Prologue:



The night was dim and silent. The moon was shining brightly, like it intended to be the only source of light. A dark shadow hovered a sleeping damsel, sheets covering half her body. He stooped down to get a better view, hoping to see the girl's beautiful face one more time. She was as vibrant as ever. Her face was at peace and looked as if she was wide awake.

He smiled.

He had always admire her small frame. Her brows looked cute on her when arched, her shiny lips that was so irresistible when she smiles, her small nose, her cheeks that would always turn pink whenever he caught her looking at him. And lastly, her crimson orbs. It was as sharp as an eagle's but as tantalizing as a rose. And how could he forget her long ebony hair, that would sway and sway while she was walking.

He would miss everything about her. Even the little details...

It was almost time for him to go. It would be a shame to not have the time to cherish every inch of her. But he must hurry now before she wakes up.

He gave her a kiss in the forehead and a small smile before standing up and get his bag. He took a step before glancing back at the sleeping beauty. ha again gave her a beam and took a small breath.

"Goodbye, my little Ayu." he whispered, started walking towards the window.

The whistling sound of the blanket startled him but what surprised him the most was her voice.

"Rykel..." she said, her tone a bit groggy but then turned sweetly when she spoke again. "Where are you going?"

The man, Rykel, was not nervous. He anticipated this. Like he already knew that this would happen soon. "No where, my dear." he said softly, turning his head back around to see her face again. "Go back to sleep."

The girl bit her lip. His actions alerted her. The bag and his voice... he must be hiding something. "You... you're going somewhere, aren't you?"

The room had become awkwardly silent, like someone had just put them both to sleep - but that wasn't the case.

He placed the bag at a corner and sat beside the girl. "Yeah... I am." He murmured. "Now please, go back to sleep." He tried to tuck her in but she refused to move.

"Why are you leaving?" she exclaimed, her voice quivering. Water started to well up her eyes.

In her whole life, people were always leaving her. She tried to be the best person so that people won't leave her. But they just kept on going...

By now, her face was soak with tears. Her nose red, also her cheeks. He hated seeing her like this. He'd seen it for a few times... he never liked it once.

He smiled and wiped her tears away. "Silly, cause I have to."

Her tears were uncontrollable. It continued on falling. "No you don't! You can stay!"

"..."

"You can stay with me! Forever. Always!"

He hugged her tightly. He wanted to stay by her side forever, it was the truth. But there were some things that kept him away from her. A lot of things. But right now, all of it doesn't matter. All he can do now is to be with her and enjoy being able to see her.

"I'll stay..." He pulled her closer. His and her body touched, warming them both. She was in his arms. So close and so right. He leaned on the wall beside her head.

Strawberries.

That's what her hair smelled like. He loved it.

"Promise me,you'll stay... until I fall asleep."

"Yeah. I promise."

Once again, she was in her beloved's arms, fast asleep. And he had the chance, even just once more, to be with her.