Clover. ➳S. Hoshina

☘︎ Thirty One

"Do you know about numbers, the eminent kaiju weapons?" It's kind of odd for the vice captain to drive you into the Fourth Division base. You will be transferred there to test your compatibility on the weapon no.6.

The fourth division is located in Nagano where Reno and Iharu were transferred.

" I haven't seen them, but I have heard
About them." You answered the vice captain whose eyes were glued on the road.

"I see, then listen carefully.The number weapons...are powerful that handling one correctly can enable a single person to take down a Honju.On the other hand, the immense burden and increased dispatch to the front lines...has led half of the users to lose their lives before they get discharged."
You gulped from the Vice Captain's statement as you started to have doubts in your skills and compatibility. You remained silent as your eyes were straight on the road, slightly observing the surroundings you pass by.

"Amongst those, no.6 weapon is the most dangerous. I know that as a defense force member protecting the country, it's inadvisable to say this... But let me be honest with you. I think you should turn it down." They way he say it seems like he doesn't want you to wear it.

This is something that he doesn't have the power to disagree with , Even captain Mina couldn't. It was mandatory to send cells of the new recruits to check the compatibility of everyone because if someone will be able to wear such weapon, it'll be a great help in the future. Especially in the fight with no.9.

Wearing such weapon will cost your life and of course, he doesn't want that.
Your mother will go nuts if you end up dying and might curse Hoshina to death.

But as much as he wanted you to step down the offer, all of the decisions will be decided right in your hands. That's why scaring you is his last resort.

"Joining the Anti-kaiju Defense Force is almost like a suicide, sir. That's why trying such a weapon is not a big deal,"
you said with confidence. Although it sounds scary, deciding to join such a dangerous job is already terrifying, and even so, you were still alive after all those near-death encounters in every fight.

He tightly gripped the steering wheel as anxiety coursed through him. This is what he scared the most—letting you handle danger on your own without him by your side. Even when you were with him, he couldn't always protect you properly; how much worse would it be if you were away?

He was fully aware that you might receive serious injury or even death if you did the testing. Thoughts ran through his mind: What if he said everything here? Maybe it would help you change your mind. Maybe if he told you the things you had been seeking, it would be enough for you to step down from the offer?

He stepped on the brakes so hard that it made a loud screeching sound. You almost bumped your head, but luckily, your seatbelt saved you.

You had arrived in the 4th Division's parking lot. The vice-captain didn't move; he just stared blankly ahead, gripping the steering wheel with both hands. You noticed his sudden change of mood—his usual smiling expression had been absent since this morning.

But you probably thought that it's not  his day today. You calmly unbuckled your seatbelt, ready to get off.

It was a critical moment for him. It didn't matter if you ended up hating him. As long as you were safe, his heart would be content. Even if you and he were not going to end up together. He's willing to risk everything.