A/N:
Quite a busy birthday month for me in August. Plus I write a little slower than I would have liked. Anyway, I hope I more than made up for the long wait. This chapter is pretty much long. I hope you enjoy it.
For any grammar mistakes and inconsistencies, do post a review or pm me. I will try to amend them as best as I could.
Chapter 53- Emptiness of Space
Miko Sawaguchi is a well-known dragon handling the everyday logistics of the prestigious Imperial Lotus Hotel. Having worked into the establishment for more than ten years, she has become some sort of a legend in Tokyo. Guests often has her name in their phonebooks whenever they stay at the hotel, and Miko Sawaguchi takes pride that she can fulfill every request possible.
Looking for a last minute ticket to an Italian Opera, she can procure the it within an hour. Scouring for that vintage Dior jacket you saw two years ago, she will have your jacket ready to use in a day. A guest once requested a special arrangement of wedding for his precious Chihuahuas, and she whipped up the ceremony and reception within 2 days. Word of mouth has it that she even procured a special silver and blue coffin for an eccentric old man who loves vampire movies.
Nothing ever stumps Miko Sawaguchi, be it a small request or an impossible task. She never refuses a request yet. She has yet to meet a guest whose task she cannot accomplish.
Tonight, just as she is getting ready to relinquish her watch to the night manager, a porter came into the employees' lounge area, bearing a handwritten note for her from a silver tray.
Raising her immaculately shaped eyebrows, she took the expensive linen paper, paused at the slashing handwriting and unfolded the note. Her expression never changed as she read the few sentences written there.
"Tamako," she said, unslinging her Chanel black handbag with flourish and handed it to the porter, "return my bag to my office and come to Suite 82. We have a special guest that needs my attention."
The porter named Tamako nodded taking the handbag she handed to him and turned to leave.
Miko pulled out her spectacles from the pockets of her blazer and set it atop the bridge of her nose and began to make her way towards the grand lift lobby. Her expensive heels clicked against the marble floor, almost like a countdown towards her destination.
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She tried to school her features when everything Yoshiro mentioned registered to her.
"Hijirikawa-sama, Nanami-sama, you are in the presence of Japan's living treasure, the revered biwa-maker of the imperial family, Takeda Yoshikiyo."
To be in the same room with a true music artist and master craftsman that even this country's imperial family recognizes. Oh father! Why did you keep such important information from me! She wanted to wail out loud. Is this why Masato is so secretive about her family's history? But why is he so hostile towards them when it is very obvious that this is the first time they all meet? She stifled the urge not to stare at him pointedly and show her displeasure. She may have rudimentary knowledge on traditional Japanese music, but she has enough sense to know how significant it is standing and breathing the same air as someone like Takeda Yoshikiyo! A living legend! That's like an equivalent of being in the presence of Antonio Stradivari himself!
"Midoriko, you can serve the tea now." Takeda said, his voice deep and steady, interrupting her runaway thoughts.
Haruka Nanami watched with wary eyes as the middle-aged woman sitting behind Takeda Yoshikiyo moved with deft precision, and began to prepare the hot beverage in front of them. In seconds, she presented the tea, steam rising from the exquisite cups of jade green color.
Both she and Masato murmured their thanks and accepted the offer graciously. Tensed, Haruka took her own cup about the same time as Masato picked his. They moved like a single unit. She can practically hear the droning of her tea ceremony instructor at the back of her head, holding the cup and sipping the liquid like how she practiced it thousands of times before. A single bead of perspiration ran down her spine. The nervous feeling increased twofold.
She closed her eyes, savoring the beverage. Her hands trembled with remembrance. The tea tastes exactly the same the way her father prepares it. She bit back the inside of her cheek, while her heart thudded painfully. Right then and there, she realized how much she missed her parents.
The hot green tea not only brought back memories, it also evoked mesmerizing images of green mountains, crystal springs and tea workers gathering their harvest during sunrise, while the leaves are still wet with dew.
A gentle breeze blew into the moya, through the opened shoji doors at the other side of the room, the wind chimes tinkling in reply- the only sounds she can hear. When she opened her eyes, she found herself staring back into Takeda Yoshikiyo's gold colored ones.
"You have Shinichi's eyes and nose." He started without so much as a preamble.
Haruka lowered her eyes, eyelashes brushing the tops of her cheeks and she continued to sip her tea before answering. "So people say." She managed at last.
"And your mother's vivid coloring. Too vivid in my opinion. This is the first time I saw such reddish-gold hair up close."
