The Bet 》A Shinichiro Sano Story

To The Rescue

A/N: Trigger warning: SA, feel free to skip this chapter if you're uncomfortable.

Usually, Saiko is focused on her job, but tonight is different. Throughout her shift, Saiko has been going over and over what she wanted to say to Shinichiro. Should she start off by giving him compliments? Give him compliments as she slowly eases in and brings up the bet. Or should she take the direct approach and just come clean? All her thoughts soon became insane scenarios. For example, what if she told him and he started crying before he runs into the street before a truck hits him? Or, even, if she told him and he beats her? What if he never talks to her again?

After closing up, Saiko began her lonely walk home. The girl began mumbling as she shoved her hands into her coat pocket to protect them from the cold night air.

"Shinichiro, I'm really sorry but our relationship is a lie..." Saiko spoke softly as she continued to practice her apology. She shook her head as she didn't like the start of it. "I can't express how sorry I am, Shin, but the last month and a half..." She sighed as she didn't like the start of that apology. "Taiga and I made a bet and I'm sorry for bringing you into this..."

That wasn't it either. Shinichiro didn't deserve some lame apology. Saiko even thought to let Shinichiro have his way with her before breaking the bad news but at that point, she knew it was a really bad idea. Saiko let out a groan before she started again.

"Shinichiro, the last month and a half have been amazing. I had fun on our dates. You get along with my friends. I never thought I'd be at my happiest whenever I'm with you."

Saiko continued practicing her apology, unaware of various footsteps following her.

"But...you have to know. Taiga and I made a bet and you were included. I was supposed to date you for three months before dumping you. And I know that it's wrong of me and I'll understand that you'll never want to see me again."

Her mind began to picture Shinichiro. The way he would stare at her lovingly was what came first.

"I'm going to miss your eyes when they light up whenever you get excited about our date."

Another memory of Shinichiro hunched over on the couch, holding his stomach as he laughed about whatever nonsense was going on.

"I'm going to miss your contagious laugh. And the way you always manage to make me laugh when I'm upset."

This memory was of Shinichiro smiling down at her whenever she would talk. No matter what Saiko would be talking about it would always brighten his evening. Hell, just being with her brightens his day.

"Even your smile alone always cheers me up and it sucks that I'm not going to see it again."

The last memory was of all the kisses they shared. The way her stomach would bubble up as her heart would beat so fast that it might explode. Saiko brought one hand up to her lips and began tracing them.

"I'm going to miss the way you kiss me. No matter how many times we kissed, my lips always feel like they were on fire. And the way you hold your breath for a moment before taking control because you wanted to make sure I'm ok with it."

Saiko let out a nervous breath.

"Shinichiro deserves better than this."

Saiko wasn't paying attention and felt something collide with her shoulder. She looked at the person apologetically. "Excuse me."

When Saiko tried to move around him, someone blocked her. She tried to go the other way but someone else stood in front of her. Taking a step back, Saiko took note of the strange violet uniform they were wearing. The sleeves had a strange black fire pattern that trailed up and ran across the shoulders. Fear by all was embroidered on the left breast pocket except for the man she 'bumped' into.