Disclaimer: The characters of Psycho-Pass belong to Production I.G. and Funimation.

Day Five

To his inexplicable dismay, he wakes up to find his bedside empty. This is not a good sign; it has only been two days, and he is already getting used to seeing her first thing in the morning. Fast.

After three years of aloofness, is he getting attached to her?

Or has she secured his attachment already?

Shaking his head to shoo away all the disturbing thoughts, he notices that he can actually shake his head, and that his appendages are not so useless anymore; his strength is returning.

Good. At least he won't be forced the humiliation of being fed by a twenty-year-old girl anymore, though he has to admit that the way she talked him into compliance was quite funny. And dangerous. He can only hope that she would not use such a method every time she wants something. With those eyes, 'the Eyes' he would name, how can any sane man deny her request?

He sighs. His life has been a jumbled mess lately, and his little inspector is not helping.

Before his thoughts can take a more depressing turn, the object of his contemplation enters the room.

He immediately notices the familiar scent wafting from the paper bag in her hand. It seems she has brought him a more appetizing breakfast than the horrible porridge yesterday.

Akane beams at him. "Good Morning, Kougami-san."

He nods. "Good Morning, inspector."

"How are you feeling?"

He experimentally stretches and fists his hand. "Improving, I think."

A sunny smile lightens up her face.

"It's almost noon now. Guess what I have brought here for us."

Reaching into the paper bag, she produces a hamburger wrapped in a wax paper with a nostalgic logo. He used to frequent the place with Sasayama before everything went to hell.

The look on her face tells him this is not a coincidence.

Her eyes cast down at her hand, she says timidly, "I heard from Masaoka-san that you always went to this place so..."

He feels a slight tug on his heartstrings. "...Thank you."

Handing him the food, she grins. "Would you like my assistance?"

He almost makes a face. "No."

Giggling softly, she sits down at his bedside and produces another wrapped package from the bag. They eat in comfortable silence.

Today she seems more at ease around him. It's a wonder, at least to him, how sharing trivial information about himself could have such an effect. Is she interested in his life that much?

When they finishes their meal, she puts all the garbage back into the paper bag. Then something on his face catches her attention.

"There's something at the corner of your mouth." Grabbing a tissue paper, she says,"Here, let me wipe it off."

She leans over his bed and reach her hand out to wipe his face, but before she can complete her task, she trips over something and falls onto the bed.

Although he is fast enough to grab her shoulders, now their faces are less than an inch apart. Staring into her panicked eyes, which are now baring her soul to him, he can feel her shallow breath tickle his skin. His eyes slowly trace down her rosy cheeks to her full lips.

It takes all his willpower just not to give in and claim those soft-looking lips.

Despite her nonexistent experience, Akane seems to know instinctually what he is thinking. Her breath slows as her eyes flutter close, completely placing herself at his mercy.

No, he shouldn't take advantage of her. He doesn't wish to risk tainting the pure crystal that is her soul.

Steeling himself, he wills his hand to move.

Her eyes fly open as he ruffles her hair, the obvious look of hurt and confusion in those brown orbs making him almost regret his decision.

"Watch your step, inspector." Steadying her on her feet, he tries to lighten the air between them. "You were lucky it was just me this time."

She looks away sadly. "I- I will. Thank you, Kougami-san."

A forced smile on her lips, she says softly. "I have some work to take care of. I'll come again when I can."

"Please get well soon, Kougami-san."

With that, she is out of the room.

Now Kougami feels like punching something, preferably himself for hurting her feelings, but it can't be helped.

He has done the right thing, hasn't he?