~Aaralyn~
I turned around, walking back to the bedroom, ready to tell Kai to start packing up our things. But, Shino's hand caught my wrist, stopping me. I couldn't tell if he was blushing or if it was just the adrenaline.
"I...I don't want you to leave..." I looked up into his eyes and knew what he said was the honest truth.
But, that didn't really matter. The truth was, I didn't want him to get in trouble just because of Kai and I. "I don't want to be the cause of anyone getting hurt."
He shook his head. "Y-you know why I keep smiling? I do it cause if I don't, everyone will give up. I need to protect them. If I can act strong and draw his anger to me then I don't care what he does. But...if you leave...I might not be able to do it anymore. I like you...I like being your friend. Kanayuki's ruined everything else. I refuse to let him ruin this." I shook my head. "He can't get mad that you're here. If my family hires you he can't say anything! Please don't leave." He was pleading with me.
I turned, smiling gently. "How about we make a deal?" I offered, the hand he wasn't holding reach up and gently touched a tender patch of skin, where there was a bruise forming.
He looked surprised, but nodded, waiting for me to continue.
"You have to be honest with me. No trying to put up a front, not lying because you're afraid of how I'll take it. I want to help you, Shino. I was to be your support, but I can only do that if you tell me everything honestly." I hoped he agreed. I didn't really want to leave.
Continue?
