The airport was as crowded as ever, with the sound of luggage wheels sliding across the floor and voices mingling in the air. Koori Takami walked with steady steps, his backpack slung over one shoulder, as he searched for his boarding gate. Next to him, Hodaka followed with a carefree smile, holding the plane ticket with his fingertips.

- Have a good trip, Hodaka. - said Koori, stopping next to the gate.

- Are you really going to spend your vacation studying? - Hodaka asked, frowning, as if the idea was impossible to conceive.

Koori shrugged. - That's the plan.

- You're crazy. - Hodaka shook his head, letting out a laugh. - Even though you're the son of the great Lord Takami, you insist on acting like an ordinary guy.

Koori gave him a firm but hostile look. - So people like me for who I am, not for what my surname represents.

Hodaka laughed again, but took a step back when he heard the announcement of his flight. - Right, right. Go ahead, philosopher. See you in three days.

Koori merely agreed, watching his friend disappear into the crowd. He adjusted the strap of his backpack again and started walking towards the boarding gate. However, something seemed... strange.

His eyes, almost unintentionally, managed to scan the people around him. Some are running, focused on their own lives, but others... others are paying close attention to him. It was a subtle but uncomfortable sensation.

Koori tried to ignore it. It must be in my head, she thought.

But the shiver that ran down his spine as he turned into the next corridor didn't seem like something that could simply be ignored. He stopped for a moment, looking around. There was nothing particularly suspicious. Everything was as it should be.

That's when it happened. A strong hand grabbed his arm with a precision he hadn't expected and dropped him into an empty room, away from prying eyes.

- Hey! What...?! - Koori started to protest, but was pushed against the wall with enough force to make him lose his breath for a second.

The fluorescent light flickered slightly, illuminating the figure in front of him. It was a girl, with a hood covering most of her face. All he could see were her eyes - intense, cold and calculating.

- Hold still. - she said, her voice low and threatening.

Koori frowned, trying to understand what was winning. Before you could open your mouth, she noticed something shiny in your hand: a knife.

-Hey, calm down. We don't have to settle things like this... - He spoke slowly, trying to look as harmless as possible.

The girl didn't reply. Instead, she advanced with impressive speed, trying to hit him. Koori dodged on instinct, the blow passing millimeters from his side. He grabbed her wrist at the last second, twisting her arm to disarm her, but she was quicker, turning her body and landing a kick straight at his waist.

The impact sent him staggering backwards, but he didn't fall.

- You're fast. - said Koori, panting, as she took a few steps back.

The girl gave no room. She advanced again, unleashing a sequence of blows that he could barely keep up with. Koori blocked as best she could, dodging when necessary, but she was clearly at a disadvantage. She was faster, more precise.

When she tried a sweep, he leapt over her, spinning in the air and landing in a perfect roll. He got up and ran towards the door, but before he could reach it, he felt something grab his neck.

The girl had hung from a structure in the ceiling, using her legs to apply a wrench to Koori's neck that pulled him back. The pressure on his neck made his eyes widen with fright.

- What kind of training is this? - he managed to mutter, panting, as he tried to free himself from her legs.

Suddenly, her strength waned. She let go and he fell to the ground with a thud. Koori stood up, massaging his neck as he eyed her suspiciously.

It was then that he noticed something strange. For a brief moment, as she stared at him, her eyes seemed to go back and forth, and there was a slight blush on her cheeks.

- Did you blush? - he asked, almost thinking.

Before he could think what was happening, the ceiling structure she was using as a support came loose. The girl fell, and her hood slid back, revealing her face for the first time.

She was young, probably the same age as him, with delicate features and eyes that now looked frightened. Koori blinked in surprise, muttering without thinking:

- You're too pretty to be an assassin.

Her cheeks turned even redder, but she tried to pull herself together by reaching out for the knife. Her hands were shaking, however, and before she could fully stand up, she fell back to the ground, panting.

It was then that the silence was broken by an unexpected sound: her stomach rumbling loudly.

Koori stood still for a moment, confused. He looked at her, who was now on the floor, apparently with pain in her left foot.

