Chapter 199 - Ever since

Ever since the day he went to the shooting range with Setsura.

Victor gradually grew more curious and open about watching over her. Though it was something he had long been doing, up until now, he hid it quite well. That's right; he's been watching over her for so long now. Ever since that time. It doesn't seem like she remembers anything about it, though.

Their group that up until that time had been completely undefeatable, somebody ambushed them- in their very own headquarters. There was a spy, someone let them in, and before they could even react. The lights went out; there was nothing but screams heard. The cl.u.s.tering of weapons. People's voices. Voices of all sorts, some familiar and some not. For those people's eyes who couldn't adjust to the dark, it was a complete wipeout. When the lights went back on, it was a complete mess. But for both sides. It seemed as though they were at an advantage. That was until they brought out the hostage. Junie, Junie, you...didn't deserve to suffer like that.

Victor regretted it then. Regretted having that fight with him, regretted ignoring those calls. Seeing him in such a condition, tortured. He must have tried to run away and called him for help. He didn't know what happened; he charged lost complete control and. He doesn't recall it very well. But when he next woke up, Junie was crying in his arms about being okay, and a girl with dark hair stood there... He could still remember her gland figure.

He owes a lot to Akito.

That's why even though he longed quit getting involved in cases. For these past few years had been keeping an eye on Akito. Even while he was abroad. However, Setsura-chan is his life savior. Victor wondered what happened to the girl. He tried to search for her, and yet he could not find her at all. But, it seems like she doesn't remember what happened. Why is that?

He supposes that's something that he could ask Akito another time. Victor recalls how somebody told him not too long ago.

'Don't assume; get your facts straight. That is what messes a lot of people up.

There is always a true story and reasoning behind everything. It is like we're all trying to fight for it, trying to get what we want, and it makes us forget the whole reason why we wanted it in the first place. Change for the better; don't change for someone else. Change for yourself. Don't be selfish. Don't limit yourself from doing things just because you don't think you can make it through. Remember — time will not wait for you, so make the best of it.'

Getting his facts right, huh? Meaning 'accepting.' Just knowing wasn't enough. That's probably why his gaze fell on the girl that pulled out a small book out of her bag. That's probably why things ended before it could start. Even though he knew a lot about her, he knew everything there was to know about her. There were many things he just couldn't accept.

Sometimes you can meet the one person you share your life with, in many ways, whether it be quick or slow; easy or hard. As long as you are confident and strong about it, nothing can stop you from what you are feeling. You may meet them in strange ways or situations. You might even be sitting near them. As long as you find that special someone, the feelings will start to grow. Regardless of whether you are a boy or a girl, feelings will be feelings.

Back then, he always had thought that person would be June. He always thought that no matter what happened, he would always love her. However, when Setsura came around when she came around, everything changed. No, maybe back then, it was already becoming obvious.

Victor observed her for a long time before he confirmed she was the girl he met before.

"Are you doing okay?" Victor suddenly asked. Last time at the practice range, Victor noted that she seemed to be significantly bothered about something.

He asks because quite some time has passed since that event.

Yet no one had asked her. No one had brought him up in front of her. Victor knew they were trying to be considerate, but he doesn't believe that it did the girl any good.

He hears the sound of a page turn, and he knew that the girl was still looking down at the book. "What are you talking about?" she questioned.

Victor flinches, hearing the girl's tone, "Nothing. "

When Setsura-chan gets like that, it's best not to say a word, even so, she hasn't mentioned it at all, huh? Yet he sees her clutching that necklace in her hands every single day. Hey Izu, is this what he meant before? When he spoke about setting her up with someone. He had heard the conversation between them then. It surprised him, but apart of him understood now.

Setting her up with somebody he knew. But perhaps, it was something different. If it is something different, then this situation would make sense.

Victor stretched his arms and decided to break the tense atmosphere. "Taking it easy like this is nice," he mumbled. His gaze fell on the orange hue that filled the skies — what a beautiful colored sky.

"You're always so busy, after all."

"Being busy has never bothered me. I knew I could always quit if I wanted to," Victor said. That's right because he isn't officially contracted. He could have easily quit, and there would have been no hassle whatsoever.

"You can't quit," Setsura said frantically.

"What? Uh, Setsura."

She suddenly looked so frantic and panicky. Victor smiles, ahh, ahh, this is like her. Though, he doubts Akito knows this side of her.

"Everyone needs you--"he cuts her off by reaching over and patting her head.

Victor smiles, "It's okay, I don't think that way, anymore. "

Those thoughts that had once been at the forefront of his mind had gone. After she disappeared, the other guys began to act strange, and before long, they all fell apart as a group. They were on the verge of falling apart, and he was one of the first ones who wanted to quit. Yet Setsura came crashing down in their world, almost like a shooting star. If he thinks about it carefully, the girl's timing was far too good. Now that Setsura-chan is here, there is a chance for their little group to return to normal though Victor didn't want to pressure the girl too much.

Setsura sighs in relief, as he gently ruffles his hair before he releases his hand.

"I have a pretty long history in the entertainment I debuted as a kid, worked solo for a while, and appeared in plays, and grand stages. I had good times and not so good times. And somehow, after all that, I ended up in a group. But, somehow, I ended up in the police force, funny, huh?" Victor said.

"You mean that special unit?"

It seems like Akito told her quite a bit already. Akito must trust her. But, didn't he know that already. His friend towards this woman is different.

"Yeah." he trails off, " At first, I didn't think we'd do well. And when Akito came along, I thought it would become even more of a disaster."

Having four cold-hearted and cool type guys in one group is a recipe for disaster after all. She must have realized what he thought since she chuckles, " But you all seem to understand each other."

"Really? That's how it looks to you?"

"Yes."

"I think you and Akito have a better understanding of each other, though."