0.1 System

My memories became hazy. A big blur. A deep husky voice came calling out to me repeatly. It was a name I never heard before.

"Kiyo"

"Kiyo"

"Kiyo"

"Wake up"

Huh? What?

I wake in cold sweat in a white traditional chinese kimono. Muscular arms that gently shook my arm are from a handsome stranger. I seem to have no recollection of meeting before.

Huh? Are my eyes failing me? I was in utter disbelief.

It was one of those ancient palaces that I saw as a kid. It was embedded with emblishments of ancient motifs and chinese scriptures. High ceiling walls in a array of red and vermillion shades.

This is not the brothel I work in.

My head was filled with unanswered questions that beckoned me.

Am I already dead? How did this happen?

Am I still dreaming? or am I in another dimension? Or in a another era?

Why do you keep calling me Kiyo? What am I wearing? What is this place?

My face was reflected in the polished vase that was so clean that it reflected like a mirror.

Is that me?

I stared at my reflection in the shiny ancient porcelin vase.

Why do I look a bit different? Did I changed overnight?

This face was not mine. And, I was in a different attire than my usual.

"Ow." I place a hand on my aching head

"Here, drink this. its golden root it will help ease you," The gentleman handed me a cup of tea.

I took a sip of the liquid slowly with both hands receiving the drink.

This guy. I don't know him but he is indeed charmingly attractive. As I drank it the spice of the tea slightly stinged my lips.

"Why do you keep staring at me?" I questioned. My eyes focus on him.

"Who are you?"

"Huh? You don't remember me. I am Akihiro Nishikawa,"

"I'm your lover,"

Pfftt-

I spit out the drink and it sprayed all over his face. He was caught off guard. He wiped it with a wash cloth in a silver basin that was on the bed.

"What!?" I couldn't control myself that I blurted out my surprise.

"Have you lost your memory? Why don't you remember me?" He asked me, with a frown and a worried face.

"No. No. I remember you. Hiro, right?" I tried to collect myself and assure him. This stranger, who claims to be my lover.

"Akihiro." He corrected me in my attempt of calling him by his name.

"I'm sorry. I must've hit my head" I said putting my hand on my head to convince him that I am not well.

"Who are you" he asked in a serious tone.

I'd like to say, you have been mistaken. I am not Kiyo. But how can I blurt that out? I don't even know who or what I am.

"You act different. Like you aren't the same Kiyo I knew before"

"I am Kiyo." my words felt foreign to me as I know nothing of this person who he claims me to be.

A pause lingered as I reclaimed the title of his beloved.

"You should rest more, we have a long journey ahead of us"

"Rest"

My eyebrows furrowed. I try to remember the memories of this girl. He pinched my cheek to release the intension that was building up.

"Ow! ow! ow!" He squeezed hard and released the hold of his pinch.

"What was that for?"

"Don't look so serious. It doesn't suit you."

"Aren't you going back to your room" I said in annoyance.

"No. I will watch over you until you fall asleep"

My cheeks redden at the thought of being alone with a man. I crossed my hands to my chest. He chuckled at my reaction.

"I won't sleep with you. I will merely watch you for your safety."

Owls howting, crickets chirping. The night grew darker.

"Sleep. It's late" he said

He holds my hand. My eyes grew heavy as I fell into deep slumber.

***

The birds chirp as the small pockets morning sunshine blinded woke me. I squinted my eyes as I lift an arm to block it's harsh glare that blinded me.

My eyes to focus to a head that was lying in the edge of me bed. This Akihiro. He was still holding my hand.

My movements made the folds of my blanket move waking him up. He stretches and rubs his eyes to wake himself. His eyes half-open he flashes a smile to greet me.

"Sleep well?"

I nodded in response.

Small dark circles under his eyes. I can tell he guarded me without a wink of sleep last night.

I reached out to touch his tired eyes. I felt a bit of guilt.

He placed a weak smile as he placed his palm to touch my hand that was cupping his face.

"It's okay. It doesn't bother me"

"I'll call in the servants to fix you up for a meal"

He takes his leave as a bunch of of handmaids in waiting are carrying assortment of fabrics, hairpins and makeup.