《Galsia: Sanctum of Desire》


 Sanctum of Desire

    Floating amongst the sea of clouds, [   ] recognises this familiar yet comfortable feeling. However, she can¡¯t seem to remember where it came from¡­.


    ¡°Do you believe in alternate universes?¡± A voice echoes in her head. She wants to answer but finds herself unable to.


    ¡°An alternate universe, also known as a parallel dimension, is a hypothetical self-contained plane of existence, co-existing with one''s own. Do you know that these universes can be created based on a single decision of a single person at every second of their existence?¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You, yourself can also create a different universe too based on your choices, [    ].¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Now tell me [    ], would the decision you make ensure a happy ending?¡±


    At the last parting words, [    ] feels everything around her morphs out of vision as she spirals into the dark abyss.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Day 1 (Part I)

    Chiyo wakes up and finds herself within a luxurious bedroom. Her head feels like shit and she can''t seem to really remember what happened to her before then. While she''s still trying to collect her thoughts, the door suddenly bursts open. A blinding light shines through as seven people enter the room.


    "You''re awake" The man dressed in all black peers down at her with a cold gaze. She shivers, wholly intimidated by the way he towers over her small figure.


    Chiyo immediately remembers this person. He''s the leader of Area One, one of the richest districts in the country due to its affiliation with banking and finance, Shichiro Kaito. While she did not know much about him, Chiyo could tell that he was a man pursued by many. He had the kind of visage that stopped people in their tracks, a mysteriously alluring charm. Straight ebony locks that made girls green with envy and deep abyssal eyes that beckon to any who dared approach.


    "Sorry, you must have been surprised by what happened." a voice rings like a delicate bell in a church choir. With a motion of the hand, her secretary pushes the wheelchair nearer to where Chiyo sat on the king size bed. For the first time since the meal, she finally catches a glimpse of the youngest leader from Area Seven. From what she knew, Area Seven was a religious community that lives faithfully by the doctrine of the goddess Meia. Yukano Kiara, a dainty and petite elfin girl in appearance, seems a stark contrast to her original image of a leader. Chiyo finds herself entranced, caught by nebulous eyes that seem to dive deep into her soul. They were like glistening diamonds, melting onto the blanket of snow that were her tresses. Kiara''s aid, whose identity remains unknown, is a tousled mess of milky white hair that blends with tawny skin like a milk coffee.


    "What happened?" Chiyo looks around, feeling her head spin under their intense scrutinization. Why was she here? And why were they of all people here with her? She needed answers. Badly.


    "You fainted after you used your "gift" in front of us. Do you remember?"


    Chiyo shakes her head in reply and as she''s doing it, the memory of the previous night floods back to her. She recalls her internship in this five star restaurant. Due to her exceptional talent in cooking, she was given the opportune chance to serve the famous seven leaders during one of their meetings. However, when problems arose during the course of the meal, Chiyo was required to come and meet them directly. The next series of events were a blur, but she remembered feeling dizzy and fainting when she made contact with one of the leaders. Which led up to this point in time.


    A set of inquisitive eyes snaps Chiyo out from her thoughts, as it burns a literal hole into the side of her head. She wonders if he had blinked even once during the last 10 minutes of this silent exchange.


    "You don''t know about your power?" the untidy man looks at Chiyo curiously. "How strange, how could a normal citizen obtain a "gift"? Is she perhaps the future heir of a district?"


    There he stood in all his glory, the leader of the Science and Technology sector, Area Five, Daisuke Hirahito. Dressed in what seems like weeks old pajamas and a lab coat lazily draped over the top, Hirahito''s appearance leaves much to be desired. His hair is a sloppy mop of black that covers most of his face. And if that wasn''t enough, his thick rimmed spectacles paired with an unshaven beard hide whatever is left.


    There seems to be some confusion amongst the leaders.


    "It seems like some of us are going to die very soon." the statement seems to have been intentionally directed at Kiara.


    Violet meets phosphoresce crimson as she shifts her gaze to the far back of the room. Leaning against the frame of the door was the current Area Three leader, Ryou Yousuke. His appearance was uncommon to most, with chiselled jawlines and sculpted Spartan like shoulders that spoke of raw inhuman strength. Well no surprise seeing how Area Three is owned by the yakuza family, Black Dragon. Slicked back Russian violet hair cascades over ruby orbs as he studies her with the unwavering attention of a predator.


    "But she doesn''t look so good though. Does this power affect her health? I mean she even fainted when she used her power," someone exclaims.


    "No worries, I have hired the most professional doctors in the district and they didn''t seem to find anything wrong. If you''re still not sure, Hirahito can perform another check up." Kaito seems to dismiss their concern with ease.


    "I already did. There is indeed nothing wrong. Maybe she fainted because she received the ''divine offer''?" Hirahito seems to be inching closer to her with each spoken syllable.


    Chiyo is unnerved to say the least. However, no matter what they say, she''s finding it a little more than difficult to piece the puzzle together. Chiyo can''t seem to bring herself to answer Hirahito''s question.


    "She doesn''t seem to remember so let''s not question her too much. One of the things I hate the most is making a cute girl uncomfortable after all." The clicking of heels catches her attention. A gorgeously curvaceous lady stands a bit closer to Chiyo. With fiery locks and a red lipped smile, everything about her screams bold. Every curve on her body, from brow to ankle only serves to add to her womanly appeal. From the way the lady''s bosom jiggled as she shifted her hips, she must have been Ai Natsumi, the leader of Area Two, which specialises in real estate.


    "But there is this one question that she must know how to answer." Yousuke flicks the cigarette to the floor and stomps on it with his heel. "What district are you from?"


    Did this guy just litter within the hotel room?


    Chiyo nods in response. She could at least answer that much. "I''m from Area Six"


    Her answer seems to have caught the Area Six''s leader''s attention seeing how he brightened up immediately after "Oh, you''re from Area Six? Hmmmm, which family are you from? I have never met you before."


    The first thing of notice is that compared to the other leaders, with the clear exception of Hirahito, Shouta Akira is dressed down in a casual white tee and khaki pants. Yet the shirt fits him well. It would not have been difficult to tell that he was a man of athleticism from the taut and sinewy muscles that rippled his biceps. From his earthy sun kissed skin, to hair the colour of cinnamon and hazel eyes that crinkle at the corner when he smiles, he carried a simple yet rugged charm about him. If anything, he reminded Chiyo of a golden retriever.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    "I''m from the Muuri family, I''m pretty sure you''ve met my father before" She finds it weird that they''ve never met before since Area Six is literally just one big farming community "Since he''s in charge of the big cherry farm near AYT avenue."


    "Oh, you''re Mr. Muuri''s daughter! I heard a lot about you. He said he''s very proud of his beautiful and talented daughter, that must have been you!" Akira smiles happily to which Chiyo laughs, bashful at the mention of her father.


    "You must not be interested in farming, that''s why you''re here right?" Kaito interjected, crashing the flowery atmosphere that the pair were sharing. "Are you planning to move to Area One?"


    In Galsia, people often choose to stay in the same area that they are born in. However, they can also choose to migrate to a different area depending on their preferences and talents. If they have the required skill, an internship may be granted along with the chance to gain permanent residency after a few years of work. Except for Area Three and Seven where the decision has to go through the higher ranking members in the family first before the person is granted permission to move, other areas are less restrictive when it comes to transferring.


    "Ah, actually I only came over here to intern, I haven''t actually planned on moving here permanently just yet"


    "I''m sure if you want to follow your dream, wouldn''t Area One be a perfect choice? If you really want to, I can approve your request immediately." Kaito says with a business smile on his face.


    "Wait a minute, this cunning man!" Natsumi exclaims, pulling Chiyo into her chest. The smaller girl can feel herself suffocating in between the ''soft, bouncy'' cushions as Natsumi hugs her tighter. "You already thought about taking her to your side?"


    "Yes, this money printer! You should think about Chiyo''s wellbeing too!" Her vision is immediately obscured by two blindingly colourful balls of fur.


    The pair were identical to each other, both rocking an insanely wild shade with streaks of pastel highlights for their hair. Though the only thing setting them apart was the choice of colour, the Area Four leader Katsurou Kazai donned mint green while his sister, Katsurou Momo sported a sweeter pink. Stylish, chic and confident, they were the true embodiment of the entertainment district. Under the crystalling light of the chandelier, their eyes shine like glazed pink confectionery as they stare up at Chiyo like kids in a candy store, filled with an unsatiated desire to try out this new flavour of goods that they have never seen before.


    "Area One is no fun, come to Area Four! We can hang out and the food there is excellent too!" They cling onto either side of her and Chiyo can feel her body slowly splitting in two as they tug her back and forth like a rag doll in a game of tug of war.


    "Please let-" she nearly hurls onto the floor.


    "Don''t listen to these little monsters!" Natsumi pushes the Katsurou twins aside as she smiles at Chiyo. "If you want to intern in the best five star restaurant in the country, you should come to Area Two, I''ll recommend you there. Your cooking skill is excellent and you deserve that position."


