Chapter 22: Family
Hellooooo, welcome back, everyone!
Chapter 22 already, huh?
I'm not going to say I'm excited this time because now that I've seen that number, it only reminds me of how close to the end we really are… I'd say there're roughly two or three chapters left until the grand finale. And even though this saddens me immensely, I really hope you guys still enjoyed the ride as much as I did.
I already have a few ideas for future stories, but we'll see how that goes, hahahah. I'm so nervous when coming up with new scenarios every time, and I'm praying you'll like the ones ghosting in my head too!
That said, let's just finish this one first, hahahah!
As always, thank you soooo very much for all your adorable comments! I know the drama is very heavy in this story, and I'm really sorry that it has to continue for the next two chapters! But please, endure it only a little longer, guys! I'm really sorry for that, but I hope you'll like the chapter anyways!
Nevertheless, I'm truly happy about the comments you send me! They made me think about this story a lot, and helped me quite a bit! Thank you so very much for that! I appreciate everything you tell me, and I can't wait to hear your opinions again! It really is an honor to write for you guys, and I couldn't be happier about receiving such warmhearted reviews! Thank you soooo very much!
R/N: Thank you so much for all of your wonderful feedback. Both of us, Gamze and I, are fairly new to writing and editing so your comments help us a lot in reflecting where we could improve. Most of all, thank you so much Gamze for giving me the chance to help out. Your patience and positive energy is out of this world! :D Everyone, please continue supporting this wonderful author moving forward. Cheers!
You're all awesome, you guys!
Now, ready to start this off?
Take care, everyone!
"D-Daddy! What happened? What did they say? Is… is Grandfather really awake now?"
"I-I… I still can't believe it, h-he was just… We're lucky, Alice. He… somehow h-he made it through…"
"H-he made it… Thank goodness…"
"So does that mean we can see him then?"
Placing a hand on the white-haired chef's shoulder, Kurokiba stepped forward, eyes focused on the tall man crying in front of them.
They had been waiting for almost an hour now, and with the uncertainty of the Nakiri patriarch's recovery weighing on them minute by minute, everyone is starting to feel quite anxious.
Especially Soma.
Not once had he settled down after comforting the girl beside him, not once had he stopped fidgeting in place. Constantly pacing back and forth, scratching his head, grumbling to himself impatiently… he was sick of coming face-to-face with the same white walls every time he turned around.
The hospital air had, slowly but surely, started to get to him, so it was a good thing Nakiri Soe approached them when he did.
Ten minutes more and he would've lost his mind completely.
"Y-yes, we, eh… j-just one person at a time for now, alright? Yukihira Soma, your father is already inside talking to him. Y-you… you're up next."
"I am…? Wait, when did Dad even go in? He didn't stop to tell me about that when he ran by…"
"I-I don't know. Your father had already been waiting in the doctor's office when I entered. He-he was the one who contacted me about the change in Father's condition… I-I was merely asked to tell you that you're next, that's all."
"Okay… But why did Pops-"
"Apparently his presence was requested first… Look, boy, I-I don't know any more than you do, alright? All the doctor told me is that Father has not fully recovered yet, a-and that only a limited number of people could see him right now. Y-you're next."
Alice's father shot the young chef a piercing look, venom and frustration fighting to be the dominant emotion written on his tired features.
"My daughter deserves the chance to talk to him first, especially since she was with him when he collapsed not like that other granddaughter that ran away a month ago. But as it turns out, he has more urgent matters to discuss with two troublesome outsiders than his own family."
"What?!"
"I have no intention in repeating myself, boy. You heard me."
"Daddy! Stop!"
Taking a hesitant step back, the man in glasses finally realized the thin ice he was treading on with his every word as his own daughter took a stand in front of a raging redhead, her expression now shifted from relief to utter shock.
Good thing she did because Soma's glare was as sharp as his knife set right now. And if Alice came between them only a few seconds slower, he might have let the control on his temper slip again.
To him, the fact that he would be lashing out at the Director of Nakiri International was the least of his worries because currently, no one seemed to have the slightest clue about Erina's whereabouts. Shockingly, no one seems to be in the same state of panic as he is. He feels like nobody in the Nakiri family understands how dire her situation truly is at the moment. The news of her abduction is being kept from the non-Totsuki-affiliated relatives and the rest of the world, but for how long could they turn a blind eye and think everything was fine?
Those people should be the ones to doubt, or even distrust her.
"A-anyway…"
The older Nakiri cleared his throat, his gaze never leaving his daughter as he spoke to the boy behind her.
"J-just be sure to keep it short in there and bear in mind that we want to spend some time with him as well, unlike other irresponsible people who turn their backs on family. I am quite certain Father has a strong reason for seeing you first, but don't let it get to your head, Yukihira Soma."
"Dad, please! Please, just stop! There's much more to the story than you think! I learned the truth this morning, I know what they need to discuss! Erina's safety comes first, alright?! Stop acting like this! Please!"
"H-her safety…? Alice, wha-"
"I'll explain everything while Yukihira-kun is inside, okay? Just, please… s-stop talking about her that way… She would've come if she… i-if she could…"
Silence.
For the next several seconds no one made a single sound. They didn't talk, didn't move, didn't blink… And to Soma, it felt more like another slap in the face than anything. Though this time, it wasn't directed at him but at the wide-eyed man standing before him.
His expression made it all too clear. He was confused. And perhaps it was this confusion that irked the redhead so much right now, this lack of understanding.
"I-I…"
"C-can we please g-go find Mom first? I'll… I'll fill you in on everything then…"
As she gestured for her father to follow her out of the hallway, their eyes met. A quiet, yet fierce clash between citrine and ruby erupted- the seconds dragged on until both came to an agreement of what should be spoken out loud and what should remain confidential for the time being.
Though he had to admit, it wasn't easy to keep his mouth shut while the one who probably needed his help the most was being heavily insulted- by her own family member no less. But Alice's stare was persistent, her body language spelling one giant warning.
'Don't do anything I wouldn't.'
The redhead found himself nodding involuntarily to the direct order, his shoulder muscles still as tense as they had been five minutes ago.
'So this is how Kurokiba feels', a strange side-thought popped up as she passed by, her father following shortly after with a concerned look on his face.
Kurokiba grunted, reminding the red-haired chef of his presence as he took long strides towards him.
"Don't let it get to you, Yukihira."
"…Nah, don't worry 'bout it. I've met him once before. I know he's a decent guy."
