Falling in love with my stalker

Nearly at eight, I was back home.

After I had breakfast with Takeuchi Mayuri-san(more like an interrogation session) she told me to take the car and go back. It wasn’t a suggestion rather she told me to do so.

I also didn’t want to intrude any more than I already had so I immediately nodded and after finishing breakfast, boarded the car. Sadly, I couldn’t say goodbye to Takeuchi-san, nor did I have her number on my phone so that I could have informed her.

Well, she would get to know from her mother so I wasn’t very stressed.

Since today was the weekend I wasn’t in a rush to go to school.

After entering my house I went toward the first room on my right which I regularly visit.

This room had no furniture and also, the wardrobes were mostly empty.

Opposite the entrance, there was a small butsudan(family altar) which had the pictures of my parents resting on it.

I walked toward it and sat in seiza as a smile instantly lifted my lips.

My mother’s radiant smile and my father’s warm gaze melted my heart and erased all the pain I was feeling until now. My mind calmed down in an instant and like new energy seeped through my pores just after seeing them.

“I know you guys must have seen her already, but still…” Taking out my phone I showed the picture I recently took; to my parents.

“She is my girlfriend, Mom, Dad.” I showed them the picture and hoped that they would bless us from wherever they are now.

I knew it was considered foolishness to talk to pictures when the real people are no longer with me, but if not for their memories and this small altar I have been keeping with me everywhere I go, then I might have succumbed to depression a long time ago.

‘…again, I am being an emo kid…’ Sighing inwardly, I shook myself out of the stressing thoughts, before I bowed my head,

“Please look over us.” With the short greeting, I got up and walked out of the room.

It was then when suddenly I received a call from a familiar person.

“Hello? Shirakawa-san?”

[Ah, Shou. Finally, you picked up! Where are you?! Why haven’t you edited the draft I sent you?]

I blinked in confusion since I hadn’t received any call from the person for whom I was working; as an editor.

Well, considering how buggy my phone is, I suppose all the call history might have been erased by now, so I didn’t bother making excuses.

“I will finish the work by tomorrow. Pl-”

[No! I need it today!]

I frowned at that, “But, Shirakawa-san, I need to first read the whole draft and then first go through the primary editing then I will ask your help for the omission. You know it will take time right?”

Shirakawa-san was a very secretive person with a wide range of collections when it came to novels. However, she has trust issues as well.

Given, the number of books she writes within a year, having only a single editor was anything but sane. However, due to her previous experiences, she was adhering to someone whom she knows personally.

Yeah, that was me.

[I can’t delay any longer, that’s why I am coming over and will help you. Don’t worry, I will be bringing lunch with me so you don’t need to stress. Okay then~]

Before I could have said anything, she disconnected the call.

As I looked at my mobile screen, a thought emerged in my mind, regarding whether I should tell Takeuchi-san, about Shirakawa-san. And also, that she was coming over today?

‘…well, for that I need her number…’ Smiling wryly I decided to tell her tomorrow, once we meet.

*****

[Takeuchi residence]

Rumi paced down the lobby with her eyes fixed on nothing but on her destination.

She had woken up nearly at ten, and upon not finding Shou around her, she panicked. Upon asking(threatening) the maid, she said that Shou had been seen with Mayuri earlier.

Reaching the dining room, she instantly asked her mother, “Where is he?”

Everyone in the dining space turned to look toward the girl who had a disheveled appearance and concern overflowing from her behavior.

Accompanying the man of the house was her elder brother and also, and the lady was also seated on the left of her husband.

Even the maids were astonished to see the young lady in such a state, but no one voiced their thoughts.

“Have a seat, Rumi-chan.” Her elder brother Takeuchi Naoka got up from his seat and invited Rumi to the seat beside his.

The man was in his early twenties with silver hair and red eyes, just like their mother. He was in his final year of college and currently working as an intern in their mother’s company.

Rumi ignored her brother and glared at her mother, “What did you do to him?”

Naoko didn’t take offense after being ignored since he was aware of his sister’s mood swings. And currently, she was in the mood where she could even argue with the family head—a feat which even the lady of the house could never dare achieve.

“Oh my dear sister, how can you blame our lovely mother like that? Do you think, she would harm anyone whom we hold dear?”

The gentle reprimand from her brother brought Rumi, back to her senses as her gaze softened slightly. However, her concerns still remained,

“Where is he? Why did you take him away, Mom? You knew he was injured.” Her tone was far smoother than before, however, the concern she held for Shou didn’t go unnoticed by anyone present here.

“I didn’t force him and he is already back home now. He didn’t text you?” A mocking smile lifted the edges of Mayuri’s lips.

“He doesn’t have my number. ” Rumi told her with a sigh. She really should have put her number while she was going through his phone last night.

“Rumi, have breakfast before you leave.” Just as she was about to turn, the commanding voice of her father resonated—leaving the girl with no other option.

She really wanted to see her Shou-kun…

*****

A/N:- Hmm~