Chapter 4

Mamori regretted crying. Her eyes are all puffy now. She tried washing her face several times but her eyes were still puffy. Hiruma and the team would surely notice that she cried. Why are her tears so shallow now? She don't want to go out. Maybe she'll just have to wait until everyone leaves. She heard gunfire a while ago. Hiruma and her teammates seemed to be talking about something but she couldn't hear it.

"Oi Fucking Manager it's time to go." It was Hiruma; exactly the person she didn't want to see her in this state.

"You can go ahead. I'll go home later."

"Fucking get out right now or I'll fucking break this door," he sounded like he would really do it.

"..."

"The fuck took you so – " he stopped when he saw her eyes. He made her cry.

"It's not like that. Some dust got into my eyes," Mamori frantically denied when she looked up and saw that Hiruma was staring at her wide-eyed upon realizing that she cried. Before she could speak again she was pressed against his hard body. His arms enveloped her. His warmth spreading all over her body.

"I'm sorry," Hiruma whispered. He held her tighter. It didn't matter who was at fault or who was right or wrong. Seeing her like that, he didn't care anymore. He felt so bad, like the lowest of the low. How could he make her cry when she's only worried about him. He realized that he was also weak to tears (to her tears at least). He didn't like seeing her cry. He also wanted to let her know that he understood her concern. "I only smoke like one to five times a year for show when I go spying and the like. When not necessary, I don't really smoke."

For some reason, tears welled Mamori's eyes again and she couldn't help but cry against his chest. It felt so good to be held by him. She hugged him back, accepting his apology. She wanted to keep staying in his embrace. And then she recalled that their teammates might be watching. She pushed him away and frantically looked around. Thankfully, no one had followed them.

"Tch." Hiruma understood why she suddenly shoved him away but who cares if someone's watching. They should actually enjoy the show. Could it be that she was actually interested in that Taka? He would have to ask her the details about those dates.

"Gomen, I didn't mean to." She noticed the change in his aura and he looked moody again.

"Whatever. Let's go home," he grabbed her wrist and pulled her along.

"I can carry my things," she noticed that he had already grabbed her bag but he ignored her complaint. When they passed by their teammates, everyone was smiling at her except for Agon and Ikkyu. Ikkyu looked concerned while Agon looked annoyed. "We're going ahead first," she said goodbye since Hiruma was not saying a word and just dragged her to his car.

"He says do what you want but look at him," Yamato sighed.

"Indeed, it seems what he actually meant was 'I already won before you even joined the fray anyways. And even if you top the charts, in the end, I'll be the one who wins' or something like that," Taka supplied. The team continued taking about the two as they watched them drive off.

Hiruma interrogated Mamori later about her alleged dates with Taka and the fun things they did together. Apparently, it could really be counted as dates but purchasing books were actually the main goal. And the thing about Taka watching her sleep was during train or bus rides home. He scolded her for being so careless so as to fall asleep in the presence of a male.

Mamori couldn't help but wonder why she was getting lectured but let it pass since she was usually the one doing the scolding. She was happy that Hiruma was concerned about her safety. She wanted to comment though that she often sleeps in his car and the fact that she sometimes fall asleeps on the couch at his place. But perhaps that's different so she shut her mouth. He never made a pass at her anyways and never did weird things while she was asleep.

The last day to settle the bet with Agon arrived faster than expected and Mamori was at her wits end once again. Hiruma noticed her unease. "What is it?"

"Eto . . . uhm. There's something that I need to settle today."

"Go on then."

Mamori stared at him hesitantly before saying, "Then Hiruma-kun, please don't be angry at me. I swear it's nothing personal."

"Huh?"

"I'm really sorry. I'm apologizing in advance so please forgive me."

"What the fuck is this about?"

"I'm really sorry. I mean no harm."

"Are you betraying me?"

"Eh? No of course not!"

"What is it then? Spit it out."

"Then promise that you'll forgive me and that you'll help me out."

"That's a lot. How can I promise without knowing what this is about?"

"I'm really driven to a corner Hiruma-kun. I need your help, so please, promise me?"

Hiruma checked her from head to foot and stared at her in the eye as if analyzing what this was about. She looked really troubled though. "Give me a clue."

"I'll ask you a question. Please don't be angry and answer honestly."

"Hmm. Maybe I can do that."

"And then after that, I'll do something to confirm if your answer is true." She looked pale as she said that like she was unwilling to do it at all.

"Sounds suspicious."

"Onegai," she said again trying to be cute but she was obviously desperate. "You'll help me when I'm in a desperate situation right?"

"Who put you up to this?"

"I swear I'll explain later. Hiruma-kun, you will help me right? You're my only hope right now. Please promise you'll help me out of this," Mamori had her fingers crossed in front of her as if in prayer. In the corner, Agon was muttering something about women being unfair.

"This sounds so fishy." Hiruma eyed her carefully. She never begged him like that before so she must be really desperate. His teammates were also glaring at him as if saying 'just how much more will you make a woman beg when she's asking so nicely? You lowlife!'

"Hiruma-kun?"

"What do I get out of this?"

"I'll prepare all your favourite meals."

"Not enough."

"I'll be obedient."

Hiruma raised a brow. This is interesting. "More."

"Fine! I'll do whatever you want," Mamori sighed in defeat. Agon cursed upon hearing this.

"Deal." Hiruma finally agreed.

"Promise?"

"Promise."