I sat down looking out in the open sea.

  Today’s weather was so cold that even through my coat I could feel the breeze to sneak through the sleeves. The chill I felt right now resonated with me. That Itsuki guy had disappeared as if he never was there but his words did stay in my mind. I was trying to think. If those words happened to be true? A trap set out for me? The first question would probably be why and the next would be who. It is true Akasia is not ordinary but coming after me for no reason? I haven’t done anything to even slightly influence what’s happening around me. Perhaps, that is why I haven’t looked for potential danger. Ugh, was that my mistake? Did I really let my guard down?

  I sat there out on the bench by the sea. Thinking. Not sure for how long but I was watching the sight before me and my mind entered a state of deep thinking. Thoughts of doubts shadowed my mind together with my mothers arrival.

  Could it be connected to the secret she is not telling me? Or someone is threatening her from her work? That would explain her sudden move to be close. Do I move in with her? No. Itsuki's character was saying something about Shin. I was supposed to meet his older brother. Maybe he didn’t want that to happen? Though, he is a complete stranger and nobody to me. Why would he do that? And why did his words make me listen to him?

  Part of me didn’t want to meet Shin’s brother. Entering the next stage of a relationship. Overthinking this will do no good. I will need to wait and find out what happens next. I was looking forward to the wind blowing and the waves it made in the sea. The weather is as grey as it can be. Cold with no rain. It may rain later on. At least that is what it looked like.

  “There you are!” Two long arms wrapped around my neck as its warmth pressed against me. A voice I recognised too well found me out here.

  A warm kiss was pressed on my cheek. It was Shin. My thoughts were interrupted by his presence.

  “Here I am!” I spoke to Shin. My voice is slightly astray. I didn’t react. My eyes are still staring at the water in front.

  Shin did notice my unresponsive demeanor. Not saying anything. He walked over the bench and looked in the same direction as I was and sat down next to me. The windy, empty and cold beach.

  “You didn’t come.” His voice sounded disappointed. After all, I did promise him that I would.

  I slightly moved my eyes. In corners I could see him wearing a large coat underneath peeking and an expensive looking suit. No. His whole look was as if he had just come from the cover of a magazine. Expensive and chic. He was serious. His usual smile was gone.

  “I am sorry!” I apologised. My voice was a quiet whisper.

  Shin didn’t respond to my apology immediately and silence came before us. When he didn’t I finally turned to look at him. His eyes were looking at me. Studying me. Trying to read me.

  I stared back at him. Into those deep blue eyes filled with quiet concern and disappointment.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  “Why didn’t you text or say anything?” He asked me.

  “I didn’t want to distract you from your work. It’s important to you!” I said to him my voice filled with regret. I actually wanted to go and see how he had finished his project. To smile and cheer him on and meet with his brother as he wished to but that didn’t happen.

  “Why didn’t you come?” Shin asked. His eyes pierced mine.

  I let out a sigh. “I was about to but got distracted on the way.” I answered.

  “Did something happen?” He asked. Eyes full of concern.

  “My mom…she called me...and I saw her...we had a fight.” I looked at his reaction but he only listened.

  “I met her on Saturday. Right after we parted and had an argument. She has been calling me. I spoke to her just before going to your presentation.” I told Shin. Who now reached out to my hand. It was cold as ice and I could see his reaction. Noticing that I’ve been sitting here for a while.

  “What did you both argue about?” He asked. Holding my hands in an attempt to warm them with his touch.

  “After all these years she has finally decided to step up and try to act like a mother… Though on her own terms!” I replied with full resentment.

  “This is actually the first time you ever mentioned your mom to me.” Shin spoke to me and seemed glad to see me open up to him.

  “She had a divorce months ago and only told the news to me now. I am angry at her for keeping that from me.” I explained to Shin.

  Shin looked at me studying me. “Why didn’t she tell you when it happened?” He looked concerned.

  “To not distract me from my studies? Still seeing me as a child? Thinking I can’t handle it? Pick a guess.” I couldn’t help but answer with sarcasm.

  “Why did she decide to tell you now?” Shin asked.

  “Honestly, these are the same questions I’d like to know.” I let out a sigh, clueless how to answer these.

  “And your dad?” He asked me.

  I looked into his eyes. Trying to read Shin. He was asking awfully concerning questions.

  “I don’t know…my mom is forbidding me to contact him. Though, even if I could contact him it wouldn’t be possible.” I said. My eyes are downcast.

  “Why is that?” Shin asked.

  “Our relationship is not an ordinary one. Let’s just say he wanted me to be on my own and didn’t leave me with any contact information. To teach me to be independent.” I said to Shin who eyed me with big eyes.

  “Did he leave you?”

  “It looks like it.” I didn’t want to even think about my dad. My mom was one headache but Sano was something completely else. Shin saw my tired expression and moved closer to me. His disappointment faded from his face completely. He put his arm around me. Pulling me in his embrace. My eyes traveled back to the beach.

  “How did it go? Your presentation?” I finally asked Shin.

  Hearing my question he let out a long sigh. “I am just glad it is over. Honestly, this project did a tool out of me but I did impress a lot of influential individuals and even got offers from investors.” Shin spoke his voice calm but I could sense he was glad it was over.

  “I’m proud of you!” I smiled acknowledging his accomplishments. “I’m truly sorry that I missed it.” I apologised.

  “I think my brother is more upset he didn’t get to meet you but will untangle that later.” He spoke lightly. Mentioning his brother that I was supposed to meet.

  “Ahh! Did he say anything?” I asked.

  “He is now questioning if you’re even real.” Shin chuckled.

  I smiled and a shiver came on to me.

  “You’re all cold. Are you trying to get sick?” Shin raised a brow holding my cold hands. I looked down at them. Then back at him.

  “I thought that I could figure it out but I honestly have no clue.” I quietly said. Looking at Shin.

  His blue eyes gazed at mine.

  Being around him soothed my worries for a little bit. I liked to be around him. He is smart. Knows what he’s doing and has goals. At times he does act like a lost kid but that only brings him a certain charm.

  Should I really be indulging in this life like that? I don’t know. But he has made me think about things like my future and what I want in this life and what I don’t.

  “I don’t think you will figure anything out by freezing yourself out here.” Shin said to me hinting that time is going to go.

  “I guess…we can walk back now!” I simply agreed with him and we walked back hand in hand.