the death of a bachelor

thirty-two | key

Reiju bit her lip, fighting the gasp that threatened to escape her lips. She had mumbled words in Japanese thinking no one could understand her. And yet... Why did she have to fuck up in front of him?

"Oh, don't mind me." She laughed shakily. "I was just talking to myself."

"Is that so?" He crossed his arms over his hard chest, making her gulp. "Or did you say that because you thought I couldn't speak Japanese?"

Ah, damn it.

Now, she had no choice but to appeal to that softness she had seen earlier. Reiju placed a hand at her bandaged cheek, wincing in pain. "Shit. Maybe I should've asked Lena to give me some painkillers."

As she expected, the man's forehead creased in worry.

"Was it that deep?" he asked.

"Of course it was!" she exclaimed, clutching her cheek. "Irina is crazy, you know!"

"Wait here." Professor Shah clicked his tongue and marched inside.

Reiju smiled in triumph and trailed after him. Her eyes surveyed the area and immediately frowned at the scene. There was barely anything in this house. A gray sofa set, white bookshelves, and a small wooden kitchen. She could see his room from the ajar door but the man closed it abruptly.

"Tch." She pouted before she saw a plate of daifuku on the wooden table. Reiju stomped to the kitchen and ate one. Then, another. "Ah, I missed this."

"Was that a lie?"

Reiju quickly swallowed the food. She turned to the sound of his voice and her throat dried up at his form. Rohan Shah was buttoning his black long-sleeved shirt. Her eyes followed the movements of his deft fingers, heart pounding in anticipation.

"Aren't you supposed to be in pain?" he asked with a knowing smirk. He proceeded to roll his sleeves. Slow, unhurried... sexy. His forearms were on display, giving Reiju a glimpse of the prominent veins on his arms.

"I'm okay now." She cleared her throat, ignoring the onslaught of butterflies in her stomach. "So, can I have the key?"

"No." Professor Shah trudged towards her, hiding his hands in his pockets. "Get out."

"But--"

"I said get out."

Professor Shah reached her spot. He towered over her, making the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Her skin prickled with fear as his eyes burned. "Do not make me say it again, Miss Tenjin."

Reiju stepped backward, her back digging into the edge of the table. Her senses were on high alert as the man continued to enhance his killing intent.

But why?

"S-stop it." Reiju clenched her fists, receiving his odious stare. "That is not enough to scare me."

He stepped closer. "Really?"

"Is it that bad for you to resort to this?" she demanded that Rohan's brown eyes flickered in surprise. Reiju steeled her nerves and continued talking. "I know that you see me as some reckless kid but I'm not an idiot. If you explain instead of acting like an asshole, I will understand. I will follow your orders."

He pressed his lips tight, glaring at her.

"Professor, just this once, can't you treat me like an equal?"

Seconds ticked by before the professor let out a long sigh. He ran a hand through his dark hair and leaned against the table next to her. "Fine. You have a point so I'll tell you."