Episode 12.3

The next three days pass full of boredom, during which I can do nothing but stare at the ceiling of my room. Additionally, I have hardly slept during this time.

I still hold a lot of mistrust towards Tarisa after the three days, even though she seems so nice and always has a smile on her lips.

I have also gotten to know the two warriors better.

Koro is 24 years old and quite a sweet guy. His hair is brown and short, his brown eyes seem kind. He is a bit shorter than me, a fact that doesn't make him very happy, as he always complains about being the shortest, no matter which team he joins. I had to smile when he told me about it.

But he has already achieved a lot. He proudly told me that he will soon take over the leadership of the team he is currently in. His superior is retiring and has chosen him for the position.

The second man, Waro, is a bit taller and older than his colleague. His hair is darker brown and shorter. His eyes are also brown.

He told me something about their commander and how he likes to take advantage of the boys in his team. It sounds interesting.

Especially that this Mike is said to have bragged about even exploiting torsos. Something about my condition has also improved during this time.

My voice has returned, even though speaking is still difficult for me, especially due to the severe throat pain I have. The nurse said it will last for a while. My injuries will also take a few weeks to heal.

But at least I'm still alive, which makes me happy.

As I lie here, my thoughts wander back to the prison.

I wonder how Moriphos and Nora are doing.

Especially concerning the time striker.

He seems to have taken on the role of my protector, considering how often he has suffered because of me. Moreover, there is the suspicion that I am a spy.

I hope he doesn't believe that and I hope I get a chance to tell him how sorry I am for everything that has happened to him as my protector.

I also hope Nora is doing well.

The guys didn't exactly look like they had no interest in her. But Musator is protecting her.

Maybe I should ask Gasard about both of them.

While I'm thinking about the past, my door opens. As always at this time, Tarisa brings me my food. This time she is not alone.

She is holding a bowl in her hands, which is immediately taken from her by a man's hand as soon as she enters.

"I'll take the heavy work off your hands today, my dear."

The young woman whirls around to the man, her usually cheerful smile turning into anger. Something that hardly impresses him.

He simply pushes past her and enters my room.

Two green eyes look at me kindly, a pleasant smile on his lips. A smile that surely has the power to steal many a woman's heart, crosses my mind.

"Hey Janine, are you feeling better?" Otscharsan wants to know from me.

He sits on the chair next to my bed, placing the bowl on the table beside it.

I'm happy that he's visiting me, and I make this clear by beaming at him.

"Otscharsan!" The blonde has come to us now, looking at him angrily, hands on her hips. "I have orders not to let anyone see her!"

"I'm not just anyone!" he replies with a charming smile. "Besides, you know I'm a really nice guy who certainly means her no harm. You don't need to protect her from me."

Something I can only confirm. She, on the other hand, seems confused by his words.

She stares at him in disbelief. "You must protect anything female from you," Tarisa snaps. "I have my orders, and one of them is not to bring you along."

My gaze shifts confusedly from him to her.

"Then your orders are outdated." Otscharsan steps up to her, building himself up before her. "I talked to Gasard again, and now I'm allowed to visit her without having to bribe the two outside." He winks at me at the last part.

"Still, I have not been instructed otherwise, so get lost!" she angrily retorts.

What is going on between the two? I wonder. I'm glad he's visiting me, something I also tell her.

"I want him to stay here." My voice is only a hoarse croak, and due to the pain in my throat, I have to pause often between words. Still, I continue speaking. "I like Otscharsan and would enjoy his company."

Otscharsan's gaze, now fixed on me, looks worried. "Are you in a lot of pain?" he asks.

Something I can only nod to. A pained smile crosses my lips as I speak further. "Speaking is hard, and my whole body hurts."

"Poor girl." A sigh escapes his lips. He comes to me, placing his hand on my head. Gently, he strokes it to comfort me.

"You don't know him and don't know how he really is," Tarisa says to me. Her voice almost trembles with anger. "He's just playing the nice guy now!" She looks accusingly at Otscharsan, who sighs in response.

"Tarisa." Otscharsan slowly approaches her. A kind smile forms on his lips. "I'm really just here to see how she is."

"Who would believe that!" she snorts incredulously. Turning her gaze away from him.

"You really don't need to protect her from me," he assures. "Besides, she's just a little girl." At this statement, I look at him angrily and indignantly.

She, however, looks at him again. Distrust lies in her gaze.

Even though I'm not thrilled by his remark, I follow the scene with curiosity. What is going on between them?

Otscharsan's hand gently strokes her left cheek, the smile on his lips looking genuinely nice. "Stop looking so angry, your smile suits you better."

Tarisa immediately blushes slightly. She looks confused and speechless, but after a while, a sigh escapes her lips. "I just want to warn her." A brief smile crosses her lips before she leaves the room.

The blond man watches her for a while before returning to my bed. My gaze remains questioning the entire time.

"You're probably wondering what that was about?" I nod, but regret it immediately. "Tarisa and I were together for a short time, not long ago," he explains, sitting down at my bed. His hand reaches for the bowl to feed me. "Akara assigned you Torsos' ration since he's currently away."

He watches me curiously as I swallow the food with a pained expression. Even though it tastes good, my throat hurts with every bite.

"Does it taste good?" the blond man inquires.

"Delicious," I instinctively reply. Despite the throat pain, I smile at him.

A sigh escapes Otscharsan's lips. "I'll leave you with my questions for now."

My gaze turns downcast. I would like to talk to him if only these damn throat pains weren't there.

Only one question, I can't help but ask. I'm just too curious about the answer.

"Why did Tarisa react that way? What was the warning about?" I pause and grab my painful throat before continuing. "I just find it strange. You don't act like that just because you were together once."

"True!" Otscharsan runs his hand through his hair, looking slightly embarrassed. "If we had just been together and then broken up, she wouldn't react that way." He feeds me more of the porridge, then sighs. "Please don't think badly of me."

I look at him curiously.

"Some of us love making bets," he says in an embarrassed tone. I've heard about that before. Still, I listen intently. "The last one was about conquering as many women as possible."

"And you find this bet so terrible that you absolutely have to be at the top." Even though I regret it immediately, I can't help the comment. With a pained face, I look at him, still curious about his answer.

Otscharsan immediately starts laughing loudly. "I'm not leading, but you're right anyway," he replies, his hand running over my head.

That he has so much success hardly surprises me. He is, after all, a great guy. I can also understand Tarisa's behavior better now.

"But let's leave that topic." A nod from me.