Hello,

Thank you for reading, sorry for the long wait. I hope I'm not losing my touch when it comes to writing as its been a stretch of time. If you think I am, please let me know :) I've posted two chapters today, so be sure to read Chapter 5 before this one. Hope you enjoy!

A man waited at a bus stop not far from a young man's apartment. He didn't flinch at the passing cold breeze. At the sight of the open bus doors, he glanced at the open sky before entering the bus. He gave the driver some change, whom he ignored when asked if he needed a transfer. As he headed to the back of the bus, he was ignorant of the stares that laid on him. He chose the left side to sit and melancholy watch out the window towards the passing by scenery. He knew, that this emptiness was there to stay and this time, he would embrace it.

A few cars behind the bus, a black car followed closely behind. Making sure to keep the same distance. The two men in the car often exchanged looks without speaking. They understood the gravity of the situation. And this time, they didn't know what to do about it. So for the hour and a half the man traveled by bus, the two men followed him by car in silence.

Asami was used to staying up, he often had business deals in the dead of night, both work and private, followed by a day of business meetings at Sion. It was a part of what he did. But this was the first time he had stayed up simply because he couldn't sleep. He had spent the evening looking out towards the bus' scenery and the night trying to fill the emptiness that haunted him to no avail. It was time he accepted it. The fact that he had been betrayed.

"Asami-sama, are you up?" kirishima peeked his head into the dark room where he saw the awaken Asami. "Breakfast is ready."

"More like I've been up. I'll take my coffee extra strong today."

"Well actually, we got some lattes on the way here. pumpkin spice…"

"Pumpkin? In a latte? Is that a thing?"

"Apparently it is. I did add a couple of extra shots for you."

"Pumpkin… well, why not. I'll be right there."

Once Kirishima left the room, Asami got off the bed, throwing his clothes in the basket by the door before entering the shower. He let the warm water relax his body as he tried to find some sense to his blindness.

Tightening the towel around his waist, he entered the kitchen where Kei and Kazumi made themselves at home. Finding a to-go coffee mug on the counter, he sipped this new drink."

"How is it?"

"Good job adding those shots, it's not too sweet and has a kick to it. Not bad. But black coffee is still supreme."

"Of course it is."

Asami leaned against the counter sipping his drink as he watched his two friends finish setting the table.

"Have we ever been wrong about people?"

The question took Kei and Kazumi by surprise.

"If you mean in regards to reading people, then no. We've always been spot on. So much that no one dares betray or try to trick us anymore." Kei answered without hesitation.

"That's true. And yet it seems we've been fooled by Akihito. And I can't even come to guess the start and end point. Was it perhaps from the beginning?"

"Ryu…"

"No need to worry, honestly I'm more proud of him than anything else. It's just the fact that I was wrong. I always thought he showed everything in his expression, that he couldn't hide anything. And in fact, that was the case. Even if it was far less than I believed. But. Perhaps I was the fool to have put my trust in a lover."

"They do say that love blinds people." Suoh was surprised by how open Asami was talking. He had expected a much darker side of him to surface.

"Then what's your excuse?"

"… friendship blinds?"

"Hahaha."

The three continued to conjure silly ideas for their blindness and laughed at their just as corny answers as they sat down to eat breakfast.

They all realized that there was no point in being angry or emotional towards Akihito. A man, a lover and a friend who was no longer there. Who had not been there for a long time. It also made them realize how time had done its job in healing their wounds of loss, even without them noticing.

"Were giving up the search for Ryuuta's mother."

"What why, Kirishima-san?" Takato and Kou who got updated on the situation sat together with Kirishima in a conference room to go over new details. They couldn't believe the way things had unfolded.

"We don't have a lead. We looked into everything we could think of. His work, places of leisure, old and new neighborhoods, travel destinations… all without a single lead. It would have been easier if it was in the first two- three years of him living with Asami. But there's nothing indicative in the last months or even a year prior to him leaving. He didn't take much trips, he didn't run from our guys nearly as much as he used to. If searching for Akihito was near impossible, finding his mistress is impossible.

"No way… what are we going to do then?"

Takato felt like a load of information was dropped on them. From meeting Aki's son to learning of Aki's death to hearing of his cheating during his time with Asami. Something he still found hard to believe. And now, even Ryuuta's mother was out of their reach.

