2 Where She Came From - 1.2

Arriving at the man's home, the sight that she saw surprised and shocked her, making her mouth gape and the man chuckle in amusement.

What she expected to be a house built in to the forest turned out to be something beyond her expectations. The place they arrived in had a decent-sized pagoda which seemed to serve as a temple of some sort. It had a beautiful, understated elegance making it look both humble yet majestic at the same time.

Bypassing the entrance to the temple which had exquisitely carved dragons wrapping around the pillars, the man led the little girl who still stared around with wide eyes around the temple and through a smaller, more inconspicous side entrance. Unlocking it, he ushered the little girl inside before making sure it's still secure while the girl observed her new surroundings with an expression filled with wonder and amazement.

"You... You live here?" she asked in a small awestruck voice as she stared at him with wide eyes.

"Yes, little one. I live here, do you like it?"

"What's not to like? It's beautiful!" she exclaimed, her big, beautiful eyes twinkling as she slowly started exploring.

Her eyes soaked in all the little details of the spacious courtyard that the man brought him to. To the wonderful garden with various flowering plants, and a herb garden tucked into one side and a huge koi pond that has several lotus flowers, along with a small man-made waterfall on one side and an ornately carved bridge crossing above it.

She also noticed the huge cherry blossom tree that had a few branches that hung over the koi pond. She can already imagine the breathtaking view it would show when the blossoms were in full bloom while some of the petals are blown and fell down to the water below.

She couldn't wait to see that!

Just as she was giggling happily at her thoughts, she suddenly stopped as a thought entered her mind before her expression changes as she stared at the cherry blossom tree with a forlorn expression, unaware that the man was observing her.

"What's is bothering you little one?" the man asked gently, interrupting her increasingly depressing thoughts.

"It's nothing."

"Are you sure?"

"Mhmm" the little girl hummed in agreement while she absent-mindedly nodded.

"If you say so then. Come along, I'll show you to the room you'll be staying in." he said with a sigh as he gestured for her to follow before starting to walk.

"Staying in?" confused, she scrambled after him to catch up.

"Didn't I already tell you that you'll be staying with me?"

"B-But I thought this would only be for tonight?" she asked, confusion etched on her face.

"Is that what you want?" he asked as he suddenly stopped in his tracks making the girl bump into him before she managed to steady herself and looking at him with questioning eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, do you really want to only stay here for one night?"

"I... uhhh, I mean..." stammering, she took a small step backwards and lowered her head before starting to mumble incomprehensive words.

With an amused but exasperated sigh, he took a step towards her before kneeling down and meeting her gaze. "Do you not want to stay here and live with me?" he asked gently.

Her eyes that tried to avoid his, suddenly snapped and met his as a dumbfounded expression formed in her face making it hard for him not to chuckle in amusement.

"You mean I can stay?" she asked hopefully and he could see how much she was trying to hold back her excitement. Only the hope and relief that flashed through her eyes stayed.

"Well of course you can stay! As long as you want to, it's up to you."

"Really?" she asked in an almost disbelieving manner, as if what he said was too good to be true.

"Really."

His words were met with a beaming smile. Looking at it felt like he was seeing a lotus flower blooming right before his eyes. It was simply beautiful that he couldn't help but smile back and offering his hand as he straightened his knees and got up.

Looking at his hand, she shyly held it with her own. His huge hand completely covered her own as he gripped hers gently. A feeling of warmth traveled from their intertwined hands to her chest, feeling her with a sense of peace and happiness.

Never had she experienced this ever since she started livibg in the streets. As far as she can remember, no one has shown her this much gentleness and kindness. She was only around five years of age but she already knew the feeling of despair and loneliness. She knew that no matter what the world shows on the surface, there is always that darker side to it where violence and cruelty exists.

It was the first time in a long time that she felt that sometimes there is still some good with life and holding this kind man's hand was one of them.

Looking up to him as he led her to one of doors in the left side of the courtyard, she bit her lips, lost in thought on what to do. Catching her looking the man looked at her with a questioning gaze.

"What's your name?" she then blurted out before blushing in embarrassment as she quickly looked down making him laugh and ruffle her hair affectionately.

"I am called Daisuke Eito, you can address me whatever way you want." he answered with a chuckle.

"Oh, what about you then? What us your name little one?" he asked curiously as they entered a room which made the little girl gasp in awe as she gazed around.

A couple of minutes passed before she realized that he also asked her a question and was waiting patiently for her to answer making her blush even more.

"Ai. My name is Ai."