Durch Leiden Freude Ending ~Yunoki Azuma Side~

“Good afternoon Hatsuhi Corporations, Yunoki Azuma’s office,”

Picking up the handset, a beautiful elegant office lady greeted. Professionally, the office lady continued after she heard the request from the other side of the call. “Unfortunately the Chairman is currently out of the office, can I take a message and have him call you back later this afternoon?”

Not long after, the state-of-the-art automatic glass office door opened as an attractive businessman entered. Upon his entrance, standing up immediately from her chair, the office lady gave a bow and greeted. “Welcome back, Yunoki-sama.”

“Good afternoon, Minami,” Responding with a stunning smile, Yunoki Azuma asked while walking towards his own office. “Any messages?”

“The CEO from Saitani Corporations called to confirm your attendance at the contract review tomorrow afternoon,” Looking through her notes Minami Chiho, Yunoki Azuma’s personal assistant replied. “And yes,” Smiling, she turned and picked up a bunch of gorgeously and elegantly co-ordinated flowers. Handing them to Yunoki, she smiled. “The flowers you ordered for your wife has arrived.”

“Thank you,” Holding the flowers in his hands, Yunoki carefully adjusted the stems slightly.

Noticing her boss’ action, Minami Chiho asked. “These flowers are so finely arranged, did you handpick them yourself?”

“Yes, although I look like a normal plain businessman, if there was anything I was good at, it was flowers.” Calmly Yunoki replied with a smile, his eyes on the flowers, his long perfect fingers caressed the flowers in a daintily manner making Minami wished she too was a stem in the bunch. “This, for example, the purple lilac represents first emotion of love, and these white ones here represent youthful innocence...”

Minami Chiho gave a sigh of pleasure secretly within knowing she was totally mesmerised by her gorgeous boss every time. “Your wife,” Hearing her own voice dry in envy, Minami asked. “Was she your first emotion of love from youth?”

“...” Upon Minami’s seemingly harmless question, the stem of flower in Yunoki’s hand shook a little. Instead of answering Minami, Yunoki calmly held the flowers in his hands as he smiled. “I won’t be returning to the office for the rest of the day. For any urgent calls, just transfer them to my mobile phone.”

“Yes, Yunoki-sama.” With a bow, Minami said as she watched her boss leave the room again.

Alone in the office, Minami tilted her head in confusion to Yunoki’s reaction. Unlike the rest of the employees in this gigantic corporation, she was new and had only joined the team for seven months. To be honest, she already heard many things regarding her mysterious charming boss, out of whom the topic regarding his wife puzzled her the most.

There were words Yunoki had already taken a wife; however, no one had seen her. Yunoki would appear at all the events alone, unaccompanied by anyone. Whenever someone asks Yunoki the question regarding his wife, he would always manage to avoid talking about the topic with a beautiful smile.

The more Minami thought about it, the more she wondered. Why would he act so mysterious about his marriage life? Was he not happy? Does he not love his wife? Or does he love his wife so much that he refused to share her to the public?

Minami would never know the answers unless she returned to the snowy winter five years ago where Yunoki invited his friends to the family ski resort. On the surface, it was purely Yunoki’s kindness to cherish his friends to a wonderful holiday, deep below though, it was Yunoki’s strategy, or say, a final attempt to have a go at what really was important in his life, whether his true love, would take his hand among the many suitors.

Not knowing Yunoki’s true intention of course, took another look at the ski field map Amou handed to her. Finally with a nod, moved her eyes away from the map and onto her friend Amou. “Well, Amou-chan, are you any good at skiing? Because I don’t really know how to ski...”

“Great, I have no idea either. So ski school it is, I guess!” With Amou’s decision, the two girls rented their ski gears and headed for the flatter ski field designed for super beginners like them. Although falling onto their bottoms a few times, but after a whole day at ski school, both and Amou managed to learn how to break, how to turn, how to walk up the hills in their skis.

“I think we did well today,” Amou said in pride. “Starting from tomorrow, we should be able to try real skiing.”

“Are, are you sure?” wasn’t as confident though. “Although we know how to do the basics, but the tracks look kind of steep.”

“Don’t worry! Remember what the instructor said? We are not trying to ski straight down the slope, but travelling in horizontal motion against the slope in zigzag routes, so we will be able to control the speed.” In a challenger spirit Amou encouraged. “If you are still worried, we will try out the beginner route first, even the instructor said right? We will be able to manage it on our own.”

So, the first day of the ski trip was smooth for . It was what she believed until later that night. While everyone gathered in the executive lounge room after dinner, relaxing before the fireplace, reading, playing chess, discussing over their experiences on the ski field, noticed the organizer, Yunoki Azuma was not in the room.

remembered Yunoki was also missing during dinner, and according to Ousaki, poor Yunoki remained all day in his suite working. Feeling guilty with the thought, prepared some sandwiches and figured, she probably should go check whether Yunoki ended up skipping his meals too. Because after all, it was of this senpai all of them could enjoy such a comfortable holiday right?

