As the (h/c) haired girl was introduced to the purple-haired male before her, she couldn't help but give a cheerful smile. He seemed to influence everyone around him with such energy, but she supposed that was just how an extrovert worked. The male was highly popular to a point where it was envious, his mere presence causing excitement and providing a cause for celebration.
"You hungry, Ishikawa?" an excited girl chuckled, "Want some of (Y/n)'s lunch?"
The male gave a confused expression before turning around. He noticed people eating from the meal in the boxes, but he didn't seem thrilled about the sight before him. Rather, he gave a tense sigh and looked over at the (h/c) haired girl with a look more akin to pity. The male then put on a sympathetic smile and grabbed onto the boxes, placing their lids on and stacking them back on. He was a bit confused on how to tie the silk wrapping around the box, but he nonetheless tried his best even if it looked sloppy and somewhat childish.
"You guys," he scolded half-heartedly, attempting not to be too harsh or serious while drawing out his words, "Stealing lunch from a young lady. Honestly..."
The male gave a sigh and directed an apologetic look to the younger girl before sitting down opposite of her. The bodyguards looked at one another once more before reluctantly letting the incident pass. However, both the younger girl and the male who sat across from her could feel their gazes become more intense. That being said, the male dismissed it, continuing to act amiably to the younger girl.
"I'm really sorry about them. They get carried away sometimes, but I can compensate you for their share."
"No, really, it's fine," the (h/c) haired girl chuckled nervously, twisting a strand of hair around her finger, "It's...It's a little embarrassing, but it helped me make friends with them. I couldn't eat all of it anyway."
The male smiled brightly and clapped his hands together, giving a breath of relief. He then grinned at the others knowingly as they talked excitedly before chuckling to himself and looking back at (Y/n). There was something familiar about the purple-haired male to her. She tilted her head left and right, left and right, trying to piece it together. Perhaps he was someone she knew in her previous life?
No, with the extreme measures she knew Shota to take to cover over her previous memories, she was quite certain he had instructed the bodyguards to shelter her mind. As she looked back at them, the only thing they did was look away as if avoiding her gaze. If it really was someone from her past life, they would have taken her away or contacted the red-haired male. But clearly, they knew the male. Or at least knew of him.
"This may be strange to ask, but do we know each other?"
"Ah! Do I look familiar? I'm flattered. The last time we met was at the charity event you threw. Though...I was chased off pretty quickly."
The younger girl began to scan over her memory. At the event, there were countless individuals whom she had met with. However, it was difficult to memorize as well as match faces and names with each person. Sighing, she attempted to think harder before the male's likeness popped into her mind. If she wasn't mistaken, the male had been speaking a completely different language, hence her trouble in talking to him.
"My little brothers were friends with someone you invited to the event, so they dragged me there. Sorry if we intruded. I was just really excited. It's not every day children of the rich and the poor get treated equally. It's...very admirable."
"I'm glad to hear that!" the (h/c) haired girl blushed, clapping her hands together excitedly, "It was my first time, and I'm not so sure I did as great of a job as I could have. But, if you have friends that were impacted by my efforts, do you think I could have a chance to speak with them?"
"Sure thing. I'd be happy to help you help."
The two began chatting happily, becoming fast friends, it seemed. The male was a very happy-go-lucky guy. It made her beam from ear to ear, giving her an idea of how he could have so easily affected everyone else. Like a breath of fresh air or the sun shining on a bright summer day, he made the atmosphere of the room lighten up. A surge of optimism flushed through her, hoping that he could be the senior she needed. Surely he could help her get used to the way of life on campus and help her integrate into different social circles.
"Look at you," the younger girl's tour buddy hummed, patting the other male on the back, "Always quick making friends, but are you sure you can take those big guys behind her? They don't look very fond of you."
"Well, what'd you expect? I get it. I'm a threat. Ah, not that I mean any harm! Really, I'm just here for friends and school."
