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The Gray Raven lounge returned to its former tranquility. I walked back to my room along the deserted corridor, and saw Lee waiting at the door.
Read: Noan
Lee: Happy birthday, commandant.Ā
Itās amazing. I canāt count how many times I said this blessing, but every time I celebrate your birthday, I still have a different feeling.Ā
Unknowingly, I began to look forward to spending every birthday with you.Ā
So, this year I prepared this gift.Ā
He handed over a thick photo album, which seemed to contain at least dozens of photos.Ā
Skk: Thank you. What is this?Ā
Lee: Instead of me explaining this in words, it may be better for you to see it yourself.Ā
Skk: (Open photo album)Ā
Opening the photo album, the first page showed the photos of the Gray Raven, and everyone celebrating Christmas for the first time.Ā
Nanami ran over from behind and hugged Liv, Lucia smiled beside her, and Lee stood behind and watched them quietly.Ā
One the second page, it was New Yearās Eve, and everyone gathered together in the lounge of Gray Raven to make Spring Festival couplets.Ā
As I scroll further down, there are more and more people, and the picture becomes more and more lively. But at every party, everyone will be photographed completely, and flipping through the photo album is like returning to those warm nights.Ā
Skk: It turned out to be a photo collection. You took photos of every party.Ā
Lee: Because I thought it might come in handy one day like it does now.Ā
It is precisely because we donāt know what will happen tomorrow that we want to use various ways to preserve the memories we spend together.Ā
Skk: I feel the same way as you. When you look through the photo album, memories from the past will gradually come back to you.Ā
Lee: It seems like everything happened yesterday, right?Ā
A faint smile that was difficult for outsiders to detect appeared on the blond construct's face.Ā
Skk: Although I really like this photo and the memories in it... This photo album still has some insufficient for me.Ā
Hearing this sentence, a rare hint of surprise appeared on Leeās usually calm expression.Ā
Lee: Insufficient? Thatās...Ā
Skk: There are no commemorative photo of me and you on this yearās birthday.Ā
Lee: (Blush) Ah...Ā
As if he had made a stupid mistake, Lee opened his mouth slightly and was so annoyed that he did not say the next sentence for a long time.Ā
His expression was like a domino that had been carefully built for several days. When he was about to knock down the last card, he realized that he had forgotten to set the Easter egg at the end if the row.Ā
However, his annoyance quickly dissipated, and he quickly took out an instant camera called a āPolaroidā from the old days.Ā
Lee: This is a camera I borrowed from the Art Association. I originally planned to wait the birthday party started before taking commemorative photos as usual.Ā
But I discovered that there is no need to wait that long at all.Ā
Skk: Indeed. Then letās shoot now.Ā
Lee: Um... the two of us....Ā
Hmm... The two of us need to stand closer.Ā
If you hold the camera like this, you should be able to get both of us in the viewfinder.Ā
Lee walked up to the me, raised the camera slightly stiffly above his head, and focused the lens on the two of us.Ā
Lee: Are you ready? Then...Ā
Skk: Three?Ā
Lee: Two, one--Ā
Click.Ā
The flash exploded instantly with bright electric sparks, freezing the moment forever.Ā
The film outlet under the camera slowly split out a piece of film, and two figures slowly appeared on the pure white color layer.Ā
After a while, the film was finally developed.Ā
The smile of the two people was shrunk on the small piece of paper, looking warm and lively.Ā
Lee: It seems like you are quite satisfied with this photo.Ā
Skk: You took the photo very well.Ā
Just as I was about to go and put the photo away, my arm was pulled by another force.Ā
When I turned around, I saw that it was Lee holding me back.Ā
Lee: Wait, since the commandant now has a photo, to be fair...Ā
He shook the camera with a lot of film in his hand.Ā
Lee: The commandant also needs to leave a photo for me.Ā
I wanted to do something to see ghouls interact with each other more so here it is, the Captains trying to figure out where their favorite Honor Student went (ā ā§ā ā½ā ā¦ā )
pairing: Towa x Reader, Romeo x Reader, Jin x Reader (in that order)
tags: pure fluff
a/n: another daily drabble practice!! to everyone who's battling the heat in Europe, please be careful of heat stroke and other heat-related diseases/injuries!! create airflows by opening windows and using fans so there's a path for the air to flow, drink lots of water, and i highly recommend freezing bottles of water in the freezer and pressing them against your neck when u go outside!! also don't forget sunscreen!!
Night Stars
ā~~~āŖā
Towa hummed. You could feel his humming as he hugged you against his chest, encasing you with his signature scent of flowers and fresh grass and warm sunlight. You turned your head to look at the stars dotting the sky, each one sparkling and infinite.
āPrettyā¦ā
āYouāre pretty too, Dandelion~~ā
Towa nuzzled your head in content as you blushed.
āTowa, youā you shouldnāt say that...ā
āWhy?ā
āBecauseā¦ I get embarrassedā¦ā
āBut you are pretty, Dandelion. Youāre as pretty as the stars~~āĀ
You hummed in response into Towaās shirt, masking your shyness. He wrapped his arms around you even tighter, holding you like you were precious bouquet. Eventually, surrounded by his warmth, you gradually fell into a gentle slumber under the stars.
Hair Care
You sighed in content as Romeoās hands massaged your head, rubbing in the expensive hair treatment that he insisted on.Ā
āā¦it smells amazingā¦ā
āOf course it does cara mia!!ā Romeo huffed. āI only use the best.āĀ
The scent of peony, iris, lavender, and something more permeated the air in the luxurious bathroom, calming your nerves. Although you loved your boyfriend, you were a bit sensitive to other peopleās touch, preferring to keep physical contact at a minimum. But Romeoās hands felt so good, massaging that spot of tension in your scalp that you had for weeksā
The warm water hit your hair suddenly, making you yelp in surprise.
āWas it too hot?ā Romeo asked, immediately turning the shower head away.
āNo, I was just surprisedā¦ got lost in my thoughts again. You know how I am,ā you chuckled.
āHmph. Well, tell me if itās too much.ā
āOf course.ā
Romeo carefully rinsed your hair, then squeezed it gently to get the moisture out. āUp you go, cara mia,ā he said, guiding you to the chair in front of the large elaborate mirror, a dryer already plugged in.
Two pumps of whatever expensive hair cream into his hands, he carefully ran his fingers through the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair, hydrating them and coating them with a sheen. He did the same thing three more times, each time using a different bottle that seemed more and more expensive.Ā
After, Romeo dried your hair, lifting up each strand tenderly and concentrating on closing every cuticle, as he put it. To you, it didnāt make sense, but when he was done, the difference was enlightening.
āWowā¦ my hair isā¦ wow,ā you said in amazement, turning your head left and right, gazing at the silky smooth locks.
