As the deep night enveloped everything in its stillness and mystery, the moon quietly emerged as the star of the sky. Its light seeped through the thin veil of clouds, casting a silvery glow upon the earth, like a silent artist painting on the dark canvas of night.
The moon hung high, radiating a luminous brilliance even in the profound darkness. This light seemed to have undergone a wondrous purification, devoid of any worldly impurities, pure and austere.
Long, disheveled strands of hair obscured Takahara Kasumi's pained and bewildered eyes. In a daze, she stepped out of her small cottage, moved through the pathway, and descended the stairs. By the time she regained her senses, she found herself standing before a rather dilapidated little door.
"Is this... the home of Yoshito-kun?!"
Standing there in silence, Takahara Kasumi was lost in thought, uncertain how she had ended up at the doorstep of Ito Yoshito's small rental apartment at such a late hour.
She reached out her hand, her cherry-red lips parting slightly, yet her delicate, pearly white fingers froze in mid-air. Just moments ago, she had felt an impulsive urge to knock on the door, longing to once again experience the calmness of that warm refuge.
But...
"It's too late to trouble Yoshito-kun again... Besides, what right do I have to seek comfort from him...?"
Withdrawing her hand, Takahara Kasumi slumped helplessly onto the cold ground, leaning against the wall. Her slender arms wrapped around her softly curved legs as she rested her forehead against her knees, lost in thought.
...
"Hmm... what was that sound?"
Roused from sleep, Ito Yoshito stumbled into the bathroom, sleepily unbuttoning his trousers to relieve the slumbering beast.
As he stood there in a haze, he suddenly heard a faint sound and looked around, but the cramped darkness offered no signs of life.
"Is it outside?"
In the tranquil depths of the night, a wayward chill swept through—like a wretched ghost born from the dark, it frolicked across the emerald lawn, teasing the solitary, vibrantly colored flower.
The delicate bloom, too weak to resist, could only sway helplessly in the whimsical game.
"Creak."
"Mrs. Kasumi?!"
Her chestnut-colored, soft waves of hair cascaded around her a little, framing her slightly curled, voluptuous figure.
The black lace nightgown lightly traced the elegant contours of her collarbone and smooth shoulders.
The neckline fell open slightly, while her bent knees caused her thighs to press together, unintentionally revealing a hint of her milky skin, which looked even more pristine against the seductive black fabric.
Upon hearing that familiar voice, Takahara Kasumi trembled slightly, lifting her tear-streaked face to look at Ito Yoshito.
"...Yoshito-kun."
Breath hitching, it was hard for Ito Yoshito to suppress the feeling that she was so beautiful, even in her moment of despair.
Pearl-like tears fell onto her disheveled strands, shimmering in the moonlight's tender embrace, her eyelashes quivering gently, and her eyes gleaming with moisture and confusion. Her nose reddened slightly, accompanied by soft sobs.
The combination of her delicate face, tears, and sorrow painted a poignant and chaotic beauty.
Awakened from his stupor, Ito Yoshito rushed to her side and helped her up.
"Yoshito-kun..."
"Let's talk inside. It's cold out here."
Wrapping his arm around Takahara Kasumi's smooth shoulders, he tightened his embrace, hoping to warm her shivering form.
"Bang!"
Outside, the cold wind roared like a beast, eager to continue its torment of the blooming flower. But to the flower's surprise, the grass began to gather around it, forming a protective barrier, shielding its beauty. A
midst the green grass, the flower gradually absorbed a touch of verdancy, much like the diligent Mr. Takahara, patiently awaiting the arrival of vibrant spring.
Inside, Ito Yoshito poured a cup of hot water from a thermos and handed it to Takahara Kasumi, who knelt on the tatami mat.
"Thank you..."
Gently sitting next to her, Ito Yoshito understood that something had significantly disturbed Takahara Kasumi, likely due to the actions of her father and Han Yue. That might explain why she had ventured out alone at such a late hour.
However, he refrained from asking her what had happened, focusing instead on the way her delicate nose was still trembling with soft breaths.
He reached out, brushing her hair over her shoulder, carefully untangling the strands.
The warmth of his fingers unknowingly grazed her sensual collarbone and smooth shoulders, drawing Takahara Kasumi's attention to the steaming cup in her hands.
His rough palm trailed down her slender neck, gathering her scattered locks at her back.
Her skin tingled at the touch, causing Takahara Kasumi to murmur softly, "Yoshito-kun..."
Cradling her tender, smooth face in his hands, Ito Yoshito gently turned her gaze back towards him.
Perhaps it was despair or perhaps some unwelcome thoughts within her heart, but Takahara Kasumi offered no resistance, her crimson-streaked eyes locking onto his.
As he tenderly wiped away her tears, Ito Yoshito spoke with gentle warmth, "Kasumi... just drink this water and rest well."
"You must be exhausted."
Her eyes began to blur again, the soothing words of Ito Yoshito like a warm spring amidst the biting winter, healing her fragile heart that had been scraped by the harsh winds.
A wave of warmth surged through her, flooding Takahara Kasumi with comfort, prompting her to lower the cup and lean closer to Ito Yoshito, resting her head gently against his warm embrace.
"Hmm..."
Cradling Takahara Kasumi, Ito Yoshito gently laid her down on the tatami mat and lovingly covered her with a blanket. He was about to rise and leave when a gentle tug stopped him.
Turning his head, he found Takahara Kasumi softly grasping the edge of his sleeve.
"Yoshito-kun... could you... stay with me a little longer...?"
Faint moonlight leaked through the curtains, casting a soft glow on Takahara Kasumi's blushing face.
Without refusal, Ito Yoshito returned to lie down beside her, pulling the blanket over them.
They lay facing each other, their gazes intertwined, as if the entire world had fallen silent around them.
A subtle warmth pervaded the air, an ambiguous atmosphere weaving together, quickening their heartbeats in unison.
"Kasumi..."
Captivated by Ito Yoshito's pitch-black eyes, Takahara Kasumi involuntarily shut her eyes, a flush spreading across her cheeks.
Such an obvious invitation was not lost on Ito Yoshito, who willingly embraced it, his warm hand moving slowly to caress her delicate face.
"Kasumi..."
His warm lips brushed against her forehead, eyes, and ear, before finally resting on her cherry-red mouth.
"Yoshito... Yoshito-kun..."
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