Her eyelids peeled back, her back tense. The way the old man said it, there was no mistake on the disgust lacing his voice. Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"A pity. Our bloodline has finally been diluted with foreign blood. A first, no doubt. You can only count in one finger the number of clans in this country whose bloodlines are still impeccable these days; that includes the imperial family."
Haruka clenched her teeth to suppress her rising anger but stayed quiet. The air suddenly feels tense.
"In ancient times, people with unusual colorings are often associated with demons or have been sired by demons." Takeda eyed her again. "Your father looked like he was bewitched with the way you turned out."
She began to open her mouth to counter his comments, which she finds somewhat insulting. What is this man trying to gain by hurling subtle insults to her and her mother? But, Masato interrupted her.
"It is good to finally meet you, Master Takeda. I was afraid you will refuse my request for an appointment." Masato interjected smoothly.
Haruka turned her head towards her right and eyed Masato in observation, his business mask in place. Though she can see through his gaps that Masato is also trying his best to stay calm and in control. Their interview has even barely begun. Certainly, he would try his best to soothe ruffled feathers. Takeda Yoshikiyo has given her the impression he is not ready to open up to a stranger like her.
"I am not in a liberty to refuse the current head of the Hijirikawa clan when he requested an appointment to have tea and meet me. Our revered Emperor has acknowledge your contributions in this country when I was invited to play the biwa for him and his family two months ago." He placed his empty cup down and let his arms rested on top of his knees.
Haruka noted that despite Takeda mentioning Masato is from the Hijirikawa clan, she can detect the underlying insult somewhere between the lines. Honestly, what has this man have against them? Why is he behaving this way?
"Ah, yes. And how fares the Imperial family? In good health I hope?" Masato asked pleasantly. If he noted the same thing she has understood from the old man's words, he gave no indication of it. He continued to smile as if indulging an old eccentric uncle on his whims.
Haruka can see a slight tick on the old man's vein from his neck.
"They are always of good health." He said in a dismissive manner. One thing's for sure, the old man likes to hold the upper hand in a situation, judging from the way he assess Masato.
"That is good to hear."
Haruka placed her tea down. She is getting tired of these polite exchanges of pleasantries. It's just a farce that they need to get out of the way.
"More tea?" Takeda asked her mildly, gesturing at her empty cup.
"No, thank you. I've had enough." She murmured.
Ignoring her refusal, Takeda motioned for a refill. Midoriko moved without question or hesitation. She scooted forward again and began to pour more into her cup. Haruka clenched her fist slightly to prevent herself from snatching the cup just to spite the old man.
Once she finished refilling the cup, Midoriko stood up and walked out of the room, closing the shoji doors quietly.
Haruka reached for the refilled cup somewhat reluctantly.
"Your coming here won't change a thing." Takeda said.
She frowned, hands in midair. "I beg your pardon?"
Takeda smiled cynically. "Come now, Miss Haruka Nanami. Or should I call you Haruka Yoshikiyo? Though I doubt your father would go as far to name you a Yoshikiyo, because he chose his mother's maiden name as his last. Either way doesn't matter."
"I don't understand." She started again, "What won't change a thing?" She glanced briefly at Masato but found him staring intently at Takeda. Getting confused now, she whirled back to look at him as well. "What is your relation to my father?"
"He is my son. My eldest to be specific. I am your grandfather." He replied without hesitation.
Her grandfather. So is Midoriko her grandmother then?
"Your grandmother died long ago," Takeda said, guessing her question from the look in her face, "She succumbed to complications to pneumonia after arguing with your father to reconsider his decision to cut ties from this family." He replied in a bitter tone- the first trace of strong emotion she could read from his face.
"Look, Mr. Takeda.. umm. G-grandfa-" Haruka started.
"Call me Yoshikiyo-sama. You ought to realize from my subtle actions that I will not recognize you as my granddaughter, so you have no permission or right to call me such." He said hautily, his eyes turning into icy gold.
"I- what?!" Haruka said, looking confused. "But, I am your granddaughter…" her voice faltered.
"I know. But when your father stepped out of this house, he is good as dead in my memory. For years I never spoke his name; all his old belongings I burned away, nothing was left. I formalized his death when I learned of his untimely accident. I had his birth name carved out in a tombstone with the year of death altered to the day he changed his name."
Haruka felt ill, a lump forming in her throat. Her grandfather knew about her father's death! But to think in such a way towards his own son! Had he known of his whereabouts too? If so then he surely must have been aware that she is alive and alone!
