red string || sano manjiro/ mikey

chapter xlvi: matters to discuss

"i need to deal with a few things in toman."

kazua's visitors were told to leave by two in the morning due to visiting hours, and they all cleaned up before leaving. they made sure to send their regards to kazua, too, and wished for her quick recovery before they left. however, one person was allowed to stay and watch over her.

senju couldn't because her older brother wanted her home before sunrise, and she was forced to leave the task to sano manjiro himself.

he stayed there, slept, and helped kazua eat breakfast when it was morning.

"don't get yourself into a fight again. i'm not in the condition to help your dumb ass." kazua lightly rolled her eyes, watching him put on his commander's coat after a quick change of clothes in the bathroom.

"you're not even supposed to help in the first place." he grinned. "so stay here and rest until you regain your strength."

most people would see mikey as a pretty impatient person, but he's awfully patient when it comes to kazua. even questions that he's begging to be answered were held back to make sure that he won't mess up with the girl.

"hanma's the one who did this to you, right? just to confirm."

"oh, that's his name?" kazua adjusts her sitting position, reaching for her phone. mikey took it and handed it over to her before she could force herself to lean. "guy with a yellow streak and tattoos on the back of his palms."

"yep." mikey popped his mouth. "do you want to tell me anything else before i leave?"

kazua pursed her lips, following through her own plans. "tetta kisaki."

"huh?"

"he's the guy who ordered hanma to kill me. it wasn't just hanma. there were more people sent to me in attempts to end my life." she explained. "if you won't believe me, ask baji about the fight in valhalla. you'll know why i'm pinning this down on kisaki."

mikey's eyes never broke contact with the latter's, and he can see the sincerity within her eyes that told nothing but the truth. "there's no reason for me to doubt you." he smiled softly. "i'll be back by noon."

"you don't have to, you know?" kazua raised an eyebrow, questioning his hospitality. "i'm not your responsibility."

"you're not a responsibility. you're far more important than that." mikey playfully clicked his tongue out. "from now on, i'm taking you home everyday again to make sure that you're alright. better yet, you should move in with us."

"w-what?! no!"

"oh, come on! as if you've never slept over. i live in aniki's garage now, you know? we can both live there together!"

the raven didn't know if her supposed friend is innocently stupid, or is just really ignorant. he said it so lightly, as if she'd never be a bother to him and his family's lifestyle. kazua can carry her own weight.

she doesn't need to move in with anyone.

"it's fine, really. i can handle myself."

mikey hums, a little disappointed that she keeps on turning down his offer. she might not be ready just yet. after all, they are yet to talk about their past.

mikey's yet to apologize for what he did.

"the offer will stay open until you accept." he smiled softly at her, patting her head lightly with his hand. "but i wasn't offering when i said i'll be taking you home. i'm meant to do that."

knock!

knock!

the door creaks open, making the two crane their attention to its direction. with mikey's hand still resting on kazua's head, takemitchy welcomes himself inside with an awkward smile.