Author's Note: Actually, this chapter would like to be uploaded at the same time with the previous chapter (almost three months ago). However, I needed many improvements here and there (especially for the grammars, and I'm sorry if there was still some mistakes) and then I had to leave it because of some online games. ^ ^
Anyway, thank you for waiting this chapter. Happy reading, readers, and please don't forget to give the review.
CHAPTER 18: BEFORE THE GAME
Yuno's POV
I woke up and found myself lying on the bed at School Medical Room. Hinata and Mao sat on the chairs next to my bed.
"You made us worried, Yuno-chan. Suddenly you fainted at the class. We thought you're sick, but the doctor who examined you said that you were just too tired so you slept," Mao muttered anxiously.
I smiled regretfully, sitting up. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worried. I'm fine, really."
"Did you not sleep last night? You slept here like a dead person, you know? What happens to you?" Hinata demanded, trying to hide her concern.
I lowered my head because I didn't want to reply. I didn't want them to know what Kasugano did to me and her words could not make me sleep since two nights before. Then last night, I was about not to sleep again because of her. However, Akkii (that was the new nickname that I gave Aru Akise since last night, because I didn't want to call him 'Aru-kun' anymore as I knew Kasugano-san called him with it) came to my house. Thus, he was another reason why I was lack of sleep too. Thanks to my confession that made us sleep just for a few hours.
He accompanied me, going to school by his bike although he planned to skip all the classes because of three reasons. Dirty clothes. The wounds from fight. And lack of sleep as he had been investigating Minene Uryuu for these recent days.
Usually, I would be bothered for his absence at school. But those three reasons already made my complaint to go waste.
Today I came to school but with unusual hairstyle. I let them out of any hairbands. It was lucky no one asked about it.
"Will Akise-kun pick you up?" Hinata asked.
"Yes."
A few minutes later, Hinata and Mao left. Now I was thinking to get out of bed, but then I heard some steps coming.
They're back?
But the person entering this room were not the ones that I expected. They were a blue haired girl and a short girl.
Kasugano-san took an angry long breath, before approaching me fast.
"What's the meaning of this?!" She showed me the gift that I gave her. I had planned to give it to her today, and my chance came at the lunch time. I placed it in her locker (it was a luck that she forgot to lock it).
I smiled. "You could get the answer from the card that I had prepared on it."
"You think this will stop me for chasing after him?" She slammed my gift on the floor.
"You better think about it again," I uttered wisely. "My position absolutely has more advantages here."
"Listen! If you-" She was about to grab the collar of my blouse, but stopped because I was faster. I caught her wrists on time.
"You have no chance when I decided to correct my mistake last night and he accepted it, Kasugano-san," I said matter-of-factly. "I'm afraid, the more you try, the more pain you'll get."
I released her hands soon. She stepped away with sad expression before turning around and running with tears on her eyes.
"Could you keep my gift for her, Miyashiro-san? I owe her, afterall. You might hate me, but I'm the girlfriend of your best childhood friend." I took the box from the floor and handed it to her.
"Thanks for the gift, Gasai-san." She took it. "You know, whoever girl Aru loves, I never mind. He's a great person, and he loves you. I'm glad you can make him happy too, and I …." She smiled at me. "… don't hate you."
"Thank you." I smiled back at her. "I hope we can still be friends."
"Of course." Then she left me.
I saw her until she was of my sight. When I was alone again in this room, I sighed tiredly. Silently I walked to the nearest sink, seeing myself in the mirror while lowering the shoulder part of my blouse to reveal some blue purplish bruises on the base of my neck.
I blushed heavily, remembering what happened after I confessed my feeling back to him. We were too close. Too close that I couldn't recognize anymore whether it was my breath or his breath.
The way he looked at me … the way he touched … the way he kissed … the way he controlled everything ….
Intense. Impulsive. Passionate. But mindful and gentle at the same time.
… until he stopped himself abruptly, as if he realized something suddenly.
I still remembered what he said to me, with his apologizing tone.
"I'm sorry, Yuno. I couldn't control myself."