"Isn't it too early to give up searching for her? I mean it's only been a week."

"No Kou. For Kirishima and his men, a day would have been enough."

"That's correct. Under Asami-sama's order, we used all resources available to us, which is more than any other in Japan at least." Kei paused for a second before continuing. "Also. Its very likely that she's no longer in Tokyo let alone Japan."

"…why is that?"

"Try to think about it. Takaba had a child with her but ended up raising the child alone right after birth."

"So you're saying she's…dead?" Kou felt a pain in his heart for his friend as the thoughts emerged. "From…childbirth?"

"…that's what we believe."

"How…why do all these things happen to Aki. If he was going to disappear then he should have at least stayed alive and lived a happy life." Takato felt anger and pain for his old friend who was no longer there. "So, what will we do about Ryuuta-kun."

"Asami-sama is going to adopt him."

"What? Sorry Kirishima-San. But now that Asami believes that Akihito betrayed him, not that I can believe it, why would he willingly adopt his son?" Takato scratched his head in confusion.

"Honestly, I'm surprised Asami-San was even willing to keep looking for Ryuuta-kun's mother." Kou wasn't any less confused.

"Its because we don't know the whole truth. Because he himself can't believe it. The fact is, Akihito was a part of Asami's family. That alone makes Ryuuta-kun part of the family as well."

Kirishima saw conflict in Kou and Takato's eyes. Confliction that has been apparent since the day they decided to join Sion.

"... Is… That really the best for Ryuuta-kun?"

Kirishima understood what Kou meant. Was it for Ryuuta's benefit to bring him into their world. A world his father, Akihito, suffered in and made him run away from.

"Honestly, I don't know the answer. Maybe its better for him to not get involved. But… he's already involved. Since the moment he came to Japan and met Asami-sama."

"…What if we took him in instead? He could say with either me or Kou?"

"Takato. Asami plans on making him his heir. That is not an option."

"…His heir… that means he's going to teach him to kill and do what ever else they do!"

"Takato!"

"Sorry…but it's true isn't it? Wasn't that the reason he didn't want to involve Akihito?"

"Takato. Kou, I meant of Sion. Not of the other side."

"…oh. I see…"

With that remark, both Kou and Takato had no choice but to accept. Knowing the final decision was up to the boy himself.

The door opening broke the silence they found themselves in, Asami and Suoh entered the conference room.

"Asami-sama."

"Kirishima, get in touch with the boy, I want to talk to him."

"Hai."

"Wait!" Takato spoke up.

"What is it?"

"Asami-san, if you're going to take Ryuuta-kun in and raise him as your heir for Sion. Then… we're going to accept that. But."

"But?" Asami narrowed his eyes on Takato.

"I need to confirm your stance."

"…go on."

"First. You're not… doing this to get back at Aki… are you? "

"...As intriguing as that sounds, it's not as fun without the person in question. Don't you know Takato, Kou, I have always had a soft spot for your friend. And his son is no exception."

Takato got up from his seat, walked over to Asami until he was face to face with him.

"Asami, I will not allow you to touch a hair on Ryuuta's body. In any way."

"…hahaha, I like that look. I knew Akihito had a good eye for people. No. Don't worry Takato. I don't go for youngsters."

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…except for Akihito… And that was almost two decades ago!"

"Well, I know that too since we've been watching you. Honestly I like you Asami-san, and I know you would protect Ryuuta like you protected Akihito. So, I only ask that you let us be a big part of his life. Like we couldn't be for Aki."

"Ho. How so?"

"something like child custody?"

"Kou… that's-"

"Asami-sama will have full custody."

"Really Kei. I was just kidding. Way to say the obvious."

"No. But it may be better if Ryuuta lived with one of us instead of with you Asami" Takato haunted.

"and why is that?" Asami was becoming amused at the thought of a Takaba back in their lives.

"Obviously because we're… I'm a better cook."

"Hey! Did you just exclude me?"

"Sorry Kou, but it's the truth."

"Well-…ya.."

"Aren't you forgetting my cook Kei?"

"You mean your Maid."

"Oye!" Kirishima was not going to let this go. he lifted his glasses. "I hope you didn't forget who lost the last drinking bet Ryuu-i-chi-sa-ma"

"… Of course I didn't forget. I'm already thinking of what to get you."

