Once again, another clueless person stepped into the manor.
It was another girl this time, no different than any other I had ever seen. Yet again, everyone, or at least, most people, ran around her and stuck to her like a leech for the first time. For whatever reason, some people were happy to see new faces. Maybe it had to do with isolation from the outside world, I could only assume. Or maybe they enjoyed seeing new people's reactions to the place and new lifestyle. They took a liking to her quickly, needless to say. They really wanted to get to know her and this would happen to every new person, until people got used to them and did not pay much attention to them anymore.
I couldn't care much about the new person, I couldn't really bring myself to make friends with anyone anymore. All I would ever see people as anymore would be comrades, teammates, whatever you call it.
Nothing more.
I had these few people that I had taken a like to, I was not completely the grumpiest person. I still had my fun and found ways to enjoy and communicate with others. I just realized that sometimes, it would be the best to keep some things to myself. Not everything was meant to be shared or known among others. They could mind their own damn business.
Making friends and getting closer to people meant them getting to know you better.
I didn't believe that this was necessarily a good idea, especially in a place like this.
---------------------------
The girl was mute and used a notebook and a pen to communicate. She didn't use sign language to my surprise, but maybe it had to do with the fact that not everyone knows sign language.
She was one of those friendly, social and easy going people. She would glance at me and smile from time to time. She probably thought she could get to know me or get to approach me. As if.
Most of this positivity would die down eventually and she would understand that I'm not truly looking for a chit chat or something, so she would ignore me eventually.
.......
----------------------------
The girl, Y/n, kept following ne almost everywhere, trying to get my attention with her smiles and kind words.
I tried to give her the hint that I did not care about her, but she was too determined and stubborn that she just tried to build talks and all these... lovely things. At first, I tried being rude, but it did not always work, so I chose to ignore her most of the time, though it was not too effective. Sigh... It was getting on my nerves.
It wasn't until she was kind enough to give me some water and an apple during my training session. I told her something that seemed to hurt her feelings, so she chose to leave like that. She tried pretending that it was not a big deal, but I was not stupid.
To make things even more awkward, we were matched together. She seemed to be doing well with the dancer so I left her with Margaretha, or whatever her name is.
Not like Y/n was my responsibility.
I was this close to leaving, if it weren't for my gut warning me. I would have felt terrible if the girl was still out there in danger...
Because everyone would be mad at me for leaving. After all, I am the rescuer.
People were too harsh on me, as they expected me to do all the containing and rescuing. Just imagine how mad they would be if I were to leave just like that without checking for the others.
So, by going back to the map, I came to the conclusion that my gut was right and that Y/n was indeed in danger.
So of course, as expected of me, I saved her and carried her all the way back to the manor, where she was taken care of by the doctor. And after that, he borrowed some flowers from Ganji's little garden and gave them to Y/n... As an apology. That, of course, meant that he visited her.
She just looked adorable in those thin, clean and light covers. Her hair was a bit messy and she looked rather tired.
Wait, why was I even staring at her?
--------------------------------------
With the time passing, Naib found himself getting used to Y/n's presence.
"Check this technique," He told her as he glanced at her from the side with a smirk, before he managed to perform some incredible movements and landed some skillful punches and kicks to the ragdoll, while moving his body.
She was impressed at his movements and she couldn't help but admire him as he focused at his target with intensity in his eyes. It was scary, yet intriguing at the same time. The way he moved around, used his force and stretched his muscles looked really attractive to her.
She smiled nervously and raised her notebook for him to see, which did catch his attention as he stopped. "That was really impressive, Naib! But I really have to get going now.. I need to prepare for the match later."
"Just a moment, you impatient girl," He rolled his eyes as he placed his hands on his hips and wiped the sweat from his forehead using his wrist. The fact that he was, for whatever reason, shirtless, did not help her feel any relaxed. He was breathing normally despite all those movements, which showed how athletic he really was. He then proceeded to untie his hair, making a quick flip with his hair before he tied them again. "It's not like you have any important business or something. You'll leave in a moment."
That was the fourth time he said that he would let her leave 'in a moment'. She had scheduled to be in her room twenty minutes ago, but thanks to Subedar, her schedule was messed up now. He really had a thing for making her watch him train with his body and weapons.
During the beginning, he was annoyed by her presence, but now he wouldn't let her leave that easily. Even though it was kind of weird and uncomfortable to her, she couldn't say that she hated it. She enjoyed watching him and his behavior was a sign that he had warmed up to her.
So, with a sign, she placed her notebook beside her and continued watching in slight boredom. His lips tugged at the end at her as he continued flexing his skills, talking about how nobody could match his skills, how strong and skillful he was and everything....
Naib found himself enjoying his single membered audience. He liked seeing her reactions and it just gave him motivation to try harder and get stronger.
He honestly did not understand why he had the need to impress her, but it just felt right. Plus, it was easy to convince her to stay longer.
After another ten minutes, "Alright, I think that's enough for today." Naib said and walked towards Y/n, who was patiently sitting on the bench. She lit up at this finally and she was quick to hand him his cold bottle of water. He quickly drank most of it, before splashing the rest on his whole face and body, making Y/n blush slightly and look away, towards the bench, pretending to be collecting her things.
