Captured By You

4: A Thorn in My Side

As Kohana placed her key into the lock of her front door, she sighed and pushed open the door, flicking on the lights as she entered. After dropping her bag and books in the foyer, she went into her bedroom and grabbed the wine bottle that sat on a table among the many furnishings of the elegant room. She picked up a glass, poured the rosy wine into it and swirled the potion around in the glass before taking a sip.

'Sweet strawberries, ripe peaches and a lingering hint of green apple...'

She stared down into the pink, sea waves within her glass, just watching the light reflect from the surface. Then she grabbed the small remote on the table that played classical music at the press of a button.

An enchanting blended symphony of beautiful piano notes, keyboard keys and soft percussion filled the air as she breathed in deeply. Bringing the glass to her chest in an embrace as she closed her eyes, Kohana swayed to the music with ease.

Soft hums left her lips, and be became entranced in the moment.

Her long indigo hair followed after her as she twirled gracefully to the song. The musical notes enraptured her heart as she danced and twirled as though she were a princess in a ballroom. 

'Otousan...' (Father.) 

Precious memories of when her father would dance with her as a little girl flooded her mind as she imagined him there, holding her in his arms.

Though as her fantasy played on, she began to think of Akihiko, and immediately stopped.

Mixed feelings of that and her father came forth and she turned away into the bathroom before she could allow herself to succumb to her emotions. With resolution, she stripped free of her clothing and ripped loose the tie that upheld her hair before getting in the shower.

As the water fell all over her body, she sighed and ran her hands through her hair, in attempts to wash away the day. 

The music played softly in the background, as she soaked in the hot water to her enjoyment.

Though, Akihiko inevitably surfaced on her thoughts.

'How long can I run...'

Within her heart, she knew that if she continued to see him, that it would be dangerous. She gave so much effort into being so distant from everyone. Being so careful not to let anyone in, just to protect her heart. And yet... something about him seemed so necessary in her world. Something about him seemed too perfect... He was captivating.

'Why is he so captivating?...'

(*Piano instrumentals fill the air*)

Kohana's kitten curiously steps into the bedroom and meows for her master. The sound of running water causes her ears to perk, and she peeks into the bathroom before turning and running to jump up onto her bed. Brushing herself against the velvet smooth pillows, Kita purred in contentment, then laid down, playfully pawing at the air.



~ Scene Change ~



"I'm home~" Akihiko announced into the air as he entered past the foyer of the mansion. Anzu sat on the couch in the living room, reading silently to herself with her owl perched upon her shoulder. There was something serious about the atmosphere, and Akihiko narrowed his eyes at her. "What is it..?"

She hesitated to answer him as a solemn expression lingered on her features.

"Father wants to speak with you."

His violet eyes widened a bit as his posture straightened slightly but involuntarily.

"About what? Did something happen?"

She turned a page in the book. "He's been informed about something and he wants to speak with you about it.."

Just then, one of the servants who were a member of "The Eyes" came to the top of the grand staircase and bowed lowly. "Kyuuseishu-sama. Please, come quickly."

Taking on an authoritative aura, Akihiko looked up to the servant, then responded. "Mm." (Alright/Okay/Agreed.)

As he left, a lone tear of sorrow streaked down Anzu's cheek.

At once, the young man went up the stairs and walked over to a doorway where two servants were posted in military uniform. Both of them bowed lowly and Akihiko walked straight between them into the regally designed office.

There were beautiful curtains and wood polished furniture, including an official desk that had a sleek wide-screened laptop on top of it. Within the room, two servants who had been standing behind the desk bowed and walked out as Akihiko walked in.

Awaiting on the screen of the laptop was the live image of an elder man dressed in casual regal attire. He was standing in a bedroom that had the appearance of grandeur and class, and as he stood, he had his arms crossed while one hand played in his beard. On his pinky finger was a ruby bigger than a dime, and around his neck hung a golden chain.

As soon as Akihiko stepped in front of the screen, he bowed lowly and raised himself with a bright smile. "Konbanwa, Otousan.." he greeted before sitting. (Konbanwa is the equivalent to Good Evening.)

"Oh~!" The father grinned and came closer. "So it's true!"

"N-Nani?" Akihiko's eyebrow rose in slight confusion.

"You have a glow about you my son, there's no lie about that!" he chuckled.

"And what does that mean?" he asked puzzled.

His father came closer to the screen with a childish grin. "It means, that you've found someone special~" he whispered with a more evident blush of drink on his cheeks.

"N-NANI?!" (What.) Akihiko fell  backwards in his chair with a loud thud, then picked himself up while rubbing his head. "Itai~" (Ouch.)

Hardy laughter echoed from the computer, and Akihiko instantly grew wide eyed and returned to face his father.

"Is this what you wanted to talk about?!"

