"It's dangerous to be walking alone at night," he said, chastening me gently. His voice carried a thick accent I couldn't quite place—yet something about it sounded oddly familiar.
"I know... but I don't live far from here, so I should be fine," I replied, trying to sound calm. My heart was pounding—I was alone with a stranger, and part of me hoped he'd just leave.
"You said your name was Akina, right? I'll walk you home."
I looked up sharply. How did he know my name? Maybe... he wasn't a stranger after all?
"No, that's okay. I'd rather go alone," I said, trying to sound firm.
"I said I will walk you home." This time, his voice held a sharp edge. I flinched and found myself nodding without thinking.
"Okay," I mumbled, voice unsteady. He sighed and relaxed slightly, his expression softening.
"...I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I didn't mean to scare you. I just want to walk with you. I'm concerned. If I'm making you uncomfortable, I'll leave."
His gentler tone flipped a switch in my brain—and suddenly I recognized his voice. He's the Guardian... Serco.
He pulled his hood up and extended a hand toward me. I stared at it, uncertain. Then his piercing glare returned.
"Take my hand."
I obeyed quickly, and we began walking. His hand was surprisingly warm—like a freshly brewed cup of tea.
"...Y-you're Serco, aren't you?" I asked, my voice squeaking. He laughed, the tension melting from his face. For some reason, that made me feel a lot safer.
"Yes... that is my nomenclature," he said. "I wanted to speak with you. When I saw you, I thought... this might be my chance."
"What did you want to say?" I asked. He stopped walking and held my hand a little tighter.
"I wanted to thank you."
My heart fluttered. I hadn't expected that. Why would a Guardian thank me?
"Your concern was unneeded... and your actions were reckless and foolish," he continued. "But still—I appreciate it. No one's ever worried about me before. I was rude to you that day, and I want to apologize."
I suddenly found it hard to breathe. Why is a Guardian apologizing to me? Why is he still holding my hand? Am I dreaming?
To be sure, I slapped myself.
He blinked, startled.
"...It's fine," I managed to say. "I was kind of an idiot. I probably deserved any rudeness you threw my way."
He narrowed his eyes—then suddenly yanked my hand toward his chest, drawing me closer.
"When someone apologizes, it's customary to accept it. I was wrong. I need to make it up to you."
His words were commanding, but there was a strange warmth beneath them—like a stern older brother or a general with a heart.
"I... uh... forgive you," I stammered.
"Good. Now—how can I repay you? Tell me."
"You don't have to do anything!" I blurted, overwhelmed by how close we were.
"No. You failed spectacularly, and you would've been useless if I were truly in danger. Still—you meant to protect me. That has value. I refuse to let that go unanswered."
His words touched me more than I wanted to admit. I lowered my gaze to hide my face. I really couldn't make eye contact with him right now.
"...I don't know," I murmured.
He let out a long sigh, lowering his arm but still not releasing my hand.
"Which way is your house?" he asked. That's when I realized—we were at an intersection. Of course. He had no idea where I lived, and yet... I'd just let him lead the way.
"T-to the left," I said, pointing. He adjusted our course and gently intertwined our fingers.
"Tomorrow... if it's all right with you, I'd like to speak again," he said.
For the first time, his voice held a trace of nervousness.
"Are you worried I'll say no?" I teased—then immediately covered my mouth. Why would I say that to him?
He gave a soft chuckle. "Your instincts are sharp." Then, more seriously: "So? Is it all right?"
"Of course," I answered quickly.
That earned me another dazzling smile, one that made me forget where I was. We were a full block past my house before I realized it.
"Oh no! We already passed my house!" I exclaimed, flustered.
Serco burst out laughing, wiping tears from his eyes. "What? Where is your head at?"
I turned away in embarrassment, but he didn't seem annoyed. He turned us around, still chuckling.
"Pay attention this time," he said playfully.
"It's not my fault! You... have a really powerful presence," I muttered.
His smile faded.
"...Do I make you uncomfortable?"
My heart skipped a beat. I ran through a thousand responses in my head.
"Yes... but not in a bad way. I thought I wanted to walk alone, but... walking with you feels nice too."
He smiled again, clearly relieved.
"That eases my worries."
As my house came into view, I pointed. "This is the place. Thank you for walking me."
"It's my duty to protect people. A beautiful girl walking alone at night is an easy target," he said.
I blushed. "So... you walked me home out of duty?"
He smirked. "No. As I said... I wanted to talk to you."
And with that, he vanished into the wind, just as suddenly as he had appeared.