- Wait a minute..... are you hungry?

Koori just stood there, looking at the girl. He thought about simply walking away, but something made him hesitate. His eyes landed on his right foot, which seemed to be sprained and slightly swollen.

- Damn... - he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

He turned away, ready to leave. She had tried to kill him. Anyone in her position would have left that behind. Besides, if someone found her and saw the knife, things could get complicated for him. There was no point in getting involved.

But as he walked, something inside him nagged at him. He stopped suddenly and sighed, clenching his fists.

- What a pain... - he muttered before turning around and walking back to the spot.

The girl was still there, leaning in a corner, her eyes squinted, but aware of his presence.

- You're still here. - he commented, stopping a few steps away.

She just stared at him, the pain visible on her face, but said nothing.

Koori arched an eyebrow. - Cat got your tongue?

- Get out of here. - she said, her voice weak but firm.

- You're not going anywhere in this state. - Koori replied, taking a step forward.

She tried to push him away, but he was quicker, holding both her arms firmly, but without hurting her.

- Listen, if they see that knife on you, they'll think I'm the one who tried something. So you have two options: either I help you, or I call the police.

Her eyes widened briefly, but then narrowed in suspicion. - Why did you come back?

Koori hesitated. He knew that if he told her the truth, she could use it against him.

"Better to play dirty, but with a touch of the good boy."

- I was taught that if you see someone hurt and you can help, it's your duty to do so.

She looked at him seriously, but then let out a short laugh. - You're an idiot. You're trying to help someone who tried to kill you.

Koori rolled his eyes. - And you hurt your foot trying to kill me. I guess that makes us a bit alike, doesn't it?

Before she could answer, he picked her up.

- Okay, let's go.

- Let me go! - she protested, blushing furiously. - I'll kill you, you profiteer!

- When you were well, you didn't make it. Now you can barely walk. - he replied, calling her a "fake" with a slightly teasing smile.

She pouted, turning her face away. - I beat you up.

- But you hurt your foot in the process, and I'm still alive.

She glared at him, annoyed. - For now, and you haven't denied it.

He carried her to a nearby bench and placed her down carefully.

- Stay here.

She crossed her arms, not looking at him. - So you're going to call someone to kill me?

Koori sighed. - If I wanted to, I would have left you there in pain. But I didn't.

She looked away, biting her lip.

Koori watched her for a moment, thinking how surreal the situation was. He tried to change the mood, asking casually: - Why do you do that?

- Do what?

- This... profession. You're pretty enough to be a model. Or you fight well enough to be a professional wrestler. Either of these options is simpler and... honest.

She stared at him, confused, but he continued before she could answer.

- And you could also work in...

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

- STOP! - she shouted, her face completely red, interrupting him before he could finish.

Koori shut up in surprise and realized that she was hiding her face with her hands. He blinked a few times, puzzled.

- Do you have a problem with being complimented?

She slowly lowered her hands, still blushing, and murmured: - In training... nobody praised me. They just pointed out my mistakes so that I could improve. I guess... I became sensitive to compliments. Even more praise like this.

Koori didn't say anything for a moment, but looked away, feeling that perhaps he had crossed a line. He took a step back, ready to leave.

- Hey... - she called out, but he didn't stop.

As Koori walked away, she watched him, biting her lip again. A mixture of anger and shame washed over her.

- Now he must think I'm pathetic... - she muttered to herself. - And to think he helped someone like me...

She looked down at her hands, clenching them into fists. - He'll have to recognize that I'm strong. No... a cute girl who can't handle simple compliments.

Koori entered the pharmacy with quick steps, his eyes focused on finding the first aid aisle. He walked past the shelves until he spotted the right section. Among the gauze, antiseptics and adhesive plaster, he found what he needed: a bandage. He picked up a package and quickly examined it, but was interrupted by a sudden voice behind him.

- Are you getting ready for a street fight, Koori? - said Hayase, his friend, in his usual light tone.

