#44599

A/N: Huh. My writing got worse.. Whatever, enjoy? ^^;..

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[It's Okay] [I'm Sorry]

My eyes snapped open in an instant, and I was panting desperately, breathing heavily, sitting upright in less than a second.

"What the hell…"

My body temperature was high, and I was burning up, ready to sweat, my mind and my heart racing and pounding just as hard and fast as the other.

Right… I..

Viola had died a few days ago. I always forget, but always remember right after. It’s as if her death is haunting me, repeating exactly how it went down every single night in my head, no matter what I do to try and bring my mind away from it.

Not that anything around me wouldn’t remind me of her..

"Viola.." I whispered her name, and listened to the silence in my room, hoping someone would answer me. Hoping Viola would answer me.

I looked over beside me, and found an empty space near where I lay. It was where Viola used to sleep whenever she was in my room.

… Sure, we didn’t sleep too much, but when we did, she’d be there, waiting for me to wake up.

"…"

There’s nothing.

She’s gone, and today we’re officially stating that she’s gone. That she won’t be coming back again as Viola, but as someone else entirely.

“… Viola..”

Before I knew it myself, I was repeatedly letting her name fall out of my mouth, over and over again, quietly. I couldn’t stop saying her name. She was dead, and I couldn’t do— No! I could have done something, but I didn’t! All she wanted was to have fun in the rain, yes, she loved the rain, but..!

"Viola!" I held my head in my hands and whimpered weakly. Who the fuck was I supposed to trust now..?!

There isn’t anybody left to trust!

She just..

…

"Why couldn’t it be me..?"

If it was me.. If I was the one that took the hit, then would she still be alive and well, sleeping peacefully by my side, breathing, and smiling for me..?

All of the thoughts raced into my mind, crushing me with questions about how it could’ve went down, an ending where I took the fall, all of her pain, instead of having to take her soul right on the spot, before her body killed it off first.

And it’s funny to think..

We said we’d be together forever, yet, I wasn’t even the last person to see her before she was reborn.

I’m sure I wasn’t the last thing she saw as a soul, too. In her body, yes, it was me, but..

… Wait, why did she smile?

She looked.. Genuinely happy, even as her conciousness was slowly fading away, and she was in pain. She looked very happy, for somebody who was dying.

Was she happy I was with her, or was she happy to finally be pulled away from me?

It was true, I never wanted to let anyone else have her, but why would I? She was mine. She agreed to being mine, too, so if she wanted to leave…

"Satoru?"

If she wanted to leave, I definitely wouldn’t have let her leave. Not ever. Not without a reason.

"Satoru!"

"What?!" I raised my voice without trying to, but what were they even doing at the door? Couldn’t they give me some time to myself in the morning?!

"It’s almost time.."

"Already?"

I checked the clock hanging a distance away, and saw that they were right.

It wasn’t morning at all, it was around 3 in the afternoon.

I had slept through most of the day already…

… And Viola’s funeral was in less than an hour.

"I’ll get ready now."

"… Okay."

They knew what I was going through, they knew I needed no false encouragement from the people who hid her death from me.

Why couldn’t I see her death ahead of time, if they knew, though..?

Was I too focused on her? I never thought focusing on her would bring up her demise..

Whatever.

I’ll see her body soon.

With the small amount of motivation I had left, I got up, and put on my white shirt, then picked out a tie from what I had.

Red.

The maroon tie that Viola had bought me on my birthday.

…

Would she be happy, knowing that I was wearing it?

This was only my second time using this tie, and I don’t expect myself to use it again. It’s a Viola-only purpose tie. If I was wearing it, it’d only be to keep her close to me while she was gone.

Without another thought, I just put on the rest of what I was expected to wear.

The suit I wore while Viola was being toasted. The tie Viola bought for me.

Every memory clung to me desperately, but I’d never let them go, anyway.

They’d never leave me alone.

＊＊＊

"…"

We were all quiet the whole walk to the location, to the graveyard where Viola’s body would be burried.

Apart from some stupid remarks Haruhito made about the scenery, Shiki complaining about being outside in the sun, Kakeru trying to silence them, and Meguru trying not to take sides in what they were saying.

… I guess they were talking, sort of.

And some girls approached us, too. Some I knew, some I didn’t. Not that I planned on socializing with any of them, I just walked on with a smile.

Sometimes, the others were left behind me a bit because they didn’t want to be ‘too rude’ to the girls. Who the hell cared? It’s not like they knew us, they were just judging us at first glance.

＊＊＊

Even after arriving at the designated location, we didn’t do much. We didn’t get to stand too close to the body, they were just letting her lie there in a black dress with her hands crossed over her chest, eyes closed, like she was sleeping.

She was like a portrait, a painting, she stayed still, and nothing else in the picture mattered but her. She was the main idea, and the idea was dead.

Due to her parents already knowing my relationship with her, I was allowed closer, and I was allowed to give her something after they did.

They looked terrible, bawling their eyes out the way they were, but who was I to judge? I wanted to do the same.

I’d be pathetic if I did here, my last moments infront of Viola.

Her parents, mother and father, were both holding one flower in their hands, one red rose from her mother, a violet from her father.

Her sister walked up, following her parents. She had placed a picture onto Viola’s stomach, and the rose had been on Viola’s left by by her arm, the other, the violet, by her right side.

She was already in her coffin, with the lid open. That was the only way we could do all these things.

I was the last person to step up to her coffin before it closed.

She had always told me that she wanted white camellia’s in a bouquet for her wedding, or atleast having one in the bouquet. I always listened as she told me this.

Now, she’d never have a wedding, not with the same desire, or wish come true. I couldn’t grant her that wish, but I could do my best to have her end up with one, atleast one camellia.

The scentless flower that she loved so much.

Her parents knew she loved roses, yes, and she always pondered why violets weren’t purple, she told me that she always used to obsess over roses, and always wrote poetically about violets.

