Chapter 14 - Another Existence

It's been more than one week that Reiji keeps following Aki everywhere.

He stops by every day. The employees have gotten more friendly with him. Sara reminds him of a session date which is two days a week but Reiji is already available every day. Aki had talked with Reiji so that Sara doesn't think he is missing the session.

From coffee shops to client meetings, Reiji follows Aki everywhere. Even in University, Reiji does follow him. When it's time to get home, Aki's car is followed by Reiji's bike. 

Today Aki intends to go home by train. His body is already feeling stiff from not having the time to work out which is walking. 

After office, he takes Ginger in his arms and gets out. He saw Reiji was not around. So he hurried out quickly.

After a long while, Aki saw Ginger walking without getting tired. But he felt bad so he lifted him up and carried him in his arms. When they reached the station, from afar, Aki saw Joshua standing outside at the platform. Aki smiles and takes a step forward but Reiji appears out of nowhere. 

Aki was so shocked that he had a heart clench. So he drops Ginger down and squats down holding his heart. Reiji felt guilty thinking he might have frightened Aki too much. He bends over to calm Aki down.

Reiji apologies, ' I didn't mean to hurt…' 

Aki was red, 'Shit!! ..I can't breathe…' 

'Let me see please.' Reiji felt so much pressure on his heart that he became so weak and panicked to see Aki like that. 

Aki took off his jacket and sweater. Aki was so suffocated that he tried to unbutton the shirt collar but he couldn't. So Reiji tried to help. When the shirt was unbuttoned, on his chest Reiji saw a red line scar in the middle. 

Reiji was unable to move. He didn't know Aki had a heart transplant.

'Relax please!' Reiji was scared.

He understood Aki was weak because Aki had a heart problem. Not because Aki was timid. 

"I'm so sorry. This is why everyone around you was so concerned. Please be ok." Reiji was so panicked seeing Aki's body losing temperature because of the cold wind and Aki was not able to breathe properly. So Reiji hugged him.

Aki felt warm in his embrace.

Reiji kept massaging Aki's back trying to release the clench.

'Please forgive me. I didn't know you had a heart condition. I won't hurt you anymore. Please be ok...I love you and I am so very sorry.' Reiji was mumbling like crazy. 

Sometimes, a sorry is not enough for the suffering you have to endure. But there are times when you can feel the sincerity that makes the same word so powerful that you are bound to have a change of heart. Aki understood Reiji is someone who values the weight of the word said and doesn't like to play with words.

'It's not your fault.' Aki couldn't hold anymore and fell unconscious.

Reiji feels Aki has lost his balance then sees Aki is unconscious.

The siren sounds make Aki awake. 

The white familiar ceiling. 

Aki found himself in the emergency room. Joshua and Ginger were waiting. Aki couldn't understand how he ended up here with Joshua.

"Where is Reiji? What's going on?! I was sure it was Reiji."Aki tried to look for him when he woke up. 

'How are you feeling now?' Joshua asked with a tender voice. 

Aki nodded,' I'm ok. Where is Rei...I mean the man who was with me?'

'That person left saying sorry to you. I told him to wait but he didn't.' Joshua said. Aki didn't understand why. 

'I thought he was a passerby and didn't know you so I let him go. Did you know him?' Joshua asked. 

'Ya.. he said...he loved me…' Aki muttered

Joshua frowns as he couldn't hear properly, 'Sorry.. what did you say..!' 

Aki was baffled, 'Um..he was an acquaintance of mine. I guess he had something important to do so he left.' 

Aki was angry and upset. So he laid down again pretending he was tired.

Sara came here from her job which was out of Hokkaido. But seeing Aki sleeping Sara didn't say anything. She was worried and panicked. So she went to talk with the doctor who was in charge. When she got back she saw Aki was awake, 'Aki!' 

Aki was literally surprised.

'Say first how are you feeling?' Sara holds his cheeks. 

