They remained in the same position for so long that they forgot to blink once as they held each other's eyes. Kotoha couldn't get out of this situation, which was already a bit awkward for them. She has to flee as soon as possible and hopefully they will never talk about this again or even see each other.

"I...I..."

She slightly flinched when he leered at the young woman, his lips near her own. He gazed down at her natural red plump lips. They looked so delicately natural and tender that it would be almost impossible not to lick them. His eyes began to look very suggestively. If he believes in divine law, then it is believed he has a sinful desire to possess what he sees, especially those things that have visual appeal.

One of them is sitting in front of him right now.

However, he remained calm and backed away, letting go of her face and sliding back, giving her space. This put Kotoha at ease.

"I apologize my dear. I tend to give my followers the kind of space they need when they first encounter me." He always embraced empathy and concern in his tone. "I hope I didn't make you feel uncomfortable on your first visit with me."

Despite being unable to respond immediately, Kotoha could tell he was being duncete about his misfortune, so she shook her head. "N-no you did not. I was not prepared for this sudden gesture of yours but I should respect your generosity and your way of getting to know your new...followers."

"It is a pleasure to hear that, Kotoha-Chan. Would you like me to pour you another cup of tea? Yours is now a cold beverage, and I do not want you to drink this freshly grown organic tea in cold! It would be very rude on my part if I let you be dissatisfied with our finest herbal tea."

While Kotoha hesitates at first, she nods when she pulls the cup and reaches out to him. She does not really want to reject his kind offer especially after what he has done for her. Taking the cup back from her, he pours her a fresh cup of hot tea while humming. When the tea reaches the rim, he puts the pot down and hands the cup over to her. "Enjoy!"

After drinking tea, Kotoha kicked off the conversation by describing her own personal life that she had to leave behind to survive. This led her out into the wilderness on a winter night. The people in Eternal Paradise saved her from death as she assumed she would die.

Kotoha explained her entire story to him starting off with her childhood where she had a care-free life with a loving family, filled with a sense of freedom and life. In addition to being cared for, she was also given the freedom to explore anything and everything that interests her. Especially in the outdoors.

Her greatest adventure with him was never mentioned or specified.

If he could feel empathy, he might have kicked her out in anger. However, he didn't and couldn't.

When she told him her parents had tragically passed away when she was growing Up, her voice became low and somewhat broken. Her mother was killed by an unknown intruder when she and her father came home one day from buying raw food and other ingredients. This was at a age of 10 years old. They tried to move forward after it fell apart. Her father suddenly fell ill when she was 18 years old. During his visit to the village looking for medicine resources, her father found what he thought was the most suitable guy for her to marry. The man would be Kotoha's former and abusive husband, Takeshi. He would beg her father to let him be part of her life. Her father can be overprotective of Kotoha. It was hard for grown men to take their eyes off her beauty, so they tried to throw themselves at her. She usually stays at home when her father travels to the village. However, out of all the absurd men he'd seen, he was eligible. Takeshi held a high-paying job as a salesman with a reputable personality and strong determination. Especially with a respectable reputation. Takeshi made a promise to her father that he would make Kotoha be the happiest wife the world has ever seen. The father would not have to worry about his daughter's future and living conditions once he died, as he would take good care of her. So long as he let him marry her. As long as he takes their last name, her father gave him his blessing. Takeshi unhesitantly accepted his condition. He also asked if his mother was able to live with them after they got married. This is because she is getting to a very old age where she needs special attention and she is afraid to live alone. Especially after getting to know the elderly woman, Kotoha's father found that having a mother-like figure and compassion was very meaningful to his daughter.

"My papa believes she will be a good part of my life since my mother died a long time ago. I met her and I thought she was like the mother I had. I was so wrong and so was my papa. But he tried his best because he wanted me to have a mother figure for me to be nurtured since mine died. For me to be loved like how mothers are supposed to be you know?" Kotoha said placing her empty tea cup on the small plate in front of her. Her sitting position has changed as she now sits on her knees.

"Oh yes I understand!" No. Not at least. My mother never gave me what you would call motherly affection when I was a child.

Kotoha added she was not entirely thrilled about the sudden marriage, but she had no choice but to say yes. Her father understood her concern, and told her to give him a chance once she had gotten to know him. She accepted her father's plea and gave him a shot. In spite of the fact that it had only been a week since she had gotten to know Takeshi, it felt as if she had known him forever. She claimed he was like the perfect match made for her from heaven. Her soulmate. In addition to making her feel special, he protected her and accepted her stupidity. She couldn't help but fall in love with him after he gifted her with extraordinary gifts and exchanged loving words with her. One night...he was given her most precious "flower" as a result of her affectionate gestures, kisses, and some more affectionate gestures. She stated with a soft voice and a small sincere smile that he was her first true love that she wanted to be with forever.

Douma couldn't help but twitched at the corner of his lips.

Kotoha teared up at her words as she recalled the thoughtful memories of them together before realizing it was all a set-up. "Our time together did not mean anything to him. It was all a lie..." she shook at a sense of betrayal over Takeshi putting up a fake persona to gain what he wanted despite the skeletons in his closet. Even his own mother took part in the act. This was to get her son what he wanted. Once her father passed away soon after they got married and built a cabin for themselves, her whole life changed forever. In a worse way possible. Because of Takeshi. It was like he completely switched the moment her father passed away. The man she once loved who turned out to be her tormentor. It is the same man who promised her nothing but love, affection, and sweetness to her. The same man who claimed to love her the way she is. He acted patiently around her, especially given her low intelligence, and he worked so hard to refrain from clenching. When her father died, he was able to do whatever he wanted including being physical. Denying or contradicting what he says will result in her crying with bruises and broken bones all over. As another form of punishment, he would force himself on her. He was responsible for every moment of pain and misery during their few years of marriage. Along with his own mother participated into the toxic treatment.