The bodyguards were not at all impressed with the male's claim. In fact, it seemed it served the purpose of making them even more suspicious of him, not that they informed their young miss. The younger girl tilted her head in curiosity. Even while they attempted to act as though he was not a threat, it was hard not to sense their malice towards him. Clearly, the male had a history with the Yasojiros, and from the attitude her guards took towards him, it was clear it was not a good history either.
"This is so totally hilarious, Ishikawa. Goes to show you that even if you're the nicest person in the world, you'll still be hated by someone."
"It's to be expected. If you side with someone, you're unintentionally siding against someone."
"Wise words," (Y/n) smiled, tilting her head ever so slightly to the side, "although I'm not sure what Shota has to do with it. I'm curious. Would you mind telling me?"
The two males looked at one another with a confused gaze. They seemed to be at the loss the younger girl was, especially as they looked back at her. The bodyguards still made no pushing moves towards escorting her out of the room. Rather, they stiffened just barely before one of them placed their hand on their young miss. He then lowered his head to her ear, attempting to speak quietly so as not to let the other two in on their conversation.
"My lady, I believe it would be wise to head to your next class a bit earlier. The best seats may be taken and - "
"I'd like to stay," she rebutted, dismissing the male's advice.
"...Yes, miss."
The bodyguards exchanged another look before one of them nodded to the other. It was then that the (h/c) haired girl noticed one of them messaging someone, obviously Shota. However, the action the man took only made her more curious. Perhaps it was because she had a hunch she wasn't supposed to be speaking with the purple-haired male or because her curiosity rendered her stubbornly uncontrollable, but either way, she wanted very deeply to know what was going on. Still, her defiance would likely bring trouble to her one of those days.
"Well, I guess it's because I work for a rival company. No, that's probably not it. I work for a person that Yasojiro doesn't like."
"I've seen it in person. Not pretty, not pretty at all. You'd think they were kids with the insults they throw at each other."
"Well, what do you do for work?" the younger girl questioned, straining her mind for a job in which would render him an enemy of the redhead.
"He's a bodyguard for a bigshot heir, isn't that cool?! Six-figure pay, too."
It was then that began to connect in the (h/c) haired girl's mind. She figured he must have come into contact with the red-haired male while escorting that heir. That being said, she didn't take Shota for someone who could hold grudges. In fact, it seemed more likely that the male was a forgiving and empathetic person. However, with all the talk about fighting and arguing, it didn't seem as though he was the perfect person she took him for. She ended up chuckling at the thought, the bell ringing over their heads.
"Whatever Shota thinks about you, I hope it doesn't affect our relationship. Please be a good senior to me."
"Sure thing! We'll see each other again soon, I hope."
The purple-haired male darted away quickly, likely because his class was on the other side of the campus. In the meantime, the younger girl was escorted to her class by her official orientation committee member. He seemed to be all smiles after running into the male, humming cheerfully to himself. After taking her to her class, he bid her a happy farewell even though he would be coming back after to continue helping her.
. . .
It felt like the day passed in the blink of an eye, the (h/c) haired girl having experienced so much in so little time. She was giddy in the car ride back, so much so that she almost forgot to stop by a sweets store to pick up something to thank the chefs. While unsure of what they might like, she figured that a little sugar would be the perfect thing for a thank you. Although, it was only after the car had started moving again that she remembered they could probably bake whatever they wanted.
She blushed in embarrassment, but at the very least, she would return with a sentiment to echo her thoughts. The bodyguards also assured her that they would be happy with simply a smile, it being their duty and all. However, she wasn't so certain that they thought so highly of her. Perhaps Shota, but she had done nothing to deserve their admiration. At least, not in that life. Then again, with no memories of who she had been previously, she could have saved their lives for all she knew. It was really all so strange.
She soon arrived back at the estate, the car coming to a rolling stop. There was no one waiting for her, however, and she frowned just slightly. She had thought that the red-haired male would have met her at the front door, but he was busy. It was wrong of her to think he would be there waiting on her hand and foot. In fact, it was just a little embarrassing to think he had been spoiling her to think that way.