Koori jumped a little in fright, spinning on her heels to face him. He sighed and replied sarcastically:

- Firstly, it's a street fight, not a fight. And secondly, it's nothing like that.

Hayase tilted his head with a teasing smile. - So you didn't deny it, huh?

Koori rolled his eyes, trying not to lose his temper. - It's not like that, man.

- Yeah, but you're a good fighter, aren't you? So why not? - Hayase shrugged, looking genuinely interested.

Koori shook his head. - Because I don't like violence, simple as that.

Faced with a more serious tone, Hayase adjusted his demeanor and crossed his arms, curious. - So why are you buying this?

Koori hesitated, wondering how to answer without creating a misunderstanding. - It's to help someone who's been hurt.

Hayase arched an eyebrow with an inquisitive expression. - Who?

After a moment's pause, Koori answered:

- A... friend.

Hayase couldn't help but laugh. - You? With a friend? That's a good one.

Koori sighed. - Yeah, yeah. She's not a friend. She's just an acquaintance. She hurt her foot in the park, and I decided to help.

Hayase watched him for a few seconds before smiling again. - If it were anyone else, I'd say it was for ulterior motives. But since it's you, I know it's just kindness.

Koori shrugged. - I'm glad at least someone trusts me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go.

Grabbing other necessities, he went to the counter. The clerk, a young woman with short hair and big eyes, immediately became nervous when she saw him approaching.

- Excuse me... - she said, her voice shaking, as she handed over the bag containing the products.

Koori arched his eyebrows, noticing the unusual behavior. - What? Have you seen a ghost or are you hiding a burglar down there? - He pointed casually under the counter, smiling slightly.

She shook her head quickly, blushing even more. - It's not that. It's just... it's you.

He frowned, trying to process it. - Me? I'm sorry, I don't understand?

She nodded, looking away for a moment before facing him again. - Do you have a girlfriend?

Koori was silent for a second, taken aback by the direct question. - No, I don't.

- Do you? It's not possible! - she exclaimed in disbelief. - Someone like you?

He laughed, scratching the back of his head. - I think you're overestimating me.

She frowned, looking disappointed. - You're kidding, right?

He shrugged, trying not to laugh. - I'm not, but... if you want, we can go out after your shift.

Her eyes lit up, and a broad smile appeared on her face. - Are you serious?

- Of course," Koori replied, with a reassuring smile.

She was visibly excited. - How nice!

He watched her for a moment before commenting: - You know, you're really cute.

She blushed deeply and pouted. - Aren't you forgetting something?

- Forgetting? - he asked, confused.

- My name! - she said, feigning indignation.

Koori blinked a few times before asking: - Right, what's your name?

- Miyu Nakamura. And yours?

- Koori Takami.

- Can I call you Takami-kun? - she asked, with a shy smile.

He nodded with a smile. - Yes, you may.

As they chatted, Hayase watched the scene from the corridor, trying to hold back his laughter, but clearly enjoying the interaction.

Koori finally noticed his friend and shouted:

- What are you looking at, Hayase-kun?

- Nothing, nothing... just admiring your social skills, Takami-kun," he replied, laughing.

Koori snorted, picked up the bag with the items and left, followed by his friend's muffled laughter.

- 18:00.

Koori returned to the park with determined steps, the bag of medicines swinging in his hand. The sun was beginning to set, and the orange light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows on the ground. He spotted the girl exactly where he had left her, leaning against the corner of a bench, arms crossed, clearly impatient.

As soon as he approached, she looked up, frowning.

- What took you so long?

He sighed, leaving the bag on the bench next to her. - Two unforeseen events. One good and one bad.

She tilted her head, puzzled. - Which were they?

- The bad one is that my friend showed up and kept asking me questions, but nothing much happened.

She arched an eyebrow. - And the good?

Koori gave her a slightly smug smile. - Now I have a date.

She looked at him suspiciously, her eyes narrowing. - You're making it up. Looking at those dark circles, no one would ask you out.

He laughed quietly, adjusting his tone to something teasing. - At least I wasn't embarrassed to death when people asked if I had a boyfriend and called me handsome. Unlike a certain someone who blushed like a tomato.

