seto and myself?

The thoughts reappeared, causing a whirlwind in my head. I bit my bottom lip, feeling it start to quiver a bit. I felt the hair fall from behind my ear as I tilted my head towards the floor, shutting my eyes and inhaling a deep breath. I have no reason to cry… I have nothing to cry about…

So why are the tears streaming down my face?

It's been a few days now that Kisara started at Kaiba Corp, instead of being here at the mansion. I won't lie, it's been amazingly more boring around here. I was so used to her being around so that I could always find her and show her houses for rent, apartments near by, anything within her budget. Hell, I'd find her to go with me on errands or to talk or tell her anything funny. For the first few days of her transfer, she had been going home straight after work, but now she's visiting the mansion for a few before she headed out.

Happy. Bubbly. That smile of hers was returning. It felt so odd for a while, like something was on her mind. I tried to ask her several times if she was okay or what was bothering her. Each reply was always that she was fine, that nothing was wrong. I didn't want to remind her about the other time that I found her, how she had been saying similar things but eventually she just broke down. She really did insist that this time everything was okay.

And for a moment… I believed her.

Today marks two weeks since she had transferred. She had asked me to see if there were any notes I could gather for her for the up coming tournament. She wanted to know the rules of duel monsters and start learning the cards more in her spare time. So, I found a book that she may find useful. It had the rules and some beginner strategies that she could easily learn from. I knew that she should be wondering around the mansion at this point, trying to find something she could do to help the maids out, but finding her was proving difficult.

"I bet she stopped in to see Seto." I smirked, talking to myself and thinking of the prior plans I had set up for the two.

Seto was talking to her more. Just planting it in his head that they slept together had pushed him to get closer to her. My brother is fucking clueless when it comes to romance. All he ever really needed to do was talk to her normally, and stop being so stingy about things. He's always so harsh and worried about being the boss, so he won't let himself be happy.

But I noticed a huge change when he heard of his drunken mishap. Sure, it was a lie. Hell, I never actually said that they did. I just hinted at it, making it seem that it was a possibility that it could have happened. He was sending her text messages nonstop for a while at that point. He was having normal conversations with her that weren't work related. A little kick in the ass was all it took.

I made my way to his study. The door was only slightly cracked open, but the lights were off. Oh man… Are they finally getting closer?

I smirked, not exactly tip-toeing my way to the door, but not being obvious about my approach either. Slowly, I opened the door a bit more and peeked my head in.

"Hey bro, have you seen—" But when I had stuck myself in, I wasn't expecting to see the scene before me.

A bottle came flying in my direction, crashing on the wall beside me and shattering. The liquid stuck to the wall, draining down it. It had splashed me a bit as well. I was lucky that no glass actually stuck me or scathed me. The stench of alcohol filled the air.

Seto's head was buried in his arm, looking like he was asleep at his desk. "GET OUT!"

I really hadn't been expecting him to be depressed again. I never could have imagined him so angry to the point he'd try to throw a bottle of bourbon at me. I was in such a shock that I froze in place. It reminded me of Gozabura, someone I never wanted to compare my brother to. But… It terrified me.

"Seto..." I murmured his name.

He didn't look at me. "Just go away..."

I've seen my brother drunk. I've seen him depressed. But this was a whole new level for him. "Are you… crying?"

"Why did you fucking tell me that we slept together…?" He didn't raise his head, silent sobs releasing between his quiet words.

Slowly, I fully walked into the room, approaching the desk. Seto pulled himself up, resting his head in his hands and pressing his palms into his eyes to try and push back the tears. I've seen Seto cry before. But never like this.

"What happened?" I knelt down a little. "I didn't mean to lie… I wanted to help you two."

"Help us? With what?!" He blamed me for his turnout. "I made an ass of myself. And when I realized, I asked her something even more stupid. Then like a fucking idiot, I tucked my tail between my legs and ran away like the fucking cowardly lion from the god damn wizard of oz. I wouldn't even let her answer me. I just fucking ran. Satisfied!?"

Was he complaining or confiding in me? I just stood before him, listening to his drunken slurs.

"Why did you get it in my head Mokuba…?" He let his arms fall back on his desk, staring up at me with bloodshot eyes. "Of all the people… why did you say those fucking things to make me come up as a god damn fool?"

"Seto… What did you ask her?" I leveled with him. "I can't understand or try to help if you don't tell me what happened."

"I don't need your help." He sat up in his chair, grabbing a shot glass and turning to his liquor cabinet that was next to his bookshelf.

I ran around the other side of the desk, grabbing his wrist to stop him. "You've had enough."

"Fuck off!" He swung his hand free, so I jumped in front of the cabinet.

I stared at him, his height clearly making him bigger. "You don't need any more."

"Move..." He stared me down. "Now."

