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Chapter 56
Neito arrived at the airport with his luggage. After doing the necessary procedures, he headed off into the airport lobby. He looked around him. The airport was crowded but he should’ve no trouble spotting out Tsurugi from the crowd. Tsurugi was around the height of 190 centimeters and had an aura that no other man could have. Sometimes those characteristics of his come handy in these kind of moments. [….Huh?] Tsurugi wasn’t there. He looked at his watch. He was sure he told him that he would be arriving at this hour. There was no way that man would be late. Tsurugi was the only person he informed about him coming back to j.a.pan. “I heard from the main office, but it is sooner than expected” is what Tsurugi said. The reason why Tsurugi was the only one informed was because he didn’t want to create a commotion in public. Tsurugi was the one officially a.s.signed to pick him up at the airport but… Maybe something happened to him?!
He was worried. As a top-cla.s.s member of Metallica, there was no doubt people would be after him. Neito took out his phone and dialed up Tsurugi’s number. Tsurugi picked up and answered in a causal tone. [Aah, Good day Boss. Did you arrive safely? Yes, Welcome back.] Neito sighed in relief. [Thank you. Where are you now? Are you in the airport lobby?] Tsurugi’s response was unusual. [About that boss, something happened and I can’t come and pick you up.] [What happened? Are you in trouble?] If Tsurugi couldn’t contact him himself, then he was definitely in trouble. Neito’s expression changed. [No… Well. It’s just a hangover. Don’t worry about me. I already asked someone to come in my stead. I’ll be going now.] Tsurugi then ended the call. Hangover? There’s no way that Tsurugi would be that drunk. When we drank together, he seemed fine after many bottles of Sake. [……?] Neito didn’t understand. He was lost in his thoughts, looking at the screen of his phone, but then Tap tap. Somebody tapped his shoulders. Neito turned around. […Eh? Maki-san?] His co-worker and researcher from the R&D Department, Maki was standing behind him. [I’ve been standing here for quite a while, and yet you didn’t notice me. You’re too cruel Neito-kun~!] As Maki said those words Neito looked at her intently. Today was a Sat.u.r.day and Maki’s day off. She was wearing a Sakura colored One-piece dress paired with short boots. She had a slender build and a mellow face, different from the women he saw at New York. She looked fresh in Neito’s eyes. [Ah- yeah. Sorry about not noticing you. I’m glad weren’t an a.s.sa.s.sin.] [That not what I meant… umm… Forget it.] Despite her words, she was smiling brightly at him. Her smile was sudden, yet nostalgic. Neito also smiled in return. [Oh I almost forgot! Welcome back, Neito-kun] Maki’s words were warm and pure. Just like the time when they first met. [Yeah… I’m back. Tsurugi was the one who asked for you right? I’m sorry, today is even your day-off. He really didn’t need to bother you to do this…] [No, it’s okay! I was free and… no, it’s nothing] Maki waved her hands and tried to dismiss the topic. Her face was unusually red. Despite being called the reincarnate of the devil, Neito still couldn’t figure out what girls of her age were thinking. [Hm? Well, if you insist…] [Ah I’m sorry. You were still carrying your luggage. Let’s head off to my car.] As if she wanted to avoid the topic, she quickly headed off into the crowd and towards the exit. Neito was surprised for a bit. Her hair was flowing in the air and it was very fragrant. Five years had already pa.s.sed since he first entered the company. There was a possibility that their relations.h.i.+p might go further than being just friends, but thinking about it only made him nervous and embarra.s.sed. He looked like an idiot for thinking that situation could happen. They arrived in the airport’s parking lot. He got on into Maki’s car. He wasn’t familiar with cars, but her car was small and round, an unusual shape. (TLN: Probably a Volkswagen Beetle) [Sorry, you even had to walk to the parking lot…] [No no. It’s no problem. Shall we?] It was his first time riding a car with a woman driving. Until his twenties, as he was under his (abusive?) father and his late mother. He had no time for leisure until he entered Metallica. No, even if he had the time back then, he couldn’t experience such thing. (TLN: The literal translation says “as he was under his father doing those things”. Whether it’s abuse of some other thing, I’ll leave it to the