Chapter 30
Taiki drove with Amy out of the dense city traffic into a small suburb. Amy curiously observed the surroundings. That Taiki and his brothers were involved in dubious dealings was nothing new to Amy. Often, she had adapted medical records for Kakashi, in addition to the usual check-ups, but she had never delved deeper into it. It was the first time she was forming her own impression, and when Taiki asked her to pack her emergency bag, she became even more suspicious.
Taiki reassuringly held her hand as he turned into a small inconspicuous street. Suddenly, his grip tightened, and Amy felt that something was wrong.
"What the hell! I thought I made myself clear yesterday!" Taiki cursed softly when he saw Yaten's car in the driveway. "What's going on?" Amy wanted to know. "I hope we're not too late. Come on, we need to go down to the basement and hope that Yaten hasn't completely incapacitated him yet. Bring anything that might be important; I don't know what we're going to face down there," he called to her as he jumped out of the car.
Taiki didn't wait for Amy but walked briskly towards the door, and she followed him at a distance. "Yaten?!" he shouted, but there was no response. Quiet curses escaped Taiki's lips once again. He hurried down the basement stairs and opened the heavy metal door. An unusual silence greeted him, and an uncomfortable feeling settled within him. Silence here often wasn't a good sign. He pushed the door open and struggled to maintain his composure.
Anger boiled up in him as he saw Zoisite's desolate condition. Every breath seemed like agony for the tortured man. His face was severely swollen and covered with lacerations, dried blood clung to his wounds. Large portions of skin were missing from his forearm, and various skin irritations were evident on his stomach and legs. Yaten had clearly taken his time to unleash his fury the entire night.
The silver-haired man sat in his chair, fixating on his visitors without any expression.
"I thought I made myself clear yesterday! Yaten, what have you done?" Taiki exclaimed incredulously. Amy cautiously approached Taiki's side, her eyes falling on the bound and terribly battered man. Then, she sought Taiki's gaze, only approaching the table when he nodded, indicating that she should tend to him.
"I had to try again. If he's going to an institution anyway, it doesn't matter how he looks," Yaten said dryly after some time. Taiki ran his hand over his brow. "No, it does matter! We need a plausible backstory! How are we going to sensibly explain skin shedding and all the other stuff?" Taiki paused briefly. "At least tell me you were successful... and that this wasn't all in vain." With a brief gesture, he indicated Zoisite. A sly grin appeared on Yaten's face. "He was a damn tough nut, and I don't know how far the information will take me, but before he lost consciousness for the last time, he gave me an address and begged to be finally released." Taiki had no choice but to shake his head. "What address?" "The whereabouts of our new Mrs. Chiba." "Don't you think we have significantly more important issues at the moment than Mamoru's love life? How far along are you in finding Serena's siblings?" Yaten began cleaning his fingers with a cloth. "I'm still waiting for information... You need to be more patient, dear brother."
An impatient snort escaped the brown-haired one. "Coming from you." He shifted his gaze to Amy, who had started tending to Zoisite's wounds. "How is he?"
"I've never seen anything like this... There are some exposed nerves in his hand, parts of his skin are peeled off, as if someone tried to skin him, other areas are irritated, others burnt... I don't even know where to start with the treatment," Amy shockingly listed her initial overview of injuries.
Taiki gave his brother a reproachful look, but Yaten just shrugged indifferently. "Do your best. No one needs to know it's Yaten's torture chamber. Provide a diagnosis and talk to your colleague from college. I want him out of here as soon as possible. The most crucial thing is, he needs constant sedation without ever waking up. Can you handle that?" "Let me patch him up first, and then we'll see... It's going to be a good deal of work. It will take me several hours just to make him transportable."
"Fine, do what you can. If you need anything, we'll be upstairs." Taiki held the door open for Yaten, indicating him to follow. Reluctantly, Yaten complied.
As soon as they left the basement, Taiki continued his tirade. "I thought we agreed yesterday. Hands off Zoisite, or was that not clear?" Yaten nonchalantly took a seat, propped his feet up on the table, and observed his brother attentively. "I think you'll overlook that. In exchange, I offer you my silence."
"Your silence? Did I miss something? You're the one who's stirred up a damn big mess here. If anyone finds out that you have Zoisite, Chiba's confidant, down here, not only will Chiba raise hell, but so will Father. I'm trying to save your ass here, in case you missed that."
"My dear brother, you seem to have overlooked that I am the master of Tokyo's secrets... First, there's this heightened interest in the doctor, which began over two years ago, combined with your nervousness when she disappeared. That made me suspicious. You spent almost four hours with her yesterday. Tell me, what do you do for four hours in a hotel room with a doctor? A health check? Hardly. Up until now, you might have skillfully talked your way out of this, but just as you came in with her... Forget it! Your interaction is too familiar. Besides, I recognized her perfume. Remember your 'private' appointment on the night before your wedding? You smelled just like that... So Taiki, I hate to repeat myself, but I offer you my silence in exchange for a free pass."
The words cut through the air like sharp blades, and Taiki felt caught red-handed. Cornered and unable to deny the uncomfortable reality. Gritting his teeth but simmering with anger and frustration internally, Taiki broke the silence. "You shouldn't always assume that you see through everything, Yaten. What's between me and the doctor is none of your business."
Yaten leaned back comfortably in his chair, grinning challengingly. "Oh, but it is very much my business. If the wrong people find out that you're violating the marriage contract, we'll lose everything as the Kou family. You should think about that the next time you're with her. I'm generous. I offer you my silence, of course not without conditions. But I'll surely be of use to you. After all, you probably want to keep seeing her. You know, one hand washes the other."
