Chapter 95 - Auction Part 2

Auction house -

No matter what she does, the pain doesn't disappear. It remains in her heart. Setsura splashed water on her face hoping that the feeling she felt in the hall would vanish. But instead, she kept on trembling. This is awful; how did she end up like this? But the moment she entered the hall, she suddenly felt crummy and horrible about herself. Naturally coming with Akito and Victor would draw attention. People's voices, the masks they wear - she is used to it already. Those who treat you with kindness but then the moment you stop being useful, they turn their backs on you.

Those who only use you for your own benefits. Everybody congratulated her and Akito. Word got around about their relationship fairly quickly. But then again, Akito didn't try to hide it. Nor did she. If somebody asked her, she would tell them the truth. There was no need to hide it.

'Depression' was the word she would use to describe her case. While her memories are hazy, things have gradually gotten clearer after what happened in that nightmare house. She can remember more than enough. She would attend therapy sessions with her boyfriend. He would help her out whenever she had an attack. So it's not like she was dealing with it all alone.

A deep sigh passed her lips, she thought as much before. But now that she has it figured out, reality sucks. If she were to talk about it to anyone here in the Meiji era, she wouldn't be surprised if they thought she was crazy. The best thing to do is hide it. She doesn't know how advanced their medical system is when it comes to mental health.

Take deep breaths.

It's okay; she is just fine here. Since she started to date Akito, things have been a lot better for her. But hearing those comments tonight sucked. People were looking at with such fond eyes, but underneath that mask is a beast. They all made side remarks and looked at her with those eyes. Eyes of questioning, 'Why her?' 'Why is it somebody like her?' Setsura thought she understood Akito's position in society. But, it seems like she has underestimated it a great deal.

People care a lot about Akito.

Akito may have lived a somewhat secluded lifestyle since what happened with his late wife. But, it seems like he's always remained at the center of attention. Of course, people would be curious about her. Akito lived a secluded lifestyle for so long. But now he suddenly has a girlfriend; he is suddenly going out more again. Naturally, people had their expectations of her. Setsura noted how some strange people were dropping by her workplace too.

Hearing a light knock on the door, Setsura mumbled, "Akito?"

"Yeah, it's me."

A relieved sigh escaped her lips, and she opened the door slightly to confirm. One can never be too careful. It was, indeed, Akito. She immediately buried her face in his arms, "I'm sorry, I don't feel so good."

Akito caressed her hair with his hands, "Don't worry. I got us some private seats. We won't be disturbed by people."

While she does feel bad that he went through all that trouble, right now, she does not have the luxury to complain.

"Akito? Why did you come here? You're aware this is the ladies' restroom, right?"

"One of Touma's goons followed you. So, I figured I'd stand by."

"Ah," Setsura nodded. The meeting with Touma had yet to happen. But Akito knew the man was already in the venue. "Did you find out why he is here?"

At that comment, Akito frowned, "It seems like he is betting on the same item."

"!!"

"Relax, Setsura. I don't plan to lose it. Touma can't afford to go against me for long when it comes to money. He may be the section one chief now. But he does not come from a wealthy background."

Then what is a man like that doing in an auction where the difference of wealth is shown? Is he here only to make a fool of himself? Setsura had a bad feeling about this. She doesn't know that man at all. But when she first heard his sinister voice at the clock tower, it felt familiar. Where has she heard that voice before?

'Dearest sister---'

Setsura flinched, and she turned around. Naturally, when she came into the bathroom, there was nobody else around. But it felt like somebody else had spoken just now. A disgusting and vile voice calling her sister. She hugged Akito tighter.

"Setsura?" he asked, concerned. "What's the matter?"

She has Akito; nothing will happen. But why does she get this bad feeling? Akito himself isn't emotionally stable at times. Though he isn't like her, he has his own demons to face. Is it okay for her to rely on him so much?

"Setsura, can I kiss you?"

"Huh? Oh-" before she could make a teasing remark, she felt the familiar sensation of Akito's lips on hers.

.....

On their way back inside the auction hall, Setsura could already tell that the event had started. She could hear the sound of bids being made even from out here. Her gaze fell on Akito, who was leading her back. 'He isn't going to ask?' She did freak out and ask for the bathroom the moment she came here. Not only did she not need the toilet at all, she stayed there for a long time. When Akito found her, her eyes were puffy too. He isn't mentioning anything, though.

"Is the jewel the only thing your betting on tonight?"

Akito's lips curve into a smile, "No, I'll bet on anything you like. So, tell me if something catches your eye."

Setsura rolled her eyes, "Leaving all the decisions to me again, and you call yourself a man."

"Well, you can see tonight whether that's the case."

"If you do anything overboard Akito-san, even I'll get mad at you."

Akito, however, laughed.

What does he mean by tonight? Why did he make it sound so suggestive? But, talking to him like this made her feel better. Her heart feels lighter in contrast to before. It seems like as long as she is with this person, she doesn't have to worry about anything.

When they reentered the hall, Akito brought her to the private seats. "Welcome back, you two."

"Caught anything strange?"

Victor had a pen and paper out; he had noted out quite a long list of items. "More like, nearly everything they are selling tonight can be classified as an item from the unknown."

Akito deeply sighed, "Guess that means more work for me."

"Work?"

Victor smiled, "Since Akito is a police officer. He can't turn a blind eye to these things."

So, that means Akito didn't just come here to buy the item for her? Then again, he probably had such intentions. Akito must have realized earlier that there was something amiss in the air.