āHmph,ā Romeo huffed proudly. āWhat did I tell you about hair care?ā
āUhh, to dry your hair every night?ā
āDry your hair thoroughly every night! I canāt believe you sometimes slack off that! Drying is most important if you donāt want split ends and frizziness!ā
āYeah, but on some days Iām so exhaustedā¦ā
āThatās not an excuse, BB!ā
āSo youāll do my hair from now on, right?ā You spun your chair around and met Romeoās beautiful ruby eyes.
āIā since you donāt know how to dry your hair properly, then I will, of course!ā He spluttered, then turned away to wrap the cord around the nozzle of the dryer, seemingly masking his fluster.
āThanks Romi! Love you!ā You pecked his cheek, then skipped out of the room, leaving behind a frozen Romeo, the ends of the dryer cord dangling from his hand.
Summers in Frostheim
Knock, knock.
You burst into Jinās room without waiting for a response.
āWhat did I say aboutāā
āAhhhhhhhh~~ā
You sprawled across his expensive sofa, throwing your legs over his knees. The King of Frostheim had been sitting on his couch and typing on his phone. He raised an eyebrow at you.
āThank fuck for Frostheim and its frozen halls,ā you sighed, closing your eyes, letting the cold seep into your body. Outside of Frostheim, it was scorching hot, the Tokyo humidity making the heat seem like hell.Ā
Youād been to Hotarubi before coming here, hoping that it was at least a bit cooler than anywhere else.
You were wrong.
The rain made everything worse, mixing with your sweat and making you feel quite gross. That and Hakuās comment about undressing you had caused you to give him the middle finger (Zenji had gasped at both of you) and beeline towards Frostheim.
You were still drenched, but you didnāt care.
āā¦youāll catch a cold,ā Jin muttered.
ā...ās too hot to think ābout thatā¦Achoo!ā
āTold you so.ā
āJust because I sneezed doesnāt mean Iām gonna catchā Achoo!ā
Jin sighed and set down his phone. Before you could resist, he picked you up, bridal style, and carried to his bathroom.Ā
āWhat do you think youāre doing?ā
āMaking you take a shower,ā Jin said as he started stripping himself.Ā
Once he was naked, he started peeling off your clothes. You obediently raised your arms as he took off your shirt.
Jinās nose wrinkled as he took a tentative sniff at your shirt. āDid you fall into the pond over there?ā
āNo?ā You huffed, crossing your arms. āItās summer, in case you missed what season it was.ā
Jin muttered something under his breath.
āWhatchu say?ā
āWell then, stay here. With me.ā His ice blue eyes met yours, then shifted away. āItās cooler, at least.ā
āIā Achoo!ā
Jin chuckled, then gently gave a push towards the lavish shower. āGotta warm you up before you actually catch a cold.ā
Haku is the type to take you out on a date, maybe to watch the city lights at night because you're both too busy to travel around. Or perhaps he'd take you sightseeing or to a festival.
The city sprawled beneath you like a spilled jar of stars, each light flickering with its own quiet story. A cool breeze tugged at your hair and you shivered just slightly. But before you could wrap your arms around yourself, you felt the warmth of his jacket settling over your shoulders.
He didn't say a word. He just let his knuckles brush your collarbone as he adjusted the fabric, lingering a heartbeat longer than necessary.
You leaned into the railing, breath fogging faintly in the night air.
āI didn't know the city could be this beautiful.ā
Beside you, Haku made a soft sound, you donāt even know whether that's a laugh nor a small sigh.
When you glanced over his side, he wasn't looking at the skyline. His eyes were fixed on the way the neon glow traced the curve of your cheek, the way your lips parted in wonder.
āMaybe it's a lot more beautiful tonight,ā he murmured.
The words hung between you, like a secret meant only for the space where your shoulders nearly touched.
His hand found yours on the cold railing, his thumb slowly tracing the line of your knuckles. You realized then that he hadn't once turned to look at the view. The city could have burned to embers behind you, and he wouldn't have noticed.
Because to him, the only light worth watching was the one reflected in your eyes.
You were a bit caught off guard by his words. Heat crept over your face not like wildfire, but like the first blush of dawn. You couldn't help but avert your gaze slightly. Even without looking, you knew he had that smug, gentle smile on his lips.
You could feel it in the way his fingers found yours, wrapping around your hand like he was cradling something precious.
You didnāt stop him. Instead, you slipped your hand right into his, palm against palm. Your fingers interlaced perfectly, as if they had been carved for this exact moment, for this exact hand.
āStop staring at me,ā you murmured, your voice barely a breath. But the corner of your lip betrayed you, curving upward like a secret you couldn't keep.
āCan you blame me?ā he answered, and the question was so shameless, as if it were the most natural truth in the universe. āI have such a breathtaking starlight right here."
As if the stars themselves had agreed long ago that you were worth more than any skyline, any ocean, any sunset painted by a devoted god.
Your eyes met his again, for just a flicker and for just a glance, caught between his gazes, the cityās distant lights seemed to gather. They glowed so softly that you saw your own reflection swimming in his pupils.
Then you felt a warmth blooming at the side of your face. His free hand rose with the tenderness like someone touching moonlight. He tucked a stray strand of hair behind your ear, his fingertips grazing your temple. As if the wind had dared to disturb his moment with you. As if even a single falling leaf would be a trespass, veiling your beauty from his hungry eyes.
And before you could even think, your body answered for you. It just felt right at the moment, as natural as breathing, as inevitable as the tide. You rose onto your tiptoes, only just a little, only just enough. And Haku moved with you as if you shared one heartbeat. His head dipped low, his breath warm against your lips for one eternal secondā¦
And then your lips met.
The kiss was featherlight at first, no more than a simple brush.
Your other hand found the front of his shirt, fingers curling into the fabric, tugging him closer as if he might drift away. When his lips sank deeper into yours, a low, quiet sound escaped him, like a surrender sigh, vibrating against your mouth like the first note of a lullaby.
He smiled into the kiss. You felt that soft, teasing curve of his lips. His hand cupped your face more firmly, tilting his head just so, finding the angle that made you melt. He kissed you slowly, as if he were memorizing the shape of your soul.
Each movement savored, the warmth, the taste on his lip, something sweet, like honey and rain and the faint ghost of tea.
He kissed you as if time had stopped breathing just to watch. As if the city below had crumbled to dust and neither of you would notice. As if he had all the hours in eternity and wanted to spend every single one of them right here, right now, with nothing between you but shared air and wanting.
This is brilliant omg. I think I'm just gonna go with MC messing around a little bit, trying to see his reaction but also kinda getting clingy? Now, let's choose our victims lucky ones! Since I'd like variety in reactions I'll go with Ren, Haku, Alan aaaand Subaru. heh.
