[43] Today is enough, begone!

Kaoru had finished all his business at the Supernatural Defence Department. When Asagi offered him a lift, Kaoru politely declined. "I'd rather take the express train," he said with a faint smile. He walked leisurely towards the nearest station.

On the way, Kaoru glanced at a black card in his hand. It was a special licence that granted him immunity from common laws and allowed him to avoid media scrutiny during supernatural incidents. With this card, he also had the authority to engage in supernatural battles whenever necessary. He stared at the card with a neutral expression before slipping it back into his jacket pocket.

After that, Kaoru continued his walk towards the station. However, the delicious aroma from the street food stalls caught his attention. His eyes lit up, and without a second thought, he decided to indulge in a small moment of personal pleasure. For an hour, he strolled along, holding a crepe in his left hand and takoyaki in his right, smiling contentedly.

But the enjoyment didn't last long. Kaoru felt something was off—like he was being watched. His sharp gaze immediately scanned the area. "Huh, someone's watching me again," he muttered irritably, lowering his crepe slightly. "I really don't like being the centre of attention."

Kotaro who was watching Kaoru's movements from the tall buildings, was shocked because the gathering met Kaoru's red eyes that implied 'Begone!'."He, found me?"

Surprised, The reason Kotaro was surprised was of course because of the many Taimanin who were assigned, only he was an expert in espionage and spy duties. If someone noticed his presence within 400 meters of where the person was standing then there was no reason, he had to withdraw.

"Hahaha ~ it seems like he doesn't want to be disturbed now," Kotaro chuckled awkwardly, his voice was a bit relaxed but full of alertness. "Then, I better go than get into trouble that I can't handle later."

Nimbly, Kotaro disappeared, moving as fast as lightning like a ninja who was detected.

Kaoru sensed that the watchful gaze had now vanished. Calmly, he resumed enjoying his food. "Finally, I can eat in peace," he murmured, taking another bite of his crepe.

Not long after, the express train arrived at the station. The train was packed, as it was now rush hour, with both workers and students returning home. After boarding the carriage, Kaoru was forced to stand amidst the crowded passengers. As the train passed through two stations, his eyes caught sight of a familiar figure—Asuka, who seemed to have just finished school.

Asuka hadn't noticed Kaoru's presence. She was standing near the train doors, wearing her school uniform and looking a bit rushed. But what caught Kaoru's attention was a young man, dressed in the same uniform. He was following Asuka with suspicious steps, and every movement he made gave Kaoru a sense that something wasn't right.

Kaoru kept watching from a distance, his demeanour cautious. The young man seemed to be waiting for an opportunity. As the train started to stop and the passengers began to shift, Asuka, who was pressed near the door, was suddenly pushed by the young man. What appeared to be an accidental shove was actually an attempt by the young man to touch Asuka. He quickly positioned his hand towards Asuka's backside, pretending to be pushed by the crowd.

Kaoru, witnessing everything, frowned. His brow twitched, a clear sign that he couldn't stand idly by while witnessing such disgusting behaviour. He hadn't even enjoyed that lovely backside for himself yet, how could he let someone else get there first?

The young man seemed unaware that his actions had been caught. Quickly, Kaoru positioned himself behind the young man, silently. The crowded train made it easy to approach without arousing suspicion. Within seconds, Kaoru reached out and placed his hand on the young man's shoulder, applying just enough pressure to pull him back.

The young man, startled, immediately turned around. His face went pale as he met Kaoru's cold, warning gaze.

"Asuka, are you alright?" Kaoru asked in a calm tone, though his eyes never left the young man.

Asuka, who had just realised Kaoru's presence, turned with a confused expression. "Kaoru? What are you doing here?" she asked, still not fully aware of what had just transpired.

"Just out for a stroll. But it seems someone doesn't know how to behave in public," Kaoru replied lightly, staring at the young man with an intensity that was impossible to ignore.

The young man started to sweat nervously, realising Kaoru had caught him in the act. "S-sorry! It was... an accident! I didn't mean anything by it!" he stammered, his voice trembling.

Kaoru smirked faintly. "Oh? In that case, you'd better leave now before something 'accidental' happens to you," he said, his tone filled with a subtle threat.

The young man immediately jumped off the train at the next station, looking panicked and terrified. Kaoru watched him with a cold stare until the man disappeared into the crowd.

Asuka, who had witnessed the entire scene, turned to Kaoru, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "What exactly just happened, Kaoru?"

Kaoru stepped closer, leaning in slightly and speaking in a low voice, almost like a whisper. "I should be asking you that, Asuka. Why did you let him touch you like that?"

Asuka stammered for a moment, a flush of red appearing on her cheeks. She seemed shocked and a little anxious. "It... it was nothing, really! I had no idea what was happening!" she replied stubbornly, though it was clear she was hiding something.

Kaoru looked at Asuka intently, his eyes filled with suspicion. Something was off, and he knew Asuka wasn't being completely honest. He suspected there was a bigger issue going on in Asuka's school life, and he couldn't just stand by knowing that. No way could he simply believe her.

"Hm... Fine then," Kaoru said, his gaze still sharp. "But, let me protect you. At least for now. Or, let me walk you home."

Asuka immediately shook her head. "What? You don't need to bother doing that," she replied, sounding a bit flustered.

Kaoru crossed his arms over his chest, his tone firm and undeniable. "There's no 'no'. Even if you refuse, I'll do it anyway, even if I have to force you."

Asuka sighed in frustration, her lips pouting, though there was a slight sense of relief in her gaze. "You're always like this... so stubborn."

Kaoru gave a faint smile and gently patted her head. "Better that than regretting it later."

Asuka just gave a small nod, though her face still held a pout. But deep down, she knew Kaoru only wanted to protect her, and somehow, that gave her a little comfort.

The train finally stopped at their destination. Kaoru stepped out first, ensuring the situation was safe before signalling for Asuka to follow him. Even though the atmosphere seemed calm, Kaoru couldn't shake the feeling that there was something bigger behind all of this.