Chapter 359 - (2019: Case 02) Part 10

*UNEDITED*

Akito needed nothing more than this, since he felt that he didn't deserve it. After his wife left him, all he did was mope around and made everybody around him feel miserable. He drowned himself in alcohol, and went to dangerous places a lot. Many people don't know about it, but he slept with many women after his wife left him. He got those people to not say a word. He bribed them with money and told them to pretend that he did nothing when he came to the bars. It worked, for the longest time people believed that. It was only recently when doubts emerged.

By the time those rumors came about, Setsura already broke up with him. It was perfect timing...

When he returns to work, Akito didn't join for a very good reason; at least in the eyes of the rest of society. People would see it as a foolish reason. 'Even if it can't be me, I want to do something that can make her smile.' He remembers thinking nothing else but doing something that makes her happy. If he can be part of her sparkling world and contribute to it then he would. He didn't have any particular deep feelings or goal like his companions; and indeed joined on a whim.

But the main reason why he is a lot more serious with his police work again is...because of jealousy. Yes, it was jealousy.

Yang's sudden appearance was abrupt and most likely unexpected, coincidentally running in to that town like that. He later hears from others that although Yang planned to appear before her again, it certainly wasn't in that manner.

Yes, it may have been mainly due to jealousy. If he sat around and did nothing, somebody will take her away. Akito could remember it clearly, those twisted and ugly feelings.

'Jealousy is a monster in disguise. ' It's a phrase that Setsura uses often; but Akito never once thought he would apply it to himself. But now when he looks back at it, he could see that being the case. He thought that if he became serious with work again then he could get a step ahead. What childish thoughts, is it because of the situation then? No, Akito feels like even now he would still take such a reckless action in the presence of those two who have fallen so deeply with each other.

He isn't unfamiliar with using a gun, but he does not like to use it. Akito dislikes how heavy it is, how can something so small weigh so much? He dislikes the scent of gunpowder, it made him feel strange.

Akito often hears it from others when Setsura is in this sort of state, they should leave her alone for a bit. It's dangerous when she hasn't returned to normal. Indeed Akito could see it still in her eyes. A cold and distant look.

Even Yang got hit when she was like this; and yet, for some reason, he can't stay away. He knew that she won't hurt him, even if she does loose control of herself. Akito quickly removed some items from his bag. The reason why he started carrying around a medical kit was something she suggested before.

She probably doesn't remember that though. Indeed Setsura at the bag in wonder. "Akito, I didn't know you were an organized person," Setsura looked at him puzzled.

She doesn't even remember. Akito relaxed, 'it's a good thing.' He didn't know when it was, but he noticed that Setsura had a hard time remembering things for a long time.

"I never found out the real reason why you wore glasses either," Setsura traced the frames on his face.

Akito didn't like wearing them, it felt heavy on his face. Every single time he wore them, he felt disgusted with himself. What use is there trying to cover up your eyes?

"The real you say, these aren't for show," Though it's not like he's short sighted either.

"Thinking about it now, there are many things I don't know about you. Even though I was in love with you before."

He wasn't expecting that. But if he were to judge her present mind state right now; he can tell that it isn't stable. She is talking in past tense. However, Akito can tell. Setsura is still in love with him. Otherwise she wouldn't have shown her weak side to him earlier. She wouldn't have broken down and cried like that.

"If you want to know those things. I can teach you more from now onwards," Akito muttered quietly. If he could teach her more about himself, then that would be for the best.

If she wants to know that is. Akito quickly realized it, before she does, "That is, if your okay with it," he didn't look her in the eye and looked down on the ground. One hand still had the gun, and the other covered in red.

Geez what is he doing saying something that sounds like a proposal? Even if it's her, she's going to be taken back. To his surprise when he glanced up and saw a tint of red spread across her cheeks. For a moment Akito doesn't know what to do, all he could do is stare at her. She's blushing?

"Akito, say, you're bolder than the last time. Or am I dreaming things?"

Is she trying saying that he appears in her dreams? For a moment Akito didn't know what to say to her. The two of them shouldn't even have this talk amid all this danger. Akito knew he should be the one to tell her to stop. He should tell her straight up that they should focus on the fight.

While they knocked out all the enemies, Akito sensed many more approaching. Sure enough, he could hear the sound of rushing footsteps at rapid speed.

Akito however couldn't help but think to the events that happened before the day she left.

Despite the seriousness and context of that conversation, his whole face turns a crimson red colour recalling the abrupt confession, as well as the kiss that happened. The brunette too catches him blushing, and the blush on her cheeks turned brighter too.

"Could it be," Setsura trailed off. "Are you still worried about me?"

"That is I'm not mad so you don't have to worry," Akito muttered.

"R--right," Setsura seemed slightly nervous to him.

"And also, if I have to say something else. I'm happy that you're speaking to me again."

Although back then it didn't bother him so much when they didn't speak. There was no need for words. They naturally understood what the other person was thinking. When he thought about it carefully, he could see that it was her way of distinguishing him as special from the rest; and how now it acts as the placeholder for the memories they have left behind.

By calling him by his name Akito even if it is in this situation. Setsura is trying to tell him that he's still special to her. For the current him, this is enough, as minor and insignificant as it may seem.

"B—but this is enough on such a topic. If I say anymore my heart won't be able to calm down," Akito muttered.

If he says any more about how happy he is that she still thinks of him as special, then he will surely do something bold like kiss her again. When he glanced over, Akito saw the red still on her cheeks.

However gone was the cold eyes from earlier, instead it was replaced with a soft gaze. For a moment he couldn't speak again. Why does this girl have this strange effect on him?