"That was a satisfying three hour training, even though I could basically go on for longer. It was not much." He shrugged to himself as Y/n stared at him with eyes wide. Three hours? And he considered that a little?
At least she didn't watch him for three hours. She probably had to sit there and watch him for an hour.... and a half.... maybe even longer....?
Then, he started leaving towards the exit with relaxed movements, as if Y/n was not there at all or without saying goodbye. It was weird for her at first, but he always did that after training. She supposed it was his way of saying goodbye and showing that the ta were to part ways.
Y/n stared down at her notebook, thinking about Naib. She wasn't.... necessarily attracted to him or something, but she did feel a type of was around him... Slightly, though. He was still an asshole.
----------------------------------
Naib found himself becoming more obsessed with Y/n, ever since what happened between them.
He found out that she could actually speak and she pushed her limits in front of everyone, bringing her in a difficult position. Despite feeling prideful over seeing her that... weak and guilty after attempting to lie, when she expressed what she truly felt, he understood that he messed up.
Y/n would rarely come out of her room and no matter how much he tried finding her when she did, he just couldn't. And she didn't allow anyone in her room, as far as he was aware.
So, he kept punching and kicking his punching bag that was in the middle of the room as he thought to himself and tried to think of what to do.
Exercising and using violence against his punching bag always helped him relax his nerves, as he had somewhere to take his anger, worry or anxiety out.
People were mad at him for what he said and did to Y/n in front of everyone, but he didn't care much about that.
Y/n was probably mad at him and hated him. He couldn't really blame her, but he was too used to her kind, shy and warm presence and personality that having her isolated away from him made him feel negative emotions. Even upon passing by her door, he could sense her negative aura. He didn't like that. He really just...
He had taken a liking to the girl. Perhaps, a bit too much. He couldn't help it.
He liked everything about her, from her perfections to her imperfections and their differences. Just like they say, opposites attract. He didn't believe that ever, until now. The way she looked and smiled at him, the way she wanted him to be alright and relaxed... And despite him treat in her poorly, she was still there.
Even though she most likely acted like that around everyone or most people, he couldn't help but feel like there was something between them...
He found himself attached. He really wanted to just spend time with her, as much as possible, doing anything and even having her between his arms and feeling her soft touch.
He didn't remember when was the last time he was caressed and cared for by a woman's touch. Perhaps, last time was from his mother. He had long forgotten the safety and warmth it radiated, and he believed that it was just a feeling that made someone weak and that he could survive without it.
But everytime Y/n placed her hand on his shoulder, everytime their fingers touched when exchanging an object, God, even her being near him made him remember the divine feeling of warmth, care and love...
He stopped punching the bag, as he stared at the ground with eyes dilated. He tightened his grip.
He needed to see her again soon.
He needed to be close to her.
He needed to be with her.
He needed to hold her...
He needed to kiss her.....
He.....
He needed her.
----------------------
"The sky is so beautiful tonight...."
Y/n said softly with a smile as she stared up at the sky. The soft moonlight eliminating her skin, hair and eyes made her look like a Goddess in his opinion.
She wasn't dressed in anything fancy or flashy, she wore her regular, comfortable clothes. But that's exactly why she looked Godly to him, she appreciated the little things in life, she didn't want much and..
She was just perfect in his eyes. She was perfect and the ideal woman for him.
"Not as beautiful as you, princess."
The girl gasped in surprise and fear as she sharply turned to see Naib, who was chilling and leaning against the doors. Poor girl must have been startled by this. But he was more than happy to have found the chance to see her.
It was just the two of them outside the balcony now, and it wasn't really easy for anyone to notice the two from there.
"Hm? Take a picture, it will last longer..." He teased with a side and mischievous grin, as he attempted to calmly and slowly walk towards her. Her glare against him resembled to venom... Or at least, she tried to make it seem that way. To Naib, she looked like an angry puppy.
Y/n ignored all of his words as she tried to get passed him, if it weren't for him grabbing her arm. She already disappeared from him for a couple of days, it was rude to leave just like that again.
Using chloroform, he pushed her body against his, keeping her steady with one hand by her waist as he held the clothe against her nose and mouth for a few minutes. It was a whole battle for the girl as she tried to cry and escape, but she grew more tired with the minute passing. "Sh sh sh, it's okay, darling, you'll be okay... Just relax for me, there is no use trying to escape." He whispered in her ear softly as she eventually stopped struggling and gave in. He sighed in relief, "That's my girl, thanks for doing this the easy way..."
He held her bridal style as he remained in a kneeling position, with the girl between his arms he stared at her with a smile as he softly ran his fingers through her hair, cheeks and chin.
No matter how longer he wanted to stay there, he didn't want anyone noticing them. He had to hide her inside that basement as quickly as possible.
He smiled as he picked her up from the floor carefully and started walking his way to the basement. He felt happy with the decision he had taken not to let anyone know about that place when he found it first. He wanted to let a few of his teammates know, but the feeling in his gut not to tell them came in handy.
