Bewitching Illusions

Book 2: Sweet Serenade

**** Book 2, Chapter Fifteen: The Function ****

Yuki Sora.

"Your date is waiting for you downstairs, my love." My mother smiled at me with so much pride in her heart.

"Mom, do you think I look okay?" My eyes were filled with worry as I looked at myself in the mirror.

I felt so awkward. I have never been used to wearing something like this, something so regal. 

My mom came over and hugged me. "Why don't you come downstairs so that you can see your reflection in his eyes."

My mom smiled confidently at me and I couldn't help but smile back. She went downstairs and I could hear her telling everyone that I was ready.

As I came downstairs, first I saw my dad, Ulysses. He looked very proud indeed. The corners of his eyes glistened like tears were about to fall from his eyes.

My mom hugged my dad with a similar expression on her face. Her tears fell from her eyes and I saw my dad kiss her pretty cheeks as he wiped her tears away.

I smiled seeing how sweet they were to each other, how much they loved each other. And how much they love us, their children, with all the parental love their hearts could carry.

I looked at my brother, who was in the middle of talking with Kaede. His jaw dropped like he never thought I could look this cute. 

I nearly laughed seeing my brother's reaction. Then his face went serious as he looked at Kaede. He said something to Kaede, acting like a big brother for once.

And... Kaede Oda.

His eyes... 

They were filled with so much affection and warmth. His cerulean eyes the color of the ocean... and the color of life itself.

His golden hair always made him stand out, but I didn't realize that he could look this good in a suit. 

He looked like a prince. The prince every girl in school knew him to be.

But also, he looked like someone I don't know like he was hiding some kind of secret personality. Two persons sharing one form. 

I know it sounds silly, but he didn't look human. He looks like a fae if such things exist. Or something out of a myth, if it is possible. That was how good he looked. 

I smiled at my date when our eyes finally met. I steadied myself by walking slowly towards him. 

When I finally reached him, he whispered, "You look so beautiful. Almost like a dream." 

My whole family escorted us out of the house and even waved goodbye when Kaede drove his red Mercedes Benz. 

My father had already instructed us that Jiro would be the one to fetch me and return me home. 

I smiled when I remembered my dad saying over and over that such parties have a lot of alcoholic drinks lying around and that if he ever smelled an ounce of alcohol on me, Kaede would never be allowed inside our home again. 

Kaede assured Dad that he will never let me out of his sight. That was the first time I saw Dad smile at Kaede. And then, he let us go. 

But as we sped away from the house, my heart raced from all the anxiety I felt. 

"I don't know how to behave in a normal social function as a party." I finally voiced out my concern to Kaede. 

He stopped the car and caressed my cheeks. "I don't know what to tell you to make you feel better. But know that I will be by your side every second of the night."

"That will be... perfect." I smiled as I felt my worries disappear.

I was ready for the prom.

_________

**** Book 2, Chapter Sixteen: 

Sweet Serenade ****

Yuki Sora.

The prom was as magical as my mom said it would be.

A great banquet hall had been filled with all kinds of food, serenades played constantly for the attendees, the high ceiling of the great hall was filled with blinding glittering lights.

Kaede kept his word and never left me for a single second. 

"Congratulations, Kaede. This is a great party indeed." A white-haired student approached us. He looked like a friendly, jolly person but the other students looked at him with fear in their eyes.

"Thank you, Hunter." Kaede smiled warmly at him. It seemed like they had been friends for a long time.

"Oh, Kaede is this your girlfriend?" Whisky spoke up. Now, I know Whisky from his reputation. One of the school's evildoers, always fighting other students. Every freshman was warned against him.

But he had a friendly smile and a really loud, funny voice, I wonder if the other students just spread rumors about him, the same way that I had suffered from some malicious lies spread against me.

Kaede smiled at both of them and said, "I can only hope so."

"Oooohhhh! Someone is love-struck! Come ask for my advice any time, for I am the great soldier of love!" Whisky said raucously with his loud voice. 

I couldn't help but laugh at how silly he looked. Kaede joined in laughing too. 

"This is the beautiful Yuki Sora." Kaede smiled proudly, as he looked at me with an expression that made me blush as red as a tomato. 

"You mean, the daughter of Ulysses Sora?!" Hunter's eyes widened. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I am his biggest fan!" 

Hunter took my hand and shook it earnestly. He seemed like such a straightforward person.

"Hello Hunter, it is nice to meet you too." I smiled at the silver-haired boy.

"I am his biggest fan too!" Whisky said while bringing out a notebook. "Please let him autograph my arm someday!" Whisky pleaded. 

I laughed out loud, not caring about the others who looked at us. Mostly the other girls looked at us with envy as I was made part of Kaede's group.

The music changed into a love song. Such a beautiful love song with romantic lyrics. 

Kaede looked at me intently, he held out his hand in front of me. For a while I just stared at his hand, not understanding why.

"Will you please grant me the pleasure of dancing with the most beautiful girl tonight?" Kaede smiled, hopeful and yet afraid that I might turn him down.

"Come on Yuki! Don't let the prince lose face!" Hunter and Whisky pushed us both towards the dance floor and left us there.

I was conscious that many eyes were focused on us. I could feel the other girls' dagger eyes boring a hole in my skull. 

But then their stares slowly faded as Kaede's hands enveloped my waist. We danced slowly. 

I can't concentrate on anything else except for the fast beating of my heart as those azure eyes captured my soul. 

"Why do they call you the prince?" I asked Kaede in the hope of changing the rhythm of my fast-beating heart.

"One day, I'll tell you why. But for now, I want to savor this moment with you in my arms." Kaede danced gracefully. It almost felt as though we were flowing through the air.

I was lost in the sweet tender moment of being in his arms. The sweet prince who makes every girl's heart flutter.