“Come in,”

After knocked on Yunoki’s suite door, a voice came from within. Upon the approval, entered the room and saw Yunoki standing before his bed studying a large piece of paper that looked like a blueprint of something. Instead of a bedroom, the suite looked more like an office with files and documents all over the place.

“Good evening, Yunoki senpai.” Approaching greeted. “I know you are busy working, but I thought in case you haven’t eaten, here are some sandwiches...”

“Thanks,” His eyes still on the blueprint, Yunoki said.

For some reason felt a bit annoyed that Yunoki had not bothered to take a look at her, or even the sandwiches she made for him. But why would she be irritated? Why would she care if Yunoki thought her presence were not as important as his work? Despite how attempted to logically ask herself these questions, she realised, there was no way to rid this lonesome feeling.

Gently placing the plate of sandwiches on the table, secretly took a deep breath to remind her to act civil. When she looked over at Yunoki again, she noticed tiredness written all over him. Unlike how she had a fun day, in contrast, it appeared Yunoki had a horrible one.

’s heart softened immediately with the discovery, with a warm voice, she asked. “Is everything alright?”

“Just a few last minute changes,” Yunoki replied as he sat down on the edge of his bed. “Because the tickets sold out faster than we had anticipated, someone proposed that we rebuild the seating to accommodate more people.” Pointing to the blueprint next to him, Yunoki sighed. “But here comes the dilemma, if you build more seating, it takes away the classiness of the theatre and makes it more like a movie theatre. Yes, we will make more money by selling more tickets, but what about the standard? Are we going for quantity over quality now?”

Seeing the frustration expressed from Yunoki, there was a slight relief within . She noticed although this wonderful perfect senior was always friendly and kind before others, she was the only person he ever showed these negative emotions to. To , it made her feel special, and although she could not put her fingers to it, she was happy.

“Well, don’t stress over it.” Trying to be supportive, approached Yunoki. “You have had a hectic day, you should take some rest, have a nice hot cup of tea or something.” While offered kindly, she did not see the files and thick documents beneath her feet, and the moment her foot tripped over the heavy files, with a scream lost her balance and fell forward onto Yunoki. Upon the impact, both Yunoki and fell over and luckily, instead of smashing onto the ground, not sure if it was coincidental or not, the two fell right onto the soft wide mattress Yunoki was sitting on.

“Ouch...” As a reflex moaned when she could still feel the pain on her toes. “…I am so sorry, Yunoki senpai, are you...” halted immediately when she finally discovered the position they were in. Underneath her, with their faces only a few centimetres apart, saw Yunoki looking up at her.

At that moment, literally felt the time had stopped. Although knowing Yunoki to be an extremely attractive man, within this distance, could not help but admire the beauty of her senior’s countenance. How was it possible for anyone to be this beautiful? He was like an artwork, an enchanted masterpiece that took away ’s breath as she continued to admire him, forgetting all shame and dignity a lady should have.

Unfortunately, did not have much of a time to study and devote the sexy senior further, when the familiar smirk returned onto his face as he sniggered. “Heh..., I never knew you were this aggressive?”

“A...aggressive?” Before had time to react, she noticed Yunoki’s arm around her waist as with a pull, Yunoki rolled her over and his body came on top of her instead.

As if the perfect angelic face was appreciating a while ago had suddenly been possessed by the devil, Yunoki gave a smile, the sort that was mesmerising and sexy in a dark way. Adding to the effect, Yunoki’s hand cupped ’s tiny face as he smirked. “Unfortunately,” Pausing, Yunoki leaned down as he whispered by ’s ear. “I prefer to be on top...”

That’s it! was confirmed this man was the devil. For he had taken away all the strength in her body, her arms and legs felt like jelly and her brain no longer functioned and all she could hear was the hard thumping heartbeat in her ears.

“...” Yunoki called softly as he purposely brushed his lips against ’s soft cheek to make her body and heart burn. “You never learn do you? Didn’t I tell you to not underestimate a man? You expect nothing to happen when you come to my room alone at this time of the night?” Chuckling softly to himself, Yunoki asked. “Or, you had secretly wanted this to happen...?”

As if she could no longer take the intensity, closed her eyes and felt her body sank, deeper and deeper. Maybe Yunoki was right, she was secretly anticipating this, because every cell in her body was screaming for Yunoki, yearning for the same passion, the same indescribable sensation she experienced when Yunoki kissed her outside her house. How his touch was able to take away all logic and reasoning, how she needed not consider the consequences but purely enjoy the lustful physical pleasure she had never experienced from anyone before.