"Nope. I don't want a gift. I'm going to get physical labour."

"Seriously?"

"Very."

"Then I guess I have no choice. I'll have to call my lawer."

"childish."

"Sorry to disrupt your fun banter. But the guests have arrived." Suoh interrupted as he glanced up from his phone.

"Well then. Let's leave this discussion for when the boy accepts the proposal. Its time to go fishing. And Takato, Kou, Kei, Suoh, you four will be his mentors and uncles so teach him well."

"Hai!" All four said in union.

The next morning, Ryuuta received a call from Kirishima who asked him to meet Asami at his apartment.

The place where father lived.

As weary as he was to meet Asami again so soon. He couldn't help feeling excited at the thought of seeing the place his father used to live in.

He took the bus to the rich area of town and found himself in front of an expensive architectural condo building. He hesitantly entered. The receptionist was an old guy who gave a deep bow upon seeing him. Once he got closer, he saw the sudden change in the old man's expression.

"-A-Asami-sama!?"

"Huh? Umm.. Yes I'm here to see Asami-san. I was told to-" Ryuuta staggered backwards as the man came closer and hugged him. "What!?"

"Asami-sama! You're alive! They said you disappeared and I never saw you after you left that day so long ago."

"Umm… I'm not Asami."

"Oh. How silly of me, of course I remember you don't like being called that. Takaba-sama." The old man gave Ryuuta a kind smile as he faced him. "Welcome home."

Ah. I see. Its father. This old man must have been the receptionist who saw my father off before he disappeared. Father… just how much love did you leave behind…

"I'm…sorry. My name is Takaba Ryuuta, I'm my late father's, Takaba Akihito's son.

"…I see…of course. It was too good to be true as they say. I see…I see..so he's gone now."

"Hai. Thank you for taking care of him during his time here."

"Oh. Not at all. He was family. Asami-sama spent years searching for him. Even his decision to continue living here even thought he has many better and newer places to live is because he hoped that one day Takaba-sama would return."

"Is…that so…"

"Hai. But I'm glad."

"Eh? Glad?"

"Yes, that he left a wonderful, kind and handsome young man like you behind."

"…Thank you."

"Well, go on now,I'm sure Asami-sama is awaiting you. Just take that elevator over there to the penthouse."

"Hai, thank you."

The elderly man watched the boy with kind eyes as he headed towards the elevator.

Ryuuta gave the old man a hug and a deep bow. A mix of emotions were surfacing, but the greatest one was thankfulness to this old man who valued and never forgot about his father.

He took the elevator to the top floor, one open. He was face to face with the door of the penthouse.

The door suddenly opened, Asami leaned against the door frame in sweats and a t-shirt as he welcomed Ryuuta in.

"Welcome Ryuuta-kun. Come on in, we have much to discuss."

***x

Ryuuta always dreamed of having a load button in life where he could click it and restart at the last saved point in life. He remembered once years ago he made a gift for his father's birthday. It was two buttons made out of paper, one a load and the other a save. He explained to his father that he has one of each and could use the save button by giving it to him when he's done something good or was being a good boy. The if he went astray or did something wrong next time, using the load button would get him back om track. A few months later when Ryuuta completely forgot about the buttons. His father invited him to play a board game together. In the middle of the game, he gave Ryuuta a save button along with a note on the back of the paper that read 'Save: The precious moment of having fun while playing games with my growing son.' Ryuuta remembered the tears that dropped then from happiness. It was three years later when his father used the load button. During Ryuuta's early teenage years, he would often go out with friends and unknowingly neglect his father. So on the morning of a weekend just as Ryuuta was about to head out to town, his father gave him the button with a board game in his arms. That weekend, Ryuuta cancelled all his plans and stay cooped up playing and talking with his father. It was a memory Ryuuta never forgot.

It was here standing in front of Asami in home clothes where Ryuuta thought about those buttons and wished he could have one now.

Why does Asami-dono become more and more…something… the more comfy his clothes become? Seriously, who are you?

"Are you not coming in?"

By the time Ryuuta's awareness returned. Asami left the entrance and was waiting inside his apartment.

"Excuse me." With a respectful bow of the head, Ryuuta entered the apartment.

The automatic blinds covering the floor to ceiling windows were raised high giving way for the afternoon sun to pour into the main room . Well lit, Ryuuta's attention was once again side tracked as he walked around the apartment starting with the kitchen.

