Bab 76: By Your Side

Cassie leans on the headboard. There are memories she can't remember. Still, she can't find the answers to why she is afraid to sleep alone during rainy and stormy nights. She thought she could get over it when she got older.

She can remember most of her childhood, but she has a feeling there is a significant part of her memories missing.

What exactly happened six years ago? Why can't she sleep alone on rainy nights?

When she arrives in Paris, things are good in the beginning. But since then, through time, she has become anxious and restless when it's raining at night. Grateful her Uncle Martin's wife had a daughter she could share the room, and she would not be alone during those nights.

Her uncle often told Mimie to accompany her. She saw him giving Mimie more money when she did that. Maybe that is why she let herself be blind to everything her aunt Lydia did as long as they wouldn't leave her like the rest of her loved ones that left her alone.

Still, they were left her alone, again. But…

Shun. He stayed with her all night. She never had a more peaceful sleep than last night. However, how long he'll stay by her side? How long will he show her comfort and security? How long should she have cherished the moments he made her feel loved before he would abandon her one day like everyone else?

Those she did love just left her. She wipes the tears that escape from her eyes. She stepped down from the bed, then went to the bathroom and washed her face and the tears that wouldn't stop coming from her eyes.

One day, he will leave as well…

***

Shun came back to her bedroom carrying a tray full of food. Following him behind is Mr. Son carrying a tray of a teapot and two teacups.

After Mr. Son placed the tray on the coffee table inside her bedroom, the butler left and closed the door.

Cassandra now changed into warm house clothes when Shun came back.

"Glad you are now awake. Let's have breakfast first before I change the bandages," Shun smiled, but that smile was replaced with puzzled, his forehead showing black lines while staring at her face.

"Have you cried?" he asked her. He holds Cassie's chin and lifts it for him to have a better look at her eyes.

"Oh… no, brother Shun! I did not… it is just," she tried to think of how she should lie to him. "The facial wash, it gets into my eyes, and I did wash it off over again and rubbed my eyes."

"Okay… are you sure it is not stinging anymore?" he asked worriedly.

"Uhm… I am fine, brother Shun. Don't worry, thank you."

"Alright then… come, let's now eat." Shun let go of her chin.

Cassie blushingly nodded and sat quietly on the sofa. Shun sat beside her and began placing the plates full of food in front of her. He asked her what sandwiches she liked, from peanut butter, special mayo whipped cream, jams, and another sandwich spread she didn't feel familiar with.

She chose the jam. She thanked him and began biting the toasted bread. Shun whipped some of it, and it Tasted good. They continued having breakfast together with light talks. She was glad he didn't mention her escape yet.

What answer should she tell him if he asked? Could she reveal that she was looking for her brother?

She was in the middle of her thoughts when a lightning flash struck the sky then, followed by a loud rumbling of thunder.

Shun felt when Cassie jolted from her seat. The weather outside is getting worst. The sky is darker than yesterday, and the wind slams the mansion windows.

Cassie felt when Shun grabbed her hand and softly squeezed it like telling her it was alright, he was by her side. She stared at their hands before she looked up and met his gaze.

She was holding back her tears, so she looked away to avoid his intent gaze like he was looking at her very soul. But before she could turn her head, Shun held her chin and kissed her.

Wait... She froze from her seat. Her eyes stayed wide open, staring blankly at the wall. She did feel Shun's lips against hers. He was kissing her!?

Her heartbeats went crazy; it was loud and was deafening her. She has never been kissed before, of course. That is why she didn't know how to respond to his kisses, not to mention she was still shocked by his action.

She was dazed, feeling the sensation of how to be kissed by someone... someone who already has a place inside of her heart.

Shun deepened his kisses, did not give up, and waited for her to open her mouth. He let go of her hand and carefully grabbed her neck to pull her closer.

Cassie sighed and gave up. She let him in to lead her. Shun's soft kisses are becoming demanding. She could feel his hunger to explore inside her mouth, like longing for her for so long already.

Shun... he is somewhat different this morning. But his passionate kisses made her weak to think anymore. She reaches his left shoulder and holds onto his shirt.

"Cassandra," Shun parted his lips from her for them to catch their breath. She was staring at him dazedly. He was about to kiss her again when someone knocked on the door.

Shun closed his eyes and sighed furiously. What now?