----------------------------
He stared at the unconscious girl under him laying down on the bed. She was softly breathing calmly, as if she were asleep.
His grip tightened as he held part of the white sheets. It was really difficult for him to control the urge to kiss her or... do something to her.
He felt strange, but he knew that he wouldn't hold back easily if anything were to happen, and he didn't kidnap Y/n all the way there to make her feel uncomfortable, violated or scared. He wanted to make it up to her and help her warm up to him again. Plus, he wasn't known for being too soft or gentle.
He just wanted to reassure her safety and comfort. He knew that he would help her adjust. He just needed to put some effort, be patient and give her some time.
Maybe... Fall in love with him. Maybe then, who knows what could happen next?
With a soft sigh, he placed a soft kiss on her cheek before he closed his eyes and got up from the bed. He slowly exited the room and glanced at her one more time, before he locked the door behind him.
-------------------
Y/n had lost track of time. She didn't know how many days had passed ever since Naib kidnapped her to that place. She kept hoping someone would find her, but would they really do that?
It hadn't even been a week, so maybe it was still early? Maybe they still didn't take notice of her disappearance? Either way, she would be found. Sooner or later..... Sooner....... or later........
She was rocking back and forth in them corner of the dark room and bed anxiously.
She believed she would go crazy there.
Naib had been treating her rather nicely. Maybe, a bit too nicely, but not nicely enough to give her freedom and set her free.
He would bring her food and insist on feeding her himself, he would proceed to hug and cuddle with her, as he would smile at her and say that they were doing things couples do...
She felt scared and uncomfortable by him. He wasn't the Naib she knew. No matter how attractive he was and how his voice and touch gave her the chills, she didn't want to fall for his tricks. He made her remember what she went through years ago...
Except this time, she was actually allowed to speak and have supplies to full-fill her needs.
Naib really cared for her and made sure he had everything Y/n needed to feel as comfortable as possible. She had to admit that even though it did help, she didn't feel exactly really comfortable.
Y/n heard the door being unlocked, before it was pushed open. "Y/n, I'm back." Naib said softly as he entered the room, before locking it behind him.
Y/n remained seated in the corner of the bed, having her knees pushed against her chest as she tried to his behind them as much as possible.
However, she could still observe him from that spot. She also did notice how he seemed a bit tired and dizzy. And the moment he walked a bit closer to her, he smelled like beverage.
'Did he drink...?' Y/n wondered anxiously. 'Is he drunk?' It was the first time she saw him drunk and she feared that them being in the same room together, alone, while he was drunk, was not a really good idea. He could potentially hurt her or act violent....
She grew scared as she saw him approach her and she pushed her back against the wall. "No, plea-" She whispered quietly as she shut her eyes tightly and tried to protect herself, only to feel a strong hand ruffling her hair from the top of her head. She opened her eyes and blinked in confusion as Naib just let out a sigh and threw his shoes from his feet. "Sorry for.... having to see me like this," He said in a tired tone. "It was someone's birthday today.... I don't remember, but I had a few good drinks with William and.... that barmaid......" He said as he threw his shirt to the other corner of the bed, before he sat on the bed, his back facing Y/n but his face turned towards her. He let out a sigh as he rubbed his forehead. "I... I think I might be a little drunk?" He questioned, mostly to himself.
Wait, if he mentioned the others, that means that nobody got hurt and that they were still outside somewhere! Though, she was sure that she was somewhere far from them, hence why she heard no response despite her trying to get someone's attention.
"But just a little..." He said, scratching his chin. "I wanted to return to you as soon as possible... Without someone seeing me or me...... getting out of control......." He yawned before he removed the hair tie from his hair, letting them fall to his shoulders. "I... didn't want anything to happen while I was drunk, so.... I had to.. stop, because you worth more than a few drinks."
His speech was definitely weird and different. He was not acting like himself, however, he was expressing how thoughts at her without him realizing that much. He wasn't too drunk to do much, but he was just enough to blubber a few things and feel dizzy. She could see the fatigue in his eyes.
His eyes were so beautiful.....
Naib sighed before he lied down on the bed, using his arms to grab Y/n by her waist and force her to lie close to him, as she whimpered in surprise and anxiety. Her back was against his chest and she could feel his face resting on her back as he held her really tight. "Hm..... You're warm......" He whispered to himself.
His hair was sprayed all over the pillows and even at her face a bit, tickling her. But she didn't pay much attention to her, but to his actions.
Naib couldn't easily get close to her and sleep with her during the nights. Upon seeing Y/n getting worried and afraid the moment he came too close, despite how much he hated it and how much it destroyed him, he forced himself to step away, giving her her own free space before he would attempt to lie and sleep on the opposite side of the bed, or sometimes even to the ground or back to his own room, depending on the situation.
She knew how much he wanted her near him, however, not only did she feel terrified... but also rather embarrassed and anxious around him, especially when he was that close to her. He smelled nice, he was warm, strong, and she felt protected...
