As The Wind Blows Your Scent To Me

The banquet ended without any mishaps at one o'clock. Some of the guests continued staying on the island while the others returned to the city because of their demanding schedule.

After sending the guests away, Himari followed Nanako and her family to rest inside a lounge.

Kazuya went to chat with Ryota and a few of his friends since the latter asked him to join them. Probably it was for business purposes. 

Izumi and Chiharu followed Yuuya and Hinako to go play at the indoor playground. Nanako's teenage cousins accompanied the children even though there were helpers everywhere.

"Haaa, so tired ah!"

Nanako plopped down on a couch, her posture looking a bit unsightly because of her elegant dress.

"Hey! Sit down properly!"

There came Mrs. Hagihara's slap on Nanako's butt. She felt a headache seeing how her only daughter acted.

"Mom, you treat me like I'm still a child ah," Nanako complained. She had no choice but to get up and sat with her legs close together, "I'm going to be a wife soon."

"Then you should act more ladylike ah!"

Once again Mrs. Hagihara smacked Nanako. This time her palm fell on her daughter's thighs.

While they were bickering, the door of the lounge was opened. 

Ryota's sister stepped inside with a wide grin on her face. Beside her, there were two other women who followed in.

"Ah, Yuki and Auntie Amaya," Nanako quickly stood up, "Sister Shouko is here too."

"You're still calling me auntie?" Ryota's mother, Amaya smiled teasingly at Nanako, "I think it's time for you to change how you address me."

"Hehe, yes, Mother," Nanako scratched her chin, smiling shyly.

"Sister Nanako, this is your friend, right?" Yuki ran to where Himari was standing, "Hello, I'm Yuki. I think this is our first time seeing each other."

"Hello, Miss Yuki," Himari was a bit flustered because of how friendly the younger woman was.

"Just call my name ah," Yuki laughed, "Sister Nanako's friend is my friend too!"

Himari could only smile awkwardly.

Haha, like how Nanako said before, Ryota's sister was just like him.

Nanako introduced Himari to Ryota's mother and Ryota's cousin-in-law. 

While the middle-aged ladies gathered together, the younger ones also sat together.

"Mrs. Kashino, I heard from Nanako that you're a writer for children's books," Himari was elated to meet the wife of President Kashino, "Before the summer break starts, I used your books for the students to learn translations."

"I'm glad to hear that, Teacher Kato," Mrs. Kashino Shouko was pleased as she chatted more with Himari, "I'm currently writing a new book. Would you like to read the draft? I'd love to hear opinions from a teacher."

"I'm honored to be able to do so," answered Himari cheerfully.

Himari was relieved because although these people came from higher backgrounds, they didn't disdain her presence. She was relieved to see how accepting Ryota's family was toward Nanako.

As far as Himari knew, Mrs. Kashino was just a newbie writer before she got married to President Kashino Kyoya. Although it was actually an arranged marriage because Old Master Kashino took a liking to her, love blossomed in their marriage.

Even after tragedies happened a few years ago, President Kashino provided unconditional support to his wife who almost lost herself.

Himari didn't dare to ask much because Nanako said the family wanted to bury the sadness and just face the future.

"A car would come to pick you up at six. Remember to dress prettily!"

At three o'clock, Himari, Kazuya and the siblings got ready to go back to the hotel. Nanako and Ryota sent them off to the main entrance. Both of them had changed out of their engagement outfits.

"Okay~ I'll remember to steal your limelight," Himari smiled cheekily.

Right after they got inside the car, Chiharu and Izumi closed their eyes. The siblings were thoroughly exhausted.

"Aren't you tired?" Kazuya glanced at Himari. A smile curled up.

"A bit. I just wanna take a nap," Himari leaned her back against the chair. She threw a look at the outside, staring at the blue ocean.

Kazuya didn't say anything more. Seeing that Himari also closed her eyes, he just let her rest.

All of them woke up earlier today. It was justifiable for them to feel exhausted.

While the three of them were napping inside the moving car, Kazuya was deep in thoughts. Lips pursed slightly, he retraced his memories a few moments ago.

Without Himari knowing, Kazuya had personally met Jun when she followed Nanako to the lounge. Or, to be exact, the young man sought him out.

Earlier, Ryota brought him to meet a couple of his close friends. President Kashino was also there. 

