Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 58: Departure

March 1868

{It'd been a month since everyone left for Koufu Castle and the only communication we'd received was a single letter. The Shinsengumi, it read, had suffered an embarrassing defeat against the Imperial army at Koufu. Thankfully, this information was later on proved to be false since the battle's verdict was yet to be determined.

However, Hijikata had made it clear to us that the Shinsengumi were facing insurmountable odds. The conditions for victory were becoming increasingly unfavourable for them, which only caused Heisuke and myself to worry about our nakamas even more.}

It'd taken two whole weeks, but my injury had finally healed fully and no longer caused me any pain meaning I was back in action. Or at least, back to keeping an eye on Sanan and ensuring Heisuke would stop worrying over me.

We had just finished dinner and Heisuke had taken me outside, for some reason. "So, I assume there's a reason you've dragged me out here?"
"I wanted to talk about Sanan-san"
"Oh..."
"Has he said anything to you lately?"
"Thankfully iie, iie he hasn't. Although..."
"Nani is it?"
"I can often feel him staring intensely at me, but when I turn to meet his gaze he just smiles coldly before putting his attention elsewhere"
"Hmm, well it's good that he's not trying to threaten you, but I'd say he's probably reminding you of what he's capable of doing"
"...If I'm honest, I'd prefer feeling uncomfortable around him to him talking to me"
"Yeah, I get that. If he ever does say anything even resembling a threat to you, be sure to tell me about it"
"Don't worry, that'll be the first thing I do if that happens" Just then, I noticed two men walking towards us. Wait, aren't they-!? "Guys! Hey!"
"What are you-?" Leaving a confused Heisuke behind, I ran over to them and jumped into Harada who effortlessly caught me and returned my embrace.
"You don't know how happy I am to see you guys!" I exclaimed tearfully.
"I can take an educated guess" Harada joked with a smile.
"Good to see you too kid" Nagakura stated as he placed a hand on top of my head and ruffled my hair.
"Considering how happy I am, I'll let that one slide" I jokingly warned Nagakura as I fixed my hair. I had to say it was a huge relief to see them after hearing how bad the campaign was from Hijikata.
"I guess it's nice to finally be back"
"Yeah, I thought I was a goner for sure this time!"
"Shin! Sano-san! Ya made it back safely!" Heisuke exclaimed happily once he caught on to what was happening.
"Yep. In the flesh baby!"
"I'm glad you two are back, but where is minna else?"
"Thing is, during the retreat we all got separated"
"Nani, really!? Do you think they'll be arriving soon?"
"I'm sure they'll be here any minute now...If they're alive that is..."
"Wait, so are you saying that the battle was..." Heisuke trailed off, though we all knew full well the rest of his question.
"It's all Kondou-san's goddamned fault..." Nagakura muttered angrily. "If he wasn't there we could've stood a chance against them!"
"I have to agree with Shinpachi on this one. For once, I'm pretty torn up about what the right thing to do would've been" I was used to Nagakura being angry, but to see Harada angered by whatever had transpired at Koufu made me realise how serious the matter was. I guess I should be glad that Hijikata-san allowed me to stay behind..."Heisuke, has Hijikata-san returned yet?"
"Not yet, you're the first ones back..."
"I see..."
"Sounds like a lot went down in Koufu...I think you guys should let Sanan-san know. Since we've gotten little to know updates about what's been going on, I'm sure he's curious about how it all turned out"
"Hrm, sure. Let's see where he's at then" The two of them slumped, sighing in perfect unison as they made their way towards headquarters. It was painfully clear that whatever had happened at Koufu had disturbed them greatly.
"Ya coming Chiyeko?"
"Huh? Gomen, yeah I'm coming" I caught up with the three of them and continued on to Sanan's study.