Turned out just a little suggestive I guess
You were bored out of your mind. Scrolling mindlessly on your phone while your boyfriend was refreshing in the bathroom. You looked at the closed door. That's when an idea strike you. It's time to mess with him. Just a little.
You make sure to be really quiet as you interrupt Ren's peace, wanting to maximize the surprise.
Ren lets out the loudest shriek you have ever heard in your life when your head pops up from behind the shower curtain.
"W-What the fuck?!"
"Hiii," you beam innocently, watching him clutch his heart, most likely trying to calm down from the shock you just served him.
Well let's not lie, you were appreciating the view too. And he notices.
"W-What do you want?" the ghoul braces himself. He already knows something is coming.
"Oh, nothing," you shrug, casually joining him in the shower, "just missed you."
Ren's eyes widen, and his heartrate picks up again. You're naked. Not like he haven't seen you in such state before. It's just.. always did something to him.
"Aren't you going to say that you missed me too?" you pout as he struggles to find his words.
Without waiting any more, you cling to him, wrapping your arms around his neck. His ears are now a beautiful shade of red.
"Can't I really not have a moment of peace? God, your worse than Haru," he groans, doing his best not to meet your gaze. If he does, it's over for him.
But his body betrays him sooner than that. His hands settle on your waist. Telling himself it's just in case you slip.
"Oh I can leave," you hum as your hand begins exploring his chest, sending shivers down his spine, "or I can.. help you wash your back? The choice is yours?"
Ren knew there wasn't any choices. He lost against you from the start.
You interrupt your boyfriend's bath ostentatiously. He watches with curiosty as you step inside the bathroom.
"I would say you got a little lost, but you actually looks like you know exactly what you're doing," Haku chuckles.
His gaze sweeps over your body with quiet appreciation.
You offer an innocent smile as you walk up to him. "I'm just missing you."
Haku shifts, already making some space for you before extending his hand in an invitation.
He's not fazed by your boldness. Impressed? Maybe. But incredibly turned on, first and foremost.
"Gotta do something about that then, hm?"
You take his hand and slowly step into the bath. The water splashes, turning the floor into a mini pool, but he does't care. Not when you come to him like that.
"So," he begins as you settle with your back pressed against his chest, "feeling better now? Or are you going to demand more of my attention?"
This was as far as your little plan went. But his teasing taunting makes you take the bait.
"Well, would be great if you could massage my back."
The ghoul chuckles when you don't back down, actually throwing another demand. You're right where he wants you.
"Someone's feeling bold today," he calls out. But even as he does, his hands are already working on the stiffnes of your shoulders with practiced care.
"I'm learning from the best," you throw back, taking mental note of how indulgent your boyfriend always was. Maybe you should use that to your advantage more often?
Surely it wouldn't hurt to mess with Alan just a little bit? That's what you thought at first.
But after seeing his reaction to your little prank, you start having second thoughts.
He stares at you, wide eyed, like a deer caught in headlights. It was adorably hilarious.
Will his soul leave his body if you strip in front of him? One way to find out.
You hum softly as you undress slowly, keeping your gaze on him. Watching as his mind processes what's currently unfolding.
"Is anyone there?" Alan doesn't even register when you move to stand in front of him, poking his forehead.
He blinks, utterly confused. "Sorry. What?"
"I said," you giggle, wrapping your arms around his neck for support, "that I missed you."
Silence. Deep inside, your poor boyfriend is fighting for his life, trying to find his composure amidst the sudden desire to devour you whole.
"Do you mind if I stay?" you push forward, batting your lashes at him innocently.
The ghoul lets out a small sigh. He can't just let his control slip. But he doesn't want you to leave either.
"I don't mind.. but are you sure you want to be here?"
You know what he means by that. One look good look at... him was enough to understand. He's hesitant, because he doesn't want to scare you when his restraint snaps.
But that was exactly what you were looking for.
So you shake your head and rest your forehead against his. Still somewhat tense, he reaches out to draw you closer.
You reward him with a smile before your hands begin to massage the shampoo he applied before your grand entrance.
"Please remember," you hum softly, "that anywhere close to you, is where I want to be."
SUMMARY: On a night where the honor student feels like running away from it all, Haku finds them.
WORDS: 908
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I think this was the very first Haku fic I ever wrote... probably over a year and a half ago now? But I'm still happy with it! Read it on ao3 here!
āWhat are you doing out here?ā the honor student asked softly, glancing over their shoulder to watch the man coming toward them.Ā Itās late,Ā they thought.Ā The only reason Iām even out here is because I couldnāt sleep.
āIsnāt it obvious? Looking for you,ā Haku took a seat next to them in the grass, leaning on his arm as he kept his gaze locked on the inspector. Heād found them in one of the few places on campus that rarely any students ever passed - a grassy hill between dorms where the night sky was particularly visible.
Yes, but how did you know I even needed to be found?Ā The honor student pushed that question down, though, deciding to try and not look too deep as to the ghoulās reason for seeking them out. āI wanted to see the stars,ā they looked back up at the night sky. āItās a new moon tonight, so you can see more than usual.ā
Haku hummed. āYouāre right,ā he noted as he looked up. āTheyāre beautiful, arenāt they?ā
āThey are,ā the honor student nodded and laid carefully back on the grass, their gaze locked on the sky above. It was almost a conscious decision not to look over at Haku, because theyĀ knewĀ theyād give in and gently pry about what brought him out here.
Haku had always flirted, but it seemed every time they tried to get closerā¦ he pulled away. Not in a rude way. Not to ice them out. Almost as ifā¦ he couldnāt trust them, orĀ anyoneĀ for that matter, enough to let them come close.
Haku laid out next to them, looking over at them and letting his gaze fall onto their neck, where they now knew the curse mark lied.Ā Is their curse progressing? Is that why they canāt sleep?
When Zenji had first told him that heād seen the honor student wandering off on their own, Haku was struck with worry. It wasnāt unusual for them to overexert themself, to keep the burdens and anxieties about their curse quiet, and each time Hakuās heart sank at the prospect.
He worried for them more than he could admit. There was always a sinking feeling in him that there wasĀ nothingĀ he could do other than be there for them, and even then, he felt as though fell short. All he did was fall short in his eyes, barely able to offer anything to the honor student other than reassuring words and his presence.
If he could promise them that everything would be okay, he would. If he could tell the honor student that Darkwick was doing everything in their power to break the Kyklosā curse, he would. Lying to them, though, was worse than letting the truth hang between them in silence.
Tonight, when they appeared to be just as sleepless as he found himself, Haku could only hope that heād be enough for them.
