Chapter 577: 197. Mrs. Miki
After finishing the dance, Fujiwara Reya and Yukino Ritsuko returned to the sofa.
A few Onmyo-ryo executives were conversing nearby, with Mrs. Kasahara putting on the demeanor of a genuine socialite, smiling behind her folding fan. When she saw Fujiwara Reya walking over, an enchanting smile appeared on her stunningly beautiful face.
In this lively atmosphere, some people remained unable to settle down.
"I’m going out for some air."
Fujiwara Reya called out.
"Come back soon, Rinko hasn’t danced yet," Mrs. Hoshimi said with a smile.
"Mom~"
Hoshimi Rinko buried her head in her mother’s shoulder.
"I’ll go check on things," Fujiwara Reya said as he left the banquet hall.
The wind, mixed with seawater, instantly blew across his face, making him feel refreshed.
Outside the lively cruise ship, there was only water everywhere, whether seawater or rainwater. The ship swayed in the waves, the chains on the railings clanking, and occasionally there was the dull thud of something collapsing in the distance.
The storm continued to rage over the sea, carrying a scent that dominated the entire darkness.
An intoxicating, cold scent.
Fujiwara Reya walked along the corridor by the ship’s railing.
In the whistling wind, the chill of the autumn night seeped through.
His vision blurred by the heavy rain, the orange lights on the railing appeared like guideposts showing the way.
"Woo——"
The call of a whale echoed from afar, deep and distant.
Amidst the pouring rain, the sea splashed with white foam, and the sky resonated with sound waves shaking the air,
Fujiwara Reya gazed outwards.
Through the rain cascading down on the wet glass window, the ship’s lights reflected like glittering golden beads adorning it.
The seawater flooding the deck formed a torrent washing over his feet. He held no umbrella, feeling the rain streaming from his cheeks into his body, yet he stood against the wind and rain.
It wasn’t to defy the storm.
On the contrary, at this moment, he felt a restlessness within him towards nature, a nameless sense of affinity.
Amidst the limitless curtain of rain, Fujiwara Reya kept musing.
This ship had been out for two days now, and thinking it over, something would definitely happen tonight. What means had his aunt prepared to stall the two chairmen? Whether the Fox Clan or the Ghost Clan would emerge was unknown... Where it would be, and what would happen, all remained uncertain, so he had to prepare in advance.
After this incident, his life should undergo overwhelming changes.
Fujiwara Reya thought that from now on, he would face interpersonal relationships, rebellion, hatred, love, and everything more directly. But no matter what, the education he had received since childhood would never allow him to forsake his lofty principles and act recklessly.
"What are you doing standing there foolishly?"
Kawashima Miki’s voice came from this end of the corridor.
Fujiwara Reya turned to look, and through the small door ahead emerged a face as radiant as a rose. She stood within the range of the door’s light, her bright, affectionate eyes fixed on him without blinking,
before he had a chance to greet her.
The fragrance of Mrs. Miki, had already wafted to his face.
As if walking along a path at night, smelling the scent of flowers before seeing them.
On this chilly autumn night, she wore a thin, purple off-shoulder dress, the hem fluttering wildly in the wind, her waterfall-like glossy black hair billowing behind her.
"Of course, waiting for you," Fujiwara Reya walked towards her.
The door light, warm and yellow, shone upon her.
Her round, delicate shoulders took on a pink glow from the cold night air.
"Aren’t the chairmen keeping you engaged anymore?" Kawashima Miki tilted her head slightly and asked.
Fujiwara Reya immediately replied, "It was I who got anxious waiting for you."
Kawashima Miki let out a hum, her brows and eyes carried a hint of a smile.
Because of the strong wind, her dress clung more tightly to her.
Her firm chest, slender waist, straight and long legs appeared more prominent than usual.
Like a flower blooming discreetly in the dark, she turned into an exquisite essence in Fujiwara Reya’s eyes.
More vivid than dreams, clearer than the future.
Fujiwara Reya stepped inside, embracing her.
To hell with the risks, now all he wanted was to have a good time with Mrs. Miki.
The downpour was kept at bay by the canopy, drumming overhead.
Countless sprays of rain mist spread like flying droplets in the elongated forest stretching north and south. Though occasionally rain splashed on his pant legs, holding Mrs. Miki close, he felt warm.
Kawashima Miki held him in one arm, using her other hand to wipe his face with a handkerchief.
Occasionally she would glance up at the sky outside, sniffing cautiously for unknown dangers. Fujiwara Reya, however, paid it no mind, only nestling against her with bated breath.
In the dark.
They could feel each other’s warm breath.
Nestling together, listening closely to the rain and ambient sounds around them, Fujiwara Reya felt an indescribable nostalgia.
"It would be so nice if you were always this obedient," Kawashima Miki said, cupping his chin.
Fujiwara Reya couldn’t help but smile, "Was I not obedient before?"
"You never come close to being obedient!" Kawashima Miki said with a playful scold, then added with a grin, "How about giving you a chance to prove yourself tonight?"
"Now!" Fujiwara Reya took her hand and began walking back.
The lights illuminated the rainwater in the passage.
Waves of wind swept across, rippling the water and reflecting with scales of light.
The heavy rain fell onto different places, producing various sounds, and Kawashima Miki was filled with a playful spirit. She took off her heels, held them in her hand, and walked barefoot across the puddles, splashing water all the way.