At Bar Akagumi - An hour later -

Yuhi didn't get a chance to tell her any details since she rushed off so fast, so she didn't know what she expected. But when she saw several needles piercing Yoru's shoulders and legs, her face turned pale, and she immediately broke down in tears. There was somebody else in the bar alongside the usual crew—a tall man with dark maroon-colored hair wearing glasses and a blue-colored uniform.

There was something familiar about him, but right now, her focus was on Yoru.

"I'm not dead," Yoru assured her, but it was hard for her to believe him due to his current state. Sumire felt like her heart would stop when she saw the number of needles; before she knew it, she was crying.

"Yoru," Sumire sobbed his name.

"It just hurts a lot,"

That wasn't the right answer since she only cried more.

Yuhi frowned and walked over. She felt Yuhi wrap his arms around her and pull her into his arms, shielding her from the sight of Yoru in pain. "Quit answering; you're making this worse."

"Geh Yuhi-san, don't look at me like that. I already feel like I am at death's door."

"Death?" Sumire repeated.

"Oh no, it's not like that-!"

"Oi, stupid, can't you see how frightened she is because of you?" Sora snapped.

"Who are you calling-" Yoru paused. "Sumire-san, I am alright. I just have to receive an antidote, and they can pull the needles out."

An antidote? Her thoughts broke off when the doors to the bar opened, and Eli strolled in. "Now, now, where is the patient?"

"There, the one who is feigning death on the stretcher."

'Eli is here.' Just seeing the man made her feel relieved. Eli turned to her and patted her shoulders with a reassuring smile. "Relax, he will be fine."

"But, there are so many needles."

For him to get hurt this badly despite his good reflexes and strength, that must mean somebody powerful got to him.

What could have happened? Sumire wanted to ask, but she felt depleted of all strength. Right at that moment, somebody passed her a drink of water. It was the dark-haired man wearing the same Hyou4 uniform as Asuka. Dark hair, glasses, and -ah!

"Sora," Sumire mumbled.

This man Sora was part of the government organization Hyou4, and he was the third in command. She met him frequently whenever she intruded on Asuka's jobs.

Sora nodded. "You should drink. The stupid one will be fine, don't waste your tears anymore."

"Were you two together?"

"It was a coincidence. I was fetching some stuff for the vice-captain when I sensed fluctuating waves of power. I thought it was an ability user losing control of his powers, but no, it was the stupid one here using so much power without thinking straight. But by that point, he already had several needles in him, so I guess it was due to the needles that he became desperate."

"Did you catch the suspect?"

"I handed him over."

It seems she will have to pay a visit and find out directly. But Sumire already figured why they would target Yoru. Yoru is a very high-profile member in the district where the Aakagumi bar is everybody knew him. Usually, that would mean people wouldn't pick a fight with him so easily, but there were some stupid ones out there.

Jae walked over and passed her a handkerchief. "Despite what he says, he is very concerned about his best friend."

Sora's eyes twitched, annoyed. "Who is my best friend?"

Sumire tilted her head puzzled. Even though the two were arguing, she could tell that they somewhat got along with each other. Yuhi squeezed her hands, and she turned back to him.

"Are you fine? I already called Eli beforehand."

"Mm, sorry, I just rushed out."

Yuhi shook his head. "You said it yourself that they are family."

As usual, he is way too understanding and quick to adapt to her words,

Sumire turned back to Eli, who had pulled out a large needle. "Right time for the shot."

Yoru's face color turned pale. "Hey, wait- why is that needle so large?"

"You have several needles inside you already; why are you complaining about one more?" Eli said.

"This is different."

"Terashima-kun, can you hold him down?"

Yuhi sighed. "Geez, quit acting so foolish. You already made Sumire cry; you're lucky you're too injured for me to beat up."

"That doesn't mean I am safe later."

Sumire watched as Yuhi quickly walked over, and she used that chance to slip away. She didn't go very far; she just opened the door and remained on the porch outside. It was good that Yoru didn't get hurt too badly and that Eli already had an antidote ready for this type of poison. But what if they come up with something different next time? What if they don't have an immediate solution?

Her thoughts broke off when she heard the chime and realized that Sora had walked out too. He wore a coat on top of his uniform. "Are you leaving already?"

"I have to report to the Captain and explain to the vice-captain why I dropped her stuff and lost it." Sora seemed more annoyed at the last part, and she laughed.

"I am sure if you report about the incident first, Asuka won't blame you."

"I heard you were in Tokyo, but I haven't seen you."

"Mmm, I avoided the Hyou4 headquarters for a while. I wanted to settle in before I got involved in such things." Sumire trailed off. "Moreover, the power I thought disappeared ago came back to me."

"I am surprised you only just remembered being an ability user after the incident last year."

"It's called trauma."

Sora paused and looked away. "I apologize. I wasn't there for his funeral."

"You don't have to blame yourself for that. I understand that it is hard for you."

'...You're a bunch of delinquents. But if you think about it realistically, the power of red is something to protect. '

"What?"

"I was just thinking about what you told me before. How I can use this power to protect."

Sora was silent for a few minutes before he spoke up. "I didn't lie when I said that. Others saw that power as a destructive force. But if you look back at ancient records, the color red is a healing flame. So the original purpose is to protect and not destroy."

Her gaze softened when she heard those words. Even though he acts like a cold and indifferent person when anybody talks to him, they can see he is a huge softie.

"Did you used to be part of Akagumi?" Sumire asked.

Sora clicked his tongue, annoyed. "You figured that out too quickly."

"I noticed how you avoided looking at Yuhi even though he was right there."

Sora didn't say anything right away, but he didn't leave.

"For me, the power to protect someone important is the reason why I joined Akagaumi before."

"You mean protecting Yoru?"

Sora didn't look at her when he said this. But Sumire sensed the pain in his tone. "That may be the case."

Her eyes went wide in surprise; she didn't expect him to admit it. Then again, she always got similar vibes. Whenever they met, she thought 'ah, this person is like me.'