"Stop it, Mom!"

"Don't call me Mom! I wish I had never given birth to you, you money-sucker!"

"But I tried!"

"Tried? You came back with one hundred yen and you call that 'tried'?"

An empty beer bottle whizzed past Ai's head and smashed into the wall behind her. Shards of glass rained down on her, nicking her arms and snagging her hair. She cried out, curling into a ball. Her tiny body trembled. She could hear the footsteps coming closer. No, no. She had to run. She couldn't stay here any longer.

But where could she go?

She peeked past her arms and spotted the glint of another bottle in her mother's hand. The glass bits crunched under her mother's slippers. No time to think. She pushed herself up, hissing as the shards dug deep into her palms and knees. She held her breath and shot forward, ducking clumsily under the swinging bottle before slamming into the tatami mat. Get up, get up! She scrambled to her feet and made a mad dash for the door. Behind her, she heard her mother scream.

"Go and don't ever come back!"

As she passed by the dining room, she stole a glance at her father's photo on the altar. Her chest tightened, and she continued running.

"Can I stay here please?"

"I'm sorry, Ai-chan. Your mother would be upset if she found out. We can't afford to have trouble."

"B-But I have no—"

The door closed in her face. It happened again and again at all her relatives' houses. Some didn't even respond to her pleas, pretending not to be home when the lights were clearly on. All that separated her from a safe haven and a life on the streets was a heart—something that no one had.

She turned out her pockets and shook them, hoping for something to magically appear. Empty. She'd given her last coin to her mother.

It rained that night. She huddled under soaked cardboard that slowly fell apart from the merciless downpour. The rain pelted on her still fresh wounds, and the cold stung her bones. Her teeth chattered. With unsteady fingers, she picked at a piece of glass embedded in her knee, crying as she pulled it out. Blood rose from the pink flesh only to be rinsed away by the rain. Her fingers roamed over the other knee, repeating the action until color gradually drained from her face and black spots filled her vision.

She slumped over, making a noiseless splash as she hit the ground.

A peach!

It was half-eaten and had been sitting by the side of the road for God knew how long, but it was still food. Her stomach growled as her chapped hand reached for it... but a foot stomped down on it, sending bits of yellow-brown flesh flying everywhere.

She fell back with a gasp.

Her wide eyes trailed up to the face of a man who looked around her father's age if he were still alive. But his sneer was nothing like the warm smile she remembered.

"There's no free lunch in this world, kiddo."

Why? No one wanted it. It was rubbish. So why couldn't she have it? Why did he have to—

"I've seen you snooping around these few days. Trying to steal from us, ain't you?"

"N-No..."

"Still dare to lie? My friends from across town warned me about a kid who stole their stuff last week. It must be you!"

A kick to her stomach sent her skidding across the ground. Gravel scratched her back and ripped through her paper-thin shirt. She panicked. It was her only shirt.

She rolled over, whimpering from the pain, and pushed around on her elbows until she mustered the strength to stand. But when she barely got a shaky knee up, a burning sensation rose from her stomach and she retched, throwing up all over herself.

The viscous substance stained her shirt a greenish yellow.

"Disgusting. Get your stinky ass out of here!"

The man's voice echoed in her head, pushing out all other sounds. She grabbed a loose brick from the ground and stared at it through fresh hot tears, red rapidly filling her mind. It was heavy. Her breathing quickened, and she stalked the man until he reached a secluded part of town. With rage as her strength, she smashed the brick down on his head.

At the age of nine, Ai drew blood for the first time.

Ring!

Ai side-stepped the bicycle heading her way, barely dodging it. Her heart raced. It was happening again. Ever since that night, the memories had been plaguing her. It had been more than a week and it was driving her crazy. She dragged a palm down her face, squeezing her eyes shut for a moment before opening them again. Around her were lush greenery and colorful flowerbeds of the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Balls of blue and purple hydrangea were in full bloom among carefully pruned shrubs, attracting visitors from all over Tokyo. She took in the wide footpath, realizing how out of it she must be to have almost walked into a bicycle. She had thought a stroll through the gardens would clear her head but it was doing the opposite. The tranquil environment gave her mind too much space to wander.

Focus.

Inhale. Exhale.

Two women walked in her direction. They were sneaking peeks at her while whispering to each other.

"She looks funny."

"What's with the bandages?"

"Is her skin blue?"

"Or green?"

