Fists and Lipsticks 2: The Silver Crescent

CHAPTER 31: Sixth Night

CHAPTER 31: SIXTH NIGHT

Are you seducible?

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Beneath my glow-in-the-dark stars, I felt as if I were drifting freely in space surrounded by billions of constellations. With him, these stars would continue to shimmer even in the midst of darkness. The space, like my love for Yamazaki Kosuke, would know no boundaries. I felt the safest here in his embrace. With his touch, I would be able to keep myself warm from the bitter frost of the painful past.

Yamazaki Kosuke’s existence was magical. He was everything I wanted, everything I loved, everything I have longed for.

He continued to hold me close as if I were the equivalent of everything that mattered in the world. I could not imagine any greater feeling that could transcend this.

Kosuke planted a kiss on my forehead, "Ayane-chan…"

"Kosu-kun, I..."

There were millions of things that I had to explain to him – how I survived the airport blast eight years ago, the reason behind my disappearance for eight years, how I returned as the hotelier – Lady Nu Huang, the Silver Crescent. I was so overwhelmed that I did not know where to start.

Instead of demanding an explanation, however, Kosuke merely held me closer to him. Again, I found myself closing my eyes to feel his warmth, to breathe in his cologne, and to listen to his heartbeats.

"Take a rest for now, alright?"

"But…"

He ran his fingers on my hair and muttered in reply, "Words can wait… so just tell me about it when you're ready."

I found myself recalling those moments we spent together. In a month's span, he came up with a cascade of plans, no matter how foolish or out-of-this-world they may be, in order to prove that I am Yoshida Ayane. I, on the other hand, 'tried' to keep the secret from him. But looking back, I realized that deep inside, I wanted to be discovered. I just could not get over the overwhelming feeling whenever he came near. I would ignore him and speak to him coldly, but then that smile of his would only linger in my thoughts. After this pretense, he never asked me to justify my actions, never demanded for an explanation, and never questioned my sincerity. To prove that I am Yoshida Ayane – that, to him, was enough.

With a smile, he cupped my cheeks and said, "Well, I might as well go for now… so that you can rest…"

"O…Okay…" I nodded.

Kosuke turned around and headed for the door. I watched him as he stepped further and further away. Even his broad back was a magnificent view.

As he reached for the door, however, I suddenly found myself running after him. His eyes widened when I wrapped my arms around his slender waist from behind.

"Stay here… tonight… with me…"

I felt my blood rush to my cheeks instantly, my heart starting to pound so hard. I did not know what came upon me to say that, but I suddenly felt the urge to keep him from leaving.

Despite this, Kosuke continued to reach for the door. I bit my lips, feeling a little bit embarrassed with my 'invitation' when suddenly…

Click!

"Huh?"

A smile played on Kosuke's lips, his hands still on the door. Instead of pushing it open to step out of the room, however, he reached for the lock, turning it clockwise.