Somewhere in the forest, outside of Toyama.

The sight of the city, blistered with lights shining through the windows of the dark skyscrapers and the evening light setting behind the buildings, is nothing short of a mesmerizing and picturesque sight. That is, if one could see from afar and unobstructed by bloody leaves. However, that is not the reason why people would come here, especially in the dark evening, where people will be easy to get lost in the maze of woods.

A shady, illegal business is going down in the middle of the woodwork. Three certain men with their guards stand firm in front of two vans and a car, which left their headlights. They are meeting up with another party, nothing more than a handful of illegal dealers. The three men in leather jackets walk over to the only dealer they'll be talking with and begin shaking their hands. Some guards the dealer brought, but they understand it's for security reasons, given how easy it is for a shady and untrusting business to go south.

"So, you have what we asked?" the leader thug, having his silver right earring shining by the headlights.

"Sure thing, pal," the dealer motioned his boys to bring the crates and open them up. "A bunch rifles and pistols, and I got three crates of meth over there."

"Nice," the afro tan man grinned. "Where the hell are the booze?"

"You'll get 'em tomorrow."

The confident pixie-haired man furrows his eyebrows. "Tomorrow? I thought you promised us we get them today."

"Well… we had to halt that shipment for a moment," the dealer shrugged as he leaned onto the opened crate.

"Why?" the leader gangster asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Remember that cartel guy down at that factory?"

The leader recalled as his eyes looked away. "You mean that Spanish?"

"He's dead, Sashiga."

The leader expresses his surprise, nothing more than slightly widened eyes, though, his silly afro buddy asked. "Wait, how's that asshole dead?"

"I thought you knew everything that's going on around town."

The man with the thin mustache counters the statement. "We had to stay low for a while after-"

"Yeah, yeah, you do. Don't tell me about it," the dealer cut him off. "Your shipment of booze was supposed to go through the factory first to see if it's legit or broken. The next thing we know, there were police all around the place. There was a shootout that happened there."

Sashiga wasn't so surprised or even didn't care. But yet, odd. "That doesn't sound like a hit."

"That's because the police came late."

The three fugitives deadpan at him, but they didn't show their surprise. It's normal for them.

"Some gangsters finally got the drop on him?" the afro thug just grinned. "That dick is sloppier than I thought."

"It could be anyone," the dealer responded. "It looks like some of his guards don't seem to see that hit coming. Doesn't look like mercenaries did that hit either."

"What did you even expect from someone like him?" the pixie man asked with a deep tone. "He's a greedy bastard, and he made a lot of stupid risks. His cartel was like that, but they pay too well."

"Tell me about it," the dealer huffed. "I'm surprised he wasn't shot in the head. Whoever killed him must be so polite."

Sashiga didn't say a word, but the dealer continues. "Anyway, it would be 20k bucks for this whole thing."

"Good, we got the money here," Sahiga replied with a nod. "By the way, do you have someone who's good at cracking cars?"

"And steal 'em?" the dealer asked back. "I may know a few. Ya' thinking about supercars?"

"Maybe," Sashiga then let his afro friend continue his sentence. "And also stinger strips to pop them tires."

"Well, well, I see where you're going with that," the dealer smiled and gave a thumbs up. "I'll check on that when I get back and let ya' know about it."

"Good," Sashiga nodded firmly. "It's great to do business with you."

"Likewise, Sashiga," the dealer smirk before turning around and head back to his car. "Keep the money coming, a'right?"

"Hmph."

Sashiga motions his co-leaders and his henchmen to transfer the cargos to the vans as he watches the dealer begins to leave with his guards. The evening and night would be long, but he has little time to enjoy a little walk in the forest. He needs to get back soon. There will be another plan hatching in his head.

Besides, time is money, especially in doing illegal business that has high earning.


MIruzaki Hospital. Same time.

The family of Oomuro is waiting inside a doctor's office; a certain bluenette is also among the family. One single blonde sister is sitting upon a chair, unmoving and bored, but that might be just the façade she's wearing to hide her weariness. A man in white is checking over the left hand that she wounded herself, uncovered from the bandages that kept her wound together. Sakurako is nothing more than upset from her wound but always wondered how a man like him couldn't show his disgust or even scared of the wound she holds.

The family, including Himawari, didn't dare to look at her wound. The mother was the only person who found her daughter's wound pretty… repulsive. Nevertheless, the expressionless blonde barely reacted to the pain in her hand, as long as the doctor didn't poke straight into her wound. The doctor examines the wound front and back, even cleaning the faint blood around her wound.

"How does it look, doctor?" Sakurako asked nonchalantly.

"Looks deep, but it seems you didn't suffer internal bleeding," the doctor sounded glad, even with his flat tone. "Was it a clean knife?"

"I cut some of the vegetables first before I accidentally stabbed myself," Sakurako answered.

The doctor looks up at her face for the moment before looking back down at her hand. "I see."

The doctor re-bandages her hand and lets it go before he turns at the family. "So how is it?" the mother asked with her mouth covered.

"I will prescribe some medicine to heal up her hand," the doctor then moved toward the cabinet. "Also, does she had a tetanus shot before?"

"I… I think not," the mother replied. "Just the vaccine."

"Okay," the doctor then looked at Sakurako. "Are you fine with having a Tetanus injection?"

The second sister only nods, given how much pain she had felt from getting shot up to getting stabbed herself by accident. The doctor grabs a syringe filled with the tetanus vaccine. He makes sure the vaccine comes through the needle and ensures that the needle is stainless and clean. No one wants the ironic product of the tetanus vaccine. Of course, the thought of it made Sakurako feel a bit hilarious. Sakurako blinks once again to erase that stupid thought if she doesn't want her doctor to get fired.