But she loved how she found that camellia’s were so beautiful, but had no scent, and left a terrible taste in your mouth as it withered away. She always thought of herself that way, so she loved them so much..

Held between my index and middle finger, I had the stem of a camellia flower. It was exactly how she wanted it, pure white, untouched by the world around it.

And now, it would reside in her hands, being lain down just like her, they both ended up that way, together.

I took one last clear glance at her body.

She looked paler than she did when she died. Like I said, she’d only get paler and paler. May as well classify her as a vampire sooner or later.

Her hair was just like back then. Strand weaving through strand, spread out amongst the large space in her coffin. She really did look beautiful in her black dress, laying helplessly over the white sheets, crumpling to fit her small figure..

… She didn’t look as pained. Though, her mouth was slightly opened, like whenever she stared absently at something, and she just let her mouth hang open, only slightly. She was really crazy, ditzy, cute. But all of those things got her killed..

"We shall close the coffin now."

The two men standing at both ends of the coffin were staring at me, watching me, waiting for my answer.

"May.. May I close it?"

They shot doubtful glances at each other, I could see it, even without looking away from Viola. I could see how their heads raised and they tilted, as if motioning to me. I wasn’t fucking blind, if they hadn’t noticed..

"Go ahead, Sir."

"Thank you."

Both of the men took a step backwards, away from the coffin so I was the only one around it.

"I’m sorry, Viola." I whispered, placing my hands onto the coffin lid, closing my eyes tightly. I didn’t want to see her encaged like this, not like this. It may as well be me trapping her, if there’s no stopping it, though.

As the coffin locked shut, I remembered the last words she said to me, she warm smile she had on her desirable lips that were now frozen cold and lifeless.

She said, “It’s okay.”

She told me she loved me, she THANKED me!

All of it was a first, because she was the only person who ever said it and meant it. How was I supposed to find everything okay now that she was gone…?!

Fuck..!

No, I can’t.

I can’t lose my temper at my funeral, I can’t let my emotions run wild. Not here, just wait a bit, just wait a bit..

I hung my head low and walked back to where the other four demons were, two leaning against the wall, one with a shaking lip, holding back his tears, and the other staring at Viola’s coffin in awe.

"She said she’ll miss you." Shiki suddenly spoke up right as I was only approaching them, entering our own little personal space that fit the five of us.

I raised my head again, staring at the ebony-haired smart-ass. I knew he could read minds and all, but she’s long dead, so that wouldn’t even be possible to hear what she was thinking. “What do you mean?”

"She told me if she ever died before you," He kicked himself off the wall so he could stand without leaning on anything, then gave me a hard look, as if he was trying to make me see eye-to-eye with him, just this once. "She wanted to say she’ll miss you."

"Really?!" Haruhito suddenly gasped, fitting right into our conversation, taking the one-word reply right out of my mouth. "She told me something like that, too!"

"Huh?"

"Yeah, she said, ‘If I ever die before Satoru, could you tell him I love him’, and all that!" Haruhito still had this surprised look on his face as he said these things, making girly hand gestures that Viola would never use, and a high-pitched acting voice that Viola would never have.

"Gross."

"I think she told me something, too.."

"You too, Megs?!"

"Uh-huh. ‘Tell him I’m sorry we never got forever together’.."

"Geez, that’s deep, even for Vi.."

"Disgusting.."

"Did she tell you anything, Brother?" Meguru asked, turning to Kakeru, who was still leanig against the wall with his arms crossed tightly across his chest, like if he let go, everything would collapse and break apart.

"She said.." He sighed, lowering his head for a second or so, but brought it right back up to look at me, a frown on his face, as if he was recalling something and regretting it. "… That it wasn’t your fault. No matter what."

"…"

"Ooh, that must’ve hit a heartstring.."

"Hey, Haru!"

"What, I was just saying!"

"That doesn’t mean you should make fun of Satoru’s feelings.."

"Lighten up, Megs!"

"You shouldn’t lighten up at a funeral, Moron."

"Ah, guess you’re right, Sheeks…"

That’s right. She trusted me before I could even get to know her.

Without her believeing in me, none of this would come to be, and we’d just be strangers to each other. She would’ve had a scheduled time that passed by with no mistakes, but she was bold, and knew what she was doing.

She knew what I was going to think, and she must have known she was going to die, too.

Why didn’t she just tell me, is that why she wants it to be her fault? Is that why..

… No matter what, she’s the only person I’ll ever turn to?

Maybe together forever was a bit optimistic, but we were dreamers together, so who was I to judge her vow? Maybe I took her for granted, I’ll admit, I did, but..

She accepted it everytime. Heh, maybe her optimistic opinions may have rubbed off on me a bit along the way, but that’s what got us with high hopes and empty words that we called Promises.

I’m sorry I let you go like that, Viola.

A/N: Wheee I don’t so perspective I’m just bored so why the hell not.. I aimed for a bit of angst, but I just wrote whatever came to mind. Enjoy?

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[ Part 1 ]

Her hand felt so warm, and I couldn’t help but tighten my grip around her hand. I never wanted to let go, and I wouldn’t dare.

She was mine, and we would never let go..

"… Satoru?"

Immediately, I turned my attention from our hands to her completely, faking my smile. She’d never know, I always make this smile anyway, right? No harm done.

"Yes?" My voice was steady, my smile was still. All of it was an act. Because I knew..

"Is something wrong?" She looked up at me, and the look in her eyes pierced right through my defense. My lips began to turn downwards to frown. She was the first person I loved, the first person I trusted, but..

… We’d never spend forever together, as her and I. She’d never.. Ever…

"No." Wasting no time at all, I was widening my eyes and staring back at her, adjusting my tone. It was all I could do from breaking down. I never wanted to break down infront of her, and I sure as hell am not planning to. Not about this. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, nothing.." She muttered, turning away from me and facing infront of her again, and she began to speed up her walk, pulling me along as we walked through the dimly lit streets of the night, passing under a light post every now and then.

