???????? ????? ━━ nishimura riki

chapter forty-six

"But, I still am expecting an answer once I get back from Japan."

"What do you mean, Soul?"

"I have never expected this to happen but before all this, I and Ni-ki are set to go back to Japan for a while. We wanted to see our mother's grave and get the closure we needed. And once I'm gone, I was planning on giving you time to think if you could give me a chance and maybe. . . enter a relationship?" the boy blushes, he never thought he could be able to say something this embarrassing in front of a girl. It sounded cringy. He's contemplating whether he should continue this conversation or not. "B-B-But! I'm not expecting a yes, okay? I-I. . ." Soul brings his knees up close to his chest, now fidgeting with his finger, the boy pouts as his eyes wander off at the starry night sky. "I-I j-just want an a-answer. . ."

Saeyoung chuckles. How adorable, he looks like an embarrassed primary student who's too ashamed to show up in front of his crush. Now if only Ni-ki would have only been this cute to look at, she would've gone a lot softer on him when it comes to small talks. "I don't know, I need time to think about it. But no matter what answer I give you, let's stay close by each other yeah?"

Soul hums in response, followed by his small pats in the head, the girl giggles like a child. He realized how lucky Ni-ki is to have such wonderful girls like Saeyoung and Takara by his side. He was spoiled by their affection and it made him jealous. All he wanted is nothing but a Roh Saeyoung but even the universe is against his wishes. Soul could only hope and wait for the unexpected, just to hear one simple 'yes' from her, that's what he wanted the most. But he doubts he'll be getting one anytime soon. 

No matter what happens in the future, if not her love, the boy is already grateful enough to have the girl's trust and friendship. 

"Saeyoung-"

"Aaahhh!" a loud scream was heard near their area. Just seconds later, sounds of fired gunshots conquered the cold night atmosphere causing terror and fear to everyone inside the mansion. War is about to break loose and they can feel it.

"That scream. . . isn't that Miss Nagi-"

"Hey, you two!" approached one of Koshino's men. "You're coming with me." he held them by the arm and dragged them to the dining area, where they regrouped with Ni-ki and Nina - also guarded by Koshino and Nagi's men. 

Speaking of Nagi, the middle-aged woman sat down on the chair, blood dripping out of her arm. The teens watched in horror as Nagi cried and flinched while getting her arm treated by Koshino's medics, trying to fight the pain she felt. Seeing her wounded like this, everyone in the room can conclude that this is a declaration of war.

It was no longer fun and games once weapons were prepared on top of the table, knives sharpened, guns ready and supplied by a large number of bullets, and bombs they manage to save over the last few days. This is it. . . a fight to the death.

"Are the children together?" questioned their captain through the other line of the walkie-talkie. 

"Yes sir. We have them here in the dining room."

"Good. Nishimura Tsuyoshi has brought a good team this time. Make sure everyone is set and ready, go spread into groups and give them a nice element of surprise."

"Roger. And the four kids?"

The captain laughs menacingly. "I'm pretty sure, Koshino already gave you the instructions for that." 

Once the line was cut, he separated Soul and Ni-ki from the girls and had them assigned to different groups. "Group A, go up to the front line and reinforce those already in battle. Group B, you're in charge of far-range attacks. Back them up in the field and snipe the targets from afar. Group C, guard and escort these two boys outside, they are our main priority here. Keep them hostage and near, Koshino. And Group D? Same objective as C. However, Koshino doesn't need them. These girls are the last thing we should worry about. If anything goes out of the plan, save them for our final resort." the man glances over to Nagi then back to the leader of Group D. "Take that woman with you, she's just going to cause trouble."