☆. 𝓲𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝒹.

While he was timidly eating, Kana held no shame in how she ate. Her fork and spoon had become nothing more than shovels that where shoving in the food in her mouth. Make no mistake, she was carefully chewing her food to make sure her body could easily digest it, but still she was rather fast. Every once and a while she would stop eating, only to breath and take a sip of the warm tea. She didn’t even think about making conversation with Noaya! She was hungry~ So, when she stopped her, she instantly froze in her place. She swallowed the mouthful of food she had in her cheeks. Her face grew hot, and she was sweating slightly. How embarrassing, but nothing could have prepared her for this. 

"Oh, no... I didn't think there was anything sloppy about the way you ate." He admitted with a slight smile, and it's not like it was a lie. He couldn't care less about the way a person ate, or whether they were neat about it or not. Actually, seeing someone shovel food down actually made him a little bit pleased. Big appetites meant the person was healthy, and seeing them eat in such a way meant they were enjoying it. "But..." Aside from his former concern that she may have been eating a bit too fast, he continued to stare at her face, noticing the beads of sweat that had formed. It didn't really feel that hot in the building, did it?

"Ahah! Naoya!" She let off a wide smile. "Teehee, I didn’t think you’d be here so early!" She stopped for a moment. "Hehe, but I’m here too." She giggled for a moment. "I was just wandering around the area. It was a bit boring since the homes nearby all looked the same." She could see the tops of the buildings of where she might have headed if he hadn’t called out. The same, boring white. They probably looked identical to the ones that she was previously surrounded by. 

"Ah, yes... the search didn't take me long, so I figured it was best to arrive earlier than later." He commented truthfully, even though most people would have probably called him out on being too early. And that was where his concerns lied.

"Of course! Why wouldn’t that be okay with me?"

His mannerisms were so interesting sometime. Surely he wouldn’t so worried as to ask her if it was alright that he got some food for himself. Seeing as though he tended to hurt himself cooking, it was probably best that he find food more suited for his ‘cooking style’ anyways. As he extends his hand out to help her, she merely shook her head and gave him a simple smile.

   There it is, the next one. A warning, it would seem. But she’s never been one to listen to those. In the end, her work took priority, and it was likely this stranger had underestimated her, or so she thinks. A little bit of danger’s never daunted her.

   [Text]: I'm afraid that is not an option. It is a business trip I would rather not cancel. Besides, I'm quite capable of warding off a threat. But I must ask, what makes you say that?

It didn't seem like the 'forcefulness' of his previous message did any good. Business affairs, hmm? Well, that changed things. As curious as he was, he didn't think it would be any of his business to ask. The stranger was also apparently confident of being able to ward off a threat, which was good to know, at least...

Ah, I see.

After sending that message, he was just about to send another one, but footsteps caused him to look up to see that his brother had returned. He engaged in a brief conversation before the older of the two would leave again, and only after he stepped out was when Naoya returned his attention to his phone - approximately half an hour later.

As Red did this he had then slowly pulled his fingers away as his red aura was slowly fading. To be honest, he was not the one that was giftes in the ways of healing as his previous saviors were. He had only gotten to the level that he was today was because of all the healing that he had to be constantly doing. He didn’t know if he was any powerful as his previous soldiers because of this.

As Red pulled away he stared at the child for a few moments. Was she alive? He wondered as he reached over to softly pat her head, and just as Red’s hands touched her-the baby’s chest started to go up and down. The male stared at her chest for a few seconds before grinning. Reaching over, he picked the child up to hand her off to her father who ran towards his baby to pull her into his chest. The man was smiling like an idiot while tears ran down his face.

"Thank you Red. Thank you." Red smiled and turned away from the man.

"Ah yeah you know. No problem. It was easy for a great soldier like me." Red bragged in a tone to try to deflect his praise. Waving towards the man with his hand as he continued to look away and proud. It wasn’t him being an asshole just trying to take the praise correctly. Yet as he did that he slowly turned back to the baby and father. The child’s hand waving towards her father. and making some happy noises.

"I am entirely greatful." The father said as he patted Red’s head and headed towards the door. Stopping only when he got to Naoya to look at him.

"That’s Red’s power. Miracles." He said as he left holding his baby since he knew that Red didn’t hear it when Naoya asked if he was healing her.

Red in fact did not hear him, and ended up talking the liberty to sit on the floor. Stuck there by him feeling so weak, and then he laid on then floor nonchalantly.

