Chapter 12

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

 

“Welcome!”

 

I was startled by the bartender’s voice, but for some reason, I awkwardly averted my gaze and faced the counter. However, I sensed someone was approaching, and the seat next to me creaked.

 

“Daiquiri.”[1]

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

I turned my head to the opposite side of the counter from Shurin when I heard the familiar voice. Then, he squinted his eyes with our gazes intertwined.

 

“Are you here to have a drink with some friends?”

 

At his question, I looked at the two of them. Kouka’s cheeks were flushed as she stared at Taizen, while Shurin’s mouth was wide open in the meantime.

 

I averted my gaze from the two and returned my attention to Taizen.

 

“Oh, ……, yes. What about Taizen?”

 

“I’m meeting someone I know at this bar later.” He replied in a composed manner.

 

At his response, I felt something well up inside my chest.

 

“Kouhei, do you know him?”

 

While I was contemplating what this feeling was, Kouka interrupted with her voice sounding cute and different from usual. When I moved my body towards their direction, Kouka had a serious expression while Shurin nodded in excitement.

 

“Oh …… yeah. We’re friends.”

 

As I nodded, thinking that we’re nothing more than just friends, I suddenly felt Kouka’s eyes brighten up.

 

I was wondering what was going on when I noticed Taizen, who was on my left, leaning closer to me. I assumed he wanted to talk to them, so I leaned back from the counter so he could. Taizen, on the other hand, froze for a moment and stared into my eyes.

 

“Good evening.”

 

Kouka smiled cheerfully at Taizen’s greetings, and Shurin looked surprised.

 

“Good evening” – “Good Evening”

Kouka replied in a high pitch voice, while Shurin replied in a flustered hurry.

 

At this point, some unknown feelings were creeping into my chest in response to Kouka’s subtle flirtatious advances, which I had previously found adorable. When I was embroiled with these strange feelings, Shurin pulled her face close to mine and spoke to me in a tiny voice.

 

“Well, I was just nervous because he’s handsome. Ah, but I have a husband, so it’s not a crush by any means.”

 

Shurin’s desperate explanation made me laugh awkwardly.

 

Even if I already had a girlfriend, I would also be nervous about meeting a gorgeous woman. I believe it is the same emotion I would experience if a celebrity sat next to me, for example.

“Are you dating anyone?”

 

Kouka cocked her head in one direction and asked Taizen a direct question, ignoring Shurin and me who stood between them.

 

I was astounded to discover that she was, in fact, a hunter. I finally realized she had already locked her target.

 

“…No”. Taizen replied after a brief pause.

 

“Oh.. That’s a lie! By the way, my name is Kouka!”

 

When I heard Kouka’s cheery voice, my chest tightened even more. I began to feel that I didn’t want to be caught between the two and listen in on their conversation.

 

 

I was irritated and about to shake my head in frustration, but I finally came to my senses and decided to go to the restroom to calm down.

 

“I’m going to the restroom.”

 

With a thud, I rose from the high-backed chair, my gaze meeting the bartender’s.

 

“That way, sir,” he said.

 

The bartender pointed to a long corridor behind the counter. I returned my gaze to the bartender, nodded, and proceeded down the dim aisle.

 

 

When I returned from the restroom, I noticed Kouka sitting in my seat. She flashed an alluring smile and clung her slender hand to Taizen’s arm, who sat next to her. My stomach griped as I looked at this.

 

 

Kouka turned her head towards me, possibly noticing my piercing gaze, and instantly hardened her face. Taizen, on the other hand, followed her gaze and slowly turned around.

 

My gaze met his kind golden eyes.

 

“Oh, you’re back. Kouka-san, Kohei is back.”

 

 

Kouka nodded awkwardly after hearing Taizen speak.

 

 

“Welcome back; you’ve been gone a long time.”

 

I sat down and smiled innocently at Taizen after Kouka moved places. The previous lingering irritation vanished mysteriously. However, it was already awkward between us.

 

 

“…Yes”. I couldn’t respond well because my face was stiff. Taizen narrowed his eyes as if he was thinking about something.

 

The bar’s door then opened once again. Taizen turned to face the door, but I was still looking at him, caught up in the moment.

 

“Welcome!” When a man with thick brows entered the bar, the bartender greeted him. He was muscular and had a keen gaze. [He appears to be a fighter or soldier..]

 

The newcomer frowned at Taizen and sighed. His actions made me nervous.

 

 

“I’d like to discuss work.” Let’s go to a private room.” Taizen sneered as he took out his wallet.

 

 

“Excuse me, I’ll pay whatever..”

 

“Don’t worry about it.” The bartender received the money from Taizen’s grasp. Taizen turned to face me, a dejected smile on his face.

 

“See you later.”

 

I gave a slight nod. Taizen then got up and walked towards the door. With my gaze, I slowly followed his broad back.

 

Taizen’s handsome companion looked at me with wide eyes and smirked. He later followed Taizen with a grin and a teasing smile. Taizen responded with a frown.

 

 

As they were about to leave the bar, Taizen gave me a small wave. Later, I also returned his wave.

 

They both vanished as the door slammed shut.

 

“Hah….”. I sighed heavily. Suddenly, Kouka threw up and rested her cheek on the counter.

 

When I saw Kouka’s unfortunate situation, I shook my shoulders in shock. I had completely forgotten about them because I was so preoccupied with Taizen. Kouka looked at me with a betrayed expression, whereas Shurin looked calm with a Buddha-like expression.

 

 

I was no longer indignant; instead, I felt sorry for my unfounded irritation directed at Kouka. Kouka looked at me with expressive eyes as she considered what to say.

 

She then asked,

 

“Can you ask your friend about the handsome man who arrived later if he has a girlfriend? I would appreciate it if you could introduce me.”

 

“Sure,” I said, nodding in response to Kouka’s request.

____________________________________________________________

[1] A type of cocktail made of rum, lime and sugar.

Notes:

Yay! Double chapter today! We’re almost halfway through this novel already. The pace of the story might seem slow at the moment, but it’ll definitely pick up after this chapter. Just a reminder, this novel is relatively short at only 27 chapters. So, I might be able to post all of it before in less than 2 weeks’ time, depending on my availability.

And, yes. If you still haven’t joined my Discord, join now! I will be updating information regarding my upcoming project in my discord for those are interested 😉

Happy reading!