They had lunch along the way to their destination. Ren took a short rest at a rest stop. After having a short nap after their lunch, Ren resumed their journey. As they got nearer to their destination, Tsubaki noticed that she saw less of human civilization around her. The rows of houses got replaced with tall trees. The tarmac roads of the expressway changed to unpaved country roads littered with pebbles.
"We're going to a mountain?" Tsubaki asked as she was looking at the calming scene around her.
"Yes," Ren answered. He glanced at her. A chuckle escaped his lips when he saw her looking at the scenery with clear excitement. "We're going up. Sit properly."
"Okay." Tsubaki obediently obeyed his words. But the excitement in her eyes was still evident.
The four-wheel-drive finally stopped in front of a two-story mountain cabin. The cabin was located at the center of a vast clearing. Tall trees surrounded the lawn, acting as a natural fence. The air was crisp and cooler than usual. It was really refreshing being able to come to such a place. Tsubaki excitedly got off the car.
"Do you like this place?" Ren asked as he walked over to his wife.
"Yes!" Tsubaki answered animatedly. She jumped up and down in light steps. Her smile widened and her eyes twinkling brightly.
Ren couldn't help but laugh. His long arms snaked around her waist and pulled her chin towards him. He planted a soft kiss on her lips. Her happiness was so contagious. He chuckled deeply against her lips.
"I hope you'd enjoy our stay here, sweetheart. At least, I don't want you to worry about anything for now."
Tsubaki nodded. She placed her soft palms on his cheeks. Looking at him with adoration in her eyes, she replied, "Okay, dear. Let's enjoy this getaway."
Ren laughed again. He let go of her and went back to the car to retrieve their luggage. He handed the keys to Tsubaki. Tsubaki quickly opened the door of the cabin. She was in awe when she saw the interior of the cabin was exactly the same from the TV shows she had watched before.
"Our room is upstairs," said Ren. He took one of her hands in his while the other carrying the luggage. Tsubaki wanted to help but he refused.
The room wasn't as big as theirs at Spring Garden or the old house yet it was so comfy. A Queen-sized bed was placed at the center of the room. The windows were closed but the air was still chilly. Tsubaki took off her coat and hung it on the coat stand. She helped Ren to take off his coat too.
"Where did you find this place? Is this one of your property?"
Tsubaki walked over to the windows. She cast her gaze outside. The sky was clear and the scenery brought calm to her heart. She was so happy because Ren chose this place for their getaway.
"This cabin is built two years ago but I rarely come here." Ren stood a few feet away from his little wife who was appreciating the view before her eyes. Seeing the side of her smiling face made him smiled too. "I don't have any helpers here. But there's a group of bodyguards around to protect this area. We don't have to worry about anything."
"It's good, then. We could handle anything by ourselves. At least with us two here this place feels like our home in Spring Garden," said Tsubaki honestly. She especially loved the quietness and peacefulness in this place.
Ren smiled as he held her close to him. His arms didn't let go of her waist. He comfortably hugged her, placing his chin on top of her head. The sweet smell of fragrance lingered around her, making it irresistible for him to part from her.
It was a good choice to bring her here.
Both of them stood against the windows, chatting and laughing while enjoying the view until both of them yawned sleepily. After changing out of their outfits to comfy home clothes, both of them cuddled on the bed as the sun was setting over the horizon.
When Tsubaki finally woke up, there was no one by her side. The sky was already dark. There was no sound except for the occasional chirping of birds. The full moon and stars were the only sources of lights, making her who was still in sleepy state felt terrified all of a sudden being in the darkness and silence.
No...
Tsubaki frantically patted at her side. The other side felt cold as if she was left alone in this cold and dark place for a long time. She abruptly stood up and got off the bed before she stumbled as dizziness took over her. Tsubaki held onto the door frame when the light from the corridor outside squinted her eyes.
Where is him? No...
Tsubaki ran downstairs as fear crept inside her heart. She ran and ran until she finally stopped in front of the kitchen. Her blurry eyes caught sight of the familiar tall figure who was now walking over her with worried on his face.
"Sweetheart? What's wrong?" Ren left the stove and swiftly got to her side.
When he suddenly heard footsteps coming from upstairs, he waited for her appearance in anticipation. He woke up earlier and as she was still sleeping soundly, he didn't have the heart to disturb her sleep. But who knew she would appear with fear clearly expressed in her glistening eyes.
"Sweetheart?"
Tsubaki didn't answer as she ran to him and hug him tightly. Ren was baffled yet he quickly returned her hug. Her body was trembling and she was crying. This scene reminded him of what happened yesterday when he found her sleeping in the hotel suite.
"Hush... I'm here... I'm here..."
No words left Tsubaki's mouth. She just hugged him close, as if she wanted to emerge with him. The warmth from his body slowly comforting her fear-stricken heart.
He is here... He is here...
Nothing bad happens to him...