    Yousuke bellows with laughter after hearing the conversation


    "Honestly you businessmen should drop the act." he smirks, long fingers threading through his hair absentmindedly "Just say it directly. You want her by your side so you can use her power for the upcoming war."


    Natsumi narrows her eyes "Says the vulgar man who forces people to do whatever he wants. Don''t you dare hurt this girl. I won''t let you use her like what you did with your people."


    "Oh yeah? Why would I hurt or use her? Unlike you pathetic people, I don''t need that girl. Myself alone is enough to beat all of your asses." Yousuke scoffs, slinging his suit jacket over his shoulder as he makes for the door.


    "How scary!" the twins hide themselves behind Chiyo''s arms.


    "Actually, what he said is right." Kiara speaks up after having been silent this whole time. "We need your help, Ms. Muuri. Your power would help us a lot in the upcoming battle. It''s okay if you just want to live quietly without any relation to us. If that''s the case, we won''t bother you anymore. But please consider this, if you have any wish in exchange, we can offer you anything."


    "Do I have to decide on this right now?" If they were going to ask something so grand of her, she felt like she at least deserves to have time to think about it. Especially when it seems like the faith of the districts were resting on a single word.


    "There is no need to rush. We will be staying here for a week. You can continue thinking until then." Kiara chuckles.


    "And feel free to stay in the hotel. All the fees are in my charge." Kaito, who seemed to be very good at taking opportunities, added ever so casually.


    "Um...right, thank you"


    "Yay! We can stay with Chiyo for a week!" Kazai and Momo bounce onto Chiyo, knocking the air, and possibly life, out of her.


    "I''m happy to meet you too, Chiyo! You might think I''m up to something, but I genuinely want to be friends with you, we''re from the same area after all." Akira smiles gleefully.


    Hirahito doesn''t say anything, all he does is continue to mumble to himself about something that she could vaguely make out to be about "gift" and "power."


    Natsumi reaches out to stroke Chiyo''s cheek (to which she evades expertly) with a playful glint in her foxy eyes. "I also want to be close friends with you too. Ahh...I''m really sick of staying with these seven weirdos. Having you accompany me would be way better!" She swoons dramatically, her bosom swinging like a pendulum in motion.


    "We should let her get some rest now, we''ll talk to you again another time Chiyo." Kiara tells the others, sending a heavenly white smile Chiyo''s way before they all exit the room.


    The moment everyone''s gone, Chiyo releases a heavy ass sigh as she flops back onto the bed. Her hand automatically finds its way to where her phone sits on the bedside table, fingers slide across the screen as it traces the digits that she''s memorised by heart.


    "Hi, sweetie! Did you just finish work?" The voice on the other side chimes happily.


    "Hi dad" She groans "Actually, about my work...it seems like I''ve been caught in a difficult situation. It''s not what you think though, I haven''t done anything illegal. I would never. It''s just...." Chiyo lets her words trail off as she wanders with her thoughts. A part of her wanted her father to be the one to ask, to be the one to reassure her that this was nothing and that it was all just some hellish dream.


    "What''s wrong? Are you okay, Chiyo?" Her father asks nervously.


    "The...area leaders...they said I''ve been blessed with a gift... but how? Nothing''s making sense to me dad" She hops up from the bed, deciding that maybe pacing would be a better way to clear her mind.


    Get the good old brain up and running.


    "What do you mean? You received a ''gift''?! That''s impossible! A gift can only be passed on when the current area leader has died" Her father sounded shocked, well, he had every right to be, so was she. "Okay calm down, Chiyo. What ''gift'' did you actually receive?"


    "I don''t actually know" Chiyo stops dead in her tracks, the realisation hitting her like a bucket of cold water "I mean, I just woke up in this room surrounded by people who could end my life at any moment if they wanted to. But instead, they said they wanted to use me..."


    "Use you? That''s dangerous! You shouldn''t get involved with these people. They are all very cunning...actually, Akira is okay. If you need any help just ask him." Her father sighs, she can almost feel him massaging his temples from the other line "Since you don''t know what your ''gift'' is yet, find it out first. It might be a mistake so don''t worry...but remember, even if your power turns out to be real, you must never involve yourself with them. Our world is different from theirs."


    "Okay, dad....thanks. I''ll figure something out. And it seems like I''ll be stuck here for the next week so I might not be able to come home to visit. Please stay safe. I love you..." Chiyo gnaws at her bottom lip as the call ends. She just wanted to go back home and eat freshly cooked meals and gaze out over the cornfield as the sun sets. But instead she''s stuck here, being fought over like some trophy prize. Shaking her head, Chiyo rids herself off pessimistic thoughts. No good was going to come from her just sitting around here like this.


    She needed to get some fresh air.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Day 1 (Part II)

    Chiyo makes her way to the garden. Following the cobblestone path, she is met by the mesmerising beauty of the garden at night. The garden is a spluttering oasis of soft suede flowers. Budding roses tickle her senses with the soft scents of citrus. The stalks dance with the wind as the plush green meadow of grass exchange ghostly whispers that tickle her ear. As she walks around the rose garden, she spots the shadow of a person in the pavilion. It seems like that person is basking under the soft glow of the moonlight. Not wanting to disturb their moment of serenity, she turns to leave.


    "I know you''re here" With their back still turned, a wisp of smoke slithers past their lips as they speak. "Why won''t you come closer? Are you scared of me?"


    Chiyo panics upon hearing their voice and in taking a step backward her foot gets caught in a random vine and she falls flat onto her face. She lets out a yelp as she lays awkwardly with her face in the grass. Yousuke looks at Chiyo with a lot of confusion. He keeps staring at her trying to get up from the ground, it seems like he has absolutely no intention of helping her.


    "Are you stupid?" Yousuke walks closer to Chiyo with the cigarette in his hand. "Do you always trip like this and impact your brain?"


    "I''m not stupid!" Chiyo frowns "It''s just you surprised me, that''s all" feeling his stare on her, her voice becomes smaller as she recalls her father''s advice from earlier.


    Yousuke slides his fingertips up Chiyo''s neck till they catch under her chin, tilting her head up as he leans closer "Your face... looks stupid though."


    The simple gesture leaves Chiyo a stuttering mess. Her face explodes into a full blown blush, and she quickly turns away from him so that she wouldn''t have to meet his eyes. Despite trying to sound intimidating, there is an evident shake in her voice "If you''re just going to insult me then I might as well leave"


    "I don''t dislike stupid people so you can stay." Yousuke grins as Chiyo''s breath catches, dropping her chin as he walks back to his original spot under the moonglow. With his attention spared, she quietly takes a seat on one of the benches inside the pavilion to admire the moon.


    "The moon is beautiful, isn''t it?" Yousuke relights his cigarette. The smoke swirls heavenward, flowing with the artistry and grace of an Arabian dancer under the dark blue night sky.


    Chiyo scrunches her nose as she inhales the grey stench, eyes stinging with tears. "Yes, it is," she sneaks a look at the man standing before her. Taking in his appearance, she almost finds herself wondering out loud. How could someone so handsome and dashing emit the bloodlust of a psychopathic killer.


    "Am I talking to you?" Yousuke glances back at Chiyo with a raised brow. She holds her tongue, afraid of what he might do to her had she been hellbent on defying him.


    "It''s fine now. You can talk to me." Yousuke states with the shrug of a shoulder. "I can see you have some questions."


    Chiyo mulls over her question, piecing it together in her head "I was just curious but...what happened in the restaurant before I fainted? All I remember is touching someone and then...well, and then I was in the hotel room"


    "You really don''t remember?" Yousuke turns around to face her, cigarette discarded into the nearest bush with a flick of the wrist.


    This guy?!


    "After you accidentally touched me, my powers were enhanced and I could sense things around me much clearer than usual. And since you took me by surprise, I threw you to the floor. Anyone else who hurried over to help you up had also touched you. At that moment, I think we all had an idea as to what your power might have been..." She''s not sure if it''s the moonlight playing tricks on her eyes, but this bastard was definitely smirking a little bit when he talked about dropping her to the floor.


    "Did you say that your powers were enhanced?" Chiyo finds herself raising her voice unconsciously, eyes blown wide in bewilderment.


    "Yes, do you need me to explain it again since your brain seems to be damaged after the fall?" That irksome smirk takes its place on his face once more.


    "I understood that perfectly fine thank you, you don''t have to waste your precious breath saying it again" Chiyo scowls. Never in her 21 years on earth, has anyone ever managed to piss her off this badly before. There really is a first time for everything. Fume was starting to come out from how red her face was getting.


    "That''s good then. It would have been a pain if I had to explain it again." God if he wasn''t someone of importance she would''ve wiped that smile off of his face ages ago. "Anyways, look who''s coming."


    Chiyo looks around and she sees a tiny shadow from afar. She tries to squint her eyes to make out the figure but she can''t because it''s obviously too far away.


    "That''s Akira. Don''t try, you can''t see him from this distance." Yousuke says.


    By now, her embarrassment meter is at its peak level. Chiyo stands up hurriedly with the intention to hightail it out of there as fast as possible before she does anything else that might evoke a response. The less she has to deal with this guy the better.


