Strange

FUTABA

Futaba's eyes widened at his assessment. It seems the more she learns about Hamno Atushi. The more she is starting to believe that people are not what they seem like. When she first learned about Hamano from Succhan, she thought he was a horrible person. But, it's not like that. There are many threads that make up this person. Threads that she wishes to unravel.

Her thoughts break off when Hamano pulls out a lighter and a packet of cigarettes.

"Wait, is that cigarette?"

Atushi nodded.

"You smoke?!!!" Futaba said, alarmed.

Atushi rolled his eyes. "I'm not the only high school student who smokes."

Well yeah she knows that. But, it's surprising.

"When I first met you, I thought you were a nerd." Futaba admitted causing Atushi to laugh. "It's not funny. You're a scholarship student aren't you? My cousin told me."

"I am. My parents weren't happy about me transferring, and said they wouldn't help with my funds. So I had to enter using the old fashioned method."

She wouldn't have expected that from him. But, she is also familiar with the Hamano family. She knows how strict and old fashioned they are.

"A yankee, and a smoker." Futaba shakes her head. "Next thing you know you're going to tell me that you're also a good fighter."

Atushi chuckled. "Well, I think you'll find out."

"I'm sure you're just like every other-" Futaba trailed off when she spotted a man with black hair and a green coloured kimono barking orders at several people.

"Aki-san!" Futaba exclaimed.

Aki turned to her with a sigh. "What are you doing here?"

"That's my line! Where on earth is Succhan? What on earth have you done?"

A pained look flashed through Aki's face before he pointed to the direction of smoke in the air. Isn't that the hospital? She immediately takes her phone out and types in the search bar, it didn't take long before several results popped up.

"You sent her where there are terrorists?" Futaba exclaimed.

"It's not the first time she has handled a job like that."

Futaba shakes her head. "You know that she has been ill lately. Her condition isn't good. Isn't this the reason you made me take over her work? I thought you didn't want her near those people."

"Her ex is in there."

She immediately understood. "You sent her there to kill him?"

Aki shrugged. "I was giving her a chance. But." His gaze dimmed. "She still hasn't come out. So she must have chosen to save him."

Of course she would. Succhan isn't the type of person who would hurt someone even if they have hurt her. 

Futaba sighed deeply. "What's going on then? Why are you only deploying forces now?"

"Hyou4 and the police have surrounded the building. While we have authority in this town, having too many delinquent groups involved would cause issues. Right now, we have been entrusted to guard the surroundings just in case any of them have tried to make a run for it." Aki explained.

"Have you found anyone?"

"We found a few victims, who mentioned seeing Sumire and Asuka is with a girl who directly saw Sumire."

Succhan is alive then, it's a relief and yet she is worried.

Her thoughts break off when she hears a large cracking sound. Futaba turned her attention to Hamano, only to find his fist covered on the wall and covered in blood.

"Hamano-ku-" Futaba paused seeing the dangerous look in his eyes.

She shuddered. What is this? She has never seen him like this before?

Atushi has Aki-san pinned against the wall, his hand on his collar in seconds. So fast, when did he-?

'Everyone in the underworld has darkness in their hearts. No matter what circumstances lead them to joining the underworld, the darkness is there. Darkness that is beyond human understanding.'

Aki-san wasn't backing down and was looking at Hamano directly. "She mentioned that you couldn't control your emotions very well. It seems she was right."

"You have no right to even talk about her bastard. How many times have you put her life at risk?"

"A few times. But I can count the number of times where she has actually been in danger with my hands." Aki trailed off and laughed bitterly. "Your underestimating her too much. That girl is strong, stronger than you all think."

"But she is sick-" Futaba protested.

"She was sick during the last terrorist job I gave her too, and you should know how that went."

Of course she does. Succhan single handedly took care of the fifty terrorists that had invaded. They were all armed and had far better weapons. But she managed to take them all down. 

"This is no different."

"It is." Atushi said. "I don't know what happened last time. But she wasn't trying to protect someone she cares about was she?"

Right, the victims had been evacuated already. So Succhan could go all out without dragging the victims into the mess.

"Riri will prioritise the mission-"

"You don't know her at all, so don't fucking speak like you do." Atushi cursed and let's go of Aki. He turned to her. "Are you coming? Or will you be staying with this insane guy?"

Futaba briefly looked at Aki-san before bowing and turned to following Hamano. She maybe a member of the Holy knights, but the only reason she is a member is Succhan. 

After walking in silence for a few minutes. Futaba looked at Hamano, there was still a dark look in his eyes. Not good, even if Hamano got in this state because he is concerned about Succhan. It's not good for anyone to remain this way. 

Futaba takes a deep breath before singing.

"Glowing brilliantly white, captivating your heart.

I want to become that very light.

If I spread my arms wide open.

And sing with all my might. 

I will begin to shine brighter than anyone else.

That desire always guides my story's light.

All the tears I shed scatter around. 

Flickering in the perfect night sky.

Today is a fullmoon.

Everyone in the world is looking up at the sky.

On a clear and pure stage, the night where stars fall.

What reaches you the most is the full moon light." Futaba sang.

By the end of the song Hamano was laughing, and Futaba pouted. "I was trying to cheer you up! Why are you laughing at me!"

Atushi reached over and patted her head. "Yeah, that cheered me up alright. You have a really soothing voice. I could listen to it everyday."

Futaba didn't know why but she felt her cheeks heat up at his words. She has been an idol for some time now. So this isn't the first time she is hearing compliments. Especially as a model, she has heard so much praise. But, this feels different.

"I feel better now. We should come up with a plan to avoid being seen by the police and get inside."

Futaba nodded in agreement, still in a daze. 'Hamano Atushi, he really is a weird person.'