"I wanted to get away from that horrible home, but he would not let me. Although..." Kotoha placed her hand on her lap, closing her eyes. "I kept telling myself he would change. Maybe he will go back to the way he was before we got married if I change him.. But sometimes I blame myself for not thinking right. For being such a poor wife" she choked on a small sob, hiccuping. "He was my one and only."

Eh? That's what you used to call me. That phrase seems to be nothing more than empty words.

"It is absolutely horrifying to hear what you have gone through. Developed a traumatic marriage you never expected to be and marriage is supposed to be fortunate for the both of you.." Douma doesn't know exactly how marriage works since over the years victims would come here and tell him their another generic sob story of how their spouse mistreats them. If marriage never works or lasts this long, he never sees the point. The reasons why two people would not be able to get along in marriage do not make sense to him. Of course, as the leader of the paradise cult he is, he has to do his part and be the savior. This is because he comes up with false hopes about relationships, love and marriages. Even though he is no expert and will repeat the definitions straight out of a book.

"I promised him in my wedding vow that I would never leave him." Kotoha said quietly as she began to feel emotional and her eyes began to water up.

Douma stiffened. Y..Y-You promised me that too...Is it just another empty promise you make to everyone?

He doesn't know he appears to be trouble, doing his finest to contain himself as Kotoha tells her story. Especially her love experience. "Do not blame yourself because you did everything you could to keep your marriage alive. It is him who cannot contribute to the marital role. You did the right choice to leave him. It is nothing wrong for you to break promises or vows for a loveless and brutal marriage."

"W-what kind of monster would do that? It is hard for me to believe that he pretended to be exactly what I and my papa fell for when he turned out to be the complete opposite. My papa should have known better. I should have known better." Kotoha broke down as she shook her head of how she faced the cruel lies and actions she encountered during her former husband's tenure.

He stared at her weeping form with an emotionless expression on his face. He began to crawl over to her and gently placed his arms around her petite body. Kotoha was unaware of his unexpected gesture, but this is a very comforting gesture. She weeps on his firm chest, wetting his dark red shirt, but Douma doesn't care.

Kotoha threw his shirt while hiccuping and puffing heavily. "What kind of deranged, ruthless and manipulative person would pretend about themselves and hide their own crimes?" she asked. "What's their purpose in that if they are determined to continue to lie and deceive everyone?"

Douma let out a quiet sigh as he furrowed his eyes. Looking down at her, he placed his hand on her head. Gently petting her in a way to make her at least calm down a bit. You were always a naive girl.

——————

Tossing and turning on her futon, even adjusting her pillows multiple times but it did not lead her to close her eyes and drift into slumber. She has no idea why she isn't falling asleep or why are us feeling tingles in her chest ever since she met her leader last night.

Why can't I stop thinking about him? There should be no reason why he is in my mind all of a sudden.

She sighed before turning to her left and looking at the wall a few meters away. She is not sure how to proceed with this kind of development. However she couldn't help the feeling...she had some familiar feelings, but it didn't make sense when she only met him last night.

She might have grown weary of him in part due to his awkward behavior.

However....

She was drawn to him by his touch, the friendly smile he wore, his charming personality, and his promising aura, as if she had already experienced all those things.

"Ahh I cannot sleep!" She pouted in annoyance, instantly sitting up, rubbing her already messy long indigo hair. "I think I'm gonna make myself some yummy cup of tea.."

——————

Her nostrils filled with the delicate aroma after she dipped a dark tea pad into the warm dark liquid. This gave her the satisfaction that she would enjoy her tea and that it would help her sleep.

"It's good to have some tea by myself. I don't know when was the last time I made tea?"

Suddenly, she remembered she was crying in fear in the corner of a small kitchen. She was sobbing as hot tea was poured onto her.

"I am so-so-so sorry, Takeshi! I won't do it again...no no no!!! God please don't!-"

The angry tall man poured boiling water over her head. In the midst of a jolt, she tried to pull herself away, but he held her down with a fist full of her damaged hair in his fist.

Due to his hard and cold workday, he demanded a hot beverage from her. When she was pouring a cup for him, it went backfire and spill a little bit onto the side of his hand. It wasn't enough for him to accept her quick apology and constant begs for forgiveness. He twitched marginally in response to the boiling hot liquid making contact with the skin of his wrist. Thus, he brutally smacks her face with his uninjured hand.

He hit her with the pot as he screamed, "You like that! You like that! See what your retardery has done! The hard way will save you from making more mistakes, you bitch!" Pulling her hair aggressively, she released a shrill cry when he landed his sharp firsts on her nose, causing her to bleed all over her chest and dirty kimono.

"What's all the noise!?" A raspy voice with irritation in her tone shouted from across the living room, walking into the kitchen. With a slight hunch back and with wrinkled skin and thick eyebrows. Her bulky, gray hair is tied into a small bun, with two strands poking out behind her ears. Wearing a plain carmine red kimono with a grey obi black zōri and white tabi socks. It is evident from her wrinkled face that she is angry, which clearly shows the true intensity of her emotions.

Kotoha's head was pushed back against the wall as her husband kept her there as he turned around to talk to his mother. "Mother, I apologized for my disruptive behavior, but you should know that my own wife." He empathized every word with a hurtful look that made his mother pity. "Burned my hand when she was pouring me tea. She knows how hot the tea was! She knew I was so tired from working all day! Yet she thinks it is okay to pour tea on my hands!" He extended his arm for his mother to see his hand with a red burn still stinging. This made his mother furious.