The doctor uncovers her shoulder and prepares to insert the syringe. "Take a deep breath. This is going to hurt a lot."

Sakurako nods and takes a deep breath. "Okay, go on ahead."

The doctor didn't say a word or even nod. And the doctor then carefully and slowly inserts the syringe through her skin. The pain, oh, the pain. It is so excruciating that it's just the same as the knife, though it's more painful on a smaller scale. What baffles the Oomuro sisters and even Himawari themselves was the fact that Sakurako didn't complain or at least squirm by inflicting pain.

"Umm… can I ask?" Hanako was pretty shy, though; her glimmering innocent eyes are pretty distracting.

"What is it, my dear?" the doctor responded.

"What is tetanus?" Hanako can't help herself to keep staring at the injected Sakurako.

"It's an infection commonly caught from dirt, dust, or animal waste," the doctor explained. "But most people would catch them from rusty metal objects like can and knife. If left unchecked, the infection will create a poison that causes painful muscle contractions, and in some cases, can cause people's neck and jaws to lock."

"S-so that means I can't move my neck or my mouth if that happens?" Hanako barely shaded her eyes to her own question.

"Yes, in such worse case."

Such an answer unnerved the little sister, but Nadeshiko assures her. "Don't worry, Hanako. We always prevent that kind of thing from happening, right?"

"Yeah, of course, onee-chan," Hanako nodded, barely smiled at her assurance.

Once the syringe is empty, the doctor carefully pulls the needle out of her shoulder and immediately covers her punctured skin with cotton, soon turning its white color to light red. For a while, Sakurako feels a bit insecure with the new wound she received. But she is rather glad to know that she doesn't have to open up her shirt. The last thing she needs is for her family and Himawari to see the old scar she suffered long ago.

"That should be it," the doctor said as he put away the syringe. "The blood will stop soon enough, and you will no longer have to worry about getting infected."

"So… does that mean we're done?" Himawari dared to ask.

"Yes," the doctor nodded. "But I would recommend staying here for a while longer, just in case if another symptom shows up."

"Excuse me?" the mother furrowed her eyebrows. "Just in case?"

"Medical complications can be… unexpected," the doctor awkwardly replied. "It's better to be safe about it, don't you agree?"

"I agree," Sakurako responded flatly. "So… are we done?"

"For now," the doctor replied as he wrote the prescription. "You can help yourself to get some food down the hall. If another symptom or complication appeared, please call me immediately."

The doctor walks over to the mother and hands over the prescription. "Give this to the nurse at the reception desk. She'll give you the medication your daughter needs."

"Alright, arigato, doctor-san," the mother thanked, as the rest stood up and bowed to the man in white.

"It's been a pleasure," the doctor smiled, returning the gesture as well. "Have a nice day."

The whole family politely made their exit from the office and walked down the hallway. Sakurako, as usual, doesn't produce a single word from her mouth. However, the Oomuro family, and Himawari, smiled at the obedient and complain-less second sister. The mother most notably noted how fearless Sakurako is getting the injection, something that Hanako and even Nadeshiko feared.

"You're so strong, Sakurako," the mother smiled.

Sakurako turns at her with confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You're not afraid of getting pricked by a needle," the mother chuckled slightly. "Even Nadeshiko was too afraid getting injected long ago."

"Okaa-san…" Nadeshiko shut her eyes with slight annoyance.

"Really?" Sakurako asked with a raised brow.

"Well, Nadeshiko even tried to run away when she was your age."

"O-Okaa-san!" Nadeshiko is starting to blush a little.

Hanako covers her mouth, trying to hold her giggle as best as she can. Whereas Himawari only smiles awkwardly and stares at the slightly embarrassed elder sister. Sakurako could only raise both of her eyebrows at the statement. But to imagine what her mother said about Nadeshiko being afraid of the injection was… hilarious for the usual calm, mature sister.

"Was Onee-chan got injected at the end?" Sakurako asked with a tilted head.

"Yeah…" the mother trailed off for a moment there, scratching her chin in doing so. "She even had to hold onto my hand so tight at the time."

"Okaa-san…" Nadeshiko left out a sweat to ease her humiliation. "They don't need to know about that…"

"Don't worry, Nade onee-chan, you're not the only one afraid of injection," Himawari then stared blankly at the second sister. "Still, I fully expected you would be scared getting shot."

Sakurako stops and looks at her. "What? Getting shot?"

Everyone returns their confusion at her. "Yes, that injection you just had. Did you forget?" Hanako reminded her, even had to point at the doctor's office.

"Oh…" Sakurako only deadpanned at them. "I thought you mean getting shot by a gun."

Once again, they sport their awkward faces and also shed their sweat to the statement. For the most part, Himawari swears that Sakurako either turned stupid again, or she takes that statement too literally. Nadeshiko seems to have the same opinion as Himawari. As for Hanako and the mother, they don't really think much of what she said, apart from taking it too literally.

Thankfully, Sakurako breaks the ice by turning her attention elsewhere. "There's the vending machine. Anyone wants to buy something?"

"I want a chocolate bar," Hanako answered.

Sakurako then turns at Himawari. "What about you?"

"I'll be fine with some sweets," Himawari replied with a nod.

"Okay then."