Noticing ’s reaction, Yunoki frowned. Knowing how he wanted nothing more but to have the girl he loves in his arms tonight, another part of him warred within. It was because Yunoki truly treasure and care about this girl, he knew he could not take advantage of her. Yes, he teased her constantly, enjoying her reaction as he did so, but it was different. The desire Yunoki has within for made it even more important to him, that he wanted her heart. Without her heart, Yunoki does not want anything else from her.

“Humph,” In a mocking laughter, Yunoki detached his body from a little as he asked. “Aren’t you going to struggle?”

Upon Yunoki’s reminder, ’s eyes snapped open as with all her strength pushed Yunoki away. When all logic returned to , extreme shame and humiliation set in. Without looking at Yunoki again, ran straight out of the room.

What the hell was she thinking? What has gotten into her?? How could she be anticipating something to happen between Yunoki and her? Has she lost her mind? He is engaged! He would never take her seriously! Most of all, how could she be so close to someone that she does not love??

Or wait; can she say for sure that she does not love him...?

As continued to run, hoping she could leave her shame behind, ran straight into a person who just turned into the corridor.

“Kyah!” Upon the impact screamed.

“...?” The man that crashed with called in surprise as he held onto her before she fell.

Lifting her head, felt her heart skipped a beat when she saw the face of the violinist. “Len...?”

Noticing the funny look on ’s face, Tsukimori asked. “What’s wrong, why were you running?”

Upon Tsukimori’s question, uncontrollably blood within ’s body started to flow in reverse order as she quickly moved away from him and shook her head madly. “Nothing! Nothing, nothing’s wrong...I just went to deliver Yunoki senpai some sandwiches, nothing, nothing happened...”

“Yunoki senpai...?” A frown immediately came on Tsukimori’s face with the mentioning of the name. Somehow, he seemed to understand the reason of ’s unnatural behaviour.

Knowing she had said too much to make the whole situation worse, squeezed out a smile quickly. “I, I am going to bed now...it has been a long day.”

Unable to face Tsukimori, fled quickly back to her suite. The moment she closed the door behind her, collapsed onto the floor as she leaned her head against the door and closed her eyes.

What was she doing? Why did she have to justify her reaction to Tsukimori? It was like covering up something bad she had done.

Opening her eyes, felt her heart thumped hard with the thought. Something bad…? Why would she even think that? Was it because her heart, the loving feeling she thought she once had for Tsukimori had now fallen onto the evil senior? A man she knew she should not and could not love?

---

“Can we finally go and try out real skiing?” Amou gave a yawn as she asked.

The next day, as was still unsure of her skiing skills, Amou accompanied her for another day at the ski school. By the time the class finished, half a day had already passed, and Amou could not wait but hop on the lifts to try out real skiing.

“Okay, I think I am ready.” Nodding, followed quickly after Amou as they head for the lifts. Unfortunately, was not as ready as she thought; falling over while struggling to walk towards the lifts in her skis, by the time she got up again, Amou was long gone.

In panic, walked faster and to her relief she saw a queue of people lining up for the lifts. Looking around, could not spot Amou anywhere. Not sure if Amou had already gone to the top of the track, hopped quickly onto the next available lift.

Everything seemed fine until noticed the lifts kept climbing higher and higher. The more she looked at the track, the more she panicked. By about half way of the trip up, began to realise that, the track beside her may not actually look that easy. Because, for example, what, what is that big rock and cliff, and what is with the bush?? Looking ahead, panicked even more when she realised she could not even see the end of this lift ride.

After a time that seemed like eternity, finally reached the top of the track. Standing before a sign, rubbed her eyes quickly in case she read it wrong, but when she opened her eyes again, the sign still clearly stated.

Ultimate Advance Course—Distance to destination 30km

While felt like an imaginary snowstorm had started around her, all the other skiers happily whoop and swoosh down the track in lightning speed and excitement.

At first thought she should give up and just walk down, but the distance of 30km immediately destroyed her of the idea. There was no way she could walk down this mountain with her skis and the distance.

Knowing standing there and do nothing would never bring her down to the bottom either, comforted herself. If she did as the instructor said, just ski slowly, and try to avoid vertical sliding down the track, she should be able to do it. With the thought, placed the goggles back on and with a deep breath started skiing.

Unfortunately things did not go as well as planned. The track was not the smooth track she practiced on during the ski class, and despite how wanted to ski horizontally against the slopes, she ended up skiing straight down the slope. As the skis picked up speed and became difficult to control, with a scream fell over and slid down the hill until she crashed into a bush.

“Awwww.....” moaned feeling all the bones in her body cracked. Luckily as she tried to sit up, other than the muscle aches, it looked like she was still okay and have not broken any bones. Sitting there on the snow, felt like crying. She was only less than two percent of the way down and already she had lost all courage to get up again and try.

