Puron Psych

30

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"Mama is so persistent. My apologies, Hyde. She went too far." Arnest frowned as he and Harper followed him back down the hill that led back to the dojo.

"Not surprised," Hyde mumbled to himself.

"Are you still upset?"

"No shite." Hyde spat. He turned to face Harper with a scowl. "You. Don't you get any weird ideas. If you had supported the baby properly, I wouldn't have had to pull your weight."

"I wasn't— okay." Harper took a deep breath.

"I'm livid I missed it, again." Arnest groaned, trying to lighten Hyde's mood. "Eight times. That's gotta be a world record. Missing my sister's labor eight times."

"Where the heck were you all day?"

"Taking care of a situation." Arnest left out any details, so Harper wouldn't catch on about the Westonian officials.

"A little word in advance about your whereabouts would be nice to know." Hyde seethed. "It comes across as if you're sneaking around."

"Oh. No. Not at all." Arnest shook his head. "I'd never do that to you. You know that."

Hyde rolled his shoulders around. "Shite. I need a smoke."

"If you guys are done, I'm going to go back," Harper mumbled.

"You don't get to leave until I dismiss you." Hyde snatched her arm. "Continue what you have to do. Update me in the morning." He commanded Arnest.

"Where are y-you taking me?" Harper gasped when he dragged her forward and in another direction.

There wasn't a response from him. They went through an alleyway, moving around the neighbors' things like trash bins or crates left out. 

Down some stairs and across another courtyard that was built over the water, there was an open area full of market stalls. Hyde's fingers were still wrapped tightly around her bicep.

The decor of the place was very similar to Arturo's restaurant. Street lamps and candles, as well as colorful lanterns, illuminated their path toward the bustling market.

An unfamiliar smell alarmed her. Harper couldn't tell if it was the smell of something burning or baking. On her left, she saw a man dressed in a dark leather robe guiding a short line of people forward to his stand full of concoctions.

On the right, a woman in a baggy dress was waving her hand at some customers nearby, and she was fanning the smoke from whatever she was cooking on a grill.

The language they spoke was colorful as they called out to people. And while she couldn't understand any of it, Hyde spoke to them firmly. So many sellers dispersed immediately after hearing a simple command from him.

They walked by more shops, until Hyde stopped in front of an actual cabin building, rather than a stand. He opened the door and walked in.

Once Harper entered as well, the first thing she saw was a young woman with baggy clothes, huge round glasses, and a short bob cut. She was smoking a cigarette and reading a book, but the moment she saw Hyde, she raised a brow.

"Oh. It's just you."

"Where's Gidone?" Hyde looked over her head, partially joking with her. The woman was almost Hyde's height, but occasionally he mocked her for it as if he didn't see her sometimes.

"Shut up." She simpered. "What do you want this time?"

"Another pack, make it two." Hyde pointed to the cigarette boxes behind her that were in a display case.