He had no idea how much I admired him for his words (in fact, I never stopped him as I wanted to test whether he still respected the boundary between us).
Yet, it was still so hard to believe that he had been at this advanced stage. He was just an around 14 years old boy. I wondered if that was because he was dealing too many crimes. Too many adult problems. Too many dark and corrupted sides of the world. Like murders. Rapes. Robbery. Kidnapping. Violence. Corruption.
Or … was there any secret inside him to make him so mature?
We had been together for almost a half year. However, he was still a walking mystery for me. And talking about his secrets ... should I find them out?
They could be my next-to-do-list after passing the final test!
At the same time, I realized something strange here. It was the first time I didn't dream about the unknown brunette.
Was it because of our intense make out session? Or because of just sleeping together with Akkii?
X X X
Aru's POV
At morning, I wore a black baseball cap (I always prepared it inside my backpack) to hide my face, hoping people didn't recognize me well when I took Yuno to school by my bike and stopped near the gate. Then straightly I went home and silently entered the house with the key on my hand.
"Aru-chan?!" Okaasan called me when I went upstairs carefully.
I swallowed hard, turning around and seeing my parents were standing next to the stairs. They looked at me as if they had seen a ghost.
How come Otoo-san's still at house at this time?!
"I'm sorry," I apologized, thinking that they must be worried about me since I just came home when the sun rose. (usually I came home at midnight, or around 2 am).
"Oh my God!" Okaasan cried out, noticing blood and mud on my clothes, and also my still swollen jaw.
"What happened?" Otoosan's eyes widened.
"It was … just a little fight with a thug. Don't worry."
"A little fight made you like this?! Why didn't you ask policeman to help?"
"I had no chance."
Then they asked me to go downstairs so I could approach them.
"Let's go to the hospital," Okaa-san suggested worriedly.
I shook my head. "I just need some sleeps."
"Who treated you?" Otoo-san questioned, confused.
I looked at him uneasily.
"Aru-chan, answer your father's question!"
"Yuno did," I replied.
I heard they sighed, relieved, although I still saw concern on their eyes. Being understood without being told, Okaasan left me with Otoosan.
"Did you stay at her house last night?" he asked carefully.
I nodded.
The first time I stayed at Yuno's house because of Okaa-san's request, and the second time I stayed at her house because her parents left her for a week. Both of them were planned and my parents knew about them. But this time …
He grunted as this was the first time I didn't tell my parents if I would like to stay at Yuno's house. Futhermore, it wasn't planned.
"Then why do you still need some sleeps now? Didn't you sleep there?" He asked again.
I looked away, having no desire to reply it. Every time I stayed at Yuno's house, I never suffered lack of sleep because I always slept early, and now, if I told Otoo-san that I was lack of sleep there, he would think that Yuno and I ….
"You used protection, right? You always use protection, right?" He demanded very sternly.
As expected, without even reply, Otoo-san already thought so. His last questions were the evidence.
He continued, "Aru, I don't mind that you have a girlfriend. Just don't ever forget to protect your future. Her future."
"Otoo-san, I have never gone that far. Please trust me," I mumbled tiredly. I really want to sleep right now.
He sighed. "Fine. You can go to your room."
I nodded.
X X X
A few minutes later, I had taken a shower and wore a big shirt and training pants. I laid my body on the bed as a happy and grateful smile was plastered on my lips.
She loves me. She said it last night.
A few months ago, she accepted my confession, being my girlfriend. Then last night, she said that she loves me. How come they became too good to be true? I never expected these would happen in my life, in this third world.
I thought I would suffer unrequited love forever. But it looked like the hope never abandoned me. Who knew it would come from the unpredicted person?
I owed that blue haired girl. She was really a keen person. Unfortunately, she wasn't the one for me.
I'm sorry because I just see you in a professional relationship.
I'm sorry that I rejected you.
I'm sorry I couldn't offer you more.
I hoped she would be alright, and I believed Orin-chan would always accompany her, support her, and take care of her.
I closed my eyes for a while, ready for some sleeps. I never thought I would hurt her in this third world. Moreover, I couldn't do anything to make her fine again.
