10. Sandwiched in the middle.

You touch your nose with a dry laugh, debating whether to take this opportunity to apologize to him—after all, according to Ego, he should still be on his medication... Yes, your conscience is prodding you to be a responsible Guide.

That said, Kaiser is dressed incredibly trendily today. Your attention is instantly captured, and you cannot help but linger a moment longer. It is a completely different style from what he usually wears... though it suits him quite well.

Seeing you briefly mesmerized by his appearance, Kaiser looks satisfied. Like a peacock fanning its tail, he removes his sunglasses, revealing those beautiful eyes.

However, it is only after he finishes his first sentence that you realize, belatedly, that you didn't bring your headset. You had left it at home, never thinking you would need it.

Kaiser says something else, pulls another earbud from his pocket, and reaches out to place it in your ear. He suddenly closes the distance, his fingertips brushing against your cheek. You feel a wave of warmth by your temple, followed by the sensation of the bud being inserted into your ear.

"Is this okay?" he asks in a low voice, his hand not yet pulling away.

The German, previously sounding like an indecipherable incantation, suddenly becomes clear. You look up at him, nod, and get straight to the point:

"Uh... thank you. I'm sorry, I didn't know about that day..."

Itoshi Sae exits the car almost immediately. The heavy thud of the door slamming shut pauses your conversation. He could no longer sit still—ever since he saw the look you gave Kaiser. You, who usually wore such a cold, indifferent expression toward him, seemed to be giving Kaiser much more of your attention.

Could it be that the "peacock routine" actually works? While he scorns the idea, he is somewhat shaken, vaguely sensing that you are someone who responds better to softness than force. ...It certainly couldn't be due to the Sentinel-Guide attraction law.

Itoshi Sae strides toward you both. Noticing the movement, you look over and observe that he appears somewhat haggard. The usually aloof expression that looks down on everything is now accompanied by faint, dark circles under his eyes. Has something happened over the last two days?

Recalling his near-total disappearance recently, your curiosity, which had cooled, begins to stir again. You tilt your head slightly, but he does not offer you a glance. Simultaneously, Kaiser stops smiling. His gaze locks past the top of your head; the two Sentinels engage in a silent, uncompromising clash.

Thinking back to Itoshi Sae’s cold sneer on the phone earlier—"It would be better if you came out to see for yourself"—you get the feeling that something bad is about to happen. You intend to end this conversation as quickly as possible, clear things up with Sae, and head back for a meal. Ego had apparently arranged for another Guide to tutor you in the afternoon...

Itoshi Sae stands slightly behind you, staring directly at Kaiser. He gestures toward his ear, signaling that he needs a headset to join the conversation. Kaiser reads his intention, shrugs, and raises his eyebrows with a provocative smirk.

*—Not a chance.*

"............"

Although Itoshi Sae can understand what you say, he knows that this "German peacock" is exactly the type of Sentinel to spout vulgarities. As fellow members of the New Generation World Eleven, he is well aware of Kaiser's reputation. The thought of this German man spewing inappropriate remarks without restraint—

Itoshi Sae’s eyes turn cold, and he takes half a step forward.

"...Kaiser?"

The conversation halts. You try to decipher Kaiser’s shrug from a moment ago. Is this some kind of encrypted communication between Sentinels? What is going on...

Itoshi Sae is standing so close that you can feel his breath without even turning your head. You cannot move forward to create distance, because Kaiser is right in front of you. ...Just an ordinary day, yet you feel like you are being sandwiched between two Sentinels.

Judging by the height difference, it is more likely you are being sandwiched by their chests. You begin to contemplate the possibility of walking out sideways between them, and whether that would seem impolite.

Before you can act, Itoshi Sae makes a move. Your shoulders are gripped by the person behind you, and the earbud is snatched away in an instant.

"I'll give it back to you later."

Itoshi Sae puts the earbud in his own ear, his eyes filled with... killing intent.

...What? You do not understand. You are completely bewildered.