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Chapter 15: Kazutora's Problems

"Awesome! You really are awesome, Yukino!" A certain golden-eyed man was childishly looking around the grand yet elegant office of his friend-doctor, Yukino. He cannot help but admire the sophisticated interior design of the place, as well as its glass window which perfectly displays the busy streets of Tokyo.

Her office is located on the 10th floor where some of the offices of the regular doctors of the majestic hospital are located in. More than two hundred doctors work in the hospital, but only a few are considered permanent employees, and his friend happens to be one of the excellent few.

"Nah, I'm still too young, Kazutora-kun. I have plenty to learn." she humbled herself for the compliment.

"You are still so young, yet you're already this successful. Baji is definitely proud of you. Of course, I am too." Kazutora's genuine words and smile made the doctor's heart skip a beat. Of course, she's happy to hear those.

"Thank you, Kazutora-kun." Yukino replied as she returned a smile. Pink patches appeared on the man's face. It's not everyday that he sees the woman smile like this. He has always known her as an introvert, she doesn't smile and laugh often.

"Would you like some coffee, by the way?" The woman asks as she walked to her own customized counter.

"Oh sure. Thank you." The man watched her as she prepared his drink, then he lets his eyes linger around the office again.

Until, his eyes landed on the photos displayed at the left corner of her office, right behind the table of the doctor. He started walking to its direction to see them closely. There, he saw his friend, Baji and Yukino when they were still 7 years old. Beside it are other photos of his friend and the woman with him now as they grow up. He couldn't help but remember the tragic memories, the exact moments when he stabbed Baji in the back, and then when his friend stabbed himself in order for everyone in Toman not to blame him.

12 years has passed but to Kazutora, it all seemed like yesterday. 

When Baji died, not only Toman lost its First Division Captain, his Mom lost his only son, and Yukino lost her childhood best friend.

"...tora-kun? Kazutora-kun." He was literally startled when he heard a voice behind him. He turned and saw gray eyes looking up at him, while holding a cup of coffee.

"Are you okay?" Her voice was mixed with worry. He could only smile as she handed him the coffee. Random thoughts started to run through his head.

"Yeah, I'm fine." he lied. He is guilty. He will forever be guilty.

"What do you want to talk about, by the way?" she asked as she walked towards her sofa and waited for the man to reply. He immediately followed and took his seat in front of her, and then took a sip. His thoughts were instantly soothed by the balanced taste of coffee. She already knows the man's preferences for the two years that they have been much closer.

"Oh yeah, about that."

"The gang is going to the beach and we want you to come with us." He said as soon as he took his seat in front of Yukino.

"What?"

"Don't worry about asking for permission because I already asked Doctor Souma. He gladly said that he allows it and he would talk to his dad about it." The brunette was beyond belief when she heard that.

"Uhm...what about work here and the clinic?"

"Oh come on. Stop being a workaholic. You need a break. Everybody needs a break. Besides, your boss already allowed it. What do you say? I'll help pack your things." The man said smiling. 

The two were interrupted when a knock was heard from the door. She stood and opened the door. It revealed Shino.

"Sorry to interrupt, Doctor. I came here to inform you about the storm that is currently closing in Tokyo at this very moment. Doctor Souma told me to inform you so you could get home before the weather gets worse."

"What?!" Of course, that surprised the doctor.

"Oh yeah, I heard about that earlier from the news. It completely slipped out of my mind." Kazutora added.

"And you guys want to go to the beach with this weather?" she asked.

"Well duh, Yukino. We ARE leaving early tomorrow morning, not tonight. Besides, our destination is Okinawa. What do you say?" The man raised his brows to convince his friend.

Yukino can only sigh and shake her head.

"Fine, let's talk about it when we get home." she stated as she took her bag and walked to the door.

---

Strong winds and rain welcomed Yukino and Kazutora as they rode towards the outskirts of the city. The storm gets stronger as they get closer to the doctor's clinic. The long-haired man could only try to drive while defending the woman behind him from the heavy weather. He is drenched, but he could care less as long as his friend could get home safe and sound. 

To their luck, the weather only got rougher.

"Shit!" he cursed loudly and peeked in the side mirror to look at Yukino who is wearing his helmet behind him.

"Hold on tight, Yukino. I'm going to drive faster!" he had to speak loudly since both the rain and engine is loud. Thankfully, all the vehicles are parked properly. 

Well, except one that is.

"Okay!" As soon as she replied loud enough for him to hear, he revved his engine and drove faster which still surprised the doctor. The speed of the motorcycle was probably underestimated by the gray-eyed lady because she immediately wrapped her arms around the man's waist so she wouldn't fall.

Golden eyes got a bit bigger because he is taken by surprise when Yukino hugged him from behind. Thankfully, he lent her his jacket before leaving the hospital so he wasn't able to feel much...the woman's chest. However, he still felt 'them' since he is wearing his shirt only.

'Stop having these thoughts, Kazutora.' 

He had to internally whisper that to focus on the road. When they arrived in front of the doctor's clinic, he literally had to whisper his thanks as well.

Meanwhile, Yukino, who had no idea of the man's silent torture, internally prayed for Sanzu not to be in her clinic tonight. Who knows what the two men would do if they see each other inside?

Kazutora quickly got off his vehicle and followed Yukino inside.

"How about your motor? It will get wet." she said as soon as she saw Kazutora closing the door.

"It's fine. More importantly, you should dry yourself or you'll get sick." the yellow-eyed man replied.

"I could say the same thing to you. Come with me upstairs, you should shower." The woman started to walk upstairs without knowing that the long-haired man misheard what she just said.

The amber-eyed man literally had to slap his face lightly to stop his thoughts.

After calming down for a bit, he followed the place's owner upstairs only to see her removing his jacket, revealing her white blouse drenched in water and beige undergarment. The man couldn't help but stare at her wet clothes which perfectly traced her body. Her hair is dripping wet that the whole thing is actually too much for the black-haired man.

'Shame on you for having these thoughts, stupid Kazutora!' He internally cursed himself and then, turned around as a sign of respect to the lady. As if on coincidence, he is now facing a picture with Baji in it smiling wearing Toman's uniform.

'I know, Baji. I have no plans on peeking nor imagine dirty stuff.'

However, as he continues to stare at his friend's photo, he begins to see the reflection in the glass pane of the picture frame. He sees a dark figure standing behind him. He stares at it for so long that it starts to resemble...Baji.