Chapter 22 - An abrupt romance

The bodyguard lunges at Erya, attempting to yank her aside. She sidesteps his grasp, but he throws a punch which she nimbly dodges. They exchange a flurry of fists and kicks.

Yetsune's gaze darts between the fight and the young man at the entrance, whose lecherous grin fills her with disgust.

As he advances, Hakian blocks his path. "You should stop now," he warns calmly but firmly. "You're insulting the young lady."

"Stay out of this," Hagian snarls, shouldering past and striding in. Yetsune steps back, her mind frozen in turmoil.

Hakian rubs his temples in frustration, knowing there his no way to stop his reckless older brother. He narrows his eyes at her, trying to recognise which family she is from. Perhaps it might deter his brother from her. He knows most of the noble ladies in the capital but he has never seen this one. 

"You're coming with me," Hagian declares, seizing Yetsune's wrist and dragging her out.

"Erya!" Yetsune's cry pierces the air.

Erya whirls to see Yetsune being hauled away. Her rescue attempt is thwarted by the bodyguard, reigniting their fight.

Yetsune's struggles and shouts draw curious gazes, yet none intervene, assuming Hagian's must be someone powerful from his audacity. She braces against the handrail, resisting with all her might. Hagian turns, amused by her futile defiance. The performance downstairs is still going on and while some are distracted, the others are still going about their business.

"Let go of my hand!" Yetsune demands, pulling back with all her might.

Suddenly, her wrist slips free. She flails, losing balance. Gasps fill the air as she topples over the railing. Hagian grips the rail in shock, Hakian rushing over, eyes wide with shock.

As she plummets, Yetsune screams for Erya, her arms flailing in the air as if reaching out for help. Erya, who manages to escape the bodyguard, rushes over to the railing. "Yetsune!" she cries out, arms outstretched. She watches in horror as Yetsune falls, unable to do anything to save her. 

Yetsune's hopes are dashed when she sees the distance between her and Erya. squeezes her eyes shut, bracing for impact. "Please…" she whispers, clinging to a sliver of hope that someone will save her, just like last time.

Suddenly, strong arms encircle her shoulders and knees. Instead of a fatal thud, she feels her body collide with another before rolling across the ground. Wincing, she clutches her head, disoriented and dazed. Slowly, she opens her eyes, her vision blurred from shock. A faint groan reaches her ears as the world gradually comes into focus.

She finds herself face-to-face with a young man, her eyes widening. Below her is the same Young Master who saved her before with his arms around her waist.

His lips curl into a weak smile. "Why do you keep falling?" he teases.

Yetsune's lips part slightly, words failing her. Once again, against all odds, this stranger has answered her silent prayer. She stares mutely at his face, still as ethereal as when he caught her before.

"Questioning if I'm human or angel again?" he quips, but a strong cough interrupts his jest. He grips his chest, groaning in pain.

Yetsune panics, realizing he must have been hurt shielding her from the impact. "Are you okay?" she asks, her eyes scanning him for injuries. He nods, flashing a reassuring smile.

Relief washes over the onlookers as they realize both survived. Erya, who had watched Yetsune's fall in horror, feels her legs weaken. Hakian quickly steadies her, but her glare forces him back. She looks down to check Yetsune is fine before sprinting down. 

Yetsune gazes up at the railing she fell from. "How did you—" she begins, but he interrupts.

"Can you walk?"

She pauses, searching his eyes before nodding. He gently helps her up, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Follow me."

To Yetsune's surprise, he grasps her wrist and dashes out of the courtesan house. She doesn't resist.

The onlookers watch in disbelief as the pair leave, unfazed by their near-death experience. Hagian jaw clenches in anger. He almost felt remorse, thinking his impulsiveness had led to her death. Yet, she willingly leaves with another stranger.

Erya arrives downstairs to see them dashing out. "Your High—Yetsu!" she yells after her.

Yetsune holds up her dress as they get further away from the House of Fragrance. Her gaze is locked onto his perfect side view with an elated beam on her face. She can hardly believe the man she's secretly longed to meet is now holding her hand as they race through the streets.

He finally halts in the middle of the street and turns. "Are you okay?" he asks, chest heaving.

She nods. "What about you?"

Yetsune's eyes widen as he suddenly cups her face. Her heart races, drowning out the street's bustle. She clutches her dress, trying to subdue the emotions welling inside her. His eyes dart between hers.

"W-why are you l-looking at me like that?" she whispers.

"I just can't believe it," he responds. "I can't believe fate allowed me to meet you again." His thumb traces her jawline as he leans closer.

'Has he also been thinking of me?' she wonders. "Have you been thinking of me?" Yetsune blurts out.

"I have," he answers without hesitation. "Every single second," he adds, joy evident in his voice.

"Me too."