Chapter 52- I missed you…
[Haruto's POV:]
"Kaede-ssn, wait!"
I had no idea what was going on with Kaede-san to suddenly kiss me and leave the house before I could have brought myself back from the shock of her abrupt action.
Why...just why is this happening? Why does it seem the first friend I made who cared for me without any hidden intent in mind, is suddenly walking away from my life?
No, I don't want this, that's why I ran. I rushed toward my door to stop her and ask what she meant by the farewell.
But...
"A-Akira...?
My feet came to an immediate halt as I saw a familiar face walking through the same door from where Kaede-san just left.
My voice hitched in my throat, heart pounded in anxiety upon seeing her again. I know it has only been two days, but still, she somehow looks different.
My mind fell into turmoil since I was not ready nor prepared to meet her once again. Countless thoughts had been going on since the day I confessed to Akira two days back. I have been reprimanding myself constantly for running away from her, feeling guilty at the thought of how she must be feeling right now and relieved that now Akira would be able to focus on her life rather than waste it on me.
It was not easy for me to build that resolve to not meet her ever again and I was fixated on my decision. And considering how her uncle and father must be concerned about her, it was given that they wouldn't let Akira continue searching for me.
Yet...
"Why did you run away from me? "
Something was...not good.
I have never seen that smile on her face. That chilly gaze doesn't suit that dangerous smile at all. And I am not complimenting her here. It's the literal chills of life I am having right now.
Involuntarily I stepped back hearing her voice but since this was no longer the situation where I could run away from her, knowing how my strongest ally just betrayed me.
"I-I left the job... "
I stammered and presented the most generic and the least credible lie to the front and hoped dearly that Akira buys it and walk away. Or did I really want that?
"Your contract ends after 23 months and 12 days and breaching the clause would cost you thirty million. "
Crap, I forgot about that. Well, considering her status I couldn't have done anything if Akira would have used the coercive method to put a formal three-piece on me once again.
Since I never prepared any answer for this, I replied tentatively," I will pay the sum...in some years... "
Though I have no idea how I would be gaining such an astronomical sum, I tried to push my luck and see if Akira really got convinced by this.
"For that you have to become my slave again, you know. "
Her steps were advancing in my direction as she spoke and mine were retreating but only to be blocked by the wall.
As Akira finished her words, she was standing inches apart from me, her lifeless gaze holding its emptiness, making me apprehensive slightly. Whether I was scared of her or scared of myself to do something here was something for later confirmation.
Truth be told, my heart was beating like this since Akira's current condition elevated my guilt and made me regret leaving her. I did try to ignore noticing it, but those puffy eyes and the circles under her eyes indicate things more than she could tell me.
'How complicated my thoughts have become... '
A side of mine still wanted to get away from her, for Akira's good, and continue with my plan as before. To continue my grandfather's business and live a normal life in the countryside.
But now that she was in front of me, another urge appeared to hug her right and apologize for whatever I did. Whether she forgives me or continues to punish me for the uncertain future, that would be something acceptable since in that way I could at least be by her side.
But just as always, Akira broke away all sense of my reasoning since I found her body pressing against me and her arms encircling my waist.
All my thoughts, conflicting emotions, inner turmoil, everything washed away by that single warmth that I have recently got introduced to.
Her scent was not new yet every time I came in contact with it, my heart rested at peace.
Before I knew it, my hand also made its way toward her back before I caged her in my arms, closing the gap between us, listening to her calm heartbeats, and letting myself get engulfed by her presence.
"I missed you... "
Like a buzz passed by my ear, I heard Akira muttering near my chest before I tightened my grip a little more and whispered back.
"I missed you too... "
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A/N: - Drop a comment~