readers.) The car departed from the airport and headed into the cities. Neito was scheduled to stay over at a hotel for the day. Normally he would’ve immediately started his work, but since Tsurugi was absent, he decided to put it off until tomorrow. No, more like he had no other choice. The radio in the car was playing a song by a foreign artist. He didn’t know who the artist was, but the song she sang was very heart-warming. The car drove on. He looked at Maki. She was focused on the road ahead. He was glad their eyes didn’t meet. She must be now in her mid-twenties and she looked even more beautiful than when they first met. [Hm? What’s the matter Neito-kun?] She found out. Neito panicked and averted his eyes from her. [Ah, No, it’s nothing… Ah, the new Tokyo Tower already completed? It’s definitely taller than the sky tree, it looks beautiful.] [Why are you speaking in a formal tone-?] [……] [Fufufu~. You’re weird. Ah! Yes, that Oden shop started selling Ramen!] [Really? Is it good?] [Very!] That’s how their conversation went on for the rest of the ride. They weren’t discussing worthwhile things, but he still enjoyed the conversation. Enjoyed? Me? For a moment, I’m living like a normal person… He tried changing the topic, [How was your six months Maki-san?] Maki was still Maki, she went on discussing the various new models for modified humans and modifications on the prototypes for the Silhouette series. It seemed like she was very busy for the last six months. [That must have been hard. You’re amazing.] [Not at all, after all, it’s something I chose for myself.] Maki’s expression was sad yet mellow. She was a kind individual, but at times she showed those kind of emotions. [… Is that so?] He knew why Maki entered Metallica. He vowed to fight alongside of her but, [Ah, that’s your hotel right? I’m sorry, it’s gotten this late.] The car entered into the hotel’s premises. Neito thought for a little bit. He wanted to thank Maki for picking him up at the airport. It was already scheduled that he would ride a train from the airport and have a meeting with Tsurugi regarding Crimson in America and discuss about the M-meeting he was invited to. For a little bit, he was relieved of those worries. Of course, he wasn’t planning on neglecting them. He would never deviate from the path he decided onto himself. He knows, but just for a bit, he wanted to thank her. Thinking about the past and the oncoming future, he knew he was going to be relying on her from now on. Their relations.h.i.+p might change in the future, but that’s a different matter. Yes. It wouldn’t be too strange right? No, on the other hand, it would be completely rude if he didn’t thank her this situation. It isn’t because he was. .h.i.tting on her or whether they were dating, they were just co-workers. He just wanted to express his grat.i.tude. She won’t be disgusted right? Pondering on his thoughts, he called out to her. [… Thanks for picking me up. As a thanks, won’t you join me for dinner? I-I’m about to get one, and… Niina said that their food tastes great…] […Eeeh?!] Maki’s soprano pitched voice echoed in the car. Neito was prepared for the worse answer, but this took him back a bit. [Is it really okay…?! Then I’ll take up on your offer!] With Maki’s embarra.s.sed tone, Neito sighed in relief. The restaurant they both entered into was with a glance, a high cla.s.s restaurant. The halls were beautiful, the table cloth was white and fancy, even the silverware and menu showed a touch of cla.s.s. Maki was taken back. […… Neito-kun, this is really amazing…] [Y-yeah… it’s more than I was expecting.] Both of them weren’t used to this kind of dining. It was their first in dining in such fancy restaurant. [What will you have as your aperitif?] A male waiter came to their table and asked for their order. Maki was panicking on what to do and order, but Neito was the one who answered the waiter first. [I’ll be having a Gibson please.] Neito didn’t even plan on drinking alcohol. Those words just came out naturally off his mouth. Maybe it was the western influence on him? (TLN: This where it unexpectedly s.h.i.