9

                                    

                                          
My ankle had healed surprisingly faster than I had expected. During my healing process, the first unit had to do all the chores in my stead. They did the laundry, cleaning and cooking. Some of the men actually complained about the bland taste. It made me happy that they loved meals I made for them. They still couldn't refuse the food though.
                          
            When I could manage to limp around, those men teased me, calling me a turtle. I was about to throw my clog at them when Hijikata came out of his room and reprimanded them, "She's like this because of you! Now get out of the way!"
                          
            Hijikata would occasionally feign passing through my room to check at my situation even only a glance. Every morning, a packet of Ishida Sanyaku with a cup of sa-ke would be left on a tray in front of my room. No matter how bad his mood was, he would always have the medicine prepared in the morning for me. 
                          
The demon surprised me a couple of time when he peeked into my room. It would make me fluster and he would take the cue to leave. It was partly my fault because I purposely left the door slightly open for the breeze to enter. What he did soothed the tension between us and my cheeks would warm up sometimes at the sight of him.
                          
It had been approximately a month and a half Kondo and the others went to Iwakuni and they were finally coming back. It was not a confidential so the men of Shinsengumi were notified about it and they cheered for their brothers' return.
                          
            Their return meant my time to decide what to do regarding Itou. He would ask about my answer to his proposal and I would have to ask him about his haori.
                          
            I was cleaning the dishes after lunch when the men went to welcome the company from Iwakuni. Cheers were heard clearly along with wishes for their safety. They probably had a little bit chit chat by the entrance before returning to their own posts to unpack their stuff. Kondo must have gone to unpack and would directly head for Hijikata's room to discuss about what they had found in Iwakuni while the others would take their time to rest.
                          
            After cleaning all the dishes, I headed to my room to get the clothes which were given to me to sew. When I stepped out of my room, Itou was already there gazing at me. Discomfort smothered me all over with doubt and uncertainty. No matter how uncomfortable I was, I wanted the truth.
                          
            "Sayo... I have returned for you." He said.
                          
            "Please don't sweet talk to me." I slipped my feet into my clogs as I went to stand beside him.
                          
            "Are you mad of me for being away for such a long time?"
                          
            "Here are the clothes I was asked to sew. Please come to the laundry field once you have returned those clothes to their respective owners." I peered at him as I shoved the bundle of clothes onto his chest. Bewildered at my reaction, Itou stared at me confusingly as he took the bundle.
                          
            Therefore, I marched my way to the laundry field and waited for his nose to appear. It was almost suffocating, waiting as I wondered what kind of answer he would give. What should I do if he turns out guilty? He came about a minute later with the haori in question.
                          
            "Sayo..." He called as he came closer.
                          
            "Don't come near me." I said, taking a distance just in case he wanted to do something out of my imagination. "Please explain, Itou-san."
                          
            "This haori is indeed... mine." He admitted and it made me shiver.
                          
            "Were you the one who assaulted me?" My chest tightened and it was difficult for me to keep my composure calm.