With plates empty and bellies full, the group made their way back to the hotel, voices bubbling with praise for the unexpected delight of their Miso breakfast.
Though everyone sensed Kara's quiet disappointment, it melted away the moment her big brother slipped an arm around her shoulders, offering a steady, comforting presence.
Meanwhile, Kirashi trailed behind, cheeks still flushed with embarrassment—haunted by the morning's wild antics, yet somehow lighter for having shared them.
They packed up the few belongings they had left as they prepared to move on an apartment located central of the city, each item a quiet reminder of all that had passed.
When they finished, Kara's eyes lingered on the small pile, a sharp pang of disbelief in her voice.
"Is that all we really have left?"
She exclaimed, voice trembling.
"We had so much more when we started..."
"That's the reality of being in the front lines. Kara-san"
Ryujin confessed.
Kara lowered her gaze.
"I guess so.."
Kara hesitated, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow.
"How about we go shopping... I'm kinda running low on—"
Her words trailed off, swallowed by an unspoken embarrassment that made her cheeks flush.
Before she could continue, innocent Jayu piped up,
"Me and Kara-nee are running out of und—"
But Kara's hands flew up in a swift, panicked motion, covering Jayu's mouth. Her face turned a deep crimson, eyes wide with silent apology.
Ryujin sighed deeply, the weight of leadership settling on his shoulders.
"Alright then..."
His voice was calm but firm, carrying the quiet resolve that everyone looked to in moments like this.
"Itoshi.. You join Kara and Jayu to go for shopping, meanwhile the rest, were gonna move our stuff to the apartment."
Everyone agreed to Ryujin's decision, but before they sprang into action. Ryujin handed out a piece of paper to Kara.
It was the address to the apartment they were gonna stay in for god knows how long. But everyone knew. It was definitely gonna be long enough to be called their new home.
They all stepped out of the hotel together, the sun casting a soft glow over their quiet departure. At the curb, the SUVs waited, doors open, engines humming low.
Kara and Jayu stood beside one vehicle, waving as Aldrin, Ryujin, Kirashi, and Ayro climbed into another. Their waves were full of warmth, but tinged with the weight of parting.
Itoshi, already seated in the same SUV as Kara and Jayu, he didn't wave. He simply watched—quiet, unreadable, as the others pulled away.
[Kara, Jayu, & Itoshi]
Itoshi sat up front, next to the female driver, lazily chewing a piece of gum as the SUV rolled along the road. The soft hum of the engine filled the silence.
He tilted his head slightly, glancing back.
"Where we going?... Kara?"
His tone was casual, but carried a hint of curiosity, the kind that surfaced when things started to feel unfamiliar.
"Ahh... first, we're going to, uh... Chouquettes,"
Kara muttered, eyes fixed on the passing scenery.
Itoshi raised an eyebrow, still chewing his gum.
"Ehh? Trying something new, huh?"
"Well.. Ryujin-sama lent us money so.. Imma use it for me and Jayu-chan."
She faced Jayu.
"We'll thank Ryujin-sama later ok?"
Jayu faced Kara, smiling as she nodded.
"Ah.. Cool."
Kara leaned towards Jayu.
"I will dress you up ok? Jayu-chan!"
"Ok! Thank you! Please!"
Their first stop led them through a string of clothing and underwear shops—mostly for Kara and Jayu.
Itoshi, knowing when to step back, stayed out of the more sensitive aisles, waiting by the entrance or browsing nearby racks without interest.
But once they hit the clothing stores, he came alive.
Like a self-declared fashion judge, he stood with arms crossed, gum still in his mouth, watching intently as the two girls stepped out in various outfits.
"Nah, too plain."
"That one's not bad. Try it with a jacket."
"Yo, that actually works! Kara, you should totally get that."
He rated each look with surprising honesty, throwing in occasional poses and exaggerated nods like some over-the-top fashion critic.
To their own surprise, his opinions weren't half-bad. In fact, they made choosing easier—and a lot more fun.
They stepped out of the shop, their arms full of bags, and loaded everything into the SUV.
"Ahh! I'm beat!"
Kara muttered, dropping into the seat with a relieved sigh.
Jayu's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"That was fun!" she exclaimed, still buzzing from the outing.
Itoshi, leaning back with a smirk, added casually,
"Not too bad."
"What about you koya?.. Aren't you gonna buy some new clothings?.."
Kara asked, leaning towards Itoshi.
"Maybe I would buy some that I can use when I don't do anything back in the apartment. Only this set can handle my flames when we're in battles."
The driver flinched slightly, then turned to Itoshi, locking eyes with him firmly.
"With all due respect, sir, we can't thank you enough for protecting us and sacrificing your freedom for our safety. But for your own protection, please don't go around publicly boasting about your flame power. Understood?"
"G-Got it!"
Itoshi blinked, clearly caught off guard by the driver's directness. Before he could say anything, she added,
"Where to next?"
Kara hesitated, glancing at Itoshi before answering quietly,
"Uh... uhmm, how about we take our lunch first?"
They all arrived at the restaurant, settling into their seats with hungry smiles.
Jayu's eyes lit up with a sudden thought.
"We should bring her with us" she thought excitedly. Without hesitation, her little legs carried her quickly to the driver's side door.
She knocked gently, and the driver rolled down her window.
"Yes, ma'am?" she asked, surprised.
Jayu beamed and said,
"Come! Eat with us!"
The Driver softened.
"Thank you for your kindness ma'am but.. I have to decline your offer.. I have a duty to do and this is the least I could do for your squad, now go! Enjoy your meal!"
The driver smiled kindly at Jayu, her warmth clear even through the rolled-down window. But Jayu's smile faltered, a little sadness creeping in as she turned away. Still, her steps were steady—she wasn't about to give up that easily.
A few moments later, the three emerged from the restaurant. Jayu's face was bright with a huge smile as she carried a box of food in her hands. She approached the driver and handed her the meal. The driver's eyes softened with gratitude.
"Thank you, ma'am!" she said sincerely.
"You're so kind" she added, touched by the gesture.
Everyone waited patiently as the driver took her lunch, a quiet moment settling over the group.
After a few moments, the driver returned to her duties, her calm professionalism settling back in.
She made sure everyone reached their destinations safely and without delay.
~~~To be Continued~~~