" Shane was taken away. "
No. That can't be. That's impossible.
" Sumiko, don't just stand there! Sumiko! "
I look at Choco with a blank face. She was in hysterical condition.
" Choco, what really happened here? "
I don't know what to do. There's so many things in my head that nothing makes sense anymore.
" A lady came here and forcibly took Shane away. I-I can't do anything. " She said in tearful voice.
I look at Mint who is sitting  opposite to us. His expressions are unreadable, just like the first time I meet him.
" Mint. " I called his attention. He should be devastated by now. The girl was taken away, and of course,that's because of me.
" Mint. Let's get her back. "
He stared at me as if looking into my soul. Nah, that won't work on me.
" Just stay here. I'll go. "
My brows creased in confusion. What the h*ck Mint? Trying to be a hero?
" No. I'll go with you. " I insisted. I can't let him face danger alone. I may not be a big help, but at least I can also stall enemies if needed. Well, it's not like I'm going to sacrifice for them. I'm not dumb.
" Do you really want me to go? "
His question left me dumbfounded.
Nah Sumiko, that's a very simple question, why don't you answer it?
You don't care about him going right? You totally don't care even if he choose to stay with Shane right?
Mint, staying with Shane? Sounds good. They look really good together. I'm perfectly fine with it.
SAYS WHO?
Of course I will never be fine with it! Nah! Why do I have to lie to myself too much? If I can't even accept the truth, then how can I let go of this stupid feelings?
Yes, from now on, I'll never run away from my own feelings. At least until it fades away.
And yes. I will never be fine seeing them together. But so what? It's not like he's the only man in this entire galaxy.
I just love him now. Just now.
" If you're too reluctant to let me go, then why insist going? "
I was taken aback by his words. It was a question that demands an answer, but I don't know how to answer it.
" I guess I shouldn't be here. " Choco slowly retreated so I glared at her, making a "don't-you-dare-leave" look.
In return, she gave ma a "take-care-of-your-problem" look. Tss. I wonder how did I got myself a friend like her.
" Sumiko, why do you insist on saving her? "
" Because she's important to you! Because she  can make you show those emotions that I wanted to see for a long time. Because you can't afford to lose her, right? "
The side of his lips twitched up into a bitter smile.
" Didn't I tell you that you got it all wrong? You don't understand me at all! "
What is there to understand? His feelings towards that girl? His longings?
No thanks. I don't want to understand all of that things.
" I'll go save her. "
" I'll go with you. "
He let out a sigh of defeat.
" Fine. Do what you want. "
I don't know how but Mint managed to find Shane's location. I guess it's because he really want to find him. Contrary to my expectations, it wasn't an abandoned building or something a common kidnapper would choose as hideout. Instead, it was a luxurious, elegant mansion.
" Are you sure we're at the right place? " I doubtfully asked. What kind of kidnapper would be this rich?
" Yes. "
He rang the doorbell twice. I can't believe what we're doing though. We are actually pressing the doorbell and waiting for the kidnapper to open the door for us. Ridiculous idea.
He pressed the doorbell again. This time a young lady in maid costume opened the gate.
" This way please. The young madam is waiting for you. "
What's with this hospitable  welcome? It gives me a creepier vibe than being welcome with baseball bats and guns.
We entered the mansion and woah! It seems like from those rich CEO's house. It was really elegant. If I could live here, I will definitely scream "I'm a princess".
There were maids in their uniforms lining up at the hallway. They were guiding us, where to go what to do. I don't even understand why we had to go with all this formalities when we can just broke into the mansion and take Shane away.
Finally, we arrive at the room emitting a very bad vibe. Well, I think it's just me. Because the room is full of pink stuffs which I didn't like.
The door creepily opened by itself. With a thumping heart and trembling knees, I step inside. This is it.
Wait a minute!
" Hey, are really sure this is the right place? What if you're mistaken and this is some sort of mafia boss' house? We're gonna be dead! "
He looked at me like I was some sort of strange thing. What? I'm being serious here!
" So, you've come. " A smug voice of a woman filled the room. Smug and conceited.
" Who are you talking to? Do we know you? " I spoke in forced voice trying to hide my nervousness.
The swivel chair in front of the desk turned around and there I saw an unfamiliar condensing woman her early thirties. She threw a quick timid glance towards me and then stared at Mint afterwards.
" Mint, oh Mint! " She stood up and inched closer to Mint.
What the! Is she ignoring me? Me, myself and I? She dared to ignore me? Just you wait old auntie! Hmp!
" You never changed. You still care for that girl. You haven't learned your lesson. "
Tss. I want to rip that seductive voice out of her throat.
" Risa, that girl has nothing to do with us. " Mint answered in the same flat tone.
Wait! Did he just say "us"? Did he meant they have something unspeakable between them? Is that the reason why he keep on insisting that I misunderstood him?
" Oh? Really? Then are you throwing that girl away for this little kid? C'mon! That's not-so you Mint. "
" I'm saying this for the second time. Let that girl go. "
What's with this awkward atmosphere? It's like they're indirectly telling me not to interfere with them.
But since I'm bored here...
" Ah, if you wouldn't mind, you can continue your business, while I... " I paused for a while then I threw a peace sign. " I will be taking Shane back with me. "
They both turn their heads towards me then ignore me again.
What the heck! Am I that unimportant for them?
" I'm afraid I can't do that. Not unless you hand me that 'thing'. "
That "thing"? Just how many things I didn't know about him? Come to think of it, I've never knew him in the first place.
" I can't. That 'thing' no longer exist. "