Ai ducked her head and walked a little faster. There was a gasp to her left as a young man jogged past her. Then a ball rolled and stopped at her feet. Running after it was a little girl with her hands outstretched. Ai picked up the ball out of reflex and handed it over. When their eyes met, the child let out an ear-piercing scream, drawing the protective instincts of her mother who slapped the ball out of her hands and tugged her away.

"Stay away!"

Her voice attracted more people and in the blink of an eye, a crowd had gathered.

"Isn't she the monster that appeared on the news a while ago?"

"The bodyguard of Konno Junko?"

"For real? She looks more horrifying in real life."

"It's my first time seeing an undead."

Ai staggered back.

"Why is she here?"

"A face like that shouldn't be out and about."

She moved back some more. Her world swayed; she smelled sewage, then blood and sweat and puke. Her ears drummed; she opened her mouth but the bandages tightened around her neck. Her skin crawled like there were a million ants nibbling on her flesh. She felt small, so small, as though she was back in the body of the kid that everyone kicked around and spat on. The people towered over her, closing in and not leaving even a gap for her to escape. She spun around. Their voices grew. Louder. Overlapping. Someone tore off her face bandages. Horror spread across their faces and the disgust in their voices dripped like venom, searing the inside of her skull. But no one turned away. They stared and pointed, like they were watching a freak show. Then the sneers started pouring in. The sick glee—just like those townsfolk. Those bastards who cheered at her death.

Those murderers.

But not this time. She wouldn't let them.

I'll kill you first.

She grabbed the nearest person and—

Something slapped her across the face.

Her ears rang.

"Ai-han."

Like a lifebuoy, the velvety voice seized her drowning soul and reeled her to shore.

"Yu...giri?"

She clutched her throbbing cheek. Before her stood Yugiri, fellow undead who now worked for the imperial family. Ai scanned the area, and a chill smacked her in the back. "It's just... you?"

Yugiri did not so much as bat an eyelid when she replied, "Yes. Is there supposed to be anyone else?"

There was no one else indeed. The area was devoid of humans save for an elderly couple in the far distance. All those people just now... where did they go? She felt her cheeks, then her mouth. Her bandages were still intact. She breathed in. The air was clean and mildly woodsy. A bird chirped, bright and free, and its calls were soon answered by more of its kind from the branches up in the trees. The gardens were as peaceful as they should be.

I had been hallucinating?

"Ai-han, you don't look well."

Yeah, she wasn't well. She was a mess.

"I'm okay." She winced at how hoarse her voice sounded but she pressed ahead, not about to let this hinder her mission. "Let's go. Please lead the way."

"As you wish."

She fell into step beside Yugiri, thankful that she did not probe.

The walk was serene and leisurely. Yugiri's quiet, comforting presence was akin to an anchor that prevented her mind from drifting to places it shouldn't be. This was how she had always been and Ai appreciated it; she clung onto it. Yugiri had been the one who watched over them when they were newly resurrected and struggling to make sense of the world they had been thrust into. She took the brunt of their hysterical outbursts in her stride, never once complaining, but if they ever crossed the line and needed a wakeup call, she'd literally slap their senses back. Ai scored the highest count out of them for being a rebellious, emotional wreck at the beginning. Not even their youngest member had been such a handful.

She resisted the urge to rub her cheek. The sting was going to last. This was not how she had imagined their first meeting in years to start off.

Dressed in a kimono top and a forest green skirt and sporting full human makeup, Yugiri blended in seamlessly, appearing no different from anyone on the street. But one look into her steady scarlet gaze and it'd be apparent that these were eyes that had witnessed the worst and best of humanity, so much that nothing seemed to surprise her anymore. And that was probably true. As far as Ai knew, she hailed from the Meiji era which had been one hell of a revolutionary period in Japan's history.

Along the way, they passed by several gates and sentries. Ai raised a brow the first time she saw the guards giving Yugiri a sharp salute. The level of respect was nothing short of dumbfounding, and none of them seemed fazed by Ai's appearance.

She felt eyes on her and turned to find Yugiri watching her, her expression gentle yet knowing.

"There's a rule in the Palace: treat everyone and everything with respect," Yugiri said.

"Are you reading my mind?"

Yugiri smiled. "It's written all over your face."

"Even with these on?"

"They can't hide what you are feeling."

Ai frowned, suddenly feeling naked even with all the bandages wrapped around her. "So do the undead fall under 'everything'?" she asked.

"Do you think we should?"

"I don't know. Maybe? It feels like I should but I guess it's different for you guys here." She didn't want to sound envious but the feeling still seeped through.

"Is it really different?"

