A Secret Kiss

  * * *

  Sebastian stared at the little card on his bed, his heart thumping loudly within his chest. He knew the instant he’d seen the card who it was from and what the meaning of it was. He, however, refused to think about it, refused to pick it up and read the contents. That was when he heard someone rushing into Sakura’s room and a moment later more footsteps.

  “She left us,” he heard Conrad say.

  It was as though the world had collapsed on him, and he felt sick to his stomach. Suddenly he felt dizzy, and his legs staggered. He sat on the bed, finding it difficult to breathe. He felt as though he was being suffocated.

  Then, as if he couldn’t stand the torment of not knowing what that card said, he reached for it. Slowly he took a deep breath and opened the card.

  Mono no aware.

  I love you.

  Sakura

  Sebastian closed his eyes, his face contorted with anguish. “Sakura,” he cried softly under his breath. “Sakura.” His body was shaking uncontrollably as he sat there, silently crying his heart out.

  Why did you have to leave? Why? Who told you to leave? Have you no heart? You said you love me. So why did you leave me?

  “Why?” he whispered. “Why?” Then he shook his head, refusing to submit to this stupid fate she’d made out for him. He wouldn’t accept this. Not Sebastian. He wasn’t just going to sit here and let her run off just like that. Oh no. He’d track her down and bring her back.

  “Mono no aware bullshit!” he swore. “I’m going to find you, Sakura, and I will never allow you out of my sight again, ever!” He lifted his head then, a determined look in his azure eyes, his face a hard mask.