+fts to Maki’s POV) “W-wait, that’s weird. It’s my first time seeing Neito-kun ordering alcohol other than j.a.panese sake or beer.” [Understood. And what will the lady have?] [Y-Yes. Umm… Well… Do you have any recommendations?] [Yes, for that I would recommend wine from…] The explanation continued. The waiter’s name was actually Smulie-san. “Huh? I’m driving back home!” Maki was so engrossed on having dinner with Neito, and the unfamiliar atmosphere of the restaurant that she almost forgot. [Are you drinking Maki-san?] Neito noticed and reminded her that she was driving. He had a worried expression on his face. “Aah, I’m an idiot.” For a moment those words popped into her head. [Ah, no, but I’m…] “At this point should, I ask Smulie-san for Oolong tea? I only kept studying when I was a student so I don’t know anything about this… Aah, I’m hopeless.” As she was thinking of such thoughts, Neito said something unexpected. [Do you have anything planned tomorrow morning?] “Hm? What does he mean?” Maki didn’t understand, but she answered either way. [No, nothing in particular.] [Do you want to stay for the night? It would be a waste not being able to drink wine.] [Eeeh?!] Time stopped. “Stay for the night? A-At this Hotel?! T-T-Th that would mean… Eeeh?!” “What are you thinking Neito-kun?!” Of course, she couldn’t say it out loud. [Umm… That’s… Is it really okay?] [Hm? I’m fine with it. Ah that’s if you’re also okay with it Maki-san.] Neito shrugged it off as if it was nothing. She never expected someone as shy as him to make the first move. Maki’s heart rate rose. She hasn’t drank any alcohol but her face was already bright red. If he wanted her to stay then it only means one thing. “What should I do?” Maki was panicking inside her head. Scenarios just keep popping up constantly. She already knew how she felt towards him, and when he departed for America, she was constantly thinking about him while drinking shochuu. She was even excited to be the one to pick him up at the airport and she was glad he invited her to dinner. But this was too sudden. She was unfamiliar with the restaurant’s atmosphere and she never had someone to do it with back when she was a student at MIT. [… Ma’am?] The waiter who was just listening to their conversation and looking at her expression, gave out a glee and asked her. He was probably at his limit. [Ah, yes, then I’ll be having that wine.] [Understood. Then you’ll be having Pino Norwal’s…] [Yes I’ll have that-!] [… (Giggles), Pardon me… then I’ll be back.] “Smulie-san definitely laughed right…?” She noticed that much. She didn’t exclude that idea that they would be doing it but… [Maki-san?] [Y-Yes.h.!.+] Neito looked at her mysteriously. She was thinking too much that she started showing it off her face. She needed to change the topic. [A, W-What’s that Gibson you o-ordered? It looks fancy…] [Ah- yeah, there this “onion” thing in it. It’s quite delicious.] [O-Oh, r-really?] [A detestable yet handsome guy recommended it to me one night.] While they were talking, Smulie-san came and brought with him a decanter and started preparations for taste-tasting. She took a sip. The wine was definitely delicious. She didn’t know much about wines, but from the taste and fragrance alone, she could tell that it was a high quality wine. This helped her calm down a bit. The more Neito was away from her, the more he changed. Maybe his idea earlier was the result from that. For him to be the one to invite her… He traveled to America. Speaking of America, America was the land of freedom. Maybe something happened there that he was now familiar with women. Anice-chan was also with him there. There was no way he would do it, but after giving some thought, she was now curious. As they ate, she was asking him some non-worthwhile questions, but that question never disappeared from her head. It came to a point where they were almost done with their dinner. They were enjoying coffee when she decided to ask him. [B-By the way, how was America? Is Niina and Anice-chan doing well?] [……] Maki nervously waited for an answer but, it took him time to respond to her question. She looked at his expression. [……Ah] It was an expression she never saw in him before. No, it was more like he was good at hiding those kind of expressions. She understood what he was feeling inside. He was sad yet, relieved. She understood that from him. […Neito…kun…] It was a sad expression, but he tried smiling it off. She was only thinking about herself at that point, but when she saw his expression, she forgot everything. She didn’t want to neglect him. She extended her hand and without much thought, tried to grab his. That moment, Neito recovered and pulled himself away from the table while giving off a small laugh. [Yeah, a lot of things happened. Anice is doing alright.] It was only for a moment, but Neito returned to his usual self. [Is that so…] At that point, Maki couldn’t ask him any more questions. She really wanted him to open up to her. Yet she was sure