2 Where She Came From - 1.2 (2/2)

”What do you mean?”

”I mean, do you really want to only stay here for one night?”

”I... uhhh, I mean...” stammering, she took a small step backwards and lowered her head before starting to mumble incomprehensive words.

With an amused but exasperated sigh, he took a step towards her before kneeling down and meeting her gaze. ”Do you not want to stay here and live with me?” he asked gently.

Her eyes that tried to avoid his, suddenly snapped and met his as a dumbfounded expression formed in her face making it hard for him not to chuckle in amusement.

”You mean I can stay?” she asked hopefully and he could see how much she was trying to hold back her excitement. Only the hope and relief that flashed through her eyes stayed.

”Well of course you can stay! As long as you want to, it's up to you.”

”Really?” she asked in an almost disbelieving manner, as if what he said was too good to be true.

”Really.”

His words were met with a beaming smile. Looking at it felt like he was seeing a lotus flower blooming right before his eyes. It was simply beautiful that he couldn't help but smile back and offering his hand as he straightened his knees and got up.

Looking at his hand, she shyly held it with her own. His huge hand completely covered her own as he gripped hers gently. A feeling of warmth traveled from their intertwined hands to her chest, feeling her with a sense of peace and happiness.

Never had she experienced this ever since she started livibg in the streets. As far as she can remember, no one has shown her this much gentleness and kindness. She was only around five years of age but she already knew the feeling of despair and loneliness. She knew that no matter what the world shows on the surface, there is always that darker side to it where violence and cruelty exists.

It was the first time in a long time that she felt that sometimes there is still some good with life and holding this kind man's hand was one of them.

Looking up to him as he led her to one of doors in the left side of the courtyard, she bit her lips, lost in thought on what to do. Catching her looking the man looked at her with a questioning gaze.

”What's your name?” she then blurted out before blushing in embarrassment as she quickly looked down making him laugh and ruffle her hair affectionately.

”I am called Daisuke Eito, you can address me whatever way you want.” he answered with a chuckle.

”Oh, what about you then? What us your name little one?” he asked curiously as they entered a room which made the little girl gasp in awe as she gazed around.

A couple of minutes passed before she realized that he also asked her a question and was waiting patiently for her to answer making her blush even more.

”Ai. My name is Ai.”