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Apologies for falling behind. However, the biggest apology is to myself and my characters…

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Ikaru was roused by a gentle rapping at his office door.

“Ah..! Um..Come in!”

A formally dressed male entered with a bow. “Master Ikaru, I just received word that the Crimson Star arrived safely.”

“Good work, Rui. I gather that my instructions were followed as well?”

“Yes, of course. The Crimson Star’s ether trail had become sparse, but we were able to ensure she was sent to a nearby locale.”

“And no one was told of this, correct?”

“Correct.”

Ikaru leaned forward, resting his chin upon folded hands. “Stay sharp, Rui. If you hear anything, inform me.”

“Without fail!”

“You may go.”

“Master Ikaru?”

The afternoon light bathed Ikaru’s slightly hunched form. “Yes, Rui?”

“Please forgive me..but your eyes are less lively than usual..Will you be alright?”

Ikaru smiled and Rui left.

His languid gaze shifted off to the side, causing his bangs to cast a shadow over them. “Hirika…if that was all I could do, then I can be satisfied. Even I can be gutsy sometimes, just like you.”

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Tomoe and Matoko’s parted lips lingered inches away after another breathless kiss.

“That was the rest of my apology…” Tomoe said as she gazed downward.

Matoko expelled a sigh. “Dammit…!”

“Tomoe,” he started, eyebrows furrowed. “Let me walk you home.”

“For the last time, I’ll be fine.” She turned and took a few steps out the entrance. “Just…”

“Just?”

“Just don’t forget your words.”

“I won’t betray you,” he asserted.

“Lunch tomorrow?” she said, smiling.

“Of course! Listen. Don’t go thinking anything has changed!”

“I won’t as long as you don’t. See you tomorrow!”

“Yeah.”

Matoko stared out until she turned the corner, then shut the door. Covering his face with a hand, he headed to his room, recalling why he wore a bandage on his cheek.

“This is all so messed up…”

From the corner of his eye, he glanced into the kitchen. “Eh? They’re gone? No…Don’t tell me he’d already–”

Matoko imagines Kyohei coaxing a reluctant Hirika into heated passion. “That guy…!”

He dashed to the back of the house, low to the ground. “I knew it-Wait! Why is MY door partly closed?!” He quickly kicked open his door, fuming.

“What the hell are you do-”

Confusion was plastered on his face, as he saw them setting up a futon on his floor.

“Oh, hello mortal!” Hirika beamed. “Kyohei suggested we set up a futon in your room. You don’t mind, right?”

“D-Do I mind?!” his glare sought to conceal his shame.

“Yeah, Kyohei chimed in. “We’re not about to let anyone use Mother’s room, and I won’t sleep a wink with someone else in mine.”

“Besides…” Kyohei pointed at him, defiantly. “…You brought her here! She is your guest!”

“Why do I feel like none of that should matter..?” “I got it, Kyohei,” he said waving his hand, slumping on his bed.

Hirika fluffed the pillow. “It is alright for me to take a bath?”

Kyohei nodded. “We take turns preparing the water. You know how to?”

“I should be fine.”

“Great. It’s my turn tonight. You can relax.”

“Thank you, Kyohei.” Hirika stood and bowed, wearing a fine smile.

“No need to be so formal, Hirika,” he said with a chuckle. “Matoko.”

“Yeah?”

“You’re responsible for that futon now.”

“Yeah…”

Kyohei left the two in silence. Hirika looked over her shoulder at Matoko now laying on his back, covering his face.

“Are you alright?” she smirked.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because of you.”

“You mean ‘us.’”

“Us?! You’re the one who dragged me into this mess!” Matoko had sat up, glaring into her eyes.

Hirika shook her head. “Tsk tsk tsk. How quickly you mortals become selfish, placing the blame on others.”

“Hah?”

Hirika’s eyes turned playfully sinister. “Though I started this, it is you who now needs me to finish it. And I am more than willing to finish this. The question is, how long will you cooperate?”

Matoko grit his teeth, bound by Hirika’s fierce resolve.

“Just remember.” Taken off guard by her silken tone, his senses piqued. “I need you…regardless of what I must do to make it so.”