Chapter 309 - Stagnent

It was stagnant exactly like water, feelings that remain unchanged, feelings that she could tell no one. How many times did she try to convey these thoughts? Setsura already knew she couldn't have a happy family; after what happened then, she long gave up. However, things truly broke for her at that time.

If one were to look at her life from a bystander's point of view, nobody would see what was wrong. At a glance, she has everything, family, friends, a roof over her head, and wealth. Nothing is wrong; nothing should be wrong. She has everything, and yet at the same time, she had nothing.

How many times did she feel like screaming?

So many times, but no matter how many times she screamed. Her voice could no longer reach anyone - her words no longer held any meaning. For them, she was a problem. A huge burden which they were disappointed in. No matter what she did to amend her situation. The damage had been done.

He's not 'emotionless' since he's always smiling, and she saw his many of his different expressions. However, thinking about it carefully that smile itself may just be a front. It's those that are always smiling that have something to hide. She recalls Natasha talking about it all the time, the reason why she disliked Akito. 'It's like he's wearing a mask and when that mask falls off there's nothing but an empty gaze.'

In the end, the redhead's predictions strangely came true. She wonders if the same goes for Yang, although they dated for quite a while - it felt like it had been more one-sided. Even though she liked him, he loved her a lot. It really did feel like she hadn't been properly able to return his affections for her.

He's emotionless. But in a different sense then that guy. Come to think of it; there was only one occasion where he was seriously angry, wasn't there? Some rumors circulated about her cheating on with the person she was co-starring within a movie. Of course, it was complete lies; however, the other female stars didn't like it at all. At that time, he came to her rescue, how strange. She thought he looked pretty cool then, even though her initial impression of him was always an idiot…

When Akito let's go of her wrist, she glanced at her surroundings. Oh, he's her next-door neighbor. She already knew he was in the same apartment complex as her since she had seen the guys come here. But who would have thought that they'd end up living next to each other?

She supposed.. . fate works in strange ways even now. The fact that they reunited under somewhat peaceful conditions was strange, although Akito has never been the kind of guy to hold a grudge, so it really shouldn't surprise her.

But really to think that she came here. She's been trying to avoid being left alone with him too. "You don't have to stay at the front door come in," Akito commented.

"N—no, it's fine." Even she's not that clueless like she can enter the place of someone who lives alone of the opposite gender. Not to mention he's her ex. "Anyway, what do you want?" Setsura tried to sound threatening. However, she knew she was failing.

"Says the girl who was sleeping on my bed yesterday," Akito commented drily.

"Oh, shut up!"

It couldn't be helped. After Yang fell asleep, she attempted to make her way back home, but she kept thinking back to the words he said to her,' I'm sorry but don't do anything like this again. Setsura-san, please stay away from me.' Aah it was no good after all huh? She thought that if she did something similar to what Setsura did before then he would get caught up in the flow. But it seems like it's not possible at all for her, huh?

"Alright, alright," Akito trailed off. "I just wanted to meet with you for a few minutes. Is it that difficult?"

Setsura looked away, "We meet a lot these days, so what are you talking about?"

Akito sighed, "Well, it's not like we spend a lot of time together whenever we do meet. Things usually become hectic. So, I thought I'd visit you when things are quieter."

"You've already seen me, so leave already."

She didn't want to act so cold to him. However, Setsura didn't want Akito to get the wrong idea. She doesn't want him thinking it's okay just to barge in and show up unexpectedly. "I'm busy, so please leave."

At that comment, Akito sighed, "I came here because I know you're not busy. Can't we talk for a few minutes? I really missed you."

Setsura flinched when she hears those words. 'Moron, don't be so honest around her.' She felt pain in her heart whenever Akito looked at her and said such things. Indeed, her current state was not good at all. She knew Akito would see right through her.

"Setsura," Akito cupped her cheeks. "Do you mind?"

"What are you thinking?"

"I feel like kissing you."

He's such a moron.

.....

Setsura didn't know how she got back. But, when she did. Setsura immediately ensured the door behind her is locked. 'Akito..what was he thinking of kissing her like that?' Aaah, that man makes her feel so frustrated.

Her deep thoughts broke of when her phone started ringing. It's during moments like this where Setsura has to look at her surroundings to confirm where she is.

When she saw the caller ID, she answers with a deep sigh, "It's just you."

The person on the other end of the line was Oslo.

"So cruel, not even a brother acknowledgment?

"Aniki."

Oslo sweatdropped, "I didn't actually mean it. Though it has a strange ring to it."

What on earth is he blabbing on about now...

"Did you need me for something, Oslo?" Setsura said, as she walked across to her table and settled her bag down on the table. Setsura sat down on the chair.

"I got a call from your mutual friend."

That completely took her off guard; she didn't expect it. "Wha--" Setsura knew that Oslo had to contact someone in the future. However, she didn't think it would be that guy.

"Does it bother you?"

"Not really, what did he say?"

It does bother her a little. But she will not admit that.

"He said he wouldn't be able to make it."

"Won't be able to make it?" Setsura said, puzzled until she caught a glimpse of her calendar and saw something circled. Oh, in two days it will be time.

"Wait, don't tell me you forgot."

"Of course not," she said with a burst of nervous laughter. She's lying again, but really with all the events that have been occurring as of late. It's been the last thing on her mind. Conducting the investigation aside, at the end of the day, she's still working. Then there's the other matter; it really has been too chaotic recently.

"You're coming? On the day before."

"I'll leave in the morning since it's a weekday," Setsura nodded. "It's possible, isn't it? A short trip back to the future to visit my mother's grave."

Oslo nodded, "We make exceptions for certain events, and we already marked this down for you. So we've got permission already."

"Did Akito say anything else?"

"Oh yeah, he told me to wish you good luck."

Setsura ended the call and leaned back on her chair and sighs, "Good luck, huh? That's all?" she mumbles. He did something like that and didn't explain it at all and although she could never bring herself to ask him. Setsura didn't think that he would just... Ahhh, she has to tell Yang too. Recalling his reaction from the other day, Setsura knew it wouldn't be easy. However, she needs to head back.