he wouldn’t talk about it with her. It was obvious. He had to go through a lot for him to be in his position right now. Taking over Crimson had a deep meaning to him. Maki couldn’t fully comprehend, but if that were the case, something big must’ve happened behind the scenes. How could she be so careless to ask him? Maki regretted her question. [Ah, it’s getting late. Sorry, could you wait here for a bit?] Neito called the waiter and got hold of a key card. [Here, Maki-san’s room is on the fiftieth floor. I already made preparations, so you can just check out anytime in the morning. By the way, I’m going to be at the forty-fifth floor. If you need anything ring me up anytime.] [Yes…… Thank you very much.] “Yes, I thought so…” Maki was embarra.s.sed a bit. He never thought of doing it in the first place. Thinking about it, it was very like him. They finished drinking their coffee and headed off into the elevator. Maki was looking at the city view from her window. At first, she thought of him just a nice guy, but then she noticed ‘something’ in him not commonly found in normal people. Upon discovering ‘that’, she thought it was something she would. She was beginning to take interest in the two sides of him. At one point she decided to tell him her past, but instead of rejecting her, he accepted her past and they fought alongside each other. He began to improve and make use of ‘it’, constantly rising to the top. Every time they met, he would change. He always unyielding, constant and dynamic. She admired that part of him. Again he made her noticed something new again. No matter how much he changed, there was still a wall between them. The wall dividing them was so thick that she had a hard time reaching out to him. Yet she still understood him. He kept rising to the top, and it was slowly becoming harder for her to get close to him. On the other side of that wall, he was hurt and got shaken constantly. Despite that he didn’t want her to comfort him. As she was gazing into the night view of the city, she saw her own reflection, crying in tears. It was then she noticed. “Aaah, I’m… with that person… that person who’s always rising to the top with a strong heart… who was now on the verge of his breaking point… to understand him that much and shed tears for him…” “I love him that much”
Neito arrived at the airport with his luggage. After doing the necessary procedures, he headed off into the airport lobby. He looked around him. The airport was crowded but he should’ve no trouble spotting out Tsurugi from the crowd. Tsurugi was around the height of 190 centimeters and had an aura that no other man could have. Sometimes those characteristics of his come handy in these kind of moments. [….Huh?] Tsurugi wasn’t there. He looked at his watch. He was sure he told him that he would be arriving at this hour. There was no way that man would be late. Tsurugi was the only person he informed about him coming back to j.a.pan. “I heard from the main office, but it is sooner than expected” is what Tsurugi said. The reason why Tsurugi was the only one informed was because he didn’t want to create a commotion in public. Tsurugi was the one officially a.s.signed to pick him up at the airport but… Maybe something happened to him?!
He was worried. As a top-cla.s.s member of Metallica, there was no doubt people would be after him. Neito took out his phone and dialed up Tsurugi’s number. Tsurugi picked up and answered in a causal tone. [Aah, Good day Boss. Did you arrive safely? Yes, Welcome back.] Neito sighed in relief. [Thank you. Where are you now? Are you in the airport lobby?] Tsurugi’s response was unusual. [About that boss, something happened and I can’t come and pick you up.] [What happened? Are you in trouble?] If Tsurugi couldn’t contact him himself, then he was definitely in trouble. Neito’s expression changed. [No… Well. It’s just a hangover. Don’t worry about me. I already asked someone to come in my stead. I’ll be going now.] Tsurugi then ended the call. Hangover? There’s no way that Tsurugi would be that drunk. When we drank together, he seemed fine after many bottles of Sake. [……?] Neito didn’t understand. He was lost in his thoughts, looking at the screen of his phone, but then Tap tap. Somebody tapped his shoulders. Neito turned around. […Eh? Maki-san?] His co-worker and researcher from the R&D Department, Maki was standing behind him. [I’ve been standing here for quite a while, and yet you didn’t notice me. You’re too cruel Neito-kun~!] As Maki said those words Neito looked at her intently. Today was