Aki tried to smile, 'I'm alright! Nothing happened. It was just a clench.' 

'I know. I saw the report. It's gonna be ok.' She pats on his head. 

'Who told you?' Aki was not sure who informed her. 

Hearing Reiji has informed Sara, made Aki upset. 

'He said you passed out because of some shock.' Sara said with a worried face. 

Aki lowered his eyes, 'Ya...I don't remember what happened.' 

Sara pats on his head again saying not to feel stressed

After one night and a whole day resting, Aki was released from the hospital.

The sun was setting down when he got out.

Reiji was watching them leave.

While going out Aki felt someone was looking at him.

He looked directly where Reiji was but Reiji hid. So Aki couldn't see.

Sara hurried Aki,' Come on, why aren't you getting in?' 

Aki was sure he saw something, 'No I thought… Nothing.. let's go…' 

A doctor was in the room with Joshua and Reiji.

'That…was definitely not normal.' The doctor was shocked seeing Aki look at them right away.

Joshua asked Reiji 'Don't you have to go?' 

'I am.' Reiji leaves. 

Joshua tells the doctor in his room, 'Did you find anything?' 

'No, Just the name of the family who donated the heart to him, and the one who operated on him was Dr. Asahina and his team.' the doctor replied. Joshua was not surprised.

Joshua asked again, 'Nothing else?' 

The doctor told Joshua that Dr. Asahina is Aki's stepfather and his brother Dr. Ayush is an assistant professor in veterinary. Ayush owns a vet clinic in town. No link of being descendent of anyone psychic in his family. 

Joshua said to him that Heart patients don't have that much energy in them but Aki is totally fine. 'That was surely a heart clench but he didn't take time to recover.' The doctor answered Joshua, 'He was 17 when he had the operation. Maybe because he was so young at that time, the heart must have adjusted.

Joshua denied, 'He is not normal. The way he looked at us directly. He is good at hiding. He does have a deal with someone but doesn't have the seal.' 

'Can't Reiji read his mind?' the doctor asked. 

'He can. But Aki has had nothing but traumatic experiences. Reiji is able to read his immediate thoughts as well.' Joshua told him with a confused face. 

'Then isn't he just a normal human? If he had made any kind of deal, Reiji couldn't have… ' the doctor stopped. 

Joshua explained, 'I don't know how much of a  powerful logic it is to defend him. But hurting an innocent would take a toll. So we can't risk that and Reiji's instinct hasn't failed him yet.' 

'Master, Lord Ruan was looking for you two.' he said. 

Joshua was surprised, 'Mom is back? Then it will be a great problem.' 

His mother has already angered the pure-bloods. They can't touch their mother but she still has to prove that Sora is innocent. Everyone is thinking it's Sora's doing and blaming her.

'They just don't know how kind the Master is. If they had known Master Sora, they would have believed it.' the doctor said with tears in his eyes. 

Joshua smiled but that was a sad smile, 'They only saw Sora's wrath which was so intimidating that they overlooked that her small heart also had unconditional kindness and love.' 

'She is Master's daughter after all. I'm sure she was deceived.' the doctor firmly said. 

The fact that she was the brightest, as well as strong, was thought to be a threat to the pure-bloods. They just have to find who tipped the wrong idea into the head of pure-bloods.

The doctor said with a sad expression, 'I want to see Master Sora soon. It's been so many years. She will inherit  both Lin and Ruan, won't she?'

Joshua smiles, 'Of course! Mother is the only daughter of Ruan's and Sora is her firstborn. So she's next in line.'

Joshua sighs and then warns him not to ever let Reiji find anything about the conspiracy of the purebloods. 

'If Reiji wants to know anything let me know right away. He has calmed down after so many years. Let him do what he wants but keep an eye on him.'

The doctor was worried that everyone was afraid. Reiji had already killed the spy who tried to spy on Reiji. Total 10 mid-rank.

