Chapter 6

(Sophia's POV)

To say going back to school was awkward would be an understatement. Most people avoided me for my blood but now people scattered to the wind like I was some grenade planning to detonate at a single touch. While I was used to being avoided at all costs my little rescue had put Kaoru in hot water yet again. Not only was there physical proof of the shattered gate but someone had taken a video of the incident and put it online. The video was taken down after three days but having over five million views and thousands of shares some copies still floated around the web. If people weren't afraid of him before they defiantly were now.

All the desks around him had been pulled further apart, some blocking the isles but no one in the room seemed to mention it. Kaoru sat at his desk like always, leaning over a notebook with a confused expression.

Suddenly a large woman comes into the classroom, hair tied in high piggy-tails. The desks down the middle aisle were shoved even further apart as the woman who I now realized was a trans-man was thundering down the row like a rhinoceros through a field of flowers. Her eyes were focused on one thing, Kaoru. She straddles the empty seat, the owner was at the front of the classroom, wanting to avoid Hanayama as long as he could.

"Yo dude..." She sings sweetly, her voice still very deep despite her attempts to sound feminine "I've heard about you..." Hanayama slowly looks up "You're in the yakuza right?" I bet you're good at fighting huh?" she chuckles darkly "Well the way you treated that fence all but proved that."

Kaoru didn't care.

"Just looking at your hands. Yakuza these days are all about muscle. It's kinda pathetic that they've abandoned the old school ways." She taps her head "A lot of brawn but not a lot of brainpower huh?" when he doesn't answer she tries again "Oh, you're actually studying? That's quite a sight. Even Yakuza need good grades these days." When she fails a third time she narrows her eyes "You suck, poser."

"A true Yakuza would never adapt to school life. I'll crush you with all my might. I will crush you with all my might and kick you out of this school... watch yourself Kaoru, you're my target now..." She turns walking back and stops, eyeing me slowly. Kaoru's head rises, his eyes narrowing for the first time threateningly as she pushed two desks apart like paper and stands before me. Despite my fear, I force my eyes to stay on her. She leans down placing a soft peck on my cheek, her breath ghosts over my ear "Welcome back, Sophia..."

Though her words were kind I couldn't help but shiver. She clears the row before her and slams the door loudly. All eyes were on me once again and I blink, touching my cheek gently and look at the door. I glance back at Kaoru and he stares at me for a moment noticing I wasn't in danger and blinks, looking down at his work again.

"Err... where was I again..."

Despite the awkward tension I couldn't help but smile. He really was an odd one...

..

..

We sat in the cafeteria, listening to the chatter and bustle of the room. A various mix of smells hit my nose and I couldn't help but scrunch it in disgust.

"Tuna fish surprise," Kozue laughs "a new item they added to the menu."

I glance down at my tray, picking at the mix of fish, breading and noodles questioningly.

"Do I want to know what's in here?"

"Probably not." A third voice states. I jump, turning to find the woman from before standing behind me "Takebayashi Iwoa."

Before I could respond he -I mean she sits down beside me. Her tray was piled high with food, hot buns, hot dogs, noodle dishes and a large cup on juice. Kozue looks at me oddly, trying to figure out what the hell was going on. She had missed this morning's meeting and only knew some of the facts after we talked.

"Jones, Jones Sophia." I nod to Kozue "Matsumoto Kozue." Kozue smiles softly and lifts a hand for a brief greeting.

Iwoa nods once, not really acknowledging the other woman. She turns, looking at me and slides a hotdog bun filled with spaghetti into her mouth "So," she states, small pieces of food falling from her mouth "What's the deal with you and Hanayama-san?"

Had I been drinking something it would be all over the table. I feel myself blush darkly "Excuse me?"

"Oh, sorry... Was that too direct?" her piercing eyes were boring into me again and I couldn't help but squirm "You his girlfriend or something?"

I stare at him oddly, a small chuckle leaving my mouth. Was I his girlfriend? How was that less direct? "Um, no. Iwoa-san I'm not Hanayama's girlfriend. Two weeks ago I couldn't say two words to him."

Kozue nods "She stabbed him in the hand with a pencil. It was awkward after that."