Professional appliances! It's the first time I've seen them in real life. Oh my. I saw this stove in a magazine, I think it was worth… $15,000 American… I wonder how it feels like to cook with it…just thinking of it is making me hungry- Is that a 64" 4K smart TV!? Wo… Don't tell me… oh. So the toilet's not made of gold… kind of disappointing.

"You look disappointed." Asami noted by the bathroom door.

"Ah. No. Sorry…"

"Hahaha. If you were wondering. Yes, I have a king size bed in the bedroom and a secret room which is off limits-" Just as the words left his mouth, Asami knew he made a mistake, he turned around to find the boy's eyes shining bright with curiosity. "No."

"Please! I always dreamed of a secret room connected to my bedroom. I just want a peak?"

"…ha. Fine, a peak, then we get down to business." Asami was strangely aware of the fact that he had a hard time saying no to the boy. He brushed it off, blaming it on the boys' excitement that resembled his father.

" Deal!"

With Ryuuta's worries and weariness completely forgotten. He followed Asami into the bedroom. Asami activated the secrete door and gave way to Ryuuta who excitedly entered the secret room.

"Wow! That's so cool, you have a room in …a…room…a very….plain room. Why? At least those three guns on the wall are cool.

"Its for security, in case someone breaks in or attacks we can stay in this room until its safe."

"oh. I see. Practical. I have to say, I was kind of expecting more…"

"More?"

"Well…like a line up of different guns. Not just three hanged in a case. I mean, they do look cool and all but still. And you sure you don't have a costume or pervy things maybe? Old scrolls, treasure, expensive pottery... You know. Secret room kind of things."

"Fufufu. I see. Well the gun's are antique and worth a fortune so you're not completely off. You're father even dumped them in the trash on his first day here."

"Seriously?"

"Of course, he didn't realize their value. And no, I don't have a costume."

"Shame. So did you and my father ever have to use this room?"

"…yes. Once when the apartment got attacked."

"I see. Thanks for showing it to me Asami-dono."

"Dono?" Asami tilted his head slightly in confusion at the suffix he was called twice by the boy.

"Ah. Sorry, Asami-san. Shall we have our talk now."

They left the rooms and sat at the dining table.

"So Ryuuta-Kun, tell me about yourself"

"What is this, an interview?"

Without an answer, Ryuuta gave in.

"Well as you know, my name is Ryuuta Takaba. I'm 17 years old. I grew up travelling the world while joining my father on his work trips. Because of living in so many different places, I learnt many languages including English, Japanese, Mandarine, Kantonese, Korean, Russian, Croatian and French among the most fluent ones. I work as a photographer which I learnt from my father. My hobbies are gaming, writing and cooking. Umm…I also enjoy hiking and skiing during the winter months. I was born and lived in Canada, Alberta most of my life and call it home. This is my first time in Japan… anything else you'd like to know?"

"Impressive, 8 fluent languages, a photographer and cook like your father... Looks like we didn't need to worry about that part. Have you graduated high school?"

"Yes, just before coming to Japan."

"That's good. And how are you liking Japan? Are you thinking of staying?"

"Well. I do like it. But Canada is also my home so I would like to visit whenever I can. But ya, I guess I am planning on staying for now."

"I see. That's good to hear. Now let's move on to your mother."

"Did you guys find any leads!?"

"No. We've used all our resources to no avail. We suspect that she's either-"

"That she's either out of the country or has passed on."

"…frankly, yes. So you suspected the same."

Its not hard to think of the possibility. My father once told me that my birth was a difficult one, a C section had to be preformed. He never said it, but I always suspected she had died from giving birth to me. That's why my father never talked about her. But thinking that my father was leading me to her here in Japan somehow made me forget that and gave me hope. But... my father wasn't the kind of man to abandon my mother and take me away without reason.

"no. Its okay. That was our consensus as well. He…was not that kind of man."

"Asami-san, who were you to my father?"

"Hmm…I believe I already said we were friends."

"No. That look in your eyes whenever you think of my farther is one I know well."

"My eyes?"

