Chocolate + You

~ 26 ~

My heart still beating so ever quickly, I extended my hand to caress his cheek. The faded salmon scar etched deep into his soft skin was a reminder of what he had been through.

Such a kind smile hiding a mysterious past, I thought.

Just how far am I from knowing his life?

A tiny part of me felt wretched, for I never tried to ask about his life that it came off as a shock to me.

His fingers intertwined with my fingers.

I blinked. Almost forgotting he was watching me all this time.

"Yatsuga, I-"

"Don't speak," casually he pulled my waist towards him.

I burrowed my face gently onto his chest, hiding my embarrassment.

"Thank you.." I managed to whisper.

-

I woke up to the sound of cackling fire.

The muffled voices accompanied the background.

I sat up, rubbing my eyes.

"Speak of the devil," Kiyoka laughed.

I walked up next to them and sat on the log next to Kiyoka. It was still dark.

I wonder how long I was gone.

"Were you guys gossiping about me?" I faked a frown.

"Maybe?" Kiyoka raised on one eyebrow.

I pinched her side making her pout.

"Ow ow! Geez. Crab hands!" She frowned," it's nothing you have to worry about."

"Are you feeling better yet?" I gently placed the back of my palm on her forehead. It was  the normal temperature.

She nodded with a smile.

"Thank you, Ayano. You risked your life to save me. I can't thank you enough!" she hugged my neck.

I returned her hug," Please don't say that. You are my bestfriend. I wouldn't want to lose you. Moreover, Yatsuga was there with me. He is the hero."

I gazed at him as I said those words.

Surely he didn't tell her what he did, didn't he?

"Well, how are you holding up?" Yatsuga spoke.

"I'm okay.." I blushed, remembering how his soft lips tasted like.

Suddenly, he lifted his finger to his lips.

I kept quiet, trying to hear any distinct sound other than the night and fire.

With a focus and mysterious look, he stood up.

Kiyoka and I looked at each other in confusion.

" We need to get going," he said.

With that, he stepped on the fire and put off all the flames.

"Stick to the west. From there we will go north."

We trailed behind him as he guided us.

"Do you know where we are heading?" I asked.

"Of course.Stick close to each other."

"Right," I replied.

I was anxious and scared at the same time.

A part of me was imagining the bandits watching us. Kiyoka however was much abnormally calm.

Just as my legs were starting to cramp, we found a forest vehicle.