Wait, what was she thinking? He was that reason she was held captive in the first place. It wasn't right to drool over his beauty and his godly characteristics...
Plus, he was as intimidating as his beauty, and that was not much of a good thing. Most people would have found him hot, and she was sure she would have developed feelings for him, but every since he kidnapped her, scared her and isolated her like that, she couldn't bring herself to wish being near him, no matter how nice, warm or comforting he could be.
"You're always.... so quiet....." He mumbled, making her shaken from her thoughts. "I usually like this in people, but.... I don't want you to be like that." He complained lowly, as if he was slowly drifting to sleep, even though he wasn't. "I want to listen to you speak... And sing... And laugh..." He giggled quietly, before she felt him caress her cheek with his thumb softly.
"You know, I always liked the idea of having... someone to protect," He suddenly said, making her listen to him with focus. Her back was against his chest, meaning that she couldn't get to see the expression on his face.
"It can get kind of lonely at times.... I don't particularly like everyone here... It is nice having someone to love and protect..." "Why..." She whispered, hesitantly. "Why are you telling me these...?"
He remained silent for a while. She knew he was drunk, but he didn't get to speak about him and his relationships with others much, but at this state, he was actually speaking. She felt a bit guilty, but that meant understanding him better.
"Because I love you.. You're the person I was looking for." He admitted with a serious tone. "You just intrigued me.... I can't explain it, I just know that I need you here with me."
Y/n's eyes softened, before she finally turned her body towards him to face him. The two were so close to each other, which was rather uncomfortable for her, but she just felt like she had to look at him.
His face held a mix of a serene, relieved and saddened expression as he stared at her. It was not that stern and cold expression anymore. He remained silent as he slowly blinked his eyes at her. "I feel... safe with you." He smiled softly as he leaned his forehead against hers. "... How do you feel safe with... me?" She questioned in disbelief. How could someone like her make Naib Subedar himself feel safety? He was already strong, so why....
"I feel comfortable to open up to you. You don't judge... You listen... You respect and.. comfort..." He sounded as if he could cry. She stared deep into his eyes. She could see them getting glossy, but he wouldn't let the tears run.
Her eyes widen at this and her heart skipped a beat. It was impossible to see him being so soft and emotional.. It was impossible to imagine him having such a side, but she was impressed and touched by this. He was not as cold as he appeared to be.
"Ever since joining the army... I've changed." He spoke all of a sudden, as he avoided meeting her gaze, though he still remained close to her. "I always remember, no matter what I do or where I go... The fear, the uncertainty, the insecurity is always there, wherever I am." He tightened his grips as she frowned slightly.
He never told her the sad side of him. He always spoke about that things that made him confident and his achievements. He always tried to impress her and make himself look the strongest for her.
"You cannot imagine how difficult it is to save people.... Everytime I see blood, every time I see weapons...... Everytime I... Everytime someone gets hurt..... The past comes back and I feel helpless...."
But you always fight back... You're always so strong. How can the person behind your smile be the opposite of who you seem to be?
"But I always have to play the hero for them.... I let them suffer many times, because I didn't want to relieve these memories again. I... I simply left them to die and suffer, because I knew I couldn't take it anymore..." He laughed miserably.
His words struck her like knives. He made her feel his own emotions through simple words.
For how long have you been suffering and keep in all those things inside?
"I am not always what people want me to be. I'm just... A traitor... A coward...." Then, he looked at her again and smiled again. "You bring me strength. You bring me courage and motivation to keep going and be a stronger person."
A traitor... A coward...?
Who are you really, Naib?
"You are enough to keep me on my feet. I won't ever lose you or let you go." He smiled confidently at this as he narrowed his eyes lightly. "Nobody has made me feel this way. That's why I love you."
Y/n didn't notice, but tears had started forming in her eyes at this.
His gaze softened at this, as he wiped her tears with his thumbs. "You really are emotional, huh? I can see why I never wanted to tell you much...." He chuckled as he hugged her, hiding her face in his warm chest as she cried silently. "I'll stop.. If you're so sensitive, I don't want you to know anymore." He sighed. "My life and past is too depressing for you. You deserve happiness."
He then looked at her and lifted her chin to face him. "I want to see your smile. Can you do that for me?"
She stared at him with blurry vision, but she still mamaged to break a small smile. Just for him.
"That's my girl." He whispered and kissed her forehead.
"I'm..." She began saying, hesitantly, "I'm sorry for whatever you went through... You don't need to talk about it anymore.... I know it's difficult." "... Thanks."
She quickly noticed how he had already been drifting to sleep. It was quick, but considering how tired and drunk he sounded and how many things he let out of his chest, he could most definitely sleep like this.
Yet I still have many things I don't know about you... You're such a mysterious person.. I just want to learn everything about you.
She stared at his chest rising and relaxing as he breathed softly. Then, he noticed the multiple battle scars surrounding every part of his body.
You're really interesting, Subedar... I know there are things you don't want me to know... You want to keep things to yourself... And that's alright. I respect that. Maybe one day, if you feel more comfortable, you can tell me more.
