"You're not Eri?"
Tahomaru's low voice resounded. His previous surprised expression turned into a scowl. He quickly trotted towards them, his gaze fixed on the girl who remained expressionless. Kyohei stepped in front of Kou, putting himself in between the two teenagers.
"Tahomaru-sama. Please calm down and listen to--"
"You expect to calm down in this situation when I know that you're basically fooling everyone?!"
The teenager raised his voice, the rage in his eyes present as he looked back at Kou. For someone who was caught in the act of pretending, Tahomaru noticed that she was too calm.
"What do you have to say for yourself?" He nodded his head towards her direction, his voice lowering a few octaves.
Realizing that he's talking to her, Kou released a sigh.
"What more can I say? You found out. It was not in the plan but there's nothing I can do now that you know about it".
"You wouldn't even deny it?" Tahomaru narrowed his gaze.
"I won't".
Kou shrugged in response to his question.
Tahomaru couldn't believe what was revealed before him. So from the very beginning of the stay, the one who was with him was not the real Eri? Is that why he felt that she's very different and even thought that she's a different person? He felt betrayed yet he couldn't even dismiss his curiosity as to how she isn't Eri when the two of them were very alike, appearance wise.
"But before you can even react more than this, let Kyohei explain the whole situation for you". Kou spoke again as she rubbed the nape of her neck.
Noticing his lack of response, her blue eyes turned to him.
"Calm down. We're not gonna lie this time".
She gave the retainer a short nod who started to explain the very beginning of this misunderstanding. Tahomaru listened closely, absorbing every detail as Kou remained on her spot.
Truth to be told, Kou was really surprised when Tahomaru revealed himself while she and Kyohei were talking. The girl wasn't just able to react properly. She wasn't planning on letting him find out that she wasn't the real princess, because like what Kyohei had said earlier, the engagement might be canceled and Eri wouldn't be pleased with it for sure.
Moreover, this wouldn't even happen if Eri didn't just disappeared so suddenly. So just where in the world could she have been?
Kou pinched the bridge of her nose.
They needed to convince Tahomaru not reveal the secret or even break the engagement. She also knew that she and Kyohei have a fault in this too. They were talking too carelessly which resulted into the current problem at hand so they have to do everything to not let their dreaded result to happen.
The girl took in a deep breath before exhaling. She already have her hands full in finding Hyakkimaru and Dororo on this town and now she had to deal with Tahomaru too.
Tahomaru was glancing at her every now and then as he listened to Kyohei's explanation. The girl is not Eri. That's what Kyohei has been saying. But looking at her, he couldn't help but think that she's none other than the princess. They look too alike, that's why she was able to confuse everyone.
"So, you have mistaken her for the real princess?" He asked when Kyohei finished his explanation.
"Yes. Rena-sama even acknowledged that she is not her daughter".
"I see".
"Please, Tahomaru-sama. Until we find the real princess, please keep this a secret".
A deep silence enveloped the three of them. The atmosphere had turned heavy and Kou didn't like it. Her eyes remained closed as she waited for either man to speak. The short seconds of waiting felt like eternity until Tahomaru spoke again.
"I'll think about it".
Glancing at Kou's face one last time, Tahomaru turned around to walk away. When he was gone, the two remaining people released the breath they didn't know they were holding.
"That was nerve wracking". The girl muttered, looking all too exhausted. The tension she wasn't able to show earlier slapped her hard.
"What should we do if he told everyone?" Kyohei asked with a frown.
"We can only hope that he won't do that".
When morning came, the group had started to make their way back to Daigo's residence. Kyohei wasn't able to find Kou's companions much to her dismay. The ride back home was eerily quiet, with Mutsu and Hyogo immediately sensing that there might be something wrong.
Mutsu's eyes glanced towards Kou, who was sitting behind her retainer on a horse, then it moved to Tahomaru who was ahead of them. It was strange, because judging their current relationship now, it should be obvious that the princess will be riding with the young man. But for some unknown reasons, the two decided to ride separately and wasn't even talking to one another.
Perhaps something had happened and they fought? That was the only plausible reason that came into Mutsu's mind. The atmosphere is too heavy for it to be considered only a small conflict. Whatever the problem was, Mutsu could only wish that they reconcile soon.
When they reached the residence, the two teenagers immediately separate ways, as if they didn't want to even be with the presence of one another for a longer time. Hyogo blinked, looking at the directions where the two teenagers went.
"This is more severe than their previous relationship status". He muttered to himself and his sister could only nod her head in agreement on his statement.
