269 269. New Home

The sun was almost setting by the time they reached the hotel. Both of them went to the top floor to check in on Hanako.

When they entered the suit they saw Chojo standing like a rock next to Hanako's room. He was staring blankly at Hanako who was sleeping. The fading light from the sun gave off a serene look to the sleeping woman.

Leo and Shinobu looked at each other in surprise.

Cough. Cough.

Leo coughed loudly, breaking Chojo from his daze.

Chojo turned around and saw the peculiar smile on their face. He was slightly embarrassed, "Ahaha...

Leo curled his lips into a smile, "What? Stunned by the sleeping beauty?"

"Ahaha...

"Can you say something other than laughing like a fool?"

Chojo choked when he heard that, he closed the door to Hanako's room slowly without making any sound.

Shinobu was curious and asked, "It's only been a few days, don't tell me you fell for a woman that fast?"

Hearing her Chojo paused. He thought seriously for a moment and said, "I don't know."

Shinobu smiled slyly, "Does your heart beat faster when you see her? Do you want to hold her in your arms?"

Chojo nearly stumbled when he heard her. He smiled bitterly, "Shinobu-san, sometimes you stump people with your words."

"You didn't answer my question."

Chojo took a seat and thought for a while, "No. My heart doesn't beat faster when I see her, nor do I want to hold her in my arms, but... when I do see her, I feel peace at heart. The worries in my life seem insignificant when I see her."

Well...

Both of them were surprised to hear Chojo. In truth they were simply teasing him. They never expected to get a serious answer from him.

Leo smiled, "Then I hope you understand what that feeling is."

Chojo shook his head and ignored the issue for now. He then asked.

"What are you guys planning next? If you want I can arrange a permanent stay here for you."

Leo shook his head, "No. That won't be necessary. We have troubled you for long."

"Then?"

"We plan to buy a small place, just for the two of us."

Chojo smiled, "Leave it to me. I'll have my assistant take you to around to look at houses tomorrow."

"Thanks."

"It's fine. This is the least I can do."

...

The next day.

Chojo's assistant took Leo and Shinobu around several blocks to look at the houses. However when they reached these places both of them smiled wryly.

Every house was big and luxurious. Even the smallest one had atleast ten rooms.

"We don't need such a big place. A small one will do."

The assistant thought for a while and asked, " Will you vouch for me if I bring you to a really small place?"

Leo smiled, "Relax."

The assistant smiled and asked the driver to move around the neighborhood. Finally both of them saw a house they preferred.

They checked the interior and found it to be satisfactory.

"We'll take this one."

The assistant smiled, "Then I'll take care of the paperwork. Also, don't forget to vouch for me."

Leo asked curiously, "I've been meaning to ask you. You guys seem a bit relaxed when facing your boss. Why is that?"

The assistant smiled and replied, "Oh? That's because boss is a really good man. He started out from scratch. Worked several jobs and finally started a small hotel after saving up some money."

"Boss is very sincere in his work. Because of that his customers always came back to him. As time passed one hotel became two, then three... As time passed small hotels became big."

"Oh, oh, he also has shared in several other large businesses."

Shinobu chuckled, "You respect him a lot."

The assistant grinned, "Of course. Most of boss's employees are like me. Boss picked us from the slums and beat the crap out of us. He made honest men out of kids who would have ended up otherwise."

Leo and Shinobu laughed.

The assistant said goodbye to Leo and Shinobu. He asked the driver to bring them back to the hotel while he went back to sort out the paperwork.

"Come on, I gave a wide range of options and you chose one like that. I specifically asked that brat to not bring you to small places."

When they got back Chojo was waiting for them at the lobby. He grumbled as soon as he saw them.

Leo rolled his eyes, "What the hell are we supposed to do with such big houses? A small place is enough for us. And, don't give the man a hard time."

Chojo grinned, "He asked you guys to vouch for him, didn't he?"

Leo was surprised, "How did you know that?"

Chojo scoffed, "That brat has done this before!"

Haha.

"So, are you guys going moving today?"

Leo nodded, "No reason to drag it any longer."

Chojo was worriedly, "What about Hanako? What if something happens suddenly?"

Leo patted his shoulder and smiled, "Relax. Since we are moving that means there isn't anything more that could be done."

Shinobu nodded, "She is completely healed. One more week and she will return to her former self."

Chojo was relieved to hear that.

Leo slightly elbowed him, "Acting like a good husband already?"

"Ahahaha...

They parted with Chojo and went to the super to buy some basic stuff for their new home.

When they were almost finished Chojo's assistant called and said everything was done. He met him at the super and gave them the key to their new home. Chojo was also with him.

Carrying a lot of stuff they entered their new home. They hung around for while and ate a delicious first meal prepared by Shinobu in their new home.

Having his fill Chojo said goodbye and left. Leo and Shinobu waved them off.

They were about to go back inside when someone stopped them.

"Ah, you guys must be my new neighbors."

Leo and Shinobu turned around. They saw a beautiful girl with long wavy orange hair. She was wearing a high school uniform and had a sunny smile.

"Nice to meet you, my name is Orihime Inoue."

Shinobu greeted her back, "Nice to meet you too, miss Inoue. My name is Kocho Shinobu. This is my husband, Leo Heart."

Leo smiled, "Good to meet you."