[Music Recommendation: "Usui Takumi" theme (Kaichou wa Maid-sama OST)-available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

I didn't need a mirror to tell I'm blushing hard at that moment. His face was too close! OMG! I could die happily now.

"Ahm… I think," I tried to avert my eyes as I answered him. Inching a bit farther away from his face, I continued, "You just woke up?"

But Kaiden moved closer again.

"Why are you moving away?"

"Ahm… t-too close," I replied and smiled awkwardly.

Then I took a step back again but he just leaned closer.

"I-is there something in my face?"

"Nothing much. I just realized your eyes were pretty."

Badump! Badump! Badump!

Seriously, this guy! How could he flirt so effortlessly? And I doubt he even knew what his words really meant! Was he teasing me again? Like that time I replied late and he punished me by deliberately not replying to my text messages? Was this my punishment for falling asleep in his arms? Dying from his killer stares, alarming closeness and sweet words?

'Fine. You want to be close? I'll give you close! I'm not the mysophobic one here.'

"Speaking of eyes," I replied, and this time, I leaned closer to him, "your eyes are prettier. What unique color… purple. I love it!" I made sure to end it with a big smile.

'Now, our face is barely an inch apart. Let's see if you can keep up. Heh!'

Kaiden's eyes widened. Ha-ha! He probably didn't expect me to take a dare. Then, I wasn't sure if it was because of the fairy lights outside… or his rosy complexion seemed to be rosier than usual?

'Haaah… I want to touch him so bad. Maybe pinch those cheeks—oh wait, I can't damage his handsome face. In that case, just caress his cheeks—yes, that and… trace his face and… his lips? I wonder how it feels to kiss. I never kissed anyone before but I would often hear my workmates in my past life about their boyfriends and husbands, and how they liked kissing so much. Yes, kissing and… well the other thing, too.'

I felt my heart pound stronger. Unable to keep my gaze, I lowered my eyes and backed down.

'I can't do this. The more I go near, the more I want. He's like a walking temptation. A temptation I can't have. His world and my world is too different anyway. It's fine now that we're students and friends. But somewhere in the future, he will need a proper wife who can help him with their business. It's like those things I watch in dramas with Hora. And I don't know a thing about business! I'm not gonna be the proper partner for him. He's really way out of my league. I should just… bury these feelings somewhere.'

Keeping my emotions bottled up—I had been an expert on that from my past life. It shouldn't be too hard to fake it now. Thinking all that, I stood up and prepared to leave.

"It's getting late. I should head back to my room. Sorry for disturbing you."

"It's nothing. But… How did you end up here? And do you know the way back?"

"Urk! A-ahmm…"

"This is the west wing—my area. You're supposed to be in the east wing with Crystal."

Now that he mentioned it, "You're actually right. Well, I don't even know how I got here. I was just wandering around until I got lost. He-he-he. I initially thought there would be servants everywhere to ask directions from but suddenly, they disappeared and I didn't see anyone."

"Ahh, that's because I like it quiet when I'm working. So I ask them all to leave."

"But isn't every room here soundproof?"

"It is, but I'm very sensitive to sounds."

"Oh, I see."

"But more importantly, you got lost?" Kaiden laughed at me.

I squinted my eyes and replied in a sour tone, "Yes, I did. And what's so funny about that, huh?"

"Ha-ha-ha-ha! You're the best, Senara! You can't remember names, all cars look the same to you, and now, even places. Tsk, tsk, tsk. You shouldn't be left alone or who knows where you end up to."

"Fine! Laugh all you want."

"Ha-ha-ha-ha! Then I should accompany you back or you'll get lost again."

I wanted to refute that badly but he was right. I didn't know the way back. Maybe I should start borrowing a map of this huge house, just to be safe in case I got lost again.

And so, Kaiden guided me back. On our way, we saw Mr. Wei looking anxious, checking the rooms he passed by. We were on the other end of the hallway, and he was on the opposite side.

"Is he looking for something?" I asked Kaiden.

He chuckled and replied to me, "I think looking for 'someone' is the proper term."

"Oh no! He's looking for me, isn't he?"

Realizing that, I called unto Mr. Wei loudly.

"Mr. Wei! I'm here!"

Kaiden was right—he was looking for me judging by how he sighed in relief after seeing me. He strode quickly to our direction.

"Thank goodness you are safe, Ms. Senara."

"I'm so sorry! And yes, I am safe. I just got lost. I'm really, really sorry about this."

"No need for apologies. Ms. Hora is looking for you. It's best that you come to her immediately. Everyone's in the dining room, waiting for you two."

"Hm? Why are they looking for us?"

"It's past dinner time already. The maids went to your room to fetch you but you weren't there."

"Oh my goodness! It's that late already?" Turning to Kaiden, "I'm so sorry! I didn't know it was that long already. I fell asleep so I—"

"It's alright. Let's go there now. I'm starving."

'Oh no! I made Kaiden starve! Woe is me!'

"Yes! Let's go."

We walked faster knowing everyone was waiting for us. Once we arrived, they all sighed in relief—Hora, Crystal, Callan, and even Mrs. Ma! Oh my goodness! It's been so long since she last joined us for a meal and I made her wait! I deserve retribution! How could I have wasted her precious time?!

"I'm so sorry!" I bowed my head the moment I realized everything. "I made you all wait."

When I lifted up my head, I was expecting them all to be angry at me, or reprimand me but… why was it that they're all… smiling? No, not smiling… smirking!