"My poor poor child." Her voice is filled with concern as she rushes over and checks on his burn. Gently hold his hand as she observes the wound, touching it carefully before he flinches away from it. "You are such a stupid skank!" She immediately lets go of his hand and stomps her way to her injured daughter-in-law with a furious look. "You cannot handle even the simplest tasks! You are a hopeless woman who can't do anything right!" She began to discipline her with her wooden stick, ignoring her whines.

"I'm really really sorry! It was an accident! I was too tired!—-"

The old lady gasped before slapping Kotoha's already bloodied face. "My son works hard! Works his hardest to bring food to the table and a roof over our heads! All you've done is cry and mess things up! You can't even fold clothes without shaking and whining. You never change your reckless and thoughtless behavior!" The prune lady seethed her breath, already annoyed with Kotoha's staggered whimpers so loudly that it hurt the old lady's ear drum. "I saw how you moped and lay around everyday without preparing him proper meals or giving me a hand when I am doing your chores. As if he wasn't tired enough, he has to do everything around here for you. You need to be severely disciplined for your own stupidity." The old lady looked at her son with a nod and gave him a few steps back to let him deal with her.

"No no no! Please don't leave me!" Kotoha made an attempt to sit up and desperately tried to reach forward, struggling as her body painfully aches from the violence.

"Shut the fuck up!" He gave her another punch, ignoring her cries and the blood that had already stained her worn out kimono and the floor. Mercilessly, he continued to berate her.

"Kotoha-San?"

As soon as she saw who was approaching her, she turned around to see who it was. "Oh Hisashi-San! I was not expecting you to be here this late."

Observing her facial features, it is as if she has experienced something terrifying. He noticed a tear dripping from one of her eyes.

As Hisashi approached her side with a worried look, he asked, "Are you alright? Your face...you looked horrified."

Kotoha wiped away her tears before shaking her head. "A flashback memory of my old household. Where my husband..." she choked on a small sob as her eyes welled up again and she covered her mouth. "I apologize for you having to see me this way. My mother-in-law enabled his domestic violence, and I can't shake off the haunting memory of him hitting me every day. She would be verbally cruel towards me."

Hisashi smiled sincerely and shook his head, "My dear please don't apologize for your trauma. It is okay to express your grief and fears instead of holding everything in."

As Kotoha giggles, she says, "You're right, thanks so much." After wiping the last tear, she returns to her normal state. "What are you doing up this late? Late-night chores as usual?"

"It is part of my way to contribute around the temple." Hisashi walked around the marbal style counter top and saw a small set of tea pots with steam coming out. "You know me. I couldn't help myself. I couldn't help myself. You know about me. I could not help myself on the task, especially one for others." Hisashi chuckled lightly. "I see you are making yourself some night tea. Trouble sleeping my dear?"

Kotoha nodded before finishing dipping the tea bag into her cup and lifting it up to her mouth, sipping.

"Are the nightmares of your past back?" Hisashi glances at her with worry in his eyes.

"Oh no! I haven't had them for a while now and that is a big change!" Kotoha waves her hand with a smile to assure him that her nightmares are still gone for the better. "This place, everyone and Douma-Sama have helped me to be at ease and I no longer feel fear."

Hisashi hummed before giving her a suggestion, "That is great to hear about your mental recovery!"

Kotha paused for a moment, looking back at the awkward moment she had with Douma. "I have a question and this has nothing against the leader but...has he ever been so gummy or very attached in some sort of personal relationship to any of you guys?"

"He showed us all his affection and concern for us equally. Having selflessness as one of his greatest values makes him the best leader today." Of course, Hisashi must say that to avoid creating controversy over Douma.

In that moment, she contemplated the only logical explanation for his behavior. Sort of. There is still a part of her mind that wonders about his closeness to her. Perhaps that is one of her leadership characteristics. She shouldn't make those assumptions about him when he was trying to make her feel at home and welcome. "That could be it. I have to admit I am still not familiar with my ways and my surroundings around this temple. I have been given a completely new life and I must be able to know my way around."

"I have been in your shoes before when I came here. It was a tragic incident that happened to me in my younger years that led me to end up here in Eternal Paradise. I begged for my life to end as the regrets of my actions had gotten the best of me as I used to have no purpose but I was given forgiveness instead." Hisashi smiled softly at the memory of the day he was brought in with a hopeless soul, all wrecked up from the traumatic experience that he wished he could have stop. "After being given another life, it took me a few years to adjust to it. This kind of opportunity is a blessing for me. A second chance. To spread my heart and soul to those who need it the most."

Despite not knowing his full backstory, Kotoha learned from other followers that he used to be mentally tortured. This drove thoughts of death due to his regrets and decisions before finding the temple. He found peace and found a reason to live again as he evolved into a better man. She smiled at him, admiring him for his courage and hope in spite of his trauma. Kotoha believes that if Hisashi can overcome his extreme suffering and burden from his past, so can she. It would be fair to say that she looks up to him as a father figure.

"We are so grateful for having you here. What would we do if the outcome of your state did not turn out as we hoped? This would have been truly tragic for all of us." Hisashi said with sincerity, his aura radiating positivity.

"I may not have been alive if it weren't for you, Hisashi-San." Kotoha smiles as she pour herself another tea. "I can see there are never any flaws in this gracious temple."

Hisashi nodded hesitantly, "Yes, dear." I wouldn't say that.

"I didn't get the chance to ask, but how did your first meeting with Douma-Sama turn out? Did it accomplish everything to your expectations?"

Kotoha was unable to answer the question. Seeing Douma-Sama resulted in total awkwardness from the immediate physical touch that caught Kotoha in surprise. "He was full of surprises that I was not aware of. He is such a..affectionate leader to have.."

