TRUE LOVE, SWEET LIES / KISSED BY THE BADDEST BIDDER

PARALLELS – PAST AND PRESENT

Chapter Two – Gaining Back a Piece of Oneself

Disclaimer

True Love, Sweet Lies and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc.

Kissed by the Baddest Bidder and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc.

All the wonderful characters for Sekai-Ichi Hatsukoi and Junjou Romantica are owned by their wonderful author Shungiku Nakamura. In the series (whether it be manga, anime, light novel, or drama CD), Ritsu's Dad is unnamed, and little is known about him, and so I gave him a name for the purposes of this fic – Akifumi Onodera.

The original characters Andrew James (AJ) Ishino, Tsuuri Troy, Michael Ishino, and Alexandra Emrys and any other original characters appearing in this fic are properties of PJ Zatken.

Author's Notes

For those who are familiar with otome games, Love 365, True Love, Sweet Lies, and Kissed by the Baddest Bidder, the female main character (MC) is part of the series' original characters. So how do the original characters (OCs) in my story figure out in this universe and fanfic?

The MC is the love interest of one of the playable characters in True Love, Sweet Lies. In this fanfic, Lian is the MC created by Voltage. The name's my own crafting, but everything else is Voltage's canon characterization of this series' MC.

I have seen how many folks are avid fans of True Love, Sweet Lies and Kissed by the Baddest Bidder although I do not know as to how many of them are also avid authors and/or readers in fanfiction dot net.

Background for this Fanfiction

This True Love, Sweet Lies fanfiction serves as a companion piece to my Junjou Romantica / Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi crossover fanfic Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive. The goal of this fic is to fill the little holes that would be there because the antagonist(s) and the problems he/she/they bring to our beloved JR / SH characters are complex.

Secondly, the people who are there to help our beloved JR / SH characters through this time have complex lives and equally complex connections.

I figured that the best way to show how intricate these relationships and connections are is through "companion piece" fanfics. First is so the focus for Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive would remain mostly with our JR / SH characters. Second, having "companion pieces" would give readers and "inside glimpse" of what was really happening behind the scenes so that there would not be any confusion when a character or characters from True Love, Sweet Lies are mentioned or would make a cameo in Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive.

As a result, my Disclaimer and Author's Notes on every chapter for Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive and each "companion piece" would properly mention and give credit to the fandoms and characters that appear in it.

These "companion piece" fanfics are experiments. I will do my best to do justice to the fandoms that I do, just as I have always done all these years. Come and enjoy this ride with me, and let me know what you think!

Best regards,

PJ Zatken

Preliminary / Current Setting: Fuse Investigation Office / Fuse Investigation Staff Residence

Final Destination: Sakuragumi Headquarters / Sakura Family Manor

Alexandra Emrys' Point of View (POV)

"We're here now, Mèi Mei," Soryu tells me in Cantonese. "I'll wait here in the car with Inui and Samejima. Go on ahead."

I tell Soryu with a gaze expressing my affection and appreciation, "Well, your sign that the dreaded conversation's starting is when Naomasa comes out here to talk to you inside the limousine. He's nice…shy…quiet… Just like you, Gēge. You'll like him. In fact, he might remind you a lot of yourself especially during the days you were wishing for a life outside the Ice Dragons."

"What does Naomasa do for a living?"

"He's a defense lawyer. A very good one, in fact…."

"Then I'll keep him in mind, in case the Ice Dragons need help in that area." After a nod, Soryu reaches out and holds my hand. He affectionately squeezes my hand, as if it is his way to infuse me with the strength that I need at this time. His words of wisdom echo back inside my head…

What AJ decided to do between the two of you was sadly his loss.

When Troy and Nozomu turned you down, that was their loss, too.

As with Rhion, the friendship between the two of you stood strong.

When it comes to Nomura, though… you lost an opportunity to get to know him better because you allowed your hurt from Nozomu affect you.

And another resonates inside my mind and heart…

When you speak to him, hold your head up high at all times.

From what it sounded like, this guy seems nice.

You two might've not meant to be a couple, you're both meant to be friends.

So openly talk to him.

Preserve the friendship that you two have.

Aim to get closure so that you can finally move on.

I lower my head, clasping Soryu's hand. After I've sorted out my feelings, I say, "Wish me luck, Gēge. Just pray that I don't make myself look like an idiot out there. After everything's said and done, I want to walk out of there having gained a sense of peace with everything."

