The restaurant was small, old, decrepit and even a bit creepy. Half of the bulbs were burned-out, the shutters were stuck in the middle of the window and the tables were shaky at best. Aiko was pretty sure that behind the counter where you were supposed to prepare the food, the storages were empty. The only thing left of that former traditional noodles restaurant was its name. 

In the middle of the narrow room, Akira was sitting or more accurately, slumped on a chair encircled by a group of men in black suits. In front of the patient, an old lady with grey hair and a somewhat white coat was taking his pulse.

- You feverish, she finally said her gravelly voice interrupting the incessant chatting of the public, let’s see your head, honey.

- I think there is more pressing matter, doctor, answered Akira with a faint smile.

He rolled up his shirt exhibiting not only an impressive piece of tattoo but also a very large stab injury on his side. 

- Holy shi… ! Exclaimed Aiko without finishing her sentence. Oh hell no ! What is wrong with you ? What the hell is that ?

She was conscious of the eyes on her, but she couldn’t stop herself even if she so desperately wanted to.

- We even took the hundred stairs for fu… Damn it ! I can’t believe you, seriously!

Aiko was now crying internally while she gesticulated ridiculously.

- And who might be that charming young person ? Asked the doctor 

- My chauffeur, replied Akira amused

- You must have hit your head too hard, Aiko cut shortly

- In any case, continue the doctor, we must stitch the wound now

- Oh god, no…

Aiko turned her back to the scene. She understood very well the situation she was in, there would be no hospital, no anaesthesia, no post operation jelly. Suddenly her helmet felt too tight, she took it off and brushed her long hair while focusing on her breath. 

- What happened ? Ask the chilling man who lead her inside.

- Easy, Takaro, said Akira with a smile, she might curse at you until your ears bleed.

But Aiko had no intention to swear at all. She was way too intimidated to even try. Objectively, the man in front of her was undeniably handsome, tall and muscular in a perfectly fit suits, straight nose and a short haircut that highlighted his angular face.

But those eyes…

Cold and dangerous.

Aiko swallowed difficultly, and ignoring Akira behind her, she started to explain everything that happened in the night. Takaro listened silently without interrupting, his arms crossed on his chest. When she finished her story, at a very fast pace around the end, Aiko noticed that the restaurant had fallen silent and that everyone was listening to her. She awkwardly stared at her feet unable to stand Takaro’s gaze. 

- That’s that ! Concluded Akira suddenly with a cheerful voice, thank you doctor, you saved me again.

- Someone has to… answered the old woman lighting up a cigarette, until the day I won’t.

- How ominous, until that day, you have my greatest gratitude!

- I’ll take cash, as always. 

- Of course. Hiro, called Akira, please pay the doctor.

- Yes sir ! Answered a young man leading the way to the back of the shop.

- Take it easy, honey, said the doctor following nonchalantly

Aiko fiddle with her helmet, excited. It was her time. The perfect timing to take her leave.  As calmly as she could, she put her helmet on and tried to control her voice :

- Then, have a good night customer, I will…

- Turn around, cut off Akira.

Aiko hesitated. She wasn’t especially faint of heart, but she didn’t particularly enjoy the sight of blood either. Takaro was blocking her exit anyway, so she took off her helmet again but still couldn’t bring herself to turn back.

- I’m decent, Akira added mockingly.

Aiko risked a peek. He was, indeed, decent. He even wore a clean black t-shirt with rolled up sleeves that let her see detailed tattoos on his forearm. 

She abruptly turned around and marched toward him, pulled out a chair and sat in front of him, raising disapproval murmured from the men that Akira quieted down with a movement of his hand. 

- So, he said smiling, do yo…what the hell ! That’s surprised me !

Aiko had stood up brutally, interrupting Akira without manners. Takaro that was now standing by his side, made a move to force her down but stopped when Akira asked puzzled :

- What ? What’s going on with you?

- Those god Damn stairs… Aiko muttered through her teeth.

- What ?

- My butt hurts, she finally explained angrily, those freaking stairs ! God, I hope I didn’t break my coccyx, she continues massaging her lower back, how does yours not hurt sitting like that? She suddenly shouted furiously waving her helmet at Akira.

Some of the men giggled at the absurd situation. Akira was obviously taken aback and Takaro was about to commit murder. Aiko ignored all of that and kept massaging her back as she held on the table, leaning a bit to relieve the pain.

- Well, I have other concerns, answered Akira slowly but diligently

He pointed at the injury on his side and Aiko grunted.

- Right, that must sting a little… she admitted, well, since we’re both exhausted and wounded how about we go get some well deserved rest and talk about that later ?

- True, I am exhausted.

- Right ! Then…

- Then let’s finish this quickly!