The family and Himawari sit down on the bench next to the vending machine as Sakurako goes on ahead and buys herself some snacks. She inserts some money through the slit and presses several buttons according to the numbers written below the desired snacks. Aside from the sound of the vending machine, the family and the bluenette stay quiet, observing and listening to the hustle of nurses and patients throughout the halls. A rumble was heard, and they noticed that Sakurako is grabbing the snacks from the bottom slot.

"Here's your chocolate, Hanako," Sakurako handed out the chocolate.

"Thanks," Hanako wasted no time, and straight opened the chocolate.

The second sister then hands over a snack to Himawari. "Wafers."

"Is it cheese?" Himawari asked as she took it.

"Yeah."

Himawari smiles. "I like this."

Sakurako then sits down next to Himawari before opening the snack bar. Her hand still aches, but the tightness of the bandage certainly gives some comfort while moving her hand. The mother stands up and looks over to her daughters and Himawari. Indeed, she's going to grab the medication that Sakurako may need.

"I'm going to grab some medicine first."

"Okay, Okaa-san," Hanako nodded before the mother made her leave for the moment.

When the mother is out of their sight, the second sister stares that way blankly before rolling her eyes to the other direction of the hall. Her back unconsciously leans backward when a patient on a rolling stretcher, escorted by nurses and a doctor, runs down the hall with such urgency. A cold chill was felt in her spine just from a glance at the patient's oxygen mask. Just to imagine that someone she knew was on that stretcher… is appalling.

What if… one of her family is on that stretcher?

What if Himawari was on that stretcher?

What if Misaka was on that-

"Sakurako."

The former idiot blonde shakes her head and looks straight at Himawari. Her left eyebrow is furrowed while the opposite is raised. There is a level of concern on her face. However, Sakurako already noticed that she barely bites her snack. Her family members look over as well upon hearing the call.

"Is everything alright?" Himawari asked. "You spaced out for a bit there."

Sakurako didn't budge but looks over to where the patient she saw passed her. "Where are they taking that patient?"

"That one on the stretcher?" Nadeshiko asked, looking over in the same direction she sees. "Looks like towards the emergency room."

The second sister looks back at the eldest. "To get emergency surgery?"

"Probably," Nadeshiko shrugged and then leaned against her seat. "I'm not a doctor."

"Hmm…" Sakurako blankly stared forward. "I just remembered the nurse said that I don't have to go to the hospital."

Both youngest and eldest sister stares at her. "Who's the nurse told you about that?" Hanako was hoping that Sakurako is making up a lie about that.

"The school nurse," Himawari replied, then looked down with a shrug. "We can't blame her, though. She thinks Sakurako's wound wasn't that bad."

Well, considering that either of them did not know about her gunshot wound, of course, it's not that bad. That is if she could be telling the truth about it and in the mood for being sarcastic.

Sakurako only blinks once as she turns at Himawari. "Shouldn't you be checking your problem too, Himawari?"

The bluenette furrows her eyebrows and tilts her head. "Whatever do you mean by that?"

The three stare at her for a while; it seems Sakurako takes a long time to come up with what she remembered. "Your low blood pressure."

"Oh?" Himawari wasn't feeling so surprised but did give her the impression that she might mock her about it. "What is it?"

It was clear for the blonde how Himawari expresses it. "I think you're a lot more tired than me."

"Do I look tired?" Himawari's tone is slightly higher.

"No," Sakurako slightly frowned her eyebrows. "But I think this is the good time to check your blood pressure."

"Sakurako's right, Himako," the bluenette found it surprised that Nadeshiko agreed with the suggestion. "We should ask the doctor again for checking that out later. As long as we're still here."

"Do I have to?" Himawari asked, shutting her eyes close with a heavy sigh. "I don't think my blood pressure really interferes with my health that much, if any."

"But you're still weary after waking up, right?"

Himawari simply shows her irritation at the trivial question. "Well, yes, but it's not like I'm the only one having trouble waking up."

Sakurako was about to answer, but it was best to hold back her words since there's some truth to it. But Himawari finds it amusing that she lost her tongue.

"You're not going to insult me about it?" the bluenette asked with a raised brow.

Sakurako shuts her eyes for a moment. "No… the last thing I want to say is to complain about your boobs to everything."

They know her tendency to complain nonsensically about Himawari's abnormally huge breasts, but her refusal to spout insult is undoubtedly a good thing.

"I'm surprised that you can refrain from saying that for once," Himawari raised both of her eyebrows.

Surprise is the correct term for Sakurako's behavior. "It's pointless… and also it doesn't make any sense."

"Finally," Nadeshiko smiled, putting both hands behind her head. "That's what I want to hear from you for a long time."

Sakurako shrugs at her elder sister's response. "It's a shame that you're not as big as hers."

Nadeshiko turns her head at her with eyes furrowed. "What do you mean by- hang on…"

The two younger sisters and Himawari watch where's she's looking at. Her eyes go from her own and then onto Himawari's… bust… for a few times. Suffice to say, and it didn't do much but to make her upset. Nadeshiko, maturely, calmly, and sorrowfully, covers her chest with eyes closed. They can't tell if she's feeling defeated or insulted, or both. Too sad that she barely lets out a tear.

"Why do you have to torture me like that?" Nadeshiko asked, upset with such a high tone.

"Wha-" Sakurako shut her mouth for a moment. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

"Wow," Hanako glared at her response. "That's downright rude."

"U-uhm, I'm sure they'll grow one day, Nade Onee-san," Himawari even felt awkward that she even not sure what to say next. "Sakurako, say something."

"Say what?" Sakurako opened her palms.

"Anything."

Sakurako shrugs before looking over her sister. "Don't be jealous. Even your boobs are still small; you're still admirable."

