"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." - Lao Tzu

XXII.

For the 2 months I've been awake with a new identity, my fiance had always been by my side from that day on, he had always been sweet and gentle to me.

Today, only today, that it felt like he was a complete different person.

And today, I finally had a glimpse of his dark side... or quite possibly, his true colors.

"S-Sei-chan?" The raven haired male and the rest of the guys gasped from behind us, fear evident in their expressions.

The redhead in front of us let out a very dark chuckle, the kind of chuckle that sends chills down your spine and you wouldn't dare do anything that would make anyone like him let out such scary sound.

"If I tell you, then I'll have to kill you." He stated with that little devil's smirk of his, but his eyes held a different meaning. It was as if he was dead serious about it. "I'll forgive you this time, however, there will not be a second chance..." He trailed off, his face turned dead serious and it frightened me. I gazed at my fiance who was shooting daggers at the unknown redhead ordering him. "I order you to release her." He emphasized the words.

Yuta-kun snort-laughed. "Letting her go would be a nightmare," He informed the redhead, dared to disobey him. "I'll never let her go."

The redhead arched an eyebrow then the smirk returned to his face. "You dare to defy me, peasant?"

Yuta-kun's eyes narrowed as his hold on my hand got even tighter that I'm sure it's gonna earn a bruise later. "What did you say?" He demanded.

My heart beat accelerated as I wince in absolute pain. I bit my lower lip as I was feeling so nervous at the scene in front of me. And it seemed that the guys from behind us didn't want to dare to interrupt either.

"I dare you to say it again," Yuta-kun demanded, through gritted teeth. His hold on my hand got even tighter and I bowed my head down as I bit my lips harder, trying not to let out a whimper of pain.

"Release her," The redhead repeated slowly, emphasizing every word. And amusement was clear in his voice, enjoying the look of anger on Yuta-kun's face. "Peasant."

"Why, you--"

I held Yuta-kun's hand with my trembling free hand that was torturing mine, cutting off his sentence. "Y-Yuta-kun..." I whimpered and his hold on my hand slightly loosened, realizing that the anger that he had been holding in was affecting me. "Release me..."

"I'm so sorry, Yuri," His voice changed back to its usual sweet tone. "I hurt your hand..."

I ignored his apology and breathed out as I raised my head to look into his brown eyes. "Release me." I stated firmly and his eyes shot up in surprise.

I don't want any trouble... so might as well give him what he wants.

"Yuri--"

And before he could retort, I stopped him. "Please, for me."

He stared at me for a few moments before he slowly released his hold on me, letting out a meek groan. He turned to face the redhead in front of us and was surprised when he was already in front of him.

"What would you like as a form of punishment?" The redhead asked the guy in front of him, a smirk of triumph plastered on his face.

Yuta-kun glared at him and I quickly stepped in between them, facing the redhead. "P-Please," I stuttered, and I cursed myself for it. He had that enchanting gaze on me that's making my heart beat thrice as faster. "He had done what you want... c-could we please leave?" I asked him with a meek voice.

He smiled at me. "No," He said firmly then to my surprise, he grabbed the hand that's not hurt and dragged me away from the scene. "We will leave."

"HEY!" I heard Yuta-kun yelled from behind us, making the redhead dragging me stop on his tracks and I did too.

"Hey, Akashi!" one of his teammates called out.

He peered over his shoulder to glance at his teammates that happened to exist in the scene. "I'll explain everything later on," He told to his teammates dismissively. And his attention shifted to my fiance then a smirk once again found its way to his rosy lips. "And Yuta Kiryuu," Our eyes shot up in surprise as he knew his name. "Welcome to your nightmare."

And with that said, he continued walking away and dragged me along with him. And I assumed that the guys in white jersey stopped Yuta-kun from pursuing us. Because he didn't catch up.

Akashi...

Does it ring a bell?

Hmm... maybe.

"Wh-Where are you taking me?" I stuttered, a little frightened.

He didn't answer, instead, he fastened his pace as if he was eager to arrive at his destination.

He led me at the back of the gymnasium, where it was completely deserted and he released his hold on me, leaving a burning sensation on my skin.

"A-Akashi-san?" I trailed off, tilting my head slightly to my side and biting on my lower lip. He turned to look at me, his lips twitching up to a smile once again. It was the same smile he had given me at the airport.

"Yurika..." He muttered my name and my heart halted.