With every quick step she took, her brown hair lifted off her back and shoulders, and began to wave a bit, then they’d fall back down slightly, and lift again. It was stupid to notice something like this, but it.. It made me think of her leaving me. Turning away and walking off, and never returning to my side. I thought that was the worst thing that could happen, but it really wasn’t..

Not at all.

"Is it.." She suddenly spoke up before me, pulling to an abrupt stop.

Before I knew what I was doing, I stopped still behind her, and watched her curiously raise her small free hand up, like she was feeling for something falling from the sky.

I did the same, and a drop of something hit my hand, a liquid..

”.. Rain?” I finished her sentence, looking up towards the sky. It was pretty damn dark, now that I look at it…

"Let’s hurry home, then."

With those four words leaving her mouth, sounding so determined that it seemed naïve, she let go of my hand and began running.

"Viola, wait!"

I didn’t need to think it through, I ran after her quickly. She was pretty fast, for a human girl..

"Hurry up!" She giggled, and picked up her pace, running even faster.

I could tell she was being playful, but to be playful on the streets at night were just..

I looked up, trying to look ahead of her, speeding up all the same. Fucking hell, why wouldn’t she just run by my side…?!

"VIOLA!"

The crossing light was red, but Viola was giggling her head off, like nothing mattered but rushing through the rain. No cares, no worries.

Before I could even react, there was a loud beeping sound, a beeping sound from a car. A speeding car.

… A car with red on the front.

Splattered red. And an injured girl laying near.

"… V-Viola..?"

My voice cracked as I called her name, my lips shaking.

I was at her side in no time, and the car’s driver had stopped the car long ago. He was being a fucking idiot, sliding a bit on the water as he slammed his foot on the breaks.

If she had held my hand instead of being on her own, maybe I would have…

No.

Surely, I would have forseen this. If only I never let go of her hand… Things would be perfectly fine.

She didn’t look too bad, not really. She just… Looked in pain. She was laying down, looking like she was paralyzed, staring at me with eyes longing for something, begging me for something silently.

From what I could tell… Maybe she couldn’t breathe. Maybe her spine.. Maybe… Her heart.

Her neck, her arms, her shoulders, her vocal chords, her skull…

Maybe… Just maybe…

Before I knew what I was doing, I was turning to face the driver, who had just gotten out of his car.

"… You and your stupid black car." I murmured quietly, my head hanging low.

The person who injured my loved one.. The man who was responsible..

"Huh?!"

"I said, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS?!"

Without even thinking, I had a grip on the man’s collar, yelling at him, my anger roaring like a lion being fierce.

He nervously stuttered, trying to find words, already wide-eyed by how mad I was at him.

Ha. Why the fuck wouldn’t I be pissed off?

"… S-She’s..!"

He raised a shaking hand to point to the front of his car where Viola was, and the frightened look on his eyes reminded me of two things that got me more riled up, but I came to my senses anyway.

"What?"

First thing, he looked helpless. Like the other people I always scared off.

Still, all he did was look helpless. But.. The look in his eyes vaguely reminded me of the nightmare I was to Viola before we were lovers. In his eyes, I could see my own face, the look I made, as if I was saying I’d kill him. Might as well.

I turned to look at where he was pointing, and immediately let go of him, letting him fall to the floor.

She was… Reaching out for me.

Was… What is it that she longs for..?

Quietly, I knelt down beside her still figure. Might I say, she still looked as beautiful as ever, but.. She was hurt. And that’s what ruined everything.

Even beside her, she was still reaching for me.

I knew what I wanted, even if I never knew what she really wanted right at that moment.

Her warmth.

I brought my right arm under and around the back of her neck, my arm brushing against her hair, strand weaving through strand.

My left arm went over and around her waist, and then I pulled her closer to me, embracing her and burrying my head in her neck, resting my foreheard peacefully on her neck.

Her warmth was still there, but it was fading. And fading quickly, at that.

"Viola.." I held her tighter in my arms, hoping that the closer he got to me, the more warmth she could take from me.

I don’t care if I lose it all, I just want her to be back, to stay with me.. To live.

It was ironic how something like this could happen a second time.

The first time, we almost died on the same day.

But now, only one life was at risk…

"Satoru…"

Her voice was weak and quiet, I could tell she was in more pain than I could imagine. I could hear her, I was so close to her already.

Even being this close to her, I felt that she was so far away.

"… Yes?"

"I love you."

"…"

"Thank you, Satoru."

Why..?

What are you even thanking me for?!

"Viola, what the…!"

"Satoru!"

Just as I was about to break out screaming at the girl in my arms, the only girl I’ve ever loved, somebody else had called my name. A familiar voice.

A group, actually.

They sounded desperate to locate me, and now that I was finally noticing the things around me, I felt something in my pocket vibrating.

… They were chasing me down and calling me this whole time?

I raised myself to my feet, and turned around, now facing them. I figured they would’ve ran right past us, but then I remembered the frightened driver and his car stuck in the middle of the road, with us infront.

"…"

The four demons stood where they were, shocked as they saw her motionless body in my arms.

She looked pale. Almost as pale as snow, in my opinion. And I was sure she’d just keep getting paler and paler, motionless and lifeless.

"Satoru, I’m…"

"Don’t say you’re sorry."

There I go again. There’s nobody I can trust anymore.

"But.."

"I said don’t."

Isolating myself, but smiling all the same…

Sometimes it’s nice being alone, rather than betrayed.

Just then, something freezing cold touched my cheek, and I flinched, almost dropping Viola.

But, it was Viola. She had her hand on my cheek, brushing it across my face gently.

She had a glow in her eyes, a glimmer, she was so full of life, even on the brink of death. Her emerald green eyes sparkled one last time for me, smiled one last time for me.

"It’s okay."

