もののけ | monster | soshiro hoshina (Kaiju No. 8) (COMPLETE)

よんじゅうなな | forty seven

もののけ | kaiju | monster

47

[A lengthy chapter ahead]

Soshiro

I WATCHED HER WARILY AS SHE FIXED her clothing, her movements precise and practiced. She adjusted her motorcycle outfit with full concentration. She said she needed to look like she had just arrived at the base and came straight here to my office, in case someone saw us leaving together. But I doubted anyone would be around to see us at this hour. Still, we needed to avoid any "scandals" that might arise from our private moments.

I didn't care about my own reputation. What mattered to me was Kiyomi's standing as a highly respected officer. The last thing I wanted was for her to face unnecessary scrutiny or judgment because of our relationship. But my concern went deeper than just her reputation. After seeing her so broken last night, I couldn't shake the unease that gripped me now.

She should be resting today. After all she had gone through, she deserved a break. But Kiyomi was insistent on going to work. She was determined to fulfill her duties and even planned to return to the main base later today. The thought of her leaving again made sad. I was deeply worried about her well-being, both physically and emotionally...

"You're really also going to leave today?" I asked quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. Kiyomi turned and looked at me, and I made sure to give her the saddest look I could muster. My eyes were wide with unshed tears, my brows drawn together in a deep frown, and my lip quivered like a big, sad golden retriever pleading with its owner not to leave. "Please don't leave me yet..."

"I still have lots of meetings and important documents to review," she said casually, her voice devoid of any warmth. "I have a press conference today as well. You can see me on TV if you like..."

She then moved to the mirror beside my desk to start her usual morning skincare routine. I'm glad I have a mirror here for her to use. She continued her morning routine, applying various products to her face with meticulous care, her eyes never meeting mine. The mirror reflected her serene focus, making her seem even more distant. I sighed heavily, knowing that trying to engage her would be futile. Kiyomi was immovable and resolute in her priorities.

"Akira will be arriving soon with Number 4," she mentioned, her tone still matter-of-fact. I nodded silently, fastening my belt and trying to match her calm exterior. As I dressed, pulling on my black compression shirt, I couldn't help but steal glances at her. She was always so composed, her cold facade a shield against the world. Yet today, there was something different.

"You think Kikoru would love that as my gift for her?" she asked quietly, almost as if the question was meant for herself rather than me.

I paused, the question hanging in the air. I turned to look at her, catching her reflection in the mirror. She was deep in thought, her usual mask slipping slightly. A small grin tugged at my lips as I finished dressing.

"Believe me," I said softly, "any gift from you would mean the world to Kikoru. You're her big sister. She admires you more than you know."

Kiyomi stopped, her hands pausing mid-motion as she considered my words. I could see the conflict in her eyes, the worry that she rarely allowed herself to show. "You think it's not going to overwhelm her or something?" she murmured, her voice tinged with uncharacteristic vulnerability. "Number 4 is the fastest weapon in the Defense Force... Kikoru is skilled and agile, but..."