Knocking on the apartment door could barely be heard over the sound of baby Kei's joyous laughter. A day filled with his happy attitude was the norm. This day started out that way but ended upside down.
Suzume's mother placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "I'll get it, sweetheart." She stood up from her spot on the living room floor and made her way towards the front door in the kitchen. Upon opening the door, she blinked back her surprise. A young man stood in front of her.
"May I speak with Asai Suzume?"
"Suzume!" the woman called out. "There's someone that wants to talk to you!"
The mentioned girl walked in the room, resting Kei on her hip. When she tore her gaze from the child in her arms, she saw who stood at the door and her expression turned serious. "Mom, could you take Kei?"
"Sure," she mumbled. Taking her grandson, she went back into the living room while cooing at the gurgling baby.
The man moved into the apartment just enough to shut the door behind him, not bothering to be invited in. "Why did you never tell me that I have a child?!"
Suzume completely ignored his question. "I'm surprised you even care, especially enough to find out where I live and show up here."
"Answer. The question." If he wasn't seething before, he is now.
"You had to know that it was going to happen eventually! I'm just shocked that it took so long. Then again, I guess I'm glad for all of the other women because I was the only unlucky one that had to go through the three wonderful trimesters of pregnancy. Unless there have been other unannounced children." Again, she evaded his words.
"If word gets out that I have a child without being married–"
"It'll damage your reputation, I know," she swiftly supplied in a calm manner. Silence ensued for a few seconds before she slowly continued. "That's why I didn't tell you, or the media for that matter. Sure, I didn't like the fact that you were so quick to push me aside after you got what you wanted but I'm not heartless."
Closing his eyes, he lifted a hand to his forehead and let out a deep sigh. "How old is he?"
"Subtract nine months from how long it's been since you've last seen me and you have your answer," she bit back.
He stared at her while racking his brain, attempting to think back to the date of that night. He hated that he couldn't remember. It made him feel weak and he didn't take that lightly.
When he didn't say anything, Suzume became defensive. "You don't even remember how long it's been, do you? Figures. Just go home, Tora. Forget that you ever came here. Better yet, forget that we even exist. We've been getting along just fine without you."
There wasn't a thing for him to say. He had no experience in this kind of situation, so, of course, he was at a loss for words. All he could bring himself to do was turn around and walk out the door.
Hatomi walked into the room but went unnoticed until she spoke. "Kei's asleep." Her daughter continued to keep her gaze on the door, her breathing heavy, and she automatically knew something about that young man visiting had caused this drastic change in Suzume's mood. "Would you like for me to leave and give you some space?"
"Please…" The word sparsely came out above a whisper, nearly resembling a whimper. It appeared that she was utterly conflicted and hurting emotionally.
Making the move to comfort her with a hug, Hatomi delicately spoke. "If you ever want to talk about it, you know that all you need to do is call." She received a small nod then went on her way, Suzume shutting the door behind her.
After her mom left, she turned and slid down the door with her head in her hands. From there, the tears started to flow and quiet sobs escaped her mouth.
"BAKA!" she shouted through her crying, not knowing exactly who she directed it to. Maybe it was to herself for submitting to Tora's ways over a year ago without seeing the signs of his womanizing ways. Perhaps she directed it at Tora for unexpectedly popping back into her life when she wanted nothing to do with him. Or maybe it was to her father and oldest brother for not being supportive of her decision to keep the baby and forcing her to move out.
Realization hit that her yelling could come back to bite her in the butt. When a few minutes passed and there were no cries to be heard, she knew she was in the clear. Kei was still sleeping soundly.
Leaving her apartment, he felt defeated but made no move to show it. How could he let a woman get the best of him? Why did he even think that approaching her would be a good idea? He placed the blame on the shock that came with finding out he has a child for clouding his better judgment.
Something caught his attention, though, when Maki reported back to him with his findings on where Suzume could be located. Why wasn't she living at home? Stepping back, he considered another thing. She obviously attended Miyabigaoka and because of her pregnancy situation, she would no longer be allowed to be a student there. So, what is she doing for education since she's living on her own? These questions would be best to ask Maki.
For now, he's just going to continue living as if he has no idea that he has a son.
"Get anything good today?" a burly and rough-looking man inquired while sitting at a desk.
One of the employees turned his laptop around for his boss to see. "I caught the Igarashi heir walking into an apartment in Seika."
His boss scrutinized the photo on the screen then zoomed in on the doorway. A satisfied smile appeared on his face when he noticed that the girl in the doorway held a baby in her arms. "Nice work, Mitsuya."