"Yes. You have an amazing poker face. But the expression of the eyes never lies. Its something I learnt from my father. You see, there were many times my father thought I wasn't looking, I was painfully aware of his pain, sadness, regret and …longing. He avoided Japan with all his might. But I've seen our laptops history, how many times he checked flights to Japan, how many times he picked up his phone, staring at it, inputting a number but never dialed it. How his final words were a confession of a love he still held. How the care and love he showed me, his son, his family, was a reflection of the love he had for my mother… or lover. Asami-san, you and my father were lovers weren't you?"

"…I'm impressed. Maybe you should become a detective. Well, no point in hiding it. Yes, we were lovers."

"I see... Thanks for being honest with me. Now I can give up."

"Give up? On what?

" On searching for my mother. On ever finding out the truth or anything about her. I… always thought about it. How much did my father love my mother, was I born out of that love? When I thought she had already past away, who was my father longing for, waiting for, thinking of. So when I heard the name Asami escape my father's lips as he departed from this world. I jumped to the conclusion that it was my mother and chased after her. But it was your name he called. "

"That... may be true. But don't you want to make sure? And to meet her?"

"I do.. No. I did. But I've never met her, since the moment I was aware. My father was everything to me, that's why I wanted to know more about him. I thought I could, through my mother. But now I realize, she wouldn't know more than I or you did."

"If that is your decision. Then we'll respect it. But remember this Ryuuta. We've stopped the search for now as we have no leads. But if ever we get a lead, we will follow it through."

"Thank you. …Asami-san…Can I ask you one more question."

"of course."

"….If you were lovers then…that would mean my father betrayed you and left you for my mother. So…why are you still kind to me? Don't you hate my father?"

"No. Even now, I still only have love for your father. I do feel…something upon learning of his…betrayal perhaps. But at the same time, it feels pointless since the man in question isn't even here."

"I understand. I can't even be angry at him for hiding so much and for not telling me about my mother or even you. And its only been a couple of months. I can't imagine how it is after so many years."

"All I can say is that time heals I suppose. Now Ryuuta-kun. The reason I asked you to come today was to ask you something else."

"What is it?"

"The truth is, I've been looking for an heir these last few years, and I would like it to be you."

"Heir? As in being your successor? I don't think I'd be able to b-"

"You don't need to answer right now. We can take things slow. In fact, no matter your decision on that front, I would still like to adopt you as my son."

"…adopt?"

"You see, no matter the case, your father was part of my family. And you as his son are too."

"…please let me think about it."

"Of course."

"He said what!?"

"Shh!"

"Sorry. I just can't believe it. Was Asami Ryuuichi always a compassionate man who not only ignored his ex-lover's betrayal but decides to adopt the son and raise him to be his heir. What the hell! Who does that!"

"Maybe he has no other options?"

"You really think king of Japan's underworld has no other options?"

"…maybe he's love…or betrayal blind."

"It seems more likely…but no. I can't imagine it. Not Asami at least…maybe…he just saw something in you that reminded him of your father. A good thing."

"Right…ya…that must be it. Let's just go with that."

"So? Will you accept?"

"…I don't know about all that heir stuff. I mean he's an underworld lord…I don't really want to be a lord of anything."

"Then?"

"But he's the one who was closest to my father. And I feel strangely…something to him, maybe from the fact my father connects us. So…maybe adoption or living with him wouldn't be too bad."

"You seriously want to become Ryuuta Asami?"

"The building manager called my father Takaba Asami"

"Wow. Feels like a done deal."

"And…we'd be living in the place my father lived in."

"Listen Ryuuta-kun. Before you decide, think about what you'd like to do here in Japan. What Asami's existence means to you and if you want to regard him as family."

"I'll…have to think about that…"

Maya just stood in the alleyway in quiet staring at Ryuuta who was deep in thought. When an old man and a young actress left from the hotel opposite them, she gave him a smack on the back bringing him to full attention as he snapped one photo after another.

That night. Ryuuta stayed wide awake as he stared at his white ceiling for hours. Once the morning sun began to steep into the room, he made his decision.

Asami opened his eyes as the sun seeped into the back seat of the limousine.

Ever since he first came to the conclusion of Takaba's betrayal, something felt amiss. He grabbed his tablet on the seat next to him and flipped through the news reports. One in particular caught his attention. The remodeling of the main Tokyo hospital.

So their finally remodeling the place. I don't know why it took them seven years to decide on the design after I gave them my donation…

As he flipped through the posted design drawings, an old memory resurfaced at the image of the new redesign of the hospital lobby.

