A week went by since Michiru last met Bansai. Though she admitted to herself she'd been more curious about this strange person, she wasn't desperate enough to go out and look for him all day and night. Especially when he was part the Kiheitai, one of the most infamous crews. Besides, the idea of taking hours of searching for him for a somewhat small reason seemed ridiculous in Michiru's opinion.

She replaced her bandages the day before. The sight of her cut made her grimace but the red wound reminded her of her last interaction with the man. Would he bring this up the next time they'd see each other? Somehow, Michiru doubted that scenario would happen. Why would he care enough to say anything about it?

The sun set in the horizon, bringing the sky to darken and air to cool down.

Flipping her pink phone open, Mika checked the time.

21:28

Sighing, she headed for the living area, where Michiru stood from the floor, holding her empty bowl.

"Michiru, you think you can head to the store to get some groceries for tomorrow?"

"Sure, I can do that. I'm in need of a new pair of stockings, anyway." The woman peered down at her right stocking. Even after three washes, the blood barely faded, much to her disappointment. It didn't help her stocking was white, making the stain even more blatant. Thus, she received a few stares while being out in public. Sure, she could have not worn her stockings at all, but Michiru didn't like the idea of having most of her legs bare outside.

"I should've asked you to go earlier," Mika said, lowering her irises.

"Because it's getting dark?" She guessed, quickly earning a nod as an answer.

Mika rested a hand behind her head. "I was just focused on making dinner."

"Hey, it's okay. It was too warm out earlier, after all."

"I know, but…"

When Mika didn't finish, one corner of Michiru's lips curved up. Stepping in front of her, she formed a hand into a fist, soon lightly hitting the top of her head. Mika formed a deep frown.

Michiru said, "I'll have my weapons with me. I always do. You know I never go out without them."

"Just try not to take too long at the grocery store, okay?" Mika pouted, something Michiru hadn't seen in a while. Because of this, the latter chewed on her lower lip to prevent laughter from escaping. Her puffed cheeks gave it away, though.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing, nothing," Michiru responded, waving a hand side to side. "I'll try not to take long, though you haven't told me what you wanted me to get. If you want me to get a lot of things, then I'll definitely take a long time."

Mika rolled her eyes. "The only things I'd like you to get are rice, potatoes, leeks, and broth."

Michiru lifted a thumb up. "Got it. Well, I'll be back."

With that being said, she went over to the sink to put her used dishes in. Afterwards and without exchanging words with her twin, she slipped into her sandals before stepping out.

Later…

Exiting the grocery store, Michiru eyed down at the bag.

"Potatoes, rice, broth, leeks, and a pack of stockings...I believe I've got everything," Michiru muttered under her breath while holding a smile. She turned to the left.

I should go through the park again. That'll get me home quicker.

With that, she headed for the mentioned park in silence.

Michiru reached the area within minutes. Grabbing her phone, she used her thumb to flip it open.

22:16

At this time, a few stars became visible in the clear sky.

I have been gone for some time...

Shaking her head, Michiru sauntered through the park. Initially, she didn't notice anyone else in the public area, which was what she expected. Most people wouldn't bother arriving here at this time of night.

About halfway through the park, the woman witnessed a person sitting on one of the benches. As she got closer, her eyes squinted. It didn't take long for Michiru to recognize the features of this individual.

Bansai? What's he doing here? Is it because it's dark?

While stepping towards him, his cell phone rang. Pulling it out from his coat, he opened it before shifting one side of his headphones. Bringing the phone next to his ear, he answered the call, "Hello? Oh, Otsu-dono, what good timing!"

Michiru halted. Otsu-dono? Is he talking about Terakado Tsu? If so, then...

"I have a few ideas for your next song. I'll make sure to send them to you before the end of this week."

Michiru paid no heed to Bansai concluding his phone call; instead, her mind filled up with far too many questions and comments. Both of her brows twitched as her body shook a tad.

The bag she carried rattled, bringing his attention to her. They stared at one another, with Bansai saying, "Michiru."

Pointing at him, she asked, "You're Tsunpo?! The person who writes crude lyrics for Otsu?!"

Bansai opened his mouth, but before he had the chance to respond, Michiru's eyes rolled to the back of her head.

Eh? What's happening to me?

The last thing she saw before losing clarity in her vision was Bansai standing from the bench whilst saying her name a second time.

Shortly after, Michiru regained her awareness, only to discover her back lying on the ground. Turning to the bag, it became apparent just the potatoes spilled out.

"Ugh..."

Crouched next to her, Bansai used a stack of newspapers to fan her face.

"You just fainted, I daresay," He informed as though she hadn't already figured it out. "May I ask how exactly that happened?"