Soryu gives me a kind smile. His words of wisdom flash back in my mind. "I'm sure you'll handle this well. I have faith in you. Now go on. If it'll give you any strength, just remember that I'm out here. All right…?"

"All right…" I reply to Soryu with a smile. I kiss his cheek and then say, "Thank you for always having faith in me. I'll be back, and then we can face the Sakuragumi together after this."

Soryu draws me near to him, planting a kiss on the crown of my head and says to me in a near-whisper, "You'll walk in and out of that door with your head held up high – remember that."

The two of us exchange gazes and then I step out of the car, my heart clenching and pounding for each step that I take closer to the door. I ring the bell to the now-locked door, and soon the very person who I come to visit and negotiate with opens the door with a soft smile gracing his lips.

I give Nozomu...Non-tan…a nod and he closes the door behind me. He and I then exchange hugs, followed by him giving me a kiss on the forehead.

Naomasa stands a few feet behind him, giving me small yet genuine smile. The two of us exchange familial embraces.

After hellos have been exchanged between us three, I ask, "Where are the rest of the guys?"

"They're all doing surveillance right now," Nozomu replies as he gestures for me to sit down in the office's receiving area where a small stack of documents wait on the coffee table…most probably the contract that I have sent out to them while I was flying to Phuket to see Kaz, Yuzu, and Kei.

"So far, everything after the Kirishima Zen incident's been uneventful," Naomasa reports to me. "However, no one should dismiss the fact that Mino Kanade was gravely injured. It just proves to everyone that the threat's real. No one should let their guard down."

"I agree with you. So, let's get down to business, Gentlemen," I propose to Nozomu and Naomasa. The three of us discuss the terms of the short-term contract that I now offer them. I can tell from their reactions that their minds are still blown away from the contract amount, and so I explain to them, "What you've seen happen to Kirishima Zen and Mino Kanade pale in comparison to the full threat that all of you at the agency could face."

I then turn to Nozomu but I am still addressing both he and Naomasa when I add, "There are variables here that I couldn't delve deeper into even if I'd like to. Nozomu understands why. But what scares me is how deep this can possibly go."

Nozomu then tells me, "Then tell us what you can disclose…" He then turns to Naomasa and asks, "Masa… May I talk to Em in private, please?"

Naomasa nods and then asks me, "Is Mister Oh downstairs?"

I reply to Naomasa with a small smile, "Yes, he is. Soryu's waiting for you. I know Lily's downstairs and that you two can share a drink, but the limo would be a better place to talk at this time."

"Sure…" Naomasa says to Nozumu. "Chief… The terms of the agreement look fine to me…even the compensation. As far as I'm concerned, it's ready for your signature. I'll leave you two to iron out the finer details, depending on the course of your conversation."

"Okay… Thanks, Masa…" says Nozomu with a soft smile as he and I watch Naomasa leave the office.

I look at Nozomu and inform him once we have our privacy, "Commissioner General Namioka's on board about hiring your agency as additional security. I figured that if I'm going to hire someone so that the MPD's not drained of its detectives for the more urgent matters, then the next best thing would be someone who knows the inner workings of the trade. Aside from that, anyone involved while this is going on has to know the full risks."

"So why is the contract this high, Em?" Nozomu asks me. I do not like the way his gaze rests on me. My mind can pick up the insinuations hidden behind the gaze, and he confirms my suspicion by saying, "This contract… Our transactions from the past… Does this have to do with you and me?"

"Geez, great way to insult your client and someone you regard as your sister. Frankly, you thinking along those lines means that you don't know me at all," I tell Nozomu with a frown, my gaze not wavering from him.

Nozomu tells me, his stance still relaxed and kind. "Forgive me. That's not my intention. I just wanted to know the truth."

I speak from the heart when I add without any hesitation or sugar-coating, "I did admit years ago that I have feelings for you, and I still am struggling about them. That, however, was never the basis on why I give your agency jobs. That's also not the reason why I stayed friends with you and your team all these years."

"Again, Em… It's not my intention to insult or hurt you. It never has, and it never will be. I just wanted to know the truth. You have to admit that it's been awkward between us these past few years. I'm glad, though, that we still see each other because of work."