Akihito… Was that the reason you-

"The hospital"

"What? What about the hospital Asami-sama? Are you feeling ill?"

"Why didn't I consider it earlier? Suoh! Head to the hospital. I may have found a lead."

Was that the reason you sneaked off to the hospital that day Akihito? Because of your girl's pregnancy. You must have been there checking the baby's status or possibly learning of its existence.

"That day Akihito sneaked off to the hospital, he must have met with Ryuuta's mother. Have Kirishima meet us there and to check the records."

"Hai." Suoh made a hand's free call as he made U-turn and sped towards the hospital.

The hospital was nothing short of a mess. Construction had begun on parts of the building leaving patients and visitors forced to use side entrances and alternate routes to get to their destination. The temporary information desk was made out of rough wood and cardboard.

"Hello, sorry for the mess, how can I help you?"

"Were trying to get to the east wing."

"Ah right. So you need to take the elevator to the third floor, cross the red bridge, from there you take the elevator to the second level then go past the children's ward. From there you only need to take the elevator back to the first level and head left, turn left at the fork and you will be at the beginning of the east wing."

"Wasn't it just to the left of this lobby before?"

"Yes, but the access has been cut off by the construction."

"Is it okay for a hospital to be in this state?"

"Hmm…I'm not really sure. But I heard its because they're doing all the construction locations at once, to make up time. "

"Right… So you said take the elevator first right." Suoh felt a headache on its way thanks to talking to the kind receptionist.

"That's right, to the third floor then you ne-"

"Suoh, Asami-sama, I came to pick you up. I brought along Akihito's old doctor and the reports so we can talk outside."

"Oh thank you Kei. Perfect timing."

"Good. Let's go." Asami walked back towards the entrance with the men following suite.

The crew headed into a small coffee shop across the hospital where they got a booth table in the back. Kirishima took out a file with Akihito's name.

"Now then doctor, like I said earlier, we're looking for a women who was pregnant on the same day he picked up his prescriptions. This here." Kei pointed to a copy of an old prescription." Was prescribed by you."

"Like I said. I only say Akihito-Sama on the day he collapsed. I never called him to come back nor prescribed him any medication. I didn't see him after the first time so I don't know if he met a pregnant women.'

"It was your name on the prescription bag. You were his doctor. Who else could have done it except for you?" Kirishima pointed again to the name on the prescription.

"Doctor, don't you keep a record. How about doing a quick check for us"

"...Only for you Asami-sama."

The doctor took out his tablet from his briefcase and logged into the medical records. Once he entered Akihito's name, the screen showed two meetings with Akihito, a series of tests and one prescription.

"Impossible."

"Looks like you're lying to us Doctor."

"No, no, this is wrong. There must be some kind of mistake! I would never forget a patient you brought, p-please believe me Asami-sama-" Doc fell off his seat from the freight of Asami's glare. Scrambling his mind to find some kind of explanation. "It's impossible! I – I, I was in a surgery at the time! Yes. That's right, I remember this day, I had a twelve hour surgery. Look!"

He got up as quick as he fell, clicking on the screen which opened his past surgeries. He input the date and as his memory remembered, he was definitely in a surgery that day.

"See. It wasn't me! I don't know how this happened, maybe some error or someone hacked me or something. I mean it's impossible, I'm sure and the only one who could have remotely known my login is-"

"Is? "

"That's right. It must have been him. But please don't hurt him, he is my friend and has a nice family."

"Keep talking doc."

"Doctor Tak, he was my friend and colleague at the time. Now he moved away, but he would be the only one who could have known my password. Although I don't know why he did it. And I also talked about Takaba-san's symptoms with him so he could have contacted him."

"I see. And where can we get a hold of this Tak-sensei?"

"I don't know his current address or phone number. Oh but I have his email."

"I thought you were friends?"

"Yes we were, but we haven't seen each other since he retired a few years ago. And he doesn't like phones, so it's been mostly emails."

"I see. Looks like we're cursed with searching for people. Should have made it into a business years ago."

"Takaho Nozumi-sensei. He worked at Tokyo Main Hospital for 54 years before retiring seven years ago. He opened up a small clinic in a rural village. He went to school with the doctor and were very close since. There's a high probability that he was in contact with Takaba-sama and was the one who prescribed him the medicine. We are currently tracking him down." Kirishima closed the binder as he finished his report and set it down on the desk.