Carefully, Haku reached down to put his hand on top of the studentās as he turned back to face the night sky. āOne day, I want to take you to my koi pond,ā Haku suddenly whispered. āItās my familyās, really, but I took care of it by myself for a long time. Supposedly Darkwick is taking care of it now.ā
The honor student looked over at him, trying to find meaning in his calm expression, in the hand he placed over theirs. āWhy all of a suddenā¦?ā they asked softly. āI mean - itās not that I donāt want to see your koi, butā¦ what made you bring it up?ā
āThereās a gazebo on the pond. At night, when you stand on it, you can see the stars all reflecting off the surface of the water. When you see the koi swimmingā¦ it almost looks like theyāre swimming in the night sky,ā Haku looked over at them and offered a gentle smile. āYouād like it. Thereās a lot of water lilies and other plants, too. A lot of them could probably use your gentle touch, though. I was a lousy gardener.ā
The inspector almost swore that they could see stars reflecting in Hakuās light eyes. āI donāt know if Iām much of a gardener either, butā¦ Iād like that. Maybe youĀ willĀ be able to take me one day,ā they suggested softly.
If I ever break this curse,Ā they thought nervously, fighting the urge to reach back and run their fingers over the mark.Ā If I live long enough to see you graduate so we can both go without having to worry about Darkwick pulling us back.
Haku saw a flash of sadness cross their face and shook his head, bringing one free hand up to toss their hair. āDonāt look so melancholy. Iāll find a way to get us there, okay? I promise you. Until thenā¦ the stars are still just as pretty when youāre by my side.ā
āDonāt make promises you canāt keep,ā the honor student whispered before they could second-guess their words.
Haku drew in a deep breath, looking up at the sky. āI intend to keep this one,ā he muttered softly, just barely loud enough for them to hear. āBecause if I can help it, we will find a way to break your curse. Itās just a matter of time.ā
Time,Ā they thought.Ā The one thing I wish I could give more of to you. I donāt have much, though. Do I just have to hope that when youāre ready, the time will come?
āIāll wait for you, then. And weāll go to your pond together.ā
This is a fan-teanslation so expect some misspelling and misinformation here and there, this the first time I translate something THIS big so bear with me ... Each post will be 2 chapter until I finish because I can't post all chapters in one post or Tumblr might die on me ...
LIKES, COMMENTS, AND REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED PLEASE AND THANK YOU !!!!
I finally realized what "Kiryuās true goal" wasā
I spoke my mind while looking straight at Koga.
Futaba: "Whether someone is human or Ayakashi doesn't matterāKoga, you and your father both believe that, don't you? Kiryu has always denied that."
Koga: "ā¦"
Futaba: "He wants to make you feel, with your entire being, that the conviction you both share was a mistakeā I think heās trying to take the resentment he should have directed at your father and take it out on you instead. Maybe thatās why he went out of his way to appear in your 'Oni' form."
Koga: "ā¦"
Koga is listening intently to what I have to say, as if lost in thought.
Futaba: "If his goal is to isolate you from humans by framing you as an 'Oni'... The incident in Asakusa was likely just the beginning. I believe similar things will keep happening from now on."
(That's why...)
I took a breath and spoke from the bottom of my heart.
Futaba: "Thatās why I will catch the real culprit. I will protect you in the Capital, Koga."
Koga: "Futabaā¦ā¦"
(āAh)
I was startled when I saw Koga's eyes widen.
Futaba: "No, um... I didn't mean just by myself! I'm planning to ask Toichiro and the others for help too..."
I hurriedly mumbled an addition, feeling embarrassed that I had spoken so boldly, as if I could solve everything alone.
However, Koga looked at me and his brow softened slightly.
Koga: "ā¦You really are strong, Futaba."
Futaba: "ā¦Koga."
Koga: "I understand. I'll leave the Capital to you. But, don't do anything reckless."
Futaba: "āYes!"
I nodded firmly at Koga's words.
Koga: "Kiryu's objective is likely exactly what you said. And apparently, there's a rumor among some of the Ayakashi that I'm selling them out to the government."
Futaba: "Selling Ayakashi...?"
Koga: "Basically, itās not just humansāthe Ayakashi want to make me look like the villain, too."
Koga stopped talking for a moment, and his eyes suddenly took on a distant look.
Koga: "...No matter how much Kiryu hates my old man, taking it out on me isn't going to change a thing. Because my old man... he's not even around anymore."
Futaba: "...Koga..."
My heart aches seeing Koga with such a lonely look in his eyes.
(...You're right.)
(I feel like hating someone who isn't even here anymore is just... so empty.)
(Even if you directed that hatred elsewhere, it would only lead to more people getting hurt unnecessarilyā)
(And the person doing the hating would probably never truly find peace in their heart, either.)
When I instinctively looked down and fell silent, Koga rested his elbows on his knees and leaned in, tilting his head to look into my face.
Koga: "But... You know? You're more level-headed about this than I thought."
Futaba: "Huh?"
Koga: "I totally thought youād try to stop me from going to Kobe."
As he said that, Koga brought his face right up to mine.
Koga: "I'm going to feel lonely being away from you."
Futaba: ".....! W-well, I feel the same way!"
Startled by what he said, I looked at him in a hurry.
Futaba: "I'll be lonely, and I'm worried... honestly, I want to be with you every single moment and never leave your side. But right now, this isn't the time for me to be selfish like that..."
Koga: "I know."
Koga laughed and gave my hair a messy rub.
Koga: "I'm relieved to hear you feel that way, too."
Futaba: "Koga..."
Gazing at his smile, I gathered my courage and opened my mouth to speak.
Futaba: "......Um,ā
(Itās embarrassing to say something like this...)
Futaba: "If... if it's alright with you, Kogaā!"
My words were cut off by Kogaās kiss.
Koga: "...Is it okay if I stay with you until morning?"
(......I was thinking the exact same thing.)
Kogaās gentle gaze and voice made my chest tighten with a sweet ache.
Futaba: "Ah, haā¦ āMmm."
Before I could even finish nodding, Kogaās lips covered mine again.
Futaba: "Mm, Koga......"
Koga: "Futaba......"
The kiss grew deeper, and I was slowly pushed down onto the bed.
Koga: "....."
(Ah...)
I looked up to see Koga looking down at me with feverish eyes.
Futaba: "...Koga, please make sure you take the sachet with you."
Koga: "Yeah. I won't let it leave my side for even a moment."
Koga reached out and turned off the lamp on the side table.
Futaba: "Nn..."
The kissing resumed, and in an instant, I was swallowed up by that heat.
(...I will never, no matter what happens, leave Koga's side.)
As if to pour all my feelings into it, I wrapped my arms around Kogaās back.
Koga: "Futaba...... I love you. As long as you are here, I will return safely."
Futaba: "Yes...... I know."
We kissed repeatedly as if confirming each other's presence, exchanging whispers in betweenā
(...This is the Koga I love so much.)
Wanting to engrave that feeling into my very soul, I desperately responded to his kisses.