Joshua sighs, 'That maniac!! killing your own people! Make a request to one of my father's. He won't kill anyone who serves father.'

'Understand!' the doctor vanished in the air.

A week went by quickly.

Reiji didn't show up. 

The office became silent as it was before. Noah is busy because of the mid-exam so Aki went to the school to see him during lunch break.

Aki was naturally charismatic just like his father. His aura had always been bright. Schoolgirls were fangirling over him and when they saw the handsome duo together, they went crazy.

Aki tries to ignore it but whoever is passing, they are looking at them like something amusing.

Aki asks away with a frown, 'What the hell is going on? Did you do something? Why are they observing like this ?'

Noah smiles and says, 'You become quite famous after the sports day. They know you own a magazine company.'

Aki was not pleased to hear that and Noah told him that the students found out somehow.

Meanwhile, three female students approached them.

The 1st one greeted Noah. Noah asked them the reason.

The 2nd girl said with a smile, 'Why are you hiding your friend Sensei?! We just want to talk.'

Both of them sighed. Noah got that the situation was out of hand, 'Go on…'

the 1st one started talking, 'Azusa-san! Did you really study here?'

Aki nodded.

Then the 2nd one interrupted, 'We never heard about you though. Did you not like school that much?'

It's true that Aki never tried to get attention from anyone. He had his own issues back then but he was not that much unsocial. His parents had divorced back then so he was messed up.

Noah was popular back then like now too...so he outshined all of us.' Aki said that with a straight face.

They laughed.

Aki  tried to convince them. 'Ya true though...He still does!'

The 3rd girl didn't want to believe, 'That doesn't seem to be true. You shine too.'

'Oh! Thanks.. I'm flattered.' Aki said so but was not at all.

The 3rd one felt a bit shy but talked, 'Can I ..I mean can we meet outside of school too?'

Noah warned them saying they are crossing the line now. He told them to focus on studying.

The girls insist on staying in touch with Aki and want to get to know Aki. Aki felt irritated after hearing that word.

Reiji wanted to know him too. But didn't even care to show up after that incident.

'No! I can't. I am your teacher's friend. I can be considerate to you because of that. But I have no obligation to stay in touch with you.' Aki answered with an emotionless stare. 

'Aww...that was harsh!' Mei was standing behind those girls.

He came forward, 'You girls must not hold any affection towards him. He is already being escorted by someone.' 

'Ha!!! Sensei !! You didn't tell us.' the girl became upset. 

'Even so that doesn't matter Mei.We can always…' 

Mei stopped them, 'Stop your words right there. That person is related to me. You better not mess with that person. I'm trying to help you. If you live your life.', 

Mei's expression made the girls flinch.

'You and your jokes are really out of this world you know ,Mei.I won't believe you.'The 3rd girl was persistent. 

Aki was so mesmerised seeing them fight with Mei,'Oi! why didn't you tell me about this kid?' 

Noah smiled, 'That he looks like Mei? To pain you?' 

'And you were enjoying this type of thing alone!' Aki asked with an irritated smile. 

'Who would have thought that there will be a face. I'm sure you would not have believed.' Noah looked down after saying that. 

After a moment of silence, Aki said, 'I would have believed everything related to Mei.' 

In reality, Noah didn't think Aki would take Mei differently. Noah had doubts that if Aki were to find out about Mei, then Aki would say she has been reincarnated and follow Mei around.

'I wish.' Aki smiles while looking at the ground. 

'Isn't Aki?'Mei asked Aki something. But Aki didn't hear as he was talking with Noah

'Huh?what?' Aki became confused.

'That you are being pursued and you have a positive response to that!!' Mei yells at Aki.

'Yes it's true that I'm being pursued but we didn't reach any conclusion. That person disappeared after getting tired.' Aki said while being sarcastic.

Mei was baffled at Aki's answer.