    "Are you embarrassed?" Yousuke simpers as he leans his weight against the pavilion''s pillar. Arms crossed over his chest, he stood posed in arrogance. "You don''t need to. It''s not your fault that you''re born stupid."


    Snap.


    Is the sound of the last shred of patience within her breaking as Chiyo whips her head back "I''m not embarrassed! Not because of someone like you anyways!" she snaps back, the words laced with venom "You know what a shame, that I wasn''t born with enough middle fingers to let you know how I feel about you"The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    At that, Yousuke bursts out laughing "You''re stupid but you''re quite funny. I don''t dislike that side of you."


    Seems at least one of us is having a grand time tonight, Chiyo clicks her tongue.


    "Oh, what are you guys doing?" Akira, who took his sweet time, finally arrives at the pavilion and the sight of Yousuke laughing has him caught by surprise.


    "It''s nothing" Chiyo holds her tongue as she shoots a silent glare Yousuke''s way. Akira didn''t deserve to be brought into this, and Yousuke''s flame definitely didn''t deserve to be fanned any further "I was just about to take my leave"


    "Oh, you''re leaving already?" Chiyo almost has to rub her eyes as a pair of puppy dog ears seems to have magically appeared on top of Akira''s head??? Surely she couldn''t have been the only one seeing this. "I thought we could have a walk and enjoy this garden for a while."


    "Actually Akira, I wouldn''t mind joining you at all" Her mouth agrees even before her brain had half a mind to register whatever was going on.


    Not again Chiyo...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Akira and Chiyo walk through the garden with what one might call a really awkward atmosphere. Chiyo isn''t really sure if she is still traumatised after talking with Yousuke or if it''s because Akira''s attention seems to be weirdly directed at the surrounding bushes.


    Even a brick wall would make for a better companion at this point.


    "What are you looking at Akira?," she coughs, VERY loudly.


    Akira seems to have noticed his impoliteness as he faces her with an embarrassed smile. "I''m sorry, Ms. Muuri. It''s just that I saw a cat running around the garden so I''m looking for it."


    "Wait. There''s a cat here?" Some weird switch within Chiyo seems to have been flipped as she blabbers non stop in sheer excitement "Where did you last see it? What did it look like? Was it really cute? Oh oh oh maybe we could lure it out with some food"


    "Yes, but I''m not sure where it is now. Maybe I was mistaken, if it''s my neighbourhood, there''d be a lot of stray cats wandering around... but this is Area One afterall, not to mention we''re in a quite spacious hotel too." A warm smile lights up his face at the mention of his hometown.


    Chiyo blinks once, and then twice, and then has to rub her eyes the third time as Akira glows under the illumination of the sky.


    Cute.


    She lets her gaze browse the rest of Akira''s features before landing on his wide doe eyes. Entirely unfiltered, with every thought and emotion on display, those golden brown orbs seem to be a clear reflection of the depth of his very heart and soul.


    "What was your neighbourhood like?" Chiyo says, almost surprising herself with how breathless her voice sounded


    "I guess it''s the same as yours. There''s not much about it. We have a farm and there are a lot of workers there too. Everyday I''d help my parents with work and sometimes hang around with my ifriends." The more he chatted about it, the more animated he became, waving his arms about as he retells various stories and tales to her as laughter filled the quiet midnight garden. You''d be a fool not to notice that Area Six was a place that he greatly treasured.


    As Akira smiles dumbly at her, Chiyo finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place, debating whether to ruin the only moment of peace that she''ll have at this place to serve into her curiosity or feign ignorance and bask in the infectious glow of his smile.


    "Why do the area leaders need me, Akira? What is this upcoming battle that everyone is talking about?" Chiyo blurts out.


    "Well as you might already know, our country is divided into seven areas. Since we as the current heads of Galsia are all equal in power, the Battle of Galsia acts as a selection process that determines who receives the rights to manage the whole country. The form of competition changes every year so I''m not sure what we''ll be doing this year but since we''ll be able to use our ''gift'' there, it''d be beneficial to have you on their side since you also happen to possess a ''gift''." Akira says.


    "The Battle of Galsia? That''s still happening?" Chiyo stills at the thought, the catastrophic event that befell the nation several years ago clear in the back of her mind "But wasn''t that where the assassination took place? It was the bombing that killed the previous area leaders right?"


    "Yes... That event was truly horrific. The Clouded Apollo... will surely pay for what they''ve done." The night casts a shadow on Akira''s expression, his eyes seem to flicker with a hint of malice at those simple words.


    "Um" She gulps, sensing the drop in Akira''s mood. Her mind races at a hundred miles an hour, flicking through a thousand different scenarios and a million possible conversation prompts that she could possibly use to tiptoe around this. As if God had heard her desperate pleas, a rustling sounds out from a nearby shrub.


    Blinking from his thoughts, the softness seems to leak back into Akira''s features as he reaches out for her. Before she can even react, his hand glides down her arm, engulfing her hand in his larger, more callous ones. Chiyo flinches, blushing as his fingers wrap around the back of her hand. They tiptoe closer and closer to where the bush rattles and shakes and upon parting the leaves, find a patchy brown fluff ball rolling around in the grass.


    "Can you let go of me now" she whispers, trying but failing to get her hand back.


    God, what did he have to lift to get such a monstrous grip strength???


    "Shhh!" Akira signals Chiyo to stay silent as he''s afraid that the little cat will run away when it sees them.


    ...Isn''t it counterintuitive to shush her so loudly...


    They watch it for a while and Chiyo''s leg starts feeling numb. She turns to tell Akira if they should stand up but hesitates when she sees his eyes sparkle innocently as he watches the cat. So, like the good person that she is, Chiyo decides to tough it out like a champ. Though it was starting to become a lot harder as she wasn''t exactly built for endurance. She finds herself leaning a little too much to one side, actually a little TOO much, that...


    Oompfh.


    The cat is scared away by the loud sound of Chiyo falling. Akira finally notices Chiyo''s condition, who is now laying stiffly like a log on the dirt ground beside him.


    "Are you okay, Ms. Muuri? Sorry I didn''t notice that." Akira looks at Chiyo with worried eyes.


    "I know," she musters a weak smile, feeling a bump growing from the back of her head.


    "You''re so delicate, Ms. Muuri. You''re like.... Uhm... that American apple in my family. We once tried to raise it but it dies so easily. Ah don''t misunderstand! I didn''t mean it like that!" Akira changes the sentence midway after realising there''s something wrong with that simile.


    Chiyo doesn''t know what to say after being described as a dead apple tree.


    "Can you just help me up?" She deadpans, soullessly watching the clouds go by.


    "Oh yeah, of course!" in one fell swoop, Akira scoops Chiyo into a princess carry that has her gasping out in shock "What are you doing?!"


    "Helping you up, of course." Akira says, not seeing a problem with his action.


    "What huh you I uh..." Chiyo stammers for a while before realising that no matter what she says probably won''t get through to him. She sighs defeatedly "Just....can you just help me back to my room?"


    Were all the leaders just this frustrating to deal with?


    "Are you sure you don''t want to go to the nurse?" Akira looks at Chiyo''s leg with a worried face.


    "No. Please, it would just be really nice to go back to the room right now" Chiyo stands firm by her words, pulling up all defences against his puppy dog eyes "Thank you though, I appreciate the concern"


    "It''s okay, I''m glad I was able to help." Akira''s smile shines so brightly that somehow Chiyo feels like she can forgive him for whatever just happened.


    Akira carries her back to the room. Before he goes, he even asks if she needs him to bring her a medical kit or something but Chiyo quickly refuses.


    After tossing and turning with the thoughts of all that had happened today, she finds herself slowly dozing off. Sleep places a weighted kiss on her eyelids, whispering sweet nothings into her ear as she sinks further and further into the darkness of the night.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Day 2 (Part I)

    Chiyo wakes up early due to a repeated knocking at the door. Groggily dragging herself out of the cocoon of blankets that she¡¯s rolled herself into, Chiyo opens it and is greeted by a room attendant who hands her an invitation along with in room breakfast. As she¡¯s enjoying the simple pleasures of egg on toast, she decides to open the invitation to see who it¡¯s from.


    It¡¯s an invitation to have lunch with the seven leaders in the hotel and it¡¯s¡­..TODAY?! While just the mention of the leaders is already enough to give her a migraine, the prospect of being able to dine in one of the most renowned restaurants in the country is still extremely tempting.


    Even if it meant eating within the lion¡¯s den.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Seeing how she still has tons of time before then, wouldn¡¯t it be a great idea to take advantage of the amenities that she¡¯s been so kindly offered during this stay.


    The pool room, she finds, is structured like an outdoor Greethian bath house, the pool itself spanning from one end of the room to the other. With an open glass ceiling, the roof is supported by Neoclassical style marble columns that towered over her like colossal giants. The sunlight shining through plays on the blue surface, enchanting onlookers like a siren¡¯s call, inviting them into the clear waters that echoed the sky.


    There is not a living soul in sight. The whole hotel must have been reserved for them only.


    How convenient.


    Well, that is supposed to be the case until the sound of splashing water catches her ear. Her eyes fly to a few familiar figures hanging around at the far end.


