After discovering the true meaning hidden in those words, Kyle cleared out all signs of his presence and left the building, following the same entrance they had used.
When he got out of the tunnel, he dismissed Cyno before flying to the top of a high skyscraper, watching the city from the magnificent height.
"So he wants to fight with me…"
Kyle stifled a laugh.
To think that he would be opposed so early, by an undercover villain group nonetheless.
So far, there was no way to know who was in charge of the group, but it was only a matter of time before they revealed themselves.
And when they did, Kyle would be waiting to clean the stain that had appeared in the plot.
Ding!
Kyle half expected to see a system notification, but when nothing appeared, he looked around, then smiled when he realized where it was coming from.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, unlocking it.
Apart from Tsumi, Kyle could not remember the last time he received a message from anyone else.
When he scrolled down on his notification tab, he saw the message he had received.
~ Miko
What's up, Kyle?
Kyle smiled unconsciously as he typed in a reply.
~ Kyle
Good evening, Miko.
Ever since their date, Kyle and Himiko had not gotten another chance to see each other. Kyle had gone out to investigate Nighttale's murder, while Himiko was probably looking for a job?
'I never really asked her.'
~ Kyle
What have you been up to?
Himiko's message came a second later.
~ Himiko
Looking for a job…
Got fired from the bookstore.
It's a funny story actually, I'll tell you next time ;)
Kyle nearly laughed when he read her reply.
~ Kyle
So you are jobless now, tsk tsk.
~ Himiko
Shut up (＞︿＜)
…
Will you be free anytime soon? There's a place I want us to go.
Kyle was already planning on visiting her since he had unfinished business to conduct, so her invitation was far too perfect.
~ Kyle
I'm always busy, but since you're missing me already, I'll make time.
~ Himiko
(¬‿¬)
They spoke a bit longer about random things before Kyle stuffed his phone into his pocket.
Himiko would be his first sire, that was already set in stone, but she would not be the only one.
Since things were already progressing faster than he would have liked, Kyle would have to accelerate his plans as well.
For connections, he would attend the Sports Festival and possibly form bonds with the young heroes and possibly some teachers as well.
That way, he would have a possible leak in their system.
But the more important thing was his army. Kyle needed to find a base of his own that would be their primary meeting point.
And to do that, he needed to get as much money as he could in a short amount of time. Thankfully, an idea was already brewing in his mind.
•••
The next morning, Kyle arrived at Kikimaru Cafe just before 7:30. Their deal with U.A was pretty much set in stone, so now they were just getting ready to pay them a visit.
They were to bring samples of their drinks and snacks for the teacher in charge to taste, so although it was early, Kikimaru Cafe was already bustling with activity.
Kyle was in the kitchen, a white apron over his clothes as he chopped up some fruit.
"Make sure they aren't too big, we are making a lot, so we don't want to overload the blender."
When Akiko got to him, she smiled, her eyebrows raised as she saw how neatly he had cut them.
"How are you so good with this?"
Kyle twirled the sharp knife between his fingers and smiled. "I'm a natural, I guess…"
"You don't need my supervision, just keep doing what you are doing… If only Saku-chan was like you."
Akiko turned to Sakura and nearly screamed. "Don't put that in there!"
They continued the preparations, and soon a pleasant aroma of fruit juice intertwined with pastries wafted into the air, encasing the cafe.
It was not long after that they heard the bell above the door jingle.
Kyle took off his apron and hung it by the side. "You guys keep working, I'll handle it."
He stepped out of the kitchen, barely walking two steps when he stopped, his expression shifting as his eyes landed on the customer.
Her long black hair was tied up in a tight ponytail, and with each step, a clacking sound echoed as dagger-like heels dug into the floor.
There was an air of grace surrounding the woman as she took off her sunglasses, giving the cafe one glance before her eyes settled on him.
And once they did, it was as if the cold aura she exuded completely vanished, blurring into warm familiarity.
"Kyle!"
Tsumi closed the distance between them and pulled him into her embrace, suffocating him with her chest.
"T-Tsumi, w—what are you doing here—Haaaa!"
He finally took a deep breath when she let him go.
Tsumi smiled when she noticed the aroma in the air, then turned back to him. "What do you mean? I told you I was going to come, didn't I?"
'Oh… I forgot…'
Kyle paused.
'Why was she coming again?'
"Hmmm…" He stared at Tsumi, trying to remember why she decided to visit him when a soft voice came from behind him.
"Tsumi-san?"
Kyle froze, every single detail of what had transpired coming to him at once.
"Ahh, Saku-cha!" Tsumi immediately rushed past Kyle and hugged Sakura, patting her back fondly.
"I heard what you have been going through, Saku. Why didn't you call me? You made me worried!"
She pulled back a little before hugging her once again, the petite girl unable to move as Tsumi practically strangled her.
"I know it's hard sometimes, but you should never resort to alcohol! It will make you grow reliant on it…" Tsumi's voice trembled slightly.
Sakura blinked. "Alcohol?"
She hadn't had a drop since the time she was hospitalized. She was too broke then to even buy food.
'Come to think about it…'
That night…
Her eyes narrowed slightly, nervous sweat flowing down the side of her face.
Her memory of that night was not good, but she remembered her neck stinging a bit, and the doctors told her she had mild anemia.
She adjusted her glasses, eyebrows creased, mouth slightly open as she scrutinized Kyle.
"It was you, wasn't it?"
..
..
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A/N
Sorry for thr long delay, I will upload two more as compensation!