Although Kazuya felt a little awkward at first because it felt like he was disturbing these people's personal time, he still went along.

Fortunately, because Ryota and President Kashino treated him well, the other rich young masters didn't show any contempt to him.

Their honest thinking might be masked by their smiles but Kazuya didn't think too much about it. Even though he was only in this business field for three years, he was quite adept at concealing his true feelings as well.

After feeling that he had sat with them enough, Kazuya politely excused himself. Ryota and President Kashino just reminded him to meet them again tonight at the cruise ship.

The man came to Kazuya once he got out of the lounge.

At that time.

"She should still be with Miss Hagihara," Kazuya fished out the phone from the pocket, staring at the black screen, "En, let's just go get the siblings first."

Since Himari might still be busy chatting with her friend, let her be in the fun. It was evident how happy his lady was when her friend walked in together with Mr. Kashino Ryota earlier.

There was no one else in the hallway. Kazuya quietly made his way to the indoor playground.

"Mr. Hayashi."

At the sound of the man's voice, Kazuya halted his steps. Turning his head slightly, he looked at the owner of the voice who was standing at an intersection in the hallway.

"It's you, Mr. Fujihara."

The man's eyes darkened for a moment. 

Jun stepped out from the intersection. With a frown on his face, he restrained the uneasiness from flowing out of his heart.

"Seems like you're also here," said Jun in a flat tone.

Kazuya just nodded, "You've seen me before. There's no need to say that."

Like Himari, Kazuya wasn't shocked to see the younger man standing in front of him.

Himari had told him that this man would come since his name was on the guest list. Kazuya had even caught a glimpse of him when they were in the hall.

Whenever their eyes collided, the younger man's gaze appeared to be condescending. Jun's eyes also had lingered on Himari before.

The air around the two men was stifling. Neither of them spoke anymore.

The faint sound of waves rolling echoed behind the closed windows.

Finally, Kazuya broke the silence.

"If you don't have anything more to say, I'll go first."

Kazuya swiftly turned around without waiting for that man to answer him. He didn't want to stay any longer with this man if there was no need.

Even if there was, he would still feel extremely reluctant and uncomfortable.

A tiny seed of inferiority suddenly sprouted in him when Kazuya saw how at ease Jun was with the heirs of the prominent families. 

If possible, he didn't want to entertain such thoughts.

In the end, Kazuya vanished at the end of the hallway. He just wanted to treat that man as air.

Back to the present.

From the front window, Kazuya could see the building of the hotel as the car got nearer. The three of them were still sleeping on their seats. 

With a slight lift of his chin, Kazuya glanced at Himari.

His lady was napping yet her face didn't look peaceful. Her brows furrowed as the dazzling sunlight fell on her face, interrupting her nap. 

Kazuya picked Chiharu who sat between them and put her on his lap. Then, he scooted closer and used one hand to provide shade for Himari.

Her brows relaxed.

Kazuya's mind was full of thoughts after being approached by Jun earlier.

What would happen if that man knew that he was supposed to have a child with her?

Moreover, what would be his reaction if he knew the child was lost?

Would he back out from his words and start to pursue her again?

Kazuya scowled. Disgust flickered in his eyes.

As if he would allow that to happen.

Although Kazuya didn't experience how despaired Himari was three years ago, it was still safe for him to say that his lady didn't want to relive the pain.

Sweetheart.

My sweetheart.

Slowly, the chauffeur pulled up in front of the hotel's main entrance.

"Himari, wake up," Kazuya gently nudged her arm. Then, he focused on Izumi, "Izumi, we've arrived. Continue your nap upstairs."

The two of them were still drowsy yet they obediently followed Kazuya's words.

As for Chiharu, the sleeping dumpling was carried by Kazuya in his arms.

After thanking the chauffeur, the three of them walked under the eaves of the entrance, heading inside the lobby.

Himari blinked her eyes a few times. In the next second, a warm sensation enveloped her waist.

Kazuya wrapped his hand there, securing her next to him.

Tilting up her head, she saw her man's smiling face.

Kazuya chuckled softly, "To avoid you falling down because you're too sleepy."

Himari blinked again.

Then, she smiled.

Kazuya's heart softened.

My sweetheart.

Let me protect you.

No harm would come your way.

He silently chanted the vows, embedding them deep into his heart.