Koga: "...Don't make such a cute face. It makes my resolve waver."
Futaba: "And don't you look at me like thatāNgh, mm."
The sweet kiss makes it hard to breathe, and I can't think of anything but Koga.
(...Koga)
(Please, stay safeā)
Feeling as if both my body and soul were melting, I simply surrendered myself to the heat radiating from Koga.
āThe next morning.
(Mmm...)
(āWait, where's Koga?)
When I woke up, Koga, who was supposed to be sleeping next to me, was gone.
(Wait, did he leave already!?)
I hurriedly got dressed and rushed to the living room.
Futaba: "Good morning."
In the living room, there was Toichiro, fully dressed, andā
(Oh...)
Koga was there, sitting across from him and talking.
Toichiro: āAh, good morning."
Koga: "Morning."
The two of them noticed me and turned around with a smile.
(That's right... he did say he was heading to Kobe tonight.)
I felt a wave of relief, having worried for a moment that I might have missed the chance to say goodbye.
āClick (sound of a door opening)
Shizuki: "Good morning, Mistress Futaba. I've brought the morning tea. Is milk tea alright with you?"
Futaba: "Ah... yes."
Toichiro: "Well, come over here and take a seat first."
As I sat on the sofa, Koga spoke to me as if to confirm something.
Koga: "You're planning on going back home for a bit today, right?"
Futaba: "Yes, that's the plan. I did send a message yesterday, but I don't think that explanation alone is enough..."
I had intended to return home once while it was still light out to explain the situation to my father and the others.
Koga: "Normally, I'm the one who should go and explain, butā¦ It would be a problem if someone saw me and might cause an even bigger scene."
Saying that, Koga took an envelope out from his clothes.
Koga: "I wrote a letter to Mr. Mototaka. Sorry to ask, but could you deliver it for me?"
Futaba: "...I understand."
(Koga hasn't done anything wrongā¦ Why does he have to hide and move around like a real criminal?)
Regret and sadness flood my heart all at once, and I feel overwhelmed with helplessness.
Koga: "Don't make a face like that. It's only for now. Also, I'm going to have Toichiro go with you to your house."
Futaba: "Eh?"
Toichiro: "After all, I am taking charge of being the young lady's bodyguard."
(Toichiroā¦ He is one of my fatherās clients, so I'm grateful to have him help explain things.)
Futaba: ".....Thank you. I appreciate it."
Toichiro: "Yeah."
Koga: "Well then, now that we've settled that..."
Koga stood up slowly.
Koga: "I should get going soon.ā
Futaba: "What!? Youāre leaving at already...?"
Koga: "Well, there are a lot of things I need to get done before then. Iāve got to find a way to wrap up my work business, too."
(Ah... I see.)
(Since heās leaving the Capital for a while, he has to think about his work, too.)
Then, Shizuki, who had been watching Koga, quietly interjected.
Shizuki: "...Master Koga, are you truly going to Kobe all by yourself?"
Koga: "Yeah. In that case, Iām sorry, but as for what comes nextā"
āClick (Door opening)
Kuya: "I'm going too."
Interrupting Kogaās words was a listless voice that could be heard the moment the door opened.
(......!)
Everyone turned toward the voice at onceā
Kuya: "Yawn..."
Kuya, who was standing in front of the door, let out a yawn.
Standing by the door, Kuya said, "I'll go to Kobe with you."
Kuya: "Koga, youāll just do something reckless if you're on your own."
Koga: "Kuya, you..."
Shizuki: "...I suppose so. Itās just as Master Kuya says."
Toichiro: "True, it would be more reassuring for someone to be with him. Especially in Koga's case."
(Toichiro and the others are worried about Koga, too.)
(They call it an "inseparable bond," but there's no doubt they really care about each other.)
Futaba: "Kuya, I'm counting on you."
Kuya: "Yeah."
Koga: "Hey, hey, don't just decide things on your own..."
Koga scratched his head awkwardly, then looked at Kuya.
Koga: "It takes over half a day to get to Kobe by train, you know."
Kuya: "What? That's long..."
Koga: "We're using a carriage as well so we don't stand out, so the trip will take a full day."
Kuya: "Oh man..."
(He looks like he's already regretting saying he'd go.)
Kuya thought for a moment, then looked up with a resigned expression.
Kuya: "...Fine, whatever. Iāll just sleep the whole way anyway."
Toichiro: "Then itās settledāKuya will be Koga's handler."
Koga: "Good grief... fine."
Koga accepted it somewhat reluctantly, then looked at me and smiled.
Koga: "Well, I'm off."
Futaba: "Take care, Koga."
(I hope they make it back safely.)
With that prayer in my heart, I saw Koga and Kuya off.
After parting ways with them, I headed toward my house with Toichiro.
Futaba: "I wonder what's written in the letter from Koga to my father?"
Toichiro: "Ah, I know the contents. I believe it was an explanation regarding the Asakusa incident and something about your future.ā
According to Toichiro, the Asakusa incident was a setup orchestrated by someone to frame Koga.
Toichiro: "āWe have a lead on the mastermind. Since they are aware of my existence, I will go into hiding at Toichiroās house for a while.ā"
That is apparently what was written in the letter.
Toichiro: "Explaining the details too thoroughly would only increase your father's anxiety, so I've kept the information about Kiryu hidden. I just hope this is enough to convince him."
(Itās true that he might understand the incident itself, but...)
Futaba: "Um... Toichiro."
I decided to tell Toichiro what had been weighing on my mind.
Futaba: "To be honest, I'm also worried about leaving my father and Nachi at home. I'm afraid they might try to do something to my family too."
Toichiro: "Koga has already taken care of that."
Futaba: "Eh?"
Toichiro: "It seems the Onikiri will be guarding your family."
Futaba: "...! The Onikiri?"
Toichiro: "I don't know how Koga negotiated it, but for now, they are supposedly on our side. Theyāll be patrolling the area around your house and providing an escort when necessary."
Futaba: "I see..."
(Maybe Koga asked them for this favor when he was alone with Aizen?)
Toichiro: "There was the option of having your father and the cat come to my house, butā¦ That would restrict your lives too much and be quite inconvenient. So, it was decided that relying on the Onikiri was the better move."
Futaba: "...I suppose you're right."
(If the soldiers from the Onikiri are there, I can breathe a little easier.)
Toichiro: "Though, the extent of the protection still needs to be discussed with Mr. Mototaka. Koga wants you to live as normal a life as possible. Besides, Koga believes that the Kiryu Trading Company is unlikely to make contact with your father."
Considering their past movements and Kiryu's goals, it seemed unlikely they would target someone specific to cause harmā Rather, it was more likely they would cause a major incident targeting an unspecified large number of people.
Toichiro: "Well, you are the exception. Kiryu has contacted you multiple times, and the culprit has recognized you."