But I'm brave. Even against the stronger brother. The one that was always protecting me. It's my turn to protect him. I promised myself to get stronger. So I stood my ground. I didn't break eye contact. His hand clenched a fist.

"No." I stated firmly. "You're running away from your problems by drowning yourself. You need to stop."

He ground his teeth together and pulled back his fist. I don't think my eyes ever opened up so wide before shutting so tightly. I expected him to hit me, but his hand smashed through the glass beside me and into the liquor cabinet. He didn't move after that. He was just huffing in large breaths. If this is what it took to calm him down, then so be it. I stood there, completely still as I stared up at him.

He stared at me with rage filled eyes. It took a few deep breaths before his eyes calmed and he pulled his hand out from the cabinet. It dripped of blood, shards of glass stick out of his hand. A few deep cuts clearly needed stitched up. He took a step back and sat down in his chair, calming himself down.

I took some panicked breaths, calming myself down and shaking off the fear I felt of my brother almost busting my face in. Why was he this angry? So mad that he'd almost lose his composure… What could have actually happened?

"I'm sorry..." He was back to a sobbing mess. "Get the driver to pull the car around… Give me a minute though..."

I just paused, taking in slower, deeper breaths. "Seto… what happened? Please tell me."

He wouldn't look at me. "Fujiyama has been picking her up from work the past couple days… I… I think I pushed her back to him..."

That took me by surprise. "She wouldn't go back to him... There must be a reason."

"Mokuba… just… let it be over. I lost her. Again." He wiped away a tear that escaped with his good hand. "Let's just go to the hospital. My hand fucking hurts."

I wanted to convince him that he was wrong. That he didn't lose. But what was the use right now? He wouldn't listen to me in his drunken rage. I don't think there was a single thing I could say to him that would make this any better. My heart sunk as I thought about it.

"Yeah… Let's go." I pulled myself off the cabinet as Seto stood back up from his chair, holding his cut up hand with his good one.

From there, I guided him to the front. The frantic staff rushed to get the driver to pull around the car. We didn't want to take the limousine, as not to attract anyone to what happened. It wasn't until we were in the car and on the way there that I hatched another plan.

I can get them to talk. I know just the way to fix this.

I'm glad I drank as much as I did, otherwise this would hurt a whole lot worse. And I'm thankful for the anesthesia... I can't believe I almost hit him… He's the one person who has stood by me through everything… I could never harm him. Mokuba is my only constant in life.

"Sorry for the trouble..." I apologized to my personal doctor. "I don't usually drink myself to violence..."

"I've heard that before." He chuckled. "Rough day kiddo?"

"I'm not a kid..." I winced as the needle pierced my skin, threading the wounds back together.

"You are one to me." He smiled. "But at least we got out all of the glass. We'll prescribe you some pain killers, some antibiotic cream, and you'll be back in no time to have the stitches taken out. And on the bright side, at least it was your left hand."

"Yeah. Good thing I don't use it much..." My tone was sarcastic.

He chuckled again. "Hey now, you did this to yourself. Remember that."

"Heh. Yeah…" I rolled my eyes.

Things got quiet while he stitched me up further, "Keep an eye out for infection, okay? And… I have no right to dictate how much you drink, but maybe tone it back a bit there boss?"

I sighed. "Yes sir."

After he finished stitching up my hand, he went over the proper way for me to bandage the wound and what signs to look for in case I did end up with an infection. He also gave me proper cleansing techniques for the wound. And for my own sake, I asked for a duller pain killer. If I'm turning into an alcoholic, the last thing I need is to get hooked on pain killers with it. But with that, I could finally get leaving to go home.

"Thanks doc," I yawned, noticing how dark it had gotten outside.

That's when he opened the door…

"Seto!" And standing there, clenching her hands to her chest and shaking like she was standing in a blizzard, was Kisara.

I was stopped in my tracks. What the hell was she doing here? I looked down the hall to see where Mokuba was, but he was no where to be found. This must be his doing… How else would she know? I doubt any maid would have called her up.

I swallowed my numbness to speak to her and took in a breath. "Hi..."

"Are you okay?" She looked so concerned, to the point where I noticed the swelling under her eyes. Was she crying before? "I came as soon as I got the text that you were in the hospital..."

She looked me up and down before noticing my hand. She gave a sigh of relief. "You mean you didn't even ask what happened to me?"

Her face was slightly rosy, "Well… No… I guess not..." She stepped back, averting her eyes. "But… I was… worried..."

I can't say I'm not happy she worried over me… But I just felt all the more awkward.

"Excuse me Mr. Kaiba." I forgot to step out of the doctor's way. "Oh Kisara, nice to see you again."

She bowed slightly, "Likewise. I'm surprised you remembered me."

"It's rare I get a patient attended by Mr. Kaiba, so you're a hard one to forget." He laughed, stepping around me. "Take it easy you two."

