Akame burst out laughing. “So, that’s how you almost failed your chemistry class? Damn, your prof was a real bitch.”

Hisashi drank the last drop of juice. “Yeah, although to be fair, I didn’t understand most of the lessons. Especially stoichiometry, that was the worst.”

“Eeh? But how, that’s easy.”

Hisashi smiled, tilting his head. “Are you one of those science geniuses that only have to be shown once what they have to do, and they instantly get it?”

Akame laughed. “Maybe. Science had always come easy to me.”

“Damn, you truly have a lot of interests. Both science and arts, especially the piano. Your family must be proud to have such a genius as a daughter.”

Akame’s face paled a bit. “Yeah, my father always used to say I’d accomplish anything I set my mind to.”

“Did I say something wrong? You seemed distressed when I mentioned your family.”, Hisashi said carefully.

“It’s just that…” Akame sighed, then continued. “My father and mother died a long time ago.”

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I said it so nonchalantly, I didn’t think that happened to you. Are you alright?”

Akame smiled. “Don’t worry about it, you didn’t offend me in any way. I’m okay now. Besides, I’m not alone, I have a younger sister. She’s really sweet.”

“Really? What does she look like? Is she pretty like you?” Akame laughed.

“Oh, look at you, are you flirting with me? But well, I’ll show you. I have a few pictures from the other day…”

As Akame took her phone out to find the pictures, Hisashi moved the chair closer to her. It was comfortable to be around Akame; it had only occurred to him now that not even once did he think of Akai Ryu or the mayor.

In that moment, a woman screamed as she’d been pushed to the ground. A tall, bulky man ran past her, right in the direction of Akame and Hisashi. The man widened his eyes, but quickly turned as a woman jumped at him, throwing two knives at him. Ducking, the man avoided the knives to find a small girl slashing a wakizashi towards his head. Kicking towards her, the tallest figure took the opportunity to bring his target to the ground.

“Shit! It’s the Akai Ryu! Quickly, call the police!” screamed one passenger.

The man beneath the tallest figure growled, trying to break free, cursing.

 “Oh, no. Why are the Akai Ryu here now? What has that man done to them?” Akame said, concern noticeable in her voice. The man on the floor looked up to the duo in the café, Hisashi noticing the man’s eyes wide-open. Probably from fear.

Taking one look at Akame, Hisashi stood up from his chair, taking his knife out.

“I’ll go deal with them. I think it’s the best you stay here, Akame. I don’t want you involved in this.”

Akame nodded as Hisashi walked past the tables. The people turned towards him.

Yoru was about to restrain the man when Luna shouted “Yoru, look out!”

Throwing herself in front of him, Luna fended their attacker off. Smirking, she started, “Aren’t you quite persistent with going after us? And I don’t even know your name.”

The man chuckled. “Oh, Yoru, I’m so disappointed. I thought I told you I’m not giving up on you until I’ve captured you. And you didn’t even tell your teammates about me? I’m hurt.”

Striking Luna, Hisashi sensed somebody behind him. With a duck he avoided Kyoshi swinging his sword at him, advancing towards Yoru. Seemingly not caring that the others are at his tail, taking any chance they get to cut his head off, Hisashi launched himself at Yoru.

“I’ll take this one from here, Yoru! You get the mayor’s man out of here!” Shion shouted, signaling Yoru to escape. As Yoru finally restrained the man and was prepared to take off, Hisashi just blocked Shion’s attack, taking a notebook out of his pocket, and throwing it at Yoru’s head.

The impact made Yoru loosen his grip on the man, who threw him on the ground and took off. The man threw one last look towards the table Hisashi’s been sitting at before speeding through the streets.

Luna and Kyoshi followed him, but the man ran towards a market, knocking down a stand with apples, throwing some at Kyoshi and Luna.

Heaving, Yoru got up from the ground, checking on his team, who were also out of breath and bruised slightly. And then his eyes fell upon a certain man.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?! Don’t you have anything better to do, huh?!”

Hisashi smirked. Fully preparing to fight the others, who looked as if they were going to murder him, he was surprised by the following action.

Unsheathing and aiming their weapons at Hisashi, Yoru only had to raise his hand and the weapons were lowered. Then his blazing eyes met Hisashi’s triumphant ones.

“How do you always fucking appear to sabotage me and my team? Do you have a fucking GPS which shows you where I am or something?!”

Hisashi laughed at that. “If only you weren’t passing by chance here, I’d answer your question. Why don’t you pick another job to do, rather than usurp the city every once in a while?”

“I could be asking you the same question. What business do you have with us, always chasing us around?”

“Well, I am not stupid, I know you’re always up to something. All those clever schemes, it’s as if you’re baiting me to come. I’m not going to stop until I’ve achieved my objective. Right now, I know I’m not strong enough to take you on. But I will be.”

Yoru stared at him, dumbfounded.

“I’d like to see that one. But stay away from us.”

Hisashi grinned. “Oh, but I like knowing where you are. You need somebody to keep an eye on you; make sure you’re not getting into trouble.”

Yoru snorted. “Currently,” he bit out, “the only trouble in my life is you. Stay away from these fights, Hisashi. They’re none of your concern.”

Hisashi grinned wider. “Oh, but they are. And I will not stop until I’ve caught a hold of you.”

Yoru’s eyes narrowed at the smug grin on Hisashi’s face. Like a child that deliberately made a mess in the kitchen and is so damn proud of it.

Sighing, he saw this could go on and on for hours. Giving his team his most “I’m so freaking done with this” look, he just sheathed his sword and said, “Let’s head back. We’re done for the day.”

