Aoi got out of bed and went outside to talk to Rem who was waiting for her.
" Hey ", Rem said with a smile.
" Feeling better ? ".
" Yes, thanks for taking care of me ", Rem said with a smile.
Rem nodded. " No problem ", she said. " So what's on your mind ?, You've been acting weird ".
Aoi cheeks flushed. " It's nothing ".
Rem smiled. " I'm not blind, I an see, the way you look at him... "
" Wha-what do you mean ". Aoi answered.
Aoi's eyes avoiding Rem.
" Do you like him "
" I don't know what to do "
Rem's expression softened. " Just be careful, okay ? ".
" Akira's going through a lot right now, we don't know what the future holds ".
Aoi nodded, her chest heavy with emotion. she knew that Rem was right. she just hoped that she could protect her heart, no matter what happened.
Aoi sat next to rem, her eyes fixed to the ground.
" I don't know what is wrong with me ". Aoi said her voice barely above a whisper.
" I've never felt like this before …", she added.
Rem put her hand on her shoulder. " It's okay Aoi, feelings are natural, its okay to have feelings for someone ".
Aoi looked up, her eyes searching for answers.
" Just like how you like 22...", Aoi said, a grin on her face.
" Why, with that idiot, no way, why don't you quit teasing me "
" I'm just joking... "
Rem smiled. " Anyway we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. "
Aoi nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. she was right, of course.
As they sat there in silence, Aoi couldn't help but think about Akira. She wondered what he was thinking, what he was feeling. She hoped that he was okay, that he wasn't struggling too much with his power.
Rem's voice broke into her thoughts " I think we should get back inside, its getting late, we don't know whats happening inside by the way ".
Aoi nodded, standing up and following rem back into the base. As they walked, Aoi couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. What was happening with Akira.
" Um, I have to ask, who do you like exactly, do you care to share ", Rem said.
" Well its someone " , Aoi responded.
" Is it a human "
" Ye-Yes it is "
" And who may this person be... "
" I'm sorry I cant tell ya ".
" Okay - I see how it is ".
As they entered the base, Aoi saw Kyle standing in the control room, his eyes fixed on the screen.
" What's going on ? ", Rem asked her voice low.
Kyle turned to them, his expression serious. " We've received reports of strange energy readings coming from the city, it looks like the Arkive is releasing more energy ".
Aoi's heart skipped a beat. " Where is he ? ", she asked.
Kyles eyes locked onto hers. " We don't know "
Aoi nodded, her determination renewed. She would find Akira, no matter what it took. She would help him control his power or even get rid of it, she would be there for him.
As they prepared to set out, Aoi felt a sense of purpose wash over her. She would do whatever it took to help him, even if it meant putting herself in harm's way.
Aoi stepped out, she had found Akira's apartment and she figured he might be there.
She finally arrived at Akira's apartment. She found Akira outside, He was just entering his apartment.
" Akira ", She said with a girly voice.
" What are you doing here, Are you here to finish what you started... ".
" No, I'm actually here to apologize... "
" Is this another trick, anyway what ever it is I'll end you if you try anything anyway "
" I'm really here to apologize, so may I come in ".
" Follow me ". Akira said.
Aoi sat down next to Akira on the couch, her eyes fixed on his profile.
" Akira, we need to talk ", her voice soft.
" Whats this about "
Aoi took a deep breath. " I'm helping you because...because I care about you, Akira ".
Akira's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, Aoi thought she was something there, something that made her heart skip a beat.
But then, Akira's expression changed, and he looked away. " Help ? "
" Yes I promise to help you ".
" Whatever yes "
Aoi felt a pang of disappointment, but she pushed it aside. She knew that Akira was still getting used to his power, and she didn't want to complicate things.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Akira got up to answer it, and Aoi eyes widened as she saw Akane standing in the doorway.
" Akane?, What are you doing here ? ", Akira said surprised.
Akane smiled, her eyes sparkling. " I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by ", She said, her voice flirtatious.
Aoi felt a surge of annoyance. What was Akane playing at ?
As Akane made her way into the apartment, Aoi couldn't help but feel like she was being pushed aside. She watched as Akane flirted with Akira, her eyes flashing with amusement.
Aoi's eyes narrowed. She didn't like this one bit .
" Hello, I'm Akane "
" Nice to meet you, I'm Aoi "
" Oh are you one of Akira's colleagues "
" Ah, yes something like that "
As the evening wore on, Aoi found herself growing more and more irritated. She didn't like the way Akane was falling over Akira, and she didn't like the way Akira was smiling at her.
" Excuse me, I think I'll head home now " , Aoi said standing up.
Akira turned to her, his eyes concerned. " Aoi are you okay ? ", Akira asked.
Aoi forced a smile. " Yeah I'm fine, just a little tired " .
As she made her way to the door, Akane called out " Aoi, wait ! ".
Aoi turned, her eyes raised " What ? " .
Akane smiled sweetly. " I was just wondering if Akira and I could work together alone sometime ".
Aoi's eyes locked onto Akira's, and for a moment, she saw something there, Something that made her heart skip a beat.
But then Akira nodded, and Aoi felt like she'd been punched in the gut.
" Sure that sounds great ", Akira said, smiling at Akane.
Aoi forced a smile, her heart racing, with emotion. " That's great ", her voice tight.
As she walked out of the apartment, Aoi couldn't shake off the feeling That she'd been dismissed. She didn't like the way Akira was smiling at her.
" That idiot " she muttered walking away.