Chapter 229 - Not fair for you to be alone.

"It's not fair for you to be alone."

Akito had noticed it, of course, despite what it seemed like he was observant. He saw the changes within the person he cared about the most, noticed the changes within her even if it's completely impossible to understand someone completely. When it comes to the woman named Setsura. The impossible becomes possible.

He carefully watched her from the corners of his eyes – Setsura. Akito woke up with the girl in his arms. He placed kisses on her neck and shoulders. 'This feels nice, somehow.' Akito didn't know what it was. However, every moment with Setsura sent him off edge. When did they get n.a.k.e.d? She did pass out before they could do anything.

Akito watched the unique glow of her bright hair, a unique feature that made people think badly of her. Then again, even without it. The way she appeared in town is something people can't forget. The way she dressed and spoke. Still, for Akito, it was one of the physical characteristics he liked about her.

Long before they met, he knew who she was. But, even then, Akito didn't think they would end up like this. Did Izu plan this entire thing out from the start? Did Izu try to set him up with Setsura, long before she came here? That chief of his is strange. Akito already got an odd vibe from him, even before he found out the man was a guardian.

If his job was only to watch over her until she got her memories back - then Akito failed. Not only did he fall in love with her, but he also can't let her leave his side anymore. How pathetic, to think, let himself fall deep. After what happened with his wife, Akito made a vow not to fall in love with anymore. As silly and foolish as that sounds, he genuinely thought it would work.

Such a foolish vow. Forget falling in love that is something he can't control. Nobody can control who they fall in love with while the individual can decide whether or not to pursue it. They can't choose who they like. It's the same with him. Akito tried to stay away; he tried to maintain a distance from her. He did try, but he simply couldn't leave her alone.

Strong and yet fragile. The strong side of Setsura that reminds him of flames. Akito wondered if Setsura knew how she looked when she worked on cases.

However, his foster grandfather once told him never to play with fire as the beauty of the flames is parallel to the burning pain it can cause.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he contemplated on the idea of gathering all the information in town. It's possible for him to do so. Position or not, he had a lot of power and influence in this town.

Setsura opened her eyes and smiled at him. "Good morning."

Akito gently kisses her lips, "Good morning, want to sleep more?"

"Time?"

"9:30."

Setsura rolled back into his arms, and he laughed. It seems like she slept late anyway, so this was fine. "Do you have work today Akito?"

"I do you?"

"I'm skipping," she mumbled. "Skip with me?"

"I wish I could," Akito sighed. The next few days were critical. He knew he couldn't afford to slack and get reckless while the idea of spending the day with Setsura like this tempts him. Akito knew better. He is so close in getting the jurisdiction.

"I don't know what to think when you actually act like a serious officer."

His sweat fell at her comment, "You should be happy, no?"

Setsura nodded, "I am happy, but I feel slightly conflicted."

"You do?"

"Since you are serious now, you'll work more and neglect me."

Is Setsura still drunk? Why is she saying such honest things, right now? How does he react to this? Setsura brushed her hands across his cheeks; a content sigh passed his lips. This was nice, after all. There is still time before he has to go to work. He can remain with her for a while longer.

Akito wrapped his arms tightly around her, "Forget later, focus on now."

…

Akito stalls as much as possible, even though he only has five minutes left before the meeting. It's not nearly enough time for him to get there. He should have left the house an hour ago if he wanted to be on time.

Instead, he remained with her. Setsura was cooking in the kitchen while he helped her.

"Remember how I used to care a lot about my appearance?"

Akito nodded and continued cutting the carrots. His gaze, however, focused on her, he didn't want to miss anything important, not a single expression, or gesture.

"It was silly of me," Setsura continued, "to ponder so much on physical appearance for a person who would eventually betray me."

Betray, huh?

Akito felt like his jaws tightened with her words. Whenever he hears the words betray, it stung. He curled his hands into fists as he recalled something from the past. His wife betrayed him. Akito never saw any physical evidence of cheating. However, it was more than enough for him. He saw it with his own eyes, how she treated other men better than him.

It still bothered him. Akito would not lie about that, why would he? Even now, the bitterness shows in his face whenever anybody asks him.

Setsura laughed bitterly, "I would often remark to my father how I find my hair awful with its unusual brightness and unruliness."

Akito approached her from behind and lightly touched a handful of her hair. He intertwined that lockful of hair with his hands.

For him, it was a treasure. Setsura is a treasure. He was like a firefly attracted to the light. He knew that, like the attracted firefly, he will give up his life for her– his light and sunshine.

Setsura belittles herself a lot more than he does. Akito thought he underestimated himself a lot. However, after he met Setsura, he realized that there are those out there who have gone through more things than him. People who have suffered a lot more.

Touching her hair was an unconscious act, lowering his invisible wall and letting go of himself by being true to his feelings, something that he deeply buried inside.

Akito murmured against her locks, "Your hair, it's beautiful."

"And to tell you the truth," Akito continued as he closed the remaining distance between them. "You look more beautiful than before."

A deep sigh passed Setsura's lips, "It seems you've mastered the art of flattery."

"That's nice; now I can win you over more," Akito mumbled. Still, "I apologize for yesterday."

Akito wondered why the girl hadn't brought it up yet. Ever since she woke up, he was waiting for it and waiting for her to lecture him. However, he received no lecture. What he got in return was more affection and honest words from her. It made him happy. But, at the same time, Akito felt afraid. Is this the calm before the storm or something? Setsura can get quite scary. After much thinking, Akito decided he would just tell her.

Setsura didn't reply right away, it was natural. She probably needed to think of a lecture. Akito braced himself for it, any second now. How would she react this time? Last time he promised her that they would do everything together. However, now it has ended up like this.

She was always the first thing he looked for as he sat up as he woke up.

'If he leaves, then he's betrayed me.'

Those faint words she said on the first night they met. Back then, Akito didn't know she was talking about her fiance. He, later on, hears the full story from Izu. Her fiancee is in a coma.

The reason why she showed up like that was because of an accident. Because another man tried to get her when her fiancee was in that state, the story made his blood boil. Sure her fiancee saved her life. But, why didn't he wake up? How could he leave her so defenseless?

'Akito, are you on my side?'

Yes, he wanted to say to her every morning. He wanted to say to her. 'Yes, I'm the only one on your side.' Gradually the care Akito had for Setsura increased. She became the most important person to him. His daily life revolved around her, and soon he was constantly thinking about her. Akito didn't quite understand it either. He only picked her up because of Izu's orders. If Izu said nothing if he was a mere bystander that day, would he have helped her?

The answer is yes. That day, Akito forgot about Izu's orders. He got tired, waiting for this girl to appear, so it gradually slipped his mind. When he brought Setsura to his carriage, it occurred to him that she was the one.

All he wanted was for her to be happy. Happy with the man she loved. At first, Akito intended to send her back to the future. He thought that would be best for her. If she goes back to a time and place, she is familiar with.