"That is a pleasure to hear. Our gracious founder has a humble, credible role model once you get to know him. Motivates and inspires people to engage with his vision." However, I wouldn't include the word truthfully.

"Y..you're right! I hope we will meet each other again soon. He made me feel happy about my sanctuary. I feel as though my well-being has already been united with him." Having a sense of deja vu though.

"That is terrific to hear!"

"Oh! I'm sorry for being rude but would you like some tea?" Kotoha smiles through her closed eyes as she grabs the handle of the teapot.

Hisashi nodded with a big smile, "That would be fantastic!"

After Kotoha poured a cup of tea, it accidentally fell into his hand and she freaked out. She quickly but carefully put the tea pot down, holding his hand. "I-I am so sorry!" She began to cry, her eyes flooded with tears.

"My dear! Please do not panic over this accident. Calm down. It is just a small burn! I have burned myself so many times that I have no longer felt any pain." He laughed heartily, but that still didn't calm Kotoha at all.

While trying not to shed tears, she sobbed, "I'm so stupid!" Hisashi's heart ached as he stared at the traumatic sight.

She's afraid, he realizes. After their moments together and their chit-chatting, he can imagine what Kotoha's husband had been like.

Is she expecting me to strike her?

"Kotoha-San, please it is okay."

She reassured her with a gentle embrace, which she flinched but responded to. "Please, that is okay." She stepped forward slowly and reassured her with a gentle embrace. His white hanging sleeves cover her as he embraces her against his chest. She sobs into him, her entire body trembling.

——————-

The sky is glistening with trillions of gazing stars in the dark night.

Douma could never get over the beauty of a dark night.

The gracious night is more pleasing to him than the bright day.

It has been at least 3 weeks since he encountered the young woman.

He knows she is not going to be an easy one.

Especially when she has no any memory of him.

Douma knew he had to pretend like everything they did together had never happened. It's what Kotoha does. He would do the same thing.

But the sudden irritation that has been simmering inside him says otherwise.

He knows it will be a tricky and complex journey to navigate through, but there are still a few things he has to say to her. He needs to hear it from her

It was difficult to determine whether she was his constant source of inspiration or if she was the source of downhill, as his parents used to say.

——————

As Kotoha returned her tray of finished food to the kitchen, she truly acclimated to her new living conditions and roles around the massive and glorious building.

She knows how her surroundings work around her and what major duties should be taken care of which includes getting to know her new neighbors. Her nightmares have completely faded away and she has no sense of danger.

She is truly happy to be in this lovely paradise.

Before she made a turn to her right, she bumped into someone quite seriously. This caused them to step back and her tray collapsed from her hands, causing the plate and the cup to fall to the ground.

"I-I am so sorry please!" Kotoha instantly crouched down, carefully picking up the broken and shattered parts from the ground to the tray.

When she heard a scoffed sound in an irritable tone, she felt guilty for daydreaming instead of looking at her directions.

Emiyo grumbles in frustration, trying to remove the colored mess from her favorite kimono. "Great, my silk and expensive kimono is ruined." She becomes tensed. She wears a light pink kimono that is adorned with sweet floral patterns. "Do you have any idea how much effort it took me to get this kind of kimono, girl?"

"I am truly sorry! I have no idea that you were walking in my direction-"

"Oh you are saying this is my fault??" Emiyo snarled as she got closer to Kotoha which made her frightened, shaking her hands as she felt her legs getting wobbly.

Her hands clapped together as she lowered her knees as she picked up the pieces, saying, "No no! I should have been focused on where I was heading!" she said.

"You better be! Look at what your clumsiness did to the fine china plates and handcrafted mugs. The way you behave recklessly and dysfunctionally insults Eternal Paradise. We do not need hopeless people who can't help themselves." Emiyo scolded her without realizing how cruel her words were.

When Emiyo continued to berate her, Kotoha began to tear up, picking up the last pieces of the ground as she attempted to stand.

"If you can't handle a simple task, how are you able to help around the temple if you are gonna break more—"

"Emiyo-San. Please be kind to Kotoha-San. She didn't mean to bump into you. There is no way she had any intention of doing so as well. It was an accident please forgive her." Aimi had intervened with her childhood friend, helping the poor Kotoha with the cleaning.

"She ruined my perfectly well-made kimono and I was looking forward to seeing our gracious leader later in the evening with my new attire!" She clicked her tongue with a venomous glare in her eyes. "Maybe I should report you to Douma-Sama, letting him know how one of our members is being thoughtlessly careless around here, disrupting the Eternal Paradise."

This stuns both females. Especially Kotoha. She already made an awkward impression of herself on him. She doesn't want her status to deteriorate if he finds out. Her chances of living in this blissful sanctuary may be ruined.

"Now calm down Emiyo-San! There is no need for that please. I am sure Douma-Sama will absolutely overlook her mess and give her his full forgiveness. She is still new to the temple and we want her to feel very welcome. Don't attack her just for one small mistake." In an attempt to ease Kotoha, Aimi placed both hands on her shoulder, but Kotoha could not shake the terrible assumptions she had made.

"She still needs to be disciplined to avoid any more mistakes. We don't want any low-life and ungrateful bum to destroy this Eternal Paradise because of her." Emiyo snapped, losing her patience as she is gritting her teeth.

Kotoha flinched at her disruptive behavior, trembling her body as she was unable to move. Emiyo's intense behavior and the way she moves her body have caused shivers down her spine, her heart racing, and her breath becoming uneven. She hasn't felt so scared since she was with her husband and her mother-in-law.

"Give me any punishment possible, I'll do it if that means doing the right thing for you!" Kotoha begs, sobbing from this conflict she believes she has caused.

