TRUST ME | Brothers Conflict | ✔

02

"See you tomorrow, Sakura." I waved, smiling when Sakura grunted in response, her full attention on the computer screen in front of her. Sakura and I manned the front office desk, welcoming guests and accepting phone calls. Although our functions were called something fancy, with the word manager in it, we were secretaries. On the bright side; it was a simple job that paid relatively well.

The chances of promotion were slim, as were the chances at a raise in salary, which was proving to be a problem lately. Since my landlady had doubled the rent, I knew it was only a matter of time before I would have to move.

I placed my pass against the scanner by the door, logging out for the day. The sensor above the door registered my movements, and the glass doors slid open as I pocketed my pass.

"Don't overwork yourself!" I yelled at Sakura, moments before the doors closed again. With a faint smile playing around her lips, she looked up from the computer screen to wave at me.

My bag bumped against my thigh as I spun around, the extra weight reminding me of the happi. This morning, I had stuffed the happi with all my other stuff in my bag, intent on returning the piece of clothing to its owner. Although I had honestly forgotten about the happi, I still felt embarrassment colour my cheeks when I thought of the entire ordeal.

While the monk had seemed like a happy-go-lucky and laid-back person, I didn't want to make him worry about his happi. Besides, stealing stuff from monks was probably worthy of some hellish divine retribution.

It was a long walk from the office building to the temple, and my feet still hurt from the zori. Despite the great weather, and my determination to consider this a leisurely stroll, I was on the verge of collapsing onto the pavement, by the time I reached the staircase.

"I should have warned myself for the dangers of overworking," I puffed, wiping my forehead with a sleeve. Unless I crawled up the stairs, I wouldn't reach the temple on my feet.

Figuring that it was time for a break, I sat down on the bottom step, leaning my head back to enjoy the warm sunlight.

With my eyes closed, I didn't notice him until the monk started talking.

"Are you going to wait here the entire afternoon?"

With a jolt, I straightened my back, grinning sheepishly.

"I was taking a break," I explained, observing him. Today, he was wearing a taupe-coloured suit, which startled me for a moment. I berated myself for making assumptions about him when I didn't know him. Nervously, I rummaged through my bag, pulling out the folded happi. "Last night, I forgot to give this back."

"Out of curiosity; did you find your date?" he asked me, studying me with a curiosity that spelt trouble.

"Actually, I..." I wouldn't lie, regardless of how tempting it was. "... did not," I finished my sentence lamely, flinching when he laughed loudly.

"What did you do to make him flee?"

"I didn't do anything," I protested, my voice trailing off when Kaname took a step toward me. Towering over me, he was more intimidating, despite the sweetness in his smile and curiosity in his hazel eyes.

"Well, you did run off with my clothes," he pointed out.

"Don't make it sound like that," I hissed, glancing over my shoulder. "If people overhear our conversation, they're going to start thinking weird things about me. Besides, I already explained that it was an accident."

He was still laughing as if I had made the funniest pun he had ever heard. Sighing deeply, I zipped my bag, taking a step back.

"I'm leaving. Thank you for lending me your happi."