Yugiri's response threw a wrench into her train of thoughts. Could it be that they faced discrimination here too? But it sure didn't seem that way. She opened her mouth but Yugiri spoke first.

"You have changed, yet not really."

"What do you mean?"

"We are the masters of our lives. How we view ourselves will determine whether we are 'everyone' or 'everything'."

"That's easier said than done. You're respected here and no one cares that you're an undead."

Yugiri's eyes glazed over, as if reminiscing about a faraway past that only she knew. "Nothing is easy, but it's always easier when you have someone who believes in you, don't you agree?"

Something jolted in Ai's chest.

"When you have that person, you will want to become better and not let them down. We find strength in ourselves, but we also gain strength from those who care about us. Ai-han, you are not alone."

Ai clutched her shirt collar, once again feeling like an open book.

"We have reached," Yugiri said as they arrived at the entrance of Homeiden State Banquet Hall, signaling the end of their conversation.

Upon stepping in, they were greeted by a flurry of activity. Staff members moved around with purpose, arranging the tables and chairs for the dinner dance tomorrow evening. Again, no one seemed bothered by Ai's presence. In fact, many of them paused to greet her with warm smiles, making her feel welcome before they returned to work. The feeling was surreal and she couldn't wrap her head around it.

The stage had already been set up with a large landscape mural acting as backdrop. She went in closer. The mural was installed flushed against the wall, leaving no space for people to lurk behind. The stage had steps on both sides and the front. She could picture it in her head: Junko walking down the front steps after her solo song and joining Hiroki in the middle of the hall for their dance. They would move in sync and deliver the perfect performance, delighting the audience and cementing their title as the Golden Couple.

Hiroki's smitten smile, and his hand on Junko's bare back as he led the dance...

Forward, side, close, back, side, close. Repeat. One, two, three, one, two, three.

Her lips, tinted a dainty pink, curving as she spun under his raised arm and lay against his chest, rocking gently, lovingly...

"Ai-han?"

Ai started. Yugiri's expression had slid into a frown.

"Sorry," she mumbled. "Which table will Junko be sitting at?"

She continued her inspection of the place, creating a mental layout and making sure all exits were covered. It was a big event with many high-profile guests such as ministers and other celebrities. Anyone of them might be the target of an attack for whatever reason and get Junko embroiled in the mess. She wasn't taking any chances. Junko's safety over everything else.

"Thanks for showing me around. I'll see you tomorrow," she said to Yugiri as they exited the hall.

"You're welcome. Would you like to stay for tea? I have some free time."

"It's fine. I should be heading back."

Yugiri nodded. "I will see you out then."

As they passed by a private garden, Ai heard children's laughter and the shrill barks of a puppy. She recognized the girl's voice. In the clearing amidst the pine trees were Lily and the crown prince throwing a yellow tennis ball from one end to another, though for some reason, Lily's hair was black. In the middle of the clearing was Romero, the undead pup, jumping futilely to catch the ball. But when the crown prince accidentally tossed the ball in Ai's direction, Romero's eye flashed. His tiny body morphed into a full-grown dog that matched her height as he pounced towards her.

"Rraaarghh!"

Wait, that didn't come from Romero.

Ai spied the large shadow looming over her and leaped out of the way just as Tae crashed into Romero, wrestling the ball from his jaws. Did she come from the tree?

"Ai-chan!"

Ai had barely sat up when Lily tackled her with a bear hug.

"You came!"

"Hey." She returned the hug. Lily's hair tickled her nose but it was hard not to smile. She was back in the company of her undead friends. Of course, she had Saki but being here, surrounded by four undead, it felt extra warm. Lily rolled off her, allowing her to stand.

"Ai-chan! Did you grow taller?"

The thought had never crossed Ai's mind. She placed a hand atop her head and compared her height to Tae who had appeared beside her and was eyeing her action with a tilted head. "I guess. You've grown quite a bit too."

"Really?" Lily stared up at her with large twinkling eyes.

"Yup."

"I'd prefer to stay small and cute but do you think I'll grow taller than Saki-chan?"

"She's Nikaido Shorty. What do you think?"

Lily broke out in guffaws. Tae too, even though it didn't seem like she knew what the joke was about.

"Oh my." Yugiri covered her mouth but the lifted corners betrayed her. "Does Saki-han know about this?"

"No way. She'd kill me." Ai laughed. She could already hear Saki yelling in her head. "By the way, Lily, what's up with your hair?"