"When?"
"He… he acted as the main judge for my Shokugeki with Hayama a while back. It was right after ya guys had been kicked out."
"Don't remind me. I had to sit through hours of Oujo's whining after what those bastards did."
The sigh escaping Kurokiba's throat was long and filled with exhaustion and frustration, a stark contrast to his usual, apathetic demeanor. He gripped the red cloth tied around his wrist forcefully, and for a split second, Soma saw pure rage flickering in his eyes as he debated on whether this was a proper timing to put it on or not.
"All she ever talked about was how her cousin would be forced to deal with her dad alone because she couldn't pass one simple exam. She really hated being on the sidelines, especially when everyone else in their huge family refused to lend a hand and talk some sense into that asshole. Oujo despises how ignorant those guys are. They knew something's wrong, but they still chose to believe and not question the rumors out of pure convenience. They're a bunch of messed up people if you ask me."
"Yeah… Sure sounds like it."
His gaze remained on the corner that the father and daughter duo just disappeared behind, arms crossed over his chest and the deep frown he had sported thus far still in place.
So all the other family members were under the impression Erina ran away… They seriously believed she gave up and left her grandfather to take care of those minor changes Totsuki needed at the moment by himself.
They no longer cared…
Gritting his teeth in irritation, the young chef took a step towards the large double doors of the CCU, his patience now completely ran out.
He didn't want to waste more time waiting here when Gramps was already awake and ready to give him the Intel he so desperately craved.
Whether or not he'd be forgiven for letting something so gruesome happen to the headmaster's granddaughter wasn't relevant anymore. What mattered was getting her out of wherever she is held captive before it's too late.
'C'mon, Dad, what're ya doing in there? Hurry up already…'
"Hey, Yukihira. I wanna ask you something."
"Hm?"
"The way you stand… Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but are you really-"
Suddenly, the sound of a door opening right behind them interrupted their intense staring contest, causing both students to turn around and watch in confusion as Joichiro entered the hallway once more, his head lowered slightly.
There was only so much the redhead could take from that concentrated look on his father's features, a limited display of options to describe what it could really stand for.
And as much as he'd love to make fun of the old man's expression just to calm himself down a bit, he wasn't given enough time to actually do that. The frown vanished the second Joichiro spotted him, like it had never been there to begin with.
"Oh, there ya are, Soma. How're ya holding up? Still feeling like ya don't need to take a nap any time soon?"
"Don't mess around, old man! Who cares 'bout that stuff?! Is Gramps okay?! Did ya talk to him?!"
"Lower your voice, kid! We're at a hospital, remember?!"
"You're one to talk…"
"Soma… Listen, just go inside, and get everything ya wanted to say outta your chest, alright? I already explained what happened to you and Erina-chan, but… there are certain things he needs to hear from you directly. You understand what I'm saying, don't you?"
Coming to a halt in front of him, the older man placed a hand on his shoulder, his gaze demanding yet still kind in its own right.
"Don't leave anything out."
He was serious. And yet… somehow, Soma couldn't shake off the feeling that there's another issue his father isn't addressing. A small detail that could explain this overly worried glint in his eyes.
What did he and the headmaster discuss anyway…?
"I'll see ya in a bit, m' boy. Make sure ya don't spend too much time in there, 'kay? Ya need your rest too."
"Sure… You alright, Dad? Did something happen?"
"…No. It's nothing. You just focus on what's ahead of ya, got it? Senzaemon-dono's waiting."
"Gotcha…"
It was so odd. Once again, the unexpected seriousness on his father's face perplexed him. The sheer intensity behind those pale, yellow orbs made it downright impossible for Soma to give another comment, let alone gulp down the lump that had been steadily forming in his throat as he simply nodded in understanding before taking his first step towards the open door.
Whatever it was that bothered his father, there'd be enough time to figure it out later. Checking in on Gramps comes first.
It really was like a miracle that he managed to wake up now, that his condition hadn't gotten worse instead.
He'd be fine.
At least one of them would…
"Yukihira Soma, correct?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Sorry for bothering, doc. Gram- Senzaemon-dono wanted to speak to me?"
"Indeed. Go through the door over there, young man. He's inside."
"Thanks…"
As he ran his fingers through his shortened hair, the boy made his way towards the closed door on the other end of the spacious room, passing the wide, wooden desk where the bearded doctor sat.
This is it…
After he made sure Gramps is okay, nothing would keep him in this place any longer- nothing.
He would take the next best train back to Kamakura and search for the blonde heiress himself.
There already was a certain area he had in mind. An ideal place to begin his quest. He just had to wrap things up here, and then there'd be no stopping him.
Though first and foremost… he had to face the man he probably disappointed the most out of everyone out there. The one who entrusted his own granddaughter to him- the only one who still believed in her, despite not having talked to her for over a month.
Ignoring the crushing guilt in his heart, he knocked a few times before stepping inside and swiftly closing the door behind him, all too eager to be alone with the bedridden headmaster.
"You came… Yukihira Soma… Please, have a seat."
The lump in his throat returned with vengeance, making him choke on the deep breath he was trying to take.
There were so many things Soma wanted to say, so many emotions rushing through him… But none of that made it past his lips as he continued to take in the depressing view before him.
Only a few paces away was the great Nakiri patriarch, lying on a large hospital bed with all kinds of cables attached to his body.
It was a sight that left his eyes burning with unshed tears, his fists balling with nothing but rage.
Whoever it was that called him this morning knew exactly what he was doing, knew what would cause Nakiri Senzaemon so much grief.
Finally moving his feet again, the young chef sat down on the chair standing right next to his bed, amber eyes closed and his body trembling uncontrollably.
He needed to say something- anything.
But what…?
"G-Gramps, I-"
"How have you been, my boy…? Are you alright…?"
"I-I'm fine… Nothing's wrong with me."
"You look… tired though… Joichiro told me you were just released from the hospital yourself… You're not exhausted…?"
"No. I'm okay, really."
"That's good to hear… I guess you're holding up better than I am at the moment, aren't you?"
"Gramps… You'll be alright too."
He leaned forward, his fingers fiercely holding on to the bed's armrest as he blinked back the stinging salt in his eyes.
"Tell me who did this to ya? What did they say on the phone? It… it wasn't the police like Nakiri said, right?"
"So Alice has already told you…"
"…Yeah, she did."
"I see…"
As he tried to take a deep breath, the old man slowly turned his gaze to the ceiling, a sad smile hidden behind his grey beard.