Nadeshiko slowly turns her head, staring at her sister as if that's a joke. "What about you? I thought you're always complaining yours not big."

The blonde second sister looks away and bows her head down. "I'm not sure if I want that anymore."

The sisters and Himawari are stunned by her words, but Sakurako paid no heed to their surprise. She turns her attention elsewhere around the hall. From where she is sitting, there is a lot kind of people passing through the hall. There were patients, doctors, nurses, and even visitors going forth and back with respect to peace and calm. Sakurako finds it curious as to why their mother hasn't returned and hopes she returns soon enough. But then… something catches her attention.

A specific man is walking down the hall along with a doctor. Of course, her primary attention wasn't on the doctor, rather, the man himself. There's something familiar about him as he blended into the sparse crowd. The familiar tanned skin, blue eyes, buzz-cut hair… well, the doctor and the man merely stop just right in front of her family before the doctor left for his office. Now, she is pretty confident who he is after noticing the formal black suit and the sunglasses he is wearing.

"George?" Sakurako called out, inviting the attention of her family and childhood friend.

"Huh? Who are you calling?" the bluenette asked with raised eyebrows.

Before any of them could ask any more questions, the said tanned man heard her call and turned at her. Imagine the surprise he had when he looked at her.

"Ms. Oomuro?" he even raised his sunglasses.

"Eh?" her family and friend turn their heads at him.

Sakurako ignores their surprise and smiles at him. "It's good to see you here, George."

"Likewise, Ms. Oomuro," George warmly responded as he walked over to their seats and tucked away his glasses.

"H-hold on, you know each other?" Himawari even pointed to the two of them.

"Pretty much," Sakurako then looked at him, then pointed at each of the girls with her. "George, these are sisters and friends. This is Himawari, my childhood friend. That's Hanako, my youngest sister. And Nadeshiko onee-san, my eldest sister."

George looks over to her relatives and humbly bows. "I am pleased to meet you."

"Erm, we are pleased to meet you too," Nadeshiko even found it awkward to meet with an adult stranger who also knows her second sister.

George notices their discomfort and hesitancy. "It must be weird for you to know Sakurako actually knew me."

"Well… you can put it that way," Himawari scratched her side cheek. "May we know who you are?"

"My apologies," George bowed his head for a second. "My name is George Gilzamo. You may call me George."

"It's nice to meet you, George-san," Hanako replied politely with such an innocent smile.

"Please, just call me George," the man responded. "I'll be fine without the formalities."

"I see," Nadeshiko nodded in understanding. "So… how come you knew about Sakurako?"

"Well…" George able to notice the second sister's concern. "We talked together for a few times. We both first met each other at the park."

"Is that so?" Himawari, for the least, was concerned for Sakurako's new friend. "I hope she didn't give much trouble for you."

George only chuckles at her response. "That would be nonsense, Ms… Himawari, correct?"

"Yes, that's my name," the bluenette nodded with a smile.

"Sakurako has been so kind to keep me in company when I need it," George looked over to Sakurako. "However, I can understand her… bluntness in such things."

"It's good to hear that then," Hanako sighed out in relief. "I was a little worried there."

"By the way," George looked over the family. "Why are you at the hospital?"

"George," Sakurako simply showed him the bandaged hand she had.

Of course, George immediately shows his concern by immediately holding her hand. "What happened?"

"Well…" Himawari wasn't sure whether to tell him or not. "She accidentally stabbed herself."

George deadpans at her, even leaning his head back in doing so. "Excuse me?"

"She accidentally stabbed her hand at school when we're cooking during home economics," Himawari slowly felt disturbed as to how the man stares at her with sharp, blue eyes. "A student came in too loud when she's cutting vegetables, and it startled her. And then, this happened."

George lets out a sigh. "I see. Have you seen the doctor?"

"I just did," Sakurako then looked over the halls. "We're waiting for my mother to come back with the prescription."

"Alright, I got the prescript- Huh?"

"Well, speaking of the devil," Nadeshiko stated as they looked over to the oncoming blonde mother. "Okaa-san, what took you so long?"

"The nurse was having a hard time looking for the medicine on the prescription," the mother then looked over to the formal man. "And you are…?"

"My name is George Gilzamo, ma'am," the man politely bowed. "You may call me George. I'm a good friend of your daughter, Ms. Sakurako Oomuro."

"O-oh, really?" the mother awkwardly smiled and sighed. "Oh, Sakurako. You get along with adults that good?"

"Depends… I guess," Sakurako was vague again, not that she wants to lie about it.

George chuckles to Sakurako's response that he even has to shake his head. "Don't be discouraged about it, Ms. Sakurako."

"When you both first met?" the Oomuro mother asked.

"At the park," George replied with a nod. "Your daughter has been kind to brighten my day when things aren't going the way it is."

The relatives are happy to see the mother is smiling so gracefully. "I am so glad to hear that. You know? Sakurako was so carefree and sometimes annoying long ago."

"Umm…" Sakurako was feeling embarrassed. "Is that necessary to tell him?"

"Don't worry, I don't mind about it," George assured her with his warm smile.

"She was also more of a burden than help most of the time," Nadeshiko continued, not caring much for her second sister feeling with eyes shut. "And also spoiled… you understand what I mean."

"But now… " the mother rubbed her neck. "She's been pretty helpful and encouraging like my other daughters."

"Okaa-san… I'm not su-"

"Hush, Sakurako," Himawari placed an index finger on the mouth. "No need to say something like that."