She looked away, biting her lip to hold back her answer. Koori took the opportunity to take off his jacket, holding it out to her.

- Take off your tights. Use this to cover your legs and... other things that need to be hidden.

She hesitated, but took the jacket, her face taking on an alert expression.

- Okay, but don't you dare look while I take it off. If you peek, you won't live to regret it.

He rolled his eyes, turning away and crossing his arms.

- Trust me, I'm not that short.

For a few moments, all he heard was the sound of fabric being moved.

- There you go. You can look.

He turned around and, inevitably, his eyes fell on her legs. On reflex, he commented:

- Nice legs.

She tried to keep her composure, but her face flushed.

- Get on with it.

Koori knelt down in front of her, taking the material from the bag. He carefully cleaned the wound, which was still red, applied the anesthetic patch and began to carefully roll up the bandage. In the middle of the process, a peculiar sound escaped her.

- hummpf!

She quickly covered her mouth with her hands, embarrassed. Koori raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

- Wow, is it that good?

She gave him a deadly look, but quickly looked away, avoiding answering. He finished the bandage with a firm knot and stood up, stretching his back.

- Where do you live? - he asked, as he put the remaining items in his bag.

She looked at him seriously. - I can't say.

He sighed, massaging his temples. - After all this, you still don't trust me?

She crossed her arms, stubbornly. - I'll never tell.

Koori gave a crooked smile, as if he'd just had an idea.

- Then I'll have my family's driver take you to my house. For better or worse.

She let out a debauched laugh. - Are you really going?

He snapped his fingers, bending down to pick her up. Before she could protest, he started walking towards the exit of the park.

- You don't... - she began, but fell silent when she realized that she was actually being carried.

Two girls passed them and whispered, clearly impressed.

- I wish I had someone to do that for me.

Koori pretended not to hear, but the girl in her arms blushed slightly and looked away.

- Wearing bandages like that was foul play," she muttered.

He laughed, looking straight ahead. - At least I didn't use it to gag you.

Arriving at the park exit, he stopped and checked his watch. - My driver should be here in 10 minutes.

She arched an eyebrow, skeptical. - Is this meeting serious?

- Of course it is. And, as I said, I'm different from you.

She sighed, defeated. - Okay, I owe you this one.

- Still hungry? - he asked, remembering the rumbling in her stomach earlier.

She hesitated, but eventually admitted it:

- Since you know... yes.

The car arrived a little earlier than expected, and the driver got out to greet him. Koori gave her instructions:

- Take her to my place and order a pizza too.

The driver arched an eyebrow, clearly curious.

- Who is she and why is she like this?

Koori just smiled. - That's not part of your job, but maybe I'll tell you later.

As the car was about to leave, he ran up to the girl's window.

- Hey, what's your name?

She hesitated, before mumbling:

- I'm not going to tell you.

- You already know everything about me. Why not tell me?

She crossed her arms. - All I know is that you're Ryuuji Takami.

He frowned. - That's my father. I'm Koori Takami.

She was visibly shocked. - So... I made a mistake, I guess you weren't my target.

He smiled, relieved by the confession. - I guess you were. And what about you? What's your name?

After a long moment's hesitation, she sighed.

- Kasumi Yukihara.

- Kasumi Yukihara," he repeated, as if he wanted to keep the name. - Right, then. See you, Kasumi-san.

As the car drove off, she looked at him through the window, an enigmatic expression on her face. He stood still for a moment, reflecting on the latest events before turning and going on his way.

Koori walked back through the park, the sound of her footsteps muffled by the light rustle of leaves. The cool evening breeze seemed unable to ease the growing restlessness that now dominated his mind. He looked up at the sky, where the stars shone indifferently, and sighed deeply.

- Was it a good idea to send that girl to my house? - he muttered to himself.

The image of Kasumi Yukihara, with her face flushed and the knife trembling in her hands, came to mind. Something about her made him suspicious, but at the same time intrigued. It was as if he were dealing with a time bomb that could explode at any moment.

