“You’re not going on this mission, dumbass.” Aki scolded you, storming off at great speed so you couldn't catch up to him. Your new partner was always like this ever since you joined Special Division 4, doubting your skills as a new Devil Hunter. Well, he actually had no doubts about how good you were. But the way he treated you made you feel inferior, belittled.

That was far from the truth, though. Aki wouldn't let you die after what happened to his old partner, Himeno. Even if that meant you would hate him, so be it. He didn't want to grow attached to yet another coworker, knowing that it wouldn't end well. But even as he tried to distance himself from you, it was no use. His affection for you was already so overwhelming that this was the last resort.

“You’re too weak to go.” Aki lied coldly, his face blank. He hoped that by pushing you further away, it'd be easier to lose his fondness for you. He hoped that by not letting you put your life at danger, you could live without worrying about Devils. He wasn't going to make the same mistake with you. Because at least… At least you’d be safe.