Shopping District, Namimori Town
"This strawberry short cake is really delicious!" Saki's cheeks reddened as she tasted the cake that melting inside her mouth, feeling her soul was currently in heaven.
"Glad to hear you like it. We must tell Kyoko-san, Haru-san, and Nana-san about this new recipe. They would be happy." Haji commented as he took a sip of his drink. "Do you want some more?" Haji asked.
"No, thank you. Let's go to the next shop." Saki pulled Haji from his seat and they went to a pet shop.
Without both of them knowing, Hide, Kareha, and Takashi were watching…or to be more precise, stalking from afar. Hide was wearing a brown hat that almost completely covering his spiky brownish orange hair along with glasses and brown jacket that he usually use at autumn and winter. Kareha was wearing a turquoise yukata with pink Kerria pattern and holding a newspaper to hide her face. Takashi was wearing his baseball uniform since he just got back from his training and covered his face with a sport magazine.
"No way… This must be a dream…somebody please convince me that this is just a dream…!" Hide uttered hysterically.
"Happy to do that." Reborn slapped him that was convincing enough to realize that it's not a dream.
Why this is happening? It was all started from the conversation yesterday night…
XoXoXoXoX
Hide has just finished his bath and walked up to his sister's room. The door barely opened so he just came in. "Saki, it's your time to take a ba-"
"Then we will meet in front of the bus station. See you tomorrow." Saki ended the call with anticipating expression. She then opened her bag and put her wallet that she only used for certain shopping or hanging out with her friends.
"Where are you going tomorrow? Who is that?" Hide asked.
"M-my classmate, she said she want to go shopping with me so I agree to accompany her." Saki answered. But Hide noticed there's something not right. His intuition had never turned him down.
"Are you sure?" Hide raised his brow, suspicious.
"Of course." Saki smiled but there's a tiny bit of cold sweat on her cheek. Hide kept staring at her with curious and doubting gaze while Saki responded it with her smile that started to strained. "I-I'll go to take a bath now." Saki ran downstairs that looked like an act to escape from her brother's questions.
"Strange…oh well, it's her business so I think I shouldn't interfere." Hide felt sleepy and decided let it slide. He remembered he still has some homework to do even though tomorrow is Saturday, which means there's no school and decided to do it along with Haji, Kareha, and Takashi. He thought again that his sister was clever and he doubted she would do something stupid.
The Next day, this morning…
"Eh? You can't go today?" Hide received a phone call from Haji who couldn't come to do their homework.
"Yeah, my dad said I have some errand to do. And actually, I already finished my homework." Haji explained.
"Then I guess it will be only the three of us…" Hide sighed.
"But why three of you must do it together? You are top in our class, right? Kareha also second after you so I don't think these homework will be a big deal for both of you."
"Me and Kareha don't have any problem but Takashi-kun did. He's busy with baseball and sword training so many of his school subjects are left out. Hadn't I told you?"
"That sword-freak did? Then just let him alone! I am not going to teach him!"
"Now, Haji, I thought we're already over with this stupid rivalry."
"Not a chance! Anyway, I won't go today, bye." Haji slammed the phone, ending the call. His mood turned bad once Takashi was mentioned. Hide sighed again before proceeding to the baseball field where Takashi's team train and where they decided to meet.
Baseball field, Namimori town
Hide arrived at the baseball field and found Kareha and Takashi were waiting for him and most of Takashi's teammates already gone home.
"Sorry I'm late. How was your training?" Hide asked Takashi.
"It went pretty well. Anyway, let's go to my house and help me with my homework. Old man will also serve free sushi for us." Takashi gave them two free sushi coupons. "Where is Haji? He is not here yet."
"He said he has some errand to do so he won't be joining us. Let's go."
The three of them proceeded their way to Take-sushi. On their way, however, they saw Saki in front of bus station. Hide remembered that last night she said she had an appointment with her classmate to go shopping together. They about to approach her until Haji arrived.
"Sorry to make you waiting." Haji apologized to Saki.
"No, it's okay. I've just arrived here three minutes ago." Saki assured him. "Let's go." She held Haji's hand and on their way to Namimori Shopping District.
Like most people would think, in their eyes, it was like they go on…a date. Hide, Kareha, and Takashi stared with wide eyes and Hide's jaw dropped in huge shock and disbelieve. Kareha and Takashi noticed that Hide had turned into stone and tried to snap him several time to free him from his shock.
