She'd been saying that for the past four months—holding back—but never once showed any sign of it.
Hajime just went along with it because arguing was pointless. Even if he tried, Kiku would keep going the same way, throwing punches until she decided she was done. And here, in this unfamiliar place, she was as cool and calm as ever.
"Maybe this time, she'll actually hold back a little," he murmured under his breath.
Seeing her in the maid uniform instead of her usual gear, he allowed himself a flicker of hope that maybe this time would be different.
He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly, steadying himself. A moment later, he shifted his weight backward—legs forward, one hand clenched into a fist—as his eyes locked onto Kiku.
I need to focus... Concrete on what's right in front of me... I can do this, I can do this, he told himself.
Then, from deep inside his mind, a voice echoed, cold and sharp: This will go south again.
