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

よんじゅうきゅう | forty nine

もののけ | kaiju | monster

49

[A lengthy chapter ahead]

Soshiro

AFTER SPILLING THE BEANS TO ASHIRO, it was clear that she wasn't satisfied. She didn't believe that Kiyomi was the one who had officially brought us back together, rather than me. She had said earlier that it was hard to believe Kiyomi was the initiator, especially since I had been the one who hadn't fully moved on from her.

Well, it's not like I can force her to believe me, not until Kiyomi would be the one to say it, so she could no longer doubt me!

I was lost in my thoughts when I heard someone call my name. "Soshiro," the voice rang out, pulling me back to the present. I turned to see Kiyomi walking toward me. She stood beside me, and I fought the urge to reach out to her, knowing we weren't alone in the room. We were still at work, and I needed to maintain a level of professionalism, even though it was incredibly hard with Kiyomi being so effortlessly natural and professional.

"Soshiro, do you know that boy who keeps leeching off my sister?" she asked calmly. I followed her gaze and saw Kikoru, standing a short distance away with Kenji by her side. Kenji, the rascal, was clearly not hiding his attempts to hit on her. I sighed internally, noting how persistent he was.

"There seems to be a small pesky pest bothering my sister... Do you know that young kid?" Kiyomi asked again. I gulped, well aware of who Kenji was. I had practically raised him through his half-teenage years.

"That's Kenji Sato..." I began, almost stuttering as Kiyomi gave me a sideways glance, questioning my odd behavior. "He's very skilled, just behind Kikoru in performance." I was trying to paint Kenji in a good light, hoping Kiyomi would see his merits. I hated that I had to do this, but I wanted to help Kenji make a good impression.

"I hate it," she said flatly, making me gulp again. Well, I tried Kenji, despite my best efforts, I couldn't win her approval for him. "I have an assignment for you," she continued, her tone businesslike. "Keep an eye on that boy and make sure those who try to get her attention stay away." She turned fully to face me, her expression hard. I forced a small, awkward smile. "Name every boy who's trying to hit on my sister, and I don't care what you do with them. I don't like it. Do you hear me?"

Her eyes were glaring at me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Of course," I replied, trying to sound natural. "I also don't like how some guys try to take an interest in our Kikoru-chan. I'll make sure to punish them good..."

A smirk of approval crossed her lips. "Good," she said, patting my chest before walking away. "I still have files to tend to," she added, not looking back at me. "I'll text you when it's lunchtime."

As Kiyomi walked away, I couldn't help but notice the sharp glance she threw in Kenji's direction. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she observed him, completely engrossed in his attempts to impress Kikoru. It was almost amusing, really—Kenji was so focused on charming Kikoru that he seemed utterly oblivious to the daggers Kiyomi was shooting his way.