*UNEDITED*

A few years ago

Sano found himself sneaking out of the party with a frustrated feeling. He should have known better. A person of his status attending a gathering like this. However this time he thought it could work out due to his relations with the host. But it seems like he still has a long way to go. Sano recalled the look of disgust on their faces when the host introduced him and sighed. His parents did say it wouldn't be easy but even then he didn't think it would be to this extent.

His gaze fell on the skies and he sighed again. It looks like it will snow. What should he do? Just head back now? He knew the other guests would book a room upstairs but he no longer wanted to remain in this unpleasant atmosphere.

Is that--

Sano took a deep breathe and got closer as he spotted a woman with long black hair standing in the center of the water fountain.

He blinked surprised. What is she doing? He took a few steps forward and ended up watching her for a few minutes. The girl would occasionally bend down and take a handful of water.

"The water isnt that cold."

At that comment Sano awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. "I didn't mean to peek."

Sumire laughed. "I know, your just trying to get away from prying eyes. Come over here, nobody will find you."

Sano nodded and walked over to where she was. "Ah your Nagawa Sano correct?"

"You know my name?"

The girl chuckled again and nodded. "Of course I knew, it felt like you were out of place just like me."

Out of place huh? Sano sighed. "I didnt think you would be so blunt even though we just met."

"I believe it is only right to be straight forward."

Sumire jumped down from the fountain part and took a seat beside him. The ground was awfully cold and out of instinct he removed his jacket and passed it to her. "Sit on this."

She placed her hand on her mouth and shyly laughed. "Oh, I see that you are that type of person."

Sano wondered what she meant by that comment but knew better than to make a remark. He recalled his discussion with his friend earlier and paused. Maybe he can take advantage of this situation? He immediately shook his head. It won't work out she is far too young. He cannot recklessly seduce her.

"How old are you?"

"Uh fifteen."

His face colour turned pale at those words and he mumbled right. He almost did something criminal there. She is younger than he originally thought. When he first saw her earlier, Sano assumed that she was at least eighteen. With her looks it is only natural for him to think that way and what is with her body? Any normal person would misunderstand.

Anyhow he definitely can't do anything now that he knew her age. He doesn't want to do anything criminal.

"Achoo."

At that Sano's eyes twitched annoyed. "You have a cold?"

"No, I'm perfectly okay!"

Right as she said those words, he heard the sound of another sneeze and then another. Sano removed his blazer and draped it around her shoulders. "Use this."

He already gave his jacket away and now his blazer, naturally he felt the cold. Sano wrapped his arms around his shoulders and sighed. What is he even doing out here with this little girl?

"Say you're not asking me to return to the party?"

"You're only young, a kid can be expected to understand those events."

"Ah, are you calling me stupid? Despite what it looks like I know what I am doing."

Indeed he heard from his companion earlier that the girl got a special invitation from the higher ups to attend the event. There were many people who wanted to approach her and gain her input on their investments. But just as there are people fawning over her, there are those who dislike her too.

He heard all their hostile remarks. There were those who dislike the girl because she in their words is just a little bit smart. Those who say she is only lucky, and that the more she advances, the more she will struggle. In otherwords it was all jealousy, just because she has talent and they do not.

Sano sighed at the thought. There are far too many people like that in this circle, people who use their mouth more than gain any actual skills. Then again with his current stance in the business world, he has no choice but to suck up to those people.

His thoughts broke off when he noticed the girl looking at him.

"What?"

"I was thinking you are quite good looking."

"Hah, what?"

"You dont believe me? I doubt this is the first time you have heard somebody compliment you."

Naturally he has heard it several times. He knew one of the main reason why his family sent him out to gather connections is his looks. If he didnt have a handsome face, then it would be harder to seduce and gather the connections they need.

"So what, do you want to date me?"

Sano leaned closer like he was about to kiss her but he was only joking around. To his surprise though the girl leaned forward until their lips lightly touched. "Yes."

It was just a light response and yet it shocked him. "Wait, what--"

"I guess this means we are dating."

"Hold on, hold on a second you--"

Sumire stood up. "Right now that I have gotten that out of the way, I guess I should take my leave."

Sano sat there dumbfounded for a few minutes before he quickly got up and went after her. The girl was already at the gates and there was a car parked at front. Sano grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.

"Wait you-" Sano didn't know what to say. This was all happening too quickly and they barely spoke back there. What on earth is she thinking?

"Hm?"

He felt his heart skip a beat when she turned around. There was something mesmerising about this scene. Was it due to the sudden droplets of snow falling from the sky, or maybe it was the look the girl gave him.

This might be his chance. He didn't have much luck today, and he knew that things would only get worse after today. Those looks of disgust were not normal. It seems there are many people present today who do not like his methods. If he does not take advantage of this opportunity now then the situation will worsen.

Sano took a deep breath. "Will you go out with me?"

It was a first for him asking somebody this. But Sano felt that it wouldn't work out with what she said earlier. He needs to be the one to ask her.

"Yes, I would be glad to."