Chapter 90 - The truly rotten one

The date with Akito was going far better than she thought it would. Setsura was reluctant to accept it at first. After what happened, she was very petrified and didn't want to leave the house. But at the same time, staying at the mansion scared her even more. Since that house was basically a house of terror, whenever the servants went past her, she thought they would attack her. So, that's why she started to bring a concealed knife around with her. But even then, she was uneasy.

After what happened, it slowly came back to her. Some memories from the future. Akito was not wrong when he told her that she's experienced in solving cases. It seemed like she wasn't a simple girl with dreams of being an artist. She seemed to have gotten herself caught up in dangerous matters.

In the future, it seemed like her life wasn't that simple. After recalling that Setsura agreed to go on a date with Akito. She made such huge risks in the past, what was wrong with doing the same in the future?

When she closes her eyes, the world around her becomes pitch black. The anxiety and uncertainty are hard to bear. Akito is the same as her; at least she thought he was. But after spending time with him like this. Setsura can tell that he is different. He isn't as corrupt as her. Even if nothing in this world is certain, even if the unexpected happens and destroys people's plans. We still live.

Death is a different story. When a person dies, they can't return to life. Their ideals, everything that made them what they once were is all gone. The words they wanted to convey all vanish into thin air. The words are lost forever.

People often have nightmares - or dreams of the deceased because they are still attached to them. Only when a person dies, do you truly realize how important they were to you. But by that point, it is already far too late.

Her thoughts drifted off when she turned to Akito, who was lining up for some ice cream. This man, if something were to happen to her. Would he have regrets to the point that it would keep him up at night?

"Setsura, sorry for keeping you waiting," Akito said and extended his hand out. "Here."

Setsura immediately noticed it was a single cone. "Did you not have enough money or something? Shall I lend you some?" She is aware that rich people have the terrible habit of not carrying around change with them.

To her surprise, Akito shook his head, "Is it not so we could share the ice cream?"

Setsura rolled her eyes, "What a petty man. You'd resort to petty tricks despite succeeding in stealing a real kiss from me?"

"Setsura-chan, did anybody tell you that you have a bad personality... "

"I'm surprised you're just mentioning it now."

Akito sweat fell, "At least try to deny it."

"There is no need for it. Because the reality is that my personality is rotten."

"Uh, right."

"By the way, I underestimated how popular you were."

"Underestimated?"

Setsura sighed, "The girls in the office know about our relationship now. It wasn't a surprise since you dropped your work to find me. They did not mention me in the newspaper, but some people heard about my involvement nonetheless. When I dropped by there a few days ago, people were either shooting daggers at me. It seems like I've become the enemy of countless women because of your reckless actions."

"Hey, remember that I saved you."

"Indeed, that's why I reduced my insults and told him that I wouldn't be responsible for whatever happens if she met with you," Setsura nodded. "I was meant to add that you have a broody personality and the rest of that. But I was taking into account what you did for me not too long ago."

"Uh, you did this because you were jealous, right?"

"On the contrary, I didn't feel jealousy. But I felt a bit possessive."

Akito smiled, "That's enough."

She wonders if he seriously understood what she was talking about. Still, Akito seemed oddly pleased, so maybe she ought to leave it at that. He bent down and ate a bit of her ice cream. This man is very unusual, she thought so from the very start. But why did he pick up a random girl? Akito was living a secluded life before he met her. He even brought her to his home despite not knowing her identity. It was bizarre. He went along with everything.

From the very start, he did not question her. He listened to her patiently and even gave her advice. Now that she thought about it, the truly rotten one maybe Akito. It's clear that he is affected by his wife's death. But at the same, he is living his life normally. He could have resigned from work.

No, most people would have done that. Those people already stripped Akito of his post as division one chief. Why did he feel complied to stay? It made little sense to Setsura.

"Akito, do you not miss your wife?" Setsura asked.

He looked up and smiled, "Miss her? I did, for a long time."

"But your actions, I fail to grasp it."

Akito surely missed her. With what he went through, is it not normal to get revenge? How come he did not do that?

"Are you thinking about why I didn't take revenge?"

"Yes."

"Revenge is futile. Even if I got revenge against those, who wronged her. Wronged both of us and drove her to a corner. Nothing would change; she would not return to my side. Instead of wasting my time on something pointless that will greatly affect those still left behind. Then, I'd rather focus on the present."

So, he had such thoughts. Focus on the present? Living like an empty shell every day and having no purpose in life is moving forward? No, Akito never tried to move forward. The reason why he stuck around with his job despite everything is because he didn't want to move on. He kept his situation more or less the same as it was.

The only thing that had changed was him. He could no longer smile or interact with others in the same manner as before. Setsura leaned forward and stopped Akito in his tracks. At some point, she had dropped the ice cream. "Are you worried again?"

"You make it hard for me not to worry about you," she reached over and caressed his cheeks. "Your wife, she will always be very important, isn't that so?"

"Yes."

"But, you are willing to move on now with me, correct?"

"Mmm."

"What if I don't return your feelings, despite all your efforts. Won't all of this be for nothing?"

Akito laughed, "Honestly, I haven't considered the possibility of you rejecting me yet. I should probably do so."

"Maybe because you understand me."

At the rate this is going, she will fall for Akito. Even if she tries to remain true to her heart, how can she ignore someone so genuine and sincere? He treats her with so much affection every day. But he does not push his boundaries. No doubt, he is a kind person.

"Maybe I do, and maybe I don't. But unlike those who have tried to approach me these last few years. You are different."

"Do you like me because I'm unique?"

"I like that about you, but that is one of many reasons."

"When will I learn the rest?"

Akito laughed, "I think you know the reason."

When she finally accepts him for real. He will tell her everything she needs to know, huh?

Setsura pulled her hand away from his cheek, but she didn't move away from him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder. "Everything happens for a reason, so even if you fail. Your failure can be explained too."

Akito nodded, "Yeah. That's why it's better to try. These actions of mine will have a meaning regardless. Besides," he mumbled softly. "I think she would have also wanted the same for me."

What a rotten person, suddenly bringing up his wife again. But, it seems like the two of them are the same type after all.