Emiyo hummed with a grin on her face and tilted her head to the side, "Ohh?" She placed one hand on her hips scoffing, "Okay then....do my garden chores. I was in charge of trimming trees and shrubs. You're now the one who gets it." Emiyo grins as an idea comes to mind. "Do my friends' chores as well. Their chores are also garden work."

Aimi let out a small gasp, shaking her head, but before she could speak, Emiyo raised her hand to shut her up. "Do all the fertilize, weeding, and keep green spaces and walkways clear of debris and litter."

Enteral Paradise has a huge, expansive garden behind the big temple. Since gardening involves a lot of physical exertion, those kinds of jobs require a lot of volunteers.

"If you want me to look past your clumsiness behavior. There is a lot of work involved in my chores...more effort, I'd say. And you cannot let anyone else help you. This is your punishment."

"Emiyo-san. This is not fair! You are not supposed to give other members your chores as it is obligated that each of us help out instead of having others do it for us." Aimi gave her a stern look, but it did not seem to affect Emiyo one bit.

"O-okay I will do it!"

As they look down at the petite woman, both girls are shocked and in disbelief at her accepting such a harsh task.

"The choice you made was smart considering your low intelligence." Emiyo praised. "You better do all of them without fail. I hope I made myself very clear."

Kotoha instantly nodded, standing up to confirm her understanding. If she has to be honest, this is the kind of punishment she prefers than the ones she has faced before.

———————

At the break of the sun, plates and silverware are being placed on the table as everyone prepares for supper. As Hisashi sweeps around the dining hall leading to the cafeteria hall, he is humming in the background.

When he heard giggling behind him, he paused his sweep. Three young girls headed for the main hall, two laughing together as the other on the right was not. He gave them a small wave as they came close. "Good evening girls. How are you all doing on this pleasant night?"

Emiyo bows down as well as the other two of her friends do the same. Instead of the light pink floral kimono she wore before, she now wears a blue plain kimono with a small white obi. No decorative patterns. "We are having an amazing evening Hisashi-San. Especially for me." She let out a small laughed, looking at her two friends.

"Oh? My I asked why is that?" Hisashi asked. Something tells him that it isn't going to be pleasant. Especially when it comes from Emiyo, who has a reputation for being a ruthless and dramatic diva.

"Kotoha-San gave Emiyo-Chan a day off by willingly doing all her chores!" Miya smiled as well. As Aimi stood by Emiyo's side with a guilt look on her face, unable to look her friend in the eye.

"Emiyo-San. You know you weren't supposed to do that.."

"Oh calm down Hisashi-San. She had insisted on offering me a hand with all my chores, knowing how much effort she would put in. She didn't mind one bit and wanted me to have the entire day off." Emiyo said with a coy smile on her face.

"But your tasks require at least three people to do it..."

"Hisashi, I told you she wanted to do all our chores on her own. You can ask her yourself when she gets back wherever the heck she is. She is slow but she knows how to clean well." Emiyo and her friend, Miya, laughed and Aimi quietly follows them as they walked past him, entering the main hall.

Their devious attempt to get Kotoha into doing the work she was supposed to do, just for fun and games, made Hisashi frown. Soon after he swept, he left the main hall to give Kotoha a hand. He knew by now she must be extremely exhausted doing all the chores on her own. He headed out of the cafeteria to the corridor that would lead him to the exit but before he stepped out, he was stopped than bowed when he saw Douma walking up the small steps that

"Ahh hello Hisashi-San! It is a pleasure to see you here on this glorious night. Why are you out here instead of eating? Is something wrong?" Douma asked, looking down at him with a casual look on his face as he wore his black crown hat slightly tilted.

"Douma-sama. I apologize but it looks like I will not eat tonight as I am gonna help Kotoha-San with the gardening tasks she took, so she can eat."

He blinked before speaking, "Ohh? She is. Alone? Where is she located now?"

Hisashi said, "She's working in the backyard garden. She insisted on doing the chores, but it required more than a hand, so I offered to assist."

"Oh that is very kind of you. But there is no need for that." He turned around and headed out. "I will be the one to help her." He smiled, waved back. "Don't worry about her eating. I will have one of our servants fix her up a delicious meal in her quarters."

"Oh are you sure?" He asked quietly. For some reason, he is unsure. In fact he is unsure of a lot of things about Douma since that night...

Douma nodded without hesitation and placed his finger to his mouth, "Don't tell anyone I am in the backyard okay?"

A slight smile appeared on Hisashi's face and nodded, "Of course my lord." The moment Douma left out of his view, he let out a sad sighed before walking back to the corridor.

——————

"There that should do it!" Kotoha wiped off the sweat off her face before clapping her hands to get the dirt off. Admiring her diligent work of planting freshly planted flowers that everyone else bought at the market. Gardening gives her the joy of seeing blossoming beauties on the ground. After admiring her work and the view she had created for half a day, she could not complain. "Why is gardening rewarding?" she asked as she put the gardening tools back into the brown basket, making sure they were all there. She doesn't want to leave any of them behind. She knows better than that. Oh yeah she does.

Until a flying creature flew by her. As it searches for a flower to land on, it is unaware of her presence.

She crawled closer to the dragon fly before it landed on one of the flowers whispering, "Ahh! A dragon fly! How are you?" she asked. "I admire you guys for flying around wherever you want," she said. "I always wanted to know what it was like to fly away from anything. Or anyone." She extended her arm to see if the dragon fly could crawl to her finger. As she tried desperately to reach for it, however, it flew away. Despite her best efforts, she was sure she had done her best.

"I see you're getting along with that dragonfly, Kotoha-Chan."

In an instant, Kotoha froze and turned her head. Already uncomfortable when she saw who it was.

As Douma stood a few meters behind her, wearing a beige hakamas, a black drape over his shoulders, and a black crown, he wore his casual clothes.

