Akira's POV :

I tried to kiss him AGAIN . I failed AGAIN . I'm embarrassed all over AGAIN .

You need to gain control over yourself Akira. This isn't right.

We both were way too tired to walk back home. To his bad luck and my good luck, there was only one horse.

Seijuro walked towards his horse and rubbed it's sides before jumping onto it's back.

Once he was well seated, he offered me his hand. My eyes widened in surprise. I stood still. He furrowed his eyebrows.

"Aren't you coming? " he asked.

'Go ahead and grab his hand already' shouted my inner goddess.

I took quick steps in his direction and held his arm. His hand was so soft and--" Oh!"  he lifted me up and threw me behind him onto the horse's back.

How strong is he?

One whip, and the horse sped off. It felt different sitting behind him. We were too closely seated .

The horse seemed to stumble over something which gave us a sudden jerk.

I lost my balance, and instinctively wrapped my arms around his waist and held onto him, tight.

But once the horse gained it's form, it ran smoothly. I decided to pull away.

Right when I was loosening my grip around him, he caught both my wrists with his left hand and held them in place.

"Let them be " he uttered.

A blush crept it's way to my cheeks. I smiled widely and wrapped my arms around him tighter than before.

I'm glad he is facing away from me. It would be so uncomfortable to have him see my face right now.

I placed my left cheek onto his back, and inhaled his scent.

Why do you have to be so perfect Seijuro?

We soon reached home. Wasn't it supposed to be a long ride? The time seemed to run at lightening speed.

I sighed and got off the horse before he asked me to.  I looked at him, and he took a deep breath which mostly signified relief and got off his horse.

We made our way into the hideout and it was nothing but another normal night. We ate together and I ran into my chamber to tackle my bed. It felt warm. Sleep and rest seemed so welcoming.

xxx

Next morning, I woke up earlier than usual. I quickly finished all my morning chores and rushed to Seijuro's room.

I took a look at myself before knocking on his door.

'Knock!'  said my inner goddess.

I gave it a knock, but got no response. I slowly opened the door, and took a peek. The room was empty.

Where is he? Please don't tell me he is gone. Pain stung like a giant bee and I could already feel my heart beat quicken.

I ran out of the hideout and looked around. He was there. I calmed down and so did my body.

" Morning " he said, still not facing me. He was rubbing his blade onto a rock trying to sharpen its edges.

"Ohayo"  I smiled. I walked upto him and sat on a rock that was nearby. I swayed my legs back and forth as I looked at him. His face glistened due to sweat and his eyes were painted scarlet.

He spared me a look, before carrying on with his work.

I waited for him to stop so that I could speak up. He paused for a moment and held up the blade to his eye level. He examined it carefully, before giving it a smirk of approval. He then sheathed it and gave me a questioning look, signalling me to speak up.

" We should go out " I smiled " Since the training is complete, I think we should go visit the neighbouring town " I grinned.

His face remained emotionless. Of course he wouldn't want to go. I shouldn't have asked in the first place. I lowered my head, and looked down  at my fingers.

" Fine " he said.

He agreed?  He agreed! I was so happy. That was unexpected. I grinned widely and jumped onto my feet. I clapped my hands together and looked at him with eyes full of happiness.

He glared at me. I tried my best to contain my excitement. He walked towards his horse and quickly sat on it. I was going to have another ride with Seijuro.

My smile widened yet another time. I stretched my right arm towards him, so that he could grab me and swing me over.

He lifted his arm up and pointed towards something behind me.

I lowered my hand, and quickly turned around only to find my horse. My smile faded away, and I looked back at him.

His mouth twitched, and I was pretty sure he was fighting a smile.

I frowned and stomped my way towards my horse. Why isn't it lost?  I jumped onto it.

" Let's go" he stated.