She then stared at his thin lips and sleeping face. He looked so peaceful... Perhaps, telling her about some of his feelings helped him feel this way?
She felt her cheeks getting warmer as she, with extremely slow movements, moved her head close to his. He stared at him with anxiety, slight fear but also an intense emotion that she couldn't describe... Her heart was pounding extremely quickly.
With a slightly trembling hand, she reached put to his face and put a few strings of his hair behind his ear and caressed his cheek lovingly. She didn't know what she was doing. It felt as if she couldn't control her body.
She hesitantly then touched her lips with his, before he pulled away once they made contact.
Her eyes widened and she quickly turned her back on him, covering her red face.
What the hell were you thinking?! What has gotten into you?! What is he had woken up?!
She wanted to scream from embarrassment, but decided against it. Plus, it seemed like he didn't notice a bit.
Though... It felt... Nice and exciting. She felt really weird when they touched their lips. It was just their lips touching, nothing more! Yet why was she feeling so strange...?
------------------------
Next morning, she woke up seeing Naib looking himself in the mirror as he adjusted his elbow pads. He really was the first thing she saw after waking up. She just stared at his face, after rubbing her eyes slowly.
His expression was calm, yet the usual. It was not soft like last night, it was back to looking stern, nothing like what she saw last night.
Could what have had happened with them been a dream all along? It was too surreal... Maybe he had dreamed everything. Maybe she never saw him in that emotional state.... Or kissed him....
He suddenly took notice of her and flashed her a smile. "Good morning, hun." He said in his usual, low tone. "How did you sleep? Did you have any dreams?" He asked casually as he started getting dressed in front of her.
She shyly stared at the hands that were on her lap, after she raised her body and got into a sitting position. "I.. I slept well. And no, I didn't have any dreams..."
Naib bit into the apple he was holding, before he walked towards her and gave her his apple. "Here, you can have the rest. I'll bring you more breakfast, but you will have to wait for a while."
She slowly took the apple form his hand.
From the same apple you ate?
With a quick kiss on her head, he walked towards the strong door and unlocked it. "I'll be back before you know it." He winked at her, before he left her alone and he locked the door.
He acted normally, considering what happened last night. It was as if nothing had happened at all previous night...
---------------------------
Y/n scared at Naib digging into his food in front of her as she ate in a slow manner. "How are you feeling?" She asked him.
He looked up at her, before he wiped his lip with his finger after taking a bite from his salad. "Well... You?" "Good..." She looked down at her plate of food, not having much appetite. She then looked up at him and whispered. "You're feeling okay after last night, right?"
He suddenly slowed his movements as he ate. ".... Yeah, I'm good. No headaches or anything."
She didn't know whether she was right, but she could swear she saw him stiff upon mentioning last night. He looked slight uncomfortable. Maybe he didn't feel too happy about being so vulnerable towards her...?
"Today, I'll be training here." He changed the subject, making her title her head slightly. "Huh?"
As he finished eating, he grabbed the empty plates. "You'll finish that food." He glared at her as he pointed at it, making her shrink back to her chair and sweat slightly.
He then turned his back on her and opened the door to leave the room, again.
"I don't feel like training outside. By the way, I want to show you something here." He said, pick in her interest, before he locked her in her room again.
Her room- No, the place she was held captive was a small room enough for a bed, a wardrobe, a mirror, a few boxes, a table with chairs... and the basics. It wasn't really big but it was just enough for her. Not to forget the bathroom of course.
That meant that everytime he had to leave her room in order to move things, like plates and more, since there was not a kitchen in that room, if he were to forget to lock the door, she could run and escape.
She used to try finding the right moment to do that, but she didn't think about escaping anymore.
She was confused about this. Didn't she want to escape that badly? How could she forget and lose her guard? There could be many chances for her, but....
Was it fear that stopped her? The fear of the consequences if she were to get caught? Or was it...
Stockholm syndrome?
This was a likely possibility, as she slowly started thinking about it. Was she getting attached to Naib after what had happened? Was he really getting to her, with all of his attractive qualities and features?
She shouldn't have allowed that to happen, but...
It was impossible. It was easier said than done, but she believed that she was actually developing feelings for him.
Before he learned about her having a voice, the two had an interesting chemistry. While Y/n was incredibly supportive, kind and interested in the area around her, Naib was cold, ignorant and a lone wolf, who did not really look forward to having many people around him. He was annoyed by her as she was around him, most of the time. That time, however, she didn't have any feelings towards him.
Why did she have now?
-----------------------------
Y/n anxiously stood in the middle of the room, just like Naib told her to do so as she waited him to come back.
It didn't take long until her entered the room.... holding a pair of red, boxing gloves.
Y/n raised an eyebrow at this as Naib locked the door and approached Y/n. "Here," He commanded, handing her the gloves, "Put these on."
"....." Y/n remained silent as he looked at the gloves and Naib up and down. "... Eh..?"
"Come on," He rolled his eyes rather coldly, "Don't make me repeat myself." Not want in to annoy him, she grabbed the gloves and put them on, with Naib helping her wear the second on.