Upon walking into the manor, she was greeted by the maids who bowed to her in two straight-line formations; one on her left and one on her right. Her cheeks flushed a bright pink as they cheerfully smiled at her. She was then briskly escorted to the kitchen by one of them where she saw the chefs hard at work. As she watched them run around frantically, she gave a curious hum. She had never thought the work of a chef was so rushed.
Looking down as she held the box of sweets close to her chest, she debated interrupting them for something so minuscule. However, the boy that had given her the lunch earlier soon noticed her presence and almost dropped the dirtied bowls he was holding. His mouth became agape and he quickly announced her presence to everyone else in the room. Immediately, there was a cease of chatter and bustle, the only sound remaining being the bubbling of some kind of liquid in a pot.
"I'm sorry!" she stuttered, her cheeks flushing, "I didn't mean to interrupt."
"Are you hungry, my lady?"
"No, I had more than enough to eat, really. That's why I'm here, actually."
The room became deadly silent once more as the chefs looked at one another with uncertainty. There was almost a disappointment in their looks, or perhaps something similar to fear. Most believed they had made an unsatisfactory lunch, the girl there to tell them they had done something wrong. However, it was far from that. In fact, the gentle look on her face gave some room to doubt that was why she was there.
"Ordinarily, I wouldn't have been able to eat so much food, but it was thanks to all of you that I could break the ice with my peers. So I wanted to thank you all."
"You're too kind, young miss!"
The entire kitchen began smothering the younger girl with gratitude, the chefs being especially touched by her thanks. They then happily accepted the sweets she had purchased, claiming they were better than anything they'd had before. While it was exaggerated greatly, she was glad that they enjoyed them, even feeling as though she was rekindling a relationship that had been torn apart by her loss in memories.
While everyone indulged in the sweets she had brought, there was one individual that was more focused on cooking than talking. The male that had brought her the lunch in the morning was turning off a stove a pot had been placed on. He scooped up the liquid and placed it in a ceramic bowl, also cutting up some freshly baked bread to play on a tray. Gathering together tea and placing some kind of pill on the array as well.
"It's too early for dinner and too late for lunch," (Y/n) hummed, looking at the appetizing soup, "Who's eating a meal at this time?"
"Ah, my lady! The-The master is sick, so we've cooked him something that should help his immune system fight the disease off!"
The (h/c) haired girl gave a saddened look, almost one of guilt. To think that he fell ill when she was out and couldn't be of any help. She looked at the ground, placing her hands to her lips in worry. The only thing she could think to do at that moment in time was to worry about him. Was he in pain? How serious was the disease? Was Nami alright? She had so many questions and yet not a single answer, her unstoppable mind racing again and again.
"My lady, you seem troubled," the young male frowned before holding out the tray with a smile, "Would you, perhaps, like to take this to him?"
(Y/n)'s face lit up at the realization that she could do something for the red-haired male. Though it was minuscule compared to all that he provided to her free of charge, she could at least begin to repay him in small ways such as that. Taking the tray gratefully, she gave the boy a smile, watching as he lit up. The younger girl then began to walk up the grand staircase and towards the male's room. She figured he would be resting there as opposed to his study.
As she approached the room, she was suddenly stopped by the guards in front of the room. They gave an apology but expressed their concern about her going into a room in which there was a clear illness present. Though she protested against it, they stood still and refused to let her through. They even ignored the disheartened expression she gave, her tears pricking at the corners of her (e/c) eyes.
"What's this? Why are you buffoons standing in the way of love?" a small voice huffed, Nami's appearance making the guards sigh, "I understand not letting me in, but not even (Y/n)? Sho told me that love cures everything! So you must let her in or I shall tell big brother of your grievous mistake when he wakes!"
"Please understand, young misses," one of the guards hummed, crossing their arms over their chest, "It is in our orders to let no one in, not even for you two. Our apologies."
"Your apology means nothing to me! I will see to it you're fired! You hear me?"
"Now, now, my lady, they are only doing their jobs under my strict instruction."