For Soma, the pain he saw on his face was indescribable. The thin path his tears forged on his cheek simply beyond repair. He knew Gramps had trouble breathing, he could see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice. Yet he still tried to force the words out. It made him clench his jaw all the harder.
"No, it wasn't the police… He never gave me a name, but… that wasn't necessary anyway… I knew who I was dealing with."
"What did he say that got ya so riled up, Gramps? Was it… 'bout Erina? Did he want something from ya?"
"No, he didn't actually… It weren't his words that got to me, Yukihira. My granddaughter…"
Another forced inhale. Another tear that softly landed on the white cushion underneath his head.
"S-she was tortured mainly for his twisted sense of amusement… Perhaps it was just to get a reaction out of me… I have no idea what they were hoping to accomplish, but… m-my little girl was… in so much pain and I couldn't do anything but listen… H-her screams are… still haunting me…"
More tears followed as he squeezed his eyes shut, unable to utter another word.
Soma could feel his brain shutting down, trying both to register and reject the new information.
This couldn't be…
"Wha…? W-what're ya talking about, Gramps…? S-she's fine, isn't she?"
"They asked me if… I was proud of her for what she did… if it was my idea to get rid of Azami, and crush Central… They asked how I would feel if they were to cut out her 'God Tongue' and let her suffer the same way they had back then… Then… they did something to her, a-and all I heard was screaming… lots of it…"
"Y-you're saying…"
"There were two people in the room… I don't know why, but the one talking to me was… he was crying… He begged me to answer those questions so that Kenji Toru could stop doing whatever it was he did to her… I had no choice but to play along, since Alice… Alice was there with me… I… I-I'm not even sure if my granddaughter is still alive at this point…"
"You… honestly think that…?"
"Prove me wrong, boy…"
No…
He couldn't believe it…
This wasn't real…
A cold shiver ran down his spine as he repeated the words in his head.
"N-no way… Y-you're serious…"
Had he made a mistake by coming here after all?
Would she have been spared from all that if he hadn't?
With his pupils barely visible, the boy fought the sudden urge to storm out of this room and run all the way back to Kamakura himself.
He didn't care what his father said, didn't care if he was being reckless again. His heart screamed, begged, tore itself apart at the image of an already injured Erina being tormented even further. What did that sick bastard think he could get out of this? So much bloodshed just for a lost job? For a limited amount of time without money?
How would shooting and abusing an innocent girl help matters?
"G-Gramps… w-what did… what did you tell 'em? Did you…"
But all he received was a simple shake of the head, a light movement that instantly made the redhead's blood run ice cold.
He wasn't sure what to make of the silence, didn't know how to digest all this.
Just when he thought things couldn't get worse, they did. Just when he expected the situation to take a turn for the better, his own naivety crashes on him in the worst way possible.
She may not be alive anymore…
That sure stung. If even Gramps himself was starting to believe it, what else was there left to say?
Was he supposed to give up too now…?
"G-Gramps… please… Don't."
"You… you were the last person who saw my granddaughter, weren't you…? You were the last person she talked to… Tell me… was she… was she happy you came for her…? Did you make her smile… like you promised…?"
"I-I…"
Unable to give an answer, the young chef merely lowered his head in shame as he struggled to hold back the tears that had been stinging his eyes ever since he entered this room.
He failed. And even though he tried to prevent any sounds from escaping his mouth by biting his lower lip hard enough to draw blood, the heavy trembling of his body gave all of it away in a heartbeat.
His grip on the bed's frame tightened with each passing second, his head bowed as low as it could get in apology.
And then, what was bound to happen finally happened.
Right here, in the confines of these four walls, Yukihira Soma was shedding an endless amount of tears for the second time today. The unruly boy who hadn't cried since his mother's death was now breaking down in a matter of seconds, his self-control utterly shattered by a single question.
Was she happy?
Did he really have the right to answer that?
"I-I…I'm sorry, Gramps… I didn't… I wasn't there when she needed me! You left her with me, b-but I… I still let this happen! I'm sorry! I never wanted to… I-I shouldn't have been the one to go after her… I'm so sorry, Gramps… I-I'll… I'll get her back, I swear! No matter what it takes, I will get her outta there!"
Another wave of silence washed over them as Soma's tears descended to the ground, drop after drop dampening his clothes on their soundless way down.
He didn't expect to receive a reply anyway. The boy definitely didn't need confirmation of his failure. And yet… his heart still begged for a reaction, a single noise. Anything would be better than hearing his own teeth gritting against each other at this point.
"…Did she… finally visit her mother's grave…? Has she made peace with the past yet…? My granddaughter… doesn't resent me now for lying to her all this time… does she? Tell me she was at least picking herself back up… please…"
Raising his head in sheer agony, Soma watched as the older man closed his eyes again, his own tears still evident on his cheeks.
"Y-yeah… I think she… What's this about, Gramps? Ya can ask her all that stuff yourself, ya know. She's not gonna die. I'll bust Erina outta wherever that bastard's holding her and bring her straight here. S-so… save those questions for when ya see her again, okay?"
"I wish I had spent more time with her back when her mother died… I wish I had… shown her how much I cared… She had no one left, no one… a-and I couldn't…"
Was he even listening anymore?
"Please, Gramps… stop… She's alive. Ya can tell her this once she's safe. I'mma bring her back to ya, you hear? I promise… You just focus on getting better so she doesn't have to worry 'bout ya, alright?"
"…And who can guarantee me that my grandchild will make it back to me in one piece…? You?"
"Huh…?"
"…Yukihira Soma… I trusted your words once already… I don't think… I can do that again. As much as I want to put my faith in you… it's not possible anymore… Those screams will never leave my memory. Her voice… will never sound the same to me… Three days passed, and she still isn't found… Give me… just give me one good reason to trust you when not even the police made any progress."
"I…"
Words failed to express the mix of anger, frustration, and desperation raging inside him. He wanted to reassure the Totsuki Grandmaster of his capability to rescue her but his self-doubt and the consequences if he fails left him like a gaping fish out of the water.
Soma directed his eyes back to the figure on the hospital bed. There was no denying how much pain the old man is trying to conceal with a forced smile. His unsteady breath reveals the power struggle between his grief and the very thin layer of hope he desperately wanted to cling to.
Despite all that, Nakiri Senzaemon still held his head high. His eyes expressively burning with a clear message.
Get her back.
And he damn would.