ಠ_ಠಠ_ಠಠ_ಠ
"What's wrong, Eri-san? You're not eating". Nui commented when she saw Kou just staring right at her food.
The mentioned girl snapped out of her daze and released a sheepish laugh. She was having dinner with Tahomaru and his family yet her she was, spacing out.
"I'm sorry. I think I'm still tired". She answered.
Hearing this, Daigo hummed. He put down his chopsticks and spoke with his usual serious voice.
"I heard that you were injured and protected Tahomaru with yourself. I'm grateful. You should take more rest. You will be needing more energy for your travel back home tomorrow".
The girl nod with a small smile, rising on her feet and giving a short bow before walking away not noticing the pair of eyes watching her every movement.
"Then, please excuse me".
When she reached the room she shared with Tahomaru, Kou plopped down on her futon face first. She released a long sigh on her pillow as she turned her head to the side, staring at Tahomaru's futon.
"I know that you have every right to be mad at me but it's not like I'm not bothered about it, you know". With a huff, she buried her face in her pillow with exhaustion taking over her body.
By the time that Tahomaru arrived, Kou was already in deep sleep. The girl was laying on her stomach and snoring a little too loudly than she normally does. He frowned, seeing her not having any blanket around her. The young man approached her sleeping figure and covered her with the warm blanket. His hand lightly brush away the hair that covers her face.
Tahomaru pulled his futon and laid next to her, his eyes never leaving her sleeping face. His hand extended and caressed her cheek. He leaned his face closer, softly touching her lashes.
"These are her eyelashes." He trailed off. "This is her nose, her eyebrows...her lips..." For every body part mentioned, the young man touches it with his fingers, his eyes making sure to remember every unique features.
"They are more beautiful upclose". He breathed out, the hand that was touching her face clenched as he pulled it away.
"Hey, can you tell me? Why am I hurting?"
The only response he got from the girl was a snore. Managing a short chuckle, the young man closed his eyes to sleep.
When Kou woke up, Tahomaru was already not in the room. Not that she knew that he came after she fell asleep. With a grunt, the girl sat up straight before calling out for the servants to help her clean herself because she was still injured.
The female servant with her carefully put the medicine on her wounds. She was slightly flinching every now and then whenever Kou did it too.
"This is such a large wound, princess". The servant spoke with furrowed brows, her hand continuing to apply the medicine on her back. "I hope it won't leave a scar".
Kou looked down at her hands.
"I don't really care if it leaves a scar or not". She answered, her lips curling into a smile. "I'm just glad I protected him".
Hearing her answer, the servant smiled.
She was one of the witnesses of the drastic change between the princess and her young master. Even from years back, she had watched how the girl worked hard to earn Tahomaru's affections. And now that her efforts are starting to produce results, she made sure to cheer for the princess from the bottom of her heart.
"You must really love Tahomaru-sama".
Kou stopped moving and blinked rapidly.
She shook her head, cupping her cheeks with her hands. Yes, the servant is saying that in thoughts that she's the princess.
"Yes. That's right". Her voice resounded softly.
After having lunch, it was finally time for Kou and Kyohei to leave. Daigo and Nui were there to see her off but just like the first day, Tahomaru was not with the crowd. Her blue eyes roamed around, only seeing Mutsu and Hyogo on the side who gave her a curt bow. She smiled and nodded at them before she turned around and boarded the carriage with Kyohei.
"It looks like Tahomaru-sama didn't say anything. I'm glad". Kyohei said as he leaned back on his chair, releasing a sigh of relief.
Kou only hummed as a response, her blue eyes looking at the view outside.
"That's good". She spoke after some time.
When they arrived back home, Rena and her husband was there to welcome them back. Rena slapped Kou's head with her big paper fan, scolding her for not being careful enough that she ended up hurting herself. Seeing Kou respond as she usually do, Kyohei smiled as he watched her.
Kou hid behind the father, whose name is Hayato, just like her real father's.
"How dare you use your father as your shield?! You brat, come here!" Rena yelled comically through gritted teeth, waving her paper weapon around.
Kou could feel her heart warm up at Rena's words. Even though she knew that the woman only did it because there are other people around, it didn't fail to make her feel a little bit of happiness. She smiled, peeking from behind Eri's father.
"I don't wanna. You'll hit me with your weapon".
After such an odd way of welcoming her, Rena told her to go back to her room to take more rest. As she walk, Kou massaged her numb shoulders. She reached out her hand and slide the door open.
