Tsutsumi was on her way home from grocery shopping - if you could call buying instant noodles and cheap wine grovery shopping - when she spotted a shady figure loitering around in front of the entrance to the apartment building she lived at.
A man in his early twenties, of average build and plain appearance, wearing a black dress shirt, and, most notably, gloves and a mask.
A small yet sudden wave of relief washed over Tsutsumi at seeing him alive, but she forced the corners of her mouth back into a neutral expression. He didn't deserve to know she'd been worried in the first place.
Tsutsumi barely even regarded him with a glance as she approached the entrance.
What's the matter? Got bored playing shogi against yourself again?
He wasn’t looking her way, either.
Overhaul told to me to get you back because he thinks you're out to kill him.
Ha! I knew he secretly loved me!
It's still the most flattering thing he ever said about me.
So what're you here for? Obeying Overhaul like a loyal little lapdog?
Chisaki shot her a brief glare and crossed his arms.
I made a mistake by not contacting you before telling Overhaul of the deal.
Look at that. A rare apolo-
And YOU made a mistake by not waiting for me to call you back before you went and physically assaulted a man.
Her mood soured again. Of course, he wouldn't give in that much.
Sure, because that was the core of the issue.
I spoke to other people about what you perceived as "the issue", and I still don't see how any of it is my fault.
Tsutsumi considered taking the wine bottle and hitting him over the head with it. That was probably a better use for it than drinking it, too.
If I had known you'd do what you did, we could have compromised.
Right. He didn't get the moral failure but he got that actions had consequences, at least.
... Is that the best deal I'm getting?
We both agreed to part ways. If we both can agree that we made a mistake, we can resume this business partnership.
Wait - You want to make your business partner?
No, I was just referring to our professional relationship as it was before. Employer. Employee. I will restore your contract and the special clauses I had granted you.
Tch. I knew that sounded too good to be true.
Tsutsumi put a hand on her hip. How about a raise, then?
I didn't have the money for it before, what makes you think I have the money for it now?
What about Overhaul? You gonna keep doing whatever he wants just so he lets you see the boss?
Chisaki averted his eyes again, but there was a glint of newfound resolve in them, even as he took a second to formulate his thoughts.
No. He will never let me see him, regardless of what I do.
He has to go down, and soon. The cure has to come second.
I'm not sure how many of the Hassaikai I can sway for my cause, but I will find a way to dethrone him. I have to, before he leads the clan to total ruin.
Now that I can get behind. Count me in.
In response, he gave an affirmative nod and promptly began to walk away as if their negotation had been concluded.
Tsutsumi let him take only a couple of steps before she spoke up again.
The food's terrible but the view's fantastic, she joked, lifting her shopping bag.
Tsutsumi knew him. She knew he hadn't had anyone to talk to after he had kicked her out. And she knew herself, too. As long as he was around, she wouldn't be moping or drinking.
He stopped walking, and, after a few seconds of contemplative silence, Chisaki looked back at her.