George looks over to the entire family before looking back at Sakurako. "Ms. Sakurako, you have such a great family. I dare to say that I envy you for a little."

Her smile couldn't be brighter than this, and her family accepts his honest compliment. For the least, they still don't know he's a friend and a partner-in-crime on assignments. Sakurako is still a bit surprised at heart that George could play along with the white lie. However, there's also a question she had in mind now that he is in the hospital.

"By the way, George," Sakurako straightened her back. "Why are you at the hospital?"

"Well…" the second sister noticed his hand rubbing between his belly and chest. "The same reason as you."

"Huh? Did you get shot?"

"Sakurako nee-chan!" Hanako retorted, with the rest of the relatives glared at her. "Don't say something like that!"

"Calm down, don't be angry at her," George chuckled, an odd sight for the family except for the former idiot blonde. "As for your last question, no, I didn't get shot. But I did get stabbed as well."

"Wha-?!" Nadeshiko shaded her eyes with her jaw barely opened. "Really?"

"Well… more of a scratch of a knife, I guess," George responded nonchalantly. "Some drunkard attacked me while I was doing my job, and that's before I turned him upside down on the dirt in a second."

The family is getting concerned with the answer. "I-I see…" the mother shed sweat to pity him.

Sakurako is mostly the odd one, being so comfortable with his words. "George is working as a chief-security if you want to know."

"Oh, is that so?" Himawari was mainly caught off-guard by the revelation. "We didn't know…"

"Rest assured, Ms. Himawari," George convinced her with a charming tone. "I was just doing my job."

"I guess you were just unlucky, George-san," still, Sakurako found her youngest sister's word adorable.

"Looks like my luck went away for a while, didn't it?" George shrugged to himself. "At least my job is better than the previous one."

"Hmm?" Nadeshiko raised her curiosity. "Your previous one?"

"If I wasn't wrong…" Sakurako paused, tumbled her head forward with her eyes looking straight up. "You said you were a US Army Ranger, right?"

Her family and Himawari widen their eyes. Of course, they managed to stifle their mouths for the surprise. Not that Sakurako knows everything about his background, but she had heard it when Maru called him a ranger. But the thought that one such soldier – no, ranger – is standing right in front of them is astounding at best. Now that she mentioned it, this might be the best time to know about him.

"Oooh!" Hanako shone her eyes. "Are you a soldier?"

"It's ranger, young lady," George corrected with a raised index finger.

"Heh?" the mother raised an eyebrow as she sat down. "What's the difference?"

"The branch is different," George responded. "If I was working for the army, then you can call me a soldier. When it's army rangers, whole other story."

"I guess most people who aren't in the military aren't used to that," Sakurako commented nonchalantly. "Except what bias they saw in the movies."

"I agree with you about the movies," George winced his eyes. "But bias… I'm not sure there's such example, or if any, I ever knew back in the day."

"There weren't any, or you don't know what bias means?" Sakurako wondered with a raised brow.

"The first one," George shrugged to himself.

"I wonder," Himawari paused for a moment. "How long you served as an army ranger?"

"About seven years, I think," George scratched his head. "I don't really count years much after I left."

Nadeshiko raises an eyebrow. "Did you quit military service after that long?"

"Honorable discharge, to be exact," George replied with a smile. "Think of it as a retirement for my job."

Sakurako tilts her head. "If you don't have to work in the military anymore, can you go back there again?"

"That depends on the circumstances," George put both hands below his stomach. "The most urgent thing one would get is when the general is calling you in for a top-secret mission."

"Woah, that's definitely scary," Nadeshiko barely showed her fright at such an idea.

George can't help but chuckle. "Not awesome?"

"Well, it is awesome," Nadeshiko replied. "But when it's top-secret, everyone would expect you don't screw that up, right?"

"That is sadly true," George took a seat across the family. "I guess I'm pretty lucky I don't get that call."

"So, where did you go while you were a ranger?" the mother asked.

"I went to the middle east with the 75th Regiment," George shook his head at the memory. "It's pretty rough back then."

"Aside from the hot sun?" Sakurako added.

"That's obvious," George took a quick breath, then paused. "Now imagine back then, I was at a small checkpoint with 15 of my buddies. Our job was to guard that position, and suddenly, you're getting shot from all directions."

"Okay…" Himawari nodded.

"And the Talibans are shooting from the mountains."

Given that Sakurako had experienced shooting from high ground, she could understand what he meant.

"Wow," Hanako expressed her grave concern for the ex-ranger. "You must be so good that you could get through all that."

"Well, the only reason that we could get through all that is that we managed to call some air support," George smiled to himself. "Sometimes, I wonder how much money was wasted on those missiles."

"I'm sure it isn't all that bad," an optimistic opinion from Sakurako.

"I wish I could say the same to you," George massaged his own hands. "Well, I miss some of those days."

The mother smiles for the former ranger. "You said you were from America. Why did you come to Japan?"

"Well, because I want to, Mrs. Oomuro," George responded. "And if I want to be honest, I like this country more than America."

"But don't you miss America?" Himawari asked. "Especially your hometown?"

George takes a deep breath. "I do miss it so much. It's just that…"

They wait for the rest of the sentence, but none came out. However, Sakurako notices the slight agitation on his face. She doesn't understand what the military looks like, but she figured that he seemed troubled by such thought.

"You don't see there's something for you there?"

Everyone turns at her, but George nodded as he wetted his lips. "Yeah… that…"

George looks away for a moment before crossing his arms. "To be honest, I'm still in touch with my relatives back in my hometown. But it's pretty hard to find a decent job at the time."

