Serendipity

Chapter 16 - Apologies

Good thinking Misaki. This way, you don't have to talk to anyone with your voice, since voices are one of the most distinctive features of a person.

To say Usui was shocked would be a complete understatement. Of course he'd never expected the woman to have such dazzling eyes, but to think she was deaf was shocking. Nonetheless, Usui wasn't the type of man to judge or pity a person because of their capabilities or disabilities. It was just that it was surprising when she started to sign him.

"Sorry," Usui started, but then stopped.

Misaki: It's fine

She gave the stranger in front of her a polite smile. Very smooth. I'm proud of myself.

Usui just stood there aghast at how she was able to respond back.

Usui: You can lip read?

Misaki was almost just as surprised when he signed back to her. Out of everyone to meet at the ball, of course she had to meet the one person who could sign. After what seemed like forever, Misaki finally got out of her shocked state. Misaki started to sign parts of words, but replaced it with others. She wasn't sure how to respond. Wow, I didn't think he'd know how to sign. Well, don't say anything wrong. Think closely about each word you're going to sign, Misaki! One wrong word and everything will go wrong.

Misaki: Ah, yea... I learned when I was younger. It's quite useful.

Technically, I'm not lying. I learned when I was younger, and this situation just proved its usefulness, Misaki thought as she tried to lessen the burden of her lies. After all, she was a very ethical person. She believed in karma strongly. Treat others nicely, and in return, you shall be treated nicely.

"I see," Usui started. "I can lip read too, so if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. First of all," he extending his hand out to Misaki. "We should go where everyone's waiting for us, am I right?"

"Ahh, you're right." Misaki accepted his extended hand. Okay Misaki, don't get too enticed by the man's eyes, or just any of his... beautifully... perfect-- ugly qualities. Misaki shook her head violently. Alright, just don't think about his qualities. Imagine an ugly troll. An ugly troll with hideously emerald eyes that could catch your attention from a mile away. Anyways, you need to ask about Hiku and Miku. T-they can't be his children. I mean they could, but--

Usui noticed the blonde woman lost in her own world. He watched as she changed from completely happy, to surprised, to angry, and then to confused. Usui chuckled at how... different she was from other women he had met. He waved his hand in front of her face, and her face turned back to shock. "What's on your mind?"

"I-I-I was just thinking a-about the moon," Misaki pointed to the left of her. She had thought she dodged the question very well, until the man started laughing.

"Y-you're," Usui chuckled mid-sentence. "You're quite the liar, aren't you?"

Misaki didn't understand what he was talking about... until she looked to the left of her. It's a wall, Misaki.You talked about the moon, and pointed to the wall. Great... you had a 50/50 chance of getting it right. You should've looked up before you pointed! Misaki gave in, knowing that she couldn't lie herself out of this situation. She had been found out, and in the worst possible way. "Yea, I know I am." She looked down at the ground.

The woman in front of Usui looked down, and he watched as her lips curved into a pout. Cute. "But you're surprisingly honest for a liar." Usui subconsciously patted the woman on her head, who looked up at him even more surprised than she was earlier. Usui cleared his throat and quickly retracted his hand. "Anyway, what's really on your mind?"

"Well, uhm..." Misaki started. Well, you might as well ask him. He'll figure out you're lying in a split second. Speaking of which, we need to improve your lying skills. "You know... that one room I was in...?"

"The one you weren't supposed to be in?" Usui arched an eyebrow.

"Hey, you're just as equally guilty. You were there too," Misaki argued.

"Yes yes, you got me. Anyways, what about that room?"

"W-well. I stumbled upon it. And there was this picture of these two kids..."

"And you want to know who they are?" Usui finished for Misaki.

"Well...yea..." Misaki admitted. "I mean, I'm sure they were just guests here at Miyabigaoka, but still..."

"They're not guests." Usui corrected. "They live here. You don't know them?"

"Well, it's not like there is always news about the royal family." Not after that incident happened, Misaki almost said aloud.

"Well," Usui pretended to think hard. "I suppose there's not much, is there? I suppose I'll tell you then."

"You will?" Misaki asked like an excited little child. "I mean, you will?" Misaki asked in a more appropriate manner, realizing how silly she must've looked earlier.

Usui laughed at how adorably lovable the lady was. "Actually, I don't think I want to anymore," Usui smirked. "Maybe I might change my mind if you keep me company all night long."

"Whaaattt?" Misaki didn't think she heard him right. After all, who in their right mind would ask a stranger to spend the night with them. "E-excuse me. But I am not just some bimbo that would sleep with you for information. I cannot believe you had the audacity to ask anyone a question like that." Misaki rose her right hand up, attempting to slap him. But the man caught her hand before it hit his left cheek.

Usui couldn't hold it in anymore. He started laughing hard, doing so aggravated the woman even more. "Y-you're just so cute." Usui took her hand that he was holding and brought it to his lips. "When I meant all night, I meant all night during the ball. Did you think I also meant... in bed?" His eyes seemed to glint when he asked the last part.

"W-well. O-of course not..." Misaki averted her eyes from his piercing gaze. Oh my god. Misaki, honestly, you couldn't have messed up more than this. "I-I'm sorry. It's just t-that--"

Just as Misaki was in the middle of her sentence, Usui bent down to her height as his lips touched her right cheek. It was just a quick peck on the cheek, but to Misaki, it sent shivers down her spine. Her right cheek seemed to feel hotter than ever.

"I'll take that as your apology then," Usui smirked, and then left Misaki standing in the middle of the hallway, holding her right cheek in her hand. "If we don't hurry, the ball will be over before we get there!"