"I know where to start looking. It might sound far-fetched, and I don't expect ya to trust me with this, but… just hear me out for a sec, alright?"
Hastily wiping the rest of his tears away, the redhead tried to clear his dry throat before taking a deep breath.
Falling into disarray would help no one at this point. He had to pull himself together.
For her.
"Remember the name Ogawa Daizo? I was at his restaurant a while ago, and he gave me the most useful clue we could've asked for. I've got a friend back in Kamakura, and with his help, I can find out where that bastard's family lives… They're sure to have more info on the matter. The area Ogawa-senpai told me about doesn't seem to be that big either, so we'll be able to narrow it down from there."
"You have… what…?"
"A decent lead. Look, Gramps… ya said it yourself, the police isn't getting anywhere. I'll handle this my way, no need for anyone else to get involved. You'll see your granddaughter soon, I swear it."
"My granddaughter… I truly hope you're right… But who is this supposed friend of yours, boy? What's his name…? What relation does he have with this?"
"Name's Masamune… I don't really remember his surname, but he's the one who saved my ass when I was out like a light three days ago. Honestly, he's not that bright, but I'd say he still-"
"W-what did you say…?"
His eyes suddenly wide, his lips parted, the headmaster's shock grew only stronger with each forced breath he took. And with the seconds innocently ticking away, it was bound to raise Soma's suspicion as well at some point.
Something wasn't right here…
"You okay, Gramps? What's wrong?"
"T-that name… H-how do you know it, my boy…?"
"Masamune? I met him a while back. Well actually, Erina seems to have met him first. She said she bought flowers for her mom's grave from him. His family's got a small shop near… y-your place, a-and he… Holy shit…"
Inhaling sharply, the young chef's face suddenly grew as pale as the white walls surrounding him, his body stiff and his muscles so abnormally tight.
He remembered…
It was all coming back to him now…
How could he have missed such a significant detail all this time?
'Also, where are your manners? You should always introduce yourself first before asking others for their name, Scarface.'
'What?! I could say the same to you, Flower Boy.'
'…Oh, fine, if you must know! The name's Kenji Masamune, and I'm the one who sold the lovely lady here the most beautiful flowers I have in this shop for almost a month now! Nice to meet ya.'
"No way…"
All this time, the biggest threat had been right in front of him, and he hadn't even paid attention…
How was he ever going to make up for his naivety?
Both him and Erina failed to remember the name that was presented to them on a silver plate- a name they had so prematurely brushed off in the heat of the moment, thinking there was nothing special to it whatsoever.
But why? Why would the brunette reveal his surname to them so casually? Had he really not known anything about his own family member's twisted plans, what that psycho wanted to do with the very girl he was talking to all this time?
Soma refused to believe that this was the case. Especially when…
"G-Gramps…? You said the one asking you those sick questions on the phone was crying… right?"
"He… he was… Listen, I-I don't know what connection you have to that person, but the other man who inflicted so much pain to my grandchild shouted that very same name you just mentioned… H-he called him… his son…"
"Son…"
"That's right… I also heard Erina referring to him as a… a traitor. She said it quite a few times actually… H-how could you have… trusted someone you barely know, Yukihira? I told you to be… suspicious about everyone…"
"I didn't mean… I'm sorry, Gramps. I knew that, but I…"
All kinds of thoughts ran through his head, none of which he found the strength to actually voice out loud.
It was like time itself had stopped moving altogether as the room kept on spinning even faster than it had merely two seconds ago.
No words could express what's going on inside him, no expression strong enough to show how stupid he felt.
So Masamune had been there… he had seen her being tormented by his own father… Yet he still had the audacity to cry about it?
Was he seriously feeling bad for what they were doing, or even regretting his own trickery?
Did he honestly think shedding a few measly tears would be enough to get him out of trouble?
"Gramps… I swear to you, they will pay for this. Erina's gonna stay alive, no matter what. I'll make damn sure of that."
He didn't wait for a reply- didn't feel the need to hear one as he rose to his feet once more. Ignoring the pleas of his body to finally get some rest, he marched back to the closed door with a dangerous glint in his amber orbs and a burning rage in his heart.
He had what he came here for. With the added information and the reassurance that Nakiri Senzaemon would be alright for the time being, he could finally go back and begin his search.
He could rest once he got her out of danger. For now, he had a mission to focus on. It was his top priority, and he would allow no one to stop him from protecting what he cared about the most- no one.
"Yukihira Soma… I'll be waiting for my grandchild's safe return… And yours as well. Please, no matter what you decide to do in the end…, don't act too rashly. The police can be of help if you… if you tell them everything you know…"
"…Thanks, Gramps. I'll think about it."
With that, he closed the door behind him once again before nodding towards the bearded man still sitting at his wide desk.
"I see, so you're done."
"Yes, Sir."
"Alright then. Please send the next person inside. That should wrap up the number of visitors for today."
"Got it."
"Oh and, Yukihira Soma… I was informed by your father that you had an incident yourself a few days ago. He wanted me to ask you if you desire any check-ups or medicine to counterbalance the morphine's side effects. Does you head hurt? Would you like me to take a quick look?"
"…No. I'm okay. Thanks for asking though, Doc. If that's all, I'll be going now."
"Oh… Y-yes. If you're sure, then that would be all. Have a good night."
"Yeah… Thanks."
Stepping out of the doctor's office and into the hallway, he wasn't the least bit surprised to find Alice and her father already waiting with baited breath for their turn to finally go inside. He didn't say a word as he let them through, didn't even look at the white-haired chef when they passed one another.
One of them would have to come back out again, as per doctor's orders. But who was Soma to tell them that.
What he needed to worry about was whether or not he'd make it in time to catch the last train tonight. There was not even a single second he could afford to waste now.
And so… he just started running. Down the hallway, past the reception, and out of the hospital before anyone had the chance to ask him where he was going or what he was up to. Not even his father.
He would explain himself later.
'I was so stupid to have ever stopped suspecting that guy! So incredibly stupid! You fooled me this time, but just you wait! I'm coming for your sorry ass, Kenji Masamune! Get ready!'
…
The bright moon slowly began to descend above Soma's head as he unlocked the front door of the Nakiri family's summer residence, sighing in exhaustion when he hesitantly pushed it wide open.