"No way…Saki and Haji…since when…?" Hide finally snapped from his petrify state with his face depressed like it was the end of the world.
"Calm down Hide. Maybe it's not like we thought." Kareha patted his shoulder. She knew where this is going.
"But…they seem look like it…" Takashi commented.
Hide stood straight and brought out his jacket, hat, and glasses from his bag. He wore it as quick as wind and Kareha and Takashi found that he's like a completely different person in his disguise and knew what he will do; he will follow his sister and his best friend.
"I'm not joining both of you, so you can go back without me. I have much more important mission to do." Hide said seriously.
"O-oi, Hide you're serious?" Takashi halted him.
"Of course I do. Even if Haji is my childhood and best friend…I cannot easily approve him dating with my one and only sister!" A flame of anger that was very visible for Kareha and Takashi appeared throughout Hide, startling them. "Anyone who wants to date my sister must take me down first!"
"Whoah! What's gotten into him? Does he always like this?" Takashi asked.
"Well…Hide and Saki are really attached to each other since they mostly spent their time together before we even met due to Tsunayoshi-san's work as Vongola boss. To Hide, Saki is his precious treasure and thus, very protective of her." Kareha explained the sibling attachment.
"Like a sister complex or some sort?"
"No, Hide didn't go that far. It's just that, Saki once were bullied by some children and even get hurt and this made Hide very protective of her. Last year when someone forcefully flirted with her, Hide step in and announced that anyone who wants to be her boyfriend must get his approval and trust."
"But Haji is his childhood friend, right? So Hide can trust him to take care Saki, right?" Takashi confused.
"Friend and boyfriend are important different matter no matter how long they become friends. He won't let it slide even if it is Hajime." Kareha answered with nervous and unsure smile. "Saki's case also almost similar but she didn't go as far as Hide…"
"That's really complicated…what should we do then?" Takashi asked as he saw Hide began stalking his friend and sister. "People will think he's a stalker if we let him be like that…"
"I think we really should follow them. I'm also quite curious to be honest." Kareha chuckled and rubbed her head. "Let's go."
…
XoXoXoXoX
And that's why…the three of them was currently following the two love birds (?) to make sure was it really true they were dating or not, and also to make sure Hide didn't do something unnecessary or hysterical that will only serve for his eventual humiliation.
Through telescope while hiding behind electric pole, Hide watched Saki and Haji laughed together as a small Chihuahua dog licked Saki while Haji carried the dog. Inwardly, Hide felt panic, confusion, and anger mixed together. He already frustrated and headache with the mafia stuffs and now his sister going out with his best friend made his head want to explode.
"How could this happen? Is it really true they are dating? Then why didn't they tell me? What happen if it is really true? Maybe it will continue from now on and then…" Hide mumbled to himself. "They probably named their children Saki and Hajime junior…!"
Takashi was really shocked with Hide's behavior and imaginations that very far from reality, while Kareha sighed with here-we-go-again-face. Despite being intelligent and smart, with this kind of reactions, Takashi finally understood by the fact that Hide has no enemy at school or being bullied like depicted in every manga about smart and popular guy has many enemies. He had to admit that seeing fits like this is also amusing.
"Calm down Hide, we still not sure yet. Maybe it's just a friend hang out. Just because they didn't tell us is doesn't always mean to be a date. You're thinking too fast to the worst case scenario." Takashi tried to reason and assuring Hide, which proven to be useless as Hide only mumbling and imagining even more.
"You're over imagined things, Stupid Hide." Reborn appeared out of nowhere and already slurped his Caramel Macchiato coffee. "I guess what Iemitsu and Kyoko said was right. You're really sensitive and changed drastically when it comes about your sister."
"Shut up Reborn! I cannot let them be like this! Haji never told me about this, so does Saki. If this continues and Haji upset her then I just need to stop both of them." Hide brought out Takashi's ball from his bag without the latter noticing.
"I really hope you're like this when it involved about mafia…" Reborn sighed at the pathetic sight of his student. "You're worrying about your sister too much."
Saki and Haji proceeded to an accessories shop, followed by Hide, Kareha, and Takashi who were hiding behind electric pole. Saki seemed to choose the clothes for Haji since Haji tried every cloth she had picked. Some of the workers even mumbled and gossiping that they are a cute couple and perfect match. Seeing how close they are, Hide gripped the ball tight, ready to throw it anytime.