She mouthed the words and took her last breath, then her arm fell back to her side, and her eyes closed.

"…"

They knew.

They knew her fucking name was on the database.

They knew that she was going to die, but they never told me.

"Oh, you’re here a bit early, Sai, aren’t you?"

"Huh?"

Saiko heard footsteps thumping as someone headed down the stairs, and she recognised the voice in an instant. As Saiko caught sight of him in completely casual summer clothing, her words were lost in her throat for a moment, but she quickly regained composure, nodding obidiently.

"I am.. I didn’t mean to be this early, I actually thought I’d be late.." Saiko said sulkingly, thinking back to the desperately hung-over guys at her house. "I’m sure being early is better than late, though."

"I guess that sounds right." Riki murmured, and glaced over at Saiko when he reached the bottom of the stairs. "So, you’re my Personal Guard, huh.. Saiko Tantei, was it? I’ll call you Sai.”

Saiko grimaced for a brief second, but quickly got her words out before her bitter expression would be noticable. “Yes. Please just call me Saiko, I’d appreciate it highly, Yanase.” Saiko shot him a bitter smile before taking a seat on one of the stools she had been standing beside for a while. “Is there anything I need to absolutely know before I begin as your Guard?”

“Don’t be near him when he’s Drunk!" Saiko heard Atsumu call as he was in the kitchen, the words echoing out to her. "Eh? Why not?" Saiko’s eyes fell on Riki’s unreadable face, that had a smile on them the whole time. "Let’s just say you won’t know just yet.”

"There isn’t anything you need to know, anyway. You’ll figure it out as we go along."

"Whaaat?!" Saiko shot back, tilting her head in confusion to his adamant words. “I have to figure you out?” 「Ugh.. This’ll be a huge pain.. I’d rather be training with Sora, or Kaiji.. Or even Mizuki or Subaru right now instead of this.. Heck, I’d be fine even with Daichi!」

Riki made his way over to the kitchen, leaving Saiko to her own thoughts, and did what he would’ve done on any morning.

Saiko heard the door slide open without a hint of secrecy trying to be demonstrated, and Saiko turned quickly to see who it was. 「Why is someone like him coming here so early..? Maybe.. Isn’t he one of Yanase’s friends? Hmm, which one was it..」”… Hiro Sarashina, I assume…?” Saiko hadn’t realised she’d accidentally said it out loud, and Hiro turned to her, clearly confused as he slid the door shut behind him. “How did you know my name?” His tone automatically made her think he misunderstood something, and she opened her mouth to speak, but Riki beat her to it. “Saiko there is my Personal Guard, Hiro.”

“Oh! Why didn’cha say so?” Hiro said cheerfully, taking Saiko’s hand in his and shaking it. “.. I was going to.” Saiko stared at Hiro’s weird display of character, and when he finally let her go, she felt relieved. “Riki, would you mind if I stepped out and made a quick call?” Saiko called loudly, and she thought she heard Riki say Sure, so she took it as that and slipped outside, pulling out her phone to dial a number. But the ringtone Eternal Sunshine by Wave played itself out loud, and she quickly answered it, without checking the Caller ID. “Hello?”

"Saiko! I’m glad you’re still okay."

"I’m fine, Kaiji, how are you and everyone else?"

"Better, thanks to you giving us more than enough water."

"You’re making me think you’re a thirsty horse, Kaiji."

"Yeah. Well.. You should probably get back to guarding that Yanase. Never know what he’ll do."

"Yeah.. I guess. Talk to you again soon, then, Kaiji. Tell everyone I said Hi!"

"Alright, see ya’."

"Ciao.." The call ended, and Saiko heard the static from her phone call ending and she listened to it for a minute, then put her phone away and headed for the door, entering and shutting the door behind her once again.

"Huh?" Saiko looked over to see Riki now sitting on one of the stools with his friend Hiro beside him, both with bowls of what seemed to be miso soup. 「Is that what he was doing in the kitchen..?」A confused looked swept over her face as she watched the two calmly chatting casually, leaning herself up against the wall by the door, she found herself smiling.

"What are you smiling about?" Riki’s words broke Saiko’s thoughts, and she lightly kicked herself off the wall to stand straight and stopped smiling, lowering her head appologetically. "What, you like watching us or something?"

"You’re quite the cocky client, aren’t you, Yanase?" Saiko snapped, raising her head.

A sigh came from the stairs, interupting Saiko completely. “..?” Saiko turned to the stairs to see a blonde man walking down them tiredly. ” ‘Morning, Takkun!” Hiro called cheerfully, waving him over as he caught sight of Saiko by the door, clearly confused.

"Takkun..?" Saiko murmured, fishing names through the recent people she had researched with the Bodyguards, and finally remembered. “Ah! Takuto Hirukawa, talented top-programmer of an IT company, aren’t you?”

The three boys shared quizzical glances with each other, and rested their eyes on Saiko, who seemed rather determined on figuring out their names.

"How do you know all our names, Saiko?" Atsumu poked his head out the kitchen and inquired to Saiko. The eyes of the other’s seemed to ask the same thing, and she sighed.

Saiko had a distant shine in her eyes, but it seemed a bit more sad than proud as she sulkingly explained. “See, the guys made me research. They sent me information of who was close to Yanase here, and it seemed their files were correct about you guys. It didn’t take me long to remember these things.. It’s easy..”

"The guys?" Riki asked, a more serious gaze than questioning, now. "Those guys that wanted me to not choose you?" Saiko nodded, looking a bit discouraged. "To be honest, I didn’t want to be chosen.. I’m a girl, and my first client is a boy..”

Riki began to chuckle at her statement, cutting her midway. “What’s so bad about that? Are you not good with men?”

"No, I think they’re okay." Saiko stated bitterly to his remark, and thought back to the Bodyguards, who she was completely fine with. "You do know I’m with you on a 24-hour mark, and I must always be withing range of watching you, don’t you?”