"Observer, do you copy?"
I got up annoyingly, hearing the female little devil's voice.
"Yeah, what is it, Muru-Muru?" I held myself to grit my teeth. Why did she call me now?
"Can you come here now? There's something Deus wants to talk."
"Sure."
X X X
In the Realm of Time and Space ….
I stood not far from Deus' throne. Muru-Muru was at his side, looking so nervous.
"Show us, Muru-Muru." Deus ordered her sternly.
"Yes, Sir."
A floating transparent screen appeared between us. It showed the moment after Minene Uryuu stabbed me.
FLASHBACK
I leaned my back on the dark wall, left hand holding the wound as my breath was so irregular. I grimaced, seeing my white shirt was slowly colored with my own blood.
Minene Uryuu was out of my sight, and I could not chase after her with this condition. Then I decided that taking care of the wounds was my priority, and Yuno was the first name that crossed in my mind.
I grunted in disappointment, realizing how far I parked my bike was. But it looked like I didn't need to complain anymore, as I saw a young girl walking towards me while pushing my bike. Muru-Muru 8 was on her side.
It was not too bright, but I could make sure that her pupils were pink, and she definitely had long silver hair. The last time I remembered, she made a high ponytail style. But now, she made it into double buns.
Akino Akise. The name that she mentioned when I asked.
She gazed at me as if saying Here-comes-your-bike.
"Thank you." I smiled appreciatively as she handed it over.
She nodded.
"You should go now before you bleed too much," Muru-Muru 8 suggested.
"Good idea," I got on my bike and smiled at the human girl. "Your hairstyle. It reminds me of someone. She once made it when my school held a beach tour."
Akino Akise swallowed hard, hearing my words.
"I wonder if you're doing it on purpose, Akise-san." It was weird to call someone with my own family name. Then I lowered my tone seriously. "Based on my calculation, you should be born several months later."
She smiled mysteriously. Full with satisfaction, as if she was proud of my statement.
"Exactly, I will be born at July 28th," she elaborated.
I held my breath. July 28th. The day when Deus would die. The last day.
"I come here because I want to bring you your bike," said the girl. "That's all." She turned around to leave.
END FLASHBACK
"Why didn't you tell me about these intruders?" Deus coldly asked Muru-Muru and me after we watched that moment together.
"I'm sorry, Deus. I thought it was just a small problem that we could fix." The little devil bent one knee. She looked so edgy as our carelessness was exposed.
"I'm sorry. I still need further investigations for that." I didn't lift my head to face him, using my regretful tone.
He grunted, annoyed.
X X X
When I got back to my room,it was around 3 pm. I casually took my smartphone on my nightstand and checked the messages.
Akkii, it's lunch time. Don't forget to have lunch please.
I held my breath while reading her message sent around three hours ago.
Akkii. My new nickname from her. I wondered how she made it. It was not much different from the way she called Yukiteru-kun. Was this coincidence?
Actually, I was flattered with the nickname she gave. I thought I was a special person to her, and it could also be that …
the way she loves me is the same as the way she loved him.
This led me to another question.
Am I kind of substitute for her?
I shook my head. It was impossible! Yuno in this world didn't even know the nickname of Yukkii. This must be just her spontaneous idea. I should not think of her negatively.
Why don't you ask her how she created it? my mind taunted.
I pushed that thought away immediately.
Soon I changed my clothes and went downstairs, ready to pick Yuno up.
X X X
After reading Hinata's message that Yuno was at the Medical Room, I headed straight there.
Passing the corridor, I heard the door was opened and I saw a blue haired girl appeared, sobbing and crying, not far in front of me.
I held my breath when my eyes met with her teary eyes, obviously she walked fast to this way. For the first seconds, she looked surprised. Maybe she never expected that she would meet me, or maybe she was shocked, noticing my swollen jaw. Whatever the reason, I thought this was my only chance to apologize again.
"I'm sorry," I said politely when she passed right beside me.
"I know." She uttered with a hoarse tone, not looking at me at all.
I turned around immediately, hearing it. I never expected she would say anything to me at this time.
