Chapter 106 - You can rely on me

For those people, the moment she revealed the truth to them was the most they could justify their hate for her. She was in others' eyes perfect; she had everything. A rich family background, intelligence, and skills. What did a person like her who had everything had to fear? Setsura didn't know how many times she had to refrain herself from screaming. `how would you know?'

How would any of these people know what was happening? Just because a person is rich and on the surface seems okay, doesn't mean they are. They live in a judgemental society. Whether it is the Meiji era or modern-day Japan, that hasn't changed at all.

To think, things remain the same, even after so many years have passed. She has lived in the Meiji era for only a month or so, but already Setsura understood the values of these times. The rich and those in a position of power dominate, the poor and middle class go about their daily lives. But they will not hesitate to pick on the faults of the rich. The rich resent the poor and insult them all the same — both sides, judge, and mock daily. From an out looker's point of view, it all seems so very ridiculous, doesn't it?

If people were to learn about her - no, that's not the point. Even if they learned about it, nothing would change. People's interactions towards her would remain the same. They claim to want to be your friend and get to know you. But, the moment they do and find something they dislike. They would leave you in a heartbeat, seldom people accept it. At the start, things seem okay. It looks like they are genuine about helping. But after a while those people get tired.

They say comments like 'it's always like that, it's the same.' For them, it gets repetitive; they refer to it as self-depreciation. They don't see the seriousness of the case; all the fault lies in her. It's her fault for underestimating herself, for criticizing herself. It's nobody else's fault but her own. They tire of it, the same repeating monologue. So they leave, some leave without saying anything. Some leave with words. Not very pleasant ones. But at least they say something.

It hurts more if people leave without asking. Her gaze fell on Akito. He didn't reply to her right away, and that worried her. But if he replied immediately, she would most likely doubt his words.

"I understand how you feel, Setsura. Our experiences aren't similar, but the pain we share is the same. The moment I confided in someone about what I thought after my wife left, the moment they all left. I tried for a long time to integrate myself with other people again. However, all those people left me."

"Because you spoke to them about your problems?"

Akito nodded as he patched up her hands with some medicine. Setsura was too lost in her own thoughts, so she didn't notice when he got the medication out. Akito carefully dabbed on the blood, and she flinched. "Does it hurt?"

Setsura nodded, and Akito's movements became slower.

"I spoke to them about my problems, and they tossed me away like I was nothing. Even though they told me they would be there by my side. That they would never leave me, in the end, they all left. It was painful for me. But at the same time, I understood why they did what they did. Those people couldn't handle it. Rather than stay with me because of their lack of understanding, their fear that their actions would hurt me. They would rather leave, even if it means me disliking them. Of course, there are those people who leave because of their judgemental mindset."

"What about you, Akito?" Setsura asked.

Akito smiled, "And then you have people like me who actually want to listen, who actually want to help. Just because a few people have left you and abandoned you halfway, doesn't mean everybody will do the same. I'm here for you, Setsura, you can discuss your problems with me. You can rant and complain. It won't change my opinion of you."

Setsura turned away; she didn't want him to see her tears. It was embarrassing. Breaking down the way she did. She even passed out, 'How humiliating.' He probably cut his work short and came here. "You can go back to work now."

He laughed and pulled her into his arms, "Do you think I'll let you go? I think we can do some pretty fun things, now that you've calmed down."

She sighed at his remark, "Are all men beasts after all?"

Akito brought his lips to hers, "They aren't, but won't kissing me make you feel better?"

"You overestimate yourself," Setsura mumbled and kissed him before he could kiss her. Kissing for her was still something new. So, naturally, she is clumsy at it. But Akito didn't take over and allowed her, "Rather than you do the kissing, it's better for me to do so."

"Indeed, that was very nice," he caressed her cheeks. "I'll be here for you, Setsura. So count on me, yeah?"

"I'll try."

Even if this is something she can't get rid of overnight, she does want to try.

......

Church

Setsura placed the shard in place and sighed deeply. She thought something terrible would happen if she didn't bring this here immediately, but it seems like that isn't the case here. "Ooh, it's glowing brightly," a voice from beside her said.

She sighed, "Don't just pop out of nowhere."

The man who snuck up on her is the one they call Katakura. One of the guardians, his mission is to watch over and assist her. "You're supposed to be helping me, what have you been doing?"

"It's hard to help with Akito around. He guards you so well."

"Don't blame Akito for your slacking."

Katakura didn't reply right away and looked at her. "Somehow, it feels like you've changed."

"I don't know what you're talking about," she brushed off his comment quickly. Actually, she knew what he was talking about. She has changed. Maybe it was because of Akito's pampering, but Setsura did feel a lot more confident these days. Of course, the episode from earlier remained fresh in her mind.

Setsura still felt very embarrassed because of the events that happened earlier. To think she cried like that in front of him. After she calmed down, she scolded herself. How could she have shown him such a weak and vulnerable side of her? It's a good thing Akito is a simple person.