Jin and Ryuto teleported inside Jin's apartment. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the wooden floor. The air was still, carrying a faint scent of fresh laundry.
Jin walked over to the closet, pulling out a plain t-shirt and handing it to Ryuto.
"Change it," Jin said gently.
Ryuto took the shirt, glancing at his torn and bloodied one before slipping into the fresh one. The soft fabric was a relief against his aching body.
Once he was done, they left the apartment and got into Jin's car. The sun hung low in the sky, bathing the streets in a warm golden hue. Traffic was light, and the hum of passing vehicles mixed with the occasional chirping of birds.
"Where are we going, boss? And why do we need to go by car?" Ryuto asked softly, watching the road ahead.
"I can't just teleport for everything," Jin replied, his voice as steady as his hands on the wheel. "Anyway, that man who injured you… was he really that strong?"
"Of course he was strong. If I didn't use that attack, I would've been the one caught in his," Ryuto said, his tone serious.
Jin glanced at him briefly before turning his attention back to the road. "Is that so…" he muttered. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "So, how are things going with you? Found someone?"
Ryuto's expression softened. "Yeah, I have a girlfriend now." But before Jin could respond, Ryuto's gaze sharpened again. "Boss, I have a lot of things to ask, but first—what's with that bounty on your head yesterday? And who was that guy just now?"
Jin exhaled through his nose, his grip on the wheel steady. "It's just someone from my past work." His voice was calm, revealing nothing more.
Before Ryuto could push further, Jin pulled up to a large house. The tall iron gate stood firm, its metal bars gleaming under the afternoon sun. The surrounding trees cast soft shadows on the pavement, swaying gently in the breeze.
Jin stepped out of the car, shutting the door with a quiet click. Ryuto followed, taking in the size of the house.
"So this is where we're going?" Ryuto asked, eyeing the place.
"Dada!"
A soft, sweet voice rang out as the gate creaked open. A little girl peeked through, her big brown eyes shimmering with excitement. Her short, slightly messy hair framed her round face, giving her an irresistibly adorable look. Her cheeks were soft and rosy, her small lips forming a bright smile that could melt anyone's heart.
The moment she saw Jin, she didn't hesitate—she leaped toward him with surprising speed, her tiny arms outstretched. For a child her age, that jump was far from normal, but Jin caught her effortlessly, wrapping his arms around her small frame.
She giggled, burying her face against his chest, her little hands gripping onto his shirt as if she would never let go.
"So, my little princess has learned to use her powers too, huh?" Jin said gently, a warm smile forming on his face. He reached out, playfully pinching her tiny nose between his fingers before letting go.
The little girl giggled, her big brown eyes shining with delight. Her short, slightly messy hair framed her round cheeks, making her look even cuter.
"So, how was your week at your grandpa's house?" Jin asked as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close with a gentle warmth.
"It's good! I had wot of fun here!" she said excitedly, her big brown eyes lighting up.
Then, she noticed Ryuto standing beside Jin. She blinked before giving a bright smile.
"Hewwo, uncle!" she said softly, bowing her head just a little while holding onto Jin's shirt.
Ryuto's face lit up with a big smile as he bowed his head slightly.
"Just call me Ryuto. It's nice to meet you, little one," he said softly.
"Stop being so formal, Ryuto," Jin said gently, his expression making it clear that this wasn't the first time he had seen Ryuto act like this.
After that, the caretaker, a middle-aged woman with a gentle expression, handed them a neatly packed bag before heading back inside the house.
Now back in the car, Ryuto was in the driver's seat, his hands resting on the wheel as he started the engine. Jin sat in the back, his arm loosely around Hana, who was nestled beside him. Her small legs dangled over the seat's edge, swinging slightly as she hugged her stuffed bunny. The warm afternoon light filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow on her big brown eyes.
She glanced up at Jin, her expression filled with excitement as she held onto his sleeve. Meanwhile, Jin sat relaxed, his gaze shifting between her and the passing scenery outside, a faint smile lingering on his face. Ryuto, focused on the road, occasionally glanced at the rearview mirror, observing the quiet yet warm moment between them.
Jin turned his face toward Ryuto, his expression calm yet serious. "From now on, you'll be protecting her when I'm not around," he said gently.
Ryuto blinked in surprise before nodding. "It's my pleasure, boss," he replied softly. But after a moment, he glanced at Jin, curiosity in his eyes. "But... can I know the reason? I mean, you could have contacted me years ago if you needed protection for her."
Jin leaned back slightly, exhaling. "You see, Ryuto, after I left the house, Shun and I started taking jobs on contracts," he explained. "We made a lot of enemies along the way."
He paused for a moment, glancing at Hana, who was happily swinging her legs as she ate her ice cream. Then, looking back at Ryuto, he continued, "But we got bored of that life, so we left it behind and returned to normal."
Jin ran a hand through his hair, his tone turning a little heavier. "Now, as you just saw, what happened in Antarctica was only one of the many problems coming our way. That man was just one of the people after us."
He leaned forward slightly. "Vazar... he's a man of rules. That's why he lured me and Shun to Antarctica instead of going after our families. But not everyone follows his way."
Jin's fingers lightly tapped the table, his voice lowering. "Now that they know where we are, they'll come—not just after me and Shun, but after our families too."
Ryuto glanced at Jin, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What about your wife? Do I need to guard her too?" he asked softly.
Jin chuckled lightly. "Oh, my wife? She's fine on her own," he said gently. A small smirk played on his lips. "You must have heard her name before… it's Hinata."
Ryuto's eyes widened in shock. "You mean that Hinata? The Head of Tokyo Evolver's branch?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
Jin nodded casually. "Yeah, that's her," he said, as if it was no big deal.
Meanwhile, Hana had just finished her ice cream, her small hands and cheeks slightly messy. Jin grabbed a napkin and gently wiped her face and hands. "All done, princess," he said with a soft smile.
Then, standing up, he turned to Ryuto. "For now, go back home and rest. I'll call you later," he said gently before picking up Hana in his arms and heading toward the exit.
Jin carried Hana inside the apartment, setting her gently on the couch. She looked around with wide, curious brown eyes before turning to him.
"Dada, why awe we hewe?" she asked softly, tilting her head.
"Well, you see, some work is going on at our house, so we'll be staying here until it's finished," Jin explained gently.
Hana nodded slowly, processing his words. Then, as if remembering something, she perked up. "Mama will come hewe too?" she asked eagerly.
Jin smiled. "Yeah, she'll be back soon," he assured her. "Until then, I'll make us some dinner. What do you want to eat?" he asked as he glanced back at her.
"Cake," she said softly with a smile.
"You and your mother really love sweets too much. Well, I'll make it," Jin said gently as he put on the apron and stepped into the kitchen.
[Chapter 11 end]