MENACE

CHAPTER TEN : In Heaven

"???"

Rita almost lost her balance when she saw the account price for the whole rent. It's beyond what she had expected.

"T-this is almost half a million..."

"Oh? Are you worried about the money?"

Kikuo tilted her head and hummed.

"Hmm... well, because you're Gin-chan's beloved guest I guess, I could give you 10% discount. And don't worry! You can stay here whenever you like. Since I'm already glad that someone like you would be here. Also, everything's already provided, you can check them once you'll get inside."

Rita carried her two bags and stepped into the porch. She immediately felt overwhelmed by the high class exterior design, as if originally crafted by artisans. The door had beautiful symbols and the windows were made of fine glass. She could also see the large silk curtains at the balcony, and the diamond shaped window by the attic.

Truly, this place is majestic. And Kikuo said she'll be currently living alone in this lavish mansion?

"Um, Kikuo-san does other people also live nearby ?" Rita had to make sure if there's any close neighbors so she won't definitely feel desolated. Despite being a major introvert her whole life, ofcourse she still needed human interaction.

"Oh, there's Mrs. Owell next door. Also, Ryuu lives across with his family. They're very kind people, so you'll be great !" Kikuo patted Rita's head and she nodded.

Why does people she met so far kept patting her?

"Thank you so much, again. Ms. Kikuo, I look forward to accommodate this wonderful place."

Rita smiled and was about to open the door when Kikuo said something .

"Oh, I forgot, your full name? Since I'll be writing some documents for your stay."

"...Rita, Norman." Rita uttered and looked at Kikuo who busily wrote on her notepad.

"Alright, Ms. Rita Norman!~ I hope you enjoy your stay at this humble space! Just call whatever concern may arise on the registered telephone number. Please better make yourself at home."

Rita thanked her again and slowly entered the house. She felt a bit excited as it might be her first time inside a mansion-like house with western theme design.

"I look forward to sleep well atleast... " Rita muttered and a weird thought sauntered on her mind.

"Jeez, I also hope there's no such thing as a ghost.." Maybe she had watched too much horror movies, and reminded herself that the living is more dangerous.

Rita shook off her bothering thoughts and made her way through the wooden polished staircase. Her mouth naturally fell agape as she took in the interior design which is extremely intricate, adorned with elegance but still kept the simplicity vibe, making any spectator feel captivated and comfortable at the same time. In addition, everything seem so well maintained, as every structure and design scream appreciation.

Rita silently breathe in the sweet and fragrant smell and found out there is a botany outside the balcony, and on the other side is a small maze like garden filled with flowers she didn't expect to see again. Her heart instinctively clenched at the thought of her mother. She must be so worried, and probably crying since she only left a small letter. Now she thought about it, it's almost been 2 months since she left her hometown. I pray that they are all well. Rita hopefully wished and continued her way to search for a room to rest.

Finally, she found the room on the second floor, at the edge of the narrow corridor. Apparently, there are a lot of rooms available but Rita doesn't have time to check them one by one. Thus she only looked for the room which contains the key number she was given to. Rita unlocked the room with the key and immediately fell amazed for a dozen times now. It was incredibly spacious, the soft torquouse and emerald palette suits her taste. Everything is neatly arranged and there's even a closet and body sized mirror on the wall across the bed.The double sized bed appeared so enchanting to her that exact moment. She fell in love at first sight. A gorgeous double- sized bed, with blankets and pillows neatly arranged in symmetry, which made her felt bad to lay down. But exhaustion overcame her subconscious and Rita immediately crashed into the clouds of softness and let her body eventually sink in. It made her tired body melt and her mind relaxed.

" Gosh, I'm in heaven.." She unconsciously said as she felt like floating in the clouds. Just a few minutes passed then and she fell asleep like a baby.

***

Ring Ring Ring

She got pulled back to consciousness when a loud doorbell echoed from the living room. Her heartbeats drummed, and she quickly got up to collect herself before going down to answer the call.

Rita took a quick glance at the wall clock which said 6 :30 PM. Is it the owner? Maybe she forgot to say something. Rita tried to pacify her nervous heart by peeking at the small transparent hole above the door. Her suspicions were proven immediately wrong.

An unfamiliar man.

"Hello, good evening! I am Ryuu Hyakunosuke , your neighbour. I am told by Mrs. Owell to send you dinner as a welcoming gift."

Rita hesitantly opened the door and took a good look at the person. He looked tall when he straightened himself from trying to peek at the hole too. His elongated hair fell on his shoulders, and he wore a black facemask. So she could only focus at his dark amber eyes. Oddly, it feels familiar in a bad way. Hence Rita avoided his gaze by looking at what he extended with his arms. A mouthwatering scent wafted through the air and she forgot a second the person infront of her. It's a delicious looking pasta.

"Haha you seem hungry already, I hope you enjoy this meal."

Embarrassment coloured Rita's face as she realised that he shortened the distance between them to hand the food which she received with no choice.

I just woke up so I must look like a mess, and I'm starving too. There's no reason to refuse the consequent blessings that arrived this day. Rita meaninglessly rationalised and bowed down her head a little as thanks.

"Thank you, please tell Ms. Owell I deeply appreciate it. I'm also sorry, I can't give anything in return right now—"

"Oh, please don't fret it, Miss Norman."

Rita looked up to him and he flashed a beautiful smile. Dang it, he looked attractive alright. He must be good at girls. Most importantly...

" The Landlady gave us a brief introduction of you, and I'm really glad we got an interesting new neighbor!" Ryuu cheerfully added, his eyes seemed to disappear whenever he smile. He also sounded kind with a hint of playfulness. I guess he's around Rohan and Yohan's age. She softly smiled back at him.

"I see, I hope we get along, Hyakunosuke."

"Ah, you can kindly call me Ryuu, Rita-san."

"Okay, Ryuu-san."

Ryuu just laughed it off and waved at her as he emphasized again that she must be dying to eat the food now, which Rita only denied in humour.

"It's scrumptious."

Rita mumbled while eating the pasta on the huge dining table. She felt revitalised and wished for more positive things the day after this and many more. It's not that much to ask right?

Rita blindedly enjoyed her time as if erasing all of her delimnas from existence. Completely unaware of the set of falcon eyes preying over her presence.

" A warm welcome is truly needed."