Aiko let out an uncontrollable whimper.

Her butts hurt. Her bike died. Her phone disappeared.

And she was stuck with a bunch of thugs in a creepy old restaurant. Not the most ideal situation. She was trying her best to look composed, but her mind was running at full speed. 

Objectively, Akira and friends had no reason to hurt her. But, objectively, they were still gangsters. In the other hand, she did save their boss. Clearly Akira was the big guy here. And it was her whom help him get away. But then, she also cursed at him. A lot. But if you think about it, it’s nothing compared to how she save his life. And there was this accident when she almost rolled over him. She didn’t actually hit him, but he could pretend that she did. Gangsters can be crook too. What if they tried steal her money ? She suppressed that thought immediately with a snort, she had no money anyway. But then she remembered an other article she read on internet about human trafficking. People who couldn’t pay their debt end up smuggling drugs, selling their organs or in a prostitution ring. And of course, the article mentioned Kazuto district.

Aiko was now panicking. Her joints whitened as she held the table tighter, still massaging her back that didn’t hurt so much anymore. Cold sweat ran on her temples. Although she had no debt with them she couldn’t help the course of her ominous thoughts.

- I’m not gonna sell you.

Aiko turned her head slowly. Akira looked at her with a smirk, clearly pleased with himself to have read her so easily.

- Really ? She asked in a more pitiful voice that she intended 

- Really, so please take a sit, he answered with a smile.

Aiko sat on the edge of the chair and a quick look to Takaro told her that he was extremely annoyed. She turned her eyes to the rest of the crowd and she breath better after seeing their amused faces.

- Why would I sell you ? Suddenly asked Akira curious

- I mean… talk about clichés, Aiko answered looking around

- But I have literally no reason whatsoever to do that.

- You never know what’s on people’s mind…

- But you just save my life.

- Can’t you give me a pass ? Aiko exclaimed brutally annoyed by the conversation, in the span of few hours I’ve been rudely hit on, I almost ran over someone, I’ve been chased across the city, threatened with knives, I lost my delivery, my cellphone and probably my job, I injured my knee and my butt is still killing me ! And now I’m stuck in a third-rate gangster’s lair, so excuse me for being a little nervous!

- Third-rate ? Repeated Akira a bit chocked 

- I mean, this place is shabby at best, answered Aiko with a shrug, in any case, isn’t it the perfect time for me to panic a little?

- Yes it is, approved someone with a serious tone.

Everyone turned their head to the voice. It was the young man named Hiro, who just came back with a first aid kit that agreed with her. Now that he was in the centre of intention, he blushed and started to shutter :

- I mean.. well… from her point of view… that’s a bit… his voice died as his head dropped, I mean here you go, he finally said giving the first aid kit to Aiko without looking at her, the doctor said to disinfect your wounds too, he added with a whisper.

Aiko immediately felt a huge wave of sympathy for him especially after he received a deadly glance from Takaro. She honestly thought that she would have cried if she had been on the receiving end of that terrifying stare. But the young man endured it with a light bow and went to sit next to a big guy who teased him quietly.

- Do I look that scary? Wondered Akira candidly as if the thought never occurred to him.

Aiko was about to answer shortly when she stopped to look at him for a second. 

Akira wasn’t especially tall nor muscular although he was pretty fit. Despite his wavy messy hair and the dark circles under his eyes, his curved eyes and thin lips gave him a mischievous and gentle look. Although she had briefly witnessed his darker side, she was sure that if he cleaned up a bit, he was the type of guy you would ask directions in the subway. Plain and reliable. The type that you’d forget about when you get on the train. 

Contrary to the man standing next to him.

- It’s more this whole situation that’s scary, she finally answered after a glance to Takaro, so can we please, get this over with ?

Despite her claimed, she felt a bit more relaxed. She was still wary, of course, but her hands stopped shaking and her mind calmed down. She took her time to spray injury with disinfectant and place a gauze compress on her knee through her ripped jean. 

- Can I go home now ? She asked after placing the box neatly on the table, since you don’t need my liver and that my knee is all better…

- Actually kidneys sell better, answered Akira with a serious tone

- That’s not even funny anymore.

- It wasn’t meant to be funny.

- That’s not even scary anymore. 

- It’s sure isn’t, but you do look a bit more relaxed now.

Aiko sighed at the sight of that cheeky smile on Akira’s face. Although he was right. She was now more annoyed than scared. 

- What do you want ? She practically begged him.

- I don’t want anything, it’s what I can do for you, he added quickly after seeing her desperate pout.

- What you can do for me ? She repeated confused.

- As I said, you saved my life. I own you. Big time, he added with a smile.

- Ah. I see. I mean, Aiko answered slowly trying to reorganise her thoughts, you said earlier that you would pay for my last delivery with a generous tip, so I think we’re good.

To be completely honest, it wasn’t anywhere near the cost of the damage and the emotional stress she went through. But Aiko wanted to get this matter over with as soon as possible. So as long as she could pay the bike owner back, she would be fine.

A white envelope appeared in front of her. Apparently, Takaro had prepared in advance, god knows when. Aiko took it respectfully but didn’t dare to check inside right away, by the weight of it, though, she could tell that there was a lot more than the cost of a 2 pieces chicken. 

- Now that’s settled, said Akira calmly, let’s talk about the debt I own you…

- I thought that was it, exclaimed Aiko surprised showing the heavy envelope.

- No no, that’s just… the rental fee ! 

- What if I say we’re good with this ?

- I won’t take no for an answer, replied Akira almost chanting.

- Damn it ! She murmured.

- Just ask something, anything, continued Akira cheerfully, I promise no one will stop you.

A fainted grunt from Takaro told her that someone definitely would. But right now, Aiko’s mind was totally and inexplicably blank.