Chapter 12 - Please Smile (2/2)

Her words must have hit a nerve since she noticed his dazed expression vanish.

”I don't necessarily agree with that statement. After all, anyone can mask a smile. It's easy. How is it considered happiness if a person isn't genuinely happy? So how do we distinguish between those who are genuine and those who aren't? That's easy,” Lyn wrapped her arms around his neck, as she whispered softly, ”We learn and get to know the person, we stay by their sides. Kazuya, let me learn more about you.”

Since Kazuya came here, a lot has changed. Lyn learned many things she didn't know about herself. He has taught and shown her many things.

”Even if my past is something harmful?” Kazuya asked.

Lyn smiled, ”I don't mind. I'll accept everything about you Kazuya.”

She will accept everything about him, so please smile Kazuya. A genuine smile. Since their first meeting he's always smiling, but there's actually only a few occasions where she felt that smile was genuine. Most of the time it looks like he's suffering a great deal. That's why, Lyn wants to create more occasions, more memories with him so he could smile properly. So he could feel happiness, the happiness he's taught her.

Kazuya brushes his lips against her ear, ”You defeated me.”

......

When Kazuya landed abruptly like that despite them not being close to the palace, Lyn immediately knew something was amiss, but she said nothing and continued to follow Kazuya. He was squeezing her hand so tightly. It's painful, but he seems very distressed now. She followed his hurried footsteps until they arrived at an old shrine, Kazuya undoes the rusted bolt in a second and quickly closed the door.

”Kazuya?”

Kazuya grabbed hold of her shoulders and looked at her with a serious look, ”Listen to me Lyn; there are assassins,” Ehhh? Lyn saw that Kazuya wore a grim expression on his face, ”Sorry, I should have been more careful. It's no wonder they don't let you out at night even for a stroll.”

Assassins, after her? But she sensed nothing harmful directed at her. Since earlier though her heart felt heavy because she felt the dark vibes around Kazuya grow. Lyn thought that was simply due to Kazuya's present mood. But she was wrong, Lyn grabbed hold of him, ”Wait, I don't think I'm the target.”

Kazuya seemed to understand where she was coming from since he didn't question her. Kazuya nodded, ”Then, I'll go. Since it's me, they want.”

But something seems wrong here, why would people try to attack Kazuya when she's around? If her theory is right, these people have no malice towards her. Think Lyn, think. What's wrong here?