Chapter 369 - ONE-NIGHT STAND (1/2)
On Thursday night, Akira left Tokyo for Mountain Ridge while Kaito remained in the house at Blue Mountain Park. He did not want to live the place because he had gotten used to it, and Akira did not want to waste her time convincing him to leave.
In any case, he had already lived there for three days. It would make no difference if he continued to live in her home for a few more days.
Kaito wanted to leave with Akira and return to Mountain Ridge with her. However, the sudden resignation of his vice-president meant that he had to manage Shuriken Logistics until he found a vice-president, and the company stabilised a little.
Naturally, he planned to return to Mountain Ridge as soon as possible, but for the moment, it was impossible. He could only watch as Akira left. The only thing he had to comfort himself were some leftovers of the stewed chicken Akira cooked before leaving.
In the wee hours of Friday morning, Akira arrived in Mountain Ridge. She picked her car from the lot at the train station and drove back. Instead of going to the Yamazaki mansion, she went to the apartment Hina prepared for her before she moved to the city.
She did not want to meet her parents because they would probably disrupt her mood for the grand opening of Elements. Also, the apartment was not too far from the restaurant, so she could rest there without stress for some time before beginning preparations.
Additionally, she wanted to meet up with Hina.
Once she arrived at the apartment complex, she did not go into her place directly. She knocked on the opposite door lightly and waited. She heard some movements from the other side of the door and then, the door opened.
Seiji looked at his sister with confusion, shock and then, embarrassment.
Akira looked at the door number again and confirmed she was in the right place. She looked at her brother with a lifted eyebrow in question.
Seiji cleared his throat. ”Akira…”
He wanted to explain something, but he choked up after calling her name. He did not know what to say. Moreover, facing his innocent sister, he could not be open and honest.
”I won't ask.” Akira lifted a hand to stop him. ”Tell Hina I am looking for her.”
She would not ask her brother, but she had no qualms about asking Hina about this unexpected situation that looked like a one-night stand. She turned and opened the apartment opposite and entered under Seiji's awkward gaze.
Hina also incorporated a lot of manga and anime décor, including action figures, plushies and some limited edition posters. However, the most eye-catching thing was the human-sized figurine of Yuki the Sword Princess.
Akira had only seen the apartment in photos, but she was pleased with the results of the real thing. It was a little narcissistic to have a large figurine from her own manga as the centrepiece, but she could not deny that the limited edition item was impressive.
After she took a shower, she made herself a pot of tea and sat down with her tablet and a digital pen. For a while now, she had been neglecting drawing the manga because she could not get fresh inspiration.
Originally, she had a lot of ideas because she was taking on cases for the brigade. However, after she stopped taking on new missions, she did not feel like drawing anymore.
She had finally gotten new ideas after her evening out with Kaito. She started drawing a little in Tokyo and on the train. She almost had enough material for the new volume. Her lips turned up into a smile as she drew while drinking tea.
She only looked up when she heard her door opening. She faced a freshly showered Hina with a guilty look on her face. Akira put aside the tablet and looked at Hina with a subtle smile.
”Come over here. Have a cup of tea with me.” She held back her amusement.
Hina sat down beside her on the couch, and Akira offered her some green tea. Hina gulped down the tea and placed the cup on the saucer. She choked a little while swallowing and started coughing. Akira patted her lightly on the back.
”Talk to your big sister,” Akira said.