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

- I don’t know, she finally admitted meekly like a child who didn’t get the right answer to a test.

- Really ?

- Yeah… really, she repeated defeated.

- Oh. I see.

Honestly, Akira didn’t see anything. It was the first time someone rejected an offer like this. Without many options left he took a business card out of his wallet.

- Then, let’s do this, he said slowly, when you think of something, just call that number, all right ? Or just come here, you know. 

Aiko took the small and crumpled card.

“Granny’s Noodle. Open 24/7. 21b Peter street, kazuto district” was written on it with a phone number. The business card was as seedy as the restaurant, somehow it fitted perfectly. 

- Thank you, I will do that, Aiko finally answered while she placed the card in her inside pocket politely, if there is nothing else…

- Oh sure ! You’re free to go, Akira said with a smile and a gesture toward the door, please drive safely… wait. Now that I think about it, do you need a ride ?

- NO ! Cut off Aiko putting her helmet back on, thank you, she added hurriedly.

- But your bike is..

- Perfectly fine ! Don’t worry. Then… goodbye.

She bowed several times but only Hiro bowed back. Just to be safe, she nodded once more as she open the door and Akira gave her a encouraging smile, like the one you’d get from your grandpa when you’re discretely trying to get out of a family dinner.

And finally, she stepped outside, the sound of the door closing behind her felt like a signal to breath again.

***

- Why did you do that ?

- Do what ?

- Let her go, like this.

Akira gave a smile to his long time friend who always worried too much so he didn’t have to. 

- What was I supposed to do then ? I mean… she did save my life.

- Did you have to give her a free pass ? Was the money not enough ?

- Barely, answered Akira with a snort, I put up a good front, but honestly, I was in deep shit.  They took me by surprised and they way outnumbered me. I mean, look at this ! Exclaimed Akira suddenly irritated showing of his bandage on his side, one of them even hit me with a bottle ! On the head ! My head, with a fucking bottle ! Can you believe !

- Yes, yes, it’s a miracle you survived, approved Takaro with a monotonous tone,  you did well.

- Of course I did well, boasted Akira shameless, but it’s not a miracle, though. It’s a Cheeky-chicken delivery girl that brought me here. I couldn’t even have driven by myself..

- All right, all right ! I understand, conceded Takaro, but still, what if she comes back with an unreasonable demand ?

Akira stood up difficulty and stood by the window, his amused gaze scanning the dark empty street.

- You saw her, he finally said softly, she won’t be back.

- I wouldn’t be so sure about that… Answered Takaro who had joined Akira.

- Come on, her face was practically screaming “I will never ever put a feet back here even if I have to die” or something like that, besides, Akira added with a malicious smile, knowing you, you probably filled the envelope with enough money to make her forget about this place.

- Yet, Takaro said after a silence, I should have filled it even more.

Akira laughed at his friend’s needless worries, while taking a crumpled packet of cigarettes out of his pants pocket. 

- Anyway, how is business doing ? He asked as he lighted a cigarette

- It’s doing well, answered Takaro while stealing his cigarette, Hiro is doing just fine with the customers and he is surprisingly good with the books.

- Oh ? We got ourselves a accountant? Akira smiled and took another cigarette out.

- But we have a bit of problem with the laundry, Takaro said snapping the crumpled packet, since this place isn’t running so well, I’m afraid that we will be discovered because of the large amount of money we move.

Akira looked at his friend silently, a bit annoyed. 

- Antibiotics, simply answered Takaro, you can smoke tomorrow.

- Yes mom, muttered Akira with a pout. I guess this restaurant isn’t a good front anymore, he added with a sight. 

- It’s been a while since we had customers after all.

They both felt silent and looked through the window for a moment. Takaro finally put out his cigarette in a full ashtray.

- What do you want to do ? He asked calmly 

- I don’t know yet, I need to think about it. For now let’s keep the salon open, I will figure something out for the restaurant.

- As you want. And for tonight’s incident? Should I send the men on the hunt ?

- No, answered Akira with a ominous grin, let’s keep quiet. Let them come to us. If they think they won this round, they might become bolder. That’s when we will get them. And deal with them for good.

Takaro nodded lightly and the two friends watched the night slowly lighten with the first ray of sunshine.