"Non-tan… If I'm the type of person who includes romantic feelings in business decisions, I would've stopped seeing you since I saw you kiss your girlfriend at the park. I would've told you to stick it up you bloody ass, but that's not what I did. I've always taken responsibility for my feelings. It's awkward sometimes between us because I still feel raw about us. There's no one to blame other than me. You fell in love. No one should fault you on that. I had feelings for someone who only sees me as a sister and I hoped for more. So it drove me nuts over the years whenever you asked who I was dating at the time. And over time, it became harder for me to deal with my feelings. Again, not your fault…."

I let out a sigh and shake my head. After a momentary pause, I continue…my voice calm yet my words barbed yet true, "Let me be clear. I contracted your agency over the years because I trust your team. Your agency consistently handled matters with discretion and delivered the results I needed each time. For short, you could be the most loved or hated person in my life but you'd never get a lick of work from me if you're not one of the best in your job. Suggesting that I give work on feelings bordering on romance or nepotism is downright insulting and demeaning. I'm not stupid or that desperate to throw around money just to get the attention of a man I like. If I'm going to stoop to such behavior, I'll just get myself a male escort service rather than a detective agency."

"Why are you so angry?" Nozomu now asks, his voice exasperated yet pleading. "I just asked you a simple question."

I then give Nozomu an angry glare. I can feel the tension in my jaw. "The way you asked it wasn't a simple question, Non-tan. That's why I'm angry. You're putting too much color into something. I liked you and you didn't like me the same way. You're in love with someone else who's not me. That covers everything about us. I'm already feeling beaten about it. Don't add anything more than what I have."

After many moments of silence, Nozomu tells me in a gentle voice laced with sadness, "Em… Let's talk about this more calmly. If I offended you, I'm sorry. Let's not leave things unsettled. Let's not leave things that need to be discussed unsaid. Please, Em…."

There is an uncomfortable silence between us, and I say to Nozomu, "I'm sorry, too. Let's talk business first. We'll talk about everything else afterwards. Please repeat that question to me one more time and let's have a real conversation."

In a near-whisper, Nozomu asks, "Why is the contract this big? I'm asking because I don't want to take advantage of a client."

"Again, you should give me more credit. I'll need all of your team's help. That's all five of you. Also, the risks are that high, Non-tan… Lives are at stake. There's never a monetary value for a life. The least that I can do for those who are ensuring my family's safety is to compensate them well. As you're aware, and I hope you and your team understand, I'm not at liberty to disclose everything. All that I can talk about is the specifics of why I want security."

Once Nozomu gives me his nod, I tell him about Representative Okada Sekai and how he has been blackmailing the Ishino Group, Usami Group, Onodera Shuppan, and Marukawa Shoten patriarchs by threatening their respective heirs. I go deep into how Okada has preyed on innocent children, most especially boys, but had never been arrested or charged for his wrongdoings.

"Okada…. Isn't his son being rumored to have criminal connections but the police couldn't pin anything on him?"

"The eldest son leads a charmed and crooked life like his father. Meanwhile, their victim counts grow as time goes on. They recently kidnapped children belonging to the Sakuragumi and the Ice Dragons. Luckily, they were saved. For one of the children, though, she's shattered and orphaned," I say to Nozomu while I lean against the arm of the sofa, with me feeling the fatigue of a long day once again.

I then share with Nozomu about the fact that Alexa – the singer who is about to do her first public appearance after being on the music charts for a handful of years now – and I are one and the same.

"Are you serious? Alexa – the singer who's been composing long before she's been in the international music charts… That means the guys and I have been fantasizing about you all this time and never knew the truth until now?" Nozomu exclaims, his gaze resting on me as if he is waiting for me to retract my statement. When he realizes that I am telling the truth, he comments, "That's such an amazing surprise! This surprise is as big as when you made your appearance as our resident consulting analyst and field operative at the NPA and Interpol."

"So now you understand why I still need a bodyguard, even if you and I both know that I don't need it?" I then sigh, adding, "I'm annoyed in having to pretend being helpless, but I love what I'm doing. It gives a bit of balance to my chaotic, secretive life. I'd appreciate it if you and the guys will keep Alexa's real identity under wraps until after my concert debut with Troy."

"Wait – Troy's with you, too?"

"Yes. He's my lead guitarist and the one I sing duet with on some songs. And as you know, he does some solo songs, too."