"I can't see why you can't get a good job," Himawari disagrees with his words. "Isn't there a lot kind of work you can get in America?"

"There is," George stooped his head low. "But the problem is, what kind of work can I get if I'm good at shooting enemy?"

"Don't they give training on what job you want to apply for?" the mother asked with a raised brow.

"They do," George replied nodded slowly. "But that's not the point."

There's a slight confusion in their heads, but Sakurako might know why. "You're too attached to your previous work?"

George almost points at her but managed to refrain from doing so. "Yes, that's it."

Himawari frowns; the idea that he's attached to a job that requires killing people… appalling wasn't enough for the term. "I'm so sorry to hear that. It must be hard to get rid of an old habit.

"I know, Ms. Himawari," George replied. "But thanks."

"I'm curious," Sakurako crossed her hands on her lap. "How did you end up as a chief-security?"

"As for that one…" George looked up for a moment. "I knew a friend back then who has a connection with an employer, figured that he might be interested with my set of skill."

Sakurako shuts her mouth, managing to refrain herself from saying 'she.'

"The catch was that I'd be transferred and lived here, in Japan," George chuckles to himself again with a warm smile. "Not that I saw it as a bad thing. I always wanted to move into Japan for a long time."

"Your family must be so happy to know you get a decent job in another country," Hanako's voice was so soft that one could almost compare it with silk.

"I bet they are," George agreed, clasping his end of the fingers on both hands to each other. "And I enjoy my current job better."

Sakurako lifts her head a little. "You don't have to be shot from all directions?"

Everyone turned at her, at which Himawari furrowed her eyebrows. "Really?"

"Now, now, don't be angry with her. She got the point," George is way too relaxed with the ongoing lie. "Any more than that, it will turn my head into target practice in seconds."

"I can understand that," the mother agreed with a nod. "Where do you work for, by the way?"

"Let's just say I work for an international company," George tilted his head. "A logistic company, that is."

"Umm… what's with the vague answer?" Nadeshiko awkwardly asked.

"Apparently, the company I worked for is pretty strict on being extremely confidential," George kept a straight face as he answered. "I'm sure you understand."

"What is confidential?" Hanako asked him.

"It means secret, Hanako," George can't resist the cuteness of her voice. "And that means I can't mess around saying something I like."

"Ooh… if you don't keep it secret, then you fired that quick?" Hanako asked with a raised brow.

"Yeah, something like that," George nodded to the young brunette.

Hanako continues to look up to him. "I wish you best on your job as a chief-security."

George stands up and walks over to her but first looks over to the mother. "You don't mind…?"

The mother understands the gesture he made with his hand. "It's alright, go on ahead."

George nods before he rubs onto Hanako's head. It looks like George is slightly surprised at how smooth her hair was. If George had to be honest, the youngest sister's hair is so smooth and silky than his relatives back in hometown. It looks like he also wants a girl like her, as a little daughter, perhaps.

"You're a good girl, Hanako."

Hanako falls embarrassed a little. "A-arigato, George-san."

Sakurako loves the sight, but then again, she shouldn't forget about his wound. "How's the scar?"

George sighs as he lifts his hand off the young brunette sister. "It should be fine for now. At least, I don't have to get stitches for the wound."

The former ranger then checks his watch. "Oh, I should get going now. It's been fun to talk with you, ladies."

"The same goes for us, George-san," Himawari replied in her mature voice. "We hope you have a trip."

"Also, we wish your wound to get heal as soon as possible," the mother added sincerely.

"Thanks, Mrs. Oomuro, Ms. Himawari. I also hope safe travels to you as well," George then turned at the particular blonde. "And Sakurako."

"Yes?"

"We should talk again sometime."

"Of course."

George smiles before he turns around and makes his way down the halls.

"George."

The tanned ranger stops and turns his head behind him, looking straight at Sakurako.

"Cappuccino or Mocha?"

Curiously, George begins to grin until he makes a smile that resembles an Italian chef's usual smile when they created a masterpiece of a pizza.

"Cappuccino, if it's available."

"I'll keep that in mind, George. Have a safe trip."

George nods before he wears on his sunglasses and continues down the hallway. While they don't talk much longer with him, they are already satisfied to get to know another new friend. On Sakurako's part, she's more than satisfied to know his previous life's essential background. Now that she knows it, there was an idea that popped in her head. But then vanishes the moment George exits their line of sight.

"Such a fine man, isn't he?" the mother asked.

"Yeah," the eldest sister nodded. "He surely is something."

Himawari, on the other hand, giggles to herself as she looks over to Sakurako. "Oh, Sakurako."

"Um…" the former idiot blonde is unsure how to respond. "What is it?"

"I think you're already grown that much."

Sakurako widens her eyes. She wasn't exactly surprised, but she's perplexed.

"D-Do I?" Sakurako awkwardly asked. "I'm not sure if I've grown that much."

"Don't fool yourself, Sakurako," Nadeshiko responded after a heavy sigh. "It's rare to see you are getting along that well with people older than you, and they're strangers nonetheless."

"But you still need to be careful with strangers, Sakurako one-chan," Hanako added, just a suitable warning.

"Hmm…" the mother looked away towards the busy hallway. "I forgot to ask his phone number."

"Don't worry about it," Sakurako then pulled out his phone. "I got his phone number."

"Eh?"

The thought that Sakurako would even remember to get a stranger's number was unbelievable, even with her supposed carelessness and short-term memory.

"You're surprisingly thoughtful for once, Sakurako," Nadeshiko commented on everyone's behalf.