Not long after she passed, Orin-chan appeared, carrying a transparent gift box.
"Like those old days," She sneered, gazing at the bruise on my cheek. She knew too well the reason of its appearance.
"Yeah." I smiled.
"Well, do you want to mock me now? Saying how pathetic we are?" She approached me smugly.
"You do know I won't do that to you."
She sighed, waiting for me to say something comforting.
"I'm sorry, Orin-chan, and please tell her I'm sorry again. I'm sorry because …" It was so difficult for me to say something that I knew it would hurt someone else. "… I could not love two women at the same time."
She smiled, relieved. "That's what I want to hear from you, Aru. I'm very proud of you."
I looked at her solemnly.
"It's alright. You have made a clear decision here." She told me. "Don't worry about my Master. Leave the rest to me."
"Thanks, Orin-chan."
"It's fine. Isn't that what friends are for, right?"
X X X
Silently I entered the Medical Room and soon my eyes met the enchanting figure, standing in front of the mirror. Leaning my back on the wall and putting my hands inside the pockets, I watched her admiringly.
She looked shy and annoyed at the same time, inspecting the bruises on her neck that I made last night.
"If you expose them like that, everyone will know." My sudden comment made her startled, turning around to face me.
"Akkii, since when were you standing there?" Her face reddened.
"… a minute
ago, more or less," I replied casually, straightening my body. I noticed her hair out of any hairbands for today. "Nice way for hiding them. Or … is that your way for trying to impress me?" I teased. She knew that I loved seeing her soft hair down.
"Both." The way she answered as if she pretended to be angry at me.
"Thanks." I nodded appreciatively. "Anyway, how are you now? Hinata texted me that you fainted at the class."
"I'm fine. But you look so tired. Did you sleep at home?" She looked curious, rather than concern, taking her school bag.
I laughed bitterly since it was hard for me to answer it. If I said 'yes', then she would take it as a lie. But if I said 'no', then she would ask further what I was doing.
Of course I could not say that I went to Deus' realm, that a few minutes there was the same as several hours here.
She gazed at me as if she was waiting for my answer. But I would not give her a chance.
"Let's go home, Yuno."
She nodded, a bit disappointed.
X X X
Yuno's POV
A few days after the final test, I stood in front of the scoreboard, swallowing uneasily while seeing my position. At the last semester, my score was 499/500 and I got the first place, while Akkii's score, being the second best, was 497/500. But right now, he got 500/500, while my name was at the second position with 499/500.
Leaning my back against the wall at the corridor, I saw Hinata came to me.
"I'm sorry, Yuno-cchi," she said sympathetically.
I smiled. "It's alright. I just … never thought he could be this good."
"Don't worry, Yuno-cchi. I believe you could get back the first position at the next semester."
I don't think so ….
But I still smiled at her.
At that moment, Akkii came to us. As someone who knew who she was, soon Hinata excused herself, leaving me and him.
He smiled apologetically. "If you're mad at me, I'm here to listen."
"I'm not." Should I remind him that I was the one who asked him not to hold back?
"Did you tell your mother about this?"
"Not yet."
He didn't avoid my eyes on him.
Now, why would you say, Detective Boy?
He approached me, and put his forehead on my shoulder. His husky voice answered solemnly, "I know there will be always chance that she'll get mad at you. Instability can come to her at any time, let alone she had experienced it before. But-"
"Get a room, will ya?" A student cut him off.
"You would get detention for this if the teachers knew, honor students!" Another student giggled.
I was stunned, as now some students smiled mischievously at us.
Do we really look like we were going to make out in front of public?
I blushed as I instantly hid myself behind Akkii.
"Thanks for reminding us," He said appreciatively.
Silently I felt bad for letting him to take all the shame as they laughed at him. Some of them even provoked him as they were boys that I rejected a few months ago.
"Gasai-san has many admirers. Do you want to die?"
"Hey, how could you get the best score? Gasai-san's always the best! Did you cheat?"
"Know your place, you detective brat!"
"Detective? Bah! He's just a pathetic meddler!"
