( 𝖞𝖊𝖆𝖗 1790, 𝖆𝖕𝖗𝖎𝖑 5𝖙𝖍 )

The sun was slow to appear in the sky that day and the cool remained to hang over everyone at the Seidou estate. The buildings were quiet though packed with a few courtesans who are eager to do whatever it is that they do, either to please their lord or tittle-tattle about their daily lives while having a morning tea at the garden as the candles that helped to provide some light to the peaceful night only added to the mild chilliness.

For once in a while, this morning did go well for Sousuke as he woke up from his futon looking quite relaxed. Even though his hair is a bit messy and his face slightly somnolent, he remained innocently handsome and elegant as it always was as before.

Rubbing his eyes lightly while making a soft yawn before fixing his bed then suddenly, he almost broke his jade mirror after making his futon. Relieved that it is not damaged, he places the mirror on the side of the wall before exiting the room. Sousuke saw his mother prepared a simple meal on the table as he sat on the floor while waiting for her.

"Good morning, my son." She greeted him with a gentle smile, pouring tea on his cup.

Smiling in return, he said in an almost sleepy tone. "Good morning to you too, mother.

"How are you feeling today?"

"Tired, but a bit better." He replied before taking a sip of his tea.

"That's good to hear. Now, I want you to eat for breakfast." His mother places the teapot on its side of the table as Sousuke looked down at his full breakfast meal. A bowl of miso soup, a bowl of Gohan rice, a bowl of pickled vegetables, and lastly seaweed. All of them are in front of him, ready to be eaten. His mother's meal, on the other hand, is only a bowl of the same rice and the same soup. The portion of his mother's current meal was no surprise, yet this concerns him about her well-being since she took care of him his whole life.

He deeply wishes that his sickness wouldn't let her do the difficult tasks she had endured, mostly her time as a maidservant responsible for taking care of the miscellaneous chores just so as to earn enough money to feed themselves.

Silent as he becomes, Sousuke watches his mother eat her meal feeling quite guilty of his long-term illness. Suddenly, she notices her son didn't touch his food, not even a bite. Worried by this, Murasaki asked him in a concerned tone.

"Sousuke dear, why are you not eating? You have to finish all of your food, just to keep you healthy."

"Mother, why do you always have to suffer just for me?"

Her eyes softened and suddenly smiled as she gave him a simple answer that would surprise the young man. "I would happily risk my life over and over, just to keep you safe and let you live a longer life, my son."

Those such caring and loving words touched his hidden heart, knowing how much his mother truly loved him to the deepest core. She is the only person whom he looked up to, and will always be for the rest of his life. After all, Mothers are endowed with a love that is unlike any other love on the face of the earth. He is honestly glad that he was raised by a warmhearted mother who is committed to love her child into standing on a higher ground than the environment surrounding him.

Sousuke felt his hand touched by her, stroking it gently as if his mother is reassuring him that she will be fine and well enough. Still smiling at him genuinely, he returns the favor by giving her as well. And with this, he begins to take a bite as they both eat together silently enjoying the peaceful sound of the birds' chirping and the soft winds.

❀ ·.·'¯'·.·❀

After having a pleasant breakfast with his mother, he as usual goes to have a walk in the forest while holding a book in his hand just to read under the tree in silence.

And of course, hopefully meeting Seraphina again at the same place they first encountered.

Ever since he met her in the forest yesterday, Sousuke can't help but deeply think about her. The way she looks at him with no mockery or cruelty, just kind-hearted and open-minded towards him. The way she genuinely smiled the first time they met, he surprisingly felt at ease that he had never felt before from another person besides his mother.

It was quite refreshing, even comforting for him.

Once Sousuke found the secluded area where he usually sat and relax, he waited for Seraphina before looking around to see if she arrived. He knew this is where she promised that they will both meet here, no doubt about it.

Sousuke took a seat on the same bark of the tree and leaned on before opening the book he was about to read. Sighing softly as he begins to read where he left off yesterday, deeply focused on its words. As usual, Sousuke didn't know how long he sat there as his eyes were directed on the words of its current page until...

He felt a light tap on his right shoulder, playfully poking it more than once.

And this caused him to slightly jolt from its unexpected and sudden touch. He was annoyed at first, before looking up to see who it was. And to his hidden surprise as he remained calm... it was Seraphina, lively grinning at him.

"I'm sorry for making you wait this long, Sousuke-san." She genuinely apologized.