"If she really is willing to kill my father, my house is the last place she should be," he thought, feeling a shiver run up his spine. He knew there were dangerous objects in the mansion, from decorative weapons to confidential documents. And if she really was a professional killer, it wouldn't be long before she found something she could use against his family.

He ran a hand through his hair, annoyed with himself. - Congratulations. You've basically brought an assassin into your home.

His steps slowed as he reached the entrance to the park. For a moment, he considered calling the driver and asking him to bring Kasumi back. But what would he say? "Sorry, I changed my mind because I thought you might try to kill my father"?

- I'll sort it out later," he decided, trying to push away the worrying thoughts.

Miyu was surprised for a moment and then smiled.

- Hmm, self-confidence. I like that.

As they waited for their orders, she crossed her arms on the table and watched him curiously.

- Takami-kun, you're different from what I imagined.

- And what did you have in mind? - He leaned back in his chair, as if he were being evaluated.

- I don't know... maybe someone more serious. - She smiled. - But you're funny, and you even have a cute side.

- Cute? - He raised an eyebrow in surprise. - They usually say I'm an idiot clown.

Miyu laughed.

- Clown? You? You do look like one. But you have a... pure way about you, you know?

- Pure? Now you've exaggerated.

- No. - She smiled, leaning forward. - A guy who helps a stranger who's been hurt. That's someone pure.

He looked away for a second, scratching the back of his head.

- I realize you heard, maybe I'm a bit sentimental sometimes.

- And modest, apparently. - Miyu laughed.

The coffee arrived, and she carefully picked up the cup, taking a sip.

- Today's been really nice.

- Good enough for another date in the future? - He flashed a playful smile.

Miyu laughed, her eyes twinkling.

- Maybe. But only if you keep being that guy.

He raised his cup.

- Then we have a deal.

And the two toasted, creating an unexpected connection amid the exchange of glances and conversations that seemed to last longer than just a cup of coffee.

As the two continued their coffee, Koori watched Miyu, who looked comfortable and carefree, mixing the whipped cream into her cappuccino with her spoon. He rested his chin on his hand, analyzing the situation.

- You get too quiet sometimes. - Miyu commented, breaking the silence. - Is everything all right?

- I'm just trying to understand how this happened. - He gestured slightly towards the two of them and the coffee.

- "It" what? - She arched an eyebrow, interested.

- Me going out for coffee with someone I met today. Sounds like something out of a movie, doesn't it?

- Or manga. - Miyu laughed, taking a sip of her cappuccino. - But maybe you're the kind of protagonist who ends up in these romantic comedy situations.

Koori smiled, shrugging.

- If I'm the protagonist, I hope the plot isn't tragic.

Miyu laughed again, but her gaze looked appraising, as if she was trying to understand something beyond the words. She placed the cup on the table and rested her hands on it.

- And you, Takami-kun? How do you see yourself in this story?

He raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question.

- Me? Probably the supporting actor who's just here to help others shine.

- Oh, stop it. - She rolled her eyes. - You're more interesting than you think.

- That's what they say when they need someone to carry their shopping. - He replied with a mischievous grin, drawing another laugh from her.

The waiter returned, offering a dessert menu. Miyu glanced around, considering the options, while Koori just watched.

- Are you thinking of ordering something? - he asked.

- Maybe... - She looked at him over the menu. - But what about you? Not in the mood for anything sweet?

He crossed his arms and leaned back.

- I'm not much of a sweet tooth, but if you want to share something, I can make that sacrifice.

- Sacrifice? - She smiled. - How generous of you, huh?

They ended up ordering a chocolate cake to share. While they waited, Miyu looked away from the window for a moment before turning her attention back to him.

- You know, Takami-kun, you'd make a good comedian, but as I said, that's not what I expected.

- .....? - He remained silent, curious.

- as I said quieter, a little distant. But you're more.... you, you know?

- More me? Is that a compliment?

- It certainly is. - She smiled, picking up her fork to taste the cake that had just arrived.

