INTEGRITY . 𝐤𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐭𝐨

i. feeling blue

Y/N

Today might be the day I didn't look forward to the most. It was three months after mother's announcement that I were to get married to someone she had picked. My mind were racing with thoughts; "How can I politely reject him?" "How could I possibly change mother's mind?"

I breathed out a sigh as mother placed a hairclip on my hair, one in the symbol of a blue butterfly. Mother believed that the hair clip will give people fortune, and that I shall have a fortunate married life with this man.

"Mother, I don't even know his name."

"Don't be like this, my child. You'll get to know about him soon," she looked at the mirror as she smiled widely at me, her hands went over the neat bun she made of my hair. All the hair accessories made my head heavy; but mother wouldn't allow me to remove it until this person arrived and went back home.

My mother then ushered me to the living room and went off to prepare breakfast. My sisters were already in the living room, playing with their masks on; the masks which I bought at the festival three months ago.

The festival....

I wonder how Kamisato Ayato is doing.

The last time we part ways, it felt wrong... As soon as I told him about the news, I could see his expression fell. He asked me who the person was but I didn't even know who it was. Until now, I still don't know the person my mother planned for me to meet. He excused himself soon after, a look difficult to describe remained on his face as he left. It was difficult to tell... was he disappointed? sad? angry? I couldn't quite place it.

"Sister!! big mask!" Momori brought me back to my senses as she held out my fox mask; waiting for me to take it.

Though... my eyes were instantly trained to the item on her head; something I would recognise immediately. A flower crown. Specifically, the messy flower crown Kamisato Ayato made.

Wow... even after working, he still knew how to make his presence known in my life. I smiled subconsciously as I took the fox mask from Momori, my youngest sister.

"Thank you, Momo." I ruffled her already messy hair before she went off to play with Minato again.

The flower crown... I wonder how she got it. I was so sure I kept it with me, maybe she somehow was capable of grabbing it? She's pretty agile for her age, my little sister is indeed growing up.

"Y/N! Help me make some tea please, dear."

"Yes, coming ma!"

And so, my day went off to a start. I could only hope this person at the very least would be a polite person; a tolerable person at the least. I wonder if mother would change her mind if his personality doesn't come close to being nice.

"Oh dear Raiden shogun, I ask that you give me mercy," I whispered under my breath as I started preparing tea.

Unlike Kamisato Ayato, I don't know how to deal with rude people.

───(🦋) ───

KAMISATO AYATO

"My Lord, here are the biscuits Madam San delivered for you." Thoma placed down a plate of delicious biscuits of many kind at my desk. Much to my surprise, there were more than two variations this time.

"Send her a pack— no, wait, three packs of green tea as gratitude. This is more than enough for the whole estate," I told Thoma, excited to give the biscuits a try. "Does my sister have her share?"

"Yes, she brought some with her to share with her friends," Thoma then sat down in front of me, feigning a look of concern. "You haven't slept yet, have you my lord?"

"Sleep when I have mountains of work to attend to? I'd rather rest when I know my work is done, Thoma," I replied curtly, my eyes trained on the paperwork before me.

"A guest is coming by soon, and you look exhausted." Thoma muttered, knowing it wouldn't change my resolve.

As if on cue, a servant of mine knocked on the door before glancing inside. "My lord, Someone who seems to be a guest asked to see you?"

Oh? Perfect timing. Seems like even Thoma is unaware that the guest had already arrived.

"My my, Thoma. Its like you knew he'd arrive so soon," I teased the poor housekeeper as I stood up; nodding at the servant. "Yes, he had asked prior if he could come visit."

"I'll let him in, my lord. He will be here shortly," the servant bowed before exiting the room.

"Excuse my manners, my lord, but I think you should postpone this meeting," Thoma suggested. It was something I though of doing as well but alas, he's already here.

I crossed my arms, my fingers pinched the temple of my head as I try to calm the growing headache I've been having lately. It was no doubt due to my lack of sleep.

"Thoma..." I called him, my words paused by itself as my eyes caught the attention of a certain pristine item at the corner of my desk; untouched ever since it founded its place on my desk. A flower crown...

Y/N's last words to me were shocking news, I still couldn't believe what I heard back then. It was as if the universe had warned me against pursuing her, much to my surprise. She had warned me beforehand, and time wouldn't be any more precise with its warnings. I wonder how she's doing... Have she met him yet? The man she was going to marry? Did she like him? .... Have she fallen for him?

All these thoughts wavered in my mind like a calming sea, refusing to leave.

"My lord?"

"Ah, apologies..." I came back to my senses, shaking my head to avoid any unnecessary worries. "...Would you mind—"

"Lord Kamisato, a pleasure to be seeing you today."

The sultry voice of a man took my attention towards the door, and there stood a man with dusty red-brown hair, his outfit seems rather formal as does his appearance. His hair neatly combed to the side. A smile made way to his face as he bowed towards me, which I then bowed back to him.

A glance towards Thoma is enough for him to understand as he immediately left the room. I guess I could worry about the headache later. Now, there is a guest I must entertain.

"Its been due time for us to meet. wouldn't you say so, Yamada Shidou?"