Whatever was inside isn't something she expected. The girl rubbed and blinked her eyes rapidly. When she was sure that she wasn't hallucinating, she stood rooted outside and focused her gaze on the person inside.
"What took you so long to come back?"
He asked as he casually took a sip of what she presumed as green tea. When the sound of the teacup hitting the wooden table echoed, Kou rapidly closed the sliding door and hurriedly trotted away while yelling.
"Mother! Why is there an intrud--"
She was cut off when the person quickly followed after her and covered her mouth to stop her from causing any commotion. Kou looked blankly at the person with her, pushing his hand away from her mouth.
"Why are you here, Tahomaru?" She asked as she walked back to her room.
The young man quickly followed after her, making himself comfortable inside her room. He sat back on his previous position while she just plopped down on the futon, not wanting anyone disturb her. She turned her head away from him and laid on her stomach. This was the most comfortable position for her because everytime she laid on her back, her wounds would hurt.
No wonder she haven't seen Tahomaru back then, it was because he was already here, waiting for her. Did his retainers knew that he's here? Was the question in her mind. Nevertheless, Kou regarded it as something strange since Tahomaru look like he was avoiding her yesterday, yet here he was.
"That's Tahomaru-sama for you". He corrected her way of calling him, continuously sipping his tea with a relaxed expression.
An irk mark appeared on her head hearing his statement and the sound of him sipping the tea. With a scowl, she turned her head to face him.
"Ah, sorry. My bad, Tahomaru-sama." She spoke with an irritated voice, emphasizing his name, before she rolled her eyes and turn away, getting back to her previous position.
Finding it cute, Tahomaru couldn't help but giggle. He covered it up by faking a laugh and maintaining his serious voice and expression.
"Why are you even here?" Her voice resounded once again, but she didn't dare make any move of facing him. "I was expecting that you would've spilled the secret by now."
Tahomaru leaned an arm on the small table, resting his chin against his palm, his eyes watching her in amusement.
"I'm not that kind of person". He said. "Besides, you told me your secret, so it was only natural for me to keep it. I also didn't want to have a conflict between me and Eri's family."
"I didn't tell you anything. You just found out."
"But in the end, you did spill everything". He shrugged.
"Gah! What are you getting at?!" Kou covered her head with the pillow as she spoke.
Sensing the frustration lacing her words, Tahomaru became even more amused.
"In exchange for me in keeping your secret, there should be a catch".
Kou stopped moving on his statement. In a haste, she sat up, facing him with a frown. Tahomaru wanted to reach out and ran his fingers on her eyebrows to stop it from furrowing even more, but he stopped himself.
"A catch?" She asked. The young man only smiled as he nodded.
Her blue eyes looked at him suspiciously. When did this man became all too happy when yesterday he's like a volcano about to erupt from anger? And he said that there's a catch? Kou could only think of something bad.
"Yeah. It's only natural for you to do me a favor since I'm keeping your deepest secret and all".
"I'm sure that it's not my deepest secret at all, but let's listen to your favor." Kou sat properly, crossing her arms on her chest. "I'm warning you, if you ask me for something cliche like having me as your servant, I'm gonna hit you with mother's weapon".
"How did you know I was going to ask you that?"
Tahomaru asked with a dumbfounded expression.
Pulling out a huge paper fan out of nowhere, Kou tried to him with it but the young man managed to evade on time. Finding out that she missed, the girl clicked her tongue.
"Oi, you just clicked your tongue, didn't you? You just did it! Why would you even hit me?!"
"I told you that I would hit you if you ask me something like that!"
"You're the one who said it. Not me! I just confirmed what you said".
Kou raised her arm in another attempt to hit him but the young man grab her wrist to stop her from doing so.
"Stop, stop! I'm kidding, okay? How could you be so violent?" He asked with a sigh.
"Is there any reason for me to be so shy and timid in front of you?"
With a raised brow, Kou crossed her arms once again. Now that he knew that she's not Eri, there's no real reason for her to pretend to be someone else, right? With that thought in mind, Kou huffed.
"Point taken".
Tahomaru replied with a snap of his fingers. He leaned in, looking at her with incomprehensible expression.
"Here's my favor then". He said. "Tell me who you truly are, miss".
"Who I really am?" The young man nodded at her question. Kou looked like she was thinking hard to herself before she turned her head back to face.
"My real name's Miharu Kou".
Tahomaru waited for her to speak more but she didn't. Slowly, his brow raised as he spoke.