'See!! There's no way this Handsome would be fooled by Lin.' the second girl said with a smile.

They went back to class. 

Mei waited a bit and asked, 'You said Uncle disappeared?'

'Why don't you ask him? I don't know either.' Aki was angry and irritated. But his voice sounded like he was disappointed which astonished Noah and Mei both.

'Ok! Take care..bye..' Mei went quickly as well.

Noah realized Aki was angry. Aki told Noah everything.Noah was surprised but felt relieved, 'It's a good thing that he has moved on. He seemed too possessive.'

'He said…;Aki stops there because Aki is not sure if he heard 'I love you' or 'I am sorry' from Reiji that day.

Aki avoided that and asked about Noah's schedule.

Noah thought for a while before he answered. 'I will be late today.'

Aki smiled. Then I guess this is goodbye for today. I have to go somewhere too.'

Noah was curious again so Aki let Noah know that Aki is going to meet Joshua. Noah remembers Joshua as Joshua took Aki to the hospital. Aki bade goodbye and left the school.

Aki went shopping on the way where he bought a knitted scarf in maroon color so that he can thank Joshua. 

He walked to the station and saw Joshua was about to leave. Aki smiled. Joshua stopped seeing Aki. Before Aki could reach Joshua a man came and hit Joshua's head with a rod from behind. Aki ran to him but the man ran away from the scene, 'catch him please...go…'

Aki was hesitant, 'But you are…' Aki didn't want to leave Joshua as Joshua was injured.

But Joshua urged Aki to go chase the man.

Aki ran a quite far to catch him but couldn't catch him because the speed was so fast and he hid in the wood.

Aki came back to Joshua. Joshua was holding his head with both of his hands. It was bleeding. Aki had already called the emergency line when he was chasing the guy. So they came quite quickly and took Joshua to the hospital. Aki insists on going on with him but Joshua didn't let him and told him to go home.

Aki was left alone.

Aki felt quite dizzy after Joshua left. He felt tired for some unknown reason. He rested for a while on the bench outside.

He woke up hearing something as if someone was screaming. He went ahead and saw nothing. When he turned back to go to the station, he saw a road appearing beside the rail track and headed somewhere. He could not see where because of the fog. He came down to that track and walked on that. When he couldn't find anything he thought to go back. But he saw the station was not there anymore. 

'It's a dream.' Aki sighs as he thought maybe he was inside in his dream.

So he moved forward following the railway. He wants to see what this dream is about. He couldn't remember how long he had been walking. But he was not feeling tired.Instead, he was feeling his body get much lighter than before. He saw a light

'Maybe I have reached the next station.' He thought that but he saw nothing. 

No station.

'I'm definitely inside my dream.Please end soon.I want to see Joshua.' he continues to walk.

Suddenly a few men appeared from the fog and stopped Aki.

They were wearing long coats only in this cold weather.

'Intruder, What's your purpose here?' The way they asked Aki, Aki couldn't understand a thing.

'State your purpose.' They asked again.

'I was just walking and saw the station but I couldn't find it. Can you please tell me where I am?' Aki asked.

"Am I inside a dream or not!!Where the hell am I?! Who are they? What's going on?" As Aki was trying to understand, they were whispering among themselves.

Aki felt uncomfortable. So he turned back but was stopped by another party. 

Four tall guys appeared. They were wearing White suits. Aki thought they were lost too. 

Aki stood in the middle of them. The white ones looked sharp and were of his age. The eyes were different. 

Some had blue eyes, some had green. One among them had heterochromia just like Aki. 

One light blue one greenish yellow. He seemed normal while the others were too intimidating. Their eyes were glowing like jewels. The gentle one asked, 'What's going on here?'

'Lord Lin! forgive our presence. We were out to catch the guy who was…' they stopped and changed the word. Aki knew they were about to say something else.

'A criminal who has fled this way after hurting Young Master Lin. Young Master Ruan is also looking for him. This person bears a deal with a high rank too.' they finished explaining.