While she was in a most miserable situation, a person skied up to her. “-san, are you alright?”

When she heard someone called her name, in joy and hope lifted her head. Unfortunately the smile froze on her face when she saw that it was the face of the sadist bully, Yunoki Azuma. Just when thought her life couldn’t get any worse, out of all the people on the ski field, why did it have to Yunoki that found her in this wretched state? He would only laugh at her miseries!

“Did you hurt yourself?” To ’s surprise though, Yunoki reached out his hand as he helped her onto her feet. “This track is for experienced skiers, I am surprised you too could challenge this course.”

“Thank, thank you, Yunoki senpai.” With her head lowered, thanked sheepishly knowing the real reason she ended up on this course was because she was stupid and went on the wrong lift.

“Well, you’ve always had a challenger spirit. So I wouldn’t be surprised that you tried out the hardest course possible straight after a day at the ski school.” With a beautiful smile Yunoki said.

“Well, I actually...” Blushing even more muttered.

“You got on the wrong lift didn’t you?” The beautiful smile disappeared from Yunoki’s face as he smirked, finishing the sentence for . “Just when I thought you couldn’t get any dumber, you really hit it off the roof this time.”

Extreme embarrassment and anger aroused in upon Yunoki’s mocking. She knew it! He came just to laugh at her! There was no way he would be kind and nice to her! Lifting her head, glared at Yunoki in challenge. “No, I did NOT get on the wrong lift. Like you said, I am a challenger, I wanted to try the hardest and most technical route, and so here I am!” Picking up her ski poles patted the snow off her. “It was nice to see you, Yunoki senpai. I certainly hope you will make it safely down too!”

Not wanting to spend even a second there with Yunoki, turned and skied off towards the opposite direction. Seeing that, Yunoki called out immediately. “Wait, you can’t go that way! It is off the ski course!”

Unfortunately ignored Yunoki as she continued on. Although she was really scared and depressed being stuck on the ski course all alone, for some reason, when Yunoki actually appeared, had rather hoped to be unaccompanied. Maybe it was because whatever happened the night before reminded of a dangerous and forbidden feeling she developed towards Yunoki. Knowing the deeper she plunged into that lingering sentiment, it would only take her down the path of endless torment and agony.

“That idiot!” Cursing, Yunoki quickly followed after knowing if he doesn’t stop her soon, she would really get lost. As a child of the Yunoki family, he grew up spending holidays here on the ski field. Yet as an experienced skier, Yunoki knew better than anyone the dangers of this ski track.

Luckily ’s speed was nothing compared to his as Yunoki soon caught up and skied up next to her. “I am serious, stop now and turn back! This area is out of limits at all times!”

“I will be fine, Yunoki senpai! Please stop following me...” Fleeing from Yunoki, moved away when to her terror, her ski knocked over a hidden rock, and with a scream, she felt her body falling forward.

“!!” Immediately reaching out his arm, Yunoki grabbed onto . However the force was greater than Yunoki could handle as the both of them fell over together, and upon the momentum, both and Yunoki continued to fall down the slope. When suddenly with a loud sound, the snow beneath them collapsed. Suddenly losing the support to hold them, both and Yunoki’s bodies sank together with the snow as they fell right into a crevasse together.

Opening his eyes, Yunoki was glad to find that he was still alive. Luckily the thick layer of snow below them became cushions when they fell. Quickly moving his eyes onto the person in his arms, he saw trembling, although her eyes were open, fear and terror were written all over her face. Although glad both he and were unhurt, that joy vanished soon when Yunoki discovered where they had fallen into.

Above him, the opening to the ground was way too high for the both of them to reach, not to mention the rocks were covered with ice, too slippery for anyone to even step on. With a frown Yunoki moved his eyes back onto as he asked. “Are you alright?”

Unable to make out a word, just nodded in silence. Knowing had not recovered from shock, Yunoki helped to rest against the rocky wall. “I will see if I can find a way out of here, because the sun will soon go down, by then we will be doomed.”

Despair and anxiety soon set in when Yunoki discovered, despite walking around, there was no other way out except the opening they fell through. As the entire place was covered in snow, there was nothing Yunoki could use to climb.

“Damn it!” Yunoki cursed when he took out his phone. From the impact, the phone was destroyed so he could not call for help either. Knowing they have entered the area where no other skiers would enter, it was unlikely anyone could find them anytime soon.

“Are, are we going to be able to get out...?” Feeling extremely guilty asked softly.

“I can’t believe my bad luck...” Yunoki groaned as he sat down. “Every time I am with you, bad things happen.”

