The guys rolled up in a minivan full of boxes. There was so much stuff, it looked like they were planning to move in and live there.
The garage occupied the ground floor of the building, facing the street, while the living area was situated above it.
Saeko was cleaning the windows, directly above the garage, when she noticed them unloading the van.
Despite the chilly weather, they were dressed lightly, having warmed up from the heavy lifting. Only Yasushi's outfit remained neat, as always. Kaito casually tied his flannel shirt around his waist. Tatsuya had thrown his over one shoulder, looking as if it were a rag. Sota wore a simple black T-shirt, his face flushed from the work. His muscles flexed with each box he lifted. Then he paused to lean against the van, taking a sip from his water bottle.
It wasn't until he glanced up and their eyes met that Saeko realized she'd been staring. Embarrassed, she quickly turned away—but a few seconds later, there he was, crouching right at her window.
How the hell did he get up here in an instant?
"Are you crazy?" she snapped.
"Just realizing that?" he said with a laugh.
"What do you want?" she replied, trying to sound unimpressed, but her hand instinctively reached for her hair, smoothing down the unruly strands that, for once, were left untied. It was the first time Sota had seen her like this. She normally made sure to keep her hair neatly braided in front of others. Otherwise, she felt almost unkempt.
For a moment, Sota seemed as if he was about to say something, his gaze briefly running over her hair, but instead, he just cleared his throat and continued.
"Want to see a demo?"
"I've got chores."
He chuckled at the transparency of the excuse but decided to let it slide.
"Feel free to check up on us anytime you feel like," he said with an understanding smile. As a parting remark, he added, "Not just you, but your hair should let loose more often too."
Of course, she didn't take him up on the offer.
I don't want to push it.
She's already learned the hard way not to get too attached to people. They all leave eventually one way or another. It's smarter not to let myself get too close.
Still, there was something oddly reassuring about knowing they were nearby. The thought of a stalker lurking around had been bothering her for some time.
Should I report it to the police? Saeko wondered as she approached the hospital doors. How would I even describe him? All I know is the strange green hoodie he keeps wearing.
At that moment, her heart skipped a beat as a figure in a green hoodie appeared before her.
"Good morning," Mr. Fujimoto greeted her with his usual warm smile.
"Good…" she gasped —there was no way he could be the stalker. Sure, he was a handful, but he wasn't a such a person.
Noticing her repulsed reaction, Mr. Fujimoto glanced down at himself.
"Come on, do I look that bad? Someone puked on my sweater, so Aoki lent me this. Not exactly my style, huh?" he muttered, his face turning red.
Mr. Aoki. Not only Saeko's superior, but also Mr. Fujimoto's. A well-known and respected doctor.
It must be just a coincidence.But I'd better keep an eye on Mr. Aoki. She sighed.
Ever since then, she couldn't shake the feeling of his unnerving gaze. He was always aware of her, watching her, but always keeping his distance to avoid drawing attention. He did it as discreetly as possible, never making it obvious, but the silent ones are always the most dangerous.
How did I never realize it?
Her shift finally ended, and as she headed out. There he was again— Mr. Aoki, chatting politely with Mr. Fujimoto.
"Look at that," Mr. Fujimoto teased. "Someone's been working hard today. Why don't you join us for a—"
"No, thanks, I'm on my way…" Saeko stopped, biting back the rest of the words. Damn it. That sly bastard. Sticking with Mr. Fujimoto, who always pried into my personal life, meant Mr. Aoki would learn things about me without even looking suspicious. I have to be careful.
The two doctors stared at her, waiting for her to finish her sentence. Ah, someone help! Before she could come up with an excuse to leave, she saw a familiar motorcycle speeding past. The driver turned slightly, glancing in her direction.
Sota! she realized. Her heart raced as the bike suddenly swerved, performing a dangerous stunt, changing complete direction and heading straight toward the spot in front of the Hospital where Saeko stood.
He stopped the engine, taking off his helmet.
I need to take this chance, no matter what.
She clenched her teeth and steeled herself before rushing into Sota's arms with feigned enthusiasm. She grabbed him and leaned in as though to kiss him, the angle making it look that way from behind. Whispering, she said, "Play along. I'll explain later."
Both Mr. Fujimoto and Mr. Aoki were caught off guard. Yet Sota adapted surprisingly fast to the act.
"This isn't a parking spot," Mr. Aoki frowned.
"Sorry. I'm just here to pick up Saeko. Won't take long," Sota replied coolly, flashing a cocky smile.
"Pick her up?" Mr. Aoki's eyes narrowed.
"Yeah. There's been a stalker bothering her, and I just can't let anyone think she's... unguarded." Sota replied, his tone firm. Mr. Aoki's gaze darkened.
"I guess the rumors are true then," Mr. Aoki suddenly spoke up.
Rumors? Saeko frowned.
"People have been saying a guy was seen training shirtless in your yard," Mr. Aoki added, clearly testing them.
Sota smirked, playing along. "That wasn't the stalker. That was me."
Mr. Aoki's expression hardened. "I didn't expect you, of all people, to be this reckless, Saeko. You should know that if you jeopardize the hospital's reputation with inappropriate gossip, it could cost you your job."
Before Saeko could respond, Sota stepped in. "I'll be sure to keep my shirt on next time," he said lightly, "At least outside the house," he added, his smile remaining, but his gaze dangerously sharp.
Mr. Fujimoto blinked in surprise. "Damn, man. I didn't expect you to get this far. You're persistent, aren't you?" He laughed, seemingly satisfied.
Saeko, blushing furiously, stayed quiet as Sota leaned against his bike, arm draped effortlessly behind her—not quite touching, but close enough to sell the image of a protective embrace.
"I'm not that easy to get rid of," he said, sending a wink in Saeko's direction.
"Let's go," Saeko muttered. She took the helmet from his hand and slipped it on. When she climbed on behind Sota, her movements gave away that this wasn't their first ride together—a fact that only added to the performance.
After arriving home, Saeko told Sota about what she had discovered earlier that day, her voice trembling with frustration.
"I'm sorry for the trouble," Saeko said, bowing slightly in front of him.
"You really don't need to," Sota replied casually.
"But why did you actually stop by the hospital?" she asked, her curiosity getting the best of her.
"I already told you. To give you a safe ride home. I've been worried ever since you mentioned that stalker." His words made Saeko recall the time she stormed out of the house with a bat.
Did he really worry about me? She went silent, unsure how to respond.
He scoffed. "I'm not even surprised it's that doctor. I've had a feeling about him."
"What do you mean?"
"He creeped me out when I was at the hospital. He always kept his eyes on you. And whenever you looked his way, he'd try to show off with something."
Saeko gave him a cynical look.
"He was really obsessive about you."
"Even more obsessive than you?"
"Oh, I'm hard to beat." He chuckled, but his expression turned serious.
"Why don't you just report him?"
Saeko sighed. "He's my superior. A powerful one. I'm afraid it wouldn't do any good— it could even ruin my career."
Sota's jaw tightened.
"Then let's make sure he backs off. We'll keep this up. I'll pick you up whenever I can, and when I'm not abroad."
"You don't have to make such a sacrifice."
He laughed as though she'd told a joke.
"The hospital is literally on my way to the studio. It's not even a detour. So, it's not up for discussion."
And so, he did. Every chance he got, Sota made sure Saeko got home safe and sound. Before she even realized it, he and the band had managed to carve out a place in her life.