The Japanese Tutor (PART I-II) [ONGOING]

VI: Past Knocking On Door

Aya went to the bridge that led to the private manor. She had to return to her bedroom as it was her first time to be with a man who was very unrelated to her—although related in some way as he was the son of her father's best friend but still. When she was about to open the door, she heard Hiroto calling her.

"Ms. Yamaguchi, are you alright?" Hiroto asked.

Aya faced at him.

"I'm sorry that I made you uncomfortable—"

"Can we talk somewhere not here, please?" Aya asked. "I don't want anyone to hear about what I'll say."

"Sure."

They entered the private quarters where they were greeted by the housemaids. They went to the large balcony located in the living room. The cold scent of midnight made Aya wish that she would be in bed instead and sleep with it.

"I'm sorry for making you think that I'm not comfortable around you," Aya attempted to lie, "I am not used to dancing."

"It's fine. I am not used to dancing either," Hiroto replied, "if that's the case then let's get to know each other."

"Get to know?" Aya responded in doubt, "that's not what tutoring—"

"Since you will tutor me, we need to know our names, our likes, and dislikes..."

"Do you think it's necessary? I will just teach you Japanese culture and its language, that's all," Aya clarified.

"Really?" Hiroto looked at the moon. I wish she knew.

"We'll know each other during the learning process. My mentor Yui did that to me and I get to learn from her a lot." Internally, Aya was stunned of what she said as it was not the intention of these tutorials to get close to him. The case of her and Yui was different as they were both ladies and she considered her as her aunt.

Hiroto deeply smiled. "Sure. I'll learn from you."

Aya slowly stepped away and held the doorknob to open the door. When she held down the doorknob, Hiroto suddenly asked. "Do you know anything around here?"

She sighed. "I am new here."

"Understood. This is not what I expected."

"Expected?"

"Nothing." Hiroto gulped as she was about to leave. It was dismay for him to see her trying to leave without him, which speaks volumes of her possible personality. "I hope we will get along, Ms. Yamaguchi. Just like our fathers."

Aya nodded. "I'll try, but don't expect it to be easy."

Hiroto gave her a small smile. "You can go now. I'll wander around this balcony for a while. Goodnight, Ms. Yamaguchi."

Aya opened the door and she entered. "Goodnight, Mr. Kujo."

Hiroto dwelled back to the moon as the girl closed the door to retreat back to her bed. He thought of the letters that Heather received from Aya's father—which was different from the personality Aya showcased tonight. She was a sturdy woman, indeed, but there must be a time when she would have a soft spot, right? Hiroto shook this thought away.

He heard the door opened again and this time, it was Cesira.

"Good evening, grandma," Hiroto greeted.

"Good evening, Hiroto," Cesira stood next to him, "tell me what's wrong with Aya. Is she okay?"

"Ms. Yamaguchi is already fine, grandma. She doesn't know how to dance. She already went to bed," Hiroto replied, "I have something to say, grandma."