Coalition point 3

KEVIN

Briefly, I could remember seeing this Hanabi lady. If my memory serves me right, she was there when the fight against Takahashi Ryuji's men went down at Rhythm.

She was there, I was certain. However, I got too caught up in the fight then that I could no longer recall how long she had stayed or if she had stayed at all while the fight took place. All I knew was that she was with Takahashi Ryuji's people. In short, I don't trust her. And in my opinion, I think Rose and her friend share the same sentiment.

A few questions had sprung inside my head as I watched Rose, her friend and Hanabi lady as they continued to eat with Hanabi seeming to enjoy herself. I can't help but wonder If this Hanabi lady was part of Takashi's crew, then why was she here? And why were Rose and her friend being friendly with her?

"Don't stare too much. You are becoming a little obvious," I stared at Rose. She was smirking. I shook my head.

"You are playing with fire, Rose. Do you even know what you got yourself into?" At this, Rose narrowed her gaze towards me.

"How many times do I have to repeat it? I know what I'm doing, Kevin. I'm pretty sure I know more than you do,"

I held her gaze and held my tongue as well. Getting ourselves in a heated argument in the middle of the street would not benefit either of us. If anything, it was the worst thing that could happen at the moment. Besides, this Hanabi lady might be some sort of a spy and Rose knew that too. So, we can't really give anything away if we are to keep up with the pretense of being regular… people.

I can't even say, friends. Friends know each other's names and so far, I have no idea who Rose's friend was and though Rose gave her name, we were far from being friends.

"So is this dinner already?" Hanabi asked, directing her question towards Rose.

"It could be," she said, smiling towards Hanabi. I could tell that she was trying. In fact, she was trying too hard.

"Why don't you guys go and get changed and we could grab dinner for real, my treat," I said, instantly catching Rose's gaze. She narrowed her eyes towards me. I countered her with nonchalance and a forced smile.

"You would get chills with what you are wearing Rose. We can't afford that, can we?"

"Right," Rose stated, her eyes never leaving mine.

"I'll keep Hanabi company. Let's meet back here in an hour," I said, knowing that it was gravely important that no one knew where Rose and her friend were staying. If I had to make another speculation, the night after they had been attacked at Rhythm, they took action and had to look for an apartment or another place to stay immediately.

"I have a car, we could wait there," Hanabi offered.

"Oh, alright. But Rose," I looked at Rose, one of my hand reaching for my phone. I handed it to her.

"I think I would need your contact info for this," Rose eyed me, briskly hiding the smirk that formed on her lips as she forced out a smile instead.

"Sure," she replied, taking the phone and typing in her number. When she handed it back to me, I test dialled the number and watched her flash her phone in my face, letting me know that she did give me her real contact number.

"Right. Meet in an hour then,"

"Okay, see ya," I watched as Rose and her friend walked away. Forcing myself to smile, I turned towards Hanabi lady.

"After you," I said, gesturing that I will follow after her lead.

The two of us walked in silence. It only then occurred to me the cold December air. Christmas was coming and people seemed oblivious to the cold. It was always that time of the year when everybody had bright smiles plastered on their faces. It was that time of the year when people like me who lost loved ones feel cursed for having to celebrate this season. It was supposed to be a happy celebration, however, the festivities reminded me too much of my mother.

Ever since she had died, my father and I were never home for Christmas and I think that became a mutual agreement with neither of us actually talking about it. It just happened. And, to be honest, I think it was better. My father spends Christmas Eve back at the station while I stay at Rhythm and celebrate with the people who shared the same fate as me.

My father and I mourned for my mother separately and we cherished her memory separately too.

I had been too deep in thought that I did not realize that we had reached Hanabi's car until I heard the familiar sound of removing the car alarm. I smiled briefly towards Hanabi.

"Nice car," I said and watched as she returned my smile. She was about to open her mouth to say something. However, I beat her to it, cutting her off.

"I know who you are, Hanabi. I remember you,"

"Ah," Hanabi stared at me, she nodded as if just realizing something now. "No wonder you looked familiar. Kevin, is it?"

"Yes. I'm Kevin. And you are Hanabi, one of Takahashi Ryuji's men,"

"No," Hanabi instantly corrected me. "I would rather just be Hanabi instead of being anyone's. I am under Takahashi, for now. But that will soon change,"

"Wow," I remarked, realization dawning on me at that instance. "So, basically, you are using Rose as a ticket to get rid of Takahashi and then what? You wish to take over?"

Hanabi let out a laugh. She looked at me like I was some sort of a pitiful creature. I did not understand and clearly, this must have something to do with what I had said.

"It seems that there are still things that you do not know about… Rose. I'll bet she has a good reason for not disclosing them for now. I won't spoil it for her. That means, forget I said anything,"