Sakurako ignores her remarks and gives the phone over to her mother. "Here."

"Thanks," the mother replied. "I'll return it in a minute."

"By the way," Nadeshiko interrupted as she looked at her second sister. "How's your hand now, Sakurako?"

"Still feels like being pricked by needles," Sakurako nonchalantly responded.

"Do you feel something different?" Himawari asked.

Sakurako furrows her right eyebrow. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean."

"I mean do you feel anything odd after the tetanus injection?" Himawari rephrases her question.

"Oh," Sakurako turned her head forward. "Nothing. Just the pain in my hand."

"Good then," the mother stood up as the rest followed suit. "I think it's time for us to go home."

"Okay, Okaa-san," Hanako replied with a warm smile.

"Let's not stall any longer," Himawari then looked at her childhood friend. "Come on, Saa-chan."

"Right behind you."

It's easily seen from the windows to know that the sky has turned too dark, indicating it might get already past eight o'clock. The mother returns her phone along the way. The family had taken the elevator just to be quick to get off the second floor. It took them no more than 15 seconds to go down. And Sakurako wished it was longer so she can listen to the entirety of the elevator song.

They immediately made their way through the hall towards the entrance. All the while as Sakurako continues to turn her head around as she's feeling agitated somehow. However, Sakurako doesn't show her upsetting expression, which a bit bothered Himawari. The sisters and the mother, on the other hand, found the atmosphere of the halls a bit noisy and a bit empty.

They're halfway from reaching the entrance when they see there's a parent with a daughter enter the hospital. Although, Sakurako notices the familiarity of the face. Prominently, the square-glasses that daughter wore. It was when they get close enough to each other to see who it really is.

"Ah? Saoki-san?" Himawari was the first to interrogatively greeted her.

"Himamari-chan?" Saoki filled her surprise with glimmering eyes. "Sakurako?"

"Hmm?" both families stopped in front of each other before the man beside Saoki asked. "Oh, you must the Oomuro Family Saoki told us about?"

"Yes, we are," the mother replied. "And you must be Saoki's parents."

"That's correct," Saoki's mother replied before that family bowed. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise," the Oomuro mother replied as the family and Himawari bowed. "Tatsuya…-sama, is it?"

"Yes, Oomuro-sama," the other mother replied with a nod. "You have such beautiful daughters."

"Why, thank you," the Oomuro mother can never smile brighter. "These are Nadeshiko, Sakurako, and Hanako. And this is Himawari, a neighbor of ours."

"We're glad to know you," Saoki's father then looked back at the Oomuro mother. "I assume one of your daughters is sick?"

"Actually… Sakurako is wounded," the Oomuro mother then looked at the said girl. "She accidentally stabbed her own hand with a knife at school."

The Tatsuya family widens their eyes; Saoki is pretty mortified to know that she moves right in front of her.

Sakurako awkwardly shows her the wounded hand. "Don't worry, Saoki. I'm fine-"

"What do you mean you're fine!?" Saoki cut her off. "Look at that wound!"

"Calm down, Saoki-san," Himawari assured her. "We just visited the doctor before you came, and he assures us that she will be fine."

"And as a precaution," Nadeshiko added. "She was administered with tetanus injection."

"Woah, really?" Saoki asked the wounded blonde. "You agreed to that?"

"Yes," Sakurako merely nodded, wincing her eyes in discomfort. "Now… can you let go of my hand now?"

"Oh, uh, sorry," Saoki backed away from her hand. "Did it hurt?"

"It still hurts like needles," Sakurako replied. "It could be worse."

Saoki can tell, given her recollection about Sakurako's story back at that shot-up store. "Yeah… I don't think you should say that."

"I thought the same thing for my teacher."

Saoki's mother finds it curious. "Why would you think so, Sakurako-san?"

"Well," Sakurako paused for a moment. "She said that I would be all right."

Both families furrow their eyebrows and deadpan at her. Not for Himawari, though. The bluenette is at least a bit irritated to be reminded of Nishigaki's jokingly assurance.

"I'm sorry," Saoki's father responded. "I don't get it."

Himawari sighs out with eyes closed. "Which hand Sakurako got wounded in?"

Both families look at her before looking back at Sakurako. This process continues thrice before they finally get what Sakurako meant. The Tatsuya family stifles a giggle while the Oomuro family, even Hanako, have their eyes shaded by the joke. The joke is almost humorless but still apparent among the medicinal staff.

"Oh, we're sorry. We shouldn't laugh at your condition," Saoki's mother rubbed her mouth. "But I agree with you, Sakurako-san."

"I have to admit," Saoki's father added as he leaned in. "I think your teacher's suck at jokes."

"Oto-san," Saoki added as she looked at him. "Really?"

"What?" her father replied. "They agree with me."

"Yes," Sakurako immediately responded.

"See?" that father leaned his head at his four-eyes daughter.

Saoki can't help but sigh. "I think I would agree with him anyway."

"Um, Saoki," Sakurako tilted her head. "Why are you at the hospital?"

"Err," Saoki scratched her black hair. "I-"

"She's here to see if she's sick," Saoki's mother responded, hugging her hands on the shoulders. "She's been having a sore throat, headaches, and a little fever."

"Yeah," Saoki then smiled at the second sister blonde. "And I want to check with my asthma."

Sakurako unconsciously leans her head forward and shakes it. "Wait, you have asthma?"

"Yeah," Saoki took a deep breath before holding onto her warm forehead. "I don't really show that much, do I?"

"Well, you don't show that much," Sakurako shooked her head. "You've been fine from how I see it."