    ¡°Woww, your boobs are so bigggggg, sis¡± Momo¡¯s eyes almost pop out of their sockets looking at Natsumi¡¯s boobs.


    ¡°Haha, you better drink more milk then!¡± Kazai cackles like a wild hyena upon his sister¡¯s visible frustration.


    Momo¡¯s vein pops. Her fist clenched tightly, about ready to send him to another realm of consciousness.


    Natsumi, who seems to not have been paying attention to this conversation from the start, quickly notices Chiyo¡¯s appearance and waves her over. ¡°What are you doing there, cutie? Come join us!¡±


    She considers pretending that she hasn¡¯t heard Natsumi but walking out right now would have been even weirder so¡­ as naturally as possible, she smiles awkwardly as she makes her way over to them.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Chiyo!¡± Momo drops her punch when she sees Chiyo approaching.


    Natsumi stands up, the water running off of the curves like it''s tracing the outline of her body. The skimpy bikini strains against her boobage, the nipple head pinching at the tight fabric. ¡°You want a drink too, kitten?¡± The redhead winks, the pina colada in her hand swivels as she raises the chute towards Chiyo¡¯s direction.


    At 9 am in the morning?...


    ¡°No it¡¯s okay¡± shaking her head, Chiyo sends a gracious smile in return ¡°I don¡¯t think I should be drinking so early in the morning¡±


    ¡°Then come here and play with us! We have volleyball here!¡± The red fist printed on the right side of his face made it a bit hard to take Kazai seriously, even with the charming smile that he wears.


    Natsumi smiles as she stands closer to Chiyo ¡°Do you want to be on my team?¡±


    ¡°No, Chiyo, be on mine!¡± Momo shouts. ¡°We can be the FLAT TEAM!¡±


    Chiyo feels a pang in her chest, like her heart has just been shot by a bazooka, ripped out, stepped on, spatted, kicked, punched and batted all the way to China.


    ¡°Haha¡± her laugh felt dry leaving her mouth ¡°Anyone is fine really¡±This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Then join my team! You definitely don¡¯t want to be with these old ladies!¡± Kazai laughs in spite of the piercing glares.


    ¡°I¡¯ll join Natsumi¡¯s team.¡±


    They split up into teams on either side of the pool as the lifeguards come to set up the net in the middle. Kazai serves in the first turn and Natsumi reacts quickly enough to win a point immediately. When she hits it, Chiyo can¡¯t help but stare at the huge badonkadonks that are bouncing before her eyes.


    How was it physically possible for them to move like that?


    ¡°Wow, nice shot!¡± Kazai hollers but his eyes also seem to be stuck to the jiggling thing on someone¡¯s body.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right, nice shot.¡± Momo says robotically, eyes also glued to that thing.


    ¡°All right, let¡¯s continue!¡± Kazai says and he gives the ball to Chiyo, it¡¯s her serve this time. Gathering all her concentration, she tosses the ball up into the air, jumping as high as she can as she rears her arm back to try to knock it over to the other side. Under the glorious shine of the sun, she was the very image of a true volleyball ace.


    However, the ball doesn¡¯t touch her hand and instead lands directly on her head. Chiyo falls headfirst into the water with a loud splash.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Chiyo. Let¡¯s try again!¡± Natsumi smiles and comforts Chiyo once she has resurfaced. She tries to throw the ball up again, this time not jumping along with it but just watching as it falls down so that she can time the serve correctly. Chiyo swings her arm forward but instead of the sky, she smacks the ball straight into the water.


    Chiyo hangs her head in shame. Kazai and Momo look away and she can tell that they¡¯re trying to stifle their laughter. While she¡¯s too busy trying to figure out a way to bury herself 60 feet underground, she doesn¡¯t notice the shadow that looms over her.


    Did the sky get darker all of a sudden? She looks up.


    ¡°That was pretty cute, you know?¡± Natsumi''s smile is teasing as she taps Chiyo¡¯s chin, educing a choked gasp in response ¡°I knew being with you would make me feel so much better¡±


    A blush creeps across her cheeks ¡°Being cute isn¡¯t going to help me do any better¡±


    ¡°Well maybe you just need a little motivation. How about a reward if we win?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that situation be more favourable for you then?¡±


    ¡°Please,¡± Natsumi, without breaking eye contact, leans in a little closer ¡°it¡¯s not like you¡¯re not thinking about it right now¡± Something dangerous, no, taunting, glints in her eyes as they map the outlines of Chiyo¡¯s lips. Chiyo gulps.


    ¡°Even if you say that, it¡¯s not like I¡¯ll just magically know how to play now¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t I show you then?¡± Natsumi takes Chiyo¡¯s hand as she moves to stand behind her. She jumps upon contact.


    ¡°Wait a minu-¡± ¡°First you have to put your hands together like this,¡± Chiyo can feel something soft and warm pressing against her back. Small nubs poke at the unclothed area of her back while Natsumi¡¯s fingers work over the skin of her arms at the front left her with little to no breathing room. It definitely doesn¡¯t help that Natsumi¡¯s breath is fanning warmth into her ear every time she speaks.


    ¡°Are you listening, kitten? Don¡¯t go freezing up on me now¡± a sultry voice purrs in her ear ¡°Though perhaps this might¡¯ve been a little too much for you¡±


    As Natsumi pulls away, Chiyo immediately turns her head. Batting her eyelashes, she gazes up at the redhead.


    Two can play at this game.


    ¡°Why¡¯d you stop? Weren¡¯t we going to win?¡± With pursed lips and big doe eyes, she looks the picture perfect image of innocence.


    Natsumi seems taken aback for a split second, eyes going involuntarily round. Though it¡¯s a little aggravating how quickly that mischievous cat-like smile slips right back into place.


    ¡°Cheeky little thing¡± Against Chiyo¡¯s shoulder, Natsumi exhales. Leaving teasing touches trailing down her sides, Natsumi¡¯s hands finally settle on the area around her hips. Just the mere tips of her fingers against the soft sensitive skin, yet Chiyo shivers, the tendrils of anticipation restless under her skin. Natsumi picks up where she left off, lightly tracing circles as she talks, the touch enough to leave goosebumps in its wake. She feels helpless under Natsumi¡¯s hold, the heat of the woman¡¯s hand amplifying the sensitivity of her nerves.


    ¡°-then, you just need to hit the ball like this¡± Natsumi finishes her instruction and by then Chiyo¡¯s face could rival that of a thousand suns.


    Thanks to Natsumi¡¯s guidance, Chiyo finally manages to serve the ball and they could actually start the game. Though in the end, the twins still won due to her trash skills.


    There¡¯s a weird biting disappointment at the back of her mind. Maybe what she¡¯s feeling is from losing against the twins. Though the pulsing heat twisting in her gut like a corkscrew has her thinking otherwise.


    ¡°Next time okay¡± Natsumi winks, her hand flirting with the string of Chiyo¡¯s bikini bottom. She¡¯s so distracted by it, by the tension between them, that only when the embarrassment catches up does she manage to tear away from her.


    ¡°Haha! How does it feel losing to us!¡± Momo¡¯s laughter rings loudly throughout the room, a saviour to her rapidly beating heart. ¡°We are the best after all!¡±


    ¡°Ha, please, we¡¯ll definitely beat you next time¡± Chiyo declares, though clunky and unnatural, with a pump of her fist to the sky.


    ¡°I like your spirit, Chiyo!¡± Kazai smiles. ¡°And don¡¯t mind Momo, she¡¯s just salty because her boobs aren¡¯t as big as yours!¡±


    Momo kicks Kazai into the pool before he has the chance to say anything else and the pool party comes to an end.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Day 2 (Part II)

    Chiyo steps out of the shower with a tired sigh, stomach rumbling for the upteenth time that morning. She opens the wardrobe and finds that there are already plenty of dresses and heels inside. Though it is genuinely creepy that they know her exact sizes so well. Her hand brushes over a cute pastel blue and flowy off the shoulder dress. The sheer long sleeves float off her tiny arms beautifully, and the dress hugs her snugly on the top while it flows out like waves from the waist down. There are ruffled lace linings in just the right places that give the dress a cute and feminine feel.


    Chiyo skips down the hallway in her blue pumps, making a beeline for the restaurant where the meeting is arranged. An attendant opens the door for her and she walks in to find all the leaders already seated around the table. At the top of the round table is Kaito, who seems to only own black suits in his entire wardrobe. Though it is refreshing to find his hair slicked back this time. He holds up the glass of red wine when Chiyo enters the room.


    ¡°Welcome, Ms. Muuri. We have been waiting for you.¡±


    Chiyo takes a seat at the empty chair near the end of the table. As she looks around, something different is of notice to her. Perhaps it is because everyone is dressed a bit more¡­ formally than usual?


    Sitting next to Kaito on the right, is Natsumi, who compared to the sexy image from this morning, is wearing a fitting black suit complete with a ruby encrusted necklace around her neck. Her aura radiates power and prestige. Yousuke too definitely seems like a different person with his shirt buttoned up all the way.


    If anything, he actually appears kinder in this image.