He was lucky to have received a spare key from Erina back when they first entered this house together, but now… Soma isn't so sure if it's still alright for him to use this little piece of metal. It felt kind of odd to just walk inside here without her by his side, so pointless and empty…
Hopefully he wouldn't have to stay here for too long. Having a roof above his head was convenient, and he was grateful to even be in here, but somehow… he felt like a complete stranger to this house now that he was alone.
But that's not something he should be worried about now.
It is imperative to begin his search immediately, since each second that goes by makes Erina's chances of survival slimmer. Also, the time that he could afford to move freely is severely limited. In a few hours, he's expecting to get a call from his dad. He doubted the old man would be very happy to realize that he was no longer at the hospital with the rest of them.
He hadn't seen his father anywhere when he exited the doctor's office so he simply took the opportunity to run. But now, thinking more closely about it, maybe he should've said something after all…
Taking a quick last look at the peaceful sky above, he clenched his fists in determination before closing the door behind him.
It didn't matter anymore. He was here, and he wouldn't leave without Erina. The geezer could lecture him as much as he wished once he brought her back.
Fumbling around for a bit, his fingers eventually found the light switch the same time he glanced up at the oversized clock hanging on the opposite wall.
Five a.m. Not exactly the best time to do anything… And as much as he wanted to go out there again right this instant, he had to wait for at least another hour or so before he could start overturning every rock in the area. Also, there was no point in heading over the flower shop because he's pretty sure that there would be no one there at this hour.
The boy sighed in frustration as he rubbed the back of his neck for a second and slowly began to stroll towards the kitchen, carelessly taking off his sweat-covered shirt along the way.
He left it lying on the cold floor in favor of grabbing himself a small bottle of water from the fridge that was standing in the corner, taking a big gulp as he placed a hand inside his back pocket and pulled out the envelope Nakiri Senzaemon had given him so long ago.
It had already served its purpose in introducing him to the legendary Totsuki alumnus- and that was more than Soma had expected at first.
Thanking Ogawa-senpai in silence one more time, the redhead swiftly crumpled the piece of paper in his hand and threw it into the surprisingly still open trash can next to the large window before moving away from it again.
Though it sure was strange that no one had bothered to close the lid, especially since Erina always cared about hygiene and other small details like that around the kitchen.
'Man, what's with that smell anyway? It's like something died in there…'
Despite all his sore muscles screaming for the boy to go sit down already, his never-dying curiosity got the better of him, encouraging him to do what no normal human being ever would.
He walked back to the wide container and opened the lid that he had just closed once more, only to pinch his nose in disgust this time as the overwhelming scent of wilted flowers hit his nostrils with full force.
"What the… Orchids?"
And not just any orchids.
His memory was a bit hazy, but for some reason those purple-colored flowers looked oddly familiar.
He had definitely seen them before…
'But where…? C'mon, think!'
Squinting his eyes in concentration, Soma kept on staring at the once beautiful flowers in front of him as if they could help him reach the solution faster.
But instead of solving the mystery, he merely noted how nicely they were bound together, the small card that had been placed between the petals, and…
'Wait a sec…'
His hand acted before he could even think about what exactly he was doing here as it reached inside the trash can and extracted the card that, unfortunately, had picked up some of this awful smell as well.
And just as he was about to question his own sanity for pulling a pointless stunt like that, it finally dawned on him…
He had noticed similar orchids lying above Nakiri Amelia's grave when he accompanied Erina to the cemetery a few weeks ago. They had been prepared and decorated the same way these were, and from what he could recall, they even had the same size.
But why? What was that supposed to mean?
Anxiously redirecting his eyes to the small card in his hand, the redhead couldn't help but hesitate for a moment as he flipped it and took a peek at the writing on the other side.
There were only a few lines written on the note, mostly undecipherable at this point due to dark stains and dirt stuck on it. Nonetheless, something tells him that there might be something in here that could give him a new lead.
He slowly made his way towards a nearby lamp, switching it open and blinking the tiredness away from his eyes. And as his citrines started to focus, his gut suddenly clenched in dread, unexpectedly holding his breath as he brushed the bits of dirt away to uncover the message.
But what he found didn't even come close to a hint, it was the opposite…
He stared at the words blankly for a few seconds as an unpleasant shiver settled at the base of his stomach. His body temperature, unnaturally high at first, now dropped multiple degrees without him even doing anything.
This had to be a joke…
How many times was he supposed to go through this? How many bad things could possible happen in a single day?
His mind went back to the evening of the festival where he was randomly hugged by the blonde heiress in front of the bathroom door upstairs. Her trembling body, her scared expression, her words…
He should've asked her what was wrong, should've paid more attention to her strange demeanor.
This had most likely been the day she received, and threw away those orchids- the day he had told her to stay at home.
He didn't even want to imagine how she must have felt back then, how livid and… worried.
That's it. He's had enough.
Throwing the small piece of paper to the ground, the boy rushed out of the kitchen to grab himself a new shirt before exiting the house again, his fury clearly painted on his face.
Masamune would do good to pray that he doesn't break his nose completely this time- or worse.
Because right now, mercy is the last thing on Soma's mind. The note had been the last straw from him. His rage took full control of his body and the small voice of whatever is left of his rationality faded away as he saw red.
Bet your mother is cheering for you in hell, little rat. I can't wait to send you there myself soon. Let's get this settled once and for all, shall we? Stop hiding and come out of your hole already.
…
"Yu-Yukihira-kun… W-what are you doing here so early in the morning? Do you have news on Erina-san's condition? W-was the police able to find her?"
For a good minute, the only response he got was a cold stare.
"I was actually hoping you might lend me a hand. Let's talk inside."
"E-ehm, sure… Give-give me a second…"
Nervously fumbling around in his back pocket, the vendor eventually pulled out a small set of keys before taking a hesitant step towards the wide glass door that the student currently leaned against.
His whole demeanor seemed even more suspicious now that Soma knew who exactly he was dealing with, and it edged him on all the more.
"What's wrong? Ya seem nervous."
"N-no, I just… I hadn't expected to see you here out of the blue like that, t-that's all… H-how long have you been waiting out here?"
"It doesn't matter. I had a lot of things on my mind today so I thought I'd drop by."
"I-is that so…? I hope I can be of help to you then. A-and I'm glad to see you up and well again. Y-you could've told me they released you from the hospital already."
"I thought I might surprise ya instead."
His voice was low, his eyes pure ice.
Even though the young chef wanted to keep up appearances a little while longer to see if he could guess what this man's true intentions are, his ire is quickly burning out any form of courtesy. Especially since this freak is still insisting on playing dumb.