"Let us remind you. We would never acknowledge you as her boyfriend."
Akkii smirked, hearing their provocations. The way he was staring at them was so mischievous, making them to wonder what on his mind right now was. Would he say a sweet but sharp parting shot here, showing them exactly how he usually dealt with sick conversation?
"What? Are you trying to mess with me?" One of them challenged when Akki's eyes landed on his for a few seconds. I still remembered him. Inaba-senpai. Our senior whom I slapped because he tried kissing me forcefully.
However, Akkii didn't say anything, and for someone used to have the last word, this was a rare occasion.
X X X
Soon, Akkii and I reached the parking area.
"I thought I would hear your intimidating words there," I mumbled.
"You have no idea." He murmured. I saw a restrained blazing fury in his dilating pupils. "But I realized if I did that, the situation would get worst. No one could hold back my sarcasm so far. Thus, fighting was something unavoidable." He lowered his head. "And I don't want you to involve in it. I don't want your parents angry at you, at us."
Slight blushes were crept on my cheek. Silently I agreed with him. My parents would never like it, for sure. However, I could not help myself but teased him, "Well, I think you're just too afraid. You were outnumbered. They would gang up and-"
"I'm used to be cornered by several bad-tempered, spoiled brats since I was a kid. It's not something new," he cut me off casually. "And talking about fear, I …." Suddenly he stopped.
I held my breath, waiting for him. But he didn't utter anything anymore, just looking at me longingly, before smiling, turning away.
"Sorry, it's just … too confidential."
I huffed tiredly. Like always, he kept more information for himself.
Soon we were on the way to my home, riding his bike.
"Don't worry, Yuno. She won't punish you. Your mother, I mean." He started.
"How can you be sure?"
"I … did everything I could do to her, especially after you decided to accept my confession. I meet her almost daily. I greeted her. I talked to her carefully, occasionally asking where you were when I lost on my track to find you. She also sometimes called me to let me know where you were so I could pick you up. Not to mention that she interrogated me once because she was too afraid that I would take advantage of you. I observed her, and I have been trying to gain her trust all this time."
He continued, "And when I saw your father's reaction as I met him to pick you up to the night festival, I knew it was a good sign and I was on the right line. Your mother supported us. She thought positively about me, and I think she trusts me to take care of you when you're outside the house. I bet she convinced your father too about our relationship."
I pouted, "But last month you weren't confident. I felt your hesitation, Akkii."
"I was overthinking, too alert. I admit it. I took lowly about the early good signal. That's all. But seeing the progress until now was still good, and your mother looked so contented, I regained my confidence, and I think … after you let her know our exam scores, she will …." He smiled at me.
I frowned. What is he thinking?
X X X
After finishing the dinner preparation, I sat on my seat while Mama was sitting across me. I told her nervously about my score and my position. Like I predicted, she also asked me about Akkii's score.
She looked at me critically.
"So that boy comes as the winner at this semester?"
I nodded, expecting the blame and the anger that I would get. However, they never came. I blinked in confusion when a nice smile was plastered on her beautiful face.
"Mama?" I asked carefully.
Soon she turned away, laughing sweetly. A bright and satisfied sparkle was on her eyes. "He beats you this time, Yuno-chan! With perfect score! This is the first time, right?"
"I … I'll try my best next time, Mama," I pleaded.
"I know you will."
"Are you mad at me?"
"Mad?" She repeated with small laugh. "No. I know one day this will come. The day that someone will take your first position in the school, and I'm glad he's the one. Actually, I really like him, and now, isn't this a proof that he's a very reliable boyfriend, Yuno-chan? If he would never surpass you, I might think he didn't deserve you."
I was stunned, hearing it.
"But I don't think your father would take it lightly," Mama said cautiously.
"I know." I almost forgot that he always wanted me to be the best too.
She chuckled. "You know what? In my opinion, it's not hatred that he feels toward Aru Akise. It's … fear, that one day you will choose your boyfriend over your own father. That's why he tried building the wall between himself and Aru Akise and using his position as your father, to make you still on his side."