    Kazai and Momo are still colourful as ever, wearing matching pink and green suits which perfectly encapsulates their personality. Chiyo turns to the left and almost stumbles out of her seat when she is met by a very handsome man in a dark blue suit that she sure as hell has never met before. Through the clear of his glasses, his eyes look like they¡¯re also studying her with the same level of curiosity.


    Surprisingly, Akira is also wearing a suit today. Other than that, nothing seems out of place for him as he still looks very happy-go-lucky even in formal clothing. And finally, at the very end of the table sits Kiara and her attendant who also happens to be donning matching white outfits.


    How stylish¡­


    Something shiny reflects in Chiyo¡¯s eyes, and she realises it¡¯s the light bouncing off of Kiara¡¯s diamond earrings.


    ¡­ly boujee


    ¡°You must have been surprised by the sudden invitation.¡± Kaito smiles. ¡°We organised this lunch since we wanted a chance to get to know you better.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite alright, as I am also honoured to be able to dine with you all like this¡±


    ¡°There is no need to be formal. This is actually our annual bonding time.¡± Natsumi chimes in. ¡°We use this time of the year to discuss some important matters and also to¡­bond.¡±


    ¡°Because despite the fact that we will be fighting each other in the future, we will still need to work together now and even in the future. Our ancestors, I think, created this tradition in order for us to develop our relationship so we don¡¯t end up killing each other in the Battle of Galsia.¡± Kaito states matter-of-factly.


    ¡°Yes, so think of us like a big family, don¡¯t be scared.¡± Natsumi claps her hands as servants pool through the door and start plating the food.


    Chiyo gawks at the whole bird on her plate and wonders if this is really what rich people eat for appetisers but when she cuts into it she realises what inside is actually duck soup. Her eyes sparkle upon seeing the mouth watering liquid ooze out. She takes a bite and feels as if all her clothes are being blown off by how good it is. She notes to herself to talk to the chefs later about the gastronomy behind these dishes.


    ¡°Does the food suit your palate?¡± Kiara smiles as she sees how Chiyo¡¯s entire demeanour changed after trying the food.


    ¡°It''s delicious! The flavours are being enhanced and brought forth by so many different elements, I mean you can even taste the origin of the ingredients from how attentive each individual aspect has been handled¡­¡±


    Everyone turns and looks at Chiyo, who¡¯s now completely lost in her own world as she is exhilaratingly chattering about food. Even Kaito can¡¯t help the smile that tugs at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°If you like it that much, I can let you meet the chef.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Chiyo turns so fast she almost gives herself whiplash ¡°I would love to be able to meet them¡±


    ¡°Yes, and he could teach you too if you want. He¡¯s one of the chefs that earned the Michelin star in this hotel.¡°.


    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one that has a Michelin Star chef in your district.¡± Natsumi mumbles as she looks at Kaito with disgust.


    Chiyo continues to happily enjoy her meal, their bickering but white background noise. Though it is hard to swallow the food when the person next to her is staring at her so ¡°passionately¡±. Anyone who looks over right now might mistake this for the start of a fantastic love story. But of course, like any normal human being, she thought this shit was creepy as hell.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t mean to be rude but why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face that I should know about?¡± Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Why is your hand shaking?¡± The man next to her asks as he just continues to stare at her.


    Did he not hear a single word that was just said????


    Only when he pointed it out did Chiyo realise that her hands had been shaking for the entire duration of the confrontation. She grabs one hand with the other, willing herself to calm down ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I¡¯m just a little cold¡±


    It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not like that time.


    Despite obviously having been caught staring, the man remains unflinchingly still. Chiyo huffs. About ready to give him a piece of her mind when she¡¯s struck dumb by the most mesmerising of blue. The eyes that have been staring at her all this time are strangely very...beautiful? A crystalline sapphire that sparkles like a perfect raindrop on a blue aster after a spring shower.


    ¡°Can I touch your hand?¡±


    Kazai almost spits out the food when he hears what the man has to say, Momo following suit.


    Chiyo can feel her mind spiralling out of control. Come here. Her vision blurs. Let me touch you. Eyes shut tight, she tries to block everything out from her mind. You know you wanted this. Her spoon clatters loudly to the floor.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Chiyo?¡± Natsumi finally notices something weird going on at that side of the table.


    ¡­


    ¡°Chiyo?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Uh. Nothing!¡± Her reply came a little too quickly for her own taste ¡°Just¡­just shaky from how good the food is!.....If you could excuse me for just a moment¡±


    Chiyo moves to the bathroom at the speed of light.


    Taking a moment to herself to figure out what the heck just happened, she splashes some water onto her face to refresh her mind.


    You¡¯re just imagining this. You probably heard it wrong. He probably meant something else. It¡¯s¡­It¡¯s not like that time. It¡¯s not like that time¡­


    Pale faced, she exits the bathroom only to run straight into the man she dreaded the most blocking the entrance.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t answer-¡± ¡°GAAAAAAAAAAAHH¡± startled by his sudden appearance, Chiyo¡¯s ear deafening scream fills the hall. She falls to the floor, whatever iron willed heart she had put together crumbled in mere seconds like a piece of biscuit.


    ¡°Why is your body shaking like that again?¡± The man¡¯s brief confusion is easily replaced by fascination again ¡°Anyways, can I touch your hand?¡±


    The man¡¯s behaviour seems to have completely broken Chiyo as she¡¯s just¡­there with her hands out like some interactive exhibit in a museum. She seems to be mumbling something to herself as she stares blankly back at him.


    When the man is about to touch Chiyo¡¯s hand, someone suddenly appears from behind the corner.


    ¡°What are you doing, Hirahito?!¡± Kazai shouts, pointing an accusing finger his way ¡°Are you seriously asking to touch her hand?!¡±


    ¡°Yes, so what?¡± Hirahito turns and looks at Kazai with a puzzled expression.


    Kazai rushes over, attempting to heroically shield Chiyo from this perverted monster. Though from the way his body is shaking like a leaf, he looks more like a tin soldier than a white knight.


    ¡°Run! Chiyo! Although Hirahito has always been a weird person, I never knew that it was possible for him to also be a pervert!¡±


    Kazai turns around, expecting Chiyo to be in complete awe at his courageous actions¡­


    ¡­Only to find her completely gone, leaving behind only a tail of dust.


    Chiyo hurtles through the double doors, ragged and out of breath as she collapses into her seat.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, did Kazai not make it in time?¡± Momo looks at Chiyo, who looks haggard and frankly a little lost, with a worried expression ¡°What did Hirahito do to you?!¡±


    Her skin crawls with goosebumps at the thought ¡°He¡­he¡­¡± though no matter how much she tries, the words that she wants to say just won¡¯t come out.


    Momo¡¯s face turns pale. ¡°Did he ask to touch your hand again? Oh my god, stay away from him Chiyo. Scream whenever you¡¯re near him!¡±


    And they almost do when Hirahito comes crashing through the door, dragging Kazai¡¯s lifeless body on the floor behind him.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Kaito has to lower his wine glass at the sight.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Hirahito shrugs. ¡°He suddenly ran towards my direction so I stepped aside.¡±


    ¡°The¡­..wall¡­..¡± Kazai mumbles weakly before the light fades completely from his eyes.


    Kazai is immediately taken away by a squadron of doctors and Momo can only chase after him in tears.


    The meal ends, as one might have expected, in utter chaos.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Chiyo enters Kazai¡¯s room to find him lying in his bed with his head wrapped by white bandages, surrounded by various medical equipment.


    Was that¡­a heart rate monitor?


    He looks out the window, observing the birds chirping with a calm gaze. Momo is sitting beside him, eyes red and puffy. The scene is so emotional Chiyo feels like she¡¯s watching a live reenactment of ¡°The Last Leaf.¡±


    ¡°Hey Kazai, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Chiyo. I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay.¡± Kazai says with the face of a hero.


    She¡¯s unsure if she should mention the fact that nothing really happened.


    ¡°No, I should thank you Kazai ...you um¡­REALLY saved my life.¡± Chiyo plays along for now.


    A single tear rolls down his cheek ¡°As long as you¡¯re fine.¡±


    Momo starts sobbing upon seeing Kazai¡¯s tears. ¡°Chiyo, my little brother did everything he could to protect you. All we want is for you to stay safe and we''ll be happy.¡±


    Chiyo drops down onto her knees. One hand grips the chest area of her dress tightly, the other covering her mouth as she chokes back her laughter with a loud sob, ¡°Kazai! Please! Don¡¯t go! You¡¯re still so young! Who will stay by mine and Momo¡¯s side if you¡¯re gone. Who will protect us now?¡±


    ¡°No need to worry. My injury is nothing. I¡¯ll quickly recover to protect all of you.¡± Kazai says with a serious face.


    Chiyo and Momo can see a light emitting from behind Kazai¡¯s body. Faintly in the background, she swears she could hear a choir of angels sing.


    ¡°You must leave now, Chiyo¡­GO!¡± Kazai cries out dramatically with a wave of the hand, ¡° I don¡¯t want to burden you with my sight any longer.¡± Large, syrupy dews cling to the long black lashes that flutter with an enchanting vulnerability as the words ghosts over his lips.