"That's because I had my medication," the four-eyes girl corrected her locks on her forehead. "Now, I came here to ask for a refill as well."

"Isn't asthma trouble breathing?" Hanako asked with a raised brow.

"Yes, but I'll be fine with proper medications," Saoki replied before she coughed a little. "Heh… what a trouble…"

"I wish you are in good health," Sakurako said as she held onto her shoulder.

"You too, Sakurako," Saoki returned the gesture. "I hope you'll be all- wait, no, I mean… I hope you'll be fine."

"Don't worry. You're not trying to joke," Sakurako assured her, staring straight at her eyes. "Shouldn't you be going now?"

"Oh, of course," Saoki's mother then remembered something. "But can I get your phone number first, Oomuro-sama?"

"Sure, here you go," the Oomuro mother exchange the numbers. "I wish we can talk again in the future."

"Me too," Saoki's mother smiled as she returned Oomuro's mother's phone. "Be careful on your way home, Oomuro-sama."

"Thanks," the Oomuro mother bowed. "I hope Saoki-san is doing well while on her medication."

"Arigato, Oomuro-sama," Saoki then looked over to the girls. "Himawari-san, Sakurako-san, I'll be seeing you later."

"You too, Saoki," Sakurako replied with a slight nod.

The Tatsuya family then continues on their way to their doctor. The Oomuro family only stands by to watch them walking down the hall. Of course, they didn't want to overstay their welcome. Sakurako was the last to leave since she stalled herself a little more to watch them. The former idiot blonde almost went into a jog to catch up with the rest of her family.

Nadeshiko was the first to notice her sister stalled behind a little. "Hm? Where were you?"

"I'm sorry, I was a bit distracted back there," Sakurako apologized. "Let's go home."

Before they proceed on, Sakurako wordlessly stares at the bluenette. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

The second sister did not say anything but reaches out her hand at her. However, the gesture did make Himawari blush.

"Wha-?" Himawari paused, then made a warm smile. "F-fine then."

Sakurako and Himawari get ahead of the family. Although, the sisters like the sight of the two getting along too well. Moreover, having Sakurako get along with Himawari started to turn common than how she treated her long ago. Well, the mother's just glad she doesn't have to listen to some nonsense rivalry between the two.

The night walk is calm, and they make it back home unscathed and uninterrupted.


22:00 PM.

Himawari is already in her pajamas and ready to sleep. While she is more inclined to sleep on the futon provided, Sakurako seems to be so insistent with sleeping together with her on the bed. However, knowing how argumentative Himawari is, Sakurako decides to give up on such an idea - even if the reason was being out of pity to prevent her from sleeping on the floor.

After the bluenette prepares the futon, she turns her head at the blonde. She soon immediately notices she has a bottle out on the desk, along with a small glass. Frankly, Himawari can't see what the bottle is from the blonde's back. She finally stands up with a sigh and walks over to her.

"Sakurako, what is that you're drinking?"

"Whiskey."

Himawari furrows her eyebrows as she looks over the bottle. "Did you say whis-?"

The bluenette stops, the same alcohol that she got yelled at a day ago. To be frank, she is more surprised that she's allowed to drink such a thing. Not that the blonde is addicted to drinking it.

"How many glasses are you planning to drink that?" Himawari stared at her with concerned eyes.

"For now?" Sakurako didn't roll her eyes as she pours the alcohol into the glass. "Just one."

Sakurako then brings the glass up to her chest with Himawari stands by her. The bluenette didn't say a word but takes notice that the blonde takes a deep, slow breath, expecting something to knock her out on the spot. Almost immediately, Sakurako begins downing the alcohol but stops halfway. The blonde had let out a few ragged breaths and had her eyes shut so tight. There's a single slight sweat came out from her forehead as she rubbed both mouth and nose at the same time.

Himawari was about to reach for the glass when she asked. "A-are you alright?"

"I'm… I'm fine," Sakurako let out another harsh breath to ease herself from the effects of the alcohol. "My whole throat is burning up."

"I think you should-"

"N-no, no, I'm fine," Sakurako paused as she let out another hard breath before continue to gulp down the drink until it's empty.

The blonde finally put down the empty glass and stands as still as she can. Himawari can only watch as she gazes at the alcohol taking effect on her well-being. A few seconds had just passed, but it had taken no effect yet. It was after she shook her head hard her body seems to start to become limp. Himawari understands that a girl could get drunk just by a shot of the alcohol. But she found it a little frightening that Sakurako is somehow sober despite its effects.

Sakurako then reaches to her own head. "Owh… so this is what it feels like."

"I think you should lie down now," Himawari assisted her towards her bed.

Sakurako then reaches all over her face. "I guess so… I barely feel my face…"

Himawari sits her down onto the bed, but Sakurako immediately asks. "We don't have any homework tomorrow, do we?"

"Uhm, no," Himawari shook her head.

The blonde let out a sigh of relief. "Good, I'm going to lie down now."

Sakurako lies on the bed and covers herself with the blanket. "Good night, Hima-chan."

"Good night, Saa-chan."

Himawari watches as her childhood friend quickly drifting away to sleep. Yes, it's horrifying to see how fast alcohol is at getting someone like a girl drunk. But also, she finds it adorable to see a sober-drunken Sakurako. It feels she could do… 'something…' to her when she's drunk. Then again, it's better to leave her alone for now.

The day is already late, and she hasted herself to sleep in her futon. She surely doesn't want to be late for school, that's for sure. For now, there is a Neverland of dreams that awaits them both. Something that would be enough to energize the two girls.