She continued, "Well, he might be very busy with works, but every time he comes home, he always asks me to tell your daily basis. I love you. He loves you. You're our only one child, and he's not ready yet to let you go."
"I understand. I love both of you too." I confessed.
"Don't worry, Yuno-chan. Let me help you. It might be a little difficult at the early state, but I think it will be okay. " She winked.
X X X
A few days later ….
"Cheese!" Kousaka-kun grinned when he was taking picture of me, Hinata, and Mao holding our report cards, using the camera of my smartphone.
"Thank you." I took my smartphone from him.
"No problem."
I smiled at the image in its gallery before I put it inside my bag, together with my report card.
"It's uncommon you asked us to take a picture together. Is there something, Yuno-cchi?" Hinata eyed at me curiously.
"Today is the last day for us to be at school before we enjoy the holidays, and I don't think I will be able to spend the time with you guys later."
"You mean … you will spend your holidays with … with …" She struggled with the new nick name that I gave the albino.
"Akkii!" Mao helped her.
"Yeah! Akkii."
I shook my head. "Papa and Mama would like to take me on some trips abroad. I don't think I could … be with him, spending the holidays together."
Their eyes widened in surprise and pity.
X X X
Tsubaki's POV
I saw him from behind the tall bush, with Orin-chan. As usual, he always waited for his girlfriend at the parking area patiently, sitting on the bench.
That silver-haired boy who captured my heart. (It was so good I wore the accurate contact lens today so I could see him clearly from faraway)
Orin-chan whispered, "Omekata-sama, it's better we leave. He has a very sharp sense to know someone's presence. I'm afraid he will-"
"Let him know. I want to talk to him."
She was shocked. "But Omekata-sama …."
Too late. His watchful orbs already fixed at this direction, and I had no choice but to get out, revealing myself.
I walked slowly, approaching him. A bitter smile was on my lips when I saw some red roses peeking from behind his body.
Regretfully, not for me.
When I stopped right in front of him, he was still silent. Obviously he didn't want to start any conversation. But his eyes never left mine's. The way he was staring at me made me so miserable. It was always same, like the first time we met. Like we were just strangers brought together for professional stuff.
Why should he look at me like that?!
But I already knew the answer.
… because your gentle eyes are only for her ….
"I'm here … to tell my premonition about you and her." I stated.
He was gazing at me quietly, waiting for me to elaborate.
"I don't mean to make you scared, but there will be indeed some bad incidents when the next semester starts, involving you and her. Kidnapping. Captivity. Murder. Terrorism. You're a great detective-to-be. I hope you could take care of them."
"Thank you." Finally, he spoke to me.
I nodded, before turning around and walking to my servant. I really wanted to see him once more. But I didn't want him to realize that I was about to cry.
"I wish you two luck," I whispered, realizing that I had no strength anymore to separate him from her. My confidence and courage were instantly destroyed after Yuno Gasai decided to keep him for herself only.
X X X
Yuno's POV
When I reached the parking area, soon my eyes met Akkii's figure, sitting on the bench beside his bike. I smiled widely, running towards him.
"Sorry for making you wait for me too long," I said shyly.
"I don't mind." He stood. Then suddenly he brought out a bouquet of fresh red roses from behind his back. "For you."
I blushed with this unexpected treatment. It wasn't the first time someone gave me flowers. Some boys, who confessed their loves for me, used this method. But when it came from Akkii, it was different. He could make it different.
"Red roses …." I mumbled. "Why?"
"Rei-kun said red rose means 'I love you'."
I held my laugh. Who could guess the one who gave him an advice was his little assistant?
"You should learn more from him how to please me," I teased him haughtily.
"Yeah, for sure, since I just master one skill for that," he agreed, with different reason, of course. A mysterious smile was on his lips.
I blushed heavily as I was aware of what he meant about 'one skill' was. Even though he didn't decipher it, his eyes showed everything for some seconds, and they reminded me of the way he was looking at me a few weeks ago, when it was my first time I said I loved him.
Yeah, just one skill. But it definitely made me very nervous.
"Stop flirting." I held my shyness.
"You were the one who started." He chuckled.