Nozomu seems to be more at awe. "The songs we've heard from the radio… Saying that Troy's good with the guitar's an understatement… Doesn't matter if he's playing rock, pop, or acoustic…he's awesome! Isn't he a corporate lawyer?"

"He is. He's also my business partner at Ishino Group. He and I handle the European, Latin America, and North American side of the business." I cannot help but smile at Nozomu's compliment for Troy. I totally agree with Nozomu – Troy is that good. AJ's the same way, too. I tell Nozomu, "Well, tell that to Troy during our private party. I'm sure he'll love hanging out and catching up with you guys."

"He's a lawyer. You're an archaeologist and biochemist. AJ's an economist. All three of you are young and are business partners. Who would've known…" Nozomu murmurs with awe still laced in his tone.

"Strange world, huh…?" I ask Nozomu with a smirk. "We may sound so accomplished, but the three of us still have much to learn about life."

"Well, Alexa, I'm signing the contract. So before you walk out of here, you'll have a signed copy," says Nozomu with a kind smile and a light-hearted tone. He gestures that he will be going to the kitchen to make some coffee, in which I nod. "You and Troy have always brought good jobs to my doorstep."

"I trust you. I know that your team will do the job well," I reiterate to Nozomu as I follow him to the kitchen and have kept our conversation going.

Nozomu and I fall quiet. I can speak for myself when I say that my heart is clenching. The silence between us lasts until he turns to face with, doing so with a smile as well as two large mugs of coffee in hand.

"Coffee with lots of milk and sugar, right…?" asks Nozomu with a smile, recalling how I normally prefer my coffee. When I give him a nod and a reciprocating smile, he hands me the larger of the two mugs.

I take the mug of coffee, staying in one place to take a sip and letting the warmth and caffeine course through my system. I tell Nozomu, "Thanks… That sure hits the spot…."

"So if you're ready, Em, we can both sign the agreement. After that, you and I can talk about even more important matters," Nozomu proposes with a kind smile, although I can feel that he is being careful with his words and actions.

I nod for my response.

Nozomu quietly gestures to walk back in the receiving area and resume our discussions there with coffee in hand. We briefly go through the agreement, going through it line by line. After both sides are satisfied, he and I place our signatures and initials in the designated places. He secures a set of the original agreement, while I secure the second original set.

Once business has wrapped up, the true and more difficult conversation begins…

"Em…" Nozomu starts our talk, his face showing the multiple emotions coursing through him. He sighs and says, "Can we pick up from where we left off from our conversation? I really don't like it when we fight like this."

I study Nozomu's features, and it is evident that he also wishes for the same resolution as I do. Yet, just like I am, he is also lost as to how to go about it. I nod as my preliminary response, and then after moments of silence between us I finally say, "I've been hurting for more than four years now, Non-tan. Conceptually, I know that I'm being childish. However, I can't help but have my feelings be so tangled up about this…about us…" I then snort self-derisively, chastising myself out loud, "Us… There's not even an 'us' to begin with… If I haven't said anything, then we wouldn't be having this discussion…which is the best for both of us."

Shaking his head, Nozomu says, "No… We should've had this discussion a long time ago."

I see the look in Nozomu's eyes…kind, gentle, empathetic… His outpouring of kindness hurts so much yet at the same time is much-needed. He continues by telling me, "I kept thinking back about what happened between us back then – the times we spent together, the time you told me your feelings, what we were both going through at the time, and my response to you." A greater sadness veils his handsome face as he tells me, "As much as I said that you were like a sister to me and I rejected your feelings, I admit that part of what I said gave you hope. Part of the things that I said and did might've also given the wrong signals. I should've known better that my efforts in being a teasing big brother to you could've easily given the wrong message..."

I immediately shake my head, denying what Nozomu just told me, but he counters it by further pressing, "I said to you four years ago, 'Let's see what happens down the road when we're not hurting so much…' That means I have the responsibility of letting you know first where you and I stand – regardless of whether I've chosen that next step to be with you or not. Instead, I was too caught up in being happy after so many years that I didn't realize that you've been waiting for me. I ended up leaving you behind, hurting and confused."

I cannot help but have tears bead at the corner of my eyes….