He watched with growing irritation as Masamune finally pushed the door open and gestured for him to enter first, all while staring timidly at the ground underneath his black sneakers.
He could feel a storm brewing between them as the awkward atmosphere thickened.
"C-can I get you something? Water? Tea? W-would you like some-"
Suddenly interrupted by the loud ringing of his phone, Masamune quickly pulled it out of his green backpack and attempted to leave the room again, not daring to meet the boy's intense gaze.
However, he wasn't granted a chance to escape as Soma's hand swiftly landed on his shoulder and pulled him roughly towards the closest chair he could find.
No way was he going to let him get away this time.
The charade was going to end here.
"What's wrong? You're always in a hurry whenever ya get a call. Daddy needs you?"
"N-no, he's-"
"Look, man, just cut the bullshit already, would ya? You know what I'm after, so drop the act and answer the phone. You're not going anywhere."
The vendor's eyes turned into the size of golf balls as he is detained by Soma's strong grip on the chair behind the cash register, not even offering resistance.
If the redhead hadn't known any better, he would have sworn there was a hint of relief hidden deep inside those blue depths- like somewhere along the line, Masamune had actually expected this to happen…
Why?
It didn't make any sense…
For someone whose dirty schemes were about to be put out in the open like that, he was behaving rather… passively.
Just what was this guy up to…?
"Hello? Dad? …Yes, I'm back at the shop now… Yes, I understand… No, of course not… Yeah, sure…"
Suddenly pulled out of his thoughts, Soma glanced back at the older man beside him with narrowed eyes and crossed arms.
He hadn't expected him to actually pick up, let alone talk to his father so openly without letting anything significant slip.
Shouldn't he be warning his dad somehow?
This was getting more and more confusing by the second. And yet, amongst all the confusion inside him, there's one thing the boy is a hundred percent sure of now that he actually listened in.
It really was him after all…
Even though he felt betrayed and wanted nothing more than to kick this guy to oblivion, there is still this tiny part of his heart that holds on to the hope of there being more than one person with 'Kenji' as their surname out there. Someone other than Masamune.
He didn't want to believe it just like Erina never had, but… all the evidence he needed was laid out right in front of him, pointing towards the only person he genuinely trusted to be innocent.
"Yes… I'll hurry back as soon as I'm done up here, okay? …I did see her. She was just fine, don't worry. Yeah, it is… Okay, Dad. See you in a bit…"
A disturbing silence washed over them again as the brunette lowered his phone, his head dropped and his body shaking almost violently.
"Well, that was short."
"He didn't have much to say this time… only checking if I got back here safely…"
"Got back…"
He couldn't tell what exactly it was that vexed him so much about this guy's choice of words. Maybe just hearing his voice in general was what pissed him off to the point where his ears started twitching in fury all on their own. Or perhaps it was something else entirely.
Whatever it was, he couldn't help but think twice about every single syllable that left Masamune's mouth, be extra cautious over the smallest of details.
If only they wouldn't sound all the same to him…
"…W-why didn't you butt in? You could've easily stopped me and demanded for Erina-san to be released asap. Why didn't you interfere?"
"No point in making him suspicious of ya, now is there? From the looks of things, I'm gonna go out on a whim here and say he doesn't actually know ya already revealed your true identity to us when we first met. I've no intention in giving Daddy Kenji a clue on what's about to happen to him. And thanks for not saying anything either. It'd be pretty bad if he finds out I'm here with you."
"I-I… I don't think anything you plan to do would turn things around now… Dad's already got what he wanted."
"Yeah, I noticed."
"He's not gonna hand her over, you know…"
"Oh c'mon, gimme a break! So ya still insist on going through with this?! What the hell's wrong with you?! A person is dying right now! Her Grandpa's at the hospital waiting for her! For fuck's sake, get your morals straight!"
"I-I have no idea what you're trying to say…"
"Really? Alright then, lemme get things straight for ya. You sent Erina purple orchids like a creep when she wasn't expecting it. You helped your Dad take her away the other night. Then, you called Gramps on the phone yesterday and asked nasty questions to make him miserable while your dad did something to her in the background."
It was merely a hiss through gritted teeth, Soma unable to keep the spite out of his voice as he spoke.
"Was that your idea of fun? Making other people suffer?!"
"I-it… I-I was only doing what-"
"What you were told, right?! Ya seriously thought it was okay to ask an old man if he'd like to see his granddaughter without a tongue?! Ya thought it'd be funny to let your dad cut it off?! Did ya- …he didn't actually do it… d-did he? I swear if you sick bastards so much as thought about laying a hand on her-"
"N-no, I didn't let him cut anything! I-I didn't let him, believe me! But you… you don't have the slightest clue, Yukihira-kun! To my dad, to me… This is what we needed to do."
"You're kidding… What's that s'posed to mean?! Ya need to torment people?! How's that gonna help, huh?!"
"Y-you wouldn't understand even if I told you. He… he has to do this."
"Do what?!"
"Get revenge for mom! For us!"
With his arms crossed over his chest, Soma took a step forward, hoping to get better control of his burning anger if he moved around a little.
"…How 'bout cha gimme another dumb excuse not to punch ya in the face again. 'Cause I'm seriously itching to do just that, ya know."
"I… I-I wasn't trying to prevent you from hitting me in the first place, Yukihira-kun. If you think that's what you deem necessary, then I won't stop you. Y-you… you might as well get on with it because whatever I tell you isn't going to change what happened anyway…"
"Try me."
He didn't give a response, didn't even look up when Soma stepped in front of the chair with an impatient frown on his face.
Answers. What he needs right now are answers. Not a pointless dispute.
After all, Masamune was his only option to get her back, and he refused to let his irritation get the best of him.
He had to play his cards right.
Though, this bitching and whining sure didn't help move things along in the slightest. It was a pain to even try reason with him, let alone get him to tell the truth.
His contradicting attitude itself left Soma's scarred eyebrow twitching with bundled up irritation.
"Look, buddy, I'mma be straight with ya. I don't give a damn about your family drama, got it? Whether ya stuck with your dad out of pure loyalty, or ya got your own reasons to be pissed at our headmistress, doesn't make any difference to me. I just wanna know what you were hoping to accomplish by giving away your name like that. And while we're at it, I need ya to tell me where I can find her!"