She stared at her gloved hands and tightened her fists and attempted to move her fingers, truing to adjust.
"Now..." Naib said as he stood there, looking comfortable and relaxed as he stared at her. "Punch me."
Y/n was taken aback and she felt Sim sweat drop from her forehead. "... What? Why?"
"Just do it, come on," He tried to encourage her as he changed into a defensive position, keeping his arms close to his chest and face. "Try punching me a few times. I want to see how you fight."
These words made Y/n feel anxious and self conscious.
No matter what she did in the past, whether she had taken part in sports or something similar to boxing or karate, she hadn't tried anything like fighting or punching in years. Her body was not really strong and she was not feeling comfortable or confident enough to fight.
She was weak and way weaker than Naib, she would make a fool of herself in front of him.
Naib, not liking her hesitation, sighed. "What's wrong?"
"I..." She started saying as she frowned and stared at her gloved hands I'm embarrassment and disappointment. "I can't do this. I don't know how to fight properly...... and I'm weak....." She whispered.
"And?" Naib asked, raising an eyebrow as he placed his hand on his hip. "We all start from somewhere? We are not all born athletes," He chuckled and shrugged. He then eyed her seriously. "Weak or not, fighting and self defense is a must. Or else how will you be able to protect yourself in case anything happens? Will you remain clueless just because you're afraid of failure or embarrassment?" He questioned her, making her feel guilty as he gave her some 'life lessons'. "I think it's better to feel confident, knowing you have a few moves up your sleeve, yes?" He then returned back to his defensive position. "So, come on. Try to fight me. Pretend I'm someone who called you ugly names and tried to harass you. How will you act? Will you just let me get away with it or will you much my ass with all you have and can do?"
Y/n narrowed her eyes at him and furrowed her eyebrows, before he let out a sigh.
Well, here goes nothing....
Y/n put all the power she could to her hands as she started punching Naib's arms with all the force she had.
Naib let her attack him for a while, as she shut her eyes, gritted her teeth and continued punching non-stop, giving everything she had.
She quickly got tired and stopped, as she breathed heavily.
"Alright, you can stop now..." Naib said.
Based on the tone of his voice, he was not impressed.
Damn it... She was not even strong. He probably would mock her weakness.
"You're making a lot of mistakes here," He told her as he crossed his arms and stared at her. Y/n rose her head slightly with disappointment at this, but she didn't expect to hear anything different.
Then, she felt him ruffle with the hair on top of her head with strength, making her hair a mess. "That's expected from a beginner.... Here, I'll teach ya how its done."
Needless to say, Naib stayed behind her as he would touch her shoulders, head and arms, in an attempt to fix her position as he spoke, making her slightly nervous.
"Don't put so much power in your arms all the time as you punch. This will make you feel more tired quickly."
"Relax your shoulders and arms. It makes you look weak and scared to your opponent. It makes you feel tired easier and quicker."
"Put more strength on your fists as you punch, don't keep them tightened all the time, unless you go for the attack."
"Relax - People can understand your insecurity because of your tense shoulders and clunching chin."
"Leaving your shoulders and arms move lightly helps you build more power and speed."
"Keep your arms and elbows right here. That way, you can block the attacks better."
"Move your legs and head like that to avoid an attack."
Do this, do that....
He was giving her a lot of instructions on how to move, punch or kick correctly.
Needless to say, she was slowly understanding a few things. As he let her practice the moved slowly over and over again, she felt as if she was getting the hand of it.
Sweat dripped from her head down her cheeks and body and her body was in a bit of pain, but she didn't care that much. She was interested and having fun. Plus, the techniques he was teaching her could be beneficial for her in the future.
She was getting free lessons from Naib himself.
She would always watch him practice and everything, but doing that herself was exciting.
Alright, if we were to compare what Naib was doing and how he punched and kicked the punching bag and how Y/n was practicing, she would look like a tiny puppy trying to attack.
Yet, she had to admit, she was feeling strong and confident at that time. She kind of liked that and not only was it good exercise, it was also a good way to stand up and protect yourself, as well take all the anger and anxiety out.
"Well, not bad for the first time," Naib said with a side smile as he crossed his arms.
She looked at him as she breathed, trying to catch her breath. She was not used to this. "Does that... mean we are done?" "Yeah." He shrugged. "We've been practicing for a while, but I don't want to exhaust you for the first time."
"So... That means we will also ... practice more often?"
He raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Maybe, if you're interested."
"Wow..." I exhaled in satisfaction. "Sure... It was nice. But... Why did you suddenly decide to teach me about these things?"
Naib stared at me for a while, before he walked closer to me and helped me remove my gloves.
"I wanted to learn more about you. As well as teach you things, because..." He finally removed both, as I started rubbing my hands together. "Life can be tough... People can do awful things. It's good to be able to take care of yourself."
I then looked up at him. "But... Why? Aren't you here to protect me?" I suddenly asked, stopping him as he was walking towards the door.
He looked at me in surprise.
"I mean..." I crossed my arms and glanced at the ground, before looking back at him "If you're here to protect me and keep me here, then why would you want me to learn how to defend myself? What if I used all these things against you one day?"