Koori was silent for a few moments, thinking about her words. While Koori was thinking, Miyu, noticing that he seemed a little lost in his own thoughts, had an idea to cheer him up. She picked up her fork and cut off a piece of the chocolate cake, just enough for a small bite.

- Hey, open your mouth. - She said casually, with a mischievous smile on her face.

Koori, surprised, looked at her for a moment, not quite understanding what she wanted to do.

- What...?

- It'll be quick, I promise. - Miyu teased, holding the piece of cake close to her mouth. - Just a little pedal.

When she arrived at the pharmacy, the sight of the clerk waiting outside with an anxious expression was like a ray of sunshine breaking through her worries. She was wearing her work uniform and a light jacket over it, her arms crossed as if trying to protect herself from the cold.

- You took your time, Takami-kun," she said with a shy smile, but clearly relieved to see him.

Koori scratched the back of his head, trying to look relaxed. - I had to sort a few things out, but I'm here.

She tilted her head, curious. - Were they important?

He gave a short laugh. - Let's just say it involved a knife and a girl.

She widened her eyes, but before she could ask more, he quickly changed the subject. - So, where do you want to go? Nice girl.

- Hmmm... How about a café around the corner? - she suggested, pointing to a small café with cozy lights shining in the window.

Koori nodded genuinely, feeling momentarily relieved to be able to get away from his complicated thoughts. As they walked to the café together, he realized that, at least for now, he could enjoy a moment of tranquility before facing whatever Kasumi Yukihara was up to.

As they entered the café, Miyu walked ahead with a carefree smile, while Koori followed, still trying to understand how she had got there. They chose a table near the window, and he left a chair for her.

- A real knight, huh? - said Miyu, sitting down gracefully.

Koori smiled.

- I'm just making sure I go to heaven. You never know when you'll need extra points.

She laughed, resting her elbow on the table and her face between her hands.

- And I thought it was because she wanted to impress me.

- Who knows? Maybe it's just because you look a bit... you never know when you're going to pull a heeled needle out of your bag.

- You're very suspicious, Takami-kun. - She tilted her head, a mischievous look on her face. - I'm scary, aren't I?

- No... I just think that some situations that have happened... have caused me extra trauma.

The waiter arrived to take their orders, interrupting a conversation. Miyu ordered a cappuccino with whipped cream, and Koori, a black coffee.

-Black coffee? - Miyu said, raising an eyebrow. - You're really the type who likes sugar, aren't you?

He shrugged.

- I'm sweet enough, aren't I?

He cocked an eyebrow, still suspicious, but without resistance, opened his mouth to accept the offer. Before you could react, Miyu, with a mischievous smile, moved her fork and made a quick movement, carefully placing the piece of cake in your mouth, but with a touch of playfulness.

It was like an indirect kiss, and he stood still for a second, his eyes a little wider than usual. She laughed, watching him as he swallowed the piece of cake and the expression of surprise gave way to an involuntary smile.

-What? You didn't like it? - She asked, feigning a worried expression.

Koori laughed softly, looking at her.

- That's not what I was expecting to end the date... but... I won't complain. - He joked, trying to pull himself together.

Miyu was just happy, satisfied with the effect it had.

- Are you going to say you didn't feel better after that? - She asked, teasing him once again.

He gave a questioning smile as she picked up an empty coffee cup and placed it on the tray.

- Maybe I need more "help" like that. - Koori joked, getting up from the table.

Miyu sent even more, with an amused twinkle in her eye.

- I see, Takami-kun.

The conversation continued, light and relaxed, until they both noticed the time passing. Miyu looked at her watch and sighed.

- I think it's time to go.

- Already? - Koori pretended to be surprised. - I thought you'd find an excuse to stay a little longer.

- Maybe next time. - She replied, picking up her bag.

Koori paid the bill, and the two of them left together. Outside, Miyu stopped for a moment, looking at him.

- That was fun. Thanks for today.

- It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. - He joked, drawing another laugh from her.

- Until next time, Takami-kun.

She waved and left, leaving Koori standing on the sidewalk, pensive, as her figure disappeared into the crowd.