It took her a moment to understand. Just now, it looked like he was fiddling with Something when he had his back turned from her. So this is what he was up to? Sumire chuckled softly. Indeed it seems like she has misunderstood him. He isn't an average man, nor is he that scary person, others said he was. There is more to people than meets the eye.

After resting for a few extra minutes, the two of them are walking through the quiet streets. Indeed this is a dream, while the entire town is a replica. Sumire noticed a few things that differed from the real world.

"Shin, when can I go to the SF again?"

"Right now, we are dealing with a lot of crimes. So, unfortunately, not anytime soon."

"Is that why you don't stay in school for long?" Sumire noticed that he wasn't there as frequently as before.

At that comment, Shin nodded. "Something serious is about to happen. I don't know what the Black Alice organization wants with you. But I don't think your pregnancy is part of their plans."

"Are you saying--"

"It is a good thing it doesn't show. Otherwise, the situation could be very bad right now."

So she ought to keep it a secret. Sumire intended to do so anyway. She tried to shrug away Sano's words, but it remained in her head. When she safely gives birth, she can hide the child. Wait until they have both graduated and then reveal it. One year, she can do that cant she?

It will be hard for the child, but she has no choice. She wants to protect Yuhi and his dreams.

"Just be careful."

"You said before that you would always be able to find me whenever Im in danger."

Shin nodded. "As long as there is water nearby, then it is easy for me to pick up your trail."

Eh, but then— she pointed to the bracelet in her hands. "Do we need this GPS?"

At that comment, she watched as Shin awkwardly looked away. She immediately understood from that action alone. "You don't need an excuse to buy me a present."

"I didn't think you would wear it," Shin admitted.

Why did he think- Sumire paused and sighs. "I know I mess around and joke a lot, and it is a bad habit of mine to tease people. But I was only joking. You don't have to be in a relationship to give girls presents."

To think he remembered a conversation she had with Asuka a long time ago. Back then, she said something along the lines of guys giving presents to girls with bad intentions. It seems like Shin overheard that conversation.

"Then I will bother you a lot," Shin mumbled.

Her gaze softened. "Please do."

He is a lot clumsier than she thought. She looked at the bracelet in her hands. I can imagine it now, him choosing this gift for me. Awkwardly entering a jewelry shop and looking around lost. Getting bombarded by questions from the store clerk.

"Thank you; it's very pretty." The small bracelet with the small water symbol seemed to glow whenever a beam of light hits it.

"Your welcome."

Again another silence. But this time, Sumire didn't mind it. So Shin is a clumsy and awkward guy, huh she could get used to this. She wants to know why he joined the SF instead of the regular police force. Normally people would superpowers would try to hide it. Why would he join a force that makes use of people like him to hunt their kind?

Then again, she doesn't understand this superpower thing very well yet. Before she makes careless remarks, she needs to learn more.

The Black Alice organization and the tale she told Shin not too long ago. If it is exactly like what she thought, then could it be the Queen is- her thoughts broke when Shin suddenly stopped walking. She bumps into his back.

"Shin? What's wrong?"

"We have trouble."

Trouble? Sumire looked over at what he was pointing at and saw something strange. At first, she wasn't sure what she was looking at. It looked like a block, yes, a block of black static.

"Shin.," Sumire mumbled.

Shin extended his hand out and gave her hands a reassuring squeeze. "It will be fine; we need to stay out of the way, though. I wouldn't advise fighting those."

"What is it?" She questioned. To her, it looks like a box of static, but maybe there is something else? For a moment, Sumire thought she got a glimpse of a human figure.

"People."

Sumire paused when she heard that. Huh? What?

"Inside those boxes are humans with evolved abilities. They are going through a process of their powers evolving, that's why they are in the box." Shin explained. "It seems like the person who is in charge of this dream at least has the sense to control them."

"There are people there; we should help them."

Shin grabbed her arm. "Do you want to die?"

"But—"

"The people inside those have unstable abilities. If you were to intervene now, you could get severely hurt or even lose your life."

Is it that serious? But she glanced at the black boxes. She could hear it if she listened carefully, their painful cries. Shin grabbed her wrist and pulled her along, so they walked in the opposite direction. He seemed like he was in a hurry.

"Their range... it shouldn't be that large, but just in case." Shin increased his footsteps.

Sumire knew better than to say anything during this situation, so she kept her mouth shut instead. It frustrated her leaving those people behind, but if anything happened to Rus child, she would never forgive herself.

...

Another thing she discovered about Nakara Shin was that he is a fast runner. She thought she was fast, but this person is on an entirely different level than all the others.

"Let's hide out here for a bit," Shin said as he barricades the door with planks of wood.

Sumire slumped to the ground and leaned against the wall. She is more exhausted than she thought she would be.

"We should wait until Yuhi gets here."

"We should?"

Shin nodded. "This terrain suits Yuhi's ability better. That doesn't mean I can't fight here, but it would be difficult." His gaze fell on her. "Rest assured, no matter what happens. I will protect you."

Sumire paused when she heard him say those words. He repeatedly told her that he would protect her, so she should be tired of hearing it by now. But somehow, it felt nice.

This entire time she has been fighting all her battles alone. Nobody ever said such things to her because she was stronger than them. The people in the underground world call her the demon Princess for a reason.