a Sat.u.r.day and Maki’s day off. She was wearing a Sakura colored One-piece dress paired with short boots. She had a slender build and a mellow face, different from the women he saw at New York. She looked fresh in Neito’s eyes. [Ah- yeah. Sorry about not noticing you. I’m glad weren’t an a.s.sa.s.sin.] [That not what I meant… umm… Forget it.] Despite her words, she was smiling brightly at him. Her smile was sudden, yet nostalgic. Neito also smiled in return. [Oh I almost forgot! Welcome back, Neito-kun] Maki’s words were warm and pure. Just like the time when they first met. [Yeah… I’m back. Tsurugi was the one who asked for you right? I’m sorry, today is even your day-off. He really didn’t need to bother you to do this…] [No, it’s okay! I was free and… no, it’s nothing] Maki waved her hands and tried to dismiss the topic. Her face was unusually red. Despite being called the reincarnate of the devil, Neito still couldn’t figure out what girls of her age were thinking. [Hm? Well, if you insist…] [Ah I’m sorry. You were still carrying your luggage. Let’s head off to my car.] As if she wanted to avoid the topic, she quickly headed off into the crowd and towards the exit. Neito was surprised for a bit. Her hair was flowing in the air and it was very fragrant. Five years had already pa.s.sed since he first entered the company. There was a possibility that their relations.h.i.+p might go further than being just friends, but thinking about it only made him nervous and embarra.s.sed. He looked like an idiot for thinking that situation could happen. They arrived in the airport’s parking lot. He got on into Maki’s car. He wasn’t familiar with cars, but her car was small and round, an unusual shape. (TLN: Probably a Volkswagen Beetle) [Sorry, you even had to walk to the parking lot…] [No no. It’s no problem. Shall we?] It was his first time riding a car with a woman driving. Until his twenties, as he was under his (abusive?) father and his late mother. He had no time for leisure until he entered Metallica. No, even if he had the time back then, he couldn’t experience such thing. (TLN: The literal translation says “as he was under his father doing those things”. Whether it’s abuse of some other thing, I’ll leave it to the readers.) The car departed from the airport and headed into the cities. Neito was scheduled to stay over at a hotel for the day. Normally he would’ve immediately started his work, but since Tsurugi was absent, he decided to put it off until tomorrow. No, more like he had no other choice. The radio in the car was playing a song by a foreign artist. He didn’t know who the artist was, but the song she sang was very heart-warming. The car drove on. He looked at Maki. She was focused on the road ahead. He was glad their eyes didn’t meet. She must be now in her mid-twenties and she looked even more beautiful than when they first met. [Hm? What’s the matter Neito-kun?] She found out. Neito panicked and averted his eyes from her. [Ah, No, it’s nothing… Ah, the new Tokyo Tower already completed? It’s definitely taller than the sky tree, it looks beautiful.] [Why are you speaking in a formal tone-?] [……] [Fufufu~. You’re weird. Ah! Yes, that Oden shop started selling Ramen!] [Really? Is it good?] [Very!] That’s how their conversation went on for the rest of the ride. They weren’t discussing worthwhile things, but he still enjoyed the conversation. Enjoyed? Me? For a moment, I’m living like a normal person… He tried changing the topic, [How was your six months Maki-san?] Maki was still Maki, she went on discussing the various new models for modified humans and modifications on the prototypes for the Silhouette series. It seemed like she was very busy for the last six months. [That must have been hard. You’re amazing.] [Not at all, after all, it’s something I chose for myself.] Maki’s expression was sad yet mellow. She was a kind individual, but at times she showed those kind of emotions. [… Is that so?] He knew why Maki entered Metallica. He vowed to fight alongside of her but, [Ah, that’s your hotel right? I’m sorry, it’s gotten this late.] The car entered into the hotel’s premises. Neito thought for a little bit. He wanted to thank Maki for picking him up at the airport. It was already scheduled that he would ride a train from the airport and have a meeting with Tsurugi regarding Crimson in America and discuss about the M-meeting he was invited to. For a little bit, he was relieved of those worries. Of course, he wasn’t planning on neglecting them. He would never deviate from the path he decided onto himself. He knows, but just for a bit, he wanted to thank her. Thinking about the past and the oncoming future, he knew he was going to be relying on her from now on. Their relations.h.i.