Across the plaza Asou could see Hina headed away from the storefront they had agreed to meet at. He was a little surprised to see she had waited up for him but relieved that he hadn't missed her.
Then he caught sight of her uncharacteristically worried expression, immediately followed by the sight of a man stalking close behind. Hina's shoulders were tense; she knew she was being followed.
Asou's heart stopped. At the same time, his brain kicked into full gear. There were plenty of street lights and a lot of people around. He hurried across the plaza, only slowing down when he was close.
"Hina," he called, loud enough to get her attention over the crowd. She turned to look at him just as he caught up to her, casually putting his arm around her shoulders.
"Asou-san!" Her face lit up upon seeing him.
"Sorry I'm late." He led her away and ducked into the closest shop, noting that the man hadn't gotten the hint and was still nearby. Hina opened her mouth to speak and he knew she was going to tell him about her stalker.
Discretion was not her strong suit and he didn't want the stranger knowing that he was aware of his presence. Before Hina could say anything Asou leaned down to cover her lips with his own. It was brief but had the desired effect. Pulling away slightly he whispered, "Don't turn around," gently cupping her face in his hand so she wouldn't turn instinctively.
He stood up straight and spoke in a conversational tone. " I hope you don't mind, I have to make a call. I won't be long."
Asou called another agent that he knew was in the area for work and informed him of the situation, describing the man in question. When he saw his friend escort the man out of the store a few minutes later he knew it was being handled.
The bodyguard breathed a sigh of relief and looked down at Hina. She was still blushing like a rose at his public display of affection and he found it hard to resist the urge to kiss her again and elicit a similar response.
"I'm sorry I was late, Hina. I couldn't get away from work…" he trailed off. No excuse was good enough after seeing what could've, and nearly did, happen. He should have been with her.
Hina could read the guilt on his face and grabbed one of his hands in both of her own. "It's okay Asou-san. You're here now. That's what matters."
He pulled her in for a hug. He hated close calls-they reminded him of his inadequacies, but Hina's smile and kind words soothed him ever so slightly.
"Happy birthday, Hina." Reaching into his back pocket Asou pulled out the box that held Hina's gift and handed it to her. In it was a simple black pager with a cute bear charm. "For emergencies," he said. Although he wouldn't be opposed to her messaging him every once in a while.
Hinata looked up from her gift with a smile that could rival the sun in brightness and hugged Asou tightly.
"Thank you Asou-san!" He failed to suppress the blush slowly rising to his cheeks.
"It's no problem. Just make sure you have it with you at all times." He watched as she put it in her pocket. "Hopefully there's still time to salvage the rest of your birhday."
Hinata smiled warmly at him, lacing the fingers of their hands together. Leading him away she laughed. "I think we'll manage."