Chapter 264 - Different

Yang's Manor Rooftop - the Year 1895 - 3 hours later -

Setsura carefully unbolted the rooftop door and stepped inside. As Yang said, the place was quite worn down. Pieces of litter and broken furniture everywhere. But, none of that mattered to her. Places like this always made her feel the most at ease.

Her gaze scans the grey skies. Ah, it will start soon.

Asahi, from above, can you see this?

Even now, she's struggling and being an idiot when it comes to love. You always used to lecture me about my bad taste in men. She chuckles, if you ever met Yang for sure, you two wouldn't have gotten along. But ah, that couldn't have happened because of the difference in status.

Yang was picky about the kind of people she was around. Ever since he accepted her Yankee self, it seems like she sees more sides to him than before. But...in the end, would you call this love?

It's suffocating.

But in a different sense.

It's painful.

But it's not the emotional pain; it feels more physical. Was Yang always this kind of person before?

Say .... is this what love was?

Please tell me. It seems like she's becoming strange. Accepting an engagement like this. She does care about Yang, that's for sure. But is that care love? Besides, what does she do about Akito? What does she do about the person she gave everything to? A person who exists only in the past, someone who doesn't belong to the sans time frame as her.

Setsura chose selective memories; she made sure to be careful. However, when Katakura caught her earlier, it all came rushing back. The thing she sealed away. 'That idiot.' Katakura is an idiot. What was he thinking? He's only supposed to step in when it comes to her mission. Katakura knew she was in no real danger with Yang. No, Katakura most likely knew who Yang was already. Otherwise, he wouldn't have left her there.

Katakura will only interfere if it's something to do with her mission. Setsura took a deep breath and started to sing.

"The sorrow

born today

soars high towards sky

The sky awakens

calls for wind

My heart trembles

I want to protect you

I want to touch destiny

Both hollow in your chest

and your overflow tears

I want to fill them with happiness

It's a tender rain

Perhaps this song

reaches by your side

No matter how far

we've been separated

I believe

this song will reach you..."

When she was younger, somebody dear to her used to sing this song to her every single day. But, she already forgot the face and voice of that person.

By the end of the song, she feels a pair of arms wrap around her, causing her violet orbs to widen, "...Yang, get back inside its raining. You'll get sick."

"I don't mind. It's late already, after all."

Indeed she could feel that his arms were thoroughly drenched. But even so, why? Why just now when she was thinking about love? The person she loves. Why did he show up? Like that time too back on the rooftop. "This happened before too didn't it? When I sang this song, and you came to find me," Setsura muttered.

Yang didn't seem surprised by her words. She probably gave it away during their little outing earlier. It seems like she really is terrible at hiding things.

"Yeah, and I remembered receiving quite the reward too."

Setsura laughed, "Aha".

That's right, back then. Back then, even though it was no more than a few years back. It really did feel like a long time has passed already, "You ended up letting go of the umbrella, and we both ended up wet. You looked completely exhausted," Setsura muttered. Such fond memories, in a time so far from now.

"I'll admit I'm not used to dashing."

"Eh, that's not cool."

Before like this, it was normal.

There was a sense of normalness in her life. It was normal.. and there was someone, someone in her reach. Someone she cared about deeply.

"Won't you turn around Su-chan?"

Setsura was hesitant but did so; she noticed his eyes widen. Is there something on her face or something?

Yang reached over to wipe the tears in her eyes, "Huh...? Why am I....?"

He leaned forward and licked the tear away, causing her cheeks to color completely. "Yang, that's not fair. You're sly... that's unpleasant..."

"Is that so...? Well now, I wonder if you'll find this next action of mine unpleasant too."

And he kisses her like its the most natural thing in the world. Setsura laced their hands together like it was something completely normal. Like its something, they were both used to. It was completely different, completely different than when she kissed Akito. Completely different.

The world around them is still going on, and yet it did feel like it stopped.

Ah, right, it was this kind of feeling too.

The memories from the whole of last year and in middle school.

Once they pulled away, she was somewhat flushed, but so was he. "You've gone red," Setsura muttered. From what she could remember, he was usually so calm and collected.

"So have you."

The two of them took a step forward and brushed their heads together, "Aha...I've gone ahead and done it. I think Akito will get mad at me."

"Screw that."

She smiles, "He was quite mad when I held Chauncey Long's hand."

The red-haired boys face color drains, causing her to chuckle. "Jealous?"

"Quite a bit," Yang grunted. "But, since this is you, it should be a normal thing already."

That's right.

Even back then, even back then, it was that way. That's why she on Valentine's day did something like that. The last selection too. Setsura closed her eyes and opens them again, "I...-" Yang started.

Setsura shook her head and cuts him off by placing her finger on his lip, "Yeah, I get it. I get what you're about to say. For sure, it can only be one thing. I don't want to apologize because if I do, then it really will end. So don't say it. I don't want to have to apologize to you."

This is selfish.

If she carries on being this selfish, then karma is definitely going to get back at her. But with this person, she cannot say those words.

She cannot say them.

...

It was awkward on the way down. Setsura didn't know what to say to them. Thankfully Yang didn't ask any questions, at least until they reached the bottom of the stairs. "So, since you remember who I am. I'll tell you straight, can you break up with Akito for good?"

"Yang.."

"You understand, don't you?" Yang muttered. "Were different from those people. We live in a completely different time. Even if we choose to remain here..."

"Are you asking me to break up with him because you like me?"

"Yes."

Setsura laughed, "You're so honest."

Yang rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, someone has to be. Since your back to your old self, you're better of remaining with me."

"The life of a fugitive does interest me."

He wore a complicated look on his face when she said those words. Geez, he's actually quite easy to tease. "Relax, Yang. I know what to do, so can you bring me to Akito?"