Missing

Seven days without commotion and Haru is finally released from the hospital. The twins with Hayato religiously visited him while Yume was sent in a camp to help explore the AI technology used from the last fight.

Several researchers and scientists met to discuss and analyze the data gathered from the battle scenes and from the enemy robots. All resulted in one conclusion: for that kind of AI technology, a single person is still required to dictate the flow of the battle. Given that no external signal was traced during the battle and all enemy robots were manless, the 'puppet master' is from their side. In short, they were infiltrated by the enemy. Such news is unanimously agreed upon to be keeped a secret until the traitor or traitors are exposed and apprehended.

Captain Nagi's team suffered greatly from the last clash. Four robots were damaged and undergoing major repairs. Amy's and Yume's robots are servicable as of the moment. Sano's been hinting to his sister that he'll substitute her when another same attack happens which annoyed Amy. Her brother sure forgot that she passed and was recruited by the camp for her skills.

Another two days and Yume hasn't returned. A certain person's mood is constantly dropping. Inside his room another person busy playing with his phone can be heard laughing.

"..."

"Hey, you sure don't look good. Better call her than keep it all inside."

"..."

"Come on, just call her okay? This is not you. You're giving me the creeps."

Only reaction, eyebrow rising.

"I never expected that when you fall, you fall hard. So many girls wanting your attention and you ignored them all. Now I know you are also a human just reserving himself for someone. And here I am defending your sexual orientation."

"What?"

"Remember some of the girls you ignored spread rumors about you being a gay?"

'Who can easily forget about that? When the same person in front of him is allegedly his lover?' Haru shivered.

"Haru, I get it. You are not a showy person. But girls like to feel cherished and pampered. She maybe just an arranged marriage partner, but she's still a girl. A girl that's been making you emotionally unstable because of her absence."

"Hayato, Yume and I grew up together."

"How come I only saw her once? And you never said anything about her?"

"You've known me six years ago. You seeing her once is a mistake on my part. When she came to tell me her decision to enter X Academy, I acted childish and left her in front of the house."

'Really childish. That explains why the little girl was sad then. I thought because of the arranged marriage.'

"She's the prime minister's daughter."

'Oh, that explains the secrecy.'

"But hey, I believe you both are okay now? Just call her."

"What if she's busy?"

"She'll make time for you."

"That's my point. I dont want to disturb her."

Hayato looked at his phone,"Oh, look. Your mom is calling. Just answer it for me. I'll be right back. " He gave his phone to Haru and walked out the door.

Without looking at the screen, Haru unceremoniously said, "Hello mom?"

"Haru?"

'It's Yume'

Haru finally looked at the contact info displayed in the phone screen and confirmed it's Yume's. And there's more.

'That idiot called her and tricked me into answering. He got me.'

"Haru are you okay? Is something going on?"

'This is what I got from not calling her.'

"I miss you."

"Oh."

"Am I disturbing you?"

"No, never."

"When are you coming back?"

"It will take me a while more. We are designing a new technology for our robots asap. Besides, the team from Sybil Galaxy is convince that they found traces of the moon piece there. I want to finish here quickly so that I can help you install and enhance Tan-tan before we proceed towards that galaxy."

The two continued to talk for a while. Hayato who's back just turned around again and let his friend be lovey-dovey.

"As soon as I am finished here, I'll see you."

"I'll be waiting for you."

"You better take care of yourself there okay?

"I will, you too."

Silence, though no one's hanging up.

"Haru."

"Hmmm?"

"I love you." And before Haru could answer, the opposite line beep up.

Haru looked at the phone screen displaying the 'call ended' information. They've been talking for almost an hour yet it still feels so short. His lips curve up into a smile unable to get over the cheesy part.

'It' s the first time she told me she loves me. It feels nice.'

As if on cue, Hayato entered the room and sat down as if nothing unusual happened. Haru is returning the phone and is about to speak when Hayato beat him to it, "No need to thank me. Just treat me some nice juicy steak and we are good."

"Yeah, I am hungry too."

Getting ready and arriving at the steak house took at least 30 minutes. The friends talked about mundane topics when Hayato's phone rang. Seeing that the caller is no other than Amy, Hayato decided to play a bit. Haru also decided to answer his own ringing phone.

"What made you call me: my killer eyes, my adorable nose or my gorgeous body. Hmmmm?"

"Hayato," Amy's tone wipe the smirk in Hayato's face. "Install some time with Haru wherever you are. Don't come back at the base for the moment. And please, don't let him use or answer his phone right now."

Looking at his friends expression, Hayato answered, "It's too late I'm afraid. What's up?"

"The west camp is under attacked. We are still verifying Yume's condition."

"Okay, notify me of any news."

"Roger."

If not for the seriousness of the situation, Hayato could have tease Amy's meekness. The tiger became a docile cat.

Hayato saw Haru ended the call.

"From your looks, it doesn't seem like good news Haru."

Haru looked at Hayato, "Yume is missing."