Crimson Rain

chapter 4

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Downstairs, the breakfast table was neatly set, sunlight spilling across the plates of fresh fruit, toast, and warm porridge. The maid, smiling politely, guided us to our seats.

Aries carefully set me down on my chair, still wearing that teasing smirk. “Sit properly, little one,” he said, though his tone had softened.

I glared at him lightly but couldn’t help feeling a bit safe with him nearby. As I reached for a slice of toast, he leaned over and quietly helped me spread some butter evenly, his fingers brushing mine for a moment.

“You’re hopeless at this,” he teased softly, and I stuck out my tongue in response.

The maid watched us with quiet amusement, noting how the two were slowly growing accustomed to each other. Meanwhile, I realized I didn’t feel quite so alone anymore. With Aries sitting beside me, showing me little ways to do things, the house suddenly felt a little more like home.

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After finishing my breakfast, the nanny took my school bag in one hand and gently held my other hand. As we stepped outside, I saw Aries already sitting in the car, leaning back casually.

He scoffed, a teasing grin on his face. “So slow… no wonder you’re tiny like a snail,” he said.

I glared at him and shot back, “Everything except your brain seems to be working well!”

Aries stared at me for a moment, clearly amused, until I finally climbed into the car. The moment I sat down, he flicked me on the forehead.

“Ahhh! This… nasty human!” I yelped, rubbing the spot, while he laughed quietly to himself, clearly enjoying the chaos he’d caused.

Even though he was teasing me relentlessly, a small part of me felt… safe. Maybe it was because he was here, right beside me.

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“Ouch… did this guy just pull my bow?!” I exclaimed. “Ahh, Aries, you’re so done!”

I stared at him, my eyes narrowing, then a mischievous smile spread across my face. “Lean down,” I commanded softly.

Aries looked utterly confused but, curious as always, he leaned down anyway. Without hesitation, I sank my little teeth into his shoulder!

“Ahh! What—hey!” Aries yelped, shocked and wincing from the sudden bite.

He tried to shake me off, but I held on stubbornly. Eventually, he gave up and retaliated the only way he knew how — by tickling me mercilessly. I had no choice but to curl up, squealing and giggling uncontrollably.

“Puppy!” he teased, laughing as he finally let me go.

I pouted, feeling a mix of frustration and embarrassment, and sulked silently, turning my attention elsewhere to ignore him.

Soon, the car arrived at the International School in Tokyo. We stepped out together, the morning sun glinting off the sleek school building. Aries’s friends were already waiting for him by the entrance, chatting and laughing.

The moment they saw me, their chatter stopped, replaced by curious glances and whispers. I could feel their eyes on me, taking in the tiny figure of the new girl who had just appeared beside the young master.

Aries, noticing their stares, smirked slightly and nudged me forward. “Don’t worry,” he said softly. “They’re just curious.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, and followed him, my small steps feeling both timid and brave.

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Soon, someone tall, almost as tall as Aries, suddenly jumped in front of me. I yelped in fright and darted behind Aries, my small body shaking slightly.

Aries laughed, a low, amused sound. “Hey, don’t do that! She’s afraid!” he said, his voice protective.

I peeked out cautiously, only to feel a sharp pinch on my cheek. I winced, ready to cry, but the hand quickly withdrew as Aries’s eyes turned cold, a warning glare that made everyone pause.

“Who… who are you?” one of them asked hesitantly.

I straightened up a little, gathering courage, and replied softly, “I’m his sister.”

Aries gave a small nod, standing slightly in front of me, silently making it clear that I was under his protection.

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- To be continued...