Although Yunoki was perfect at everything he did, he was educated to be a businessman, not a survivor in the wild! There was one thing he had learned though, to remain calm at the worst circumstances. Despite they were in a most hopeless situation, Yunoki knew if he did not stay strong, both he and would not make it.

remained silent at Yunoki’s words. Indeed, it was her fault they ended up in this horrible hole. Yunoki already warned her that she was heading for the wrong direction. It was not that she was trying to be stubborn. All knew was, at the time, she needed to be as far away from Yunoki as possible. She was frightened; fearing a certain emotion she tried to suppress would come undone.

Noticing the abnormal silence from , Yunoki took a look at her and found her sitting there like a punished child, her arms wrapped around her legs and her head lowered. Although she did not respond to what he said, Yunoki noticed ’s shoulders shaking in coldness.

Sighing secretly within, Yunoki got up from where he was and took off his own scarf. Without saying a word, he wrapped it around her to make her warmer. Astonished with Yunoki’s action, quickly shook her head. “Yunoki senpai, it’s okay, you don’t need to do this for me...”

“I am not doing this for you.” Coldly Yunoki cut her off. “I am only doing this because you are an important asset to the Madama Butterfly project. If anything happens to you, as a project manager I would have failed.”

Upon Yunoki’s merciless words, felt her body jumped as if she was electrocuted. Although knowing she was no one special to Yunoki, was shocked to find how hurtful it was to actually hear those words from his lips.

Not knowing the torment going through ’s heart of course, Yunoki took a look at the sky above them. Frowning even more Yunoki discovered, as it was already later in the day, on the high mountain here in Hokkaido, the sun soon set and the temperature dropped drastically.

In panic, Yunoki made another attempt as he walked up towards the icy rocks to see if he could climb up. Although he was saying those mean and nasty words to , there was nothing more a priority to Yunoki as to ’s safety. If she were already shivering from the cold before, she would not be able to tolerate the coldness at night!

Unfortunately, Yunoki was only confirmed once again that there was nothing he could do to get them out of there except waiting to be rescued. Looking up at the sky once more, to his slight relief, it did not look like it was going to snow. If there were no new snow, maybe the rescuers will be able to find their tracks and thus lead them here.

“...I am sorry...”

As darkness started to overcome their surrounding, Yunoki heard sobbed. Turning around he saw ’s entire body shook uncontrollably while she wept. “I am sorry, I am sorry...it’s all my fault...I am sorry...”

From ’s reaction, Yunoki discovered the cold and darkness had gotten to her. ’s mind had collapsed and she was showing signs of breakdown.

“You, you were right, Yu, Yunoki senpai. If, if it wasn’t because of me, you wouldn’t be, be here...I am so sorry...” Sobbing badly said. “But it’s dark and cold, and I am scared...I am really scared...” Unable to control her emotions, found her mouth running away with her. It was strange, it felt like another person took over, and was watching herself break and there was nothing she could do about it.

When at this time, felt Yunoki’s arm pulled her over. Resting her body in front of him Yunoki’s arms came around her as he held her tightly from behind. Gently leaning his cheek against hers, he whispered in a warm tender voice that had never heard before. “It’s alright...I am here. It’s okay...Just try to breathe, take a deep breath…”

Hearing such soothing tone, despite all the muscles in her body tightened up in spasm, struggled hard to opened her mouth and breathe as Yunoki instructed. Seeing ’s attempt, Yunoki gently rubbed her back as he encouraged. “That’s right, you are doing good, just keep breathing…”

As if his voice gave her power, stopped crying as she inhaled and exhaled repeatedly to try to calm down. Gradually, gained control of her body as she panted, gently drying off her tears. Taking a few candies out from his pocket, Yunoki handed them to . “You will also feel colder when you are on an empty stomach. Although this is not real food, the sugar will give you energy and keep your body temperature up.”

Nodding, opened the candy wrapping like a submissive child. Maybe because was feeling vulnerable, maybe because she was really cold, or maybe because she thought this was the last night of her life, no longer wanted to pretend as she responded to Yunoki’s embrace and sink in deeper longing for more warmth and tenderness from him.

It was like magic.

All the fright, all the insecurities vanished when lay in Yunoki’s arms. Although nothing was spoken between the two, even when the air was icy, freezing enough to make it hard to breath, even in total darkness, had never felt so safe.

Knowing Yunoki this whole time, had always wanted to be as far away from him as possible, but right now, all she wanted was to feel his presence, to enjoy this moment where she knew he had become her strength.

“Yunoki senpai...” Gently rubbing her hand against Yunoki’s arms, whispered sincerely. “...I am glad I am not alone,” Pausing, added. “I am glad that is was you, Yunoki senpai, and no one else that’s here with me...”

Not expecting those words to come from the girl he longed for many years, Yunoki felt his heart burnt. He knew although only said this because she was feeling frail, or maybe because she was lonely, stooping, Yunoki’s lips landed gently on ’s cheek.