Lord Lin seemed to check something about Aki. Other than him, everyone was disappointed for some reason. Suddenly one of them said with a smile, 'This human has your daughter's eyes Lord Lin, don't you think it's her doing? Trying to kill your sons could be what she is scheming.'

Lord Lin's face stiffened. Don't know what made Aki feel that, if This gentle person were to be provoked, it would end as the worst thing. 

Lord Lin may seem gentle but his expression changes drastically.

"Reiji. He is much similar to him" Aki was surprised to see the similarity.

'Child!' Lin asked.

'Yes…' Aki responded quickly to him but wondered why he responded with the word 'child'.

"How long this dream will take to turn into nightmares! Please wake up! I can't handle it anymore" Aki was getting impatient.

Lin frowned while asking, 'Why have you come here? What is it that you came here to confirm?'

He would not know the curiosity Aki had in mind. Yet Lin was asking .

"How did he know I wanted to find something?" Aki thinks as he has a tendency not to flee from any encounter that makes him curious.

Instead of running away he watches them happening till the end. Unless he can't relax. 

"I have indeed become accustomed to a very bad habit" Aki closed his eyes while thinking.

Aki explained that Aki has no idea what's going on. Aki said he was just resting on a bench and then heard something so he followed it, 'I thought if I walk long enough then I can reach the next station so that I can go home.'

'He is a liar. How can you get home from walking into this line!' Aki's skin began to burn as the man behind Lin tossed something on him. 

Because of that, Aki was in excruciating pain. He has no idea what that thing was. He immediately thought of acid. With this suffocating atmosphere, he was losing his patience.

'Why did you have to throw acid?! I had answered you truthfully. You know it too that I am not lying instead you are lying. Your black and white thing!' Aki was fuming with rage.

'What did you…' the man was angry as well at Aki's behavior.

Lord Lin and others were left speechless. Aki had enraged the three men behind Lin. Aki can see clearly. But that didn't make Aki frightened at all. 

He was surprised at himself why isn't he feeling anything, "How am I standing here so fearlessly! It's definitely not a normal situation. Did I trespass some secret organisation?! They do seem powerful."

When Aki's gaze met Lord Lin, Aki noticed Lin's eyes showing softness instead of being enraged. His eyes were curious as well.

"What is wrong with this person? He seems intelligent but why is he with those bulky guys with large mouths." Aki couldn't help but keep looking at Lord Lin's eyes. 

The man behind Aki held his shoulder but Aki moved forward so that they couldn't touch.

'Don't touch me. I'm not saying anything wrong here.' Aki irritatedly said

'So you know the difference between lying and stating lies intentionally?' Lin asked

'What?' Aki mumbled

"How does he know I can see the color of lies and who fabricates lies into truth? Can he too?" Aki saw Lord Lin smiling kindly. His face is so charming and beautiful that now Aki can feel why people feel weak towards a charming face.

'You fool! You talk back and dare to insult us!' That person threw a flame towards Aki. Aki dodged and that hit the man behind him.

'How did you…' Another person threw a flame at once but this time Aki avoided the attack.

Aki didn't have time to react quickly. But a person came before the flame and the flame shattered into sparks and spread into the air. After recognising that this individual was Reiji and realising that this was not a dream, Aki was unable to move.

'Father!' Reiji addressed someone among them.

Aki couldn't believe who responded to his greeting as father. Lord Lin gestures of accepting. Aki was more shocked by the word than the appearance of Reiji. Aki muttered something and Reiji looked at him. Aki shuts his lips as he sees Reiji's face. Reiji then looked at those white clothed parties.

'Lord Namiyo, have you forgotten what happens if you harm any innocent person?' Reiji smirked.

In a bitter response Namiyo replied, 'He is not innocent. He is the one who hurt your brother and ran here. How dare he do such things!'

