Anzai slips his jacket on as he's getting ready to go out, Aina walked over to see him putting on his shoes. "Anzai ? Are you going somewhere ?" He took a glance at her, a bit surprise by her question. "Just gonna do some errands." He smiled softly, His red eyes locked on her gentle blue ones with care and concern "Try to get some more rest, okay ? Oh ! And I'll bring something to eat when I get back." Aina nods in understanding "Alright" She said smiling a little. Anzai went up to her, taking her hand in his and giving it one last gentle squeeze before he leaves. "I'll see you later, Miss Aina." He said, letting go of her hand and heading to the front door.
Aina stood silently before heading to the living room, where she saw a balcony window. She slid it open and felt the morning breeze blow across her face, admiring the view of the clear sky.
Meanwhile, Anzai had been constantly drifting back to the devil attack, carrying a bag of takeout after finishing his errands. He sees the police investigating the scene and TV news headlines questioning them. But he dismisses them, heading his way back to his apartment.
Anzai finally made it home as he unlocked and opened his front door. He called out for Aina until he noticed her standing on the balcony. Quickly setting the bag of takeout on the counter, he joined her outside. "Hey, what are you doing out here, Miss Aina?" Aina shifted her head to see him. "Oh, Anzai! Welcome back. I went out to get some fresh air." She said, looking back at the view of the city. "That's good," he said as he stepped beside her. "I brought some food. Are you hungry?" He asked, and she nodded. They were led back inside, and he set the bag of food on the table.
He started to unpack the containers, revealing an assortment of dishes from a local restaurant. "I wasn't sure what you liked, so I just got a little bit of everything," Anzai said, gesturing to the food. Aina sat on a chair, scooted herself to the table, and thanked him in gratitude for the food before she ate.
Anzai watched her eat, feeling glad to see her doing better while he was gone. "So how are you feeling now?" He asked a second time, taking a seat across from her. "You were pretty shaken up earlier." Aina paused, uneasily fidgeting. "Honestly...I'm scared." Anzai's expression softened as she confessed through the fear in her voice. "I'm scared...that if there are more monsters like that..." Anzai's expression turned serious as he leaned forward, reaching across the table and placed his hand on hers. "I know it's scary, but I promise I'll do everything I can to keep you safe from those devils, Miss Aina." He said firmly. Aina glanced at him with a questioning look. "Anzai? What is a 'devil'?" She asked.
Anzai took a deep breath, preparing to explain. "Devils are creatures that feed on human blood," he explains in a low and serious tone. "They're often stronger and faster than humans, and have abilities to shapeshift and manipulate. But they are dangerous." Aina stares at him in wonder and curiosity. "Were you scared at first ?" She asks as her voice squeeks. Anzai chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Of course I was" He admitted. "I was terrified when I'd first encountered them."
He noticed the change in her posture and moved closer to her. "Hey," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, I won't let anything happen to you. I promise." Aina let out a small smile, feeling trust in Anzai's words. "Thanks, Anzai," she said as Anzai smiled warmly and squeezed her shoulder. "You're welcome. Just remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you," he said reassuringly.
After dinner, Aina went to wash her face, and Anzai cleaned up the table, washing the dishes. His mind still couldn't shake the feeling about her.
Hearing the sound of water running from the bathroom, he decided to check on her. Aina rinsed off her face. She saw her reflection in the mirror, suddenly gasped in horror at a shadow figure that haunted her.
She started to hyperventilate just as Anzai quickly burst through the door and sees her visibly shaking. "Hey Miss Aina ! Hey !" He rushes to her side "What's wrong ? What happened, Miss Aina ? Aina !?" Anzai sensed the panic in her eyes, realizing that she's having a panic attack. He gently grabs her arms, soothing her. "Miss Aina, Try to calm down. Look at me and breathe"
Aina clenched her chest, feeling it tighten, but Anzai continued to aid her with a soothing voice, trying to help her focus and calm down. "Breathe in and out." He moved his hands up and down, repeating his instructions as she followed. "That's it. You're doing great, Miss Aina. Just keep breathing." He felt her shoulders relax slightly under his touch, giving her an encouraging smile. Aina started to regain consciousness and blinked, seeing Anzai so close to her.
"Are you okay, Miss Aina?" he asked, letting out a sigh of relief. "I kept seeing it... No matter where I am, I feel it watching me." Anzai's expression darkened at her words. "Is it the one from what you saw in your nightmares?" His grip tightened slightly on her shoulders as Aina dug her nails into his shirt, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he placed his pale hand on top of her shaking ones, trying to soothe her. "Hey, it's okay," he said softly. "I'm here, Miss Aina. You're safe with me, I promise."
Aina quivered in fear. "I'm scared, Anzai. I'm scared that those things will come find me and..." Anzai wrapped his arms around her before she could proceed, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "Shh, It's okay." He whispered, "I won't let them hurt you. I'll protect you." Aina leaned further against Anzai's chest. He gently stroked her black hair, trying to provide her with a sense of comfort and safety.
He could feel her body shaking slightly against him, and it broke his heart to see her so afraid. "I'm here," he repeated softly and reassuringly. "I'll stay with you until you feel safe again."
Aina lifts her head slightly, facing him. "Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?" she said shyly. Anzai nods, accepting her request. "Of course," he said, giving her a warm smile. "I'll make sure you're safe and that no one hurts you." Leading her back to the bedroom, his arm still around her shoulders as he guided her to bed and helped her lie down.
He sat down on the edge of the bed, keeping a protective presence beside her. "Do you want me to hold your hand, Miss Aina?" he asked her softly. Aina nodded and took his hand, interlacing her fingers with his.
Anzai gently rubs the back of her hand in soothing circles with his thumb. "Try to relax," he said in a low, calming voice. "Close your eyes and let yourself drift off to sleep. I'll be right here with you." Aina focuses on Anzai's voice as she begins to close her tired eyes.
Anzai continued to hold her hand and talk to her as he watched her body begin to relax.
Aina's breathing became more steady and deep as Anzai sat beside her for a few moments, making sure she was truly asleep.
Carefully slipping his hand out of hers, he looked down at her, feeling worried. He couldn't help but feel like he wanted to stay and not leave her vulnerable. But he determined to keep her safe from the dangers of devils that would harm her. Quietly leaving the room, he left the door cracked open as he went.
Throughout the day, Anzai found himself constantly thinking about her..