When she felt the soft tender touch, instead of moving away like she usually would, turned her face and looked up at the beautiful face behind her. When their eyes met, even though it was hard to see anything underneath the dim moonlight, was still mesmerised by those strikingly beautiful eyes of her senior.

Stooping once again, Yunoki placed another soft kiss on ’s tender cheek. It was unlike him to display such gentle, sweet gesture on , but that was what he felt like doing. The things she said, the way she looked at him, how she was just so cute, so wonderful, it even made Yunoki think that it was okay if they were never rescued.

Upon such touch, such pleasantness, a blissful smile came onto ’s face as she unintentionally lifted her face and called in a soft yearning voice, “…Yunoki senpai…”

Hearing the way called his name, Yunoki slowly closed his eyes and gently moved his lips from her cheek onto her ear as he responded deeply, sort of like a moan. “…”

That was the end of it. There was no way could resist anymore when she heard that call by her ear. Slowly closing her eyes as a sign of complete surrender, she sensed Yunoki leaned in closer as his lips caught onto her own. Not sure who was the person that started the fire spark, all knew was, her mind no longer functioned the moment she sensed the touch of Yunoki’s lips against her own.

As if it had taken Yunoki too long to give her the kiss she had longed for, ’s lips unlocked and granted permission for Yunoki’s tongue to search for her own. Although it was supposed to be freezing cold, only felt her body turning hotter and hotter as she responded passionately to Yunoki’s kisses.

Maybe it was an instinct of her body to seek more warmth, or the emotion suppressed had come undone, she knew no more. All she knew was, her heart felt afloat when she discovered how Yunoki sought after her, how he panted her name while he kissed her. For the first time in her life, dropped all shame and aggressively kissed Yunoki back. There was such passion, heat and craze between them. no longer cared what consequences could come from this, what moral, what was right and wrong, all because…Yunoki wants her.

---

“Over here! Here is a ski pole!”

Upon the voice of the rescuer, Kaji ran up and called out pointing behind him. “There are some tracks over there too! “

Studying the tracks Kaji found, the rescuer nodded. “It looks like they had the accident around here, so they shouldn’t be far!”

Due to the unexpected disappearance of Yunoki and , a search party was immediately organised. It had taken an entire night until they finally found the first clue to where Yunoki and may have disappeared. Kaji felt his heart filled with concern and anxiety, from this cold, he knew the two could be in great danger if they weren’t found any time soon.

Actually, Kaji was not the only person worried of course. Tsuchiura also joined the search party, even Tsukimori. Taking a look at the tall delicate violinist, Kaji sighed secretly within. Although as usual Tsukimori remained wordless, but extreme worry and trouble showed clearly through his eyes.

“I found them! They have fallen into the crevasse!”

Upon the call, both Kaji and Tsukimori lifted their faces immediately. Running up towards the rescuer who made the call, Tsukimori, Kaji, Tsuchiura was relieved to find, just as described, two people beneath them inside the crevasse.

“Yunoki senpai, , are you guys alright?!” Tsuchiura called out immediately.

Slowly lifting his head, Yunoki was the first person to react as his eyes narrowed while adjusting to the sudden lights shone on them. A smile of hope came onto his face as he turned to the girl in his arms, “The rescue team has arrived, we are going to be okay…”

---

“We are so glad we found you, Yunoki-sama!”

With the voices around him, Yunoki although tremendously exhausted, still remembered to maintain his professional polite smile as he nodded. “Thank you. Sorry we had caused such a trouble.”

Returning to the resort after they were rescued, Yunoki took s sip of the hot soup handed to him. The moment the warmth ran down his throat, Yunoki could not believe a while ago, he was out there in the cold for an entire night and could have died.

Taking a look at the girl whom he spent an entire night with, Yunoki found her also wrapped up in thick blankets while they handed her the hot soup. Unnoticed, a heartfelt smile came onto his face when to his relief, seemed okay too.

Although it had been a harsh night out there in the icy cold, Yunoki never felt so happy. The entire night, lay submissively in his arms, it was because they were together, sensing each other’s presence could they make it through the ruthless cold. The way she responded and longed for him when he kissed her, Yunoki for the first time believed, maybe wish do come true.

“,”

Irritation aroused within Yunoki immediately when he saw Tsukimori approached . Sitting before her the handsome youth asked. “How are you hands? Have you suffered any frost bites?”

“Ah, no, I don’t think so.” Looking at her hands shook her head. “But my fingers are still numb from the cold.”

“Here,” Holding ’s hands in his, Tsukimori gently messaged it as he said. “It may take a while to recover, this may help a little…”

“Thanks, thanks…” Not expecting the gentleness from Tsukimori, lowered her head and blushed.

