"You sure 'bout that?" I joked which was half meant.

He grinned. "You're the new member's cousin, right?"

My mouth formed an oval shape. I thought he didn't know. I was amazed. "You're good."

He grinned wider. "We'll sure meet again later."

I was worried about his wounds and his face, but he still managed to smile so maybe he'll be fine. Not gonna lie, the guy's still handsome even after beaten. I laughed at the thought and remembered someone similar.

I hope he's happy where he's now.

For a short period of time, I arranged myself to a mini cafe to prepare for a test. Unfortunately, I came with someone I didn't want to be with. I sighed at the person who just ruined the moment.

"So? Have you ordered yet?" I pursed my lips. "I don't have much time, you know."

"Yeah, right. You're just sticking your ass with that Takemichi." Masaru rolled his eyes.

"Hey!" I snapped my fingers. "First of all, you lied to them. They got beaten up, treated like slaves, and thankfully, was saved by the royalties."

"Royalties?"

"Forget about that. The point is..." If it weren't for this, I wouldn't have met the others. "I make my own choice, not Michi. So, order up or you'll pay for your own meal."

"Okay, fine."

I skimmed the menu and looked up at the person in front of me. "Masaru..."

"What?"

I sadly smiled. "Live your life better... okay?"

I don't want my loved ones suffer like I do.

His face screamed surprise. "It's just that... it's a waste to live your life poorly. Everyone deserves to live their life with joy and with the ones they love. The world is cruel... but it's our choice whether to live on or not."

Masaru quieted for five seconds. He sighed and closed the menu. "Order up," he said and I nodded. "I'll pay."

"Huh?" I asked.

"What? You don't like it?"

I raised my hands. "Chill. Okay..." I laughed. "Thanks, cousin."

He sincerely smiled with a little change of heart.

Marching back home, I caught a glimpse of a tall guy who's wearing a white jacket. His image from the back reminded me of someone but with a different uniform. It took me a moment to recognize who he was with that long black hair of his.

 It took me a moment to recognize who he was with that long black hair of his

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"Baji-san?"

I was right, but what jacket is that? He usually wear Toman's. I lost track of my thoughts when I read the words. 'Walhalla'.

He turned around and his eyes popped by seeing me. "Ah, the angel."

"What are you doing here?" I roamed my eyes around. We're under a bridge beside the main road. "Are you waiting for someone?"

I wanted to ask why he's wearing that jacket. Did he... leave Toman? Is that the time when he punched Michi? And isn't that gang the one Takemichi's with the last time?

Baji-san appeared stern like lots of things were bothering him. His expression worried me. Out of the blue, I unconsciously stepped forward and embraced him. I noticed how he froze and stopped breathing.

I instantly backed off, lifting my hands in the air. "S-sorry..."

Baji-san snorted. He took a step forward and patted my head. Baji-san breathed in deeply and then out.

"Darling angel," he whispered, confusing me. "What... should I do?"

"Baji...-san?" I looked at him in bewilderment.

Baji-san quickly changed his expression to a happy one. He grinned and messed with my hair. "Hey, I still don't know your full name."

"M-mizuno Delanel." I smiled.

"Hey, Delanel-san..." he called. "If you were about to die right now, what would be the last thing you'll do?"

"Eh?"

"Just tell me, please," he begged, his deep voice sounding so pleasant.

I gestured a thinking posture while glancing at the sky. "If I'll die... I'd want to embrace the person I love the most and thank him and tell him that I'm not dying, instead, I'm just going back home... up there." I pointed up.

"And that no matter what happens, I'd want him to live on with his life," I added.

He snorted. "Yeah. That's right."

"Is there a problem? Why ask such question? You're not going to die, are you?"

"Ha?" He made a threatening face. "This guy right here? Nah. I'm stronger than I look and more handsome than you think."

"Nah," I objected and giggled. "Don't die on us, Baji Keisuke."

He breathed, the crease on his face fading away. "Thank you, Delle-san." He patted my head once again and marched forward. "Watch over Toman for me..."

He turned around for the last time and voiced out his last words.

"They're my family."

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