Aka-no-Joo

Chapter 19

It didn't take long for Scepter 4 to come to the island, and I'm certain everyone at school is wondering why they're here again. Is there another attack? Did something happen? Inari, Hana and I were all asked to accompany the three kings during the conference table. Misaki was standing next to Kusanagi and behind Anna, while Saru and Awashima was standing behind Munakata. I hold the bridge of my nose and roll my head back. I felt dizzy now, not from the fight. I was drained, sure, but it never made me feel lightheaded. 

"Are you alright, Suoh-san?" Munakata asked. I nod my head. 

"I'll be fine, I just went overboard during the encounter with the green clansman."

I pulled my hair back from my face and huffed. I let my anger get the best of me again, it's like ever since these Greens have started popping up out of nowhere, I've been losing my normal calm demeanor. I've been bitchier than normal, and at times,  dangerous. If it wasn't for Saru being there, I would've killed that kid. 

I didn't want to meet Saru's glare. Not when he's probably trying to find the answers I'm looking for as well. Did I scare him back there? I must've reminded him of Mikoto just then. I chance a glance at him and notice his eyes were closed. A tensed look on his lovely face and his brows furrowed. His hands were behind his back as he waits for the meeting to start. I wanted to relieve him of any fear or any tension, even if it was just for a moment. A day or night, or even an hour. Anything to make him feel better.

He opens his eyes and stares at me. His brow arching as we stare for a long time. Butterflies were fluttering in my stomach the longer we just stare at each other. It was like the time we've met at HOMRA, or when we were in the alleyway, as well as the park on the swings. So many flutters. 

A ghost of a grin is on his face before winking at me. I turn my head away, blushing. 

"Are you alright?" I ask. 

"I should be asking you the same thing," He crosses his arms. "You've been losing it lately."

"I'll be fine." I have to be fine. There's no other choice for me to be otherwise. 

"After the meeting, " Munakata spoke again. "I'm relieving you of your duties for the next three days to rest."

I furrow my brow. "Bu-But the patrols? The Greens are still running around like helpless idiots..! I can't just stay home in bed at a time like this--"

"Exactly why I'm giving you a break, we need you recharged." Munakata went farther. "You must understand, You are a very vital part to Scepter 4. I need you in tip-top shape, not just as an agent."

I looked down at my hands and sighed. "Very well, sir."

Weismann has finally come back to the room and expressed his apologies for keeping us waiting. He had also thanked us for coming by as soon as possible, but every time he spoke out. I could feel his eyes linger to me.  Why was he looking at me?

The door opens and Kukuri walks in with teacups and carefully sets them down. Her eyes meet Hana's and then Inari, before meeting mine. We are all friends once; My bond wasn't as deep as Inari and Hana's, but I still care about Kukuri. She was always a nice girl, and she did such a good job last year at keeping the student body together. "It's really nice to see you again, Hana-senpai." 

Hana nods her head. "Hai...Kukuri-chan. I'm glad that you're alright."

She bows her head at the rest of us and leaves. I can feel Misaki's look of irritation as he stares at the table. 

"But..." I can feel Hana glaring at her boyfriend as he went on. My lips thinning while trying not to laugh. We were all watching him." it's not a round table,"  He went on. "It's a damn coffee table."