Aki could not understand who the brother was. Aki scoffed to himself,  'I don't even know Reiji well and to hurt his brother ! Are they really…'

Reiji answered, 'My brother is safe and sound thanks for your concern. And this human, I know him.'

The other man in white asked, 'Why do you know him? Is he her pet? Are you supportive of her?'

Aki could not get what they were talking about but Aki saw Reiji clenched his hand in fist as that man said those. Then Aki looked at Reiji. His expression had changed. It became cold and rude.

'Lord Namiyo! Isn't your son being a bit impudent with his words to a Ruan? I won't mind going berserk here...but my father is here…I guess your son wasn't born that time when she was here. So he doesn't know whom he is talking about.'

The expression on Lord Namiyo's face was bitter but he lowered his head a bit, 'Forgive his words, Master Ruan! It was from my words he had that idea. You are right, accusing her was wrong when we don't have the evidence. But why are you defending someone who is…'

'Ah!! I remember…I very much like ocean estate. Why don't I…' They didn't let  Reiji finish, 'I will leave that person in your judgement.' Namiyo concluded.

Aki understood that this Namiyo is a two faced person, 'Snake!'

'You…' Aki's muttering made Reiji burst out in laughter.

Nobody understood why. But Lord Lin was silently observing. So does the man behind him who hasn't accused Aki yet. That person too was observing Aki. His eyes met with Aki's. He didn't move his stare but continued, 'Can you vouch for him?' Finally this man asked.

'I can. I have observed him for weeks. He leads a very normal life.' Reiji's tone became polite.

"And here I thought you were doing so out of love. You .." Aki was surprised he thought so.

'Why would you vouch for him? What is he to you? Is he by any chance your son?' Namiyo was interrogating Reiji now.

Aki frowned as the statement was irrelevant.

'Well it won't be impossible for a Ruan to have another…' Lord Lin instantly grabbed his throat and choked the words in that person's mouth. 

Aki didn't have the impression that Lord Lin could do that.

Reiji was furious too. Aki couldn't comprehend what was going on. Lord Namiyo's son came towards Aki with rage.

'Everything is happening because of this intruder…' He was about to reach Aki with something in his hand that was glowing but Reiji slashed him with his sword and cut off his hand. Aki was petrified. The man screamed, 'Why!!!?'

'I warned you...Do not touch my lover.' Reiji uttered those words with emphasis.

Aki couldn't believe his ears. He only watched Reiji's back. Reiji was shielding Aki, with a sword in one hand by standing a step ahead of him. He saw that word caught Lord Lin's attention and Lin released that man and stepped towards Reiji. He stopped a few feet away. Locking both his hands in the back and standing calmly. 

That man's hand that got cut, formed back like before.

'Next time I'll aim for the head.' Reiji warned him. He looked at Reiji with teary eyes.

'Are you aware of  what you are claiming?' Lord Lin asked Reiji. His eyes were really calm yet it was showing there was an authority over Reiji.

'I am someone who is true to his emotions.' Reiji was unwavered.

Lord Namiyo was petrified at the fact, 'What??? He is…'

Reiji didn't let him talk and explained, 'He is a descendant of the person whom my mother favors and he is gifted as you can see. And you cannot complain because he won't be a threat to you.'

'How will you guarantee that?' Lord Lin crossed his arm over chest while asking

Reiji got the question. There's a reason behind those words. So he smirked. 

'Is  father trying to fully secure Aki's life?ok..so be it.' 

'I,Ruan Reiji,will make sure of that. Won't that be enough Lord Namiyo?' Reiji looked at him.

At first Namiyo was not accepting the fact but when he saw Reiji's angry face he mumbled, 'But…'

'Are you trying to say I swear by a lie under the name of Ruan, my mother's!?'

When one angers a Ruan they know what happens, so Namiyo tries to stay quiet.