"O-oh Douma..sama. What a pleasant surprise to see you again." She stood up, quickly brushing the dirt off her green kimono from her laps, fixing the wrinkles. "What brings you out here at night?"

Douma asked, "I should be the one ask you that. What are you still doing here at the edge of darkness, in the garden by yourself? Someone should have offered a hand." He observes the impressive garden work she had completed. "Did you really did all the work by yourself?"

She nodded. She couldn't tell him that she was doing someone else's chores as a punishment to prevent negativity on her reputation. "I wanted to be out here to get myself into gardening. I love the view of nature."

Douma obviously could tell there was another reason for her to be out by herself doing the intense physical chores of gardening. However, he did not want to confront her.

"I see. Mother Nature provides us with a different background for each of us, as well as being surrounded by beauty in the environment. Although I would have to admit that this garden is not nearly close enough to my beautiful personal garden." Douma gave her a smile.

"You have your own garden? Do any of your followers get to see your private garden?" Kotoha asked as her mouth parted, eyes full of wonder and innocence which tightened Douma's chest.

He shook his head as he walked towards one of the flowers. He touched the pedals as he enjoyed the texture of the young bud. "Only I can enter my own personal garden as it is only my personal habitat for myself to go to as I very much enjoy a decorative view from my bedroom."

"That is understandable! Running this entire temple and guiding many followers on your own is a very big responsibility you have to do." Kotoha beams.

Obviously, they can't help themselves. Douma thought.

"It certainly is. Besides that, my garden is full of life and beauty. Perhaps I will show you my very special garden since you are so dedicated to gardening. How about at midnight if you are okay?" Douma asked with generosity as he gave her a warm smile.

At the moment, Kotoha is unsure how to respond. During their one-on-one meeting back in the day, she wanted to keep their awkward physical contact to a minimum. However, it would be so rude and ungrateful on her part to reject his offer after everything he has done for them.

Kotoha smiles. "Of course, it will be an honor, Douma-sama."

Douma took another look at her, marveling at the view. Meadow behind the temple as the moon shines in her spot

She is so beautiful in the garden.

"Don't worry about dinner. I will have one of our finest gourmet chefs cook a fine meal for you at your chamber." Douma said, turningd around but his head turns to Kotoha. "Do you have in mind what you will like in your favor?"

Kotoha let out a gasp in shock, working so hard in the garden and planting that she immediately forgot about her hunger. "I completely forgot! Thank you, Douma-Sama. That means a lot to me because I do not want to be hungry when I go to bed. I'm eager to fill up my tummy." Kotoha looked up, rubbing her chin. "How about 5 tempuras?" she replied. "With sweet potatoes combined with shiitake mushrooms and grated daikon. Can my tempuras be super crispy too?" Kotoha laughed as she scratched behind her head. "I hope that isn't too much. I just happen to love tempura."

Douma let out a small chuckle, turning his head away as he began to walk. "I will let them know about your tasty request. I will see you then, Kotoha-Chan."

—————-

"Wooow. This is your garden? This garden is...so beautiful." Kotoha's eye wandered over the field of flowers that had been decorated so beautifully. Well-maintained, with a variety of plants and flowers that are arranged in a pleasing manner. Include a mix of annuals and perennials, with different colors and textures to create a visually interesting display. The garden also has elements such as a water feature, a walkway to make it a relaxing and enjoyable space to be in. As it blends into the landscape, the pond is perfectly placed in the middle of the garden. There is a walkway leading to and in front of the pond. Although it is still night, the pond is placed in a sunny area to attract the greatest variety of wildlife. With a wide shallow marginal planting shelf. The edge of the pond is covered with rocks. Plant flowers and trees that complement the surroundings of the pond. Plant plants between the rocks of the pond, as well as around the pond. Various types of plants, including roses, lilies, and daisies.

This is one of the most breathtaking gardens she has ever seen. One garden that is both beautiful and functional, providing a peaceful and inviting space for Douma to enjoy. A conforms to its surroundings.

Most of all, Kotoha paid more attention to the lotuses that cover the majority of the pond. With their fragrant scents, these flowers enrich the environment. Moreover, the colors of these flowers make a garden look beautiful.

She could never imagine seeing such a beautiful, life-filled environment. She has a peaceful aura as a result of it. Taking in the lively scent passing through her nostrils as she walked over the daisies, she admired the magnificent view. Walking through blooming flowers and touching the stems and thorns.

"I'm glad you are enjoying my lovely commonplace under this beautiful night."

Douma slowly walks over to her side where she is kneeling down, sniffing the rose pedals delicately. Taking in every detail of every scent and flower.

"I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden." Kotoha softly smiles as she pulls her small nose away from the rose, softly touching the other flowers with the tips of her fingers. Putting her palm against her chest, she says, "I love that season because every pleasant thing leads to better life experiences. I wish spring would come faster though."

This surprised him, as he is also fond of the season. Not because it is the same season he was born in (as if he ever cared about the day of his birth) but because Spring brings new life to trees, plants, flowers, crops and even the world. It makes the earth greener and brighter with lustrous colours. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold. It's just perfect.

In spite of the fact that he does not believe in the reason for faith or revival. But it is truly a wonder to be in a time of rebirth as the natural world wakes up and revives after going dormant in the winter months.

"My mother used to tell me plants are grown for many reasons: to please our eyes or to please our souls, to challenge the elements or to challenge patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow." She made a sorrow expression look before fading away before quietly whispering. "I miss you momma."

"Pardon?"

"Nothing! Do not worry." She let out a soft chuckle before standing up and continuing to observe his gardens thoroughly.

"I have this garden as a gift from this old gardener we used to have here. He built me this beautiful landscape to show his appreciation for me when I was a little boy." Douma smiles.