Futaba: "Yesā¦ā
Toichiro: "I'm just asking to be sure, but you didn't happen to do anything in Asakusa to earn the culprit's resentment, did you?"
Futaba: āā¦ Umā¦ā
Fake Koga: "......I am me. I am stronger than anyone."
Futaba: "...No, you're wrong. Koga is much stronger."
Fake Koga: "...! I am...... strong......!ā
(I wonderā¦ā¦ about that?)
I'm not sure if I'd call it resentment, but I have a feeling I may have provoked the culprit.
Futaba: "ā¦"
Toichiro: "By the look of things, you have an idea of what happened then?"
Toichiro let out an exaggerated sigh, as if he couldn't believe it.
Toichiro: "That's so like you. You never fail to meet my expectations."
Futaba: "ā¦S-Sorry. Um, Toichiro, thank you so much for everything."
Toichiro: "Well, it's fine."
With that, Toichiro turned his gaze out the window with a meaningful look.
Toichiro: "ā¦Besides, there are things I'm curious about as well."
(ā¦ā¦?)
Futaba: āwhat does that meanā¦"
Toichiro: "We've finally arrived."
Toichiro told the driver to stop the carriage, cutting off what I wanted to ask.
Arriving home, I hand the letter from Koga to my father.
Mototaka: "ā¦"
After Father finished reading the letter, he let out a heavy sigh.
Mototaka: "ā¦Things have become quite serious, haven't they?"
Futaba: "Yeahā¦"
Mototaka: "Ever since I learned about the incident in Asakusa from the newspaper, I've had a feeling that the culprit wasn't the young Kitamikado."
(Thank goodness, Father believes in Koga too.)
Nachi: "But still..."
Unusually, Nachi looks at me and Toichiro with a lack of his usual energy.
Nachi: "Is the Oni doing alright? Since we know about Ayakashi and Onmyoji, we can guess that someone just transformed into him... but for a normal human, itās not like that, right?"
Futaba: "Yeah..."
I remember the liquor store owner who shielded me in Asakusa.
Nachi: "Iāve been worried since the incident, too. I went out into the city in my cat form to check things outā¦ It seems there are a fair amount of peopleāmostly those who actually saw the Asakusa incidentāwho believe that Oni actually did it."
Toichiro: "We'll just have to deal with that part gradually as we go."
Toichiro answers Nachiās words bluntly and then looks toward Father.
Toichiro: "For the time being, until things are settled, I was wondering if you would allow me to keep the Young Lady at my house."
Mototaka: "I see..."
Toichiro: "Itās alright. Both hizuki and I are quite skilled, after all. Whether the opponent is an Ayakashi or an Onmyoji, I will protect Futaba."
Mototaka: "...Thank you. Iām counting on you."
Toichiro: "Also, there is talk of assigning Army soldiers to you, Mr. Mototaka. What do you think?"
Mototaka: "..."
Father puts his hand to his chin and sinks into thought at Toichiro's offer.
Mototaka: "...Since things have come to this, it's not just us who are in danger anymore. Is the army going to patrol the Capital again?"
Toichiro: "Yes, that is the plan, from what Iāve heard."
Mototaka: "In that case, it would be enough if they could just patrol around the house at that time."
Father looked down at Kogaās letter, then raised his head once more.
Mototaka: "To let our daily lives change because of a criminal is like being played right into their hands. Iām sure the young Kitamikado wouldn't want that either."
(Father...)
It seemed Father also understood Kogaās feelings, which I had heard about from Toichiro in the carriage.
(...Iām so glad that my father is who he is.)
Toichiro nodded, as if he truly understood Father's heart.
Toichiro: "I understand. I will pass that along to the army."
Nachi: "It's okay! I'll be the one to protect dad!"
Mototaka: "Thank you, Nachi. You're very reliable."
Father smiled, then turned back to Toichiro and bowed his head.
Mototaka: "Please, take good care of my daughter."
Toichiro: "Yes. I will certainly take her into my care."
And so, it was officially decided that I would be staying at Toichiroās house.
I need to talk about the unexpected question Taiga asked MC (Analysis)
When Taiga asked MC, āYou got a man?ā, I couldnāt help but wonder if he was trying to gauge whether she was romantically available. Maybe it was an early sign that he was interested in her himself. Before getting emotionally invested or making a move, perhaps he wanted to know if someone else was already in her life.
If his only goal had been to distract or calm MC down because she was under pressure, he couldāve asked literally anything else. But instead, he asked: āYou got a man?ā (Or another meaning: āA boyfriend?ā or āExperience withā¦ you-know-what?ā šļø)
That doesnāt feel like random teasing to me. His expression also stands out. He isnāt smiling or joking around: He looks serious and focused, which makes the question feel more genuine than playful.
I like how Taiga reacts when MC asks whatās gotten into him if you choose the 3rd option, he actually seems caught off guard before laughing at how flustered she is. Though, he brushes it off with, āWell, it doesnāt matter. Everythingās screwed anyway.ā
I interpreted that as: āThereās no point dwelling on relationships when we might not make it out of this.ā
And that made me thinkā¦ if Taiga believes theyāre all doomed, why bother letting yourself love someone if youāre just going to lose them? Maybe he avoids getting attached because losing someone would hurt too much. Thatās why I loved seeing Taiga slowly open up to MC. It shows how much he trusts her. Elias even said that maybe heās been waiting for someone to believe him, and I canāt help but feel like MC is the one person willing to do that when no one else will.
Which makes his Affinity 25 voice line hit harder: āYouāre not getting away from me, kitten. Youāre here till death do us part, whether you like it or not.ā
JP ver: "I'm not letting you go, kitten. It's already decided that you'll be here with me until death do us part."
Thatās literally a wedding vow.
To me, it feels like his mindset changes. Instead of āWhatās the point of loving someone if the world is fcked?ā it becomes: āEven if the world is fcked, I still have you. Youāre staying with me until death do us part.ā
If anything, once Taiga falls for MC, he seems to realize that love isnāt meaningless because death is inevitable, itās because life is uncertain that he chooses to hold onto the person he loves. Like he seems to believe that love is something worth holding onto even if death is inevitable.
āāāāāā
I guess being delulu is my only solulu but itās just my thought. No need to take seriously if you donāt agree with me š„
This is a fan-teanslation so expect some misspelling and misinformation here and there, this the first time I translate something THIS big so bear with me ... Each post will be 2 chapter until I finish because I can't post all chapters in one post or Tumblr might die on me ...
Also, sorry about the month absence... Tumblr was weird last month...
LIKES, COMMENTS, AND REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED PLEASE AND THANK YOU !!!!
I left Koga and Aizen in the office and was shown to a separate room.
Ichijo: "Please, have some tea. You might be thinking, 'It's just military tea,' but itās actually quite delicious."