    ¡°All I ask is that you keep me in your heart¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    Kazai raises his head.


    ¡­


    ¡°Momo¡­Chiyo, she¡­left immediately, didn''t she¡­. ¡°


    ¡ª¡ª

 Day 2 (Part III)

    Chiyo walks with purpose. The duck from lunch long since digested, leaving behind a gnawing emptiness at the pit of her stomach. It growls loudly.


    She tries to ignore it.


    It growls again.


    Chiyo blinks and she immediately finds herself standing within the hotel¡¯s restaurant.


    Hunger sure can do some crazy things to you.


    She chooses the table by the large window overlooking the city. If she was going to dine alone, she¡¯s at least going to dine in style. The waiter who comes over to her table doesn¡¯t bring with him dessert but instead a quietly worded message.


    Someone wanted to see her?


    Chiyo accepts the invitation with reluctance, already foreseeing an incoming headache. The waiter leads her to the top of the building. The elevator door slides open to reveal an open rooftop. Amongst the blessed midnight velvet, the moon, a silver halo hangs in the lonely sky. As the curtains part, the celestial planetoid sets the city aglow like a bright diamond flame. Chords of moonlight orchestrate the parade of stars as they twinkle a heavenbound symphony. The teasing wind brushes her waist, a silent invitation to dance.


    Oomph.


    She realises she¡¯s backed up into something rather¡­hard and firm? In one swift movement, Chiyo is twirled around into a pair of arms, hands gently bracing on a broad suited chest. She blinks and finds Kaito but mere inches from her. Taking one of her hands in his gloved one, he lifts it to brush his lips gently against her fingers.


    ¡°Though I am usually a man of words, I do find that sometimes the best and simplest way to convey a message is through actions¡± his breath ghosts her knuckle and she¡¯s already planned out six perfect escape routes.


    ¡°If I may, would you grace me with the honour of one dance?¡±


    Chiyo freezes on the spot.


    If it¡¯s only dancing, she supposes she could indulge him in at least that much. She nods, and Kaito¡¯s smile in return comes as an unexpected yet pleasant surprise. They fall into step and immediately everything around seems to fade away, only the two existing during this moment in time. It¡¯s weird how¡­composed she feels, being able to dance away without a care in the world. For her, this definitely comes off as an odd feeling, knowing that Kaito¡¯s touch doesn¡¯t evoke that same sense of fear. And it definitely came as a surprise that his sudden presence hadn¡¯t just sent her straight to her death bed, especially after what happened earlier in the day. It¡¯s almost as if everything was but a fever dream. A part of her doesn¡¯t want to admit it, but it feels calming to be around him.


    The sound of harps, light and lovely, strings together a harmonious melody that weaves itself into the night. Her heart steadies as wild serenity fills the air, allowing rippling lines of aluminium to honour their every movement. It feels like they have been dancing for forever, yet she never seems to tire from it, too lost in the moment to notice or even care.


    However, the slight shift in her composure does not go unnoticed by her companion.


    ¡°I apologise for the commotion during lunch. I feel that we didn¡¯t actually get a chance to talk to each other because of that,¡± the voice that emanates from the man opposite her shakes her from her thoughts.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry yourself over that, it was a rather enjoyable experience¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that¡± Kaito holds her close, too close, his arm fully embracing her back. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Then I guess you won¡¯t mind me asking about what happened with Hirahito?¡±


    Chiyo¡¯s breath hitches. Grip loose with sweat, her limbs move stiffly in momentum with his.


    ¡°Forgive me if I am mistaken of course, but I noticed that you looked a bit shaken when you came back.¡±


    Her brain stutters, thoughts failing miserably to catch up.


    ¡°Did he perhaps say something to you during the meal? I hope he hasn''t offended you in any way. I wouldn¡¯t want to make you uncomfortable during your stay here after all¡±


    She is taken aback by his sudden question; it had never occurred to her that he might have cared enough to notice. It wasn¡¯t an unpleasant thought, she realises after a short moment, but if she didn''t reply soon, she is afraid he¡¯d recognize that her wall had begun crumbling down.


    Come on, say something. Anything.


    ¡°Ms. Muuri?¡± Kaito leans in.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    Where would she even start? What is even the right thing to say here? How could she even tell a man she¡¯s met for no more than two days about this¡­this thing that eats at her sanity everyday and taunts her for every sleepless night. She can¡¯t let him into that part of her heart, not when his intentions were probably far from kind. She can¡¯t allow for that vulnerability just yet.


    ¡°...He hasn¡¯t,¡± Despite the fluster in her voice, she has to at least give herself credit for trying, ¡°and the stay has been wonderful so far. I couldn''t possibly have any complaints.¡±


    Kaito seems taken back by her response but she wouldn¡¯t have noticed at all if not for the slight raise of his brow. How quickly he recovers, like it barely even fazed him.


    ¡°Well if you wanted to, you could live like this everyday you know¡±


    Chiyo almost trips and falls upon his forwardness, steps clumsy as she tries to catch up to his quickening steps, and conversation topic. God, had her heart made the wrong assumption about him. Kaito is anything but calming.


    ¡°Sorry if I¡¯m too straightforward.¡± Kaito suddenly looks Chiyo directly in the eyes. ¡°But would you listen to my offer?¡±


    Despite her obvious scepticism, she decides it wouldn¡¯t hurt to at least hear him out.


    ¡°I can give you any number you want.¡± Kaito reverts to his business smile. ¡°As long as you work for me for the upcoming Battle of Galsia and also in the future.¡±


    Chiyo flinches. For a moment, her face is washed blank with surprise, every muscle within her body freezing upon those words. Chiyo needed money, she really did. How could she not when she is ever reminded of the hardworking image of her parents back in Area Six. It¡¯s not like she was exactly poor, but Chiyo couldn¡¯t have been considered well off either. And all she wanted was for her parents to be able to live comfortably without having to worry about her all the time.


    But Chiyo feels like she would avoid getting involved with a businessman like Kaito if she could help it. It unsettles her, not knowing what he was truly hiding behind those eyes.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t I given at least a week to think about this?¡± Chiyo counters curtly. She shouldn¡¯t give him the upper hand here.


    ¡°Of course, and you still have a week to think about it.¡± Kaito says. ¡°But I¡¯m just curious, what exactly do you want? Is money not what you¡¯re looking for?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s something I can¡¯t disclose¡± Chiyo¡¯s smile strains against her face. Kaito spins her into a dip, his hand squeezing her waist.


    ¡°I see... ¡° Kaito muses. ¡°Is there really something that money can¡¯t buy?¡±


    ¡°Even if I wanted to I wouldn¡¯t be able to buy this with money¡± she speaks through clenched teeth, back straining from their inexpedient position.


    Even if she wanted to, money could never fix what was already broken. Money could never fix her.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Chiyo simply smiles, a clear indication she had no intention of providing him with a clear answer.


    ¡°Let¡¯s pick this up again another time, it¡¯s getting quite late and I should probably head back now,¡±


    ¡°...Indeed¡± Kaito pulls her up and Chiyo feels her joints snap from the jolting movement ¡°Before you go, can I say one last thing?¡±


    That¡¯s one too many last things there buddy.


    ¡°If you forget about returning to your normal life, I can make helping one of us worth every single second. Just name your price whenever you want¡±


    Her eyes harden ¡°Even if I tell you what I want,¡± she begins, tone flat as if speaking to a complete stranger ¡°you''re not the only one who can give it to me. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, I hope you have a wonderful rest of the evening.¡±


    ¡°Have a good night, Ms. Muuri. I hope you get your answer soon.¡±


    Their eyes meet for the last time before the elevator door closes shut.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Day 3 (Part I)

    Heart pumping, pulse racing - Chiyo can feel the adrenaline course through her veins as she runs, the air exiting her lungs in short, gaspy exhales.


    ¡°You bitch! Get back here!¡±


    Her blood runs cold at the sound. The colour drains completely from her face as the thud of footsteps grow closer with each step.


    The loud, intrusive pulse that drums in her ear blocks out any other sound within the dark space. Forcing her legs to move faster, she runs, runs like her life depends on it. Even if there was no exit in sight.


    As if God is playing a cruel trick on her, Chiyo finds her foot caught by an invisible force as she comes hurdling forward. She beats at her legs, shouting at them to move, to do anything.


    Please.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be able to get away from me,¡± A toneless guttural creeps into her ear ¡°Ever¡±


    Before she can think to react, something had already wrapped itself around her body and dragged her, kicking and screaming, into the depths of darkness. The void consumes her whole, her cries muffled for none to hear.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Chiyo wakes up drenched in sweat.


    She lurches from the bed, eyes darting around to find herself still safe within the confines of the hotel¡¯s luxurious bedroom. Alone. Thankfully. A weak stream of silver spills through the gaps in the curtains, a faint attempt to light up the room.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Dawn must have not broken yet.


    Bleary eyed, she manages through some incredible force of nature to manoeuvre past the vague geometric shadows to tumble into the bathroom.


    It¡¯s just a dream.


