บท 171: Whatever You Want to Do, Please Stay Safe

As scheduled, Kaede drove Tsubaki to Fuse Corporation once 12 PM hit. Light rain fell from the dark sky. Tsubaki hummed a melody while she was watching the rain.

"Summer is approaching soon, would Madam and Master have a getaway to the beach?" Kaede asked as she looked at the serene expression on her Madam's face through the rear-view mirror.

Usually, every bodyguard would keep quiet while guarding their employer but since Kaede was chosen to protect his Master's young wife, she didn't really need to be too strict with her policy. Tsubaki would always talk to her and over time, she felt comfortable enough to exchange small talk with her Madam now and then.

"My husband did say he wants to bring me to the beach," Tsubaki smiled when she thought back of his words. "Would you go on vacation during summer too?"

Kaede laughed lightly. "I might be. But, it is okay with you if I take some time off during summer, Madam?"

"I'm fine with it. If your supervisor didn't let you, tell him to see me," said Tsubaki as she funnily trying to display her authority.

"Thank you, Madam!" Kaede smiled in pleasure.

It was quite hard to apply for a day off from her supervisor but her Madam's words brought reassurance to Kaede. It was so good to have a strong and reliable back-up!

The female receptionists at the front counter had known Tsubaki's face so they politely greeted her when she walked passed the counter. Tsubaki replied with a smile. She immediately went to Ren's private elevator. Once she stepped outside, she saw all the staff working on the same floor were getting ready to go for their lunch hour.

"Good afternoon, Madam!"

They greeted her with smiles on their faces. Tsubaki was slightly startled since the last time she came here, they were still being careful around her. Tsubaki smiled at them and greeted them back.

"Thank you for taking care of my husband," she said gently while bowing her head.

"No! No! It's President Fuse who's always being considerate to us!" A female worker quickly answered.

"Yes, Madam! Please don't worry about President Fuse!"

Tsubaki giggled. As she was chatting a little with some of them, a tall shadow loomed over her. Tsubaki turned around slightly and looked up, it was her husband.

"Have you forgotten to come and see me?" Ren said as he casually put his hand around her shoulders.

"I didn't," replied Tsubaki with a laugh. She looked at the employees and waved them goodbye. "Have fun with your lunch. See you later."

"Thank you, Madam!"

"See you again, Madam."

Ren looked indifferently to his employees. They were being courteous towards his wife, much to his delight. Before he brought Tsubaki inside his office, he signaled for Matsuzaki to come near him. He whispered a few words to the assistant. Matsuzaki's eyes widened as a smile spread on his face.

Ren led Tsubaki inside through the door. Before the door was closed, Tsubaki swore she could hear excited whispers among the employees and something about getting treated to an expensive lunch.

Tsubaki let Ren took her trench coat off of her. Her eyes landed on the coffee table at the center of the office. A scrumptious feast was served on the table. Hot steam swirled on the air, carrying with it the delicious smell from the food.

"Are you sure we could finish this?" Tsubaki looked doubtfully at her husband.

"It's not a matter of we could but we should," replied Ren as a hint of mischief was evident on his face. "I asked for nourishment dishes which could help us to..."

Ren leaned down to whisper beside her ear. Tsubaki's face instantly flushed red. She pushed him away before she took a sit in a huff on the couch.

He's really working hard to prove his words to Grandma! But she's the one who needs to suffer for nine months!

Ren laughed heartily as he sat beside his wife. The tips of her ears were red, inviting more laugh from his lips. He sneaked a hand around her waist, bringing her back close to him.

"I'm just joking. Don't be mad, sweetheart," he said softly behind her.

Tsubaki turned around and shot him a glare. Ren laughed again. He took the opportunity to plant a kiss on her cheek.

"I miss you." Ren's lips curling up. Then, his eyes suddenly dimmed as he added, "I hope you're really okay, sweetheart."

Tsubaki smiled. She held one of his hands, rubbing circles on the center of his palm. She said truthfully, "I wasn't okay. Until I came here."

Ren smiled mildly. He stroked her head, trying to comfort her as much as possible.

The couple started eating their lunch in harmony. They occasionally fed each other while chatting over their meal. Ren was pleased when he saw her mood had improved compared to this morning.

"Oh ya!" Tsubaki suddenly thought of something. "Kanako invited me for a charity event. If I recall correctly, the one for Hope Foundation. Could I go?"

Kanako had called her before she went to the company. It was a charity tea party held by Hope Foundation for the orphanages around the city. Mrs. Souma was the founder of the charity group. Since the lady was close friends with Kanako's mother, Kanako would always accompany her mother to the event but this time her mother had another appointment during the date so she was looking for a partner.

"Hope Foundation?" Ren paused from biting his meal when he heard the name. His brows furrowed.

Ren placed his plate on the table. He retrieved his phone from his pocket. Tsubaki leaned over to look at the search engine displayed on his phone screen. He was searching for Hope Foundation.

"No wonder I found the name is quite familiar," said Ren after he took a look at the foundation's main website. "Akashi said this foundation is a long-time patron for Miss Hinata's orphanage."

"What?" Tsubaki was surprised. "Did you find the orphanage in the list?"

Ren brought his phone closer to Tsubaki. He pointed at a name.

"House of Himawari. Himawari was the first name of the founder of the orphanage, the current director's late mother. Ayanokouji Himawari."

Tsubaki pursed her lips. When she knew of such a coincidence, she thought of something. Tsubaki averted her gaze from the screen, she looked up to meet her husband's gentle smile. Apparently he had noticed what she was thinking.

"Go and ask her for yourself, I won't forbid you," said Ren as he understood that his wife was trying to solve the mystery using her own power too.

"Thank you, dear," replied Tsubaki with a smile. She was so pleased by his compassion to her. "I promise I won't act rashly."

Ren nodded. He took both of her hands in his. His face suddenly turned serious. When he started to speak again, his voice was heavy.

"You know that we might attract danger as we dig deeper, right?"

"Yes."

She knew that the accident from 5 years ago wasn't unintentional. Even though she couldn't explain why did she forget about him, the fact that there was a sinister force lurking around them was undeniable.

"So, sweetheart, whatever you want to do please... stay safe."

Ren understood that Tsubaki's mind was already been set. Even though she would put his feelings into consideration, he didn't want to stop her. In order to be a better support for her, he would try with the best of his efforts to keep his fear and anxiety in check.

After all, she was here to ease the stuffiness inside his heart that was still left behind.

"I will," answered Tsubaki resolutely. "Because I still want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Ren smiled although his expression was still dark. He pulled her into his embrace, muttering mantras inside his mind, asking for her safety.