Giving her a smile in return, only a little. He said in a warm tone. "It's alright, don't worry. I'm not here that long in this spot."

He can see her making a sigh of relief with a smile before sitting beside him after fixing the skirt of her sandy-colored dress. She looked up at the blue sky where she can see the birds chirping happily from above before she softly spoke out.

"What a lovely view from here, I can see why you wanted to stay in this place."

Didn't give her a reply but only with a soft hum as he went back to his reading, just to not make thing things a little too uncomfortable. However, that didn't help him at all. It was quiet for a while as they only hear the rustling of its leaves and tree branches from the wind. The typically quiet Sousuke was almost close to shattering from awkwardness but managed to contain himself like he always did. He lightly runs a hand through his hair, irritated that he behaved the way he did but he's willing to pretend he's calmer than he actually always was. Just like how he was willing to pretend that he didn't think about how very pretty she was the first time he looked at her. Those weren't really the thoughts he was comfortable having.

Sousuke wasn't exactly that much...friendly with most people, especially in the estate due to his status. With the exception of his mother... and possibly Seraphina, if he gets to know her more. At least he didn't consider himself as such. He was just an illegitimate son with no title at all who had a permanent illness. Being the bastard son of a prostitute was practically in anyone's description. Something that his father's side of the family took as a serious way of life.

He's good at giving them a cold expression, a sign of his deep hatred and annoyance. Ignoring their horrible comments about him that he always does.

Usually, he was not the person who would make the first move to speak in conversation but this would be the first for him. Not wanting to keep this silent any longer, he begins to have an exchange with her.

"So... how was your day here?"

Seraphina turned to face him when she heard him spoke out and once more, smiled brightly.

"It was alright, your people around me were quite... interesting."

Sousuke looked at her quite blankly with her answer, not understanding as to why his people would be that interesting. In his very honest judgment, the people around him are known to be ignorant, cold, and downright cruel as he knew quite well of how he and his mother have been through. Feeling that this world is more wicked to it than good.

He noticed her expression change from bright to soft before she lightly giggled then begins to explain.

"When I first arrived here, I always thought that the people in this country are the same as mine. Instead, they are very different. I think they have a very homogenous society, which is quite astonishing, to be honest. All were hardworking, patient, and pretty much respectful. Though sometimes the way they treat me is really strange."

Raising his eyebrow in slight confusion, he asked. "How so?"

"Well..." She averted eyes while lightly scratching the side of her hair nervously with her index finger. "They are uncomfortable or afraid of my presence as if I am an odd creature they wanted to avoid. And it makes me feel lonely. Sometimes, it's almost the same as my people back in Holland whenever I'm in their presence. You see..." Taking a deep breath and didn't say a word for a moment before continuing to speak in a calm tone. "I came from a very noble family with a prestigious line, as I was raised to be a proper lady and taught how to literate, numerate, and deal with royal courts of hundreds of people."

Sousuke's eyes slightly widened when she reveals her social position, he had never expected this to hear from her. 'So... she's not a Dutch captain's daughter I assumed, but from a higher class much like the court nobility?' He thought in mild bewilderment... and an almost hidden discouragement, realizing as to why someone with an esteemed nobility would be spending a time with him... a commoner. Mentally shaking away his negative thoughts, he continues to stay silent and listen to her words.

"To the people who have a higher class as me, they would greet me with a smile and respect before bowing or curtsying in politeness. But when it comes to the commoners, this was different... they would sometimes easily bow in front of me or deeply kneel before my presence, not just out of respect but from fear. Thinking that I would punish them if they did a mistake or nothing at all, but I would never do any of that." She stared up at the blue sky, looking quite a bit dispirited.

"I genuinely wished that there are no boundaries in social classes where it would be seen as equals, and let the people see me with no fear and the feeling of uncomfortableness. I wanted the commoners to see that my care and kindness is not a mere façade but real, where I deeply yearned to share and help them in every way I can..."

Seraphina then turns to face him with a hint of nervousness before asking one small question. "Are you... uncomfortable of my presence, Sousuke-san?"

In Sousuke's perspective, he didn't feel any of that. Well, it was at first but immediately changed after that. Deep down, he feels pleasant and warmth by her presence as if she is like a 'Tennyo', a heavenly woman who would bring him peace and comfort. Seraphina is truly something else, not like any of the women he had met before. She was kind-hearted and completely open-minded to everyone around her and treats them with respect universally, even if they are not from nobility. And so, he gave her an honest answer that will make her feel relieve and somehow... content.