The red aura, whereas would normally have intimidated the psychic, was actually somewhat soothing to look at. It wasn't long until the infant started moving again, which resulted in a small breath of relief to be exhaled. Naoya turned to watch as the other man moved to hug the baby. Seeing those joyful tears truly was a heartwarming sight... and the words the colorless man said didn't go unnoticed. Power of miracles, huh... that sounded almost too good to be true. Naoya watched quite contently as the same elder man made his way out the door, before he returned his expression back over to Red, who had shifted his position and was now lying on the floor. Perhaps using that ability of his must have taken quite a bit out of him... "A-are you alright?" He automatically asked.

And upon hearing the question, Naoya tilted his head to the side. "Healing soldier...?" Ah, yes, there was that same confusion again. But whatever wariness he was feeling before was now completely gone, and he felt that the redhead was someone that he could actually trust. Or at the very least, it didn't seem like he was exactly 'evil' in any way. "I don't believe I've ever had a healing soldier..." He began to speak, only to pause for a moment. He didn't have a healing soldier, though he did have similar healing abilities, if that counted? That would be the main reason why he didn't seem as surprised as he should have been.

She understood the officer’s concern but she could have someone with her at all time. it wasn’t healthy to depend on someone as much.” Everything has a certain risk but I can always bring someone with me on my business trips.” it was natural for her to be alone of business trips. She had a busy life and didn’t want to drag anyone it, just to be safe.

” well, you can call Noaya on the hotel’s phone, right?” since Noaya didn’t want to give his personal number to the police. He could just give them the name of the hotel and they can contact him if anything happened. it was more reasonable than having them staying together. 

"Contacting the actual hotel is not usually how we go about things. However, in this case, it seems we may not have a choice. You, there." Finally, Naoya's attention snapped back to reality as he looked toward the one that had addressed him. "If you refuse to give out your cellphone number, what is the name of the hotel you are staying at? We can contact you on their private hotline they have for each room." It really was not a bad idea, though Naoya still didn't really enjoy the idea of getting the hotel involved, even if they would be on a private hotline. "...The Rainbow Plaza hotel. But I'll give you my number, so it's fine... you don't have to contact them." The way he mumbled out that sentence, followed by the silent sigh, made it quite clear he wasn't happy about it, but it didn't seem like the other man was going to let him get away with not giving it out. After he gave it out, to which the officer's partner had to quickly write down again, the other two people that were observing the body apparently finished and walked back over. They whispered something in Shido's ear before he would nod.

"Understood," came the reply, before he glanced back at the two witnesses. "That is all. Thank you for your time and cooperation, but if the two of you have anymore questions for us, don't hold back." Now that all of them were together again, they would probably be able to provide the best answers. Although, before the officer would forget, he pulled out yet another card and held it out for Naoya to take this time, which he absentmindedly did.

Kana pouted childishly, but it was obvious she wasn’t upset since she returned to her cheerful self right after. She escorted herself back to the table, setting down both the plates. It was hard to decide what to eat first, but she decided to go for the warmer food first since it would get cold if she ate the others first. There was certainly a pleased look radiating off her face as she prepared herself to eat.

Since he himself wasn't much of a big eater, he simply chose a few things here and there, and it seemed he was mostly avoiding meat. When the two got back to the table, he chuckled lightly as Kana began to dig in. "I'm glad to see that you're enjoying yourself." Really, that was all that mattered. It wasn't long before he followed suit... however, his manner of eating was far more subtle, and perhaps even timid. After eating a piece of sushi that was on his plate, and while thinking of something to talk about in the process, he looked back up to see-- "Ah... please don't move..."

She turned her head towards the sky, in thought. Could Naoya have possibly found the ring, or would he have had the same luck as she? The chances were slim, yes, but still a chance. She hadn’t quite thought about it that way since giving up. As more time passed, the less likely it was to turn up. Eventually she figured it was done and sealed that there was a 0% chance of it actually showing up. Her friends too, had given up, and avoided the subject.

There was still plenty of time left before the agreed-upon arrangement was to arrive. She’d probably head back to the area where the bakery was located and walk around the district further along the street. With all the shops there, it would probably more interesting than where she was now.

"Ah, Nadeshiko-san?" He didn't have the best eyesight, but he was pretty sure that the girl on the other side of the street was the person he was supposed to meet. "Nadeshi-- ...!" He stopped himself mid-way as he called to her. There was still a good hour and a half before they were supposed to meet up, so she was probably browsing around. However, at the same time, the expression she was wearing made it appear as if she was bored.

"Don’t worry, no need to apologize. I think you’re doing a wonderful job." Sure enough, the oranges in the bag were picked with care and even Izumi agreed that the ones he managed to inspect looked quite good. It would have been childish to say that he was a quick learner, but he did listen and implement what he was taught.

Izumi looked down at the bag upon realizing that their conversation took up most of their attention and by that time, he had almost reached the brim of the plastic bag with oranges. Giggling to herself in amusement, her hand grazes over his to take hold of the plastic and began to tie a knot to secure its contents. “I think this will be plenty, Naoya-kun. Do you need anything else?”