"He did an excellent job. It is so beautiful." Kotoha took another deep breath of the flower, enveloping the aroma as it calmed her.

"Do you have a particular favorite type of flower?" Douma asked.

Kotoha looked over her shoulder and saw him staring at her but instantly turned away.

"When it comes to these beautiful ground blossoms, I don't have a particular type that I prefer. However I do quite fond of the lotssues. They were the major part of my childhood." She said softly as crickets chirped.

"Oh really?" He said with a somewhat changed of tone that almost caught her off guard.

Kotoha looked up with wide-eyed wonder.

His tone of voice was becoming somewhat absurd for Douma, but he didn't notice.

"Y-yeah. They are so pretty to see everywhere! They make a boring and ordinary pond look magnificent." Kotoha said with glee in her voice.

"Besides being beautiful on lily pads, they are ideally suited as ornaments, gifts, and hairpieces." He stated, bending down to reach one of the lotus." He grabbed a lotus, leaning up and bringing it towards her. "Lotus looks remarkable on you and your soft delicate long hair. I know that." He grabbed her hand, gently pulling her upward, catching her off guard.

"Douma-sama?"

"Please. Let's not be too formal when we are alone. Call me Douma." He smiles at her before placing one hand on her cheek, caressing her. Kotoha begins to redden upon immediate physical contact. "O-okay." Douma places his other hand carrying the lotus on top of her head.

"You are so beautiful." He placed the lotus on her hair, wiping the few strands out of the way of her delicate face. "You always have been. The day we met, you still remain the same."

"Uhm...I do not understand. We only met 3 weeks ago." Kotoha is not compressing what he is saying or why he is talking to her like that as if they have met each other before. She couldn't figure out where the sudden warm and familiar gesture came from.

There are crickets chirping as the full moon shines over the pond and reflects on the two of them. Kotoha let out a nervous laugh. "I think it is time for me to get to sleep. I need to wake up early in the morning to help Shapiro-San with the laundry and—" she glanced over the pond, seeing her own reflection quite clearly. She touched the flower on her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. Douma was confused when she saw her walking slowly towards the pond, looking down on her reflection as she gradually slipped away from Douma's grasp. "I..I used to own this precious handcrafted blue lotus kanzashi that was given to me as a gift." She looked down, closing her eyes.

Douma knows exactly what kind of hairpiece she is talking about. "A gift? That must have been a thoughtful present to receive." As he approaches her side, he waits for her answer. "What was the purpose of giving it to you?" he asks.

She looked up and sighed, "I honestly cannot recall. It was such a long time ago that I do not know."

Douma widened his eyes. Was it not even significant enough to remember?

"I missed it so much when I sold it to the wealthy woman when my father and I visited the village to sell anything we could. I did that when I was 13 years old." Kotoha had her fingers roaming the lotus pedal, enjoying the gentle texture. "The money helped us eat for years. It was for the best as my family and I desperately needed money."

If Douma is truly an expert on sentiments, he could consider this a complete offensive line.

"I see. If you sold it then it must not have been a real momento to carry along."

It is difficult for Kotoha to understand what he is pointing at, but she has the impression that he is upset. "I had no choice. We needed the money because we are not getting enough meals and other important necessities we need to keep on surviving." Her breathing intensified. "Especially when my momma died and everything has turned down since then."

Douma took a second to hold his tongue before changing the topic. "I am still sorry for your loss and it must have been real difficult to move forward with you and your father's life. That is a valid reason for you to do so. I guess it must have been a sacrifice." For your own guy's pleasure, or an act of greed for your pleasure. "You had to do it for the greater good."

Kotoha could tell something was not right with him. It was as if he felt offended by what she told him about giving away her hairpiece. She wants to get away from this man.

"Such a shame really. It really looks good on you."

"What?"

"I apologize, I mean since the lotus flower I had put on you looked gorgeous, I had wondered what one beautifully decorated glass version of a lotus flower would appear like on your soft hair." He pulled a strand in between his pointer and middle finger, caressing it. Kotoha could not help but blush and look away.

"Does the person who gave you still reside in that gentle head of yours?" Douma couldn't help but wonder if her answers would match his expectations.

Kotoha did not say anything before sighing. "When I was a little girl, I didn't remember anyone having given to me. I don't recall any memories of my moments with that person." She rubbed her forearm with the other hand. "But I had figured if something was not important enough to remember...I do not think it matters." She let out a gasp when she felt a small but somewhat a sharp tug on her hair strand. She looked at him with widened eyes as she rubs her head over the small sore spot. "That hurts..w-why did you do that?"

Douma pulled his hand away with a smile, "I did not mean to do that, Kotoha-Chan! I truly apologize. I was having a bit of fun with how smooth and beautifully colored your hair is. I must have been carried away." He took both arms and placed them behind his back with a fractured smile. "Please continue with your story."

Kotoha stops relieving the sore and looked at him with a confused expression before accepting his excuse. "There is nothing to add on. As I said before, I could not recall anymore memories from my childhood."

"Did something happen to your long-term memory during your formative years?" He asked as he inclined his head.

"Possibly. Just a few years ago, it became more severe. It kinda started when I was drowning in the river when I was a child..."

Drowning? Was it that night? It was impossible for her to survive that long fall.

"Or when I first got married to my first husband. Ever since then, I may have been too distracted by the sudden changes and the adjustments to marriage that...stress has gotten to my memory." Kotoha said the last part quietly.

Douma knew that was a cover up for her husband's cruel actions towards her.

"Kotoha-Chan. Do not be afraid to tell me the truth about your time in your marriage as we all know your husband was not the kindest gentleman you ever had. In this temple, there is no shame." He is now close to her shoulders, placing his hand under her chin to turn her head toward him. "Has his cruelty affected your physical well-being?" He asked. "Specifically when he laid his hands on you too roughly that he could have left you paralyzed."