"This’ll be interesting, then..” Takuto seemed to murmur, smirking at Riki and Saiko.

"24-hours with a girl is fine, but I’ll need some hours off from you at late night."

"No can-do, Yanase." Saiko retorted instantly. "You made this choice and it’s your fault. Switch me out at the agency for all I care, but that few hours off is a no-go.”

"Why not?" Riki snapped, only doing so little as glaring, not raising his tone either, keeping as calm as Saiko was. "I’ll switch you out then."

Saiko stiffled laughter as he bluntly stated so, “Yanase, I’m probably the least strict. You have a better chance escaping me than escaping the other guys.”

"Then maybe I won’t switch you out.” Riki plastered a daring smirk on his face, bringing a challenge to Saiko. “Sounds fine by me, Yanase.”

ღღღ

“Yeesh.. You really are devoted to your job, aren’t you?” Riki murmured, and Saiko heard him, as she walked beside him through the park. “I’m doing what I was hired to do. I signed up for it..”

Riki sighed, and began to run, an unreadable blank gaze on his face.

"What are you doing?!" Saiko shouted, but quickly ran and was tailing right behind him in no time. “Tch.. You don’t give up, do you..” Riki said as he ran, taking turns around trees and benches, picking up his pace.

Saiko seemed to have no trouble keeping up with him, and didn’t seem the least bit tired at his energetic break out.

Riki soon heard fading footsteps behind him, and he brought himself to a stop, turning on his heel to look if she was still keeping up. “She’s gone.” Riki stated boringly, smirking at his victory.

"No, I’m here.” Riki turned quickly again to see Saiko behind him, arms crossed and clearly unamused. “How..”

"I could ask you the same thing. A business CEO Representative, or just a normal Business man shouldn’t be able to run that fast, nor that much like that." Saiko seemed to stare down into his eyes, as if trying to read him. Riki refused to let her, and glared back. "Is it bad to stay fit?"

"You don’t understand it at all.." Saiko murmured, turning her gaze on the ground, away from him. "Where are we going now? It’s getting dark, and we spent the whole day out.." Saiko said sulkingly, raising her gaze at the sky, which had a faded view of the sun slowly setting in the distance. "Ah, let’s head back."

Riki nodded, and started walking again, Saiko following beside him again.

ღღღ

As Saiko entered Le Renard Noir with Riki, she noticed the place was filled with people, even when it was a bit late. It was summer, so days were indeed longer…

As Saiko scanned the room, her eyes trailed over a familiar face at the front counter, and the person was sitting, drink in hand, chatting gleefully with Atsumu.

"I’ll be upstairs," Riki stated, and Saiko nodded, as he walked past her and headed up.

“Tatsuro? Is that you?” Saiko asked, wide eyed as the person turned around, and was indeed, Tatsuro Togoshi. “Saiko?" Tatsuro asked, as Atsumu looked more confused than either of them. "… Hi.." Saiko managed to say awkwardly, and Tatsuro said the same thing back.

"Awkward.." Saiko murmured, taking a seat next to Tatsuro. "Uhm, how have you been? Jess has been worrying about you, and so has Ranko."

Tatsuro sighed, and smiled straight after. “Jess is always worrying.” Saiko laughed heartily at his statement. “I heard she’s staying with Ranko again. You should pay them a visit.”

"I will." Tatsuro said solemnly, nodding. "So, what are you doing here?"

"Ahh, that.." Saiko murmured, looking miserable again. "I’m suppost to be a Bodyguard for Riki Yanase.." Saiko sighed, as Tatsuro looked a bit worried. "Him? Isn’t he a friend of Jess’s?"

"He is?!" Saiko gasped. Jess was friends with someone like him? Why?

Tatsuro shrugged at her surprise. “They used to hang out a lot, even if she was suppost to be with Ranko and I..”

Saiko thought over the situation, but became lost in it again. “I’ll be careful, then..”

"He has been showing quite some flexibility and stamina, though.. Not the normal business stamina, but something like he absolutely needs it to live.." Saiko admitted, remembering the earlier visit to the park.

"Sounds suspicious.. Keep a close eye on him for me, okay, Saiko? For Jess, too." Tatsuro said, smiling again and placing a hand on Saiko’s shoulder. Saiko managed a nod, a determined look on her face. "I’ll get going now, take care of yourself, and take care of Jess for me, okay, Tatsuro?"

Tatsuro nodded, waving Saiko off as she walked up the stairs that Riki had gone up earlier, only to see a hallway of rooms. “Oh..” 「Which room?!」Saiko saw the first door to her right having the door opened a slight bit, and knocked. “Come in,” Riki’s voice was a mutter, but Saiko understood and opened the door, shutting it behind her as she entered.

”?!?!”

ღღღ

As Saiko looked over at Riki, she slapped a hand over her mouth and spun on her heel quickly, leaning her forehead on the door, hiding her red face and not letting herself scream.

“S..Sorry!" Saiko barely managed to say loudly, embarassed. That was the first time she had ever walked in on someone who she had barely known for a day.

There was no movement heard behind her, and she turned around again, face clear and confused. Saiko sighed, seeing he was now done.

Riki stared quizzically at her, but then laughed whole-heartily. “You remind me of this other girl that used to always be around.”

"Well, I’m sorry." Saiko bowed her head in appology, and raised it again. 「Black clothing.. Is he going to sleep in that? It is pretty late, too..」 “Have you never seen a man change his shirt before, Saiko?”

"Eh?" Saiko shot her head up, wide eyed at the personal question. Riki ignored that and pressed on. "Have you never?" Saiko became a bit infuriated by his questioning, but shook her head with an unreadable expression. "I have. I’ve known them for a while, now, though, but I don’t know you."

"… Whatever." Riki muttered, and Saiko was unsure if that answer satisfied him or not. Saiko stood still by the door as Riki climbed into his bed and pulled over the covers. "Aren’t you going to sleep at all?"