I glare at Kozue as Iwoa-san laughs loudly. I blush, covering my face as more than a few people turn to look at us "So you almost got shot for a guy you can't even talk too? You are an odd one Sophia-san."

"It's not that weird okay," I whine, covering my face again "I knew Imori wouldn't shot me okay, let's just leave it at that."

"He likes you."

"No, he doesn't."

"He does too," Iwoa counters "I mean did you see what he did to the gate?" at my silence her smile drops "You have watched the video... right?" when the silence continues Iwoa rolls her eyes "Seriously?" she shifts, pulling out her phone. She types a few things into it and hands it to me. I squirm when she sticks squishy earbuds into my ears.

Her fingers hit play and I turn down the volume slightly. The video was shot from an iPhone, the height told me it was from the second story, most likely our classroom.

A few students laugh as Kozue and Hanayama walk out of the school. "What are they doing?"

The camera zooms into me resting in Hanayama's arms "Idiots!"

"Where's the principal?" a third laughs.

The sleek black car pulls up in front of the gates as Kozue waves her hands frantically "The gates won't open till schools done!"

I assume Kozue tells him this as Kaoru stops, staring at the gate. He looks back at the school as Kizaki steps out of the car. He looks at him and moves, placing me in Kozue's arms. Kizaki gets in the car, moving out of sight and I watch as he moves towards the gate. Kozue steps back, clearly struggling to hold me as she tries to figure out his plan. I thought Hanayama was going to push against it when his hands clench. The screen backs out slightly as he turns, like an Olympic shot-putter. His left hand was bent close to his body and his upper body tenses, his muscles bulging out against his uniform.

"What is he going to do?"

"Is this idiot going to punch down the gate?" another laughs "Hey Moron, its solid-"

All the talking stops when Kaoru turns, whipping his arm through the air and like butter the thick steel bars smash to pieces. Screams rip through the air as the room falls silent. The single bars were cut in half and the thick base was bent backwards. Kaoru steps forwards, bending the two gates apart and a loud pop is heard as the thick metal lock down the middle breaks. Both sides of the gate open, the right side that took the most impact fell to the ground like a wounded animal.

The same boys that were mocking him before were now shouting and screaming as Kaoru takes me from Kozue's arms "Dude! Please tell me you got that on camera!"

"Hell yeah, I did!"

"Oh my god! He's a beast!"

"Did you see that?! The gate is trashed!"

The video was edited as it switches back to his swing. He bends back, the background was black and dramatic music plays as he winds up and swings, smashing through the gate with ease. It zooms in on his hand, slicing through the metal like butter 'the reapers swing' flashes across the screen as it repeats. It zooms out to Kaoru's face, where a skull had been sloppily photo-shopped on it.

I pause the video, setting down the phone and simply stare at Kozue. "Oh my god..."

She looks at me sadly and shrugs her shoulders slowly. We both knew she had told me in the hospital but seeing it in person... I turn, looking around to Kaoru but couldn't find the gentle giant anywhere in the room. I got it now. I understood everyone's hesitation and fear but I couldn't get over one fact. He did that for me.

For me!

No one had ever done anything like that for me.

..
..

I found him in the classroom, still looking over his book. After a few moments of silence, I open the door, wandering down the aisle to his desk.

"Kaoru?" he looks at me "its lunchtime, aren't you eating?"

"I don't like Tuna surprise."

When I don't move he looks at me again and I sigh "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For causing you so much stress. That video..." his eyes cast down the slightest and I feel the beginning of tears "you were trying to live a normal life at school and now everyone's afraid of you. I'm so sorry!" I bow deeply, three tears fall on the floor

"They've always been afraid of me." Even though it was said normally his words held a massive weight to them "Sophia," I look up at him "Don't ever salute or bow to me like that again. You don't owe me anything."

Despite his kindness, I felt my chest tighten. No one had ever done this much for me "Kaoru it's too much..."

"I'll never accept back the money or kindness that I give out."

I look at him softly speaking "You hardly know me..."

He looks back, the corners of his mouth curling up just the slightest "I know enough." At my silence he looks back at his book, scratching his head quietly "If this goes here, then this..." he trails off tapping his page.

I glance at his paper and realize the book he's been working on the last three periods was math. From the small mountain of eraser shavings and fading marks on the page, I assumed it wasn't going too well. I look at the board, already knowing the next period was math.