"You…You, knew about my existence." She whispered hollowly, all hopes of the happy reunion dashed to pieces like glass.
"Yes."
"And yet.. And yet, you did not came to claim me." She concluded, her vision blurring with all the images of the lonely funeral: two coffins in front of her side by side; the smell of lilies clawing her throat until it choked her and she could breathe in no more; the sound of spades being wielded while the coffins were lowered to the moist earth. Takeda Yoshikiyo knew about her existence and never did anything as she was passed around from one foster home to another. He never lifted a finger to help her! He was not even interested to see her face or even learn her name.
"And why should I? In this house, Shinichi is already dead. Your existence is nothing but a reminder of the embarrassment we have to bear. His younger brother has accepted the responsibility of continuing the family business and the perpetuation of the clan line. There is nothing for you here. Even if you are the eldest granddaughter, and the legacy is supposed to be continued by child of the heir regardless the gender, which, technically speaking, should have been Shinichi's. You know nothing of our family, our customs, our secret methods of creating an instrument considered divine even by today's modern society. The fact still remains: you are a nobody. An outsider, a foreigner. Despite your musical inclinations and the moderate success your are experiencing now, if you knock, we will not let you in."
It hurt. Her grandfather's tactless words sinking; penetrating her mind and piercing her heart. Here is her chance to piece together her fractured identity. But she was being given a glimpse of it, nothing else. Masato was right, this family is wretched. Their surroundings may be beautiful but their beauty is laced with emptiness, misguided morals that never changed with the passage of time. She need not wonder so much on the reason why her father left this house! Her grandfather is a cold man who valued pride, responsibility and basking in the reverence of their prestige more rather than repair the declining relationship of his family. He chose to commemorate her father's death with a plaque rather than take her in and nurture her as what is to be expected from a normal family. While she struggled alone, all this time, he could have extended his acknowledgement of her; instead, he chose to ignore her existence and continue on living life in feudal splendor.
Her lip trembled. She swallowed her tears, her voice grating with as much dignity as she could muster. "I did not come here to get anything if that is what you mean. I only want to know my father's family. You are the only living ties I have left." She wanted to cringe at the way she phrased her words. They sounded like pleas for reconsideration, and she hate to resort to begging. She is finally here. She thought she could start another chapter of her life by rekindling family ties. Let me in, just for a short while even.
Masato reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Haruka.." he started, but Takeda Yoshikiyo gave a brittle snort.
"Come now, child! No need to be so affected by such news! Even if we may feel a slight affinity, you do not belong here and we will never open up our lives to you for probing. With the nature of your work, you will attract too much negative publicity and we highly value our privacy. You should be thanking your lucky stars that you were allowed to cross this threshold. If not for Hijirikawa's influence, we would not even let you step inside from the gates. Although," he paused, raising his eyebrows critically at Masato who never even reacted much by his display of hostility. "It is not normal for us to even associate with bastards such as you; even if you are a CEO of a big company. For the Yoshikiyo clan, pedigree is the most important virtue."
Haruka dropped her mouth in shock! How dare this man! This man who is her biological grandfather can deliver such an insult! She wouldn't mind if he hurls hurtful comments at her and degrades her humble beginnings, but to even dare say that Masato is a bastard to his face is too much!
"You are going too far!" she said, outraged, almost standing up.
"Haruka." Masato said quietly, "Hush! Sit down. You almost spilled your tea. We must show respect. No matter what." He gave the old man a withering look, "And we should show patience for someone who is stubbornly set to old ways and traditions."
She sat down immediately, obeying his command without complaint, although deep down, her blood is positively boiling. Clenching her fists to her lap, she itched to wipe the look of smugness from the old man's face. How she would love to slap him! She cannot blame her father for leaving. Hell, to carry such a heavy burden of leading a family with archaic views on society and social class, her father was right to escape from all this and carry on without pressure. Just sitting in this room stifles her throat. The lavishness and splendor of their lifestyle reflected in their surroundings no longer held an appeal to her. She longed for fresh air and a change of scenery.
She took a deep breath, as calmly as she could, though she could not avoid the iciness of her tone. "You made it very clear that we are unwelcome guests in your home, and yet, even as you showed your reluctance for admitting us, we thank you for showing us some of your hospitality." She bowed low. She would have wanted to just incline her head, for the old man doesn't deserve such a deep bow for the poor display he showed to them earlier. Still, he is her grandfather, an old man who deserves respect from the young, vile as he is deep down.