"No... I will never be uncomfortable with you, Seraphina-san. Your presence makes me feel warmth and ease." He replied in a calm tone with a gentle smile towards her.

Her periwinkle eyes widened at his genuine words, almost surprised though feeling much pleased by his answer as a tint of blush appears on her fair cheeks when he smiled. She didn't realize how much of a handsome man Sousuke is, he may not have such a well-built body but his prince charming-like features and considerable height outshines his minor flaws. She then returned to him with a serene one.

"I'm glad, Sousuke-san." Seraphina said in a soft tone as her expression lightened.

Sousuke was secretly glad that she smiled once again but only for a moment when his pessimistic thoughts are coming back to ravel him. Not understanding as to why would she want to spend time with him in the first place. She is a young flower from a Dutch nobility, and he is just a nobody who's only a temporary guest from the Seidou Estate.

A frown marred his handsome features as Sousuke looked away from her and remained quiet for a moment. Completely noticing this as she was concerned when his eyes turned despondent as he continued to look at the field. "Sousuke-san, what's wrong?"

He closed his eyes and made a sigh, deep in his thoughts. Why was she here anywhere? Didn't she see that he was not a pleasant person to be with? He was nothing more than just a commoner with a weak body. And how did she know something was bothering him? He always made sure his emotions stay hidden, not even his mother noticed sometimes.

When Sousuke still remained silent, Seraphina assumed he didn't want to talk to her about it. In a way, it saddened her because she had thought he had begun to like her just as much as she had on him. She was startled when he turned to face her with his piercing, dark brown eyes.

"Why... why would you want to spend with someone like me?" He asked softly.

When Seraphina looked at him in genuine shock at his question, Sousuke hesitated for a moment before he continued.

"I am just a commoner, born out of false love when my mother was raped at a young age. She was a low-class courtesan and my father was a wealthy merchant who took her in by force by becoming his plaything. I have no titles or noble classes like you do, I am only an illegitimate son and nothing more."

He again looked at the field before him, feeling deeply ashamed of admitting such weakness. 'Why did I have to be so open with her? I'm such a fool.' He scolded himself in thought.

"I see no reason for that, there's nothing wrong as to why it would affect me. And I just like your presence, and it makes me quite fond of you. I genuinely don't mind spending time with you. Besides, It does not matter where you come from, only where you intend to go forward. And I think you need a friend to talk to." Her words caused his eyes to go widened halfheartedly but still didn't turn to face her.

"And by what you have told me about yourself, I feel saddened on how the way your life was. I wish there was something I could do to help you." She said in a disheartened tone, feeling all the emotions of sadness. "Does your mother care about you?"

His expression calmed before giving her an answer. "Yes, deeply much."

"Then... what about your father?"

That question made him annoyed as he furrowed his brows and his teeth clenched in hidden anger. "No... he has no love for anyone. Not even my mother."

And with this, she gently turned his face towards her and unexpectedly caressed his cheek. Much to his mild surprise at her touch. Yet, he can't help but suddenly relaxed and sighed softly at her gentle gesture.

Seraphina blinked and a tear fell down her cheek, she was confused as to why having Sousuke talk about himself in such a way affected her so much. She did not understand why she felt so compelled to take all his pain and suffering away.

Sousuke felt as if his heart was beating deeper than before when she cried for him. Nobody had ever shed tears for him before. Perhaps only his mother, but no one else, and it felt... nice.

He reached out to her face and gently wiped her tear away with his thumb, not realizing the closeness of their bodies as he was deeply captivated without even knowing it.

And neither did she.

Everything was silent once more when they met each other's gaze and their faces almost near to one another. All they feel was... an instant comfort, a sudden connection, and something else that they can't point their finger at. Not quite understanding as why their emotions deepen when they are close together in such a short time.

Sousuke's heart raced faster, and this has never happened before. Not until now, as his eyes settled on her face. She had such long eyelashes, a petite nose, and plump pink lips that he feels like he wanted to touch with his. And oh, her lovely smile and her alluring periwinkle eyes were what really caught his attention and that took his breath away.

'She had such beautiful eyes...' He thought softly.

