TAKE VIII.
“I am not going to rob! This is my house!” I yelled, protesting for the 123456789th time. The huge man in a bodyguard suit shook his head vigorously.
“I’m sorry, young lady but I can’t trust you. There’s been so many robbing cases lately. I can’t let you climb the gate.” he said in a loud voice, fighting the sound of the rain that’s been pouring like cats and dogs since just now.
Akashi’s driver had gone away, leaving me in front of my house, speechless. Because Shiori probably had fallen asleep and there were no electricity, I can’t ring the bell so I tried to climb the gate but then a bodyguard that guards the whole housing area saw me and threatened to call the police as he thought I’m a robber even though I refused for so many times.
“It’s impossible, I’m a girl I can’t just rob peo—“
“It’s not impossible, it’s just rare.” He cut me off.
“No, please—“
“No more argues, dear lady. You better go or I’ll call the police.” He said sternly. I gaped and bit my lower lip then glanced at the outside.
“Just let me shelter myself—“
“No.”
“Okay then, lend me your umbrella—“
“No.”
I glared at him before turning away. The rain is threatening but for my sake, I had to brave it. So I walked aimlessly, shivering because of the coldness creeping within. I was completely drenched like COMPLETELY LIKE YOU WON’T BELIEVE IT. Where should I go now!?
The bakery!
I walked down the road and glad that the bakery had a sheltered porch. I sighed with relief and sat down on one of the chair. Great, I just realized I’ve been dragging my school bag on my shoulder along the way. I zipped it open and groaned. All my books and papers and all sorts of homework are wet! I wanted to cry but knew better not to.
My phone is okay since it’s waterproof; thanks Sony Xperia. I had an unread message from an hour ago.
From: Shiori.
I’m sorry Kazuto. It seems that there’s no electricity and I can’t open the gate. The main problem is right now, I’m damn sleepy and I can’t hold it anymore. So you’d be safe in the rain by staying over at your friend’s house. It’s a girl, right? You wrote ‘her’, so you’ll be alright. I’ll come fetch you at 5am tomorrow to prepare for school. Okie? ;)
Love, Shiori <3
I yelled something unintelligible to my own self and comically cried, burying my head into my bag. WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN TO ME!? I SHOULD BE AT HOME CUDDLING UNDER THE SOFT BLANKET RIGHT NOW IF I WEREN’T INVOLVED WITH THAT REDHEAD!!!!
I mentally cursed at myself countlessly as I stared at the empty road. The rain is so heavy that there’s barely a car passing by. Now.... I can’t sleep here. Someone will kidnap me! Shiro’s house!! Ah.... but I don’t know where. I have no choice, I need to ask around for Akashi’s household since he’s so famous! BUT WHERE AM I SUPPOSED TO FIND PEOPLE IN THIS HEAVY RAIN AT 11PM!? I wanted to cry again but pulled myself together.
Of course, what’s the use of this phone I’ve been holding since just now!? I dialed Reo’s number. He wasn’t picking up as the beep went on endlessly. Come on, Reo! Where are you when I needed you the most!? I whined over and over. Someone, please! I gripped my phone tight and threw my head back, shutting my eyes close. I am shivering, it’s so cold I could actually hear my teeth chattering and feel my slightly parted lips shaking.
“Akihiko-sama?” a hoarse voice greeted me.
I turned my head and saw the driver Akashi sent, towering over me, frowning. “Ah, what are you doing here?” I queried.
“I was on the way home from the Akashi’s servants household meeting. Saw you here, alone. Should I bring you.......”
I couldn’t hear him anymore as the world swayed around me. I fell forward but the driver caught me in one hand. “Akihiko-sama! Are you fine?” he asked, panicked.
“Just..bring.....me.....somewhere....” I replied, visions began to blur. He pushed me into the car gently and I lied on my back on the passenger seat behind. He turned off the air-con. I was trying hard to keep myself awake. Minutes later, he stopped.
“Akihiko-sama, we’re here.” He said and helped me got out of the car. I was staggering but with the help of him, we managed to get to the front door. He pushed the bell. No reply. He pushed again. No reply. He pushed again. The door slammed open, revealing an angry redhead, frowning at the driver.
“Can’t you see I’m sleepi—“ he stopped as my legs gave out and fell on him. He managed to hold me, though.