Her chest hurt from so much twisting pain. She had wished with all her heart on how much she wanted to learn and find out something from her father's family and daydreamed about grand reunions to compensate from all those lonely nights of not having a family to comfort her when she needed them most. And now that her wish is finally fulfilled, it did not turned out the way she wanted it to be.
Tears dripped down from her eyes to the bridge of her nose, splashing to the tatami mat below. She closed her eyes tightly. When she opened them again, she sat up straight, blinking back the tears- a trick she quickly learned while being in the entertainment industry.
"I would ask you to forget about us, Miss Haruka Nanami. Though I daresay, you might not forget about this so easily. Our meeting has proven to be quite memorable for both you and I. Regardless, I still strongly advise you to move on. Lock away all the memories of this place." He nodded at the ring on her hand. "You should be happy you made good work persuading the Hijirikawa head to marry you. I would have done different otherwise, if you grew up in this home. And if I am right, you would have vehemently protested just like your father did before."
She turned red with anger but kept her mouth shut. Without even waiting for Masato's signal, she stood up, glad to have stretched her legs. She tried not to wobble a bit as the blood pumped back in circulation to her numbed feet.
Pivoting on her heel, she did not bother to say goodbye. Why should she? She never managed to enter properly in the first place. She was still shunned outside. An outsider. A foreigner. And as the words echoed in her head, the pain inside of her increased tenfold.
Taking a few strides away, Masato at her heels, she felt him touch her elbow, making her stop momentarily.
"With your permission, I would like you to indulge me and answer one question." He asked.
What? Puzzled, she knotted her forehead at him, feeling the ring heavy on her hand.
Takeda Yoshikiyo neither said yes or no. He was looking out of the room, listening to the trickling of waters that ran all over the house' compound and enjoying the garden view. He looked serene as a virtuous monk, that for a moment, Haruka caught a glimpse of what kind of grandfather he might have been had he been different and more open.
Undeterred by the man's silence, Masato continued, "If you took Haruka in when her parents died, who would you chose as her betrothed?"
"Masato!" she hissed, "Why are you asking such a thing?!" she gripped the hand holding her elbow, annoyed at his impertinent question.
"Sssh!" Masato said, before addressing the Takeda Yoshikiyo, who is how gazing back at Haruka, as if studying her intently.
And then he shrugged and went back to gazing outside.
Masato waited for his answer, but seeing no more reaction from the man, he turned back and they continued to back out of the room.
But just before they closed the shoji doors they opened to let themselves out, Takeda gave out his reply.
"I would marry her into the Kurosaki family to fulfill and honor our old agreement that we were forced to break when Shinichi ran away."
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Throughout their ride to the hotel where they are booked for tonight, Haruka never spoke to Masato. Thankfully, he left her alone to her thoughts, for he is occupied with his own as well. She can see August glancing at them more than once, checking to make sure they are all right at the back of the car. Or maybe he is curious as to what happened inside the Yoshikiyo mansion. He was only allowed to wait at the main receiving hall.
And yet, as soon as they settled into the suite booked for them, there were still some burning questions she wanted answered.
"What the hell happened?" she asked Masato, as soon as they entered the adjoining sitting room ignoring August who fussed about their belongings and directed the hotel maids on where to put and unpack their luggage.
Masato gave her a pointed look and she understood his message. They waited until all the hotel staff left. As soon as the last maid went out, August tactfully backed out of the room as well.
"I will check the menu in the restaurant and leave the two of you to refresh yourselves." He said without waiting for direction from Masato.
"You don't need to go." Haruka admonished him. Whatever she has to say, she doesn't mind August hearing it. Afterall, he probably knows as much as his employer, anyway. Besides, she'd be more comfortable with him inside the room. She's not ready to be alone with Masato, yet.
Masato gave August a look, before reinforcing Haruka's request. "Wait for us in the other room. We might need you still."
"As you wish." August nodded, before disappearing into the private kitchen.
Haruka glanced down at ring on her finger, the stone weighing heavily. She waited until August is out of earshot before asking a question.
"How much do you know about my father's family?"
Masato ran a hand through his hair, ruffling the tresses, making it look a little messy that she stared. He seems a bit stressed out and not his usual poised self. "Not much. Enough to draw a bigger picture. My business enables me to interact with a lot of influential families, though there are some who prefer to keep their contacts to the proper channels." He gave a wry grin, before adding, "That is, they only prefer to socialize or interact with families who have the same social status as their own- never beneath them. One of them happens to be your father's family. It took my detective weeks to piece together the clues left behind by your father. I couldn't believe it myself when I saw the final report. You have much potential not just in talents but in your lineage. Imagine what kind of image you will present if the public finds out that you are actually a potential heir of an ancient musical dynasty."
