Chapter 103 - Dont cry

Still, even for him, this will be a problem. His gaze fell on Setsura, who was subtly reading things from his desk, "If I don't get the position, you...what will you do?"

Information is sacred to an investigation. While he doesn't necessarily have to lead the case to get information, the information he receives would be limited.

Setsura nodded, "Well, I'll just see how things go from there."

Such a vague reply, and yet Akito understood where the girl was coming from. She will use other means, even if it means putting her life at risk. That was something Akito couldn't allow; she may have some martial arts experience. But even then, Akito worried about her. Touma's methods are ruthless. He still remembers how the guy got his position. Hard work? That was all a front; he used underhanded means to rise up in the ranks.

At first, Akito was one of the few people who believed in this promising newbie. But, later on, he learned the truth. He saw with his own eyes, Touma bullying and blackmailing those of a higher rank than him. Later on, he did more digging and found out about the horrific crimes the man committed.

"There is an upcoming ball in the upper society recently," Akito trailed off. "I said I'd bring you with me, but with this timing. I'm worried about what they'll do to you."

"Realistically, they won't do anything since we will be in public."

"So, you're saying you should stick with the crowd?"

"Not necessarily, they could easily get somebody to disguise as their spy in the middle of the crowd and trick me."

"So, what do you suggest?"

Setsura leaned forward and whispered something in his ear. His eyes widened at her suggestion, "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Akito nodded, "Then I'll make the arrangements for you," he trailed off when he felt her hand caress his cheeks.

"Are you worrying about something again? I shall be fine. I am used to dealing with all sorts of people."

"I know that," Akito nodded. Only somebody who has gone through a lot would have such a hazard look in their eyes. From the moment he first met her. Akito understood that this girl is not a simple person. Maybe that's the reason why he became so overprotective of her. Akito didn't understand, but from the very first time they met. He already knew, "But that's why I'm worried about you. I don't want you to be in danger, but more than that, I don't want you to get hurt anymore."

"Thank you, Akito. I'm very grateful towards you. Even though I've been causing you a lot of problems, your still looking out for me."

"Isn't that normal? Were dating."

Setsura chuckled, "Do all the women you court end up with such special treatment? If so, it's no wonder your popular Mr police officer."

'Not all women, only you,' Akito refrained himself from saying. He had a feeling that now wasn't the time for these words. While their relationship is going well. There are certain boundaries Akito doesn't dare cross with her yet. There are still many things Setsura has recalled and kept a secret from him.

Akito didn't want to push her to tell him, though. These things will take time, like at the start. He won't force her to tell him things. Now that they are dating, though, Akito has to admit that he does want to know. But, pushing her will only lead to worsening her condition.

"There will be many people there, Setsura. Many people who approach us with hidden intentions. Many who will compare you to my wife. You will hear things about her, and many will side with you. They will not compliment her since she is no longer around; instead, they'll be filled with praise for you. Be wary of them Setsura; those people do not mean well. They engage in such conversations with us to get on our good sides."

"There are those who will approach us with the intention to hurt and see us suffering," Setsura mumbled.

Akito nodded, "Yes, that is why you must be careful. You have to be observant at all times. Some of them even do it for both, trying to curry favor and intentionally trying to wound us. Don't let their empty flattery get to you, Setsura; you can ignore them... Those people are the kind who dismissed and insulted the death of those girls."

When Akito thought of people's reaction to the case, it disgusted him in more ways than one.

"You are not obliged to speak to them, but neither can you ignore them outright," he trailed off when he saw Setsura's expression. The girl's expression had stiffened.

"Their reaction to the murders...?" Setsura voice had turned quiet. Her earlier spunk had vanished, and the girl seemed very fragile again. Akito hated seeing her this way.

He brushed his fingers on her eyelids, wiping the tears that emerged away. "I'm sorry Setsura, I didn't mean to make you cry."

"No, you didn't do anything wrong. It is foolish of me to cry when I'm not related to those girls at all. I only experienced one day of hell, but what about them? They were trapped in that place for months and experienced more grievances and horrors than the average person. But, when I think about how even after their death - people are not mourning but scorning them..."

Akito wrapped his arms around the girl's waist and held her tightly. "Setsura," he whispered in her ear. "Are you truly sure you want to continue investigating cases? The more you investigate, the more you will learn about how truly cruel people can be. I know you've gone through a lot, and I am not belittling your experiences. But, these people are beyond cruel. In any case, Touma has already laid his eyes on you. Even if we stay away from him, he will bring the cruelties to us."

"Akito," Setsura spoke up after a while. "I will stay with you, so in turn, promise me that you'll stay with me?"

"I could never leave your side."

"But, there are many who say such words. Can you prove to me that you genuinely mean them?" Setsura's tears had vanished, but the look in the girl's eyes seemed so hollow. So dead and empty, as she looked into his eyes. It's almost as though she was searching for a meaning.

"I can," just two words isn't enough. Akito bent down and brought his lips to hers. She has nothing to be afraid about; he will be here for her.