"No."

"Why not?" Riki inquired, staring her down. "Is sleeping against the rules?"

"No. Yanase, I won’t sleep."

"Okay, atleast come here."

He sat on the edge of his bed, facing her, as she sighed. “If you weren’t a client, you’d be knocked out right on the spot..” Saiko murmured, walking up to him and stoping when within a certain close distance.

”!”

A smirk ran across Riki’s face as he reached for her wrist in a flash and pulled her into his arms.

「If she’s anything like the girl before, this should be easy..」Riki thought, as he hid her under the covers, forcing her into his chest comfortably.

Saiko screamed, but her scream was forced off half way, sure that no one else heard as it became muffled. Her face burned red.

"Let go!" Saiko screamed, pushing away from him as she rolled off the bed, falling onto the floor with a loud thump. “Yeesh..”

Immediately, Saiko stood up, brushing herself off normally. Saiko looked over at Riki and growled. “And here they told US Hands-Off of the Client.. Tch..”

”.. I’ll be taking my leave, Yanase.”

Saiko growled his name, and walked out before he could say anything, closing the door behind her, and running down the stairs and out of Le Renard Noir, rushing outside and hiding around the corner of the entrance from the outside.

As if to have perfect timing, Eternal Sunshine softly played from one of her pouches, and she quickly pulled out her phone and flipped it open.

"Hello? Kaiji?"

"Hey, Saiko. Something happen? You sound sorta high-pitched.."

"You won’t believe it. Tell you when I get the chance, but right now, I just want to give a warning that Yanase is a bit suspicious. Even a Detective thinks so."

"Okay.. Take care of yourself, then, be careful, okay?"

Kaiji’s voice was filled with full sincerity, and that made Saiko smile genuinely.

"Will do. Don’t worry, I can handle it. I’ll see you soon, Kaiji."

"See ya’."

The call ended as quick as it started, and Saiko quickly turned off her phone for the time, leaving it completely silent in it’s pouch. One of the three pouches.

Hearing footsteps finally head down the stairs as everyone else had left the restraunt, Saiko hid in the dark corner again, slipping on a black glove onto her right hand.

To her surprise, a tall, brown haired man entered into Le Renard Noir. 「What is he doing so late..」

A thought seemed to snap into her brain suddenly. Riki was wearing black earlier, and it certainly didn’t seem like normal sleepwear.. And that man also wore black.. What were they doing?

As Saiko wanted to continue to think, Riki came out of Le Renard Noir, slipping on a black leather jacket.

「.. That actually fits pretty well… Wait, no! Snap out of it, Saiko!」

Her mind was in a jumble as she raised her gloved right hand with a click.

"What are you doing, Yanase?"

~~~

Riki turned to the sudden voice, and went wide eyed to see her aiming her hand at him, stepping closer cautiously. “Saiko? I thought you left?”

Saiko shook her head. “Hell no. I want to leave, but dissapointing parents is the worst thing ever.” She looked pained, but she held her hand up with complete sorrow, eyeing Riki carefully.

Just then, three other men appeared out of the door behind Riki, and Saiko quickly took in correct arrangements to aim for who ever moved first.

"What are you all doing?!"

Saiko’s voice didn’t tremble, and it wasn’t loud. Just enough for them all to hear her.

"Riki, do you know her?" The brown haired man asked, as gazes all fell on Riki.

"Personal BodyGuard."

"Answer Me!"

"…"

Silence fell over the moonlit scene, and Saiko continued to walk closer, stopping when she was at the edge of their reaching range, sure to not be too close.

Just then, the brown haired man raised his hands with a click, holding something in his hands.

“Oh?" Saiko feigned surprise, a bit of a smirk on her lips. "Hm, so you have guns.. Dressed in black.. Sneaking out at night.. Are you thieves?"

“I’ll shoot." The man threatened, stepping past Riki to be closer to Saiko.

Saiko shook her head. “No, you won’t. How will you clear off my death without getting caught? I told Kaiji that Yanase is a suspicious character. He’ll know. Oh, Tatsuro will know, as well.”

Saiko felt all glares head to Riki, who shrugged.

“Kenshi.”

Riki said, and the man nodded.

“Kenshi.. Kenshi Inagaki, was it? A pleasure.” Saiko grinned, still aiming at Kenshi as Kenshi continued to aim back at her.

In the moonlight, she wasn’t sure if they could see the small crossbow that wrapped around the wrist of her glove, ready to fire at a clench of her fists.

Tension grew quickly as they just stared carefully, and Saiko laughed, lowering her hand to her side, having it click again. “Jeez, you guys are so tense! I’m just asking what you’re doing, you had the chance to lie but died under the pressure!”

As Saiko laughed, they all looked confused.

"Just tell me, I can’t report it right now, anyway."

~~~

They all let out relieved sighs, and Kenshi lowered the gun.

Saiko smiled. “Glad we’re on good terms. What were you doing?”

Again, nobody answered her.

"Damnit.. You know what? Whatever you’re doing," Saiko hissed, truely thinking they would’ve atleast said something, and continued to glare them down. "I’m tagging along, you thieves."

"You can’t."

"Why not?! I’ve done more dangerous things before, and my job forces me to protect you!"

"Unless you can keep up, you can’t."

"Are you stupid? Weren’t you listening..?" Saiko finally lowers her tone, breaking away her gaze from Riki’s. "I’ve done worse. I…”

Riki snapped back calmly at her again. “Don’t follow.”

"I’d give up.." Saiko started, her whole body shaking, and she finally raised her head again to face them, a determined look that crossed with pain on her face. "I’ll give up my life for your protection, Riki!”

“I’d give up my life for you as your BodyGuard. Please let me." Saiko finally calmed herself down and calmly spoke in a tone that told them all she’d do it either way.

"… Let’s go.”

ღ Lute ღ

"I choose…" “… Lute.”