"So? That's.... it?"
"That's it".
He slammed his hands to the table, leaning in closer to her face, a vein popping on his head.
"What kind of self-introduction is that?! I told you to tell me who you really are!"
"And that's what I did! Geez, you're so demanding! I don't even speak more than ten words in front of my classmates and yet you want me to tell you a story about myself? Don't talk to me. I'm gonna sleep!"
Without waiting for his response, Kou crawled back to her comfortable futon and covered herself with the thick blanket in hopes of possibly blocking the annoying sounds coming from the young man that is with her inside the room.
If she wasn't injured, Tahomaru could've sworn that he already would've pulled her out of her comfort zone. But unfortunately, that's not the case. In the end, he could only grind his teeth as he stared at her cocooned state begrudgingly.
"If you make any attempts of disturbing me in my rest, I assure you that Sadako will come and hunt you forever".
"And who's that supposed to be?" He asked as he leaned back on his arms, surrendering in trying to make her talk.
"Someone with very long hair that calls you on your phone and after seven days you will die. You see that well in there?" Her hand from underneath the blanket, appeared, pointing to a certain direction. Tahomaru followed and opened the door, across the door, on the yard, is a deep well, there was a servant fetching water from it.
"That's where she dwells. So you better not disturb me. Adios!"
"Adi...Adi-what?"
Kou didn't respond any longer and Tahomaru understood that she needed enough rest so he let her be. He sat back on his previous place and poured himself another cup of green tea. The girl was just about to drift into dreamland when suddenly, the sliding door bursts open.
"Tahomaru-sama~! I heard that you were here!❤"
The unfamiliar voice shook the girl awake. While the voice that is very familiar to Tahomaru made him spill the contents of the teacup. Kou opened her eyes and sat up with a groan, her expression not very pleased. Obviously, because her beloved sleep was interrupted. The young man flinched when he saw the dark aura surrounding her.
"Kyaah! It's really Tahomaru-sama~!" Having no clue with the current situation, the newly arrived person entered and jumped to the young man, she circled her arms around his neck in a tight embrace.
Tahomaru's face paled as he struggled to remove the girl that was sitting on top of him. Aside from that, Kou already have her face in a grim expression, probably because of them disturbing her sleep.
The girl noticed Kou's presence and blinked.
"Oh, you're here, Eri. I didn't noticed you. If you could, please don't disturb my and Tahomaru-sama's heartfelt reunion~❤". Then she rubbed her cheeks to the young man, making him almost shriek.
"I don't care what you do or who you are. But someone right here is trying to sleep". She said with the cold voice that Tahomaru is very familiar with.
"GET OUT!" She grabbed the paper fan, and sounds of shattering glasses were heard.
By the time that Kyohei had arrived, everything was too late. The unknown girl was already dragging the almost unconscious Tahomaru by his clothes to walk outside the room while Kou was inside, already passed out, her soul comically barely hanging on her body.
"Princess Haru, I told you that Eri-sama is injured. You got too violent again. We all know that you can do martial arts but it's not right to use it to an injured person". The retainer said with a deep sigh.
"My bad, Kyohei. I got out of control. But Eri started it. She was about to hit Tahomaru-sama with the paper fan so I protected him".
"That's why it's called paper fan. It wouldn't hurt that much". Then his cat like eyes went to Tahomaru, making him sweatdrop. "And you said that you protected him. Tahomaru-sama is about to lose his consciousness too, you know".
Haru flinched before clinging to Tahomaru as if he was about to die.
"No! Tahomaru-sama! Don't leave mehhh!"
With another heavy sigh, Kyohei palmed his forehead as he entered the room. He saw the scattered shards of broken teacup and hurriedly went to check Kou. He released a sigh of relief finding out that she was already in deep sleep. He properly tucked her in her futon afterwards.
"Did she got hurt?" Tahomaru's unexpected voice came from behind him.
"Ah, no. The princess is okay". Kyohei answered with a small smile as he started to pick the pieces of teacup.
Tahomaru went closer to Kou and inspected her arms and body for any kind of injury. He ran his hand on her hair when he found none.
"Tahomaru-sama, since when did you care about Eri that much?" Haru asked with a curious expression.
"That was none of your concern".
Tahomaru rose on his feet and walked away with Haru clinging to his arm much to his annoyance.
ಠ_ಠಠ_ಠಠ_ಠ
"This is a showdown, Kou".
