Chapter 69 Cold Breeze

KIA

"In what part of the world have you been hiding? It was very concerning to me that you were in danger. You said you were on your way home, so I anticipated that you would be there when I arrived, but it turns out that you are not." Ares's worried voice could be heard approaching me as he came closer.

"I— I couldn't help it; I got stuck in traffic on the way here, which is why I'm running late. I sincerely apologize for giving you cause to be concerned about me."

Lies… Yes, you are correct, but this is the only thing I could think of doing specifically for him to prevent him from thinking about and stressing out about the things that happened to me. I am aware that he has a number of priorities, the most important of which is his job. I don't want to cause him any additional stress by being a burden to him. I don't want him to get worked up over nothing because that wouldn't be fair to him. On the other hand, I made it back to my house without incident. There is certainly no reason to be concerned about anything at this point. I guess?

"Have you already eaten your dinner?" I asked. Changing the subject of the discussion to something else altogether.

He nodded, "Yeah, I did. Since you mentioned having a late dinner with the Ishii family, I made the decision to eat dinner at the office instead of joining you there. Do you want me to make something for your dinner?" "Do you want me to cook something for your dinner?" "Do you want me to cook

“No. It's not necessary, I'm already stuffed. Come on, it's getting pretty chilly out here, so let's go find some warmth inside. I said to him as I drew him towards the front door of the house. "Hon, earlier in the day when I was strolling along the primary road, I was escorted by a lady," you said. She mentioned that she was planning to extend an invitation to us to visit her home. The two of us will share her culinary creations. Do you think you might be interested in going?" I added.

I noticed that he was making a concentrated effort to look away. He took off his coat and hung it on the sofa before heading into the kitchen to retrieve a bottle of water from the refrigerator. He did this while carrying the coat with him. “Hmm… I guess, next time? I am sorry that I did not remember to mention this to you earlier, but while I was staying at my parent's house, they asked me to make sure that you came to see them. They expressed interest in interacting with you, Kianna.

“What?! The question is: why! Did they have any knowledge of the agreement that we had made?" I inquired in a ridiculously excited manner.

"No, but when the appropriate time comes, I will explain it to them." The passage of time occurred at such a breakneck speed. Even though it has been seven months already, it still only seems like a month has passed. I have a strong desire to slow down the passage of time. I am not ready to bring an end to either of these things, let alone everything else. Already, our relationship is one of codependence. I don't know how I'll be able to deal with it when everything suddenly comes to an end."

I didn't notice. It has been seven months already, but it seems like it was just a month ago that we were talking to each other. He is correct in saying this. "Neither are you, and neither am I prepared for it... Let's not discuss it just yet because it's not the right time. There is still a considerable amount of time available to us. It is important to me that we make the most of the time we have left together. I have high hopes that the next phase of our lives will usher in a peaceful and harmonious relationship between the two of us.

He makes his way toward me in a leisurely fashion. As he got closer, all of a sudden he grabbed my hand and kissed it quickly before continuing to come closer. His lips have such a gentle appearance. It is silky and delicate, just like the skin of a newborn baby. I have an intense desire to make physical contact with it, or at the very least, to give it a lip-to-lip kiss.

Argh! Kianna, you need to get a grip on yourself here!

"Hon, are you okay?"

I was momentarily startled out of my daydreaming when I had the impression that someone was shaking my shoulder. It was he who had done it. He had such a holy, angelic expression in his eyes as he looked at me. “Yes! Excuse me, but are you trying to tell me something?"

"I was inquiring as to whether or not you are prepared to meet my parents. They were interested in meeting you in person, and I believe that would be a fantastic idea as well, so that you won't think that I'm just messing with you for fun. I assure you that I do not intend any harm to come to you in any way. I am not exaggerating when I tell you, Kianna, that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

"But we do not know for certain whether or not they will like me... What if they don't find me attractive to them? I am completely alone at this point. What judgment will they pass on me if they learn that I did not take anything with me when I left my house? I am conscious of the fact that they will pass judgment on me. However, there is no need to be alarmed! I will accompany you when you go to see them —"

“Really?”

“Yes! Nevertheless, not right now. First and foremost, I demand to be informed of everything it is that you are keeping from me. Would you be willing to discuss everything with me right now? While fixing my gaze on his face, I asked.

He was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. He did nothing but stand here in front of me, looking as though he had no idea what to say in response. "It's okay. You shouldn't feel any pressure from me. However, I have faith that the next few months that we have between us will be sufficient for you to tell me the truth. I don't want to go without understanding all that's going on."

"I am sorry..." The single statement that he makes throughout the entire conversation.

"I know. I understand. First things first, I'm going to go take a shower. There are still classes that I have to attend tomorrow." I remarked to him as I went into the kitchen and left him there. I went into our bedroom to get dressed and fetch some of our things. Following the retrieval of my pajamas, I exit the house. I had anticipated seeing him sitting on the sofa, but I can't seem to find him there. Even the kitchen is no longer a place you can find him in.

Maybe he left for a walk…

I head inside the restroom and prepared myself for bed. After freshening up I headed inside the bedroom and threw myself on the bed. It’s been a long day today and I feel like it sucked all of my energy out. I stayed awake for about half an hour but Ares still hasn’t come back.

Where did he go?

I stood up and look out the window to see if he is outside and I am right. He is standing outside looking at nowhere. It seems like he was enjoying the cold breeze outside. I didn't think about disturbing him and just went to the bed and force myself to get some sleep.

I still have classes tomorrow. Finals are coming and I badly need to study harder than before. I can’t let my guard off this time. I need to get higher grades this semester so that I will be one of the dean’s list. I don’t want to waste that opportunity. They are giving extra allowance to those students that excel every semester, and I am aiming for that achievement. I just hope that I passed the midterm exam that we took last week.