Seraphina on the other hand, too felt her heart beating faster like a rabbit. Completely different from her once small infatuation with a boy named Gabriele, who was a few years older than her. All she feels is a brief attachment and an immature childlike one. But when she met first met Sousuke, everything was an instant feeling of rightness. Yes, she had only just met him once or twice yet it feels like she already met this person before. It wasn't a rush of intense emotions, but more a feeling of overwhelming calmness and peace as if it felt... natural.

She finally looked into his features properly and noticing every detail. His chocolate-colored hair was soft and wavy, that most of its strands fell over his beautiful dark eyes that moved gently in the wind. His face was wonderfully carved, a smooth sharp jawline, high cheekbones, perfect nose, perfect lips, eyelashes not too short or too long, and well-defined eyebrows. All in all, he looked like a handsome prince from a foreign kingdom.

Seraphina was brought out of her reverie when Sousuke saw her small golden rose hairpin fell off from her rosy pink locks as the once hair bun unwraps and slides down swiftly. Realizing that her hairpin was on the ground, she was about to pick it up but he got to it first. He observes the object in his hand for a while before giving this back to her. "It seemed you dropped this."

Before taking it, she began to think of wanting to give her golden hairpin to Sousuke. Just to remember her by as a gift. So without a second thought, she pushes her hand with her fingertips towards his.

"You keep it, Sousuke-san."

Fully confused as to why she would give such a small valuable piece. Not to mention, it was pure gold. Unable to be received by her, he protested.

"No, I shouldn't take it. This belongs to you."

"And now it's yours. Please take it." She smiled softly.

Sousuke made a deep sigh as he gave up from this small petty argument then begins to bow his head slightly in respect. "Thank you for giving me this, Seraphina-san."

"Sera."

Raising his head to face her, looking a bit puzzled. "What?"

His expression made her giggled softly as she repeated. "I would like you to call me 'Sera'."

Sousuke sat very still, feeling accepted in a way that he had never felt before. First, she gave him her hairpin. Then second, she wanted for him to call by her affectionate name. This was all too much for him to handle such emotions in one day.

The way she giggled with pure affection made his heart swell. Something inside him was urging him not to let her go and he'd only just met her yesterday. Finally, he begins to say in an almost whispered tone of her name...

"Sera."

This response made her smile widely in content. "I'm glad... and I hope we can meet again tomorrow."

Softly smiling in return, he hummed in reply.

"Guess we'll have to see."

Knowing that he would come on the next day in this same place, she gave him her one last smile before turning around and ran away gracefully. He can see her light brown skirt swishing and her rosy pink hair swaying in an elegant way like silk.

Sousuke watched her go, feeling his heart twist in longing. This feeling is earnestly quite alien to him. It was like fate is literally casting an enchantment on him. He never thought love at first sight, could be this real.

Yet, Sousuke found himself secretly taken with Seraphina's beauty and her kindheartedness. 

❀ ·.·'¯'·.·❀

Once arrived in Dejima, it was almost night where the sky begins to turn orange varied with violet and its sun slowly disappears. Seraphina successfully sneaked past inside the trading post and a few of the night watchmen then she finally made her way towards the cabin. Quietly opening the door slowly as she went inside before closing it gently. Trying to walk past her uncle's room, she, fortunately, got into her own and made it in silence.

After Seraphina changed into her nightgown, she lay down on the bed and tuck herself in with the blanket as the moon's soft light spilled into the quiet room from the opened window. Looking at the wooden ceiling from above, her thoughts of Sousuke came into mind as she tried to sleep among her thin blankets.

Seraphina started to question her sudden feelings for Sousuke since the day she first met him, from the way he looked at her with such gentleness, and how she was able to understand him deeply. When he ran his fingers through her cheek, she felt a warmth spread in her belly and felt her face grow rosy with heat. She remembered how he gazes into her eyes, his expression looked... enamored. It was a look she had never seen before, and his eyes... his eyes had a softness in them that she had never seen it either.

Tenderly smiling from her thought of him, she settled herself in her warm blankets, and finally fell asleep with a sigh.

Dark brown eyes and warm hands begin to fill her dreams.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey everyone, what do you think of their love of first sight moment? Is it good? a bit too romantic? Or is it straight out of a Nicholas Sparks Novel? Or just... plain right corny? God, I hope not (^^)"

As I said before, I am a 100% hopeless romantic kind of writer. So please, don't judge me ｡:ﾟ(;'∩';)ﾟ:｡

Vote and comment, guys (＾∇＾)ﾉ♪!