+p might change in the future, but that’s a different matter. Yes. It wouldn’t be too strange right? No, on the other hand, it would be completely rude if he didn’t thank her this situation. It isn’t because he was. .h.i.tting on her or whether they were dating, they were just co-workers. He just wanted to express his grat.i.tude. She won’t be disgusted right? Pondering on his thoughts, he called out to her. [… Thanks for picking me up. As a thanks, won’t you join me for dinner? I-I’m about to get one, and… Niina said that their food tastes great…] […Eeeh?!] Maki’s soprano pitched voice echoed in the car. Neito was prepared for the worse answer, but this took him back a bit. [Is it really okay…?! Then I’ll take up on your offer!] With Maki’s embarra.s.sed tone, Neito sighed in relief. The restaurant they both entered into was with a glance, a high cla.s.s restaurant. The halls were beautiful, the table cloth was white and fancy, even the silverware and menu showed a touch of cla.s.s. Maki was taken back. […… Neito-kun, this is really amazing…] [Y-yeah… it’s more than I was expecting.] Both of them weren’t used to this kind of dining. It was their first in dining in such fancy restaurant. [What will you have as your aperitif?] A male waiter came to their table and asked for their order. Maki was panicking on what to do and order, but Neito was the one who answered the waiter first. [I’ll be having a Gibson please.] Neito didn’t even plan on drinking alcohol. Those words just came out naturally off his mouth. Maybe it was the western influence on him? (TLN: This where it unexpectedly s.h.i.+fts to Maki’s POV) “W-wait, that’s weird. It’s my first time seeing Neito-kun ordering alcohol other than j.a.panese sake or beer.” [Understood. And what will the lady have?] [Y-Yes. Umm… Well… Do you have any recommendations?] [Yes, for that I would recommend wine from…] The explanation continued. The waiter’s name was actually Smulie-san. “Huh? I’m driving back home!” Maki was so engrossed on having dinner with Neito, and the unfamiliar atmosphere of the restaurant that she almost forgot. [Are you drinking Maki-san?] Neito noticed and reminded her that she was driving. He had a worried expression on his face. “Aah, I’m an idiot.” For a moment those words popped into her head. [Ah, no, but I’m…] “At this point should, I ask Smulie-san for Oolong tea? I only kept studying when I was a student so I don’t know anything about this… Aah, I’m hopeless.” As she was thinking of such thoughts, Neito said something unexpected. [Do you have anything planned tomorrow morning?] “Hm? What does he mean?” Maki didn’t understand, but she answered either way. [No, nothing in particular.] [Do you want to stay for the night? It would be a waste not being able to drink wine.] [Eeeh?!] Time stopped. “Stay for the night? A-At this Hotel?! T-T-Th that would mean… Eeeh?!” “What are you thinking Neito-kun?!” Of course, she couldn’t say it out loud. [Umm… That’s… Is it really okay?] [Hm? I’m fine with it. Ah that’s if you’re also okay with it Maki-san.] Neito shrugged it off as if it was nothing. She never expected someone as shy as him to make the first move. Maki’s heart rate rose. She hasn’t drank any alcohol but her face was already bright red. If he wanted her to stay then it only means one thing. “What should I do?” Maki was panicking inside her head. Scenarios just keep popping up constantly. She already knew how she felt towards him, and when he departed for America, she was constantly thinking about him while drinking shochuu. She was even excited to be the one to pick him up at the airport and she was glad he invited her to dinner. But this was too sudden. She was unfamiliar with the restaurant’s atmosphere and she never had someone to do it with back when she was a student at MIT. [… Ma’am?] The waiter who was just listening to their conversation and looking at her expression, gave out a glee and asked her. He was probably at his limit. [Ah, yes, then I’ll be having that wine.] [Understood. Then you’ll be having Pino Norwal’s…] [Yes I’ll have that-!] [… (Giggles), Pardon me… then I’ll be back.] “Smulie-san definitely laughed right…?” She noticed that much. She didn’t exclude that idea that they would be doing it but… [Maki-san?] [Y-Yes.h.!.