Disturbed by the noise, I looked at Mina and saw that shes as confused as me.

Youre expecting a guest?

Not that I know of She shook her head.

After the initial banging noise, it rang out once more a few seconds later. This time, it was louder than before and accompanied by a faint voice.

Its outside. With her room located at the backside of the house and the door shut closed, only a muffled incoherent voice reached us.

Theres her mother outside but just in case everything was fine, Mina and I stood up.

I held her hand in mine as we approached her door. Theres no reason to do so but still, just in case something was happening, I could easily defend my girl.

On the same note, I could also feel a certain fear welling up inside her. Fear for her mothers safety.

Were inside her room so the one attending the front door should be Auntie Yayoi. With two violent bangs and a voice that seemed to be shouting, its definitely not a simple angry neighbor.

Whoever was that, he or she didnt bear any goodwill.

Judging from Minas reaction, this was the first time it happened or she wasnt here when it happened before.

This is still in the same city wherein its relatively peaceful, save from those delinquents that could be found in crowded, obscured or lawless places such as shopping districts or arcades. Thats why unless someone had a reasonable grudge or anger to anyone, it wouldnt reach this point of banging into someone elses door.

Mina, do you mind if I step in? If its as we guessed, I dont want to get ahead of myself without consulting you or your mother. Im still an outsider, after all.

Getting her opinion was first and foremost. I mean, I was also somewhat impulsive. If my intervention could make it worse then its better to stay silent and observe.

Mina gently shook her head. I dont mind I trust you.

Well then, lets go and check it.

Having decided that, we left the room in a slight hurry.

We have yet to reach the curtain separating this side of the room when another loud banging was heard followed by curses. Damn woman! Open this door at once if you still want your shop to open!

What do you want?! Who sent you here?! Im calling the police!

Huh?! Police? Lets see if this door of yours can still stand before they arrive. Men, kick this damn door open!

W-wait! Ill open it! Dont break my door!

Hearing all of that, Mina had a rather strong reaction. If I wasnt holding her hand and taking the lead, shed already run out to her mother.

I looked at her and reassured her. Mina, can you stay here? Beyond the curtain. Let me go and check instead.

But mom

Leave it to me. I wont let her get hurt. We dont know who they are so its a lot better if you keep yourself hidden Also, call the police right away and once youre done. Record everything from here.

A-alright. Dont overreach yourself

I know. Who am I? You probably already heard about me from Haruko anyway. Though I cant boast that I can win if it comes to a fight Im not someone easily scared.

I put my hand on top of her head, patted it gently before planting my lips on her forehead.

After reminding her once more of what she had to do, I strode off the curtained part of the house, just in time when Auntie Yayoi opened the door. She hurriedly stepped back to put a distance away from those strangers outside.

From where I was, I spotted one man in suit and two men that looked like a thug, complete with their unbearable faces.

The man in suit had sunglasses on and a pompadour hairstyle. Hes close to how yakuza were often depicted. On the side of his neck, theres a black patch that was possibly a part of a bigger tattoo.

Moments later, the man in suit entered the house while the two thugs followed behind him, taking both of his sides. The two took an imposing pose as they tried to intimidate Auntie Yayoi. On the other hand, the man in suit pulled out a cigarette and lit it before climbing out of the front door area with his shoes still on.

To everyone, thats an extremely rude gesture. But then, theyre already rude since the start so its not surprising.

Auntie Yayoi was slightly trembling from where she was but shes not succumbing to the intimidation. She only opened the door just to prevent them from breaking it open. Confronting them was still her stand.

At this point, I walked over to her back and asked, Auntie, whats happening?

Surprised, she flinched and looked at me before glancing in the curtained areas direction. Seeing that Mina wasnt with me, she lightly sighed in relief.

What are you doing here? Go back. This doesnt involve you.

As expected, shes going to send me away. But this was a moment where I could act like a fool who didnt know whats better for me.

I see unfamiliar faces here. Are they your guests? I stared at her and winked, hoping that shed catch on to what I wanted to do. However, shes not like Nami, Shizu or any of my girls who could read me even without saying anything.

N-no. I told you. Go back there.

She tried pushing me back but I just didnt budge.

Perhaps thinking that were taking too long to talk, the man in suit loudly grumbled. Whos that pipsqueak? I heard you only have a daughter. Another family member we havent heard of?

Hes unrelated to this! And whatever your purpose in coming here, state it now!

Auntie Yayoi dragged me behind her, covering me from their eyes.

Thats the normal response, its me who was meddlesome after all. However, before making a move myself, I also wanted to hear their reason.

At least, they didnt just throw their weight around here to corner Auntie Yayoi.

Based on their words, she didnt know them and that man in suit was informed by someone about her. Theres also the mention of her shop Thats probably the salon she owned.

Is this about the location of her shop? Loan sharks? Landlord? Either of the two, just from how rude they entered the house, they definitely didnt bring good news.

Oh. Purpose, huh? Lets do this as civilly as possible.

In what way is he civil? I wanted to rebut like that but I restrained myself. Its not the time yet.

The man in suit fixed his collar, produced a comb from his suit and used it to repair his hairs form.

Following that, he flicked his finger and the two thugs stepped backward.

Wont you come with us, Ms. Nakano? He said in as fake as it gets amiable tone. Hed surely flipped if Auntie Yayoi declined.

Thats disappointing. All that dramatic movement and its the typical Come with us or else line.

Huh? What for? You still havent introduced yourself and you want me to follow you? In your dreams!

Auntie Yayoi surprisingly took another strong stance but the man in suit remained unperturbed. He clicked his tongue and sneered.

He then facepalmed. Seconds later, his shoulder trembled as if agitated. Must you be this difficult? If I say come with us Come with us!

At the same time as he finished his words, he stretched his hand to try grabbing Auntie Yayois wrist.

Naturally, he failed. I was watching his movements. Before he could even touch a hair on her skin, I stepped out from behind Auntie Yayoi and grabbed his wrist instead, preventing him from doing so.

Auntie Yayois question could easily be answered by him but no, he just didnt want to give any details. And hes trying to resort to force again. In this case, I had to step in before she could even be dragged out by them.

Whatever their reason, theres still time to ask them later.

Huh? Whats this? Trying to be a hero? He snarled. Despite the sunglasses, theres no doubt that hes looking down on me. From behind him, the two thugs he brought with him were about to move.

Its a simple question. Can you at least state your business? Or are you trying to kidnap Auntie? I confidently asked, my eyes boring through his sunglasses.