That brought a smile to his face. "... You won't. Even if you tried, you wouldn't succeed." He then inhaled as he changed the tone of his voice. "You know, you've gotten dramatically more comfortable with me during this... We've been making progress. And I'm proud of you."
For some reason, hearing that come out of her... kidnapper's mouth as he smiled at her made her want to fly in the sky.
"But still - You never know what could happen... I'll give it my everything to have you with me and protect you from everyone, but you never know whether things could go wrong and if you were to have to stand up for yourself without my help...."
With that, he left the room, Y/n not noticing whether he actually locked the door or not.
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Everything was turning out the way Naib wanted.
He did not reach his goal yet, but he was making progress with her.
After a while of keeping her there and interacting with her, they've been getting closer and more comfortable.
He remembered how she used to tremble and cry in fear at this sight of him. He remembered the hatred towards him.
Using the right methods, however, she was going along and cooperating better than he expected.
They had breakfast, lunch, dinner together, he brought her new things for her, he taught her things, he spoke to her, he let her know about him....
He regretted at first, letting himself appear so vulnerable towards her by allowing himself to get drunk. He hated how he even spilled a little amount of information, but first of all... It is Y/n we are talking about. And second of all, ever since that, she seemed to be feeling better with him. Day by day, minute by minute, they were getting closer.
He knew he could do it. He knew that he just needed to give her some time and put some effort in helping her adjust, before she could finally accept her position with him, by his side. He needed this to happen, not just wanted it. He just wanted to be careful and not do something that would loose all of her trust in him.
But she was already getting closer. He felt it, she did not scream or cry at him anymore. Maybe she felt a bit awkward and uncomfortable, but that was okay, everything would turn out alright in the end for them.
He still made sure to lock the doors every time. He feared that one day, she would escape, either willingly or not, and he didn't want to risk anything, no matter how much trust he had in her. He wasn't too eager to trust her fully yet. Maybe... He never would.
Not just because of him being paranoid over Y/n pretending to be getting closer to him, just to find the perfect opportunity and escape, but also because of his fear of others finding her.
But in that position, Y/n, whether he was present or not, would try to take them all down, wouldn't she?
Aftrer all, if anyone forced her to leave that room unwillingly, she would teach them a thing or two. That would show her loyalty for him.
He didn't want things to come to that. He adored Y/n being all nice and shy around him, but having her know ways to stop others from doing something against her will sounded perfectly normal and healthy.
"Um, Naib...?" Anne spoke nervously, catcjing him from his thoughts.
He stared at her with a grim look, as he was crossing his arms and legs. "What?"
"You've been smiling a lot recently..." She pointed out with a raised eyebrow. That's whe he noticed Ganji, Emily and Lucky looking at him with weird expressions as they were sitting on the other chairs, waiting for the match to begin. He could see Lucky whispering something in Emily's ear, as she tried to make him quiet by shushing him. "Is everything alright? H-"
"Mind your own business, lady." He growled rudely before he looked away, definitely not wanting to interact with the others. She had stopped him from his thoughts, but he never realized how he had been grinning psychotically for a while now.
Everyone was concerned about him. Ever since Y/n disappeared, he's been acting strange and he had been having many mood swings. He would either be completely happy, rather anxious, angry, and it would often switch, too.
There were rumors that he went crazy by her disappearance, because that happened ever since they fought even though they had been getting rather along... They thought he had gotten a bit close to her and he was shocked to lose her...
On the other hand, others believed that he had murdered her and hidden her corpse somewhere, or burned it, who knows? Yet, they never managed to find evidence based on anything. Others disagreed with this theory, as Naib would rarely, or never hurt or go against the 'weak', which included men, but mostly women or children... Or that's what they wanted to believe.
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Even if she ever wanted and managed to leave, where would she go?
After all, she had no idea where she was. She knew one thing though - They couldn't have been out of that manor. Right?
She liked to assume that wherever she was located was somewhere inside the manor.
How else would she have been here?
If they could escape the mansion and go outside, I think most wouldn't miss the chance. Based on what she learned, not everyone enjoyed this place anymore and they learned that it was perhaps, a mistake that they came to the cursed place.
If Naib could exit the manor form any place, she was sure he would have done that long at, way before she had arrived.
But he was here, which only meant one thing - They were still somewhere inside the man or, along with everyone else. Just in a place concealed from them.
She started thinking about what would happen if she were to escape and be found by the others.... What would happen to him, but...
She let out a soft laugh.
She didn't quite want to leave him anymore.
Yes, she was sick of this room. She wanted to go out, see the sun and blue sky again, but also the moon and the stars. She wanted to feel fresh air and be outside...
But she didn't want to leave him.
He provided her with everything she truly needed.
She didn't have any complains about the room and the things she had - everything was just what she needed to fulfill her needs.
If she were to go outside, she would have had to face them, their questions, as well as the suicidal games...
Those matches brought nothing but pain and fear. Why would she want to go out there again? Just to witness a never ending loop of people being tortured and die and her included?