"Sorry," Michiru replied, though unsure why she specifically uttered an apology. "I guess I couldn't comprehend this in the slightest at first."

When she lifted her upper body up, Bansai folded up the newspapers. "Well, since you seem to have overheard my phone call, it's futile for me to keep this from you."

Resting her forearms on her knees, the woman repeated after a sigh, "You really are Tsunpo. I can't believe it."

Never in a million—no, billion years would I think an assassin would simultaneously be one who writes a majority of Otsu's songs!

Michiru said, her voice low to the point of sounding nearly masculine, "No way am I telling anyone about this. I can hardly believe it myself!"

"That was the point. The general public doesn't know my true identity," He indicated.

"I kinda figured since you're a freaking criminal!"

"Just try not to take too long at the grocery store, okay?"

Michiru's eyes widened. "Crap! Mika!" She hurriedly pushed the potatoes back into the bag.

"Are you in a rush to head home?" Bansai asked.

"Yeah, you could say that. My sister told me to not take too long outside; she tends to worry about my safety a lot, especially at night," She admitted with a cracked smile.

Officially standing up after clearing her head,, she added, "I gotta get going. Bye." Michiru turned her body, but took a single step forward before being interrupted.

"Hold on a minute."

Michiru frowned, turning her gaze back to him. "What? Is there anything you want from me?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact." Getting his cellphone back out from his coat, he suggested, "How about we exchange numbers?"

"Wait, what?" She deadpanned.

"I ask, because it'll be more convenient that way. I'm a busy man."

The same cracked smile plastered on her features. I guess it's reasonable, but...

"Why would you want to exchange numbers with me, a regular citizen?"

"I already said it was for convenience's sake."

"I know that!" She piped without a second thought. "It feels weird, that's all!"

"You say it's weird, yet you don't appear to have any issue making conversation with me. It's another reason I asked," The man pointed out.

"We're speaking in person!"

"How's this any different?"

"Gah…" Only gibberish ran through her head, therefore stumbling on her words. An imaginary ding of a bell rang in her ears as her shoulders slumped. "You win. I don't have any more excuses…"

Michiru pulled her phone out before the two exchanged numbers without a word. She demanded when it was out of the way, "Now can I go?"

"Yes."

He didn't need to repeat himself, for Michiru sprinted off.

I don't have any problems talking to him, huh?

She arrived back at her house within minutes, panting heavily while beads of sweat trickled down her entire face. Instantly after entering her household, Mika stood in the doorway, hands on her hips and her brows scrunched.

Sighing, Michiru spoke, "I know, what took me so long. I got a bit distracted on the way back."

Crossing her arms, Mika replied, her expression unchanged, "At least you're okay. Seriously, I was very close to calling you to see where you were."

Michiru rolled her irises, pointing out, "It's only been an hour."

"That's still too long...at least, by my standards!"

"Exactly," The other sister droned. "They're your standards. The only reason I ran home was because I didn't want you scolding me for 'taking too long'."

It was Mika's turn to heave a sigh. "You got everything, right?"

"Yep." She held up the bag full of the requested items up until her arm straightened.

"Good. I'd like you to put those away; now that you're back, I'm going to bed." After turning in a half circle, she started towards the other side of the house.

Michiru narrowed her eyes at her back. I did the shopping! Mika should be the one putting the groceries away!

Inwardly grumbling, she went to the kitchen. Due to there being not many items, it took little time for Michiru to set everything in their respectable spots. A single item remained in her hands, which were the pack of stockings.

Leaving the pack unopened, she headed back to her bedroom. Soon after going in, she stripped most of her clothes off, the last pieces being her stockings. Speaking of which…

I think I'll toss these ones. Not really any point in keeping them.

When dealing with that slight nuisance, she took out her futon, eventually sliding most of her body under the blanket. Lying on her stomach, she wrapped her fingers around her green cell phone. Michiru flipped it open before going to the contacts section. Specifically, one under the name "Tsunpo".

If anyone were to see my phone by accident, I wouldn't want them to see the name "Kawakami Bansai" in my contacts. Still, I don't know if I'll ever get over the fact that he's Otsu's producer.

Thinking more on this brought her to smirk as a chortle bubbled up her esophagus.

I can't believe I fainted...that hasn't happened in a while.

"How about we exchange numbers? I ask, because it'll be more convenient that way."

Michiru ceased the chuckle in the back of her throat.

"Never did I think Bansai would go as far as asking for my number. Is he into my 'song' that much?" She mumbled into her pillow. "Or is it because I really am curious about him?"

A lengthy pause occurred for a couple of seconds before Michiru smacked her fist on her own head.

Don't be stupid, Michiru. How would he know that? There's no way he's that observant...right?

Another moment of stillness surrounded her.

Whatever. I need to sleep.

To be continued...