"Well, yes! It's very important! I want to know all about her- where she came from, who her parents are and-"

"Otousan!" he gritted his teeth in slight frustration at the situation. "How have you come to the conclusion that I've fallen for someone? I haven't even told you about an interest in anyone!" he clenched his fists. "Was it Anzu?!"

His father relaxed into composure and closed his eyes with a smirk.

"Hn. Not this time, no... But I did send you there with the Eyes, did I not?"

For a moment the young man stared at his father with a lingering frustration. Then it dawned on him, and he dropped his head with a deep sigh.

"Sou ka..." (I see.) he replied without raising his head.

"Everywhere means everywhere, Akihiko. Now you've got to tell me what's going on. This is a serious matter... Tadashi, look at me."

Hesitantly, he raised his head and looked into his father's eyes. A faint smile came to the elder man's face.

"What is it...?" Akihiko questioned.

"You've been blessed with your mother's eyes..."

Akihiko rolled his eyes at his father's play but his heart radiated with warmth at the mention of his beloved mother.

"Son, I need to know whether you are dealing with a woman who is just a mistress off of the streets, or-"

"She's not like that! She's not like that at all.." he refuted. "Though I'd hardly consider this a matter of extreme importance father, really. I've met her only a few days ago, and we barely know each other..." he trailed off with a softer tone.

The elder man hummed in understanding. "Though I can see, clearly, that if you had the chance to get to know her, you would. I tell you the truth, you have the same look on your face that I did when I first began to fall for your mother!"

At his words, Akihiko gritted his teeth again and looked away with a slight blush on his cheeks. "Father, stop talking please." 

A moment of silence arose between them as the father eyed his son carefully.

"Alright... I won't prod so much. Though because you are my son, any woman whom you become intertwined with becomes a woman of significance to me. I happen to know you very well, and I know your judgement. She'd have to be something special to have captured your attention..."

Loosening up a bit with a sigh, Akihiko folded his hands beneath his chin and closed his eyes as he began. "Her name.. is Kohana. Last name Hideyoshi. Father I implore you, do not do any further searches into her life through any means other than me telling you directly or her talking to you herself."

"Agreed." The father nodded as he listened to his son.

"She's about almost a foot shorter than me, and she has the most beautiful dark blue hair.. The most captivating eyes I've ever seen. They're hazel but brown and green at times.. Hn. I've seen them change to a fiery amber only once... She's gorgeous, even when she's angry... or at least pretending to be." he smirked.

His father raised an interested brow as he watched his son go on about the woman. 'And to think I sent him over there for an educational vacation...' he thought to himself.

"She's very reserved though, so far. When I first met her, I'd thought she would punch me in the face at any moment, but I'm almost sure that's not her true self... She's courteous and calm, but then also the complete opposite when she wants to be. It depends on her mood I suppose."

The father chuckled. "Sounds like your mother..." he murmured. 

Akihiko was twirling a pen in his hands, too busy daydreaming about Kohana to notice.

"I've never seen her speaking with anyone else other than me, and I say that because I'm sure that she reserves the right not to befriend anyone... Quite honestly, I'm surprised that she even lets me see her the way she does."

Returning his gaze to his father, he continued. "We haven't talked much, so I don't know too many details about her life... Was that enough for you?" he smirked, teasingly.

The elder man chuckled heartily once again. "I suppose so, for now. Though I would say it seems that you know her quite well! I just hope that you get to know her a bit more and what her life is like. I'd like to know too! She sounds interesting.."

Akihiko sweat dropped. "Am I the one interested in her or...?"

"Now, now Junichi. Let's reason for a moment... I am just as concerned about this as any true father could be in this position. If the relationship becomes serious, then that brings on the whole other realm of being united in marriage, inevitably bringing her into our family. Which, then makes her royalty... And you aren't getting any younger my son!" The father paused for a moment with his eyes fixated on his son in seriousness.

"And when the time comes for you to take the throne-"

"Father, let's not go there for now. That time is well far off." he interrupted.

The father lowered his gaze ever so slightly at his son's words. After a moment of brief silence, Akihiko narrowed his eyes at him.

"Why are you so somber...?" he questioned.

The father stayed quiet, not showing any movement or change in expression. Akihiko immediately retaliated out of worry and stood up. "Answer me!"

"I've received a bad report from the doctor recently, and I may have to undergo surgery due to the corruption of an internal organ.." he closed his eyes grimly.

"You're an exceptional young man raised exceptionally well, and so I have no doubt in you. Though as much as miss your mother, for your sake- I wish to stay here so that my burden will not become yours until you are truly ready for it..."

The air in the room became still as Akihiko stayed where he stood, frozen.

"And if all does not go well, you will become the next rightful King of Shuuken, very soon."