"What do you think about this one, Hajime-senpai?" Saki showed him a red summer sweater.
"This looks cool. Maybe this one would be better." Haji commented.
"Then let's buy this one." Saki rushed to the cashier, only to bump into someone and tripped. Fortunately Haji quickly caught her before she fell.
"Be careful-OUCH!" Haji felt something hit his head very hard. He looked around to see who did that but didn't see anyone suspicious. He looked down and spotted a baseball ball beside his foot "A baseball ball? Who the hell threw this thing to me?" Haji said angrily as he rubbed his head that received sharp pain due to the ball.
"What's wrong Hajime-senpai?" Saki asked.
"Nothing, let's just pay this already."
Behind pile of clothes, Hide and the others hid themselves that earned some stares from other customers near them, much to Kareha's embarrassment.
"That's amazing Hide! You will be a good pitcher if you join our baseball club!" Takashi was amazed by Hide's throw.
"…Yamamoto-kun…I don't think that's the problem…" Kareha snapped Takashi from his amazement.
After Saki and Haji paid for the cloth, they went outside the shopping district. They walked quite far from their house district and stopped at some plain field where there was some people playing volley ball. They wondered why two of them stop at this place. Hide looked closer the people who were playing football, and recognized them as Saki's classmates.
"They come here to play too?" Takashi guessed.
"I think so." Kareha agreed.
"Hello everyone!" Saki greeted and approached them.
"Saki! Gokudera-senpai!" One of Saki's classmates with glasses, Shishui, said. "You finally came! There's a problem! Our main members were beaten up by those seniors and as a result, they are injured and cannot participate in this game!" Shishui explained as he pointed at the injured members.
"I'll play too then." She asked. "Please help us, Hajime-senpai!" Saki took off her clothes, revealing her volleyball uniform beneath it.
"Just leave it to me!" Haji said. "I'm a second grade and also expert at sport, so you don't need to worry." Haji assured Saki and her friends. "Playing rough is my specialty after all." Haji smirked.
"We never said we will play rough you know…" Shisui muttered.
"Just ignore him." Saki replied his muttering.
Hide, Kareha, Takashi, and Reborn walked closer and eavesdrop their conversations. Hide and Kareha had a bad feeling about this game. First was because of the third year student they are competing with that very well known at school for bullying cases and intimidating. Second because there were only several available members for the games.
As the game began, Hide and the others decided to get out from their hiding and watched the game properly like normal spectators and supporters. Saki's classmate, Shishui approached them and let them sit. Kareha decided to check the injured students and help them, something which they really grateful for.
"Hidetada-san, I don't know that you will also come here." Shishui said.
"W-well, I-we're actually just passing by and never thought all of you play here." Hide lied efficiently. "Anyway, your condition looks pretty bad." Hide stared at the injured members. "Are those seniors played that harsh?"
"They did. We never thought it will end up this way…" One of the injured said.
"I never heard a volleyball game with boys and girls being mixed like this…" Takashi commented.
"Hey, this is not an official game, so it's up to us who will be playing." The second injured members said.
"Ah!"
They turned to see Saki and her classmate beside her jump for a guard.
"Nice jump, for a shortie." Her opponent said and smashed the ball to her face.
"Right on the face…!" Kareha stared worriedly at Saki.
Saki tumbled to the ground while clutching her face, groaning in pain while her teammates approached her.
"Awww…sorry~" The third-year student said mockingly. "Did I hurt your cute little face?" He laughed along with his teammates.
"You bastard…! That was definitely on purpose!" Haji reached for his dynamites. However, a hand on his shoulder pushed him back, stopping him from using it. "Hide?"
Hide picked Saki bridal style, carrying her to her seat.
"Brother?"
"I'll replace you so you stay and rest here." Hide placed Saki down on the seat. He took of his clothes and changed it to volleyball uniform. He replaced Saki and joined the game.
"He? What's this? Older brother want to avenge his little sister? How touching~"
Hide glared menacingly at the older teen. "Shut the hell up." He spat out. "If we win this, you have to apologize to them…"
"Yeah." Haji stood beside Hide. "You better apologies ON YOUR KNEES, weaklings." Haji stretched his knuckles. He glanced at Hide. "Ready, partner?"
"Yeah I am…they have committed one of the gravest sins in this world…they deserve certain death…!" Hide declared. He and Haji had their determination burned.
"So-so COOL!" Shishui and Takashi said in amazement.