“What is happening?” I heard him ask. Voices are fading. Visions are blurring. Please don’t pass out now, Kazuto.
“Possibly moderate hypothermia. Found her drenched on a bakery on my way home.......” and then I heard nothing but silence.
* * * *
The moment I went awake, I sneezed endlessly and all I could feel is cold. I could feel myself shivering. There’s two to three blankets covering me. “Thought you’re dead,” a voice said. I tried to sit up and looked at the person.
“A..ka..” I croaked then coughed, unable to finish my sentence. Akashi handed me a glass of warm water.
“What are you doing outside in the rain alone?” he immediately asked after I finished gulping all the liquids and handed the glass back to him.
“Uh.... I didn’t manage to read my guardian’s message. She was sleepy and there weren’t any electric current so she won’t be able to open the gates for me. I tried to climb it but a guard saw me and I had to shelter myself.” I explained.
“You could have gone to Reo’s.” Akashi said.
“I know no one’s address, okay? And I tried calling him but he wouldn’t answer. Well, who won’t! It’s almost midnight.” I replied.
He sighed. “You’re useless.”
“Hey, that’s mean. I just arrived in Kyoto how would I supposed to know?”
He nodded his head. “Okay, right now, just go to sleep. Rest well.” He said and got out of the room. I glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table. 00:32. Passed midnight, huh....
Shortening the story, I dozed off but at exactly 02:54am, I woke up, feeling damn hungry so I went out of the room. I had trouble walking since I’m still suffering from hypothermia. His mansion is huge so I wouldn’t be surprised if I get lost in this thing. Eventually, I managed to find the kitchen. I know it’s rude to barge in just like that but I can’t help it, I’m too hungry to hold myself back. I turned on the lights and went to the cabinet, searching for any food available.
“You hungry?”
I turned my head. “Oh Akashi, sorry for waking you up. And yeah, I’m hungry. You got something to eat?” I asked, my voice sounded so weak and I hated it.
“You shouldn’t be walking. You’re still shivering. Get back to your room, I’ll send something to eat.” He said.
“N-no. I want to cook.”
“In the middle of the night?”
I hesitated but nodded anyway.
“Cook what?”
I shrugged.
He sighed. “Still useless. Wait here, I’ll fetch you a blanket and teach you how to cook. You shouldn’t be wandering without any warm clothing on.” He made his way to wherever he is heading. Why does he sound so caring? He sound so.... kind. Am I dreaming?
Moments later, he wrapped a thick, warm blanket around me and started to pull out the ingredients. “What are you cooking?” I asked.
“Basic. Tofu.” He replied.
“Oh.... you like Tofu, ne? I’m sorry I ruined your dinner earlier.” I said.
He looked at me grimly. I blinked. “What?” I questioned.
“Stop talking and watch.”
He focused back to the food and I pouted, watching him closely. “You cut it like wedges, not according to whatever shape you like.” He spoke, showing me how to cut the onion in wedges style. I nodded in understanding.
“Then wait until the water boils. Don’t just stuff it in whenever you want.” He continued.
“Stir it properly, thoroughly.”
“Don’t put too much salt and sugar. It won’t taste good.”
“Follow your guts when placing it in. You should have that certain intuition on when to stop.”
After those lectures, he poured the soup into a bowl and handed it to me. “Drink it while it’s still hot.” He said. I took it and smiled.
“Thank you.” I said and started to drink the soup as if it’s my first and last. He watched me silently. I went to the sink to wash the bowl but he prevented me.
“You should not get into contact with cold water for the time being. Now go back to bed and let me handle this.” He said.
“Bu-“ I wanted to protest but he glared at me.
“I said go.”
I sighed and turned away towards the room I occupied earlier. I wonder why my life turns upside down when with him. This is so unhealthy. One minute he’s acting like a killer, one minute he’s acting all kind and one minute he’s so strict. Major mood swing I guess!
A/N: Kay you guys thanks for reading. This is more like a filler or something as the main plot is yet to be written (it’ll be in the next chapter which I expect to be updated in one to two days after this). No worries and I thank you so much for reading my story/stories. I’m glad you stayed.
You’re the best, forever and ever <3
P/S: This is unedited because I'm sleepy XD sorreyh!
By my leave, mortals....