"Tsk..." I scoffed as Kisara nodded to him.

"So..." She was quiet… "It was just your hand…? Are you okay?"

She stared at the floor, almost afraid to look at me. "Yeah… I was drinking..."

Oh god, do I really want to repeat a drunken mishap with her? At least I can think more clearly. And then I noticed her tears. What? Why is… When did she start crying?

"I'm so relieved…" She wiped her eyes with her sleeve.

"Are you..." I didn't get to finish.

She was nodding. "Yeah… I'm crying… I was scared… I thought you..."

Kisara bit her lip. Holding back what ever she was going to say. I didn't want to just leave her like this. She came all the way here, just to make sure I was okay.

"T—thanks." I averted my eyes, looking down the hall again. "Can I… Do you… Fuck..."

I couldn't even make a sentence. But at least she smiled. "You still a little tipsy?"

She giggled as I smirked. "Probably..."

"All done?" I heard Mokuba finally approaching from down the hall.

"Where the hell were you?" My tone was serious, but I didn't raise my voice. I already regretted the prior situation.

"Bathroom." He smiled. "I see you found the room."

Kisara nodded, feeling her cheeks to make sure there weren't any more tears. "Yeah… I'm sorry I rushed over without thinking…"

"No, no. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt your anniversary dinner." Mokuba hinted, looking at me out of the corner of his eyes. "But since you came here, why don't you head back to the mansion with us. Help me keep an eye on this one."

He laughed, pointing at me with a thumbs up. Kisara gently smiled, taking a moment to consider the offer.

"Sure." She held her hands together in front of her.

And here I was, still speechless. Mokuba took the floor, taking the conversation to make things lighter between us. They conversed, and I lagged behind as they started walking. I followed, noticing every time one of them would look back at me over their shoulder.

I couldn't hide the smile at this point, covering my face with my hand to hide it. Kisara was worried about me. She was spending time with Fujiyama because it's their anniversary. The stunt I pulled cause her to come running to me… I call that a victory in my book.

It doesn't change the fact that I'm still a coward. "Kisara..."

We all approached the car, but Kisara slowed down to turn back to me. "Y—yeah?"

She was nervous, but I felt courageous for the time being. "Thank you."

Her cheeks tinted red. "W—what for?"

Mokuba smirked, and I lowered my hand, pushing it into my pocket, but letting the wrapped up one hang. "For worrying about me..."

Her eyes softened as she lit with another gentle smile. "I…" She paused, thinking of her response. "I'd like to think we're… friends, right? Of course I'd worry."

"Friends huh?" I laughed a bit. "If that's what you want to call it."

My pompous attitude was coming back to me. It was feeling normal again.

"Shotgun!" Mokuba called, running and jumping into the car.

Kisara seemed to become more red at this point. "A—after you?"

I rolled my eyes, opening the door for her. "I'm not climbing in with this hand. Ladies first."

"R—right." I was taking a liking to her shyness.

She climbed in the car, scooting to the opposite side of the car. I pulled myself in, closing the door behind us. I won't lie, I struggled with my seat belt. Kisara noticed and helped me out. I felt the heat on my own face when her hand brushed mine. Fuck this romance thing… It's difficult.

"Sorry…" I apologized.

"Huh?" Of course she didn't notice.

I looked away. "Nothing..."

So much for finding my courage. I felt her stare, so I glanced at her. She was smiling that kind smile. At least things were back to normal. At least, I thought.

"Do you… hate me?" She suddenly spoke out, quickly pressing her hand over her mouth and turning away.

She didn't mean to ask it. It blurted out. I looked forward, the sound proof window between the driver, Mokuba, and us was up. So they had no idea what we were saying. I felt my heart beating hard. It felt like it could pound right out of my ribs.

"No, you idiot..." Why was that the response I could muster up.

And things fell quiet. She lowered her hands to her knees, but kept her eyes on the floor of the tiny car. Well, tiny to me. I heard her whisper something to herself, but I couldn't make out what she said. I glanced at her again, noticing her expression. She looked afraid. Like she said something she shouldn't have.

"Kisara?" I don't know why I called out to her.

Her eyes narrowed for a moment before she calmed herself and looked over at me. "Can I..." She had trouble finding the words as she dug her nails into her jeans. She then smiled, and shook her head with a small chuckle. "I have a question for you."

Curiosity grabbed a hold of me. "Alright. Ask away."

She sat up straight, her head tilted to the side. "A few years back… I was out on a walk. I was passing by Kaiba Corp around… Two in the morning I think?" her smile faded slightly as she cocked her head back up straight. "Why were you yelling atop the building?"

That was a real surprise to me. The fact she pulled up something from years before I knew her in this life time was odd. Not that I believe I was some Egyptian priest from five thousand years ago, but this was just out of no where.