I set my bag on the floor and pull up a chair beside him "Do you want a hand with that?"

He stops a slight blush on his cheeks "Uh, I'm not very good at math... I wouldn't want to take up your lunch break."

I reach into my bag pulling out my math book, pencil case and notes "It's okay." I smile "I don't like tuna surprise either..."

For the first time in three years, I get to see a real smile on Kaoru's face.

(Kaoru's POV)

It took us the rest of the lunch, but Sophia was kind to me. Repeating the sets of numbers and correcting my mistakes more than a few times. Unlike Kizaki, the questions were getting easier to solve. The way she explained things was simple and to the point. Her soft voice stuck in my head, her clean neat kanji looked far better than mine even though she had learned them four years ago and my bored doddles on the sides of the page made her laugh.

When her name was called over the intercom the look of shock was hard to miss. Her brows furrow in confusion as she pulls out her phone. No notifications were on the screen. She packs up her stuff, shutting her book and slides her stuff in her bag.

"Sorry." She pushes the chair back and heads down the aisle. I shut my book, leaving it on my desk and follow her quietly.

Sophia weaves her way through a sea of students as she makes her way to the front office. Unlike her everyone parted like the red sea for me, sticking to either side of the hall as I passed. I kept an eye on her brown hair, making sure not to lose her in the crowd and start my way down the steps.

I stop at the bottom of the stairs when the principal walks out of his office. She adjusts her bag on her shoulder as he places a hand on her arm. I wasn't close enough to hear what they said but her look of concern was obvious as two police officers step out of his office. Her head turns between the three of them as they keep speaking.

"No!" she cries, stepping back in shock "That's not possible!"

"Miss Jones, please calm down." Our Principal says softly "I know it's a lot to digest."

"Digest?! Digest?!" she snaps, turning away as a few students turn their heads.

"Keep walking folks," one officer says and ushers them down the hall.

Sophia had her hands around her chest, shaking her head "That's not possible. I mean where is this coming from?! Where is he?!"

"He's at mercy west hospital, we can take you there."

Kozue comes around the corner, books in hand "Sophia? What's wrong?!" she shoves a cop back when he blocks her path "don't touch me, she's my sister."

"Miss Matsumoto please calm down."

"Look at her!" she snaps, taking in Sophia's distressed state "What the hell did you two say to her?!" she takes her hands, turning her away so she was just looking at her "Sophia, I'm here, talk to me." Sophia whispers something to her and her hands fall to her sides "What..." she turns to the cops "Are you serious? It's him?"

"Were not sure. We'd like Miss Jones to confirm it."

"It's been years. She may not recognize him." Kozue runs her hands over her face. Sophia was still frozen, staring blankly at the wall "Has my mother been called? She's Sophia's temporary guardian."

"Mrs. Matsumoto has been made aware yes. She's meeting us at the hospital."

I pulled my phone out, dialing the first contact and hold it up to my ear. It rings about three times.

"Boss?"

"Kizaki, come pick me up."

"... Boss?"

"Come pick me up."

(Sophia's POV)

The whole car ride was silent. The radio cheeped every so often yet that did little to break this haze. I hardly remember much of the hospital conversation and soon enough the doctor leaves for more papers and I'm left in the quiet hallway. I stood there staring through the wide glass window. Even though I had my arms wrapped around myself a second pair comes over them. A warm body pressed behind me and I lean back. Not a word was spoken but I knew it was Takeda. A deep wave of pain hits me and I bend forward. Not very far as Takeda's strong arms hold me to him. I sob, leaning on him completely.

"It's okay. Let it out..."

We stood there for a few minutes. Takeda stays strong, gently rocking me back and forth. The hospital was bustling with people yet it was like Takeda had put us in a private bubble. His warm hands' cupped mine and as the haze finally lifts I shiver, realizing how cold I was.

Quiet footsteps come down the hall and I catch a flash of red hair in my peripheral vision. I didn't have to look back to know Takeda was glaring; his hands subconsciously tighten around me. I lean into him more but my eyes were on the man in the bed.

Kureha wasn't waiting for an introduction "Oh, I don't recognize you. I'm doctor Kureha."

