Golden Era (Book 2)

56. Big Love

Giving her blessing to Noa and Atobe was one thing, but raising a spectacle in the midst of the fundraiser event was another. 

At lunch break, Ayuna made her way towards the Doutsu seating area, where Atobe stood chatting with his council members. Cautious to keep her tone amicable in front of the others, she asked, "Atobe, do you have a minute?"

Excusing himself, Atobe followed Ayuna into the staff room. He watched her close the door and turn to him with a stern expression. 

Right as she was about to talk, Atobe held a hand up, "Before you launch into a speech, I'd just like to say that I'm fully aware of the repercussions of publicizing my relationship with Noa and the possibility of negative publicity. It was an audacious move, and I realize I could've been more... subtle."

Bewildered, Ayuna demanded, "If that's the case, why did you go ahead and blow things up?"

"I did that for everyone's benefit."

"I don't see any upsides from drama." While Ayuna appreciated Atobe for stepping forward, the whole address for Noa and the passionate kiss was over-the-top. It might have killed off rumors, but everyone's attention was now derailed by a new, shiny topic.

Atobe looked at her, his voice quiet, "Ayuna, I really am serious about Noa."

"I know that. But couldn't you have been more discreet?"

"I could," agreed Atobe. "Except, that's not what Noa needs. I'm sure you know that better than I do."

Watching realization unfold on her face, Atobe went on, "Sure, I could've pulled Noa aside or carved out time alone with her to apologize. Anyone dealing with an ordinary girl would know that's the logical choice. But you and I both know that Noa's been owed love for most of her life. She just doesn't want to admit it. In fact, she's constructed armor of steel to protect herself because she's only known hurt. Behind that metal suit, though, is a little girl on the hunt for big love—she wants the histrionics, the drama, and the undivided attention. All of that is fine with me. I'm happy to provide more love than she's ever been fed."

Faced with his straightforwardness, Ayuna couldn't speak for a minute. The truth was, she had her trepidations about their relationship from the start: she was afraid that Atobe's ego would be in conflict with Noa's hollow confidence. Ayuna knew that Noa's tough act was a container for her fragile soul. Having been brought up in a family with no love and the carrier of a secret legacy, Noa had always been lonely. All her life, she deliberately sought out glamor and adventure to fill a screaming void and to coddle the injured child inside of her.

"Does that alleviate your worries?" asked Atobe.

"You noticed," mumbled Ayuna sheepishly.

"It's completely understandable."

"Now I'm just sorry I ever had doubts," replied Ayuna in a whisper. Studying him, she was seeing Atobe Keigo in a brand new light. "You know, nobody has ever said what you did about Noa. She's put on a terrific act to deceive everyone."

"It's a pretty bulletproof mask."

"But not to you—not only did you see right past it, but you're also taking it off."

"I wouldn't stand a chance if it wasn't for what happened in Saint-Tropez," said Atobe with a smile. "I'm sure you've heard that story already."

Ayuna nodded. With a hint of wistfulness, she said, "It's amazing how these chance encounters direct us in life, don't you think?"

"It is." Pausing here, he met her eyes, "My care for Noa aside, there's another reason driving my decision: I might've played it up slightly for your benefit."