"One year and six months?" I bargained.
"Kira!" The man is getting impatient now as this stubborn woman tries to worm her way out of the situation. He knows that Kira does not want others to make decisions for her and him telling her about this, not even asking, he knows she is thinking of ways to make it possible for her to find a way or a shortcut out of this. After all, she is so used to her independence and having to have someone follow her around…he knows she is not comfortable with his decision.
Kira jolted. Although he did not shout, his tone clearly said that he will not tolerate her stubbornness any longer if she keeps on arguing. F*ck. This man is really scary when he wants to be. Damn it. His other nickname: Shooting Daggers, really suits him. He got this nickname when we were taking our MBA because he has this way of making anyone feel like he is shooting them daggers to kill them silently if anyone dares test his patience, and he is not a very patient man to begin with. Either through his stares, his choice of words and the way he says them… not to miss this certain air around him that seems like he has special powers and is able to manipulate temperature to his liking. Yes, that kind of scary. Damn, this guy. And he rarely uses this on me… Just thinking of how things will get blown out of proportion if I push this issue more, he might increase the number of years and add more unreasonable things he'd do. No, siree. This woman will choose her battles and right now, this is not one of those. Although what he wants me to do is really extreme if you ask me, I also understand where he is coming from. After all, he really is a good man and a man of his word. I also would not want to experience the wrath of my dad from the grave if I go against his wishes.
"Fine. Can we move in the afternoon then? Or a few days' time? I would need to pack my things and clear everything…"
"Just bring some clothes and personal items. I will have the cleaners clean and pack the rest and have them moved to one of the storage rooms at home. When you're feeling much better, you can choose the stuff you want or need for your room and studio. Let's leave after breakfast."
"Okay." Kira responded dejectedly. 'Clearly, he already planned this down to the T. There is no point in arguing with him at this point. Well played, Aki. Well played. F*ck. I can't believe my life is going to change simply because of an assf*ck, a scum on this earth that should never have been born. Damn you, Mitch! I really hope you rot in jail'
"Now, finish your dessert." Aki said softly as he brushed Kira's cheek lightly.
"No, thank you. I think I'm good now. If you don't mind, I want to tuck in early today. Can you help me back to my room and will you give me some privacy? I need some time for myself now."
Aki sighed before planting a soft kiss on Kira's forehead. "All right. Come then."
When Kira was already tucked in, Aki tried to make her feel better by caressing her arms. However, Kira does not want him near her for now. She is frustrated and pissed off with her current situation. She is also annoyed at Aki for deciding for her without even asking her if she is okay with it.
"Stop. Please leave the room for now, Aki. Please. I…I just want to be alone for now." She whispered..
Aki understood how Kira might be feeling right now. After all, she is such a strong, independent and stubborn girl who does not appreciate having decisions made for her. But Aki also knows that this is for her safety. Well, not just her safety, but this will give him more time to win her heart. I mean, living under the same roof can do wonders, right?!
He went out and cleared the unfinished desserts and now, cold tea. He decided to pour himself a glass of scotch to clear his mind and gain his composure.
This is what is best for her right now. I… I really cannot live with myself if something happens to her. After all, I promised her dad that I will be her home and I will care for her no matter what. And most importantly, she is the one for me. I know it and I know she feels it too, somehow. I hope? Oh, Kira, when will you ever see beyond our friendship?
The next morning, Kira woke up early and decided to pack her things. She was feeling much better and her body feels more nimble now. She knew that today was the beginning of a new chapter in her life. As to how it will play out, she will just have to wait and see, hoping it will be a joyous one.
She went to the bathroom to wash her face, brush her teeth and tie her hair in a loose bun. She then opened her closet to pack all her clothes, intimates and all the personal things she wouldn't want the cleaners and packers to lay their hands on. She didn't have much to pack as she's really into the minimalist lifestyle when it comes to most aspects of her life. Of course, the kitchen and her work studio are a different ball game.
She then went to check where Aki is to ask him what he wants for breakfast. But when she went into the living room, it was empty. She went to the kitchen to check. But no sign of Aki as well. She decided to go check the balcony. Still, no Aki.
"Hmmmm. I wonder where he is right now?" She said aloud to no one in particular. And just as she was walking back to the kitchen, the front door opened.
"You're awake. Did you sleep well? I got us breakfast." Aki said as he walked toward Kira to give her a kiss on the forehead. "Peace offering." He dangled the paper bag in front of Kira.
Sigh. This guy is really something else. Any woman would truly fall for him. Damn. What are you even thinking about, Kira. She scolded herself. He's just a dear friend and he treats you like one. Do not make it sound like there is more to this.
"What's with the peace offering? Are you perhaps feeling guilty now? Are you going to reconsider then?" She looked up at him to meet his gaze, hoping that the sun rose from the west and would set in the east.
"I know you feel bad that I made decisions for you, Kira. I'm sorry. But this is what is best for now. No, I do not feel guilty and no, I will not reconsider. Have you finished packing?"
He went to the kitchen to prepare the breakfast he bought. He got some clear ginger soup, steamed veggies, sweet and sour tofu and rice from their favorite Asian take-away joint down the street. He also sliced some kiwi, golden pears and oranges. Kira joined him in the kitchen to make her green juice.
"What did you get?" She peered from behind Aki's broad shoulders.
"Oh, wow! That's quite a lot for breakfast, don't you think?" Raising her brow.
"Huh. You say that now but I am certain you will lick your plate clean quickly." He chuckled.
"Pffbt. Whatever. Green juice? Tea or coffee?" She scoffed.
"Freshly squeezed orange juice please."
"Right."
Aki was already waiting for Kira in front of the served dishes. Kira joined him as she carried two glasses of juice and placed it on the table.
"Here you go. Freshly squeezed orange juice for my growing boy. Thank you for the food!"
She said her gratitude and blessed the food before digging in. As she finished her soup, she noticed that Aki was not eating.
"Hey! You better finish your soup before it gets cold. And don't blame me if there will be no food left for you." She teased.
Aki then leaned over and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "Seeing you eat makes me full already." He smiled.
"Thanks dad!" She sarcastically retorted before she continued enjoying the meal.
"Feeling better now?" Aki said.
"Yep. Thanks to your peace offering. You go freshen up while I clear the table."
"Nah. I'll wait till we get home. Just finish packing and be ready. I will have Tom pick us up in thirty minutes."
"Okay. I'm actually done packing. I will just need to change my clothes since I will be organizing my room there, I might as well shower later. Will Tako be overseeing the cleaners and packers when they move my stuff?"
"He'll probably ask one of his assistants to do that. But rest assured, your things will be in good hands, okay?"
"Okay."