Darling in the Franx: Alternate Core

Chapter 2: Trying to re/connect.

Little did he know how right he was...

? - Hiro? Hiro! -

Hiro: - Huh? -

He was brought out of his thoughts by Ichigo, whom was looking at him alongside everyone else...

Ichigo: - I was asking you if you heard what we just talked about... -

Hiro: - No... sorry its just, certain thoughts have been bothering me for a while... -

Goro: - It has to do with Naomi and the ones who kidnapped her, right? -

Hiro: - *sighs* Is the only thing of interest that happened to be fair. -

Ikuno: - That and also the fact you managed to ride alongside the "Stamen killer". -

Zorome was about to remark something when Miku decided it would be best to interrupt: - Look, we can talk about her later, but what matters right now is that what happened to Naomi wasn't your fault Hiro. -

Hiro: - You think? I should have talked to them instead of charging at them! I don't know what took over me to act so impulsively! -

Goro: - Probably the adrenaline of piloting for the first time? -

Hiro: - But I became unconscious after stepping in... -

Mitsuru: - Yet you woke up the moment the unknown mechs arrived. Don't you think the timing is too coincidential? -

Hiro: - I don't have control of when I wake up. -

Zero Two: - Although when you do, you seemed to have more energy than before... darling. -

Everyone turned towards the entrance to see the famous "Stamen Killer" whom just arrived. Zorome, being his usual self went towards her...

Zorome: - Hey there! I'm Zorome the great, prodigy pilot of this group and I was wondering if... -

He got interrupted when Zero Two pulled out from her mouth a lollipop she was consuming and then smeared it onto his shirt.

Zorome: - Hey! I just cleaned that! It's now all sticky! -

Miku: - That will show no you not to be cocky you dummy! -

And as the problematic couple went into one of their fits again, Zero Two walked with decisive steps towards Hiro as she pulled out another candy from one of her pockets and opened it as she seated at his side being a little 'invasive'.

Zero Two: - You were amazing out there darling. I wonder if they will allow you to ride with me again? -

Hiro: - Thank you... I think? -

Okey, he was less flustered than Zero Two expected: - Huh, I expected your reaction to be more lively. -

Hiro: - *sighs again* Sorry, its just that I have been thinking a lot of what happened recently... -

Zero Two: - Hmmm? And why is that? -

Goro: - It has to do with the girl he was trying to rescue from that white mech... what was its name again? -

Zero Two: - White Glint. -

Everyone turned at her when she answered with total security about the name: - And the mech alongside him was called 'Arthur'. -

Ichigo: - How is it that you know? -

Zero Two: - I may say why if darling is willing to pay a price for it... -

Ichigo: - Okey, there's no way that... -

Hiro: - I'll do it... -

Ichigo: - What?! But Hiro... -