Nozomu scoots closer to me and lifts my chin. He wipes away my tears with the pad of his thumb. He gives me an apologetic smile…one that reflects how much its owner wishes to wash away the pain from both of us. "I couldn't stop thinking about us when you told me that you saw me with Lian. You did your part by coming back to see me…to tell me that you still feel the same way about me after two years have gone by. I'm the one who had the shortcoming. I failed to reach out and tell you that I found someone who I wish to share my life with. Because of my failure, I've hurt you again back then and continue to hurt you until now."

"I'm sorry for being childish… I genuinely want to be happy for the two of you. The harder I push, the more it hurts every time I try. I keep trying to do it after all these years, and it still hurts. I want to be free from it. The only way I know that I am is if I can be truly happy for the two of you without hurting. And God, I'm so far from where I want to be..." I grit my teeth, avoiding eye contact by looking down at the hardwood floor…but Nozomu would not let me. As much as it hurts my chest to open up, I did so anyway…and so I tell him, "I'm sorry for being so selfish. I'm sorry if I didn't talk to you sooner. I'm trying so hard to move on, but I'm failing. I don't know if it's out of jealousy or envy that I'm feeling this way. No matter where the feelings are coming from, I know this much and it's been hurting me. Because I'm feeling this way when it comes to you and me, I'm not being a good friend. I'm not being a good sister. I'm so–"

"You shouldn't ignore your feelings, and neither should I. I'm so sorry for hurting you. I'm sorry if I can't return your feelings. We've been through a lot, you and me. The last thing that I want is to add to your suffering." Nozomu scoots even closer to me, his hand stroking my cheek as his way to encourage me to meet his gaze.

Once our eyes meet, I cannot help but have the dam of tears stream down my cheeks. He embraces me, having my head rest on his shoulder…one hand resting on my back, while the other hand rests on my head as he whispers, "Since we've met, you've always been looking out for me. You were there in my darkest moments. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have found the happiness and peace that I have now. Siblings should always talk things through. I should've been more aware about things remaining unresolved between us. And because I wasn't aware, I made things difficult for us. Please forgive me. I hope that you find it in your heart to accept that I found that special someone who'd love me back, too. Even if I've found Lian, nothing will ever change between us. Just like I've told you before, I'll do my very best to be there for you. I don't want to lose you. I don't want to lose what you and I have. You're like a little sister to me, Em. Always have, and always will."

I sob and cling on to Nozomu, releasing all the tears and the feelings associated behind those tears. I hear him tell me in a near-whisper, "Just let it all out, and then we'll talk more…. And just as you've always done for me, I'll listen to you for as long as it takes…"

Once my tears have subsided, Nozomu and I draw away from each other. He holds my hand and encourages me to look him in the eye. It is his way of telling me that there is nothing for me to be ashamed or afraid of, and that he and I should make it a point to straighten things out between us. I tell him my struggles in the romance department for the past four years. I tell him that I am doing what I can at the moment to move on. I admit to him that part of my difficulty has to do with coming to terms and finding someone who I do not have to keep secrets from. I tell him that I still have loose ends to tie up – namely Nomura Tadanobu, Troy, and most especially AJ. As to how I should go about tying up each loose end remains a mystery to me.

Nozomu listens to me, and only when asked does he offer his advice. "Take it one day at a time, Em. You always valued your relationships with people. You wouldn't be beating yourself up like this if you cared substantially less about the people in your life. Just take a deep breath. Take care of yourself and your needs first. Once you achieve a good place for your life, everything else will slowly but surely fall in place. You'll see."

Nozomu then looks at me kindly, clasping my hand more affectionately as he adds, "And as to the feelings between us, nothing changes. Give yourself time. If you need time by keeping things purely business between us, then do it. If you need to talk more, then you'll always have Big Brother Non-tan to listen to you. If you need to keep your distance from me until you heal, then do it. Take your time to get to that place where you'll be at peace with yourself about this. Never worry about hurting my feelings, because I know and understand where you're coming from. If I have my way, I don't want to lose you and our bond…but that's my selfish wish. Deep down, I'm hoping that you're wishing for the same thing as I am."

"I don't want to lose what we have, either, Non-tan…" I tell Nozomu, mustering all my courage to look him in the eye. "I want the same thing as you do. I want to be happy for you and Lian. I don't know what approach I'll take to get to that place of peace and acceptance, but I'll get there. If I do something wrong along the way, please forgive me. Also please trust that I'll get there as soon as I can."