"Thank you for choosing me, Princess."

"Not at all." You replied, sharing the same loving smile with him.

You heard whispering behind you, and quickly became confused. “Knock it off, Haku.” Lute had raised his voice, and Haku turned around to you with an appologetic smile on his face.

"Couldn’t help it. There’s never one time you haven’t chose him yet.."

"W-Well.." You stumbled for words, your face tinting a faded pink. "I guess so.."

Hearing light laughter now infront of you, you turned again to see Lute laughing. “My appologies, Princess. Please, follow me.” “Y-Yes.” You quickly followed behind Lute, and noticed him stopping when you both were in an area clear of trees and flowers, just short-cut grass and open air.

"Please, try carrying this sword." Lute said courteously, as always, and held the handle of the sword out to you. “Okay.” You wrapped both of your hands around the sword’s handle, and Lute backed away a bit, still faintly holding onto the sword. “Please, be careful as I let go.” He warned, a stern expression on his face. You nodded. As his hand was slowly pulling away from the handle, the sword was slowly lowering against your own will.

“W-Wait!” You called just before his hand was completely taken off the handle. “Yes?” He asked, tilting his head quizzically with an innocent smile on his lips. “I-Isn’t this sword..” You trailed, then shook your head, “No.. How should I put this..” You muttered, as Lute patiently waited. “.. Can I even Carry it on my own?” Hearing this, you heard lots of laughter behind you in the distance. You feel your face boiling under the embarassement.

“G-Guys!” You turned around and called, as Lute took the blade away from your hands.

“Sorry! It just took you a while to notice,” Haku said between laughs. “And you took a while to say it right, too!” Ken added teasingly, laughing as well./> You sighed with a bright red face, pouting then turning back to Lute.

He lifted his hand and placed it on your head, smiling softly. “Princess, please ignore them.” You nod, still feeling a bit insecure.

“Now, my appologies, here’s a lighter one.”

“Huh?” You asked, as Lute held a much thinner looking sword, much more fit to be wielded by a beginner like yourself. “Thanks!”

You take it into your hands, and it is definitely much lighter, but you knew it still had enough weight to commit a bloodshed. You shivered, staring at the blade in your hands. Feeling a hand on your shoulder, you stopped shivering.

“Don’t be afraid. It’s not half as scary as that snake long ago.”

“That.. Snake..?”

You quickly thought back and rememered the time, more than a year or a few months ago, when you first met Lute. You had encountered a snake, and ever since then, you’d conquered fears for him.

You smiled. “Right. What do I do now, Lute?”

“How about your stance? What are you comfortable doing?”

“Uhm..” You weren’t really sure yourself, but you heard one of the knights in the distance yell, “Watch out!”

You quickly turned to see a pebble heading your way. You’d usually duck, but it’d be dangerous to put the blade near your face, so you quickly leaped off the the side, but almost fell, due to the heels on your shoes.

“What was that for!!!” You screamed at them, and they all had appologetic looks on their face.

“Are you okay?” Lute quickly asked, returning to your side. You nodded, “I’m fine..” “That stance seemed fine for you.” He said, followed by a gentle smile. “Is that why I was almost HIT BY A ROCK?” You asked, playing an innocent smile but turning and glaring at the other knights, emphasizing, “Hit by a rock?” You heard them laugh nervously, as they slowly backed away.

“Yup.” Shion called, and Haku quickly bonked his head. “Ow..”

You sighed, turning back to Lute. “Okay, but I think my shoes are getting in the way..” You muttered, remembering how you’d almost fell due to the heel almost breaking. As for your dress, it was a light one, one more comfortable for moving in, since it was planned you were to stay inside and study the whole day… Until the change of plans, ofcourse.

You noticed Lute inspecting your shoes, and nodded. “Just as we thought. We have prepared some clothing, and ofcourse, your father and Richard know of this.”

“Oh?” You studied what Lute had suddenly given you. It had a faded cyan one-piece, no-sleeved, short-cut mini-dress design with a leather belt, topped off with a cute Ocean Blue jacket to match the skirt, with pale white trimmed linings to present the royal crest.

As you were admiring it, you noticed Lute kneeling down and taking your high heels off your feet, carefully replacing those with shoes more accessable to free movement.

“Just head to one of the nearest rooms in the castle, or head to your own, and please change, Princess.”

“Okay.” You nodded, and quickly rushed with the new clothing in your hands to your room, reaching it in no time at all.

Quickly slipping everything on, you took a look in the mirror, lighting up at the outfit. It fit perfectly, not too tight, nor too loose. Definitely allows accesability to free movement, and for once, you stopped feeling like The Princess Of Rapier. It made you overjoyed. “Wow…” You muttered to yourself, but noticed your hair would get in the way of training.

“Ah!” You quickly pulled your hair into a naturally neat ponytail, and quickly tied it up with a deep azure ribbon. “That should do it.” You praised yourself, and quickly headed back out to the yard.

When you got back, the knights were back to their regular training, and you called, “I’m back!” Happily.

They all turned to you at once, and everyone froze, their gazes kept on you.

After about a minute of them not speaking, and barely so much as moving, you spoke. “I-Is something wrong..?”

“N-No, Princess.. It’s…” Lute tried to speak up, but it didn’t seem to work too well before he became flustered again, his face beginning to grow a bit pink.

“Well..” Shion started, as Haku added, “It’s not bad…”

“They’re trying to compliment you,” Ken laughed, and the tension faded away. “You were, too, Kenny…” You sighed, relieved they liked it.

“Does it look that good on me?”

You turned left, then right, then spun around on your toes as girls do when they innocently model, and you see nodding heads, but see Lute just staring.

“Lute?” You asked, starting to look down a bit. “Does it look that bad?”

“P-Princess, no! Ofcourse not!” He quickly stumbles for words, as his face grows red in no time at all. “Infact, it.. No, you, look beautiful…” Hearing that mutter, you assumed it wasn’t your imagination, and smiled. “Okay. Can we continue, then?”

