[ DISCONTINUED ] Reborn: Runaway Bride

Chapter 12: Annual Ball

A few days had passed since Ai's father and brother had left for the border and the day of the annual ball had finally come.

Ai did not want to attend but there was no way she could avoid it. Sure she could bribe an official to fake her attendance but that would raise too many questions, especially from her family.

It's not that Ai did not trust her family. But if they were to find out about her reincarnation and what had happened in her previous life, she was worried they might become even more protective of her and get hurt in the process. That was something she could not accept. She had long decided that if there were any harms towards them in this life, she would shoulder it alone and only her. They had done too much for her before and it's time she protects them in return.

Shaking her thoughts away, Ai decided to get dressed for the ball. Even if she did not care for fancy aristocrat ways, she had to be dressed appropriately to showcase her family's prestige. After all, status was everything in this society.

With that in mind, Ai picked a light grey kimono with blue and gold floral motifs. She then layered it with quality silk white robe and flowy dark navy outerwear to complete. Overall, her outfit was modest yet appropriate for the occasion.

Once Ai had finished her looks by adding blue and gold accessories to her silver hair, she walked slowly towards Kit's room. She had yet to talk to Kit since that night and perhaps it was a good idea to bring Kit along to the ball. For some unknown reasons, Kit's presence made her feel safe.

Gently knocking on Kit's door, Ai asked if she could come in. There was a pause, with no sound coming from inside at first. Then she heard some scufflings and the door immediately burst open to reveal a flustered-looking Kit.

Kit's mouth was hanging opened in an O shape as he took in the sight of Ai. His young miss looked regal and posed as her household colours adorned her in a majestic manner.

Before Kit could stop himself, his arms immediately reached out to pull her to his chest tightly. Engulfing her in a warm hug, he sighed contentedly. It had been a while since Ai had approached him and his mind was running wild with woes. But now that he finally saw her, it was all worth it.

Shocked by the unexpected reaction, Ai stood still as the young blonde man continued to mutter "Thank God" repeatedly. His hands were moving up and down her back in a soothing manner and to others, the scene probably looked like Kit was comforting her. But to Ai, she felt as if Kit was trying to reassure himself. For what reason, she did not know.

After a long awkward period, Kit seemed to recollect himself and moved to stand a few feets away. He looked up at Ai sheepishly as a light coat of red dusted across his face and ears.

"I'm sorry, Ai, I just... acted on impulse." Kit muttered, his eyes looking anywhere but Ai.

"Oh, it's alright" Ai lightly replied as she looked at the blushing young man.

"Kit is so cute! He is like an adorable younger brother she never had! Eh, please excuse this sad excuse of an older sister for perving on you when you were asleep!" Ai thought as a slight blushed formed on her cheeks.

Kit stared curiously at Ai as she started blushing out of the sudden. What was she thinking that made her blush, he wondered. It better not be one of those young masters!

Oblivious to Kit's train of thoughts, Ai proceeded to talk about why she was here and what to expect at the ball and Kit was only half paying attention until she mentioned something that caught his interest.

"What? Shion Hozaka?" Kit asked in disbelief as he repeated Ai's words to confirm his suspicion.

"Oh yeah, I was shocked too, hahaha! Who knew he would be interested in the annual ball?" Ai responded as her shoulders shook lightly with laughter.