"I have no doubt that you will." Nozomu smiles so warmly, drawing me close to him and planting a kiss on my forehead. He cups my cheeks with both of his hands and he gazes into my eyes. "And as your Big Brother, I wish for you to find that special someone who deserves you and accepts you wholeheartedly."

With a half-smile and doing my best to lighten up my heart while being truthful, I tell Nozomu, "Thanks, Non-tan…. Although at this rate, it might take more than a lifetime for me to see that happen…"

Nozomu then smirks, suggesting, "If you ever want us to tail a potential suitor and have him go through 'Big Brother Non-tan's smell test' then by all means let me know. I'll throw that job in for free, just so I personally know that you're not choosing a creep to give your heart to."

I frown, although at the same time I have a wry smile escaping from my lips. "You're being ridiculous…"

"Big brothers are supposed to be ridiculous," Nozomu declares with such pride, although I know he is being his usual teasing self. "I know you can kick that person's ass, but save some for your many big brothers who've been looking out for you all this time."

I chuckle…

"Em…" Nozomu asks in a near-whisper, "Are we fine from hereon out?"

I nod and then reply, "We've always been fine, Non-tan… I've just been carrying it in my chest for a long time now. Over time, everything will be fine between us – just like before, or even better than before. I'm sorry if I caused this problem between you and me."

The two of us exchange a smile of understanding, with Nozomu then drawing me for an embrace. I close my eyes, hug him as tightly as he did, and allow the tears of relief to flow from me as I take solace in him saying, "We've been through a lot. I can't picture you not having a place in my heart, Em. You're my little sister. I'll never let anything or anyone change or most especially end that bond between us. Take comfort and trust in that fact."

After I give Nozomu a nod, I say, "I need to get going with Naomasa. I still have much to do before 8 AM. Let's see each other at the private party, all right? I'd love to meet Lian."

Nozomu nods and smiles, saying, "I won't miss your party for the world. It's nice to see you again, Em."

The two of us embrace each other. This time around, it feels as if a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders and heart. As I hug Nozomu, he tells me, "I'll always be your big brother, Em…and I'll always love you because of it. Please never forget that."

I hold on to Nozomu much more tightly, my tears pooling at the corners of my eyes once more…those tears now streaming down my cheeks for different reasons now that he and I have talked and gained closure. "I'll always love you, too, Nozomu. Thank you for everything."

"Em…."

I turn to Nozomu, the latter telling me, "Please be careful, as always. I don't want to see you in critical care at a hospital ever again. The next time I visit you at a hospital, it has to be the maternity ward. Let it be because you've given your big brothers a baby nephew or a niece to dote on."

I raise an eyebrow then shake my head, chuckling a bit. "Geez, getting ahead of ourselves, aren't we? Before I have a baby, I need a man first to get me pregnant. And I just got done crying over your shoulder like a loser because I don't have a good man in my life."

"Well, tell me when that good man walks in your life. When that time comes and you're ready for it, let's go on a double date. Get to know Lian, and I get to know the man who won my little sister's heart," says Nozomu with a fond smile curling his lips.

"As I said, you're getting ahead of yourself, Non-tan… But yes, when the time comes, that'll be nice," I reply to him with a warm smile. He walks me out of the office, and to the limousine. "I have another errand to go to. I'll see you soon."

Nozomu and I exchange quick hugs once more and a soft kiss on the cheeks. I wave goodbye to him, knocking on the limousine's passenger window.

Naomasa steps out, telling Soryu, "I'll drive my own car. I'm sure Dad wants me to stay overnight at the house. See you both shortly."

Nozomu peeks inside the limousine and cordially says hi to Soryu, the latter nodding his head with a kind smile. Once formalities are done, Nozomu waves goodbye to Soryu and steps a few feet away from the limousine.

Naomasa and I wave goodbye to Nozomu. I get inside the limousine, and Naomasa gets in his car.

Soryu smiles at me, his eyes reflecting that never-ceasing kindness that he has always extended towards me. He asks me as he reaches out and offers his hand for me to take, "Are you all right?"

I give Soryu a nod along with a hopeful smile. I can feel the tears pool at the corner of my eyes once more, but this time the load that I carry seems lighter. "I will be. Slowly but surely…thanks to all of you…"

A minute later, Soryu's limousine drives away from Fuse Investigations and heads towards the Sakuragumi headquarters.

End of Chapter Two