Just remembering Takeda Yoshikiyo's cold expression, Haruka scowled. "Never did it crossed my mind that I am someone special, nor am I expecting that my family has such prestige. In fact, I was ready to accept anything about my father's family, be it they be poor or they are entirely wiped out. I only want to be part of something I can relate to after being alone for so long." She turned, not really waiting for Masato's reply, walking towards the balcony outside to clear her mind of her jumbled thoughts.
The early evening air is cool. She can still smell the freshly cutgrass done by the gardeners who are in charge of the maintenance and upkeeping of the hotel's landscape. The late afternoon sun has turned the sky a deep orange, merging with purple and pink, the last vestiges of the light hidden behind tall pine and maple trees beyond.
The pain eating inside her was unlike any other pain she has been harboring still. How sad it is to be able to experience both at the same time. It felt like not only was her heart and soul bleeding, her entire existence is being torn apart.
She felt her eyes sting a bit, and she lifted a finger to dab at the corner to wipe out the tears threatening to spill over her cheek. She should never have gotten her hopes up in the first place anyway.
Behind her, Masato spoke. "It's only natural that you are feeling the effects of rejection. You need not be sad about what your grandfather told you. Reports tell me that he has always been like that. It would take time for his will to waver, and maybe we can try again to see him when he is in a more temperamental mood."
She gave a bitter laugh without looking over her shoulder. "My grandfather is a bit like my father when he is decided on things, that much I gather from the short time we had with him. When my father puts his foot down over something, there is no changing his mind. I can sense it when Takeda Yoshikiyo says he will never allow me in. His words carry such heavy conviction that I can't help but see the similarities he has with my father. He will never allow an outsider come in, even if it part of his own flesh and blood."
"Never say never." Masato said, standing beside her, staring into space.
For a few minutes, they stood there silently, not saying a word, just enjoying the peace and quiet.
"I am curious though," she started, looking down at the heavy ring adorning her finger. Despite the weak sunlight, it still glimmered brilliantly against the coming dusk.
"About what." Masato moved closer, placing a finger on her chin, tilting it so that they can look at each other.
"Why did you ask him that question?"
The question he posted earlier was a bit odd, though knowing Masato, there probably is some significance on his query.
He shrugged nonchalantly, though she can see that her eyes gleamed in alertness. However much he tries to hide his expressions whenever she asked probing questions, sometimes, his mask slips, offering a glimpse of what he is truly feeling. This is one of those times, and for some reason, it seems totally out of character for Masato Hijirikawa to feel a little uneasy.
She waited for his reply. And his hesitation piqued her curiosity more. But she kept quiet. She would contemplate on his peculiar reactions when she is alone later.
"Your grandfather values pedigree above all else, and he was right when mentioned that there are only a handful of families who may be candidates. One of them were the Kurosakis. We are briefly acquainted with them."
"Oh." She leaned back against railing, her curiosity deflating. Of course. Masato is just curious as her. Maybe he's just only baiting her grandfather to gain some information. Knowing him, he would probably pursue a different angle to help her reconcile with her family's background. But she could not shake the feeling that there's more to his question earlier.
"Why don't you rest for a bit before we go for dinner?" Masato said, interrupting her thoughts. "A nap would help sharpen your appetite."
She nodded, suddenly feeling tired. "I guess that's a good idea." She dropped her gaze, as he stepped forward to kiss her forehead affectionately, warm hands encircling her waist, making her heart jerk painfully in remembrance of another warm embrace. Her throat tightened.
"One more week, Haruka. When this is over, I promise you we will put the past behind us."
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Miko pushed her spectacles up and frowned severely that for a moment, he was reminded of a former schoolmistress who used to teach him. He leaned a little closer in his seat.
"That is impossible!", she spluttered, seemingly loosing her composure. "If you have any police warranty, I would have made no qualms to fulfill the request as I am required by law not to obstruct investigations. But you are, on a personal quest, asking me to do something that might compromise the safety and the privacy of my own clients. It is detrimental to my goals and objectives of making this prestigious establishment a safe and cozy haven that guests can look forward to!" she sat up straighter on the grey, button-backed sofa, looking fierce. When it comes to her job, the woman will safeguard the hotel's reputation to the utmost.