    Chiyo feels her head weighing more than usual. She fumbles for the bottle of paroxetine hidden inside her make up pouch and it clatters loudly to the floor, all that¡¯s inside spills onto the marble tiling.


    He¡¯s not here anymore. It¡¯s just a dream.


    With the pills back inside the container, she stands back up. The face that stares back at her is surprisingly a sight for sore eyes. The same unruly baby blue hair and eye bag heavy face watches her with a rivalling tiredness, yet she¡¯s glad to see it. Glad to see that she¡¯s still here.


    She reaches out and their hands meet in the middle, the glass cool under her touch. She knows she keeps doing this. This same worn out routine. She¡¯s tired, exhausted of seeing the same haunting reminder. And she hates it, despises the disconcerting and pitiful way it frowns back at her. But it¡¯s better than admitting that that wretched face is nothing more than her reflection. And that she¡¯s helpless against herself.


    Staggering backwards, her hand knocks against the cup on the countertop. The room is congested by the sound of breaking glass, a million fragments scattering across the floor. Chiyo blinks, as if snapping out of a daze. Immediately, her eyes fall to the mess on the floor. Reaching to gather the broken shards, she winces. Red stains the floor, colours creeping from between her fingers. Trickling onto the sleeves of her pyjamas, bright red blooms into patches of darkening hues. With a gripped fist, she curls into herself.


    ¡°Please¡±


    Just leave me alone.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Day 3 (Part II)

    Chiyo sits cross-legged, eyes shut as she tunes into the calming ambience of meditative music within the fitness centre. The pain in her palm stings still, but she pushes it to the back of her mind with silent mantraic recitals.


    Sleep failed to be an option, so she had to utilise the time. Early mornings really are the only moments she gets to herself. To be alone with her thoughts.


    Without ANY possible disruption.


    Yousuke saunters into the room. The black tank top that he wears reveals the full sleeve of tattoos that paint his arms. Chiyo can now see the well defined muscles that ripple across his body, a body so fit that it could make any girl blush just from a single glance. And it is also the first time that Chiyo notices just how small she is in comparison to Yousuke¡¯s robust, militarian build.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here, the stupid and funny girl¡± is the wonderful greeting chosen when he sees Chiyo meditating in the corner.


    She ignores him, going to collect her stuff so that she can get the hell out of there. She¡¯s not in the mood to deal with him today. Then again, she¡¯s never really been in the mood to deal with him ever. The man really was really doing an excellent job at becoming the bane of her existence.


    Where was her water bottle?


    ¡°Are you trying to find this?¡± Yousuke holds Chiyo¡¯s bottle in his hand, waving it tauntingly in front of her face.


    ¡°Give it back¡± there¡¯s a twinge of anger in her voice as she makes a swipe for it.


    Yousuke raises the bottle up higher into the air. ¡°Why should I?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my stuff! You can¡¯t just help yourself like that¡± Chiyo jumps, only to find the bottle impossibly out of reach.


    Yousuke smirks, ¡°Beat me and I¡¯ll give it back to you.¡±


    ¡°How about you stop fucking around and just give it back to me.¡± She snaps back.


    ¡°But what¡¯s the fun in that?¡±


    ¡°Maybe some of us just want to get on with our day?¡± Chiyo makes another grab for the bottle. Yousuke smiles at her feeble attempt to fight back. And to return the favour, he casually takes a step back, watching in amusement as she staggers onto the floor.


    Rubbing her sore face, she opens her mouth to protest, but then realises that words wouldn¡¯t do her much good in this situation anyways. He¡¯s clearly enjoying the anger he elicits from her, a sadistic streak at his hands.


    Yousuke squats down and looks at Chiyo, who¡¯s very clearly in a lot of pain, with a smile.


    He laughs, that irritable expression of mirth a little too evident on his face. ¡°I really like that look. Seeing you suffer entertains me a lot.¡±


    ¡°Are you still a five year old child?¡±


    Someone suddenly barges into the room, and she didn¡¯t know she had welcomed such intrusion until now. Chiyo turns and almost cries out of relief upon seeing Kiara and her butler. Kiara however, doesn¡¯t look pleased.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Yousuke chuckles, his laughter low and cruel ¡°I didn¡¯t think that you¡¯d still have legs to work out with.¡±


    ¡°Even if I can''t,¡± Kiara narrows her eyes, ¡°It would still be better than the ridiculous display you were showing. Do you not have an ounce of shame?¡±


    ¡°And what are you going to do about that? Lecture me?¡± His gaze, though lazy, is a poor disguise for the biting coldness from his glare ¡°Or are you going to run and cry to the others?¡±


    It seems his words were effective enough to offset one of them. The butler who steps forward is quickly stopped by Kiara.


    ¡°Kou, stop. Violence is forbidden here.¡± With a simple shake of her head, she swiftly turns back to Yousuke again. ¡°I am not going to do any of that. Lecturing you will only be a waste of time. I¡¯ll report this to Kaito and make sure he sets up appropriate measures to prevent you from hurting Chiyo.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Do whatever you want.¡± The room seems to have dropped a thousand degrees after that single comment, the pair glaring at each other like they¡¯re seconds from ripping each other¡¯s heads¡¯ off.


    Chiyo, who has not moved a single inch from her spot this whole time, stands there watching like she¡¯s the side character of some telenovela. Only when Kiara¡¯s attention shifts to her does she remember that she¡¯s actually the main character of this one.


    ¡°Come with me Chiyo, I can¡¯t trust to leave you here alone with him any longer.¡± The gentleness of which she looks at Chiyo is enough for her to falter. In a moment of weakness, she accepts the hand that¡¯s offered to her. Their hands meld together perfectly; like every bone, muscle and ligament were shaped in the other¡¯s image.


    And Chiyo just feels like no matter where they go, wherever Kiara takes her, she¡¯ll be okay.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Kiara¡¯s room is luxurious, to say the least.


    It resembles her, a spacious white-walled suite adorned with antique designs. Each luxurious item of furniture within the room is ornate by its own distinctive hand-drawn detail. Though the richly coloured gold leaf pattern seems to be a common running theme throughout. Her eyes land on the most monumental chandelier hanging over the king size canopy bed in the middle, ivory with a touch of lace draping the columns that mount the corners of the cushion. The walls nearest to the windows are lined with polished stone pedestals that carry various miniature marble structures. She feels like they all shared the same depiction of one woman, though Chiyo can¡¯t quite put a finger to whom it might have been.


    ¡°Please, have a seat¡± Kiara gestures to one of the Baroque velvet armchairs that surround the coffee table. It made for a nice reading spot , Chiyo notes the marble fireplace built into the wall; watching the way the orange ember pirouette in a rhythmic dance, transforming the bed of wood into the most transient of beauty.


    Though a bit stiff, she eventually manages to settle into a fairly comfortable position on the chaise, watching as Kiara rolls out from the bathroom with a medical kit in her lap.


    Wait, a medical kit?


    The box is set down with a clink on the glass surface. Kiara begins to unravel the contents inside, arranging them neatly onto the table like she¡¯s preparing to perform surgery. Their eyes lock when Chiyo is still entranced by the grace and methodology of her work.


    ¡°May I?¡± Kiara smiles, gesturing towards the hand in Chiyo¡¯s lap.


    Sitting opposite of one another with their knees barely brushing; they were close, close enough to touch. Yet Kiara makes no move to initiate it. She¡¯s patient with Chiyo, a breath of fresh air compared to the whirlwind that are the other six. Well maybe with the exception of Kaito, she groans mentally, who was stressful in his own way. A silent nod is enough permission for Kiara to envelop Chiyo¡¯s hand with her own. Chiyo¡¯s heart flutters upon contact, something comforting in the way Kiara handles her.


    ¡°Was this also Yousuke¡¯s doing?¡±


    Kiara¡¯s expression, something that she¡¯s picked up on from their few shared interactions, never seems to border on anger. Yet for the first time, Chiyo¡¯s attention is drawn to the bitterness that swept her features. A frown flickers across her forehead as she turns Chiyo¡¯s hand over to inspect the wound.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s¡­¡± is what she starts with but the longer she draws on it, the further she loses track.


    Kiara¡¯s gaze flicks towards Chiyo, her fingers featherlight over the shallow cut on her palm and she flinches. It takes Chiyo a moment to remember how her voice works, what she¡¯s supposed to do for something, anything to come out.


    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think it is. It was just an accident¡± The silence is deafening, and she finds herself wishing against her better judgement that that wasn¡¯t the case. While Chiyo fumbles for the words, searching for a way to laugh this whole thing off, a thumb brushes over her cheek.


    Her visage, now reflected in the pool of Kiara¡¯s crystal clear eyes, was beyond recognisable. Shaken, lost and maybe even confused. It made her wonder, had she always looked like this?


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± There is a sweet sense of nurture in the way the pad of Kiara¡¯s thumb presses gentle petals like kisses on her skin ¡°I can sense your discomfort towards the subject, and it wouldn¡¯t be right of me to pry.¡±


    The endearment in Kiara¡¯s voice is something that Chiyo still couldn¡¯t find herself getting used to no matter how many times she¡¯s heard it. But it makes her soft, makes her vulnerable against her whims and ways. It makes her scared. And she isn¡¯t sure if the fear is more directed at them or herself. Uneasiness pitches itself in her stomach and she recoils from Kiara¡¯s touch.