"Heh. I really don't remember." I lied. Not wanting her to know I was grieving over a dream of her. "But I think I was really frustrated. I can't believe you witnessed that."

She looked over at me, a puzzling look in her expression. "You really don't remember? That's one of the reasons I've always—"

Kisara stopped her words again. This conversation was becoming more awkward with every word we spoke.

"It's in the past..." I explained to her, leaning back in the seat and closing my eyes. "What happened back then means nothing to me. I live for the present. For today… So anything that happened to me before isn't worth revisiting." I opened my eyes. "As long as it doesn't effect my work or my family, all that matters is here, now, and what I can make happen for tomorrow."

There was a gap in the conversation. A pause before she spoke again. "Is… that why you didn't want me to answer you?"

Kisara was facing the opposite direction as she asked, staring out the tinted windows into the night struck world. I leveled my eyes to the floor.

"Why do you bring it up…?" I didn't mean to say the words aloud.

"I..." She was quick to reply, but paused again. "I want to give you an answer..."

I stiffened up. My heart that was drumming in my own ears now felt like it halted to a complete stop. I sweat drops beat off my eyebrow. I don't want this… I don't want to hear her answer… I don't want to hear that she would regret it… I don't want her to reject me…

"Kisara, I—" I leaned towards her, reaching out to place my good hand on her shoulder.

But she didn't let me finish. "Hear me out..." She cried out gently.

I froze, retracting my hand and sitting firmly, waiting to hear what she had to say. She didn't turn to look at me, but I noticed her shiver again. Kisara again dug her nails into her jeans. God, if I knew that seeing her like this was going to be hard… I wouldn't have allowed her to come back to the mansion with us…

I'm just a fucking coward when it comes to her…

"I don't think you would have… slept with me that night..." She now looked up at the roof of the car and took in a deep breath. "And… If you had slept with me… I would have been in the wrong. I would have taken advantage of my drunken boss… But…" Kisara now turned in her seat, looking at me with red cheeks and glassy eyes that held back tears. "But… If you weren't my boss… If I weren't engaged… If I still ended up in that same position… I couldn't regret it..." She averted her eyes away from mine. "With where we stand today… I still don't think I would have regret being with you..."

She tilted her head down, biting her bottom lip once more. I was breathless… But finally I felt alive again.

"I know… you're my boss… And it's wrong… And I could lose my job for saying this…" A tear escaped from her eye, dripping down her cherry colored cheek. "But I wouldn't have regret it..."

My bravery returned; I reached my hand forward, resting it on Kisara's cheek. I pressed my thumb against her skin and wiped away the lone tear. My courage returned; I leaned forward, tilting her head to face me. My cowardice was gone, but that didn't stop the heat from my face to grow hotter.

I stopped short of her lips, intimidated by my own actions. "What about now…?"

I stared into her eyes, watching them shake. Was she scared like I was? Was her heart beating as fast as mine?

Kisara swallowed away her own cowardice, her eyes narrowing, "I wouldn't."

I brushed my hand through her hair to the back of her head, gently pulling her towards me. I tasted her lips, breathed in her air. We knocked teeth. I fucked it up, and pulled myself back, bringing my hand back and pressing my knuckles to my mouth.

"S—Sorry! I..." Fuck this romance thing… Why is it so hard?

Kisara ran her fingertips over her own lips. "We really… kissed?"

All I could do was stare, frozen like a god damn statue. I could smell the alcohol that still stained my breath. I was embarrassed. Me. Seto fucking Kaiba. But… She smiled. Kisara smiled through it all. She tightly closed her eyes as her smile lit up the atmosphere, though she pressed her hand over her mouth to hide it.

"Y—yeah..." I managed to say, lowering my hand. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. "Your… lips are soft..."

Her cheeks flared back up. "Y—yours too."

She looked away for a second and then back at me. Our eyes locked. We awkwardly stared at one another. Was it awkward? Or was it something else? I don't know. My stomach never felt this way. My heart never drummed so loudly, nor as fast. But I felt my shoulders relax, no longer tense as I gazed into her eyes.

The car hit a bump, waking us from our staring contest. Neither of us spoke, but I leaned back to her again. As I had before, I brushed my hand through her hair, gently making it's way to the back of her head. I pulled her closer, reaching my self forward to her. This time, I kissed her slowly. I didn't know what was too hard or too soft, so I took it slow.

My eyes were shut, but her hand rested on my cheek. It was a welcome surprise. Her other hand grabbed onto my shirt. I think she was trying to hold herself up? I ran my hand down to her back, pulling her closer. The arch of her back straightened, as she pushed herself harder into our kiss.

Our kiss. So this is what it felt like...

"He was a romantic in his own harsh way… yet he was also realist enough to know that some times love actually did conquer all." Stephen King – The drawing of the Three