"What do you mean Ban's not here? He just told me a while ago that Hevn called and asked him to come here because there was a client waiting." Himiko said. She was shocked and confused. What's going on?
"Gomen nasai Himiko-san, but Ban-chan's not here. He didn't even drop by to say hello to me." Chibi Ginji was already weeping. "I even tried calling him last night but he never returned the call. Um… was he with you, Himiko-san?"
"Eh?" Himiko's cheeks suddenly flushed and she stiffened. She tried to gather her composure, but instead stumbled backwards. Fortunately, Shido was able to catch her fall since he was sitting on a stool behind Himiko. "Uh… thanks. Hehe. How clumsy of me." She couldn't look at them. She was too red and can't stop shaking.
"You cold?" The Beast Master asked. His tone retained worry and frustration. Probably because of Ban's apparent lie and ignorance.
"Oh no. I'm just a little shaky, that's all. Don't need to worry about me." Himiko beamed at him, but they all knew it was false. She was never good at lying and at controlling her feelings. She sat on a stool next to Shido and ordered a cup of coffee.
"Oh dear. I almost forgot." She brought out a roll of money from her pocket and handed it to Paul. "I'm terribly sorry if I suddenly ran off last night without paying. It's just that Ban… Ban insisted that I should pay you today rather than last night for he had something really "important" to tell me. So I'm awfully sorry, Paul."
"Hey, no problem. Just as long as you pay the bill, you're forgiven. But at least you're nothing like somebody's friend here who refuses to pay his debt for more than 3 months now." Paul didn't say another word and continued his reading.
Ginji suppressed a laugh but in its place apologized to the owner of the café about the delay of payment. He also promised that they'll certainly pay him back just as soon as they get a job and the money, of course.
"Maybe Ban-san is looking for a gift for you, Himiko-san." Kadsuki stopped sipping his coffee for a moment. He was smiling assuredly at her. Fairly embarrassed, she smiled back at him and tried considering that option, but it seemed too vague.
"Buy her a present? Are you feeling okay, Kazuki? I don't think Ban's really the emotional type of guy if you ask me, no offense Himiko." Shido said.
"Well, could be looking for a client or something." Kadzuki immediately countered.
"I don't think he's that industrious. He sure is one lazy son of a bi… Ow! What did you do that for Kazuki!" Shido was griping in pain for Kazuki kicked him on the shin.
"Whooops! Sorry, Shido. I'm really so crazy and clumsy today. Must be the coffee. Um… Paul-san, did you add something to your coffee? Alcohol, perhaps? I kind of feel lightheaded you see." Kadzuki said with a sly grin.
Paul knew Kazuki's intent, so he played along. "Oh dear! Must have gotten drunk again last night and accidentally added some brandy into it. Oh my. I'll just have to change that, huh? Natsumi, do you mind brewing another cup for Kazuki?"
"No problem, master!" Natsumi took the cup away and hurriedly walked towards the kitchen door.
Though it was obvious that they were just cheering her up or suggesting some unlikely proposals for Ban's current unusual behavior, she was still very upset.
Where could he have run off again? Himiko thought to herself and sighed. An aching and lonely pain overcame her but she prevented it from taking hold of her. She didn't want anyone to see her distress and she hated herself for it. What's wrong with me? It's not like we've just broken up or something. Silly me. She almost laughed out loud, but decided not to.
However, in a subliminal level of her mind, she felt like Ban was in some sort of danger or that he would soon be in a predicament; she had the uncanny feeling that Ban's life might be in trouble due to her. Where are you, Ban? I just hope that my subconscious is wrong about you. Please be safe, Ban.
She suddenly shook her head as if to erase that thought away. Why am I thinking this way? I'm sure Ban's just looking for a client, or maybe he's only searching a present for me. Himiko giggled at the idea.
Yup. Must be buying a present for me right now. Just buyin' a gift for me. That's right. Nothing to worry about him. Nothing's going to happen… nothing.
Still, an inner voice was telling her that Ban's life might be in danger all because of her. She quickly fished out her cell phone. She then dialed the Jagan Master's number. After twelve rings, she hung up. She was starting to worry about him immensely.
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