"So what's this I hear about you getting a job as a bodyguard?" Mana picked up immediately when Setsuna called her later that night on the way to the Dean's office.
"It's a long story but basically it's because I saved his grand daughter's life."
"Taking your job seriously aren't you?"
"What's that meant to mean?"
"Oh nothing. I just didn't know that you'd end up jeopardizing your mission."
"No one's suspected anything," Setsuna paused, remembering Ayaka. "Well…it doesn't matter anyway. I'm not backing out of the plan."
"Oh…well then I'm glad I don't have to worry about that I was beginning to fear you were getting conflicted," Mana said dryly.
"You know Mana sometimes I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not."
"That was me being sincere Setsuna. I was concerned when you texted me earlier saying you might want to stay for a little longer. Can you imagine just how worried I was when you elaborated further saying that you were doubling as a bodyguard?"
"Well that was before you sent me that information about Sawada. Then I figured that Ojou-sama wasn't in any danger after all and I was just mistaken."
"…Ojou-sama?"
"Konoka."
"Nice to see you're keeping up the cover even when you don't need to," Mana noted.
Setsuna tripped over her own feet. Straightening she said in a composed calm voice, "It's her title."
"Sure but it's not like you're going to really be her bodyguard are you?"
"Well no but-"
"You like her a little bit don't you?"
"Uh well she's…everyone likes her."
"Don't avoid the question."
"I' m not avoiding the question."
"Then what's your answer?"
"Why do you make everything sound like an interrogation?"
"First sign of denial, you're getting defensive," Mana noted.
"I'm not getting defensive."
"Then answer the question."
"She's nice."
"That wasn't what I asked you."
"I'll see you later Mana," Setsuna began to hang up when Mana chuckled.
"Hold on I actually have something to tell you about your getaway. There's been a change of plans Kotarou's driving. He'll get out of the car, send you the signal and you signal him back with a bird-call."
"What's the signal?"
"You'll know when you see it just keep a look-out."
"…Kotarou's driving?"
"Yep so buckle up."
The corners of Setsuna's lips turned upwards, "Thanks Mana I can always count on you."
"No problem," Mana switched off.
Setsuna took the flashlight out from the duffel bag she was carrying and a pin from her jacket pocket. Putting the flashlight in the crook of her neck and arm and pressing it to her ear so it shone on the door she put the pin inside the lock and twisted, playing around with it until she heard the lock click open. She walked into the room shutting the door behind her and headed for the desk. Quickly she flipped open drawers, rifling through papers, folders and files. She snatched one up that had her name on it and fishing out a lighter from her blazer pocket, lit it and set it to the folder. She opened the window at the back, searching for the car on the street below. Beneath the window was a side walk with side parking.
"Come on don't bail on me," Setsuna murmured.
Cars were rolling up the street from each direction. One, two, three passed by then finally the fourth one, a sleek, silver Mitsubishi Lancer pulled into the parking space underneath the window. The young man who stepped out of the driver door wasn't much younger than her, only three years give or take. He pulled out a flashlight from the seat and aimed it at the Dean's window, turning it on and off five times.
Setsuna made a bird-call, sharp and loud. Kotarou's head whipped up to her. He unlocked the passenger door and leaving it open, glanced up at her and signalled he was ready. Setsuna threw the books down one by one. Catching them Kotarou put them in the backseat. Setsuna was just about to drop the third book when she heard the door creak open behind her.
"Secchan what're you doing in grand-pa's office?"
Please let it be her imagination. Please, please, please, please. Turning around slowly Setsuna sent a silent prayer to whoever was listening. But no Konoka was standing there in the doorway, staring at her with wide, wide shocked eyes.
"That's…what're you doing with that book?"
"I can explain," Setsuna said lamely, hiding the book behind her back as Kotarou honked impatiently from down below.