"Oh this?" Lily slipped her fingers under her hairline and tugged off said black hair, revealing the bright blue poofy hair that Ai was familiar with. "It's my new wig! I'm testing it!"

"Wig?"

"Yup! I wear one whenever I need to blend into the crowd. My natural hair color attracts too much attention."

"Lily-han has an impressive collection of wigs," Yugiri said. "She is our master of disguise."

Lily puffed her chest out with pride. "It's a lot of fun, like I'm acting a different role every time!"

Ai could imagine that; it certainly seemed like something Lily would enjoy but before she could respond to Lily's excitement, Romero's yaps interrupted them. He had reverted to his puppy form and was pawing at her pants. She held out her arms, catching him when he jumped up. "Hey buddy. Sorry, were you feeling left out?"

Romero let out happy whines when she scratched his head.

"Who's this?"

Her joy plummeted when she heard the icy tone of the crown prince who stood before them. Self-consciousness reared its ugly head again when she realized both Lily and Tae were in full makeup too, leaving her as the odd one out. She hugged Romero closer.

"Don't mind him, Ai-chan. Light-kun always talks like that," Lily said.

"Tch. At least I don't act like a kid. Jumping on people is unbecoming."

People?

"You are a kid." Lily stuck her tongue out at him.

Ai bowed. "Good afternoon, Your Highness. My name is Mizuno Ai. I'm an undead bodyguard."

"I can see that. You look just like them when they are not wearing makeup. Your bandages are excessive though. Are they necessary?" Light asked.

Ai tried not to show her surprise at his bluntness; he had always been pleasant in public appearances. She glanced down at her bandaged hands. "I have some pretty bad scars. They can scare people."

Light hummed. "I had no idea people are so easily frightened nowadays. Who cares about that?"

"Don't talk like you're an old geezer," Lily piped. "You almost peed in your pants when you first saw us without makeup."

"Hey!"

"Now, now." Yugiri stepped in before they got at each other's throat.

Light folded his arms and huffed. "I'm beyond such childish arguments. I'll be going back to my room to study. And Mizuno."

"Yes?"

"You're welcome to hang around. Lily doesn't need to be with me during my study session."

In the end, Ai stayed not just for tea but dinner as well. It had been a nice change of pace to catch up with the rest—and quite the eye-opener too. They were well-loved by the imperial family and the staff, even the crown prince who seemed abrasive but still cared for them; if not, he wouldn't have allowed them to hang out with her.

It was late when she returned to the apartment. She could have reached earlier but she had taken a detour to recalibrate her feelings. Fun times were over; she had to face reality. Dread seeped into her nerves as she inserted the key into the front door. Things had been awkward between her and Junko, even more than before. They had not been speaking aside from work matters; interactions had been brief and clipped but that didn't stop the lingering gazes. Junko could be chatting and laughing with Hiroki one moment but in the next, Ai would catch her sneaking a glance her way. Ai, too, found herself doing the same. There was so much to say but she couldn't bring herself to; she had to stick to her plan. Sighing, she braced herself as she swung the door open.

"I'm ba—" She caught herself when she noticed Junko asleep on the sofa. She was sitting upright with her hands folded over her lap, head nodding every few seconds. Ai closed the door quietly, careful not to rouse her.

Saki popped her head out of her room and waved her over.

"Took you long enough," Saki hissed. "She's been waiting for you."

Ai's gaze flitted to the sleeping figure, feeling a surge of something in her chest. "I didn't ask her to."

"Well, she waited anyway."

"I see."

Saki looked like she wanted to bash her. "That all you can say?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"She sprained her ankle."

Now that got a reaction out of her. "What? Why didn't you tell me?"

"She said she didn't want to worry you. Just so you know, she was totally out of it during practice and you can bet your ass it had something to do with you. Luckily it's not a bad sprain but if she continues to act like this tomorrow, she's gonna fuck up the dance so you," Saki poked her chest, "better do something about it."

Ai slapped her hand away. "I'm not a doctor."

"You know I'm not talking about that. Anyway, I'm gonna sleep. You decide what you wanna do. Oh, and the makeup for tomorrow's in your room. Shades brought them over."

Right, the makeup. She wasn't looking forward to it but it was a rule—or undead dress code—for official events involving the imperial family. She would look at it later but now, she had to do something about Junko. Saki had already shoved her out and closed the door. Left without a choice, she walked over to where Junko was, keeping her footsteps light.

There was a glass of water on the coffee table, no longer warm. Junko must have waited a long time; she had always preferred warm drinks as they soothed her throat and helped her sleep better. Ai pushed the glass aside and sat on the table, watching her.