    As if sensing something, Kiara retracts, drawing back into the upright posture within her wheelchair. Eyes still locked up on Chiyo¡¯s, she begins to slowly breathe in through her nose, then exhale through the mouth. Kiara lifts a hand and gestures for her to do the same. They repeat the process a few times, each breath coming easier than the last. And it takes a moment, but her mind finally stills.


    ¡°Feeling better?¡± Kiara smiles and Chiyo can only nod in response ¡°If you ever feel suffocated like this again, just repeat the same exercise, okay? It¡¯ll help clear your mind.¡±


    Kiara quickly finishes up the bandaging job. And though the end product isn¡¯t the best, it¡¯s the thought that sets something in her aflutter.


    ¡°Even if you think it¡¯s trivial, don¡¯t ever feel troubled to come to me if something¡¯s wrong¡±


    The wide-eyed expression that claims Chiyo¡¯s features only seems to excite a soft chuckle from the smaller girl. But it¡¯s the way Kiara¡¯s lips rests delicately against her bandaged palm that brings her to absolute ruin.


    ¡°And don¡¯t worry¡± Kiara¡¯s smile only seems to spread as she presses Chiyo¡¯s palm against her cheek ¡°I would have done this regardless of my intentions.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª

 Day 3 (Part III)

    Chiyo leaves the room in complete and utter shambles. Her mind feels disassociated, and she¡¯s still a little confused about what exactly took place in Kiara¡¯s room.


    With no real clue of where to go, what to do, or who she even was at that point in time; she kind of just wanders aimlessly back to her room. Completely lost in her own headspace, she fails to notice the person she runs into until she¡­well¡­runs into him.


    Crash!


    ¡°Oh my god! I¡¯m so sorry, are you okay?¡± ignoring the searing pain in her butt, she rushes up to help the other person.


    Chiyo¡¯s whole body freezes when her eyes land upon the oh so familiar figure sprawled across the floor. With hair that grows all over the place, thick glasses that cover his eyes and pyjamas so ugly that she could spot him from a mile away, she falls right back onto the floor.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Hirahito, magically back on his feet, blows out any speck of hope that she had of escaping when he corners her against the wall. By now, Chiyo¡¯s body is shaking too much for an answer to come out.


    ¡°Why are you shaking again?¡± Such a fine young thing you are.


    She must be going crazy. Chiyo blinks and the image doesn¡¯t seem to disappear, if anything, it¡¯s physical form seems clearer than before. The dark figure that emerges from Hirahito¡¯s shadow leers sardonically at her cowering form. No. This is not real. Hirahito, however, seems completely unaware of what looms behind him. Chiyo flinches away from the hands that reach for her.


    Trembling, she searches through the pockets of her pants. Did she not carry her meds with her? The pit of her stomach churns. She felt sick.


    ¡°Can I touch your hand?¡± You¡¯ll let me hold you won¡¯t you?


    Her breathing stutters as she struggles to move, legs refusing to cooperate. Throat clogged with tears; traps all the words that she wanted to yell out; pushing it down until it suffocates her. Thankfully, before she¡¯s truly strangled to death by her own thoughts, Akira¡¯s voice cuts the tension, ¡°What are you guys doing?¡±


    As if a flip inside has been switched, Chiyo breaks down into tears. A convulsing and sobbing mess, she can only muster enough strength to curl up into a ball. Akira quickly runs over upon hearing Chiyo¡¯s cries, separating the pair to prevent Hirahito from moving any closer


    ¡°You don¡¯t look well. Should I take you to the nurse?¡± His voice is laced with concern as he bends over to check on her.


    ¡°C-can I just go back to my r-room? P-please¡± she¡¯s rocking herself back and forth by now, knees pressed tightly against her chest.


    ¡°Sure, of course. Do you need me to escort you back?¡± He asks.


    ¡°Please, before he comes. Before he finds me¡±


    ¡°Are you okay? Are you sure you don¡¯t want to see the nurse?¡±


    ¡°I can give her a check up. I¡¯m qualified,¡± Hirahito budges in from behind.


    ¡°Oh, you do?¡± Akira turns and looks at Hirahito with surprise, ¡°Can you check to see what¡¯s wrong with her?¡±


    Chiyo shakes even harder, she¡¯s shaking so hard that her body fades into a complete blur.


    ¡°I think she might be having a nervous breakdown.¡± Hirahito studies Chiyo''s intense shaking carefully like he¡¯s trying to solve some maths equation. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    ¡°Please, you need to get me out of here¡± she cries out; wailing, screaming, as she clings tighter onto the leg of Akira¡¯s trousers.


    ¡°Her mental state is unstable. I think she requires immediate attention,¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right, Chiyo. You should go with him,¡± The soothing circles that Akira rubs onto her back seems to be having the opposite effect.


    ¡°I just want¡± her words are barely decipherable through the crying and wheezing ¡°to be left alone¡±


    ¡°What did you say, Chiyo?¡± Where do you think you¡¯re going?


    ¡°STOP IT, WHY WON¡¯T YOU LEAVE ME ALONE!¡± Chiyo drops to the floor, her hands covering her ears. Akira and Hirahito can only silently watch on in shock as they listen to Chiyo¡¯s incessant screams.


    She can feel the hands roaming her body, the breath down her neck, the voice in her ear.


    Did you think you¡¯d be able to get away?


    ¡°STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT! GO AWAY! PLEASE¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, we get it. Calm down, Chiyo.¡± Akira is the first to move, trying to untangle her from the foetal hugging position that she¡¯s pulled herself into. Even though it didn¡¯t seem like she had any plans to budge, he still somehow manages, through sheer strength, to get her back onto her feet.


    You wanted this didn¡¯t you?


    You


    little


    slut


    ¡°NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!¡± Chiyo¡¯s voice echoes down the hallway. When she realises what she has done, it is already too late. Akira, who¡¯s now on the floor, can only stare back at her in disbelief.


    ¡°I¡­¡± With her emotional battery long overloaded, the shame runs her over like a truck, wipes her blank with horror. Ignoring Akira¡¯s calls, she turns on her heel and runs. To where? She¡¯s not sure.


    But all she knew was, she desperately needed to get away from there.


    ¡ª¡ª


    This was a horrible habit that she¡¯s picked up ever since the nightmares started resurfacing. It was something that helped her get through the night, even though it probably wasn¡¯t the best way.


    Maybe she should stop.


    Though the thought doesn¡¯t really match up with the action as Chiyo pops open the bottle of whiskey. She lets out a sigh, laying back down on the soft bed of grass, as she knocks back the pills with a swig of the burning liquid. Somehow, Chiyo managed to make the grass hill near the garden¡¯s lake her little hideaway spot. The lake shimmers in silver specks, a broad span of azure blue fitted into the mould hemmed by surrounding hills and trees. Unruffled by the wind, it lays still and restful.


    Her eyes land on the clear night sky, a dark veil flashing with pinpricks of birthstone blue, fingers following the line of scattered moondust as she begins to drunkenly count them in an impressively broken melodic tone.


    ¡°Mind if I join you?¡±


    Chiyo props up, head automatically following the sound. Unfortunately, her eyes can barely make out the wriggly shadow in the distance. Yet that doesn¡¯t seem to sway her. All caution thrown out the window, she waves them over, laughing and hiccuping as she shoves the empty bottle into their direction.


    ¡°Come come comeeeee the more the merrier, do you want to share?¡±


    The bottle is quickly retrieved from her shaky grip, ¡°Is there something on your mind? Why are you drinking like this?¡± She thinks the black thing is talking? Then again she can¡¯t quite distinguish their mouth, their face, or much for that matter.


    ¡°CaN¡¯t A gIrL eNJoY HeRseLf EVerY nOw aND ThEN,¡± laughing gleefully, Chiyo tumbles down the steep hill. Luckily, her body is held back before she rolls herself straight into the lake. But that definitely doesn¡¯t stop her from plucking the grass on the ground.


    One grass, two grass, three gras-


    Her body is swiftly removed from the tattered patch of grass, and suddenly her feet are off the ground. It seems like she¡¯s now levitating.


    Woah, was she magic?


    As she¡¯s laughing and flapping her arms like a bird, the figure doesn¡¯t seem to expect her to suddenly whip around, and tackle them with such a tight vice grip bear hug that they end up a tangled heap on the ground.


    ¡°Please, wake up¡­¡± The blobby figure in her arms seems to be struggling? Again, she¡¯s not sure. Not when everything resembles a trippy psychedelic illusion.


    Maybe they¡¯re just dancing.


    Chiyo clings onto them, laying her head on their chest as she snuggles closer. Whatever this is, it made for a good pillow. Finding comfort in the warmth this thing radiates, she can feel tears pricking her eyes. And the grass just feels so soft, each strand tickling her skin, framing her form like a heaven weaved quilt.


    Something gently wipes away her tears, and Chiyo can feel her body floating into the air as she fades into unconsciousness.


    ¡ª¡ª