"Then he would be the one to know about why Ryuuta was there that day."

"That's correct."

"What about other records? Any pregnancies that day?"

"There were 22 pregnancy ultrasounds, three in labour, seven who had given birth, 32 who came for a pregnancy testing and 52 women who came for general women health check up."

"That's a lot."

PING

Kirishima checked his message.

"Asami-sama, Nozumi-sensei has replied to my email and stated that he will be visiting Tokyo early next week.

"How kind of him to come to us."

Ryuuta woke up early that morning, he headed to the river bank for a run when he bumped into his neighbor and friend.

"Jun-nii! Are you out for a morning run too?"

"Yes, although mines more of a night run. Shall we go together."

"Sure!"

The two young men continued their run adjacent to the river bank.

"Tell me Rtuuta-kun, how are things going?"

"Its going I suppose. I may be moving soon thought."

"I see, so you've made your decision."

"Decision?"

"A life decision. When I saw you the other day it looked like you were perplexed concerning something."

"Oh that's what you meant. Ya, I've more or less decided."

"Must not have been an easy choice."

"I'm still a little worried but…"

"But?"

"Well… I guess I'm curious and want to know more. They say stay close to friends and closer to enemies don't they?"

"Does that mean you'll be moving in with an enemy?"

"No…not enemy per say. Hmm… Like the unknown of him is the enemy."

"Hahahha, I see. I see. Sounds like fun. All the best with that."

"Thanks. How has the cooking been since last time?"

"Its going well, I'm almost at the point where I can make a non-burnt omlette and non-over salted soup."

"That's great. Soon you'll cook like a chef!"

"Right… I hope I can start making curry."

"Should I come over before I move out and show you how."

"Oh that would be great."

"Okay, how about Tuesday."

"After tomorrow eh… yup that works. Come in the afternoon."

"Sure. But Its too bad we won't be able to hang out as much once I leave."

"Oh don't worry, who knows, maybe we'll see each other more often." Jun raises his speed heading further away from Ryuuta.

"What do you mea- Jun?"

"Come on! Let's raise the speed. I'll race you back. Breakfast is on Winner."

"You're on!" Akihito raises his speed and catches up with Jun. "But isn't it usually on the loser?"

"Oh how sweet Ryu. But wouldn't want you losing on purpose now would I."

"What do you- oh… I get it. Now I have to win. Don't want to have a burnt egg for breakfast afterall."

"That a boy, but I need a taste tester so I'll be giving my all."

The two young men ran by passing each other time and time again until they ran side by side through the main entrace, Jun winning by a hair.

"ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. G-oo-d ru-n"

"He- . ha. You. Ha. Too."

They dropped down on Jun's couch, taking large breaths and laughing from being high on fun. After a long while, their breaths were steady and quiet filled the air.

"I'll start on that burnt omlette."

"Alright. And I'll start on the real breakfast once we're done testing."

"call. I'll race you on mario afterwards."

"Call!"

Ryuuta really enjoyed hanging out with Jun. He would even consider him a rare close friend. But ever since he first met him, he shrug the feeling of Jun hiding something.

Asami didn't like it. Things were going too easy and that never sit well with him. The doctor had given them a call that morning saying he would drop by Sion later in the afternoon once he was done visiting old friends. As Asami took a puff from his cigar, he heard a knock at the door, after a few seconds Kirishima entered with an elder man following closely behind.

"Nozumi-sensei, welcome. Thank you for coming this long way."

"It is a pleasure to finally meet Takaba Akihito's pair, Asami-dono was it. Nozumi-sensei gave a deep bow to Asami, his back held up straight.

"I was not under the impression you knew about us. I must say I'm surprised.

Of course. I have never forgotten Takaba-san, how is he doing now?

" He... He passed away a month ago."

"... I... See. That is a shame. I had wanted to see him happy in person.

"In person? Were you in contact with him?"

"No, not necessarily. Just a few times over the years, he had sent a few photos over. I had no idea how he got my address but I was happy to receive them."

"Do you have them with you."

"Of course. Just give me one second." Nozumi-sensei set his bag down on the table where they proceeded to sit around. From the table he took out eight letters with photos within them and passed them around.