How long had it been since she took a good look at her?

Junko's chest rose and fell in even rhythm but her brows were knitted and her hands clenched over each other. It was not a restful sleep, it couldn't be. She should be in bed. Ai leaned forward, fingers reaching for her shoulder—

When did she have puffy eye bags?

When did she lose the baby fat in her cheeks?

Had she been crying? Had she lost weight?

Ai's hand fell back to her side. She looked down at Junko's ankle. It was in a brace so she couldn't see the extent of the swelling but the redness peeking through the gaps told her enough. Even if it was a mild sprain, it would affect her dance tomorrow but knowing her, she would smile through the pain because she would never want to disappoint the audience. Such was the pride of a professional idol.

Guilt fluttered in Ai's stomach. If she hadn't pushed Junko away, she wouldn't have been distracted. Performing for the emperor was the greatest honor imaginable for any artiste and all eyes would be on her, the hottest property in the entertainment world. It'd be disastrous if she messed it up. So much pressure on her and Ai just had to make it worse. What a bloody jerk. Her gaze traveled back to Junko's swollen eyes, then to her complexion that didn't seem as radiant as it used to be.

Suddenly she didn't have the heart to wake her up anymore. She wanted to embrace her, and whisper sorry a thousand times. Gently, she hooked an arm under her knees and picked her up.

She had really lost weight.

Ai's heart twinged, and she cradled Junko a little closer.

When she laid Junko down on the bed, she was still asleep. She pulled the blanket over her and almost immediately, Junko turned and curled on her side. Ai froze, afraid to move a muscle, until she heard the steady breathing again. Like a baby, Junko slept.

Yugiri's words, Lily and the crown prince's banter, and the surreal moments she'd experienced at the palace played like a showreel in her head. Their world was an unfamiliar one, yet—she slid her hand along the bedsheet until it came to rest over Junko's—the feeling wasn't totally so.

Why do you believe in me?

Nothing happened for a while, and Ai nearly laughed. What was she expecting? An answer? But then Junko's fingers curled around hers, and through those parted lips a murmur of her name slipped out. They pulled back into tiny smile, causing Ai's face to soften. Perhaps staying a little longer wouldn't hurt. It didn't seem like Junko would wake up anytime soon. She sat down on the floor, making sure her hand remained in place.

Hey Junko,

Is the 'Mizuno-san' in your dream holding your hand too? She must be more likeable than me, right?

She leaned against the side of the bed, mouth turned up in a half-smile, and closed her eyes.

The next afternoon, Ai stood before the full-length mirror, studying the face that looked so familiar yet felt like a stranger.

The scar-free skin, the pink undertone, the bronze-red irises. They did not belong to her anymore. This human face glaring back at her was nothing but a façade—and a reminder of the things she could never be.

"Oi, Ai, you ready? Need help?" Saki stopped by her door. Similar to Ai, her bluish undead skin and scars had been covered up with a thick layer of greasepaint and she was wearing amber contact lenses, looking very much like a normal human. She whistled. "Looking good there! Bet Junko'd be swooning at your feet."

Ai straightened her tie with more force than necessary and buttoned up the matching black suit jacket. They had a big day ahead and being distracted would be the last thing she needed. She slipped on a pair of black gloves in place of her usual bandages and flexed her fingers to stretch the leather. Tying the ends of her hair in a small ponytail, she took one last glance at her reflection and quashed the bile rising in her throat. Upon exiting the room, she was sprayed viciously in the face with something that reeked of vile chemicals.

"The heck is that?!" she croaked out in between coughs.

"Waterproof shoe spray." Saki grinned, waving a metal can.

"What!"

"Shades said we have to keep our makeup on at all times inside the palace. The dress code is as tight as Sakura's ass."

"I know that—no, not about Sakura's a-ass but shoe spray? Really?" Ai hacked again, trying to rid the residue sticking to her throat.

"Neesan and gang use something else but Shades said he couldn't get it in time."

"Did he bribe you? It's not like you to go along with something so ridiculous."

The question wiped off any earlier traces of mirth on Saki's face. "Are you seriously questioning me?"

Ai returned the stare, unflinching.

"Look, kid." Saki slung an arm around her, almost putting her in a choke hold. "I told you before. I'm a pro and I've been doing this longer than you. In this line we roll with the cards we're dealt with. No bargaining."

"I'm not a kid." Ai tried to wrench herself free to no avail. She contemplated pulling a Tae and biting Saki's arm.