Kyohei said, making her choke on her food. With continuous coughs that sounded like she's about to cough out her lungs, the retainer immediately handed her a glass of water. They have been talking about that girl called Haru.
The retainer said that she's a princess from another land, and like Eri, she have a deep feeling of love for Tahomaru. The two were known to be rivals in love when it comes to the mentioned young man. Kyohei didn't need to explain further as she could already guess what he wanted her to do.
"I'm not doing it". She said with a grumpy expression.
"I'm not going to compete with something like that. I... I don't even have the words to describe what I'm feeling in this situation right now". She said with an expression as if she's about to do one of the stupidest things in the world.
"A harem and love triangle is cool, especially in an otome game, but when I'm the one in the situation of competing for the affection of someone, I don't even have the energy to do it. I mean, it's a different case when that someone is the person I have feelings for, but to do it when I have no sort of affection is just.... plain tiring and a waste of time".
The girl explained in a deadpan.
"I would love to sleep more than do it". Kou added with a shrug. Rena told her to delay her leave and just do it once she fully recovered from her injuries. She was very thankful of the offer.
"But then, Haru-sama will find it weird. I mean, Eri-sama and her are always competing for Tahomaru-sama's affection."
"Did any of them even win even once?"
"Sadly, no. They were both always rejected."
"Then there's no problem with me in not doing it." She said as she laid comfortably in her futon. "Let's just say that I needed more rest because of my injury. It will all work out, I'm telling you".
The girl covered herself with the blanket and Kyohei suddenly started pulling it away from her.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?!"
"Please do it! Do you want us to raise some suspicions from her too? We were careless the last time, and now do you want to repeat it?"
"But Tahomaru just overheard it! There's no way that would happen again".
"We have to do it to be sure!"
Seeing that he won't budge with his choice, Kou could only as she give him her reluctant agreement with the current situation.
"What did Tahomaru-sama overheard?"
The two of them visibly flinched upon hearing the new voice, cold sweats starting to form on their foreheads.
"H-Hey there, princess. Just how much did you heard?" Kyohei turned around to face the princess.
The girl shrugged. "Just when you started talking about what Tahomaru-sama overheard. So? What is it?"
"Why would we tell you?" Kou asked, a little nervous. "If you want to know, pay us 10 US dollars".
At the sudden English words, the two who didn't know it were perplexed. Haru tried repeating what she said but had a hard time in doing so.
"What did you just said? Is it some kind of currency?" The princess asked with furrowed brows.
"Yes. You're smart, huh. If you have those dollars, give it to me". She held out her empty palm, hoping to divert Haru's attention somewhere. Kyohei caught up on what she was trying to do so he also urged the princess to pay up.
"I don't know the currency you're talking about, so obviously, I don't have it. You can ask me what you want though. Jewelries, clothes, accessories, anything, I'll give it to you".
"You sure are willing to give anything just to get anything related to Tahomaru".
The princess suddenly have an obvious blush on her face as she cupped her cheeks. Her smile widens just at the thought of the young man she have feelings for.
"Of course. If it's for Tahomaru-sama, I'm willing to do anything. Aren't you the same too?" She said, sighing with a lovestrucked look on her face.
Kou palmed her face.
"Is that how I look whenever I fangirl for my husbandos?" she muttered to herself. "Well, those people who saw me definitely have their rights to be creeped out".
Haru suddenly changed her expression into a frown and leaned closer to Kou.
"But why did you suddenly dropped the honorifics with Tahomaru-sama? Did he permit you to do so?" Haru asked with a dark expression. "Are you guys getting along well without my knowledge?!"
"Uhh...he did permit me to drop it..."
"WHY?!" The princess suddenly cried anime tears, her hands covering her face. "Why would he only permit you and not me?"
"Because Eri's my fiancee. It's not strange for us to get closer, isn't it?" Tahomaru's sudden appearance startled them all. Haru immediately whined and ran towards the young man who evaded her with ease.
If that's how Eri acted towards Tahomaru everytime they met, she could somehow understand how he was feeling during those moments. Tahomaru sat by her side and looked at her.
"Are you done eating?"
"Yeah".
"Kyah! No matter how much you ignore me, you're still the best, Tahomaru-sama~!" Haru exclaimed as she jumped at him for an embrace.
"Just what did she come here for?" Kou mumbled with a sweatdrop as her blue eyes watch the girl.
Seeing that the room is getting too noisy for Kou to rest in, Tahomaru decided that it was best for him to leave and he was sure that Haru will definitely follow along. And just like he predicted, she did.