Futaba: "ā¦ā¦Thank you very much."
Ichijo, the man who guided me here, speaks to me kindly, butā
(ā¦ā¦I couldn't tell Aizen about Kagari.)
(I thought I should listen to what Koga has to say firstā¦ā¦)
With something weighing on my mind, I remained restless even as we engaged in small talk.
Futaba: "...I... can't do it."
Before I knew it, the words had left my lips.
Kagari: "...Oh, really? I thought you, of all people, would understand. Well, it's the answer you chose for yourself. That's fine, isn't it? But in exchangeā Youād better keep your eyes peeled for whatās about to happen."
(ā¦ā¦Because I turned down Kagariās offer.)
The incident in Asakusa was undoubtedly triggered by my answer.
(I never imagined something like that would happen.)
Someone who looked exactly like Koga, swinging his blade at innocent people.
(Ugh, that sight is burned into my mind and won't leave.)
Naturally, my grip tightened on my teacup.
Ichijo: "ā¦"
Ichijo glanced at my hands, and his voice suddenly took on a serious tone.
Ichijo: "ā¦The Major may seem strict, but he is actually a very kind-hearted person."
Futaba: "Eh?"
Ichijo: "Ah, Iām sorry. You probably wonder why Iām saying this after everything that happened. But even during the 'Red Eye Incident,' the Major was hurting more than anyone. I believe he is truly grateful to all of you who lent us your strength."
Having said that much, Ichijo looked at me and gave a warm smile.
Ichijo: "Our desire to protect the citizens of the Capital is the same as the Major's. And that includes you, Miss Saotome, and Mr. Kitamikado as well. So, itās alright. I promise we will catch the culprit."
(Ah...)
I finally realize that he is trying to set my mind at ease.
(...Ichijo is such a good person.)
(When we were on patrol together, I didn't really get many chances to talk with the other soldiers...)
His feelings for the Capital are the same as oursāno, perhaps evenā
(Ichijo and the others are people who work while putting their lives on the line for this country.)
Futaba: "...Thank you very much. You were trying to cheer me up, weren't you?"
Ichijo: "No, I was only telling you the truth."
A Sudden Arrival
āClick (Sound of a door opening)
Immediately after I thanked Ichijo, the door to the room opened.
Koga: "Sorry to keep you waiting."
Futaba: "Koga...!"
Seeing Kogaās usual expression makes me feel relieved.
Koga: "We'll talk about the details later. I'm sorry, but for now, could you just do as I say?"
Futaba: "...! Yes, I don't mind..."
(I wonder if Koga has some kind of plan.)
Koga: "We're going to Toichiro's house."
Futaba: "To Toichiro's...?"
>>>>>>>
Without understanding Kogaās true intentions, I was led out of the Headquarters by him.
Toichiro: "...What business does a 'wanted man' have with me?"
As soon as Toichiro saw us, a mocking smile appeared on his face.
Toichiro: "Unlike you, I don't like sticking my nose into troublesome matters."
Koga: "Iām not 'sticking my nose in,' troubles keep coming toward me."
Toichiro: "Hmm..."
Toichiro fluttered that newspaper extra around, as if to show it off.
Toichiro: "I read whatās written here. I don't know if it's an Onmyoji doing or an Ayakashi, but there sure are people with bad taste out there, going so far as to transform into you.ā (excuse me sir??!!!)
Koga: "The reason I came to your place is because I have a favor to ask."
Toichiro: "A favor?"
Koga: "Yeah. To put it simply, I want you to look after Futaba here for a while."
Futaba: "What!?"
Stunned by this sudden proposal, I look at Koga.
(Before we got here, he told me heād explain everything in detail at Toichiroās house.)
(I had no idea Koga was planning something like this.)
Koga: "Kiryu is trying to frame me to settle a grudge against my father. They know about Futaba, too. I can't guarantee she won't be put in harm's way from here on out. I'll feel more at ease if she's staying at your house."
Toichiro: "So you're telling me to be her bodyguard?"
Koga: "Thatās exactly right."
(That means... in other words...)
Finally realizing his true intention, I stare at Koga.
Futaba: "Koga, you're going to Kobe, aren't you?"
Koga: "...Yeah."
Koga meets my gaze without wavering.
(He intends to go meet Kiryu all by himself.)
Koga: "I want you to stay here in the Capital. Just for this time, it's safer that way."
(I can tell heās saying that specifically because he anticipates that Iāll want to go with him.)
Futaba: "I..."
As Iām trying to figure out how to put my feelings into wordsā
Toichiro: "Hey, hold on a second."
Iām interrupted by the calm voice of Toichiro, who gives a shrug.
Toichiro: "Taking her in... I donāt remember ever agreeing to that."
Koga: "...Sorry. But right now, this is the only way. Iāll explain about Kiryu later too."
Toichiro: "I already know about the Kiryu Trading and what happened in Kobe."
Koga: "...Hm?"
(Toichiro knows about the Kiryu Tradingā¦?)
Koga: "...I don't recall telling you anything yet."
ā Click (Door opening sound) ā
The living room door opens, cutting over Kogaās voice.
Shizuki: "Excuse me."
There stands Shizuki, holding a tea set, andā
Kuya: "..."
Futaba: "Kuya!?"
Koga: "Hey, what are you doing here?"
Startled by the sight of Kuya entering behind him, Koga and I both cry out in surprise.
Shizuki: "Master Kuya has been here since before Master Koga arrived. Though he spent most of that time sleeping in the guest room."
Kuya: "I woke up from my nap and saw Koga arriving.ā
Kuya flops down heavily onto the sofa.
Koga: "Why the heck are you at Toichiroās house anyway?"
Kuya: "Itās so noisy at your place, I couldn't get a wink of sleep. Newspaper reporters keep barging in constantly."
Futaba: "O-Oh, I see..."
Koga: "Ah, so thatās it."
Koga looks at Toichiro, finally understanding.
Koga: "So you heard about the Kiryu business from Kuya."
Toichiro: "Pretty much. I figured I should know the circumstances, just in case."
Kuya: "So, whatās the plan?"
Kuya turns a rare, solemn gaze toward Koga.
Kuya: "In the Capital, everyone's completely convinced that Koga is the culprit. Since you bothered to come all the way to Toichiroās place, I assume you have some kind of plan."
Koga: "Yeah. Iām leaving for Kobe tomorrow night."
Kuya: "...Why at night?"
Koga glanced at Shizuki and opened his mouth, wearing a similarly solemn expression.
Koga: "Thereās someone I have to meet before then."
Shizuki: "ā¦ā¦?"
Toichiro: "Honestly..."
Toichiro let out a heavy sigh and placed his hand on my shoulder.
Toichiro: "Thatās one massive favor Iām doing you."