Only after he heard the question, did he regain his composure, his arm falling back to his side. "Mm... actually... I was thinking of getting some instant food, if that's alright with you?" He then asked,  looking past her and slightly tilting his head upward to look at the signs that were displayed in the shop. Let's see... which aisle was that in? These were one of the rare moments that he wished he had gone shopping more often. Well, either way, it probably wasn't that big of a deal. Returning his gaze to her, it wasn't long before he held his arm out to her, his palm open. "I could also carry that for you," he softly told her, talking about none other than the oranges.

“Ah it’s fine.” Red smiled at the other when Naoya apologized for not knowing him. “It was nice. I haven’t been not-recognized in years.” The red head had then saw how gloomy the other was becoming and he raised an eyebrow at him. Why was he getting so gloomy? Did the guy not realize that he could go back? Didn’t his planet have some kind of soldier that they could do that to? Perhaps pull him back in.

“Dude. Why are you sad? I’m pretty sure your soldier or savior or whatever you call them will come get you in no time.” The teenager then went to hit the other playfully in the soldier to try to cheer him up. He didn’t necessarily care about Naoya, but it bothered him to see him so sad. Even if his soldier that had the power of opening different dimensions wasn’t born he still had time to jump through. It just depended on if Naoya was lucky or not. Wait did everyone look like Naoya? Was he a soldier? Red thought as now he could see how gloomy Naoya could be with all these questions that needed to be answered. Even thinking of a new planet would be hard let alone being on one. Red thought to himself with a bit of swirls in his eyes from over thinking.

“Oh.” Red stopped at the question of his planet’s name. “It’s called Gradient. What’s your’s called?” The red head had questioned just as he had heard a doorbell ring that signaled him to go see who was at the door. He groaned in annoyance, but ignored it for the most part to concentrate on what Naoya was saying. Yet as he did this there started to be loud voices that was calling him to go to the main room in which most people entered. He stopped from listening for that one moment before looking over.

“Hey follow me. I think someone might be hurt.” He spoke as he had faintly heard those silent pleas before. It wasn’t that the voices were extremely loud, it was only the fact that he could hear them from all this time of getting used to it. The red head had then walked out of the library to go down the hallway to get back to the main room where he had met Naoya. As he walked in there, there were two people who were void of all colour. Transparent skin and bodies that was the normal for most. It was a father who was carrying a baby in his hands.

Although, Naoya still had to admit that everything was still horribly confusing. He wasn't sure what 'soldiers' Red was talking about, and it probably showed on his expression as he would simply stare. "My... soldier or savior...?" The question sounded like it was being directed more to himself than anybody else. Well, it was at least confirmed that Red was in fact an important person, if this was the first time in years that he hadn't been recognized. "...But I-I see... thank you for that, then..." He managed to get in a few quick words of gratitude.To find a 'famous' person that wouldn't get angry over not being known was pretty relieving.

The current world Naoya was in, the one he soon came to know as 'Gradient' sounded like it was one that could be found in some type of video game or book. It was a world he didn't think even existed outside of fiction. Plus, the world's name itself was strange. It wasn't even a planet he's ever heard of. On top of that, Black, White, Red... those names were all colors - or gradients of color to be exact. Silently, he gazed off into the distance, as if contemplating something, at least until he remembered that he was asked a question.

"Oh, my planet's name is called-- ..." He was interrupted as the doorbell chimed, followed by stifled voices. Turning his head in the direction, he'd realize he couldn't quite understand what they were saying. Looking back over to Red, it seemed the other male had intended to ignore them for whatever reason and seemed to be waiting for him to continue, which he did, "My... my planet's name is called Earth. ...And, umm-- ..." Right then it sounded like he was wanting to ask a question or say something else, but he stopped when he was told to follow the other male. "Ah... okay..." And without any protest, quickly trotted after him, falling a few step behind.

"You’ve never really had to go shopping before? Then how did you eat?" It was a serious question although she felt quite silly asking it. Honestly, she just hoped that she didn’t offend him for asking such a question that could have sounded a bit demeaning. But she wouldn’t dwell on it because the man was too much of a gentleman and suggested that she, too, should keep her immune system up.

"I think I’ll be perfectly fine for the moment, thank you. My main priority is the wellbeing of my brother and I think he has more than plenty now that you’re here." Since when had Izumi been so kind to someone? It was certainly out of her nature to do so but…something about him made her so calm, almost soothing, to the point that maybe she had grown comfortable around the individual. A thought that festered in her mind as they headed towards the crate of oranges, Naoya now examining the oranges as she did with the apples. She could stifle her laughter as she shook her head.

