CHAPTER 3

Yuuhi was barely aware of the rainfall as he watched the girl resting on the hospital bed. The doctor told him that she had woken up earlier, obviously because of a nightmare. He gave her a mild sedative so she could go back to sleep.

Suzumi-san had informed him before leaving the hospital that she would be inviting Seiyo to stay with them. He felt sorry for her. She had just lost her home and her only family was thousands of miles away. 'She must be as confused as Aya was,' he thought.

He turned to the window and observed the droplets of water against the glass. 'I don't want her to go through what Aya did,' he continued on his reverie. 'I will protect her.' A sense of responsibility came over him as he proclaimed those words to himself.

~o~

"Did you get everything you need?" Yuuhi asked Seiyo as he took the rest of the paper bags from her.

"Uh-huh," she answered half-heartedly. She wasn't very keen on the idea of moving in with the Aogiris. She wanted to go home to her own apartment and reclaim the freedom that comes with being independent. 'I should be grateful because they've been nothing but kind,' she sighed.

"What's the matter?" Yuuhi inquired, interrupting her thoughts.

"What do you mean?"

"You've got that look on your face."

"Am I that transparent?" she asked.

"Not really. But you've been very quiet lately and that's not the impression I got when we first met," replied Yuuhi.

"Ah, so you must think I'm talkative," she supposed.

"I didn't mean." he started to say.

Seiyo chuckled. "I was only kidding." She looked at him sheepishly, "It's just that, well, I've never been in this kind of trouble before."

Yuuhi was relieved to hear her laugh. He smiled, "Is that so?" He put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Don't worry, you won't be alone."

Seiyo felt her cheeks flush. 'I'll hold you to that promise,' she thought, feeling warm all over.

~o~

Aya smoothed Midori's hair and pulled the blanket up to his chin.

"Is he asleep?" Suzumi asked from the doorway.

She nodded, "Finally. Any news?"

"Not much, only that fires have also broken out in other cities. They didn't report who was behind it though. The people who are sponsoring this new project cover their tracks efficiently."

"Tooya," Aya said, concern evident in her voice. "He hasn't come back for some time."

Suzumi laid a hand on her arm. "I'm sure he's okay. He'll be back when he learns something. He's doing this to keep you and Midori safe. The girl may come after you next."

Aya gave her a puzzled look.

"Well, it's been rumored that she only attacks those with tennyo blood," she added.

"Oh no, that means she'll be going after you too."

"Let's just hope that we find her before she finds us."

~o~

"Sugoi!" Seiyo exclaimed. "You can really cook, Yuuhi-kun!"

Yuuhi blushed at the compliment. "Haven't you ever met a male chef?"

"Sure I have, but they're not as good as you," she answered, taking a mouthful of noddles. "Mmmm."

He grinned. 'She is positively amusing. I've never known anyone who makes sounds of pleasure while eating,' he thought, clearly flattered by her enthusiasm towards his cooking.

"You'll blow up if you continue to eat like that," he teased.

Seiyo glared at him and resumed what she was doing.

Yuuhi burst out laughing.

"Those two will make a cute couple," Kyuu-san commented, having witnessed their exchange of banter.

"Really?" Suzumi asked from behind. She had just come out of Aya's room. "What makes you say so?"

"Just a guess," Kyuu-san said. She walked off with a mischievous smile on her lips.

~o~

Dark clouds loomed overhead. Tooya stood outside an old building, well hidden from the scrutiny of the public. There hasn't been any sign of activity since he took up his post.

At last, his patience was rewarded when a black limousine turned into the driveway leading to the entrance of the tall structure. An old man emerged from the vehicle and proceeded inside.

'He doesn't look Japanese,' Tooya observed. 'He must be one of the foreign sponsors. I wonder how many will still be coming.'

Much later, five more cars arrived.

~o~

Seiyo took a peek inside the kitchen through the slightly open door. She had been curious about Yuuhi's culinary skills from the moment she sampled his superb cooking. 'What is he doing?' she asked as she stared at his back.

"Will Aya like this?" he muttered, lifting a spoon to his mouth.

'Aya?! Why is he thinking about her?' Seiyo wondered. Her forehead wrinkled as she tossed the question in her head. Then, realization dawned on her. 'No way! She already has Tooya!' she protested.

She felt as though someone had plunged a knife into her heart. She stepped backwards and ran to her bedroom. She dropped on her knees, 'What is this I'm feeling?' But she knew the answer even before she asked. It was plain, old jealousy.

~o~

Yuuhi switched off the television and lay back on the couch. He had the house to himself that day because Suzumi and Kyuu-san left early to investigate while Aya and Seiyo went out to shop. He was glad to finally have some time to do whatever he wanted. Right now, relaxing was on top of his agenda.

He closed his eyes and thought about Seiyo. She had been a bit down and a little distant during the past few days. 'What's wrong with her? What had upset her?'

His eyelids flew open. "I can't take it easy and worry about her at the same time," he said and decided to settle things as soon as possible. He got up and took his coat before heading to the shopping district.

~o~

Seiyo removed her blouse and put on a lavender dress. 'Not bad,' she thought as she examined herself in the mirror. 'I wonder if Yuuhi will.' she broke off. "Why can't I stop thinking of him?" she said, hastily taking off the dress and donning her blouse.

She was about to go out of the fitting room when a hand grabbed her shoulder. "W-what?"

"I finally found you, Seiyo," came a familiar voice.