A Girl's Turmoil

Chapter 30 - Reckless

Even a few days after the Christmas celebration, that celebratory feeling doesn't fade away. The snow never wanes for a single bit as to blankets the lovely city in this late evening time. The usual heavenly white sleeping on the streets and paths are colored in with vigorous orange light, similar to lights on waves. Unlike waves, however, the snow shows glitter to all who continue to pass them.

While most only give it a glance, Sakurako Oomuro was more entranced with it to remove her boredom while she was on her way to Shiba's headquarters. Her parachute jacket still helps combat the weather and she receives extra warmth on her back by carrying a backpack. If she were, to be frank, she has nothing to do in the evening, and she doesn't feel like playing with Himawari or anyone else. So it might be best to take a visit to Shiba's place for a bit of gun practice.

However, there was another reason for her visit.

Reaching the place, she knocks on the door as usual and a henchman opens the door for her. The man greets her happily before he leads her toward Shiba's office. Along the way, other guards who are resting or walking down the halls exchange greetings with the blonde, to which she returns the gestures. They soon reach the office, and as the door guard is about to knock, they both hear a conversation from within. Sakurako comes closer to listen. Although their words were faint, she managed to make out some words from within. She recognizes one as Maru and the other being Shiba herself.

"...can't we just clap his ass?"

"Do you even know who that man was? If I had known who he was, I would-"

"I don't give a damn who he is! He just went in all and mighty and snooping our affairs!"

"Do you even think what will happen if we try that straight out? How this idea would affect Sakurako-"

"So you're telling me you want to keep this away from her? You think that's a good idea?"

"Why do you think he was here for?! Did you forget?"

Sakurako narrows her eyes, looking at the doorman who expressed the same thing. The doorman then went ahead to knock on the door with a couple of bangs.

"One moment," there was a faint shuffling sound before Shiba announced. "Come in."

Sakurako then enters while the doorman returns to guard his post. Shiba is still at her desk as usual with a teacup by her side, whereas Maru stands on Shiba's right side with his arms crossed. In her presence, Shiba shows a smile. However, Sakurako had winced her eyes at the smile she gave out.

"Sakurako, glad that you arrived," Shiba responded. "How was your day?"

"It was good. I got nothing to do this evening," Sakurako replied. "So I came here."

"I see. How's your family, by the way?" Shiba asked as she sipped her tea. "You celebrated Christmas together?"

"They're doing fine, and yes, we did celebrate it. After I celebrate with my friends, that is," Sakurako replied. "Did you celebrate Christmas, though?"

"No, unfortunately, but I told my men to have a day off that day," Shiba responded with a sigh.

Sakurako turns at the leather-jacketed punk. "How about you, Maru-san?"

"Well, you know me," Maru answered, pointing to himself with an open palm. "I spent my entire day in a nightclub to play with some chicks."

"Huh, with chicks?" Sakurako confusedly uttered. "I didn't know there's a club with chickens in it."

Maru looks away with a bright smile on his face, while Shiba immediately covers her face with a stifling chuckle.

"Goddamn, kid. You gonna make us laugh to death," Maru commented. "I was talking about girls."