Chapter 172 - What I Failed To See

Akito didn't know when it started. However, before he knew it, his gaze constantly followed her. Before Akito knew it, he was searching for her wherever she went. He sought her our wherever. Even long before they became close with one another, he was always watching her. Maybe it's because he realized Setsura differs from the other girls; it was one of the things he had first noticed about her.

Most girls he knew are loud, obnoxious, and chatty. However, Setsura differed from them. She wasn't shy or meek. Well, she was quiet when she first came. But, that was only due to her loss of memory. Akito understood that she isn't like that. He has yet to learn about the real her. But even after he learned about the real her. His opinion didn't change whatsoever. Why would it? He had already fallen in love with her.

Akito knew it was over the moment he fell for Setsura. No matter what she did or said, he would dismiss it because of love. That thought itself is very foolish, however it was far too late for him to turn back.

During intimidating situations where a group of people would gather and gossip. Akito would see her eyebrows furrow into a frown. An unpleasant look would appear on her face. But she wouldn't say anything. She would stand there and nod occasionally.

Since the conversation didn't interest her, he would have caught her daydreaming how she fidgeted about nervously in front of other men while Setsura's fear towards guys has gradually gotten better now. There were still times where she would shift about uncomfortably. During them times he would take her hand in his, and give them a reassuring squeeze.

After a while, he came to a sudden realization. Was this how it was? To like someone? He couldn't think of anything else; he had never felt like this before, ever.

"It seems like you've become really fond of her."

"Our feelings are the same," Akito murmured. "Her attitude towards the cases, her outlook on things. It's the same as mine, at least when I first started the force. That earnest attitude, the willpower to see things through - to discover the truth."

When he first saw her act that way. Akito didn't know what to think. He prepared himself a long time ago, Setsura will act differently when she regains her memories. Akito was ready, at least he thought so. However, that changed. Her actions baffled him. After what happened in that mansion, Akito thought she would be more fragile than ever. However, it wasn't like that at all. She got back on her feet after that night, and slowly regained her memories.

Unlike before, her memories came to her a lot faster now. Maybe because Setsura isn't trying to

"Do you think she will always remain that way?"

"Yes," Akito nodded. "I won't hide the fact that I was worried about her at first. Worried that the darkness would consume her like it did me. The more she learned, the more she discovered. I thought it would corrupt her like it did me."

"But it didn't?"

"It didn't, the more she learned. The stronger Setsura became. I think Setsura is what the current police force needs right now. If it's her, she can change the police -without directly interfering with the law. She can shape and take matters into her own hands. People who meet her end up taking such reckless actions. But, all these actions of hers have a meaning. She doesn't do things without reason."

'Everything happens for a reason,' the girl's words resounded in his head.

Akito is starting to understand the meaning behind those words now. Indeed, everything does happen for a reason — no matter what shape, what form it takes. Every action happens for something specific, even if it is for something small. People drink and eat to survive; people learn because they like that topic. It's the same as that. To think he only realizes these things now, how pathetic is he? It was right in front of him from the very start, but he did not notice.

"At the start, I'll admit I looked down on her a bit."

Izu nodded, "Yes, didn't you call her naive and sheltered?"

"At the start, I truly thought that. Though I based it on her appearance then. I thought to myself that this woman would only get in the way. What does she know about solving cases? Even if she is the key, and even if she has those skills. She is still naive. The only reason she came here is because the Guardians picked her. If they didn't choose her, she wouldn't even be involved."

"I'm sure it didn't take you long to realize. Even though they picked her, she didn't have to go along with their words. Your opinion has changed now."

"I don't think I was wrong calling her naive," Akito murmured. Even now, he thinks the same. Setsura is naive in more ways than one. She doesn't overestimate herself, or anything. But, "She fails to see the consequences of her actions. Fails to see how much harm it will cause her."

"So, Setsura is the type of person who cares more about other people than herself?"

"No, it isn't like that. What Setsura cares about, are the people who are sincere to her. She isn't a saint who would save every person in sight. She isn't that kind of person."

"But she is a good person?"

"Yes, there is no doubt about that. She is naive, but there were two things I couldn't see because, due to past events, my judgments were clouded."

"But?" By this point, Akito saw the solemn and gloomy look on Izu's face slowly disappearing. A rare genuine smile appeared on the man's face.

"But," Akito repeated. "Things are very different now. Setsura, she is working hard towards a goal. Even if she can't see where it will end, most people would call that behavior reckless. However, it's that particular behavior that attracts people to her side. Because of her, everybody is working harder than before."

"I said this to you before, back then anyway. If you seriously want to make a move on her, do it then. You knew, didn't you? Even though you didn't treat her as anyone special, she was always looking at you. I didn't think; you'd be stupid enough to lay your hands on her despite the lack of interest. I'm sure Setsura will lecture you later, but you messed up with your wife. However, you have a second chance now."

Akito laughed, "Second chance, with a different woman."

"Yes, but that's fine."

"If we're talking about messing up, you're the same."

Izu shook his head, "It's the case of the past already. I can't return to Natasha anymore. Back then, I only ever saw her as a child. I never took it seriously. It would be wrong of me to see her again. Even if we do meet, it would be as people working on solving the cases. It would be as professionals."

"You really are a foolish guy. Why would you give everything up like that?" Akito couldn't believe it.