The two young girls turned their heads towards the approaching man. He gave a strained smile at the two before placing his hand over his heart and bowing with respect. Okura seemed just as concerned with the red-haired male's health as anyone else. However, considering the way he looked at the door to the male's room, he was forced to think of the greater good of everyone present, not just the male.
"But I suppose it would be alright for (Y/n) to enter. It is her bedroom too, after all."
The younger girl lit up in joy at the sound that she could be of use to the male. She then stepped forward, eagerly looking forward to helping the male in some shape or form. However, before she was able to go through the door, she felt a pull on her uniform's skirt. Nami looked up at her with a hopeful and yet despondent look, pressing her fingers together nervously. Wanting to comfort the small thing, the younger girl kneeled down and pet her on her head.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure to nurse him to health, okay?"
The redhead nodded eagerly, wanting to see her older brother be himself again. The younger girl then watched as the guards stood aside at Okura's command, both of them entering the room. Inside, she watched as the male lay on the bed, suffering greatly. He moaned in pain, tossing and turning on the bed as if it were the one of his death. As the younger girl got closer, she realized he was awake, making her heart hurt as if it had been pricked by a handful of thorns.
"Darling," he coughed, the force of the exhale forcing him to sit up and threatening to make him throw up.
Out of concern, the (h/c) haired girl rushed to his side, sitting on the bed beside him. She removed the towel on his head and began to resoak it in the water bowl on the nightstand, wringing it out thoroughly. Then placing it carefully on his head, her fingers just barely grazed over his scalding skin. He was burning up, his eyebrows turning up in pain as he gripped onto her hand desperately.
"Do you think you can stomach some tea?"
The male nodded slowly, opening his mouth for the younger girl. She first placed the pills on his tongue before she gripped tightly onto the cup, tilting it to his lips and attempting to slow down his greedy need for liquid. As she took it away, he gave a whine, coughing violently once more. He then let her place her hand on his back, pushing him to sit up to be fed some soup. With that, he was not as desperate, taking it only as she fed it to him.
"Young miss, I think you should maintain your distance from him. If you were to get sick - "
The orange-haired male trailed off as the redhead began glaring at him. It was quite clear that he wanted the affection and care the girl willingly provided him. That look in her eyes, the sight of her filled with concern for him; he wanted more of it. Food had never tasted so good, drinks had never been so fulfilling, and being sick had never been more beneficial. She cared for him as long as she could before her tired eyes closed and she fell into slumber by his side.
Shota then chuckled, coughing just slightly before he willed himself out of bed, tucking her in lovingly. He genuinely didn't think that she would come for him when she learned he was sick. However, to think that she did erased the sting of the bad news he had received previously. It seemed that was quite an effective way to remove the thoughts of the purple-haired male from her mind. At the very least, however, at least it wasn't his boss. That might've taken more extreme measures.
"Master Shota, I realize that you are concerned over the lady's need for you, but...isn't this a bit...extreme?"
"Nonsense," the male coughed, gripping onto the bedsheets, "I'd do anything to be the one on her mind, and I'm not in the habit of having other men be around her. Ishikawa has appeared. It's reason enough to be suspicious."
"Then...you are worried Akiyama will not be far behind?"
"I suppose that would be the case. But I was planning on doing this either way. Even if she insists on going to school away from my protection, I will remind her where her mind should be."
"And making yourself so ill on purpose?"
The male turned to look at the locked cupboard just to the right of the bed. It wasn't well hidden, but it was well locked, so much so that the younger girl wouldn't be able to get into it. Lockpicking was not a skill she possessed, and the only key to get into it was a voice identification from the red-haired male himself. He didn't mind resorting to such cowardly tactics to acquire her attention or her love. Just one look at her told him how successful it was.
"I'll be perfectly fine when I take the antidote tomorrow. I just need her mind on me a little longer for her to maintain her loyalty towards me."
"Don't you think the lady will be suspicious?"
"Not at all," the red-haired male chuckled, stealing a greedy kiss from the resting younger girl, "It's just as I told Nami. Love cures everything."