As she shook her head, Kotoha shed tears, denying. "It was not like that, Douma. I may have been harmed by his brutal behavior, but he did it to make me correct my stupidity. He knows better not to put permanent injuries on me if I don't deserve it."

"Then why did you run away?"

Kotoha was silent for a moment, shutting her eyes as she felt water streaming down her face, clouding her vision.

"You should not defend that thoughtless monster since he was the one responsible for your misery, trauma, fragile self-esteem, and perspectives. He had no right to be physical when he should have shown affection. You deserve better than the life you do not deserve. In fact, you were not to blame for his reckless behavior, as he did not know how to control his unacceptable behavior nor how to behave properly." He had his face closer to hers. The closeness of their faces would shock Kotoha. However, she did not mind as his words made her feel at ease. "It breaks my heart to think that some low-life would take advantage of you as you were of no value to him at all. If anyone were to have you, they should give you the right treatment and respect you rightfully deserve during your marriage."

He placed his lips on hers. Kotoha widened her eyes, not responding to the kiss.

As it lingered in her mouth, her lips swayed. Just by touching his lips, she recognized the familiar sensation. The warmth and softness of those parted lips of his. Eventually, she responded instinctively. As she followed his moment, her soft small lips moved.

It escalated from a small kiss to a serious one. A small gasp was released from the petite lady as Douma held her head with both of his large hands. The pace of his lips got faster as she followed along, closing her body against his.

Which made it work for him as he moved his hands slowly from her shoulders to her hips. After a fierce kiss, he lifts Kotoha's chin, licks her bottom lip for entrance, and she listens. Thrusting his tongue in and out, making Kotoha squirm and whimper as she is trying to keep up as she gives him wet kisses. Instantly she melts into the deep kiss and wraps her arms around Douma has his hands roam on her back to the sides of her legs. In this overwhelmed but excited kiss, Kotoha sucking his tongue into her mouth as Douma grinds his hips against her slightly.

The way her body touches his own makes him want to move beyond this and feel more of her.

She does not want the kiss to end. It feels right. So so right.

But this was incredibly wrong.

This type of behavior is out of line. So abruptly, she began to feel unease. She unwrapped her arms then placed her small hands against his firm chest and gently pushed his head away from hers. Slightly gasping for air, Douma looked at her with half-lidded eyes and a puzzled look.

Kotoha does not know what to do in this type of situation. This was so sudden! Why did he have to do such a thing as that?

Kotoha looked down at his eyes, blushing intensely. Having turned around with her head shaking, she didn't feel positive about what they had done. Crossing her arms in a way to hug herself with her head low and walking away toward the pond before finally responding with a quiet voice, "I should go back to my chamber now."

As the leader sighed, disappointment appeared on his face. "It seems absurd to imagine you could have been the one, yet things were nothing more than a fantasy." He turned around and began to enter the building. "I would appreciate it if you would quietly and respectfully leave my garden as soon as you are finished and go back to your room. Goodnight."

She could not open her mouth or draw her vocal cords to come up with a simple response as she was unable to move from her spot. There's something perplexing about his attitude towards her, like she holds him accountable for something.

The moonlight had shifted away from the two as it moved further away. It had disappeared behind the dark clouds, leaving Kotoha in darkness.

A/N:

"Takeshi" is a Japanese name meaning "fierce, violent" which perfectly describes Kotoha's abusive and terrible husband.

Hiii guys. Long time no see! Over the past few months, things have been complicated in my household as there was a tragedy. Right now everything is fine and we are continuing to be happy and strong! Ugh i know i said this countless times each chapters...I apologized for taking sooo long to update for this book and my other books. I am still continue to update them, but please be patient. I'm in university so please expect the next updates to be slower. I always make sure each chapter are well-typed and thorough since I tend to make my book meaningful and make sure my writing is acceptable for you guys. I always make sure to edit my chapters before updating them. I am determined to continue with my fanfics instead of in the rush with sloppiest grammar like most fanfics of my OTPs did. Seriously that is my biggest pet peeve. I suck at grammar but I made sure to get my chapters check for clarifications and to the point of the story that makes sense. My another pet peeve that i am kinda disappointed on the Douma/Kotoha hashtag in AO3. I do not mean to criticized but it makes me feel uncomfortable to read underage and pedo fanfics especially when uhh...incest is involved. There was this one fanfic I found incredibly disgusting where Douma gets too affectionate with Inosuke just to show him how he knows Kotoha like is that even necessary?? I did not read the fanfic (never) and I read the description and saw disturbing tags that made me sick. Douma is fucked up but not that fucked up c'mon. I know it's fanfics but those kinds of fanfics tells me there is something wrong with the writer and if that it is their fetish lol...please all I want is just simple Douma/Kotoha fics either smut, fluff, or anything as long incest, pedo shits and underage are not involved. I know I should expect weird and messed up fanfics, but not my OTP...not my Douma.

Sorry for that small rant. I wanted to get that out of my system. Anyway I appreciate for those who continues to read my fanfics especially being patient with updates. I already planned how my stories goes especially Apathetic and be prepare there would be a lot of angst and smut :DD

Please patient with me for the upcoming updates! I am finishing the next update for Borderline as well for Last chance. I am working on My Problem. I promised my stories are still continue. Thank you so much for your understanding! I love you guys so much!! 😭💘

P.S I CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH THE FIRST EPISODE OF SEASON 3 NEXT WEEK IN THEATERS. I SAW THE LEAKS AND I SCREAMED ESPECIALLY THE UPPERMOON MEETINGS. IM SO EXCITED