Ren Jinguuji gave a sideways glance with Satsuki and Natsuki Shinomiya, who were sitting opposite them, looking slightly worried. If they cannot convince this woman to give in, they have no concrete proof to prove their theories are correct.
Running a hand through his hair, Ren wanted to smash something with the anger he is feeling right now. And to think after all these years, he was such a clueless fool! He should have doubled his efforts in finding Haruka before, when she disappeared without a word! Or he could have at least investigated further with the sparse clues she left behind.
That note!
No wonder it seemed too convenient for Anri de Montfort to show up suddenly! The plan seemed well executed. She is out to get him!
But her motives are a little murky. Sure, she might be just interested in him. She was denied the chance to be with him before, and probably harbored her love for him all these years, until she realized an opportunity to ensnare him came about. Or maybe, she wants to gain the Jinguuji name to get back at his father-no his family for all the trouble they have caused her. It can't be that her reasons are purely on mischief alone!
For the nth time. He wanted to thank God that he agreed to listen to the twins. The two brothers may not be the sort of friends he expect would bail him out, given their hostility towards him, but he can say that their friendship is good for him. And he is grateful; really, really grateful for their faith in him. At least when it comes to his issues with Haruka.
He could try another tactic. Theirs are only theories, but maybe she can be more amenable if she is privy to what is actually at stake here!
Opening his hands appealing he spoke solemnly, "Please Miss Sawaguchi. If you can hear us out. It is important that you understand the situation we are in. I am about to make a lifelong commitment to a vixen that is possibly manipulating my movements for the past few years without my knowledge. If you consent to us taking a peek into your security video records to clear our doubts, it would be beneficial to our peace of mind. You would be instrumental to putting a person to justice. We only need some evidence to back up our theories so we can come up with the best possible solution."
Miko shoved her glasses up the bridge of her nose for the eight time since they started talking to her and pleading their case. She has been particularly attentive up until the very moment they mentioned that they need her permission to look into the hotel's private security video library that they keep track of.
Ren had tried his best to recall every memory he can dredge up the time he spend her with Anri. Even intoxicated, he did at least recall a good portion of what happened, and related it to the twins, keeping out the non-important ones out from his statement. Satsuki has the presence of mind to record down key information, even went as far as using his smart phone to record him as he talked so that they missed out nothing. He added bits and pieces that he could remember along the way, trying to be as much helpful as he could.
It was incredible the way they are willing to go this far with him.
He clenched his fist tight, when the knowledge of how Haruka left him was finally revealed. Those images probably stayed with her for most of the years she went missing. He never knew. He was a jerk, an insensitive fool, who should have known better. And he regretted never putting in more effort in finding her and make things right. But even then, he doesn't deserve her kindness when they were reunited. She accepted him even when she is probably filled with doubts about his sincerity. He should have told her right then and there and filled in the gaps. Maybe it could have save both of them some time; maybe if he opened up to her more, she would have confided everything to him and he could have cleared things once and for all.
A lot of things that he missed out. Opportunities wasted. All because his incompetence and hot headedness. What a fool he is!
Natsuki nudged him from his reverie and he looked up. Miko Sawaguchi is staring at him. Judging from the flickering of her eyes, she is probably gauging his sincerity and how much truth he revealed in his story. He decided to be more honest with her. He could have asked help from his father and use coercion to get the information. But he should solve his problems without getting too many people involved. Besides, he might need his parents' help for a different scenario.
He leaned in, not breaking his eye contact with her. "Miss Sawaguchi, I want you to know that I have hurt people I care most deeply. Some may see it fitting, even you, as a woman yourself, will think that I deserve the punishment. I don't want to sit down and do nothing. For the woman I care most deeply, I wanted to try my hardest and make things right. I am not even sure whether this way of solving things would turn the situation around. But knowing in my heart that I am striving and putting my faith that I did my all to salvage something from this very difficult situation is worth it at least. I refuse to go down without a fight."
She looked down at her lap, contemplating. Then she stood up. "Gentlemen," she began in a different tone of voice.
Ren felt that his last hope is slowly slipping through his fingers like water. Please, please.
"Why don't I call for some refreshments and we reconvene in, say, 15 minutes?" She acknowledged, standing up and looking down at them, exhaling in resignation. "I need to hunt down the information you need."
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A/N:
I'd like to recommend a few animes I've been watching lately: K project, Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun, Ao Haru Ride. Please support these animes and its fandom.
Thank you for the reviews. I may have neglected to reply some of them, which I regularly do. I think you guys would appreciate more if I do more updates right?
Happy with the update? Reviews please!