Kareha sweat dropped. "In what way they are cool…?" He slapped the two boys with her paper fan.
"Your brother is not bad, Saki-chan." One of the girl members said.
Saki smiled. "Yes he is. But, if you want him, pass through my test first." She said with a tinge of danger in her tone.
In a matter of time, Hide's and Haji's combinations led the team to victory with very huge comparison of scores, 10-2. Everyone cheered for their victory while the losing team was forced to apologize on their knees after much threat from Hide and Haji.
"Brother…Hajime-senpai…I think they should at least give them a chance for scoring more…" Saki commented after finished bandaging her foot, sympathized her opponent. "By the way, why are you here? I thought you should be studying." Saki turned to Kareha and Takashi.
"W-well, it's just a coincidence!" Kareha lied with Takashi nodded.
"They stalked both you and Haji to know whether both of you are dating or not." Reborn spoiled the truth spontaneously.
"Reborn-san!" Kareha covered Reborn's mouth at the moment too late.
"Date? No! We're not like that! I came here along with Hajime-senpai because I asked him to help them to practice. Also, I asked him to-"
"Anyway, why are you here? Aren't you supposed to studying with Kareha and that sword-freak?" Haji finally asked Hide.
"Now that we talk about it, I thought your dad gave you an errand and then why are you here, with Saki instead?" Hide narrowed his eyes to Haji. He clearly demanded an answer.
"That's because I asked him to help them practice and help me pick this summer sweater for you." Saki interrupted and showed her brother the red sweater that she bought earlier at cloth shop. "I actually wanted to give it to you as your birthday present next week, but to clear the misunderstanding right now I guess I just give it to you now. Happy Birthday brother." Saki gave the summer sweater.
Hide's eyes gleamed brightly. He gladly and happily accepted it. He really glad that it was all only his over imagination and all his anger towards Haji were gone from his mind like it never exist and hugged his younger sister. "Thank you, Saki!"
"Buddy, don't tell me this misunderstanding was you thought Saki and I were dating?" Haji grabbed Hide's shoulder. However, Hide just ignored it. "I cannot believe it, that you didn't trust me! How could you?"
"Even if you're my childhood friend, I won't easily allow if you and Saki indeed dating. Being her friend and boyfriend is different!" Hide pointed his finger right on Haji's face. "Anyone must walk over my corpse first if want to be Saki's boyfriend." Hide stated out loud.
"But you cannot just control Saki's decision, you know." Takashi interrupted. "Saki won't be comfortable with that."
"Of course I have a limit. I won't do something too far beyond my boundaries. I just don't want her to get sad or hurt." Hide replied. "Anyway, I like this sweater, thank you Saki!" Hide thanked Saki again.
"I'm glad you like it brother." Saki smiled in response. "Let's go to Takashi-san's house. You need a help with your homework, right?"
"Yup, my old man already prepared some free sushi for all of us." Takashi handed Haji and Saki free coupons.
"Let's go then!" And all of them went to Take-sushi with their stomach already anticipating to be filled by Tsuyoshi's handmade sushi. Though, what made Hide happy the most was Saki's present for him, and also feeling of immense relief that the misunderstanding has cleared.
Haji leaned to Hide so he'll be the only one who can hear. "I also wanted to cheer her up. After what happened last time in the memory box, Saki seemed depressed lately, remember?" He whispered.
"Yeah… Even though she was trying to hide it, I knew she's upset over something. That time she suddenly asked me to promise her not to die and to never leave her alone. Seeing her crying like that, I can only assume that the memory she saw was very painful for her." He looked at her sister in worry.
"Now that I think about it again, why would that Raul guy need your memories? What is he going to do with it?" Haji wondered.
"I don't know, but…I have a bad feeling about it…"
Room, Disscordo Hideout, Italy
Azarel scanned the black box in his hand. His other hand was holding the phone.
"Thank you for your hard work, Raul. Now, you can go back to your mission. Just do it like the way you always do." The Mist Guardian thanked the Rain Guardian through the phone.
"But why would the Boss need those memories?"
"Who knows? Boss must've something reasonable in his mind. Well, I have to deliver this to Boss now. I'll call you again if there's any progress or changes. Arrivederci." He ended the call, closing the phone.
He stood from his seat and opened the window curtain so the moonlight entered his pitch black room. The tattooed man smiled gleefully at the two black boxes in his hands.
"With this, everything will go on according to plan…"
