Yakuza!!!

Chapter 21

In the pov of Rei

I felt thrilled and, at the same time, really worried. 

I can't get Angel-san's face out of my head from when we were on the terrace under the mistletoe, how she closed her eyes and awaited the kiss.

I wanted to protect her feelings and make sure I didn't startle her again. Not when I have finally seemed to have gained her trust back. 

I wonder if I was too headstrong in the beginning.

But even though I'm pleased about her reaction, I'm also really worried about Ken. Where can that man be?

I really don't know.

I was walking through the empty hallways of the manor. It's New Year's eve, and most people left to see their relatives or went to their hometown to do the shrine visit. 

It's just Angel-san and me when evening comes. 

Now I'm alone as she had a morning shift at the hospital. She told me New Year's Eve was usually really busy on the emergency ward. However, she did say she would be back for dinner and that she would want to visit the shrine.

I agreed, of course, and told her that she could accompany me when I went to do my year's first shrine visit to Daijingu. 

I walked down the hallway, past the kitchen, and to the other side of the house.

There were two doors to two different sections of the bath area: men's and women's. I slid the door open to the men's bath, walked to a basket, and stripped my clothes in it. I unfastened my tie and unbuttoned my suit's buttons as well as my white undershirts. 

I had been on a business brunch this morning, and I have to say it's tedious.

There are reasons why we are keeping the puppets of politicians. They should do what we are paying them for.

Why do I need to participate in a political meeting? It's their job. We just decide what we want them to answer and do.

I removed the rest of my clothes in agitation and checked to be sure there were spare, clean yukatas in the closet, and as I did, I walked to the showers and allowed the water to brush my skin. 

I ran my hand across my chest, kept it on top of the scar that came from the bullet wound, and smiled.

It's completely healed. I'm kind of glad it left a scar. A proof that she cared for me.

I wrapped a white towel around my hips and walked to the bath.

It was empty. Thank goodness I hate to bathe with others, so I usually bathe during the night after others are done. Or I will use the separate private showering facilities.

I slid my body into the water and relaxed as the hot water engulfed me.

Later in the evening, I entered the dining room wearing my traditional men's yukata.

Angel-san was already in there, and she smiled as I came in.

She was wearing a yukata. Gold linings and light pink orchids with a white background. Her hair was curled and tied on top of her head in a soft bun with a pink hair ornament. She had light makeup on, but not much, and on her neck lay the necklace I gave her.

I felt my heart skip a beat.

She looks gorgeous, like an angel. But, no, she is a goddess straight from Japanese mythology.

I sat down with her, and we ate in silence.

It's kind of strange how even silence is fascinating with her present.