“Yes.” Lute replied, nodding, and quickly returning to where you last were, holding the same light sword out to you.

You took it into your hands, and kept a steady gaze at Lute. “What now?”

“How well can you handle and swing the blade?”

“Uhm…” Gripping the handle tighter with both hands, you began to practice swinging at Lute instructed. Over top, swing to left, swing to right, counter spin, and some others

By the end of it, your hands were a bit red from your grip, but you decided to pull through it.

“Put theese on, Princess.” You turned, to see Lute holding out a pair of white gloves to you. “Thank you.”

You slipped them on, feeling a bit better, but it was a bit unnatural with them on.

“Princess, please try to defend against me.”

“Wait,” You repeated what he said in your head quickly, “Wait, what?!”

“Do not worry, I won’t hit too hard.” He smiled at you, but you still felt a bit insecure, nodding.

“O-Okay..” You quickly held your blade out as instructed, and Lute did the same.

He had a half-serious look on his face, and he went for a strike overhead.

Without noticing yourself, you had your blade over your head and you were kneeling, carefully blocking him off.

“!” You noticed that he was putting more and more pressure by the second, and quickly pushed his blade off to the side with your own, taking the chance to quickly stand and move back for a bit more distance.

He smiled softly, and you felt distracted by it. “Good job.”

“P-Please don’t smile while we train this way..” You muttered, and he nodded, growing serious again. “Thank you.” You smiled, and as he came for an ankle-side blow the next time, you quickly leaped over his sword and held yours pointed to his neck.

Your smile turned into a light smirk, and he began to smile as well, dropping his sword and raising his hands to surrender.

You glanced at him, both of your gazes meeting, then you both laughed, and you picked up, or atleast tried to, his sword, and gave him the handle. You also took back your sword from his neck, feeling a quick improvement.

“Let’s take a break then, shall we?”

He held out his hand to you, and you gently took it in your own, nodding.

He took you to the yard’s little bridge, and you decided to sit on the large rim of it, your back turned to the water.

“Princess, that’s not safe…” You heard Lute say, looking concerned. You sighed. “Lute, I haven’t been able to do anything like this ever since we got back to the Palace… Please, atleast let me do this now…” Hearing your silent plead, he nodded, smiling half-heartedly. “If that is what you want, Princess.” He also sat beside you, and you leaned your head on his shoulder.

“P-Princess! Y-You mustn’t…!” He stuttered beside you. You smiled. “Well, if I can’t do that, then…” You wrapped your arms around Lute, and you looked up, and saw his face burning red. You broke out laughing. “Lute! Your face… It’s red!”

“T-That’s… Princess, please do not look at me!” Lute stumbled for words, and you kept laughing, hugging him a bit tighter.

“Huh?” You felt arms wrap around you and embrace you tightly, and you looked up at Lute again, and he was smiling gently. “I can never seem to win against you, Princess.” He said softly, hugging you tighter.

“That’s because it’s hard for me to hold back…” You muttered, as you both just held each other for a while.

“Ooh, what’s this over here?” You heard a voice call, and you and Lute quickly let go of each other, and you heard Lute cough to contain composure.

You smiled, “N-Nothing at all, Haku.”

Haku looked at you and Lute quizzically, smirking. “Are you sure? It looked like you guys were…”

“Haku!” Lute hissed, “If the Princess says it was nothing, then it was!”

You knew he was covering for you, but it was a bit refreshing to see this scolding scene every once in a while.

“Alright, alright.” Haku repeated, still smirking, turning and walking away. “A Cute Princess and An Airhead Knight…”

“I’m Not…!” Lute muttered, as you laughed, patting his head softly. “Don’t worry about what he says, Lute.”

“Y-Yes, Princess..” He muttered, half purring, his face tinting red, as his eyes closed in relaxation to your hand. You giggled, and stroked his hair gently.

It was making soft contact with your fingers, and you continued at it until the Session was Over.

“Guess it’s getting kind of dark.. We should go back..” You muttered, disliking the idea and accidentally expressing it through your tone and the pained look that came over your face. Lute seemed to have noticed, and saw that Haku was opening his mouth to say something to her, a smirk on his face. “Princess, I shall take you back to your room.” Lute offered, holding out his hand to you. You smiled comfortably, gently taking his hand in yours. “Thank you, Lute.”

As Lute guided you back into the castle, you couldn’t help but hear faded squeals and whispers as you passed by groups of maids and visitors.

Sighing on accident, you heard Lute speak. “Ignore them, Princess. I’m only escorting you.” His voice was absolute, and he had his normal smile on his face, but.. Why was he so calm? It probably came in with his job.

As you approached your room’s door with Lute, you squeezed his hand a bit tighter.

He looked at you, concerned, but then smiled softly down at you. “Shall I come in with you, Princess?”

Your face brightened at those words. “Please, do, Lute!”

He held the door open for you as you walked in, and he walked in behind you, closing the door with a silent click.

Neither You, nor Lute, let go of the other’s hand. Infact, his grip became a bit tighter as it became just you two in your room, holding hands, and standing face-to-face.

There was an odd silence, and Lute finally opened his mouth to speak.

“Princess, you did good for your first time training today.”

“Did I?” You smiled securely. “I only did what you told me.”

“Even so, it was a good job.” He smiled back at you, patting you lightly on the head. “The outfit suits you, as well. Please keep it.” “Ofcourse I’ll keep it!” The words slipped out of your mouth immediately. “This reminds me of the time I wasn’t yet a princess..” You muttered, then spoke confidently again. “It reminds me of the time I travelled with everyone, and the time I spent with you to figure out how I felt, and if you felt the same..” The memories passed by you in a daze, and you noticed Lute was staring at you with a surprised look on his profile.

“D-Did I say something wrong?”

“No, Princess.. It’s just…”

"It's just?"