"Momna, Momna Takeda."

His words were tense and sharp as a knife yet Kureha only smiled "Sophia, it's good to see you again. I just wish it was under better circumstances."

I nod, still staring throw the glass window at the man in the bed. A man I'd known once. Or that's what I was told at least... Two sets of footsteps come from the left and I glance down the glass, catching Kozue and her mother walking towards us.

Kinuyo's face was soft, her hands placed gently before her stomach. I'm sure if I wasn't in Takeda's arms already she would have swept me into a firm hug, refusing to let go. Kozue looked terrified like she'd be sick to her stomach any second. I saw her glance behind her a few times and I was certain she wanted to run back to Baki, the strong male was most likely in the waiting room. He tends to go wherever she went.

"How is he?" Kinuyo asks.

She and Doctor Kureha had been introduced before. Kureha clears his throat, checking his charts "Physically he's doing pretty well, all things considered... The problem is his memory, we're not sure how bad it was affected. We have evidence that there were brain damage and that paired with everything that happened the last five years... I'm not sure he'll be the person you remember."

I could feel his eyes on me, those burning chocolate eyes but I can't find the nerve to meet his gaze "How are you sure it's him?"

"Dental records. They're not perfect and he's missing some teeth but they are a pretty good match." He flips over some papers, reading a few things "He may look different, do you know his he had any birthmarks or unique scars?"

I felt my throat tighten and nod. I place a hand on Takeda's and he releases his grip. I notice the way he moves, standing between Kureha and me, had it been any other time I might have smiled. I take two steps, open the door and look back when Kozue takes my hand.

"I can come in with you."

"It's okay..."

I feel her hand drop and move, stepping through the doorway and shut the door. I feel a hiss as the door shuts, all outside noise dies. The only noise in the room was the pumping of the ventilator and the heart monitor. I swallow roughly and look at the numbers and wires placed all over his body. I force my feet to move and I stop when I run into the bed.

The man in the bed looked so different. He had long shaggy brown hair, thick eyebrows and darker skin. Two deep scars ran down his cheek and one pink scar ran from his forehead to hairline where the skin had been ripped off and healed badly. I glance down at his hands, taking in the long uncut nails, yellow and thick and the rough calluses.

My eyes fell on his face and I swallow. I wasn't sure if it was even him...

Could I even hope?

(Kozue's POV)

Sophia walked into the room and we waited as she did. She paused by the door, simply staring at him. I felt my hands sweat and I wipe them on my skirt. God, I wanted to with her right now... Sophia moves, walking up to the bed and I smile softly when she bumps into it. That smile falls when she lifts a shaking hand to one of his. The male on the bed was quite tall, well built, had long messy hair and uncut fingernails. His tan, cracked skin was from hours of wandering the forest. The rough skin from weeks without washing.

Her eyes move up his body, trying to find something, anything to prove her greatest hopes, maybe fears. If Sophia's brother had been alive, wandering around the forest injured, alone with no memory it would kill her. The police were still trying to figure out what had happened. How could someone just turn up out of nowhere? To make matters worse they supposedly had his body. If he was here who was lying in her brother's grave?

Sophia moves, walking around the bed. Her face was scared. A few tears had run down her face as she pulls out his left arm. Carefully avoiding all the tubes and wires she lifts his long sleeve. Her hands slide up the flesh, her head turning left and right as she scans. She turns it to the right a bit more and stops. She freezes, staring at a part of his arm masked from our view.

A strangled gasp leaves her mouth and her face falls forwards, tears freely falling. I feel my heart breaking and reach for my mom's hand. Sophia places both hands on his arm as she shakes, sinking to the floor as her knees give out. I finally move, opening the door before my mom could stop me and I fully brace the cooler room and Sophia's painful cries. I shut the door, trying to give her the most privacy and move around the bed. I take in Sophia kneeling on the floor sobbing painfully and reach down, taking my sister into my arms. I remove her hands from the blanket, not wanting her to pull the man off the bed and turn them to me.

"It's him!" she sobs and I feel more happy tears run down my face "It's him!"

I pull her tighter to my chest. As much as I tried to be happy I couldn't ignore the twinge of fear hugging my bones. I had no doubt the next few months would be hell...