Seeing the romantic, warm and beautiful scene, an indescribable jealousy and anger filled Yunoki. Calmly standing from where he was, Yunoki placed the blankets down next to him.

“Ah, Yunoki-sama. Is there anything else you need?” Seeing this, one of the staff approached him immediately.

“No, I am fine.” Smiling beautifully Yunoki replied. “I would like to return to my room and take some rest. I am rather exhausted actually.”

“Of course, Yunoki-sama.”

Noticing Yunoki leaving the room, ’s eyes immediately followed him. Ever since they were rescued, she had not had a chance to go anywhere near Yunoki. Returning to reality, was suddenly reminded of the heated moment she had with Yunoki in the snow. Shocked with what had happened, she did not know how to best approach Yunoki.

remembered Yunoki telling her that he only treated her as an asset to the project he was managing, yet when he held her tightly in his arms the entire night, when he kissed her; could not help but think otherwise.

However once they have returned, with everyone else around them, the barrier between them reappeared. He once again was the son of the superior Yunoki Group. He had a fiancée. His life and her life shared no connection.

As lay in the bed of her suite resting and recovering, she realised despite being physically drained, her mind could find no rest. With her eyes closed, there was one thing that became very clear to her. Although she was in a soft, cosy bed, an absolute contrast to her experience last night, she felt no warmth because Yunoki was not beside her.

Letting out a long sigh, placed her hands over her eyes. She finally discovered, no matter how much she avoided it from happening; she has fallen in love with Yunoki. For how long though? smiled mockingly to herself with the thought. She actually had no idea. Bit by bit, Yunoki slowly saturated her soul, her whole being.

It was a different kind of love compared to what she had for Tsukimori. Three years ago when they were together, the world looked so wonderful in her eyes. felt she could just listen to Tsukimori’s soft gentle voice all day, it did not matter what the conversation was just as long as he talked. Every little thing he did for her could make smile for a whole day uncontrollably.

Yet with Yunoki, it was something that rooted within her. Her heart would skip a beat whenever she hears his voice. Whatever he says and does would be able to control her mind and thoughts. He was like an addictive drug that got her hooked that she could no longer live without.

So she now knows her heart, but what about his?

felt her heart twitched in pain the moment that question popped up in her mind. Last night when she was most frail and frightened, Yunoki protected her and did not let go of her. Despite how he always teased her, Yunoki actually gave her the strength she needed. When they lay in each other’s arms throughout the night, although not a word was spoken, felt so connected with him.

However, when he walked out of the room like that without saying a word to her, suspected whether all the kindness Yunoki expressed last night was because, like he said, she was only an asset to his company.

Struggling in her bed with restless sleep, eventually knew she could never rest again until she found out how Yunoki truly feel about her. Coming before Yunoki’s suite, saw the light on in his room. Knowing he was actually awake, felt her heart thumping so hard with nervousness as she knocked on the door.

After a few seconds, the door opened as Yunoki looked at her without saying a word. Noticing the strange silence, squeezed out a smile and said quickly. “Good, good evening Yunoki senpai…”

To her surprise, without responding, Yunoki turned and walked back into his room. Seeing how he had left the door opened for her, took that as the permission to enter. The moment she closed the door behind her, noticed a cold and distant expression on Yunoki’s face. Attempting once more, said quickly. “I, I just wanted to thank you for taking care of me when we were stuck on the mountain alone.” Giving a bow of apology, she added. “I also need to apologise for causing all these trouble to even put you in danger.”

“There is nothing to thank or apologise for, -san.”

Finally Yunoki opened his mouth and spoke, but when heard the tone of his voice, and most of all the way he addressed her, in shock she lifted her head.

With a polite yet artificial smile, Yunoki continued. “Like I have said, I was purely doing what I needed to do to make sure nothing will ruin the major production I was asked to run.”

“So, you’re saying that I am only merchandise to you…?” Hearing her voice shaking asked.

“Of course not,” Standing up from his chair Yunoki approached still maintaining the synthetic smile. “I am also your senior from Seiso Gakuin, I must do the best I can to land a helping hand right?”

“No, that is not true.” Shaking her head insisted. “If that was the case, why did you kiss me? Why did you hold me in your arms throughout the night??” Feeling her heart bleeding with the thought that Yunoki did not feel the same way for her, looked up straight at Yunoki hoping to find the truth. “If I was only a product or a junior to you, why then did you play with my heart? Why do you make me think about you, trying to find a logical explanation to the endless heartaches?”