"Didn't you hear me?! I said-"
"I don't give a shit what ya said! Your dad's responsible that a girl is dying somewhere in this town as we speak, don't cha get it?! She doesn't have much time, ya idiot! And you of all people should know that better than anyone! You were there the whole time! If ya never intended to get her out or something, then why d'ya tell me your damn name to begin with?!"
Tears gathered in the brunette's blue eyes as his trembling worsened. Soma couldn't see his face entirely, but the few drops that landed on the phone's display gave him more than enough confirmation on the matter.
The man was crying in silence, contrary to the time he talked to Gramps, no doubt. He must've been weeping like a kid back then…
In any other circumstance, this might have caused the redhead to pat this freak on the shoulder and reassure him that everything would be alright. But now, it only left him sighing in exhaustion. He felt nothing but urgency in his stomach, and it made him sick just to stand still like that when the blonde was suffering from who knows how many injuries.
His own fatigue didn't even matter to him right now. He just wanted to get moving already.
"I-I… You think it's that easy?!"
"…I was actually counting on it. The way I see it, ya wouldn't have done all that stuff without a good reason. Ya can talk that nonsense now, but my gut tells me there's more to it. I won't overlook what cha did to her, but just this once, clear things out for me. What's your goal? Why did ya help me?"
Finally meeting his cold gaze, the brunette squeezed the small device in his hands hard enough to make his knuckles turn white.
Once again, it felt odd just to look at his grief-stricken features, or even his trembling arms, for that matter. And as much as he didn't want to, Soma couldn't help but wonder whether or not the shopkeeper had been waiting to be confronted with these questions all along- if he had hoped for a chance to explain himself.
"I… You know? I was kinda counting on the possibility that you'd figure out who I am a lot sooner, Yukihira-kun. Sooner than this… W-why haven't you?"
"I didn't… what?"
"Forget it. Doesn't matter anymore. I just wish you had come before things escalated like that. I thought my clues were speaking for themselves, but apparently not…"
"Why even gimme those clues? What did ya want?"
"Honestly? For you to take Erina-san away from here as quickly as possible, and that's the truth. Though I guess, it just wasn't meant to be… See, my father is… let's say he's not right in his right mind ever since Mom ended up with a full body paralysis after a traffic accident three years ago. And to lose the one stable source of income he had relied on to pay for her medical treatment was… well it was a shock to all of us naturally. We had no idea what to do next."
He paused, gazing down at his shoes again as the redhead closed his eyes with another small sigh.
For some reason, he had mixed feelings about what he was told, yet couldn't determine if it was because of his own mother's death that came to mind whenever someone mentioned theirs or because of the real reason this family needed money so badly. It was a disgusting sensation that he had trouble shaking off, so he leaned against the counter beside him just to get a better grip of himself, hoping the knot in his gut would vanish as quickly as it had appeared.
This wasn't about his mom.
"So ya were lying when ya said she was lending a hand with the preparations for the festival."
"Yeah… I was."
"Why?! I don't get it! Why all those extreme measures? Why not just try to find a new job like everyone else? Did ya really think your problems would be solved if ya attack her?! She didn't even do anything!"
"You're not listening, Yukihira-kun! I wanted revenge on Nakiri Erina from the very beginning too, we all did! She… she ruined everything for my entire family damn it! How could I not strive for some payback?! It's her fault the caretaker stopped coming after we had no money left to pay her! My mother was cut short on her medicine! All because she had to go and play rebel for a little while! It's not faire!"
"Payback, huh?! Don't gimme that shit! It's easy for you to fault others instead of coming up with a solution yourself, isn't it?! Ya think she wanted all that to happen?! Everyone suffered 'cause of Nakamura-senpai's messed up ideals, not because our group chose to do things our own way!"
"I don't care! We lost everything when Central disbanded! Can't you see? The thirst for revenge was the only thing that kept me going, that helped me double my efforts at the shop! Dad and I… we were waiting, planning, preparing ourselves for this moment!"
"So ya were plotting that all along?! Did ya plan to shoot her too then?!"
"I-I didn't shoot her! I hadn't expec-"
"Doesn't matter who that was, ya bastard! It still happened! And now she's dying 'cause of it!"
"Damn it, Yukihira-kun, listen to me! I-I never wished for her to get injured! Dad had never said he was willing to take things this far! True, I wanted payback! B-but… it turned out way different than I'd imagined… I-I didn't know what to do…"
Calming down a little, the student rubbed the back of his head wearily as a long exhale escaped his throat. He had no idea what this guy was talking about.
"Fine… I don't really give a damn who ya think is the bad guy here anyway. I'll get her back either way."
"You're too cocky… It can get you into a lotta trouble, ya know. Dad's turned out to be more ruthless than I thought. He might even kill you if you mess with him. Especially when he doesn't take his pills…"
"And you're proud of that?!"
"What?! No! It's just a warning! All I'm saying is I've seen what he can do, I know you'd end up dead if you get too close to him…"
"Not gonna happen. I won't kick the bucket that easily. There's too much I wanna do once this is over."
"…Why even bother? Erina-san might already be in an unrecoverable state already, you know."
"That's precisely why you should immediately tell me where she is!"
He took a sharp gulp of air, feeling like he was about to lose the race against time for some reason.
"She's not gonna die on my watch. I made a promise to bring her home, there are people waiting for her. And more than anything, I just wanna get my girlfriend back already."
"Girlfriend, huh…?"
It stayed silent for the next few seconds as Soma kept on rubbing tiredly over his citrines, hoping it would be enough to prevent him from falling to the ground like he did back when he was at the hospital.
This drug sure seemed to have put a number on him, and without decent rest, he was slowly starting to feel its effects again.
Wasn't he supposed to be better now?
Soma sighed. There was no point in wasting more time dwelling over this.
"Well… Is there anybody else involved that I should know 'bout?"
"Well… My older sister…"
"For real?"
"Y-yeah… She, eh… she didn't wanna get involved 'cause of that high class restaurant she works at- even though she hated Erina-san more than anything. She said she'd stay silent for us, so I never pushed the subject on her again. And I didn't tell you about her mainly for that reason. In the end, I was the only one who agreed to help Dad carry out his plan."
"I see… Which restaurant is that?"
"C'mon, Yukihira-kun, what does it matter?"
"…Ya know your dad's been asking for a job at a restaurant not too far away from here, right? It's the place where one of my school's most famous alumni works. I don't know if that psycho was aware of that or not, but it always made me wonder why he would choose that eatery out of all the others in town. Care to explain?"