"This is…"

"It has the name 'Ryuuta' written on the back, so that would be the baby next to Takato-san."

"Yes, he looks like the boy."

The photos showed Ryuuta as a baby and moments of his growth, the last photo was dated a year prior showing Ryuuta in a suit next to a handsome older version of the Akihito Asami once knew shining bright next to his son.

I never taught I'd ever see your smile again Akihito. It's a nice and strange feeling, seeing you had lived in joy while away from me.

"Doctor, the reason we called for you was concerning the mother of this child. We are looking for her."

"… I… see. He never ended up telling you, did he."

"Telling me what?"

"Asami-dono, may I first ask what happened when Takaba-san left."

"We had a fight just before I left on a business trip. He disappeared during that time. We still don't know the exact reason. But we suspect it's because he got a child with the women and so decided to leave. We want to know if the mother is alive. I can't imagine him leaving without her if she was alive and well."

"The envelopes I received were always hand delivered, So I didn't know he left the country nor left your side. I had wondered why you were not in the photos. But as I only had a few, I suspected he wanted to show me his child. But now I see how wrong I had been." Nozumi-sensei looked straight into Asami's eyes and was satisfied with what he saw. "I'm sorry to say, that is not the case."

"Not the case? So the mother is alive?"

"No, you see. What I mean is that it was not that he left with or without her, rather it was he left without you Asami-dono."

Asami and Kirishima exchanged a look that said they had hit a dead end with this doctor. They didn't like being tiptoed around, from experience, this meant that the person was either playing with them or didn't know anything. And against Asami, it was almost always the latter.

"Listen Doctor, just give it to me straight."

"Very well. 17 years ago. I was the one who contacted Akihito. I viewed his report by chance while discussing with my colleague at the time and suspected it from his symptoms." Nozumi-sensei saw the confusion in the men's eyes. "you see. It was Akihito-San who was pregnant. Pregnant with your child Asami-dono."

"What did you just say?... I must have misheard you. Did you just say Akihito is the mother?...Is that… even p-possible." Kirishima couldn't believe his ears.

"It's extremely rare. But yes, it is possible. Didn't you notice the resemble between the child and Asami-dono? I recognized it immediately."

"I mean of course I did. They have the same eye colour, part of his build and expressions. But that must be because Takaba-sama chose someone who resembled Asam-sama...or…so we thought."

"Why would you suspect pregnancy. 17 years ago. Why did you call him in?" Asami remained calm. The craziness of the possibility made more sense than anything else they had.

"I had a friend who was in the same position. As his doctor, I knew the signs well. When we met up and the test showed positive. He had taken the ultrasound photo with him and said he would prepare a surprise for his lover. He… was so excited to share the news with you and have a family together."

…I finally understand what that expression meant. That day at the hospital and so many times after. Akihito…you were holding in your excitement and perplexed emotions…just waiting to tell me and I… I am such a fool

" After he passed away a few months ago, his son came to Japan in search of his mother. But to think it was me."

After a short silence, Asami thanked Nozumi-sensei for being there for Akihito all those years ago and asked to make a copy of the photos. Upon accepting, he let the doctor go on his way after making a promise to meet again soon to learn more.

Asami sat alone in his office long after the doctor and Kirishima left. He poured himself a drink of bourbon to accompany him on his journey through memory lane. So many mysteries fell into place. Expressions and actions became clear as day. He took out the letter Akihito had written the day he left, re-reading it as if for the first time. He almost laughed at himself for not seeing it sooner.

This isn't a goodbye letter… it's a freaking love letter.

The letter was filled with love and worry. Both of which Asami had missed. As he picked up the copy of the photos the doctor had left. A new and strong emotion grew within him as he looked at the boy.

my…no. Our son…

He wanted to meet him. As if for the first time. The resemblance, the connection. It was all there.

"What a blind fool I had been."

And to think I was going to-

Knock Knock Knock

A knock on the door broke his train of thought.

"Enter."

Ryuuta entered the office. He stopped a meter in front of Asami's desk where he sat. He wore tight jeans with an oversized sweater. One hand in his pocket and a firm stance, he looked straight into Asami's eyes. Slowly and without showing any fear, he took out his hand and pointed the gun he held towards Asami's forehead.

"Tell me the truth, or let your corpse tell it."