Chapter 332 - Struggle

*UNEDITED*

Chauncey turned to the two culprits, who made their way down the stairs." You didn't have to surprise us like that," he mumbled. He wanted to lecture them for giving Setsura such a scare.

"You two were were up there?"

"Takajo-san told us that it would be alright to go up once the shooting was over. So we did, we sent you guys a message but neither of you replied."

"Did you see the ghost?" Chauncey asked.

"Unfortunately no, but we did see a lot if spiders."

He glanced up at the ladder area, "Hmm, I wonder what the upstairs is like," Chauncey muttered. For a theatre group, Chauncey didn't think they'd hold such big scale productions. But it turns out what he thinks is large scale isn't. This is small? Chauncey couldn't help but be amazed by everything in the Meiji era.

"I was surprised as well. Before the lights went out I felt a breeze."

"That's the ghost then," the man concluded with a satisfied expression on his face.

When he saw the girl go pale he can't help but chuckle. It's rare to see her like this. Still, how strange. Doesn't

"Do you want to go see too?" Takajo suggested.

"Ye--" he trails of when he saw the expression on Setsura's face. Chauncey knew she wouldn't it now. But, she must still be frightened.

"On second thoughts I'll have you show me tomorrow. Shall we head back to the apartment?"

As they headed out, he feels a tug on his back and found that the brunette rested her head there.

"Thank you very much, for looking out for me."

"As long as your fine. That's it for me really."

If he had the chance to learn anything other than swordsmanship. Perhaps, he could have taught himself to say something in a situation like this. Not these bull words but something better.

Chauncey glanced over and saw Setsura looking over at him curiously. He shifted about uncomfortably when he saw that gaze. "What is it?"

"I was just thinking, you're actually a sweet guy."

"..."

He stared at her speechless. What is she trying to get at by saying such words? He's sweet? So, what does that mean now? Even after they left the building, Chauncey was still trying to figure it out. Setsura's behaviour towards him is better now but she will surely hate him again once she finds out what he is hiding.

Chauncey stayed quiet, and so did Setsura. Both of them appeared to be in deep thought about something.

They both seemed to be looking for the timing to start up a conversation. But, nobody said anything. The two in front of them were awfully chatty and loud. More like it was Taiga one sided chatting away, the bartender looked exhausted.

Suddenly Setsura spoke up, "Are you getting used to things here?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, it's very different here, right?"

Chauncey nodded, "Indeed, it's different."

"It's hard to adjust I know, but..."

"The people here and the buildings," Chauncey cut her off. "Everything here is very fascinating. Since we first met, I knew you didn't belong in this time due to what Touma told me. But, even without that information, something felt different about you. You emitted a different aura."

"I see," Setsura mumbled. "So it was something like that."

.....

Chauncey wished that he wasn't walking past at that time. Rather he had been there for quite awhile since Yang's business did not take long. He had seen everything that occurred between the two. From the affectionate gestures to the tears that fell in the girls eyes. Although he really wanted to lecture the two about doing such bold things in the outdoors.

He understood why his leader did something like that. After all he's always been beside her this entire time, that's why he knows.

"Yang, that's enough. Let's go back inside."

"Why? Are you ashamed?" Yang kissed Setsura's neck.

"Don't do this here, it's inappropriate."

"Damn, why are you like this lately? It's annoying."

'This is awkward to watch.' One minute they were getting intimate and now they are fighting with one another. How is he supposed to take this? He chose the wrong time to come here it seems like.

"Yang," Setsura's tone turned harsh. "I'm not being unreasonable. I didn't say no did I? I just want to go inside, it's cold out here and it will be uncomfortable."

Yang reached over and cupped the girl's cheeks. "You still want to do it with me?"

"Yes I do idiot, so let's go inside."

Chauncey watched as the two walked back inside the apartment. He stepped out of his hiding spot and sighed. Akito, these two are getting closer to one another. Is that fine? When Akito suggested he came here in his place, Chauncey hesitated. He knew what Akito wanted. 'Watch over Setsura and Yang.'

Even though these two keep fighting, Chauncey felt very troubled by them. Maybe because he realized that whenever they fight, the two get closer?

These two really do get along with each other well. Although he realized it a long time ago, this is the first that he's witnessed it so closely. This man truly shows no fear, you don't have to be a expert to know that he's in love with her. His actions always show it. Even though the same went for him, he cannot be so bold about it. Even if he wishes to be something more to her, something like that will never happen since he continues being so wish washy and half hearted.

Right now the present him will not be able to shine in that spotlight. A center is someone who is able to accept the loneliness and dark feelings burdening their heart. The current him cannot do that. Unlike the people in the theatre group, even though they are going through hard times, they can shine brightly.

Although the burdens of his companions heart have yet to disappear. Right now he is taking the appropriate step forward.

Chauncey sighed, what is he doing? What use is there admitting such things now? Besides, he made that promise to Akito. He can't break it no matter what happens.