Garden of Memories {Ensemble Stars x Reader}

Chapter 2: The Doll, The Samurai and The Wandering Prince

[Third POV]

The task was simple, bring the new transfer student to her destination and go on his merry way.

But the situation wasn't so straightforward even for the likes of the disciplined samurai. Souma contemplated with the short time he had, his footsteps grew louder and heavier to the point of dragging his pace. He felt that he couldn't rest if he wasn't granted the closure of knowing.

Do you remember me?

How is your father doing? Is he well?

Where did you go?

All those reminiscent questions persisted in his mind, died in his throat.

"Oh that's right," Pushing himself to a halt, Souma turns to the girl, "I believe I didn't give you a proper introduction. My name is Kanzaki Souma from unit name Akatsuki. I look forward to be working with you, (L/n)-dono."

"Nice to meet you, Kanzaki-san," she dips graciously and back up, "I will do my best to aid you with the most efficiency possible."

There was the odd coldness again, as much as this girl resembles the one in his past, both in name and appearance, he was beginning to doubt if they were the same person. One had a bright warm smile and a happy voice but this one was nonchalant as ever.

Still, he felt like he had to make sure, "Forgive me if I am mistaken, but have we met before?"

As Souma anticipates, (Y/n) responds by tilting her head, "Eh? I don't think so."

"I see..." He closes his purple orbs. The feelings of familiarity weren't mutual at all. She must have moved on with her life after almost 10 years, it makes sense for her to react that way. Or that he got the wrong person. Still, Souma couldn't brush off the feeling of disappointment.

"Um..." (Y/n) meekly interrupts, catching his attention, "If I knew you in the past, I'm sorry I can't remember. In fact, I don't remember a lot of things."

"Wh- that's..." he was taken aback by the unexpected. 'Could it be amnesia?'

"Although I tried many times, I just can't remember," she continued, voice barely above a whisper, "Except for Anzu."

Souma couldn't quite hear the last part. Naturally, he was more interested in her unusual circumstances but being the chivalrous man he is, he chose to leave the subject behind, "N-No, it was my fault for pressing too much. From the bottom of my heart, I apologize."

He bows deeply in such a manner that it caused the passing students to spare them a weird glance. (Y/n) wasn't sure how to handle the samurai's personality as she didn't think it was a huge matter. Despite his actions on trying to amend things, she felt even more guilty.

"Hey, is that the new transfer student?"

"Ooooh what a cute lady."

"I wonder what's going on between them?"

The piling whispers caught the attention of a certain blonde man. Intrigued, he headed towards the direction where the source of the new information lies.

'What would Anzu do...' the girl thought to herself, hoping the situation would escalate itself.

"Wait."

She was thankful it did.

Souma shot up with his guard on maximum and swiftly grips the hilt of his sword, "Hm. This presence is..." Using his warrior senses, he concentrated on his surroundings intently, "I fear there is danger nearby. (L/n)-dono, we must hurry before-"