Chapter 118: Chapter 118 Split up.
"It\'s perfect on my side. I will trust my protection to you".
"I will. How about the other guy that will come with us?".
As Hiroshi mentioned, Soma had already told Hiroshi about his activity last night. But, he never mentioned his plan, Malik\'s name and how he could gain his cooperation because the time was late.
This is probably a good time for him to explain the details. He started to tell Hiroshi about his plan and the person named Malik, as he recalled. Hiroshi listened quietly while sometimes interjecting. They talk in small whispers and stop their conversation when the details are sensitive.
Tonight, the auction will be held in the central district, where many people with status gather, flaunting their wealth and searching for the item that piques their interest. Soma must prevent the three items from landing in the demon\'s hands also if there is a spare in his wealth. He could buy other items that seemed interesting.
As the two converse, the driver in front informs them about their destination.
"Dear customer, we will soon arrive at the destination".
The car slowed its running speed before it stopped in front of the airport entrance, which was bustling with activities where crowds go back and forth.
Soma and Hiroshi simultaneously opened the passenger door. Soma let his right leg touch the asphalt. Then he went out before standing beside the car, looking at the people they were searching for.
"How was it? Are they here?".
Hiroshi, who came later because he must pay the cab bill, appeared and stood on the other side.
"I haven\'t seen them".
"I see".
They shut the door of the cab and walked their way toward the entrance. Hiroshi halted his steps as he felt his phone tremble in his chest. He took it out, then slid the display to answer the incoming call from his wife.
"Yes, we were outside. ..Okay, I will be waiting".
"What is the matter?".
"It seems the two of them are taking a break inside the cafe and on their way here".
To avoid disturbing the other people, They shift their position and stand on the side of the road. It also gives a better view to search for someone. There are many tourists and people from abroad that come to this island.
Soma could see some of them getting picked up by a luxurious black limousine, guarded by bulky people in black suits and many more. The news about the auction seems to draw their interest because they must go to the island at this time.
While waiting for about half a minute, the airport entrance opened. Revealed two beautiful women with red hair in pairs and strolled while scanning their surroundings. Both of them attract many onlookers in the airport. But as they got used to gaze, they ignored it entirely and searched for the people that awaited their arrival.
"Hisako, Hina".
Hiroshi, who noticed their arrival, raised his voice. The two of them turned their gaze and found Hiroshi approaching their side.
"Dear, we are back".
Hisako, along with Hina, approached their side. But Soma, who saw the two of them, stood still in his place with a widened gaze. His eyes couldn\'t believe what had transpired before him.
"Soma".
Hina, who saw Soma in the morning, started to recall the memories Soma had shared with them and the pain she felt after treating him like a sore thumb. If the chain of her past still binds her, Hina wouldn\'t have the face to stand before him.
However, her current situation is different. She managed to break free from the chain that bound her heart and mend her wounded heart. She lifted the corner of her mouth and hopped from her place, approaching Soma\'s side. Who has a blank face, watching her figure.
"Hina?!".
"Fufu, what\'s the matter, showing that dumbfounded state?".
"Your hair?".
Soma was stunned to see a change that happened in Hina. He gestures with his hand, pointing it at her hair.
"Mm? Ah, I try to change my image for a bit. How do I look?".
Hina\'s long, straight hair that reached her back was now cut short and only reached her shoulder. She tucked the left side of her bangs to reveal her ears. Also, Soma noticed that her temperament had changed.
Usually, at a time like this, Hina would just greet him, and then they started to converse as usual, but the current Hina gazed straight into his eyes, filled with anticipation. She was waiting for Soma\'s response about her new looks.
"Um, that looks good on you. You look charming".
"Fufu, I see".
Hina loosened her face and gave Soma her feminine smile, which he never saw coming from her. It seems Soma\'s intuition was right. Hina had a drastic change in her atmosphere and demeanor. She looks like a person who is already free from her boundaries.
The smile she showed him completely differed from what he knew as far as Soma knew her. Hina\'s smile was like the first ray of sunshine. It was bright, genuine and full of warmth.
However, the current Hina has gentle, soft curves, showing her maturity as if she is a different person who breaks through her darkness and regains a new light.
"...Soma?".
Hina, who saw Soma\'s dumbfounded face, closed her distance. Their distance was so close that their noses almost bumped into each other. Hina keeps her gaze straight to his eyes, probing his condition. Soma shook his head, telling her not to worry.
"I am fine. How was your trip back?".
"Well, it was a good experience for me".
"Is that so? Good for you".
"Fufu, thanks".
Soma didn\'t try to pry further. He doesn\'t know what she experienced that made Hina cut her hair short like that. Also, that hairstyle reminds him about the Chronicle Saga, where Hina, who lost her parents, also had the same short hair when she entered the academy.
However, their current situation was different. Hina, in front of him, still retains her parents, who watch over her and guide her. Soma felt slightly happy that his effort bore fruit, watching his favorite heroine smile.
"Mom, Soma and I will go out for a bit. Please take care of my belongings".
"You didn\'t bring anything in the first place. …Take care".
Hisako, who already knows what Hina is planning, nodded her head while giving her a thumbs up. The two men in the family tilted their heads. Soma alternated his gaze to Hina and then Hisako.
"Dear, let\'s go for a date".
Hiroshi, catching a glimpse, his wife winked at him, and he nodded his head, swept by the flow.
"Hm? ...If that is your wish. Soma, Hina, take care".
Hiroshi, following his wife\'s whim, starts to shift the gear in his mind. This is also a chance for the two of them to have time for themselves. Without hesitation, Hiroshi grabbed Hisako\'s left hand, interlocking their fingers, which made Hisako\'s body shudder in delight.
"Fufu, let\'s go, dear".
"Yeah".
Soma and Hina watch the two adults leave them at the airport entrance as they ride a taxi, enjoying their time. The two simultaneously met eyes as they chuckled, seeing the two spouses who still act lovey-dovey despite their age.
"Shall we go?".
Hina extended her left hand before Soma. She awaits the warmth that brings her a sense of comfort in her palms. Soma grabs her smooth palm before they start to stroll the street without any purpose in mind.
"Where do you want to go?".
"Hmm, Let\'s search for a park. I want to talk to you about something".
"Sure, park it is".