+] Neito looked at her mysteriously. She was thinking too much that she started showing it off her face. She needed to change the topic. [A, W-What’s that Gibson you o-ordered? It looks fancy…] [Ah- yeah, there this “onion” thing in it. It’s quite delicious.] [O-Oh, r-really?] [A detestable yet handsome guy recommended it to me one night.] While they were talking, Smulie-san came and brought with him a decanter and started preparations for taste-tasting. She took a sip. The wine was definitely delicious. She didn’t know much about wines, but from the taste and fragrance alone, she could tell that it was a high quality wine. This helped her calm down a bit. The more Neito was away from her, the more he changed. Maybe his idea earlier was the result from that. For him to be the one to invite her… He traveled to America. Speaking of America, America was the land of freedom. Maybe something happened there that he was now familiar with women. Anice-chan was also with him there. There was no way he would do it, but after giving some thought, she was now curious. As they ate, she was asking him some non-worthwhile questions, but that question never disappeared from her head. It came to a point where they were almost done with their dinner. They were enjoying coffee when she decided to ask him. [B-By the way, how was America? Is Niina and Anice-chan doing well?] [……] Maki nervously waited for an answer but, it took him time to respond to her question. She looked at his expression. [……Ah] It was an expression she never saw in him before. No, it was more like he was good at hiding those kind of expressions. She understood what he was feeling inside. He was sad yet, relieved. She understood that from him. […Neito…kun…] It was a sad expression, but he tried smiling it off. She was only thinking about herself at that point, but when she saw his expression, she forgot everything. She didn’t want to neglect him. She extended her hand and without much thought, tried to grab his. That moment, Neito recovered and pulled himself away from the table while giving off a small laugh. [Yeah, a lot of things happened. Anice is doing alright.] It was only for a moment, but Neito returned to his usual self. [Is that so…] At that point, Maki couldn’t ask him any more questions. She really wanted him to open up to her. Yet she was sure he wouldn’t talk about it with her. It was obvious. He had to go through a lot for him to be in his position right now. Taking over Crimson had a deep meaning to him. Maki couldn’t fully comprehend, but if that were the case, something big must’ve happened behind the scenes. How could she be so careless to ask him? Maki regretted her question. [Ah, it’s getting late. Sorry, could you wait here for a bit?] Neito called the waiter and got hold of a key card. [Here, Maki-san’s room is on the fiftieth floor. I already made preparations, so you can just check out anytime in the morning. By the way, I’m going to be at the forty-fifth floor. If you need anything ring me up anytime.] [Yes…… Thank you very much.] “Yes, I thought so…” Maki was embarra.s.sed a bit. He never thought of doing it in the first place. Thinking about it, it was very like him. They finished drinking their coffee and headed off into the elevator. Maki was looking at the city view from her window. At first, she thought of him just a nice guy, but then she noticed ‘something’ in him not commonly found in normal people. Upon discovering ‘that’, she thought it was something she would. She was beginning to take interest in the two sides of him. At one point she decided to tell him her past, but instead of rejecting her, he accepted her past and they fought alongside each other. He began to improve and make use of ‘it’, constantly rising to the top. Every time they met, he would change. He always unyielding, constant and dynamic. She admired that part of him. Again he made her noticed something new again. No matter how much he changed, there was still a wall between them. The wall dividing them was so thick that she had a hard time reaching out to him. Yet she still understood him. He kept rising to the top, and it was slowly becoming harder for her to get close to him. On the other side of that wall, he was hurt and got shaken constantly. Despite that he didn’t want her to comfort him. As she was gazing into the night view of the city, she saw her own reflection, crying in tears. It was then she noticed. “Aaah, I’m… with that person… that person who’s always rising to the top with a strong heart… who was now on the verge of his breaking point… to understand him that much and shed tears for him…” “I love him that much”