"I-I wasn't told any of that… Maybe it was the same one my sister, Minori, works at… But even if it was, she already made clear that she didn't wanna see any of us there. Dad wouldn't get far, even if he tried to get employed. As for why he went… I really have no idea…"
"Huh… Well, he didn't get the job anyway. In fact, he even said he never had a phone to contact them with, which we both know is straight up bullshit. He called ya all the time."
"Y-yeah… I honestly can't tell you what goes on in his mind anymore. It's like he lost himself completely at this point…"
"Come to think of it… that's why ya acted so weird every time he reached out to ya, right? He ordered you to do all that stuff ya did to get on our good side. Like start talking to Erina here in this shop, make sure she trusted ya enough to eventually accept an invitation to that festival, 'coincidentally' show up at the shrine we visited… Your dad was-"
"N-now hold on a minute! It never was my intention to take you guys to the festival! And I only met her to see for myself if Father's words were justified or not! Yes, I wanted her to suffer just like my family was at that time. Like I told you, I strived for justice. But after talking to her, seeing all that pain in her eyes… I suddenly felt like I couldn't do it anymore. Do you understand?! The wish to hurt her was gone! I don't know how, I can't explain it… but I felt like I had to do something. What Dad said on the phone hardly made any difference to me."
"But you still pushed through with the plan, you bastard!"
His body stiffened, his eyes narrowed, and for the first time today, the vendor looked somewhat… disappointed, angry even.
It was an expression that spoke for itself, a glare filled with all sorts of accusations. 'You were too slow' was the main one Soma recognized, and it tore him apart inside.
"Listen… back then, I hadn't given her my last name, and she didn't tell me hers. We were merely chatting about trivial stuff. I lied about my mother, she didn't mention her own. Things just played out, and with each passing day, the lies became more significant. I felt like I couldn't tell her anything anymore."
He clenched his fists, a deep frown on his face.
"But when you showed up two weeks later, I had the feeling that was the perfect opportunity to let you guys know who I really am. Nevertheless, I couldn't just betray my own dad like that, so I kept quiet and prayed that you would come to the right conclusion yourselves soon. Though you never did…"
Guilt spread inside Soma's stomach as he tried to recall how many times he failed to see the connection between those two people, how often he tested his brain's limits just to remember where he had heard that particular surname before.
In a way, he was also at fault for the heiress's fate. He had brushed an important hint off like it was nothing, had never once cared enough to keep it in mind.
Now, he wished he had. They both did apparently…
"Of course, as time passed, orders kept on coming too. Dad's patience slowly ran out, and before I could get a chance to drop outta this mission, he came up with an entirely new plan- one that forced me to lure her in through the festival. So we… well, you know the rest… But I swear didn't know anything about a gun! You have to believe me!"
"…You were the one who drugged me then, weren't you? You were the reason I was out cold for the past three days."
"I-I… I had to… It was- I'm so sorry…"
"Ain't gonna cut it, pal! I could've already started searching for her! Hell, I could've even found her by now! If ya didn't want her to suffer, why'd ya go along with all this shit then?!"
Rage stirred inside him all over again, his fist itching to make contact with the brunette's tear-stained face.
"Ya know what?! Never mind! I don't care! Just tell me where she is! I need to get her to a hospital right away!"
No response. Not even a twitch was visible on Masamune's face as he continued to stare at the floor with his blue orbs hidden behind thin strands of hair.
Was he really going to be this way? Acting as the traitor a second time?
"Please… Tell me…"
Again, no answer.
What had all that talk been for if things still turned out the same way?
This idiot wasn't… buying time somehow, was he?
The thought had never crossed the redhead's mind before, but now… with this pressing silence around them, he was growing quite anxious- so anxious in fact, he considered even the most ridiculous outcome as a possibility.
He had enough.
There's no point in waiting around if the jerk isn't going to talk.
Gritting his teeth in irritation, Soma turned towards the glass door again, ready to exit this place and head to the police station next.
They were done here.
Or at least that's what he believed before a sudden noise draw his attention away from the main entrance, only millimeters separating his fingers and the doorknob in front of him.
"Wha…?"
The sound of… He wasn't entirely sure yet, but it sounded like… screaming. Somewhere downstairs, perhaps. Or even up here? It echoed in his ears from every direction. Again and again, he heard someone screaming their lungs out, one louder than the other.
Whirling around with widened eyes, the young chef found himself staring at the equally shocked-looking shopkeeper, who, despite turning so unusually pale, still hadn't said a single word yet.
At this point, talking didn't even seem necessary anymore. His features clearly spoke what his mouth refused to say, the sweat dripping from every pore on his body only emphasizing his thoughts as he stepped up to Soma in sheer panic.
"Erina…"
"C-calm down, Yukihira-kun! I-it isn't what you think!"
"Get outta my way! She's here, isn't she?! Hey, Erina!"
"Y-Yukihira-kun, please! Just… j-just relax for a second. Dad's got a gun, remember? You can't-"
"I said move it!"
His mind didn't register the back object Masamune pulled out of his back pocket as he pushed himself right past him.
He didn't care enough to look back at the brunette when he rushed blindly towards the wooden door on the other end of the shop, his thoughts mainly focused on one person alone right now.
He let out a frustrated growl as the door won't budge, pulling on the handle as hard as possible without getting the 'klick' he so desperately wanted to hear.
And just as he was about to throw himself against the thick piece of wood, the strange sensation of being electro shocked hit him right in the neck, immobilizing him to the point where he limply landed on the marbled floor with a dull thud and a furious glint in his amber orbs.
"I-I'm sorry, Yukihira-kun, but you… y-you left me no other choice. J-just hear me out, and stop acting so rashly. I told you, it's gonna get you in trouble if you go on like that. A-and you might be harming Erina-san in the process too. Please… Think for a second."
"You… what're you talking about…?"
He watched as Masamune took a deep breath, knitted his brows even further together as he observed how the brunette put the Taser back into his pocket before finally lifting his head and meeting Soma's questioning gaze.
"What I'm mean is… I'm done pretending. Contact the police, Yukihira-kun… We will be needing help for this…"
"Wha…?"
"Oh and… I-I think we… w-we're gonna have to call an ambulance too… for multiple reasons…"
Annndddd, that's gonna do it for this chapter!
Man, I really can't wait to see what you think about it! Please tell me your opinions, guys, I'd love to read them!
With that, I wish you all a beautiful day/night!
Stay safe, and as always,
Take care!