Futaba: "Ah..."
Toichiro: "Iāll look after your girl at my place. I'll be thinking about how I'm going to have you pay me back by the time you return."
Koga: "ā¦ā¦Fine. I owe you one. Butā¦ā¦"
Contrary to his words, Koga frowned bitterly andā
Koga: "Don't you touch her." (SIR!!! MY GOOD SIR!!!??)
He briskly swatted away Toichiroās hand, which had been resting on my shoulder.
Assigned to a guest room in Toichiro's house, I opened the window and readied my charm.
Futaba: "...Go."
I stood still, watching the familiar fly away.
I intended to have the familiar tell my father that because of the incident in Asakusa, I would be staying at Toichiro's house tonight. I also added, "I am safe, so please don't worry," and "I'll tell you the details tomorrow."
(I might not be able to sleep tonight...)
Sitting alone on the bed in the large room, the events of today came rushing back to me in a dizzying blur.
(...I want to talk to Koga)
(Heās in a different guest room, right? Maybe if I go see himā)
Just as I stood up with that thought...
āKnock, knockā
Koga: "Futaba, do you have a moment?"
Futaba: "ā! Yes!"
I opened the door to find Koga standing there.
Koga: "...Mind if I come in?"
Futaba: "Of course."
Koga stepped inside somewhat hesitantly, and we both sat down on the bed.
Koga: "Sorry for the late hour. I just really wanted to talk to you. I'm sorry for just deciding everything on my own."
Futaba: "No, it's..."
(I never expected Koga to be the one to come see me.)
I made up my mind and looked up at Koga.
Futaba: "Actually, there's something I need to tell you too."
Koga: "What is it?"
Encouraged by Koga to speak first, I told him about what happened with Kagari.
Futaba: "...I am truly sorry. Because I turned down the offer Kagari made me, it triggered everything that happened..."
As I said this, the tears I had been holding back began to well up in my eyes.
(āI mustn't cry.)
(Crying won't change anything.)
As I struggled to hold back my tears, determined not to let them fallā
Koga: "Futaba."
Koga placed his large palm gently on my head.
Koga: "You did well. What you did was right."
Futaba: "Koga..."
Koga: "Besides, thereās no telling how much of what Kagari says can actually be trusted anyway."
Koga: "I think the outcome would have been the same regardless of how you responded."
Futaba: "But..."
His kind words made the tears well up even more. As I bit my lip to keep from crying, Koga watched over me, stroking my hair.
Koga: "Listen, this conversation ends here. No matter what happens to me in the future, donāt you ever apologize. Promise me."
(...Even though Koga is the one going through a hard time.)
(Even so, he still says these things for my sake.)
Thinking of that made my chest tighten even more.
Futaba: "...Yes. I promise."
Koga: "Good."
When I nodded as if to take his words to heart, Koga gave a faint smile.
Koga: "There's something I want to tell you too."
Having said that, Koga told me about what happened after we went to the shrine of hidden godā
He shared everything he had heard from Kagemaru.
About the organization of ayakashi called the Senkitai, and how its first leader was Koga's father.
(Koga's father accepted the conditions set by the government, who had turned their backs on them once the new era began...)
And how, to Kiryuāwho had looked up to Koga's fatherāthat was a betrayalā
Koga: "That is the reason Kiryu... hates my father."
Futaba: "......"
I could only listen in silence.
(I don't know the real reason Koga's father accepted those conditions, but...)
(...I can somewhat understand why Kiryu would feel "betrayed.")
The strange feeling Iād always had about Kiryuās words finally made sense to me now.
(In the first place, the government that captured the Senkitaiāwho fought alongside themāis the root of all this evil.)
Thinking that, I suddenly remembered Akiyasu.
(Akiyasu also resented the government because his father was killed by them.)
Humans, Onmyoji, AyakashiāI wonder if these differences only ever lead to conflict.
Futaba: "Um... why did Kagemaru tell you all that? It's not that I doubt his story, but I'm wondering why he went out of his way to come and tell you, Koga..."
Koga: "Apparently, they're concerned about Kiryuās movements over there, too. They said theyād lend us their strength if itās to stop that guy."
(......!)
(The Senkitai is going to help Kouga-san...)
Koga: "I don't know the exact reasons, butā¦ Including all that, I'm going to talk to him again tomorrow."
(Ah......)
Kuya: "...Why at night?"
Koga: "Thereās someone I have to meet before then.ā
(The person Koga said he was going to meet... was Kagemaru.)
Futaba: "Koga... are you okay?"
With a rising sense of unease, I quietly peered into Kogaās face.
(The incident in Asakusa, his father's past...)
(I feel like too many things are happening all at once.)
I was worried that even Koga might be reaching his limit, butā
Koga: "I'm surprisingly fine."
Contrary to my expectations, Koga answered nonchalantly.
Futaba: "Oh... really?"
Koga: "Well, I do feel like I've been dragged into a real mess, though. But I have you... and Toichiro and the others."
(ā!)
Futaba: "...Yes."
I placed both of my hands over Koga's hand, which was resting beside me.
Futaba: "No matter what happens, everyone else and I are on your side, Koga. Please take care on your way to Kobe."
Koga: "Yeah..."
Then, Koga spoke as if he were trying to gauge my reaction.
Koga: "...Are you angry that Iām leaving you behind in the Capital?"
Futaba: (āOh.)
Koga: "Once we're back in to Capital, for a little while, we should keep our distanceā"
Futaba: "I... I refuse!"
Koga: "...!"
Futaba: "Please let me help, too. Iāll protect myself."
(Koga is talking about what happened back then.)
Koga: "Itās not that I donāt trust you. Itās just..."
Futaba: "Itās okay."
I cut Koga off and spoke firmly to reassure him.
Futaba: "I understand that this time, I would definitely just be in the way if I went with you. And besides..."
I slowly put my thoughts into words.
Futaba: "I have something I want to do in the Capital myself."
Koga: "Something you want to do?"
Futaba: "Yes. I feel like I've finally started to understand what Kiryu wants, thanks to this recent incident."
What I remembered were Kiryu's words and actions back in Kobe.
Kiryu: "I knew your father well."
Kiryu: "He was a man who desired the coexistence of humans and Ayakashi more than anyone. And yet, it was humans who killed him. Why do you remain so friendly with mere humans? Do you not hate them? If you, his son, do not avenge your parents', then whoā I see... you are afraid, aren't you? Afraid of making humans your enemy."
(Those words of Kiryu's...)
(And the incident in Asakusa.)
The terrified eyes of the people I saw in Asakusa, looking at someone who had taken on Kogaās form.
(If that was what Kiryu wanted to achieve...)
Futaba: "I think Mr. Kiryu... wants to isolate you, Koga."
I looked directly at Koga in front of me and spoke with absolute convictionā
