It's been over a month or more since they last met. They agreed that staying close, with the risk Yuji's job carried, wouldn't end nicely. She was aware that both she and the child would become a burden.
She had already quit her job as a teacher and moved to Musutafu City, where his godmother Chiyo lived. She stayed with her at UA Academy, under the protection of Recovery Girl. The safety there was guaranteed, but they still avoided any contact to ensure they remained hidden.
However, he promised her that they could meet again, after some time.
Driving through the mountain, along the highland road, she steered the SUV through the storm, feeling both happiness and anxiety.
She was happy because she could meet her husband again, and anxious because he was someone who carried such a dangerous job.
The silence in her a luxurious brand SUV was only interrupted by the gentle sound of the wipers and the rain pounding against the windshield. Mitsuki's eyes were fixed on the road, though they occasionally flicked toward the center screen as she listened to the news from the radio station.
[One week has passed since the Public Safety Commission officially declared Amai Mask deceased, seven months after his unexplained... disappearance. Yet, public outcry shows no signs of fading, as demonstrators continue to rally outside the Hall of Heroes here in Kamino, Yokohama for demanding transparency and answers surrounding the mysterious fate of the nation's Eighth-ranked hero—]
Turning off the radio, she sighed. As someone who knew the truth, she couldn't bear to hear what the news had to say. Still, she couldn't silence her worries, since the news remained one of her few resources for any updates about Yuji. Naturally, reports about him were everywhere now, ever since he had revealed his identity as Taurus Silver.
After driving for quite a while, she arrived.
A long and tall fence, aged and weathered. Behind it, a thick forest stood like a curtain, hiding what lay beyond from the public road. The SUV slowed to a stop as she reached the main gate. As it recognized her, the gate slowly opened.
Driving in, the tires left the asphalt behind and rolled onto a road made of soil and gravel. Even after entering the gate, she had to drive for another half hour. She passed hills, a flowing river, a vast forest, and a massive waterfall. Eventually, a wide field of weeds stretched before her, and in the middle of it—distant but visible—stood a grand mansion, its former glory long since faded. It faced a lake, silent and still.
Gripping the steering wheel tightly, her eyes locked onto the lake as the car moved steadily toward it. As she drew closer, the water drained away, forming a rectangular void. A hidden road rose to meet the level of the lake, dim lights flickering to life one by one. She guided the SUV into the secret entrance as the tunnel lights continued to illuminate ahead of her.
Driving slowly, she glanced at the rearview mirror—the entrance behind her had shut tight, letting not even a sliver of light in.
A faint glow appeared at the far end of the tunnel. As the SUV passed through, the echo of its arrival filled the vast underground cavern. She stepped out and looked up. Bats circled high above the cave ceiling.
She glanced at the parking spot. A line of black vehicles stood there—each one looking like it could survive anything. Following the sound of running water, she caught sight of a plane—sharp, something like a jet she had never seen online, standing imposingly.
It wasn't her first time here, and yet, something about the place still unsettled her.
Walking further in, she passed other parts of the facility. Weapons lined the walls. Mechanical arms move crafting or repairing something. Heavy dumbbells, weights, chains, massive tires—all scattered in what looked like a messy training ground.
As she walked deeper, Mitsuki stopped midway, looking at the man sitting on his chair, facing many screens. She could hear the rapid clicking of the keyboard. The sound then stopped, leaving the cave in deep silence. The chair twirled and came to a halt, facing her direction.
"Could you please wait a minute inside the room? I'm almost finished."
Mitsuki sighed inwardly. "I can't even see your face. Could you light up this place first?"
"I don't want to scare the bats."
"Then should I go back?"
With that simple question, the cave lit up, and sure enough, all the bats inside became bewildered.
Yuji watched as the bats flew in all directions, many of them crashing into his equipment. "Hah..." He looked at the woman, who stood with her arms crossed and a deadpan expression. "Kuhum. Good to see you, honey."
Mitsuki raised her brow. "Good to see you. I see you're still keeping these rats in here."
"Well, I remember killing most of them, but they multiply fast. Just like rats. Anyway, how are you feeling? And how's my boy?"
Mitsuki smiled slightly at the shift in mood. "I'm fine. And the baby too. But you don't seem so—when's the last time you slept?" She touched the area beneath Yuji's eyes, where dark circles had formed. His face looked rough. "Hey...?"
Yuji kissed her and said simply, "I'm fine. Now. You drove all the way here while pregnant. Go inside and rest."
"I would—if you come with me."
Yuji smiled. "I will, after I finish my homework, okay? It won't take long."
"I see you're busy, huh? Good night?"
Yuji gave a bitter smile. "Okay, right away honey. Let's go inside together, shall we?"
Mitsuki massaged her temple at this workaholic of a man. Then they went inside the room where Yuji usually rested. It still had the same modern luxury interior and facilities as his apartment—even though it was inside a cave.
Mitsuki clicked her tongue and shouted, "Okay, stop! Get off me and let me cook, dammit!"
Yuji ignored her and kept his ear pressed to her belly. "Oh, the baby's kicking? Is he responding to his mom's anger?"
After Mitsuki bonked his head, she was finally able to cook in peace. Though, he still helped her unpack and prep the ingredients she had brought.
When the cooking was done, they sat at the small table with a medium-sized pot placed in the middle. The Japanese curry Mitsuki had made was spread out along with two plates of rice.
"Damn, real food," Yuji said, not forgetting to be a grateful man. "Thanks for the food."
Holding her spoon mid-air, Mitsuki looked at Yuji as he devoured the meal like a beggar.
"Do you want extra rice?"
"Uh-huh, please."
Mitsuki grew more concerned. What kind of food had he been eating? Hold on—had he been eating at all?
When they finished dinner, Yuji lay down on the bed, his face glowing with satisfaction. Mitsuki smiled at the sight and slowly lay down beside him, resting her head on his muscular hand.
They talked for a while. Then, Yuji drifted off to sleep. She noticed, even though he never told her how little he'd been resting lately. But for tonight, she didn't have to worry—because tonight, he was sleeping beside her. Mitsuki lay beside him, her eyes closing as a sigh of relief escaped her. Peaceful.