I always wondered what happened to him if he didn't travel to Manchuria with Chizuru, but by himself. My imagination ran wild.🥴
~~~~~
The auburn-haired male wandered down the shore in search of other life. After leaving Japan and washing up on shore via sailboat, he was inevitably lost. Harada Sanosuke had been walking the shore for about a day and desperately yearned human interaction.
His life with the Shinsengumi had been rowdy and this solitary lifestyle didn't suit him.
A little while later, the male frowned as he heard his stomach growl.
Sanosuke needed to set up camp, or at least cook some fish for himself.
"Anyone..." He mumbled. His auburn hair was practically free of its restraint. That's how disheveled he looked. "I swear I just want someone to talk to."
Sanosuke began to walk into the tree line to collect firewood. To be very honest, he wasn't sure how to make a fire without flint. He somehow managed to do it yesterday, but he has used some of his clothes as a starter.
Scanning the beach for something, anything, of use, his eyes laid on another human figure at the far end of the sand.
"Of course." The auburn male sighed, scratching the back of his head helplessly. "Someone finally shows up when I'm ready to give up."
He set down his firewood and continued to walk, making his way towards you.
As he approached, he heard sniffles. You were crying.
"Are you okay?" The male asked in his native tongue.
"What did you say?" You asked in Mandarin Chinese, the language spoken in Manchuria.
This language barrier caused the male to blush. He was flustered since he didn't take into account the different tongue in this part of the world.
"Uh..." He shifted his head down, in deep thought. "What could I say so that she'll understand."
"I understand you fine." You replied in Japanese, which made his eyes widen. "I just didn't hear you the first time."
"You can speak Japanese too?"
"Of course." You wiped away at a tear falling down your face. "I live on the shore. There are a lot of people like you traveling in from Japan."
"Would you mind if I stay with you for awhile?" Sanosuke abruptly asked.
You couldn't help but blush at his blunt question.
To be honest, it wasn't a bad offer. Having a male around the house would mean less physical labor for you. BUT having a stranger in the house was definitely worrisome. What if he just robbed you and left?
You stared up at the male cautiously. His disheveled hair made you feel a bit guilty for his situation. In addition, the man's dirtied face hid any of his good looks. You couldn't just leave him to fend for himself.
"O-okay." You hesitated but agreed nonetheless.
The male took a seat next to you. "I'm Harada Sanosuke. What's a pretty girl like you doing crying alone on the beach anyway?"
"I'm (Y/n)." You stated. "I was just thinking of my parents. They passed away a few years ago."
You didn't know what compelled you to tell this strange man what was happening in your life, but he seemed kind and willing to listen.
You explained how your mother was Japanese-born and that's how you knew his language. Your father was Manchurian.
Sanosuke thought about how lucky he was to come across you, a Japanese-speaking local.
You explained how you were alone all this time and Sanosuke could relate based off of his almost-week-long experience.
As you spoke, his stomach growled. You chuckled at this and stood up, leading him to the house.
It was a simple Japanese-influenced home off the side of the mountain. He had never seen anything like it, but he admired it nonetheless.
As you whipped something up to eat, Sanosuke went to bathe. He felt grateful that your mother was Japanese since the house made him feel like he never left his home country.
Tatami mats lined the floor, a Japanese-style bath filled the bathroom, and paper sliding doors welcomed the soothing noise of your cooking. There were even hand-made kimonos of various sizes for his to wear.
If he had to imagine what his married life would be like, this would be it.
After daydreaming during his bath, Sanosuke walked toward the living area and was met with the smell of delicious food. His stomach couldn't take it any longer so he sat down and dug in as you brought another side dish over.
He hadn't dried his hair yet, so he let a towel drape over his head. Your eyes traveled downwards to his exposed chest. You flushed a deep shade of crimson. It was as if he was inviting you to look.
He chuckled at your expression and told you to join him in eating, which you agreed to.
After dinner, Sanosuke offered to clean up as you bathed. You smiled at this. It was definitely nice to have someone else around to help you out.
As you sat in the bath, your mind wandered back to the stranger's muscular chest. You began to heat up just thinking about his strong, built body.
Sexual attraction to him was only normal, right?
You waved away your thoughts and exited the bath unsure if your flushed face was due to the temperature or your perverted thoughts.
When you returned to living area, Sanosuke was sleeping in a sitting position with his back against the wall.
You quickly went and prepared a futon for him.
When you returned, you shook the auburn-haired male awake.
"Harada-San." You called out with honorifics just as your mother had taught you to do. "I laid out the futon for you so please use that to rest." You stated.
His eyes rapidly opened, revealing his golden orbs, as he pushed you down to the floor. You were taken aback by the sudden attack and couldn't help but wonder what he had been through to make him defend himself half-asleep.
He restrained your hands with one of his own above your head.
"Harada-San..." You struggled to free yourself.
~~~~~
To be continued!