Barely budging, Saki continued, "And I like what I see in the mirror. It's been forever since I got my old face back so if the stinky spray could make it stay, why not?"

"I... don't know about that."

"This, is why you're still a kid." Saki gave her hair a good ruffling before releasing her.

She didn't have time to argue because Junko's room door opened. Sakura stepped out first, but it was Junko's appearance that stole the air from her lungs.

Like a silky shawl, the white glittery gown hung off Junko's shoulders, leaving her skin bare and showing off the smooth dips in her collarbones, while the frills along the low neckline gave volume to her modest chest. The dress hugged her waist snugly, highlighting curves that were usually hidden. It was bold yet classy, and made her look like an angel freshly descended, here to spread heaven's glow.

"Damn girl, you look fine!" Saki said. "Doncha agree, Ai?"

"Y-Yeah..." Ai tried to smile but only managed a twitch of her lips.

"Thank you," Junko said while sneaking a peek at Ai. "Both of you look very sharp too."

"Junko-chan is right!" Sakura chimed in. "You two look so cool today! And your makeup is perfect. No one will be able to tell you're undead!"

"Of course! I'd slapped on so much of that shit that you can dig a hole in my face!"

While Saki reveled in the attention, the opposite was true for Ai. The compliments snapped her out of her daze, and she found them hard to swallow. This face was a mask. It wasn't her—not anymore. It didn't feel right to be proud of it.

"Aw man, if only you can attend the event. I wanna see you all dressed up too!" Saki lamented.

"I'd love to go too and see the palace from the inside," Sakura said. "But it's okay! I'll wait for the pictures from the media, and I'm sure Junko-chan will be perfect as always!"

Ai turned to Junko while maintaining her most neutral expression. "How's your ankle?"

"I just took some painkillers so it should be fine." Junko hiked up the frilly ends of her dress, revealing the dark bruise.

Ai frowned, not liking the look of it. "I bought kinesio tape this morning. Not sure if it'd work but it's worth a shot, and it's flesh-colored so it can cover up the bruise."

"So that's what you went out for!" Saki exclaimed. "Well, I know shit about it so you put it on for Junko."

That loudmouth. She didn't need to state the obvious.

"Babe, I'm feeling peckish," Saki said to Sakura out of the blue. "Can you whip up something for me?"

"Now?" Sakura asked.

"Yeah, there's still time." Saki wrapped an arm around her waist and led her towards the kitchen, not giving her a second to consider. Along the way, she turned back and shot Ai a wink.

Ai groaned inwardly at Saki's unnecessary actions. She averted Junko's trailing gaze and instructed her to sit down on the couch. Propping Junko's foot on a low stool, she got to work in silence, wrapping the injured ankle with the care of a museum conservator handling the nation's delicate treasure. It was tender to the touch and clearly still causing Junko immense pain from the way she hissed upon the lightest pressure. Ai didn't know how she was going to dance later—in heels, no less.

"I slept well last night."

The comment came out of left field, sending a cold streak down Ai's spine. She had made sure to leave the room before Junko woke up so how...

"Thank you for taking me back to my room."

She released a breath. At least it didn't seem like Junko knew about the handholding. Glancing up, she noticed that Junko looked well-rested indeed. It could also be the makeup but her eyes had regained their original sparkle and lost most of the puffiness. Ai lowered her head, concealing the rise of a smile. She completed the wrapping and helped Junko up.

"Mizuno-san." Junko's gaze flitted briefly before landing on Ai's shoulder. "I'm scared."

She felt it—the trembling in Junko's hand.

"I don't know if my ankle can hold up until the end."

"You'll do fine. Ishihara will match your pace. He's been working hard on it." The words slipped out before she could stop herself and Junko winced like she had just swallowed a bitter pill. Stupid, she couldn't afford to ruin her mood now. She squeezed Junko's hand. "If he can't handle it, I'll kick his ass."

Junko broke into a soft giggle.

"You're starting to sound like Nikaido-san."

"Is that an insult?"

And they shared a laugh—something they hadn't done in a while. Ai felt Junko return the squeeze.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it. It's—"

"Your job, right?" Junko finished for her.

Junko's expression bore a wisp of resignation, but her glossy lips held up a smile nonetheless. A quiet, but not uncomfortable, moment passed between them and this time, Ai didn't bother hiding her own smile. This was how their relationship should be—a bodyguard and her client. The meaning behind their smiles didn't matter, as long as Junko could devote herself to the performance later.

"Just focus on what you need to do. I'll watch your back, like I always do."