Betrayal

Chapter 9- Level Up (Part 1)

Y/N's POV:

"Okay, so the second wave is estimated to hit in the next month or so". 

"Right, so what's our next step then?" I responded, jogging to catch up to the boy.

"I think our main focus should be Raph and levelling her up". "You and I are both capable of holding our own". "So, if we don't want to be a burden to the others, we need to focus on training Raph".

I nodded, "And how do you propose we do that?" 

"We need to get her to level up". "Now, I'm not entirely sure how to do that, but I think we should start with a hearty meal". "How does that sound Raph?" The boy turned towards the child, smiling, "You want some food?"

The small girl jumped for joy, eagerly nodding her head, "Food!" she cheered, running towards Naofumi. She gripped his hand, swinging their arms excitedly. 

We entered the small bar. It was still quite early in the morning, so there were very few patrons dining in. 

Our food had arrived rather quickly, much to Raphtalia's excitement. Her eyes sparkled, as she began digging into her meal.

"You like that huh?" Fumi chuckled, ruffling her hair. The girl grinned widely, mouth full and giggling. 

A warm smile found its way to my lips. "Why are you smiling?" The black haired boy questioned. 

"Oh, nothing, you just said you weren't good with kids". "That's not what it looks like to me". "You've taken quite a liking to her, haven't you?" 

Naofumi blushed, "W- well, yeah, she's almost like a little sister to me". "I can't help wanting to keep her safe". 

I smiled before my face dropped, "H- hey Fumi?" I gripped the hem of my skirt, willing my legs to stop shaking. 

"Hmm", he hummed in response. 

"I'm so sorry for last night!" I shouted, standing in my seat and bowing at a ninety degree angle. 

Flustered, Naofumi waved his hands in front of him, "N- no, don't be sorry and please stop bowing!" "It's okay Y/N, really". 

Blushing, I sat back down. Clearing his throat, Naofumi continued, "I wanted to say sorry as well". "I knew what you went through as a child and I still decided to leave you alone". "And for that, I am very sorry". It was now his turn to bow his head. 

"No, you were just trying to protect us Fumi". "So thank you". "Thank you for always making me feel safe". I smiled my most genuine smile. This caused the boy across from me to turn away in attempts to hide his pink cheeks. 

He cleared his throat, "Anytime".

"Done!" The high pitched voice interrupted the awkward moment.

"Wow Raph, you're done already". "Was it yummy?" I looked down at the girl. She nodded cheerfully.

"Right, back on the road then?" I asked, looking towards Fumi. He agreed, pushing back his chair and standing up. I followed suit.

"I wonder how old Raphtalia is?" I questioned out loud, to no one in particular.

Stopping suddenly, Naofumi turned towards the small child. She looked confused, as he strained his eyes, staring intently at her. 

"Let's see now..." he muttered. "According to the stats on my screen, she is... ten". "Ten years old". 

I clapped my hands together, "Ahh, how cute".

"Hey Fumi, I heard that Demi- humans age quicker than that of humans, is that right?"