Funny... the psychic had actually experienced something similar once before. An experience he didn't really think he would get to experience a second time-- The image of a familiar-looking female surfaced in his mind and for a brief moment, he stopped what he was doing, his once calm and casual expression falling into a more somber one. All of his movements stopped and it seemed like he was deep in thought.

However, only a few seconds ticked by before he shook the thought away and after blinking, regained his normal disposition, proceeding on as if nothing happened. "Eh... I see...~" Placing the orange he was holding in his hand into the new bag he had grabbed, Naoya picked up another one and started to examine it, this time heeding her advice and making sure there weren't any signs of discoloration, and making sure it was firm enough. "You may have to forgive me for being silly. It seems as though I might not be cut out for this." A chuckle that followed was an indication that her words didn't actually hurt his feelings, though had to admit it was a little embarrassing that he was having so much trouble when it came to something that should've been so simple for others.

His little pauses and cut-offs where very adorable. "I guess he’s a good onee-san like you said if he leaves you that speechless. I’m glad. I don’t have a very good relationship with my siblings. Especially Kenta, he’s the oldest one. He use to bully me when we were kittens because he was the biggest." She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling weakly down at the tea before taking another sip.

"I don’t know what’s become of them, but I hope they’re okay." Kana’s smile returned to her face, eager to learn more about his brother. "That’s cute! I can imagine him already!" Just as she said that, she noticed the buffet was clearing up. "Alright, hey let’s go get some food! I’m completely starving." She just pushed her seat back and stood from the table, waiting for him. ”Haha, what are you going to eat first? I think I’m going to do a whole sushi platter and taste everything! Then maybe get some fried rice, or noodles, chicken~” She was drooling at the thought.

After a few seconds of pondering, a cheerful voice sounded again, pulling him from his thoughts. "...Huh? Oh, right." He'd been so preoccupied, he didn't even realize the buffet area had cleared. Standing up, the brunet pushed his chair in before the two walked over to the counters. Grabbing a plate of his own and following after her, he noticed that she certainly did seem excited, a thought which was able to make a low chuckle escape from him.

Laura was obvious to the officer’s suspicious glances. She didn’t do anything wrong and had nothing particular to hid.  Even if she told then her secret they are more likely to call her insane than to believe her.

She noted Naoya hesitation when the officer asked for his number. He didn’t seem to be comfortable giving it. She could understand why. Well. Maybe he is one of those people who dislike the police? Or he just doesn’t like giving his number to people. Her latter guess seemed more convincing for some reason.

She didn’t understand why they would need their numbers. They had absolute nothing further to add to their earlier statement and she doubted that she could help them. ” What do you mean by something going wrong?” she asked the officer with a concerned tone. What could go wrong more than that? It wasn’t like they saw the killer and he will come after them.

And as he heard her question, he would answer almost automatically, "It is not certain something will go wrong, but having your numbers is a type of insurance. With cases like these, you never know what can happen. Furthermore, the two of you may be too shaken to remember everything at the current time, but it might return to you later on in case we need more information about something. Understand?" With that taken care of, he'd continue, "Not trying to scare anyone, but you have to be extra careful from now on." He wouldn't be surprised if the killer was hiding somewhere, listening to their conversation as they spoke, or if they caught a glimpse of them. Even if they didnt see anything, one can never know what goes on in a criminal's mind. A thorough investigation of the park may have to be done soon.

The officer tapped a finger on his chin for a moment as he thought. Naoya had remained silent the entire time, but his eyes never left the officer, so he was able to catch all expressions and motions that were made, including the skeptical looks that would occasionally be thrown in their directions. "Are you also staying at a hotel?" He'd suddenly ask Naoya, who simply nodded silently in response. He didn't mention he was staying with his brother because he didn't really think it was necessary.

The officer found it a little strange that two people were staying in hotels, but he just shrugged it off as a possible coincidence, for now. After giving a quick look to his partner, who quickly jotted all the information down, he looked back to Laura seeing as how she was the more talkative of the two. "Are the two of you staying by yourselves? You should be aware that it is dangerous to stay alone, even more if you are staying in a hotel." Because anyone can easily enter hotels and other rooms, and do away with them.

"My original suggestion was having the two of you keep one another company, especially since this man right here obviously doesn't feel like giving his number. I thought if the two of you could always stick together, getting his number would not be necessary since it would be possible to contact him as well if he stayed with you. However, if the two of you just met today..." He stopped then and there in order to re-think his plan. He didn't think it was really a good idea to have complete strangers stick by each other 24/7. If he couldn't think of anything, then it seem like somehow getting the other's number was the only other option. Refusing to give it out was already suspicious enough already. By now, Naoya had looked away, occupied by his own thoughts. A part of him didn't even hear anything the officer said.

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