Not realising the look on Yunoki’s face changed with what she said continued like a dam flooded, “I know I should not have this feeling towards you, but I couldn’t help it!! You are an important person of the Yunoki Clan, you have a fiancée already, in comparison, I am a nobody, I have nothing. While I try to forget, but still, why wouldn’t you leave me alone? Why do you have to rescue me? Why do you have to make me feel so safe? Why do you…”

Before could go on any further, Yunoki suddenly grabbed her arms as he pinned them against the door. Shocked with Yunoki’s abrupt action, lifted her face and found Yunoki looking down at her, the gleam in his eyes changed as he asked in a bitter painful tone. “Then are you more satisfied with this answer?”

Not allowing a chance to speak, Yunoki pressed his lips onto hers as he kissed her so passionately that no longer required words to understand Yunoki’s heart. With the discovery, ecstatic joy overcame . All strength left as she allowed him to seize her some more, with his passionate, magical kiss.

“I have warned you several times already that you should not come to a man’s room alone at night…” Finally leaving her lips Yunoki whispered as he lifted up in his arms. Placing her down on his bed, Yunoki came on top of her. When sensed the weight of Yunoki on top of her, her whole body started to burn knowing what was going to happen. Yet, her mind clearly knew, there would be no regrets.

Slowly, Yunoki started to undo the buttons on his shirt one by one as he enjoyed the reaction from . With a mesmerising and dangerous smile Yunoki whispered.

“This time I will not stop, even if you say no…”

---

Slowly opening her eyes, was surprised how long she had slept. Trying to sit up, moaned when the pain in her lower body caught her unaware.

“You’re awake, ?”

Turning to the voice, saw Yunoki sitting by the window dressed in a bathrobe as he calmly sipped the cup of tea in his hand. Unlike Yunoki, lay back down quickly in embarrassment as she grabbed the blanket over herself leaving only half of her face out.

Seeing her reaction, Yunoki smiled as he put down the teacup and approached the bed. Ignoring ’s complaint, Yunoki pulled down the blanket as he landed a kiss on her naked shoulder. “I know you would still be tired, so I will bring your breakfast in bed.” Stopping, Yunoki purposely whispered by her ear. “Because after all, we didn’t stop until this morning…”

Immediately blood rushed to ’s head with Yunoki’s evil teasing words. In dead embarrassment, turned her back at Yunoki and stuttered. “It’s all, all Yu, Yunoki senpai’s fault…”

Chuckling, Yunoki replied. “Yes, it was all my fault, but…” Turning to face him, Yunoki smirked. “It is ‘Azuma’, not ‘Yunoki senpai’.” Purposely pulling the blanket off , he threatened. “I thought I told you many times last night, or do I have to re-educate you?”

“No, no need!” In shock grabbed the blanket back from Yunoki.

“Then?”

Blushing in dead embarrassment, lowered her head as she whispered, her voice hardly audible. “Azu…Azuma-san.”

“Good girl,” Smiling in satisfaction, Yunoki leaned down and gave a long lingering kiss. Before fainted with his magical kiss again, Yunoki said. “As a reward, I have something for you.”

Not sure what Yunoki had in mind, ’s eyes widened when she saw he placed a little box in her hand. Opening it, saw a necklace, the pendant in a shape of a key made with tiny diamonds with a pink crystal in the centre. “This is…?”

“This was the Christmas gift I have prepared for you three years ago.”

Not expecting that, looked up at Yunoki and found a most tender, gentle expression. “Apparently it took more than three years to give them to you.”

With what Yunoki said, learned immediately what he was referring to. With the discovery, tears came onto her eyes as she held it tightly before her. “Azuma-san, I never knew…”

Gently holding in his arms, Yunoki whispered. “The moment I saw this necklace, I thought about you. Don’t you think it’s interesting that it was made in the shape of a key, yet there was no lock to open?” Gently stroking ’s long silky hair, Yunoki smiled mockingly to himself. “I thought the key was like you, you were beyond all logical explanation and reasoning. Everything you did confused me, and when I thought I could figure you out, I had only found myself attracted to you…”

Blushing in happiness whispered. “Azuma-san…”

“I once told you, I believe wish was only beautiful because it could never come true. Yet, if the wish was towards me, , I mean it from the bottom of my heart.” Leaning down Yunoki gave a kiss on her forehead. “I am willing to sacrifice my whole being, my future, my everything to make sure it comes true…”

Feeling her heart moved with great compassion, wrapped her arms around Yunoki’s neck as she looked up at him with a beautiful smile. “You don’t need to sacrifice anything for me, Azuma-san. As long as I know your heart, it is enough for me.”

Although sensing his heart so fuzzy and warm with ’s sweet confession, Yunoki gave a sexy charming smile as he teased instead. “Hehh…saying something so sweet, do you not plan to get out of bed today?”

“Kyah!” screamed when unexpectedly Yunoki pressed her back onto the bed.

Stooping, Yunoki’s tongue licked along ’s earlobe playfully as he whispered, “Let’s hope we manage to get out of bed before the breakfast buffet ends…”