Hisashi turned around, feeling somewhat embarrassed that people were staring at him. His eyes met Akame’s, who smiled while getting up from her seat. 

“I’m really sorry about it. I couldn’t let them harm you, or anyone else.”

“I know. It’s hard being the hero, always having to put everyone before yourself, right?”

Hisashi’s expression softened. “Yeah, that’s right.”

“Just why did I do it, now she thinks I’m a prick. Why did my temper get the best of me?”

“You don’t have to feel bad about this, Hisashi. You’re a wonderful person. I’m glad we’ve had a cup of coffee together; I’d love to meet you again. So let’s see each other from time to time, okay?”

“Yeah, I’d love that. Thank you for today, Akame.”

Akame waved at him, saying “It’s a promise. We’ll meet again, for sure.”

Hisashi waved back, paying for the coffee and sauntering away towards the Shuryo Inu mansion.

The night was falling, but this time, Hisashi felt he was tired, too tired to sit at the beach and look at the sunset. So without even much as looking at the sky, he entered the mansion and headed towards the bathroom. Taking his shirt off, he took a look at his face, which seemingly looked less weary. Then the scar upon his shoulder. The redness seemed to have reduced. Sighing in relief, he turned his back to the mirror, the scars were still somewhat red, but seemed to heal properly. Hugging himself, Hisashi frowned as his fingers explored the roughness of the clot piecing his flesh together. Remembering the mayor digging his fingers into his wounds, Hisashi couldn’t bring himself to look anymore. After taking a cold shower, he laid in bed, ignoring the obnoxious voices coming from the rooms next to his own.

Leaning back upon the chair, Yoru’s eyes darted to Yuuma. “Are you sure you’re feeling alright? The wounds don’t seem so serious, that’s true. But I still think you should take a few days to rest.”

Rubbing his bandaged wrists, the doctor denied. “I’m feeling fine enough to keep working. You don’t have to fuss over a few cuts.”

The chemist nodded, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Alright, then. Well, we’ve lost track of the mayor’s man, so that actually leaves me with no plan for now. I will come up with something, just, give me some time to sort my thoughts out. Since it’s been a frustrating and exerting day, I suggest everyone gets a good night’s sleep.”

Luna got up from the table, followed by the rest of the team. So only Anata and Yoru remained at the table, Anata who was rubbing his eyes.

Smiling, Yoru said, “You’ve had an exhausting day. You should get some rest as well, so don’t stay up late.”

Anata puffed his cheeks. But silently nodded. “I’ll listen to you this time.”

Yoru snorted. “You better do, brat.”

Pointing his tongue at Yoru, Anata received the same gesture before heading towards his room.     

Lightening the light on the terrace of his house and turning off the one in the living room, Yoru sprawled in his armchair on the terrace, his book waiting for him so he could finally relax a bit.

Deep in the night, his body started jerking. The quiet gasps for air and silent screams filled the small room, his brows furrowing.

“Please, no… Don’t yell, stop hitting me… please stop! STOP!”

Hisashi jolted from his sleep, his fists flying out in an attempt to defend himself, but he only felt heavy punches landing upon his face and body in return.

“What the fuck, man?! Would you keep it quiet??”

Hisashi crawled back on his bed, rubbing his eyes which met the hateful darkness of Daisuke’s eyes. “Why do you make us go through this shit, huh? Ever since you came here, every, single, night, we have to suffer because of you. Fucker.”

Hisashi slowly came to his senses, not listening to Daisuke’s rambling. He made out the silhouettes standing on his door, watching him angrily. He felt his body heavy, leaning his head upon his arms which he crossed over his knees. Hisashi was startled as he heard the doors slam hard. His heavy eyelids closed, but all he saw was a dark, ruthless figure hovering over him in the old basement. He’d been having the same dream several nights in a row now, and he’s been getting sick of it. Sick of the memories the basement brought him.

Feeling the bed shifting, he looked to his right, his best friend putting her hand upon his shoulder. “Another nightmare?”

Hisashi nodded soundlessly. Softening her expression, she suggested, “Maybe you should do those exercises that the therapist showed you once, which you’ve told me about. Maybe that will help you relax.”

“I didn’t think about those. I’ll try them.” Arika nodded, hugging him.

“Call me or just come over to my room if you won’t be able to fall asleep. I don’t want you to go through this all on your own.”

Smiling, Hisashi hugged Arika tighter. “Thank you.”

“It’s not a problem for me. And don’t let Daisuke’s words get to you. You’re not responsible for the things your abusers did to you.” Hisashi relaxed in her arms after hearing that.

“Thank you, again. I really needed to hear that. I don’t want to keep you busy now, so go back to sleep.”

“I’m glad I can be of help to you. Just come over if you need anything.”

Letting go of him, Arika walked out, and turned the lights off in his room.

Tossing and turning, Hisashi was not able to fall asleep at all. Every time he closed his eyes, he would see that cold and dark place, twisting into the prison made out of stone, chaining him to the wall. And he felt so helpless, unable to fight back.

“I have already tried many of the therapist’s pieces of advice, none of which helped me relax and fall back to sleep. Maybe taking a walk outside will help me clear out my head. I also won’t be bothering anyone in the house.”

Getting up and dressing himself, Hisashi walked out of the house, taking a path down the street towards a park.

Finishing the book, Yoru looked around himself. The sea splashing on the shore, there wasn’t a single soul outside. It was so serene, perfect for time alone with his thoughts.

He got up, putting his leather jacket on, and headed towards the city center.