'Will you.. still try to see who is the greatest threat more than him? It won't necessarily need a human to destroy the colony like last time.' Reiji's eyes turned vivid yellow from green.

They didn't say a word anymore. Lord Lin took the chance and said, 'There's no way my wife would allow a promise to be broken. Definitely Reiji wouldn't defy his mother too. If it turns out to be a mess, Reiji will take the responsibility. I will see the end to that.'

'Of course, Father.' Reiji smiled and then looked at the others.

Lord Namiyo coughed to clear his throat and said, 'Child!' Aki was astonished hearing him being affectionate, 'Don't ever cross the path here. You are not welcomed here.'

'I understand.' Aki answered. 

They were amused to see how fearless Aki is. They glared at him. Aki was surprised too at his own behaviour

'Not a word about this should be disclosed outside. It will create unnecessary doubts like today. If it gets out I will know who did it.' Those words from Lord Lin were meant for those other parties. Aki looked at them. They obeyed the words.

'I will put my trust in Namiyo and Ozuru.' Lord Lin smiled.

'Namiyo will abide.' Lord Namiyo bows slightly even though he was not willing.

'So will Ozuru.' Lord Ozuru bowed more politely.

'I will keep my word too then.' Lord Lin turned to Aki after saying.

Lord Namiyo, his son and Lord Ozuru left the scene. Those guards were still there. Aki was able to breathe again.

'Isn't this the same guy who was ordered for execution?' Lord Lin asked.

Aki frowned as he saw Reiji nod to the question of his father, 'I had to postpone because of some reason. Now you can clearly see how corrupted the authority has become…'

'Your mother told me the person she favoured had died.' Lord Lin frowned.

'That is true.He is truly the descendant of his.' Reiji said.

'But…him being gifted was a lie. Why did you lie?' Lin looked displeased.

'Why don't we leave it at that. You knew yet you didn't question. So why do it now?' Reiji was uncomfortable.

'Because that was not wrong entirely. You thought you were lying but the fact this boy is gifted is not a lie. Isn't it, child?' Lin asked Aki without any smile, 'How long have you been this way?'

'What?' Reiji was surprised. He couldn't comprehend.

'I don't remember.' Aki lied.

He can see them since he was a  baby. Lord Lin came to him. Reiji stepped away. He thought Lin would do something because he lied. But he saw him smiling. 

Lin said in a lower voice, 'You should not burden Your heart with lies. That's very special isn't it?' 

Aki couldn't breathe. 

He felt a heat wave touching him. That made his freezing body normal.

Then Lord Lin touched his head and patted affectionately, 'You have done well.'

Aki's heart beat relaxed instantly.  As if the heart was listening to his words.He acts much like Joshua.

'Escort him back to his home.' Lin ordered Reiji.

Aki was worried about Joshua, 'I have to see him. I wonder if he is now.'

Aki has always been weak to affection. He thinks of them as precious. If someone loves him he cannot help but look up to him. Reiji showed him the way. Aki followed and went ahead. After a few steps he saw Lord Lin was going out of his sight because of the fog. He then headed back a few steps. 

Reiji was surprised, 'Why are you going back?'

Aki didn't listen. Reiji stops him by holding his hand. But Aki saw Lord Lin hadn't left yet nor did his guards. Aki talked with him while Reiji kept holding his hand. But Aki didn't seem to have felt it. He tried to step forward but couldn't because of that. Reiji couldn't understand his strange behaviour. Lord Lin smiled softly towards Aki.

'Will I ever...be able to...see you again?' Aki asked with a shaking voice.

'Do you want to?' Lin smiled.

'Yes.' Aki nodded. 

The wind made the atmosphere noisy.

'Then you will.' Lin answered.

Aki felt good after hearing that. He then went with Reiji. This unknown feeling inside his heart he doesn't recognise.

Why did he keep looking back as long as he could see? Why keep looking when he couldn't see anymore. Aki felt a teardrop on his cheek.