"H-How come... you know my name?" I asked, curiosity sinking in. "Who are you?"

"I know everything, Yurika," He stated, not leaving the smile on his lips. "I know everything about you."

I raised an eyebrow in question. "Me?" I pointed to myself. "Who are you?" I asked again.

"You already know who I am." He said and it confused me even more.

"I was in--"

"In an accident, I know," He finished my sentence. "You flying off to Australia was just made up by your sly father to cover up what truly happened to you."

"Yes, my condition was strictly confidential but..." I trailed off and a strange feeling washed over me. Is it suspicion? Confusion? Attraction? "How come you know all of this?"

His smile changed into a smirk. "I know a lot of things you wish you knew," He stated and my curiosity was at its finest level. "But I do not intend to tell it to you just yet, you need to find it out by yourself."

My eyes slightly narrowed. "Is there something I'm still not aware of?"

"A lot of things." He confirmed.

"How... could I trust you?" I asked him and he stared at me before smiling once again.

He made his way to me and I swallowed as I watched him do so. His hand went up to slowly tuck a loose strand of my strawberry hair behind my ear and I noticed how hot it was. His hand caressed my cheek and I blushed at his actions. He stroked my strawberry cheek with his thumb, chuckling. "I will never do anything that can harm you." He stated, his eyes dancing with emotions I couldn't decipher.

Butterflies erupted on the walls of my stomach and I swallowed as I bit my lower lip, melting at his intense gaze and smile. He noticed my action and glanced at my lips.

I hate to admit that I was starting to like his touch...

I hate to admit that it was only him that can make me feel different...

I hate to admit that I was expecting for him to... to kiss me...

Even though he was still a complete stranger, he managed to awaken something within me.

It was more than attraction.

And all of these emotions I'm currently having thanks to the redhead in front of me, a thought crossed in my mind.

I never felt it with Yuta-kun.

And because of that,

I began to trust him.

So easily.

I nodded. "Okay, I can try," I muttered and tried to smile. "You'll help me, right?"

"Of course," He agreed.

Then to my surprise, he pulled me in for a tight embrace and he buried his face on my hair. "Your hair got longer," He chuckled. It actually felt good when his slender fingers caressed my hair.

I slowly moved my arms and wrapped it around his muscular body, sniffing on his cologne. And I cannot deny the mere fact that he smelled so good.

It was... it was almost familiar.

He pulled away and held my bruised hand. "Does it still hurt?" He asked as he scanned my hand.

I can only reply with a meek nod because I was at lost for words.

"It's my fault, I'm sorry,"

I shook my head. "No, it's not your fault--"

I didn't had the chance to finish my sentence when his soft lips made contact with my hand and I blushed furiously at the action.

"I'm sorry," He whispered against my hand and my heart was moved.

He continued to shower my hand with kisses as he continued to mutter apologies.

But then, it was not right and I was supposed to stop him.

But a force forbid me to.

My heart.

Because I cannot deny it.

I liked the sinful yet sweet action.

But then again, something formed at the back of my mind.

Seijuro...

Maybe he played a big role in my life?

"Are you Seijuro-kun?" I asked him out of the blue.

He stopped his action and smiled at me. "Yes,"

And yes, I was right.

Seijuro.

I missed her, so badly.

I'm still not finished with you, Yuta Kiryuu.

Don't heave a sigh of relief, you don't even deserve to breathe.

You'll receive your punishment very soon.

And yes, I was finally back to her life once again.

But I thought that there is a possibility that her memories would not return, though.

So from that day on, I changed the rules of my game.

Even if your memories won't return, I will return one thing to you.

Your feelings for me.

Your love.

I will make you vow again, that you'll belong to me forever and ever.

I will carve your heart once again.

I will make you crave for me again.

I will make you fall for me again.

I will make you love me, again.

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THANK GOD THOUGH, NO BLOOD WAS SHED OR ELSE THIS BOOK MIGHT GET MATURE CONTENT XD

Akashi: Actually, Author, I will take great pleasure to stain your book with that peasant's blood. *smirks*

Uhhh, what do you say guys? Any objections?

"Don't heave a sigh of relief, you don't even deserve to breathe." Wow that rhymes XD

And Advance Happy Birthday Kristel-chan~! :D Love you! XD I hope you enjoy your day :)

Thank you for reading!

Feel free to vote/comment or anything! Let me know your thoughts in this story! :)

I love you guys! :D