Chapter 197 - Hope

Somebody as cold as ice, and yet her gaze fell on his eyes. She wonders why this person has such a sad look in his eyes too. Exactly what is he thinking? What sort of person is he? Setsura knew that eventually, she could not push him away. Honestly, if she had to admit it, she would. He interests her more than Akito, not because she cares more for him. However, simply because his sadness and pain differ from her own. To think she is attracted to people who suffer. A deep sigh escapes her lips, and she took a deep breath.

Chauncey Long trying to act intimidating with her, is the most stupid thing. This man may be able to intimidate others using this method. Indeed, he certainly looks intimidating. The surrounding aura is ice cold. Most normal people would back down and surrender. However, her? She isn't a normal person. Most people would believe in his words and give up trying. Those people are the type who is easily pressured.

They are not bad people, though; it's normal to fall under pressure. Average against somebody with higher status and power. No, against someone whose words weigh more than yours. Setsura took a few steps forward before she brushed her forehead against his. Chauncey looked at her startled, but before he could say anything, she beat him to it. With a massive bang, she bumped their heads against one another's.

Chauncey winced in pain, "Why you..."

"If you're trying to scare me, you're worse than Akito at this. Do you think I care about what other people say? I don't come from this place, remember. Those people you mentioned, I've never met them and even if I cross paths with them in the future. I will surely avoid associating with them."

Those people are not worth her time. Why would she bother with them? Before Chauncey could raise his hand and hit her, somebody grabbed hold of Chauncey's wrist. Ginger hair wearing western clothing. The familiar forest green polo shirt, grey jacket, and navy blue hat combination.

Ah, "Victor."

"Now, now, Chauncey. What do you think you're doing to Akito's girl? Do you want him to hate you even more?"

"Akito is foolish; this woman will cause his downfall again."

Victor smiled, "I see now. But whether that's true or not doesn't concern me. What I'm bothered about is your filthy hands on her. Mind taking it away? It's not nice to hit a lady."

"I see, so even you.."

What's with this strange tension? Or rather, 'Victor seems odd.' Truthfully, Setsura noticed this on the night they first met. But, she decided not to say anything about it. Because she didn't know him very well yet. Things are different now, though.

.....

"You saved me just on time," Setsura stole a glance at Victor. "Were you watching from the very beginning?"

The two of them went to the riverbank for some peace and quiet. Indeed, Setsura hardly saw anybody in this area. It was nice and quiet.

"As expected from you, Setsura-chan, you understand."

A deep sigh escaped her lips as she walked over to the river and bent down. She scooped a handful of water in her hands. But the moment she did, she drew her hand away. "Cold.."

Victor laughed, "Well, it is winter."

'He's smiling again,' Setsura observed. That earlier chill, she felt for him; she can no longer feel it. However, maybe she will have time to ask today. It looks like he will talk to her properly today. No sooner did she say that though did Victor turned quiet. Setsura, however, didn't bother pressuring him for an answer.

"Setsura say, I have to ask. What would you do if you didn't have any talent?"

"If I didn't have talent?" she trails off, "Let's see I think that in itself would be fun. I like to draw after all, and you remember? I didn't really have any plans when I first came here. But slowly, I'm learning more about this place.

"There's more to life than just talent."

Victor's eyes widened, and she chuckled.

Setsura smiles, "I've told plenty of people this already, I'm sure, but your life won't be interesting just because you have talent. By getting involved with others and making memories, hope, which is more important than talent, is born."

'Hope,' huh? It's something fleeting even to her. However, unlike before, things are better than before. Sensing his silence again, Setsura called out to him. "Victor?"

"I just thought that it's exactly like you to say something like that, Setsura-chan."

She raised her eyebrows at this comment, why does it sound like he knows her well? They've never met until she came here. She knows that for sure, anyway.

"Victor, you don't think so too?" Setsura calmly replied.

"Well, it depends on the results in the end..."

Setsura shook her head, "Believe in yourself... If you don't have that... it doesn't matter how many talents you have; you still won't be able to hold your head up high.."

"And if you have doubts?" Victor questioned.

"I don't think belief and doubt are necessarily opposites. If there is no room for doubt, then there's no reason to believe, is there? If you want to believe in someone, you need to overcome doubt first. Belief, without a doubt, is simply a lie. I'm the same as you, Victor, I don't want to doubt anyone, but sometimes it's necessary."

The last thing she wants to do is doubt those people who she has learned to care about. However, life isn't so simple. At the end of the day, there are far too many instances of betrayal. For some strange reason, people betray those they care about.

They all have reasons, deep ones. Setsura has yet to encounter a betrayal with no reason. But, just because they have an explanation, does not mean they are right.

Getting involved with others and making memories. Setsura knew she sounds like a large hypocrite; up until recently, she was the type who wouldn't look people in the eye properly. No, she wouldn't look down and avoid people's gazes. She would look them directly in the eye - but she may as well turn away. Staring at people with such a dead and soulless gaze in her eyes. She would be better of not looking at them at all.

A deep sigh passed her lips, 'Quit thinking such terrible things now.' What use is their getting all depressed now? It's not as though, this pain will go away if she thinks about it. The more she thinks about it, the more painful it will be. But, even if she doesn't. The pain and those memories would appear out of nowhere. It isn't easy for her at all.

It isn't easy, however, unlike before the pain is a lot more bearable. In the future, it felt different - it was a lot worse this pain. Even though she was together with that person. Her heart felt heavy. She always felt like. Even though he was always with her, she felt like she was alone still. Feeling that way is terrible, but that's just how things were for her.