Day Seventy...
~~*****~~
"Sigh," Jane sighed in exasperation as she rubbed her temples. "My sister never seems to heed my advice, but thankfully, you were there to protect her," she muttered.
"Don't worry, Jane," Hanabi consoled her with a reassuring smile. "I'll make sure she stays safe as long as I'm around." Hanabi's expression grew more serious as she continued, "Speaking of which, since you're planning to meet Vincent tonight, it's necessary that we accompany you to ensure your safety. You mentioned that King Stallion has set its sights on you, and we simply cannot allow you to go there alone. Who knows Vincent is indeed a member of the King Stallion?"
Hanabi's unwavering commitment to Jane's well-being was evident, and she understood the gravity of the situation.
"Alright," Jane reluctantly agreed, acknowledging the importance of their presence for her safety. "You and Cherry can come with me. But... I also need some private time alone with Vincent."
Jane emphasized this with a heartfelt explanation. "You see, there are things I need to discuss with him that are personal and sensitive. It's about our past, and I believe it's necessary for us to have that one-on-one conversation before anything else. Afterward, we can all stick together, and I'll feel much better knowing that you both are there for support." Jane's request stemmed from a deep need to address certain matters with Vincent privately before facing the challenges that lay ahead.
"Okay, sis! We will make sure not to interrupt your conversation with him." Cherry responded, her voice reflecting her understanding of Jane's need for privacy. "We'll stay close by, just in case you need our backup support." Cherry's words conveyed a sense of respect for Jane's wishes, along with an underlying concern for her safety.
However, Hanabi's determination to protect Jane went a step further. "But Jane," Hanabi added, her voice unwavering and resolute, "If I ever sense that your life is truly in danger, I won't hesitate to take action, even if you haven't given your consent."
Jane bobbed her head in response. "I'm good with that."
Ignoring Hanabi's warning, Tatsumi couldn't resist indulging in a bit of playful flirting with Jane, his demeanor taking on a charming, almost childlike quality. He leaned in closer, his eyes glistening with expectation as he asked, "So, my Lady, how was your trip abroad? Did you find yourself missing my delightful company?" To add to the charm, Tatsumi even donned a pair of puppy-dog eyes, gazing at Jane with a playful twinkle smile on his lips.
Jane could only smile awkwardly as she didn't know how she would respond to Tatsumi's flirty yet charming behavior. Cherry also tried her best to hold her laughter because she noticed the sour mood on Hanabi's face. She was looking daggers at Tatsumi.
Acting like a jealous possessive lover, Hanabi swiftly intervened by pulling Jane away from Tatsumi's proximity. With a brusque motion, she snatched a nearby pillow and hurled it directly at Tatsumi's face, her irritation visible in the abruptness of her actions.
"Ouch! I'll sue you for physically assaulting a defenseless patient here!" Tatsumi exclaimed, his patience wearing thin. "Doctor! Nurse! Help! There's a crazy woman attacking a weak patient here!"
Jane couldn't help but chuckle and lightly scratch the back of her head, recognizing the need to intervene before the room turned into a battleground between a feisty cat and an irate dog.
"Enough with the bickering, you two. It's high time you made an effort to get along. Tatsumi, refrain from provoking a lady; it's not very gentlemanly. And Hanabi, please show some kindness to Tatsumi; after all, he is still a patient," Jane implored, taking on the role of mediator between the feuding friends.
"My lady, you see, Hanabi isn't a woman. She's more like a wild beast!" Tatsumi reasoned with an exaggerated pout.
Jane and Cherry couldn't help but chuckle at Tatsumi's remarks.
"Well, Jane," Hanabi spoke as she continued glaring at Tatsumi. "How can I treat him kindly if every word that comes out of his mouth has the magical ability to push my buttons and piss me off?"
The duo's humorous banter continued, making the hospital room feel a bit more like home. In the end, Jane shifted the conversation by delving into the topic of the King Stallion Mafia. She relayed her initial plan to her friends, updating Tatsumi on the discussion she'd had with Cherry and Hanabi in the car a while ago.
Jane made a firm decision to collaborate with these three individuals in her quest for revenge against Monica and the Leader of King Stallion. With time running out, she recognized that Hanabi, Cherry, and Tatsumi would be invaluable assets to her plans. Unlike before, Jane no longer felt alone; she had friends by her side, and this comforting thought filled her with a sense of ease and determination.