"And you're such a dork."
He didn't say back, just smirking.
When we were on the way to my house, sadness slowly consumed me. Tomorrow morning, I would go abroad with my parents. We would visit some countries in Europe. I was disappointed, knowing they didn't give me any chance to be at home just for several days, for an obvious reason. Papa didn't want Akkii and me to spend holiday together. His jealousy would never allow it, even though I had pleaded for him.
I had told Akkii about this at the lunch time. He just smiled, saying that as long as I was with my parents there, I would always be safe. However, his smile didn't reach his eyes. I knew he was so disappointed too, but he didn't demand anything.
"Akkii …." I called him weakly. "How about we stop by somewhere? Cinema? Café? Or any place that you want?"
"Yuno, I don't want you come home late."
"But I want Papa and Mama to understand me."
Soon he stopped his bike and turned around. I gulped when he was staring at me carefully.
Did I say something wrong?
"Yuno, if you want your parents to understand you, then be patient and obey them."
"Why do you defend them? Am I not worthy enough for your time?" I whined.
Surprisingly, he was still calm, being not provoked in the slightest at my complaint. He gave a long sigh and said, "You're the most precious person for me, Yuno. No one else, not even my parents. So please, don't ever question it again."
I lowered my head guiltily.
No one else, not even my parents.
"Yuno?"
"I'm sorry. I just … feel bad for putting you in this condition because of my parents, and you don't seem to mind at all."
"You seem to be curious about what I think about it," he smirked mischievously, trying to divert my anger and sadness.
"I'm worried about you!" I retorted, glaring at him.
He smiled. "Thanks, Yuno. But don't worry. I'm stronger that you ever thought."
"But don't you ever think that-"
"Shh." He put a finger on my lips. "Please … always prioritize your love to your parents. That feeling will avoid you from doing any bad actions."
I pouted. "Are you saying that I would become a troublemaker if I lost my love to my parents? How about you to your parents?"
"I'm not really attached to my own parents, but you? Who knows what will happen?" He smiled again. However, I saw something strange in his eyes. It was like … mixture of much worry and fear.
Wait! Fear …? What was he afraid of me?
"Akkii, am I a harm for you?" I asked impulsively.
Surprise was on his eyes right now. But it was just for some seconds before unflinching determination replaced it. His serious tone proved it.
"Even if you are, I will do anything to overcome it."
I stared at him with awe, losing the words.
X X X
In the Realm of Time and Space ….
Aru's POV
"Something's wrong, Observer?" Muru-Muru tilted her head in front of me as she saw how troubled my expression was.
"Kasugano Tsubaki's premonitions. Are they reliable?" I asked carefully.
"Well, her parents appointed her to be Omekata after all."
"She had a clairvoyance diary. But it was more than like surveillance cameras for her," I mumbled. "But in this world …."
Muru-Muru laughed. "Understood. You want me to watch some screens about her previous premonitions and the results?" Then she challenged, "Or do you want to do it by yourself, heartbreaker?"
I sighed, realizing that she mocked at me. But I would not give her any satisfaction, especially for this one. "Excuse me. The files are your department, and you better work fast, or I would propose Deus to replace you with more efficient and loyal servant."
"Hey!" She exclaimed, worried. As predicted, she never liked any idea about replacement, especially when she was the object of the replacement.
I smirked at her triumphantly.
While she was busying herself by checking on some screens that showed the past times, I looked at her emptily. My mind wandered to the moment when Kasugano-san warned me.
… there will be indeed some bad incidents when the next semester starts, involving you and her. Kidnapping. Captivity. Murder. Terrorism.
If Kasugano-san's premonition was reliable, so instead of Future Diary Game, it looked like this world had its own way to pass the time until the time of Deus' death.
"You look so tense, Observer," Muru-Muru noticed my seriousness.
"I won't deny it." I narrowed my eyes attentively.
In silence, I promised myself to work more for getting the news about Minene Uryuu's location, and visit the prison occasionally, in order to monitor Takao Hiyama.
The last thing in my mind was that they would work together.
X X X
To be continued ….