COUSIN!

"I'M HINA SATORI'S BROTHER!"

"More precisely I'm her distant cousin."

No wonder, they look pretty different, but now that he mentioned it, there were some similarities. I thought those similarities were because of nobility. This makes more sense now. Of his worries and confidence that he delivers. But that being said, something was off. If he was her distant cousin, why would he be continuously involved with me and not be by her side? Or how come she never even mentioned it? And how does he know the moves of the opponent so well?

Ah! So that's how it is? Pathetic! To think I wasted my time for such a trivial matter, I have indeed stooped down than from where I used to be. But still, it's a theory. I don't have the evidence nor the sources to back me up. And for now, I'm pretty sure laying low is the best option. I need to recuperate my energy and rest my body, after the thumping I was subjected to.

"Oh, is that so? Good for you then. I guess she's pretty much in safe hands. Take care, Nii-san!"

"Oi, who are you calling Nii-san!"

"Ya ya, enough! Get going already!"

We parted ways and went in our own direction. I was walking slowly for a while and went past the bustling crowd, I noticed that there was a shadow that was keeping up with me. At this point, I had my first aid done, so I could go for another round, but in the long run, it would be me who would be hurt the most. Breaking down, healing up...breaking down, healing up...breaking down, healing up...this endless cycle would definitely take a huge toll on my muscles and bones.

I went to the nearest clothing store and casually entered the store. The store had automated doors with sensors that detect and open based on how close you're in its vicinity. There was only one way to confirm my suspicion. The time gap that I had was enough to close the door and if it were to open again, then that would only be one thing, that person was the stalker. I waited for the door to open again, but to my dismay, it didn't. What a bummer!

Now that I'm here, I might as well buy something. I was moving around slowly and checked the store's whole collection. It had some good stuff. But one dress caught my eye above anything else.

It was a denim jacket with some patchy torn kind of design. Forgive me for my vague description as I'm not that good with that stuff. I'm happy that I have a wardrobe that's functional. Yeah, but that's all. I'm tempted. Do I pull the trigger? Yeah, probably.

"Excuse me!"

"Yes?"

"I'll take this, please!"

"Oh! Let me pack it for you."

What's with that sudden reaction? Why? Should a person in my condition not buy essential clothing? I thought this was a free country, even for non-humans!

"Ahh! Thank you!"

Well, as long as you don't mess it up, it's fine. Sometimes, I do sympathize with them, having to smile and bring out their poker face even to customers who they dislike. This is a hard job! And that's one I will definitely avoid!

"Your total bill is 3780 Yen!"

3780? Damn! Looks like I can kiss my novels and manga goodbye for the next 3 months.

*Sad Pikachu noises*

"Thank you for shopping with us, have a great day."

Great day? You gave me such a bill, and then wish me a great day. A piece of advice to you. Don't make me your enemy by wishing me this stuff...Oh, wait a minute...hmm...Ah! A holiday for 2?! Okinawa? Homestay?! Hmm...I will consider you are forgiven. Better not try this again. Bribery is ineffective against me...How about Hokkaido next time,...in the winter, 3 days 2 nights?

Anyway...I started heading back towards my home, and strangely, nothing suspicious procured during that time, and soon, I was in front of my home. Now that I think about it, I did leave a note telling them that I'd be late for dinner...Looks like they had their own plans. My home was empty. Wow! What wonderful timing! Finally some peace. I entered my home with the spare key I always carry along with me. I freshened up, took out my old clothes and threw them into the washer, entered the bath for a cold shower,...Yes, a cold shower! It wasn't the most pleasant experience of them all, but I got the job done.

I had no intention of wasting my precious time on something trivial like waiting for the water to heat and set the bath for a comfortable dip. Why? Because I was dead tired at this point. I swear, if I go to any other place besides my bed, I will pass out instantly! Even a cold shower couldn't stop this feeling. I slowly started boarding the stairs to my room. And I turned back for a moment, though I don't know why? And it gave a very strange vibe.

I turned the knob and entered my room. Every step I took towards my bed, I felt as if the ground beneath me was sucking me in. Ugh! Just a little more, a little more...

I may be a good fighter, but even I knew that I couldn't fight against my sleep. With all my energy, I hustled and finally, I crashed on my bed. This soft feeling...Agh! I miss it. I'm sorry for leaving you, my dear bed. I pulled over my blanket and covered myself.

Huff! As much as I was tired, I was restless for some reason. Who was it? Why did that person follow me? And where is this said person now? How can I protect Hina? Can I protect Hina? And why are they after Hina? Sooner or later, I need to find these answers...But for now...

The most important question of them all is...

"WHO ARE YOU, HINA?!"

Who are you? And why are you being targeted? And what's your relat....

Zzzzz.....