Chapter Text
“Thank you for the invitation,” Kenshirou blows on his mug, “Warden Hyakushiki.”
“Thank you for keeping me company,” his superior thanks back. “I figured I owed you for introducing me to that tea shop in the first place.”
“Think nothing of it, it was my pleasure.”
She chuckles a bit. “Very well.”
A nice blend of jasmine shared between them, they’re both content.
“I must say,” the Warden begins. “Out of all the personnel here, I can always count on you to put my mind at ease, Yozakura.”
“Thank you,” Kenshirou says, trying not to explode. “It is an honor to hear such from you.”
“I’m only stating facts,” she tries to downplay. “With so many loud and bright personalities amongst the staff, it is nice to have someone so focused and calm such as yourself.”
He mentally implores the Warden to stop complimenting him before he goes into cardiac arrest.
“And are things going well in Building 4?” She asks as her lovely lips take a sip perfectly, no liquid trickling down, fingers strong and elegant.
"All is progressing well.” He reports, heart calming. “Even young Sugoroku is showing vast leaps in improvement.”
“Hm,” she hums. “Perhaps he shares more traits with his brother than we thought.”
Kenshirou feels something break at the mention of Hajime.
“Of course,” she regains his attention, “He could just be taking after his superiors.”
Smiling a bit, he muses. “He shows promise. I’m curious how things will go for him.”
“I trust he’s in good hands,” she takes another sip. “You never fail to meet my expectations.”
Warden…Hyakushiki…his heart…can’t take…much more.
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“Also,” he asks before he leaves. “Have you seen Mitsuru, Warden? Usually I see him at least six times a day.”
“Oh,” she responds. “I locked him in his office to prevent any Valentine’s Day shenanigans. We don’t need another lawsuit from the Catholic Church.”
If he did not know her, he would question her. Perhaps knowing her, he might.
But…he also knows Mitsuru.
“I see. A wonderful call of judgement, Warden Hyakushiki.”
“Thank you.”
(And Mitsuru watches the drama unfolding throughout the prison on his screens with joy. Because things are perfectly capable of getting ridiculous without him.)
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As he leaves she watches him, perhaps a second longer than she needs to.
But for some reason, she can’t help it.
Despite his simple demeanor, his loyalty and dedication is unquestionable.
Why does that make her heart flutter?
Whatever the case, he puts her at ease, and that’s enough.
She smiles to herself, just a little.
He truly is…diligent.
…
Oh no.