Hanako and Keigo had a fairly quiet weekend, each doing their own thing at home, but when Monday came and it was time to return to work? Well, things weren't exactly quiet.

The local Police Force had reached out to the Hawks agency, asking for their help dealing with a Yakuza problem. It wasn't anything too serious, but definitely more than the department was willing to risk dealing with alone.

Hanako was busy keeping Keigo supplied with coffee or snacks, bussing stacks of paperwork back and forth, or making a food run when it came time for lunch. By the time the end of the shift came, everyone was exhausted and some people were asked to pull double shifts or be on call just in case. Hanako and Keigo didn't get to see much of each other- let alone interact- but when they were ready to leave, Keigo insisted that he saw her home safely each night.

Things continued like this for a few weeks and it was soon well into October. Hanako was worried that Keigo was working himself too hard to keep up with the requests of the Police Force, but she knew that he was more than happy to help them- even if he wanted a world in which heroes could complain that nothing happened that day.

One Friday evening, as they rode in the car towards Sumiyoshi, Hanako noticed that Keigo seemed lost in thought.

"You alright, sir?"

Keigo didn't seem to hear her and continued to stare absentmindedly out the window.

Hanako leaned forward, tapping on the driver's shoulder. "Hey, Matsuba, could you stop at the New York Store on Koyanagi-dori Avenue, next to Sumiyoshi Park, please? Mr. Hawks and I can walk the rest of the way."

Matsuba Yoshiriko, the man who drove them around most of the time now, nodded. "Of course, Hanako."

Hanako leaned back and looked over at Keigo again, reaching over to shake his arm gently. "Sir?"

Keigo was pulled from his thoughts and he looked down at her. "Hmm? Sorry, did you say something?"

"I just wanted to make sure that you were OK. You've seemed rather worn out lately."

Keigo offered her a smile. "Aww, that's sweet of you to worry. I'm alright, it's just been a long week." The car slowed to a stop and Keigo looked around. "Where are we?"

"New York Store, as requested, Hanako."

"Thanks, Matsuba."

"Of course," Matsuba offered her a smile. "Are you sure you wouldn't like me to stay and wait for you?"

Hanako nodded. "We can walk the rest of the way, it's only five or six minutes away."

"Alright, then,"

"Oh, by the way, I have something for you," Hanako looked through her purse until she found the package she had kept stowed there. "This is for you and your family, I hope you like them."

Matsuba took the package and could already smell the delicious aroma of homemade dango. "Hanako, you didn't have-"

Hanako smiled and shook her head. "It's my way of showing how much I appreciate you driving us around all the time, so thank you."

Keigo hadn't seen Matsuba that happy in a while and he couldn't help but smile before getting out of the car and holding the door open for Hanako. He leaned down and looked in at Matsuba. "Take the weekend off, my friend. You've earned it."

"A-Are you sure, sir?"

"Absolutely. And here, these are for you and your family," Keigo handed him an envelope with some tickets inside for the local amusement park. "Enjoy the weekend, Matsuba!"

Hanako's smile grew when she saw the sheer look of gratitude in Matsuba's eyes as they stepped back and sent him on his way.

"So, need to do some shopping before you go home?"

Hanako nodded as Keigo turned towards her. "Yeah, I need a bit of a restock. I hope you don't mind?"

"Spending more time with you? Why would I mind that?"

Hanako blushed at that, then smiled and gestured for him to follow her inside. "Let's go then."

Keigo walked with Hanako, carrying some of the bags despite her protests, as they made their way down the side street from the grocer's to Kokutetsu Street.

"Not a bad walk," he commented. Their route seemed like any other normal neighborhood route, taking them passed electronic stores, an architecture firm, housing, and even a senior high school.

"I enjoy it. This route even goes passed the park where all the local Shinto shrines are."

It didn't take them much longer to reach Ajisai Apartments, just a few minutes more, and Hanako led the way up to her unit. Keigo followed her inside as she opened the door.

Keigo set everything on the step and stood. "Would you like help putting things away?"

Hanako slipped off her shoes and set them aside before turning to him. "I think I can manage, but thank you."

Keigo nodded and turned towards the door. "Well, I'll get out of your hair, then."

"Um, actually..."

Keigo looked over his shoulder at her. "Hmm?"

"Would you like to stay for dinner? I do still owe you after you took me out on my birthday."

Keigo's eyes widened for a brief moment with surprise, but he smiled and nodded. "Sure, I'd like that." He felt his chest tighten and butterflies begin to churn in his stomach at the sight of her beaming at him. 'She's so happy.'

"I'll get started then," Hanako said, grabbing the groceries. "Make yourself at home!"

Keigo pulled off his boots and set them on the shoe rack, then slid out of his jacket and hung it on the coat rack before stepping up into Hanako's home.

Hanako pulled the groceries out of the bags and looked up when he whistled. "What?"

"Nice place."

"Thank you." She opened the fridge to put the perishable items away first. "I was able to buy it with the money I made after selling the house."

"You have great taste, too," Keigo looked around the large room that played host to the living, dining, and kitchen areas. She accented the bamboo colored walls and earthy toned pine flooring with warm grays, laurel green, and various shades of teal. On her walls hung various pictures and paintings, along with a clock, some family photos, and a wall hanging planter. She had various potted plants in the living and out on her balcony as well. He could see where the bathroom was near the front door and where the bedroom was next to the kitchen.

"Thank you," Hanako said as she finished putting away the groceries. "Would you like some tea?"

"Sure, that sounds great." Keigo came over to the kitchen, watching as Hanako filled the tea kettle with water and started the stove before moving over to the tall cabinet next to the fridge. "I have mint, peach, spiced plum, lychee and gooseberry, regular green tea,"

Keigo came up behind her, looking at the options as she read them off. "Spiced plum sounds good."

Hanako jumped, having not heard him come up behind her. "A-Alright," She reached up to grab the container of tea blend, but Keigo grabbed it first and handed it to her. "Thanks."

Keigo smirked. "Any time," He watched as she slid over to one of the drawers, pulling out a tea ball. As she spooned the tea blend into the tea ball and set it into the tea kettle to brew, he took a seat at the table. "So, what did you have in mind for dinner?"