"That girl is too overwhelming. She's like a storm". Kou commented when the two were finally out of the room.
"It's not me. It's my feelings that are very strong. My love is like a hurricane, you know that? It traps me in my whirlpool of emotions and the only thing I could do is move forward and chase after it".
Haru suddenly spoke by the door, startling the two inside. Kou blinked, unable to believe that the princess just heard her mumbling to herself.
"How?"
"I have a sharp hearing, you know". Pointing at her ear, Haru winked before going away.
Kou remained unmoving.
It took a few more seconds before she and Kyohei managed to react to the the princess's last statement. If they heard correctly, Haru just said that she have a sharp hearing. Then does that mean...?
Slowly, Kyohei and Kou gaze met, their eyes open wide on it's sockets.
"Did she heard us?" They chorused.
ಠ_ಠಠ_ಠಠ_ಠ
When morning came, Kou prepared herself to face the princess who suddenly came to stay inside the residence. It was all too sudden, but now that she was here, it's very rude to just tell her to leave.
"I never knew that she had her retainer with her". Kou said as she sat comfortably on the side, sipping her tea that was given to her by Mutsu, who came earlier this morning together with Hyogo.
"The two of you already knew Tahomaru's plan, didn't you?" She asked as she glanced at the female retainer sideways.
The siblings jolted on their spot, answering her question with a curt nod.
"The young master said that we shouldn't tell you". Hyogo explained, rubbing the back of his neck.
The mentioned young man came with Kyohei. At the sight of him, Haru squealed in glee, jumping at his direction. Kou just watched them with tired eyes. She could feel someone staring at her and she confirmed it when she met gazes with Kyohei.
He nodded at her and she already knew what it means. It was the signal for her to do what he had ask for from the very beginning.
Act as Eri.
With a sigh, Kou gathered her courage before she rose on her feet. This is going to be tiring but might as well show them her shameless acting skills again. It was already time for her to show her talents.
The girl curved her lips into a lovely smile, her eyes squinting cutely as she did it. With modesty and delicacy, she trotted towards the other two teenagers, placing herself in between them. Haru was surprised at her sudden action, blinking her eyes rapidly before her lips pulled into a pout.
"Hands off".
Kou shortly said. Her expression was all so sweet and warm but her tone of voice revealed every intention that she has. She linked her arms with Tahomaru who was also surprised with her actions.
"If you have forgotten, Tahomaru is my fiancee. Please act like a proper princess and stop bothering other people's fiancee".
Haru furrowed her brows.
"So what if you're the fiancee? You're still not married yet. So I have every right to pursue Tahomaru-sama!" The girl was about to lunge herself towards Tahomaru again when he stopped her.
"Stop it." He said. "Eri's still injured. Be careful". Then he turned his head to Kou, who looked back to him in turn. "And you. Stop clinging to me. It's annoying". The young man shrugged her arm off his, turning around to walk away. None of them being able to see the small smile that graced his lips.
Kou was dumbfounded, as well as the three retainers, as they watched Tahomaru's retreating back. It feels like that they have gone back to the time where Eri kept pursuing Tahomaru but to no avail. Then, how can they explain all the events these past few days?!
Mutsu thought that they have already reconciled because her master decided to visit his fiancee's house. But seeing Kou's expression and what happened earlier, she was not sure anymore.
During half of the day, Kou made sure to approach Tahomaru just as much as Haru did. And much to her annoyance, it looks like Tahomaru is purposely giving her a hard time, enjoying her unmused expression every now and then.
Soon, she reached the limit of her patience and decided to take a breather outside, the gentle breeze calming her exhausted mind and nerves. Kou closed her eyes, feeling the wind with her skin.
"Are you tired already?"
The voice of the one who spoke behind her was very close to her ears. Not foreseeing this kind of event, Kou was startled, holding her ear with one hand and slightly jumping away from the speaker. Her eyes glared upon seeing Tahomaru's face.
Kou just snorted, getting back to her previous situation, a little distance away from him. Her eyes looked down on the ground below the one she's standing on. The height wasn't that much high but if someone unskilled is to fall from where she stood, it will sure lead to some broken bones.
Noticing what she was doing, Tahomaru spoke.
"Oi, you'll fall if you keep doing that".
He reached out his hand and took one step towards her when the ground they're standing on suddenly collapsed, making Tahomaru fall. A gasp escaped her lips as she extended her arm in an attempt to help him but he was too heavy for her.
In the end, the two of them fell, with the young man cushioning her fall.