2nd Shot: Company

As Tsukasa's ordered, Ukyo guided Shinko around their area–explaining the nook and cranny of the entire place. He showed her many spots–the gathering area, the river where they usually took their water supply, the cave as the place for sleeping, food and log storage, and many more.

For a while, there was only awkward silence between them–but with each of them occasionally starting a conversation, and exchanging questions and answers, soon enough the two of them have a nice steady talk even though it's mostly about reminiscing their old world.

Ukyo learned about her a little bit more, the same went for Shinko as well.

He now knew about her basic life before the whole ordeal of having people turned into stone–like Minami mentioned before, she was indeed a Japanese archery athlete. She was interested in the traditional sports ever since she was very young, winning many competitions just until recently, building herself a name people would respect.

Shinko listened to his own personal story about being a sonarman in SDF Navy, his previous job. Still, he didn't say too much about his hearing ability. They fell into a comfortable pace until day transitioned into evening before shifting into a cold night under thousands of stars. Everyone in the empire gathered around a big bonfire being lit not far from the cave, around it was placed different types of meat cuts in skewers.

"It's dinner time." Ukyo said, noticing Shinko staring at the group of people who began to chewing on the freshly cooked meat. "Come on."

She seemed to hesitated for a while from how she didn't trail behind him–he understood, there were many new people to be around with. Not to mentioned most of them have a really bulky build made of pure muscles, quite intimidating undoubtedly.

"It's okay, I'll be right beside you." he tried to reassure her. Thankfully, Shinko nodded and trail after him to the crowd. As he approaches, people began noticing his figure.

"Oh, Ukyo-san! You finally come!"

"Good evening, Ukyo!"

"Here, have some meat, Ukyo-san!"

Ukyo smiled and greeted them back, hand waving lightly. Attention sure wasn't the best thing for him because he thought himself as an unimportant person. He heard a feminine chuckle right behind him. Glancing over his shoulder, watching how Shinko's shoulder shook slightly and mouth hidden beneath her palm.

"What's so funny?" his mouth moved on its own which made her flinch from his question. She rose her head slowly, giving him a nervous smile–definitely not expecting being caught red-handed.

"It's just Ukyo-san is really tense with all the attention. I just thought it's funny," well, at least she's being honest with him. "It seems people here really looks up to you."

"I don't know why though," he replied, rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably. "And what did I tell you about calling me without the -san?"

"Well, people have respect based on many things, but most of them from actions. You're one of the strongest here, Ukyo-san. No wonder they really respect you aside from how you have a great personality. And I can see that clearly. Besides," she stood right in front of him, the only distance she gave was a step away. "You have extremely insane ears."

He held his breath from the English words that seemed echoing through his mind.

Now, Ukyo understood as clear as crystal on why Tsukasa revived her.

.

.

Shinko sat on one of the empty spots not far from the crowd but still could feel the warmth from blazing bonfire. Tucking her knees close to her chest, she sighed slowly. She blew the chance of having a real friend she's comfortable with–Ukyo, undeniably, was taken aback by her vague words from before. Now, that man will definitely avoid her the next day.

Cursing at herself for being such a stupid person, she scoffed harshly–burying her face into her knees. Her appetite was drowned away by guilt, now the scent of grilled meat rendered stomach to twist uncomfortably. Maybe she should revert to her chambers.

Until there's a sound of footsteps beside her followed by ruffling of clothes–someone just sat beside her. She lifted her head up, only to be greeted by the same teal eyes she first saw.

"Here, you have to eat at least for a bit." Ukyo offered her a skewered meat with a smile, still sizzling. She stared for a moment before accepting the cooked food as Ukyo began enjoying his part of dinner.

"I'm very sorry," She blurted out. "I sounded very rude before, did I? I-"

"It's alright, I'm not angry." he cut off her rambling filled with guilt. "You just surprised me, that's all. People at least need a few days to know about my hearing, but you just knew right of. That's amazing, you're very smart."

"…I just put two and two together…"

"WHY ARE YOU EATING SO LITTLE!?"

Shinko felt her heart jumped to her throat from the ridiculously loud voice suddenly booming. She put a hand on her chest, trying to calm her frantically beating heart–looking at a well-built young man with spiky chocolate hair. He was quite intimidating from how his arms were full of muscles, however the kind glow in his eyes told her another.

"YOU HAVE TO EAT MORE!" he said (yelled) again, thrusting a huge chunk of meat on her face.

"I will grab more later, it's okay," she pushed the food away from her face softly. "Thank you for your concern."

"She'll eat more later, Taiju-kun! So have your fill first!"

Shinko noticed a young girl with short chocolate hair and an accessory similar to headphone rested on her head. Her clothes were in beige color and decorated with some pink. She's seen her somewhere-

"You're the girl from before, how are you?" she beat her to the first question. But, Shinko didn't mind–especially not when her question filled with genuine warmth and kindness.

She smiled in return. "I'm fine, thank you for your concern. Are you Yuzuriha-san, by the way? The one who stitched my clothes? Thank you so much. It's really wonderful and comfortable to wear."

"You're welcome! If you want anything else to wear, just ask!" Yuzuriha replied cheerfully.

"Now, you have to eat more!"

At least she had more company–it was greatly welcomed because she felt rather lonely. Everyone already knew one another and she was a newcomer, it would take a while until she accustomed with the others. Adapting will be rough but worth it in the end. She fell into a comfortable and fun conversation with Yuzuriha quickly. Is it because they are both woman so it's easier to get close? The young woman shared stories about herself and her friend, Taiju.

They were both from the same school, studying in the same year–Yuzuriha was a diligent member of the craft-club and loves what she does to the very core. It was entertaining to listen to her talk about fashion and designs because she was intensely passionate in that department. Taiju chimed in occasionally, making things even more fun and light.

"Yuzuriha-san, could you help with something?" Shinko asked.

"Sure, anything for you, Shinko -chan." she replied almost immediately, which warmed Shinko's heart.

"Could you make me a chest guard for archery? And a glove? If it's not a bother, if you're busy-"

Before she could finish, Yuzuriha held her hands in a firm grip and eyes sparkling in earnest. Maybe, designing and making everything related to fashion or clothes could be quite a trigger for the short-haired young woman. "OF COURSE! I'll finish it tomorrow! It will be perfect!"

"I-it doesn't have to be tomorrow-"

"Nonsense! It will be finished after you, Taiju-kun, and Ukyo-kun back from wood hunting!"

Knowing how fired up Yuzuriha was, it will be done tomorrow. Undoubtedly.