Plus, she had long forgotten the reason she was here in the first place.
Maybe it was some kind of fate for them.to meet together. Maybe they were... soulmates?
Being with Naib meant she at least managed to feel more comfortable... She had no dangers against her, she had supplies, a nice bed to sleep in, some books to read and more.
Life wasn't perfect but it would never be the moment she came here - let's face it.
Despite being afraid and hating Naib during the beginning, who brought nothing but fear to her and making her feel uncomfortable and unsafe, by being too close and everything...
Now, he was the one to make her feel safe, loved, cared for and appreciated...
She never and anyone treat her with so much love... He treated her as a Goddess - in his own ways, at least.
She knew that as long as she were with him, nothing would hurt her. He would protect her no matter what, just like that time when it was their first match together.
She was suffering incredible much, yet instead of choosing to save himself, he came back all the way to her, risking loosing in process. But he didn't, no matter how difficult it is or how annoyed he used to be at her.
Everything about him and all his signs of affection and touched made her feel butterflies in her stomach.
She never had someone care for or love her that much.
Naib gave her his everything to make that happen.
She quickly turned to look at the door opening.
Y/n ran away to the nearest corner in fear, tears running down her cheeks as she trembled to the point she could faint.
"I'm home.."
She cried silently at the sight of his intimidating form. The more he approached, the more she started to sob and scream. "GET AWAY FROM ME!! LET ME GO, PLEASE...."
"Welcome back.." She smiled lightly at him as she continued reading her book to where she was left, even though she was distracted fully now.
He sat next to her and embraced her close to him, kissing her forehead as he stroked her head lovingly.
She tried to push him away, trying to run to the already locked door, sobbing uncontrollably. "Shh, it's okay, there's nothing to fear now..." He said lovingly as he trapped her between his strong arms, never letting go of her, no matter how much she wanted to run away.
Y/n slowly hugged him back and closed her eyes. Naib felt surprised at that moment, as she had never done that before. "Woah..." He chuckled lightly before he hugged her back. "That's new." He teased slightly.
"Naib..." She spoke seriously before she looked up at him. He couldn't understand that emotions she felt.
"I hate you... I hate you so much..." She stopped struggling, giving up. She had gotten too tired to even move or cry anymore. She was exhausted.
"Shhh, it's okay, my love... You're speaking none sense..." He laughed as if she told him a joke, before he raised her head by her chin, using his fingers, to make her face him with those eyes filled with despair.
"I'll make you learn how to love me..." He muttered psychotically, his pupils dilating as a crepy grin stretched across his cheeks. "And we will be a very happy couple together. Just wait and you'll see.. In the meantime, relax...."
"I..." She began, trying to find the courage as he waited for her. "I... Despite what you've done, I think I've developed feelings for you..."
I've developed Stockholm syndrome.
His eyes widen slightly. "..." "I don't really want you to leave... I... I think I'm willing to stay by your side... If I could have a little bit of freedom, with your company..." She placed a hand on his cheek as he stared at her with a lovestruck gaze. "This could work out perfectly between us. I am willing to give us a chance and see how it goes....."
Naib was speechless. He didn't know whether I was actually happening or whether something had happened, but...
He felt like the happiest man in the world. He wouldn't miss the chance.
Y/n was finally accepting to be his.
He quickly pulled her in a passionate kiss, catching her off guard, as he smiled and closed his eyes at the kiss.
He pulled away, looking at her lovingly and caringly...
Or so he thought. He wasn't aware of how insane, possessive and obsessive he looked, but that was his love for her.
Y/n knew.
And Y/n had accepted it.
"I knew you would come to your senses one day...." He started laughing to himself, feeling lightheaded.
He couldn't believe it...
He looked up at her and cupped her cheeks, making her stare at him with eyes wide.
"I am willing to make you happy and give you everything you need... As long as you have me, nobody will ever lay a finger on you... Nobody will ever hurt you in any way or take you away from me... You're mine, Y/n."
Y/n slowly smiled at him.
She knew she was desperate. If she wasn't so mentally unstable anymore, if she had her normal life back, she would have acted in a completely different way, perhaps...
But she just realized he was everything she ever wanted and needed...
Someone to take care of her, protect her and love her unconditionally, no matter the consequences that followed.
Her relationship with Naib was indeed a very complicated one, but she had to come in terms with him...
At least now, by winning his trust, even though she would still be trapped under his wing, she had someone to confide in.
Maybe Isolation really did a number on her. However, she didn't mind anymore... Because Naib finally managed to teach her that she was meant to be his, he was meant to be hers and they were meant to be together, no matter the situation or consequences.
Nobody and nothing would ever separate them... He would assure that. Even if he had to keep her locked under his grip forever.
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(CHECK THE PREVIOUS 'CHAPTER/NOTE' TO SEE THE NEW ONE SHOTS THAT ARE CONSIDERED!!)
Seeeeee?~ I'm not dead :)
I can't believe it has been a whole year ever since I published the first part... Now I managed to write the second, wow!
I am never happy with the endings I write, but hey, it was something I guess. :)
WORD COUNT - 9K