Taiki's forehead furrowed, and he looked at his brother skeptically. "And how do you envision this free pass? What conditions are you attaching to it?"
Yaten leaned back casually, crossing his legs. "Quite simple. You will overlook my antics with Zoisite and support me in gathering information—even if it concerns Mina or goes against Chiba. I want a free hand without you putting a stop to it, like you're doing right now."
Taiki felt a dilemma closing in around him. On one hand, he didn't want to give Yaten more leeway in these matters, but on the other hand, he couldn't afford his relationship with Amy to be exposed. After a moment of contemplation, and realizing that Yaten had always had free rein in his investigations, Taiki made a decision, albeit reluctantly. "Fine, but on the condition that no more confidants, from anyone, find their way here. The rest I don't care about."
Yaten stretched, and his gaze revealed triumph. "Fine by me... Those are tough nuts to crack anyway. Zoisite has been hanging around here for quite a while without contributing anything useful... except for last night. Where do you want to put him?"
Feeling somewhat more relaxed, Taiki took a seat opposite Yaten. "Amy has a contact from her college days in Yokohama. She's confident she can place him there. But not in this condition. What were you thinking? I had a reason to tell you to leave him alone." "Stop... no interference, and the guy in the basement never existed. Already forgotten?" Yaten said, winking, and reached for his cigarettes.
The cold winter wind whistled through the narrow streets of the impoverished district as Usagi and Makoto arrived with the filled trunk of their car. The streets bore the marks of winter's chill, and the people lingering here appeared weary and lost. Initially, the homeless eyed the strangers with suspicion. Distrust was often the only defense these people had against life's disappointments. Usagi and Makoto tried to approach the people, and it didn't take long for the first needy hands to reach for the warm blankets.
Makoto observed the scene with a warm smile. Usagi's ability to connect with these people was unique. She positively radiated warmth and kindness. "That was a great idea, Serena. How did you come up with it?" Makoto asked Usagi quietly as they got back into the car. Usagi nodded with a wistful smile. "That... that's a long personal story. Maybe I'll tell you sometime," she said, gazing thoughtfully out of the window. "There are only a few blankets left, and I'd like to distribute them somewhere else," she said calmly, describing the place she wanted to go to Makoto.
"Please wait here; I want to take care of this one alone. It's not far, just around the corner. I'll be back shortly," she said, jumped out of the car, took the remaining blankets, and headed toward her destination.
With the blankets under her arm, Usagi walked along the familiar streets of her old neighborhood. It felt like walking through the chapters of her past; every cobblestone told a story from the times when she lived on the fringes of society. The curve of the road led her to her old begging spot, a place that had once been her home when her siblings were still with her. Here, she had met Seiya for the first time, and at this place, her life had taken a turn she could never have anticipated. A touch of nostalgia crept into her thoughts as she looked at this spot. Then, her eyes fell on a girl she knew from earlier times – the exact person Usagi had hoped to encounter. She knew this girl also had siblings to take care of, and the blankets she carried would lift a significant burden from her shoulders.
For a moment, she hesitated, but then she took the final steps. "Hey, I don't know if you remember me... last winter, we spent some nights together under the bridge." Her voice was friendly, full of warmth as she tried to establish a connection. The girl raised her gaze, surprise and a tentative hope reflecting in her eyes. "Usa? Is that you?"
Usagi nodded gently. "Yes, Naru. A lot has changed for me. I know exactly how tough it can be here... Some things you just can't forget. Look, I brought a few blankets for you. It's not much, but I hope it helps." Naru smiled gratefully at Usagi. "Thank you, Usa. It's really kind of you. How are you doing?" Usagi returned the smile, but a hint of sadness also appeared in her eyes. "I'm doing okay so far. A lot has changed, but I'm trying to make the best of it. And how about you? Do you have enough to eat? Is there anything urgent you need?" she inquired, trying to learn about the needs of her old acquaintance.
The two women exchanged a few words, and Naru shared details of her daily life and the challenges they faced. Much of it was not new to Usagi, and she felt transported back to her old times.
Suddenly, Usagi froze, as if invisible forces had brought her to a halt. Her gaze focused on a point across the street. At first, she wasn't sure what had caught her attention, but upon closer inspection, she recognized him. Seiya stood there, slightly in the shadow of the buildings, watching her. Her heart raced, and for a moment, the world around her seemed to blur. Usagi became nervous. "I'm sorry, Naru, I have to go, but I promise I'll come back," she said hurriedly. Her voice sounded absent.
Seiya, who had been watching her movements, appeared equally surprised and overwhelmed. "Darling?" he called out and approached her hesitantly after she crossed the street. "What are you doing here?" "I... I've been distributing blankets. Taiki suggested I do something useful with the money... and you?" Seiya looked at her with a longing gaze. "I was on my way back from the harbor to Haruka's apartment... this is the fastest route, and when I saw you standing here..." His fingers brushed against hers for just a few seconds as he spoke. "What were you doing at Haruka's?" Usagi inquired. "Darling, for now, I'm staying with her. We can't allow this to continue..." He looked pained as he glanced past her at these words. "But you don't have to move out right away, and certainly not because of me," she responded, slightly shocked.
"It's not because of you... It's because of myself. If I know you're around me all day, I'm sure I won't be able to restrain myself for long," his rough hand gently touched her cheek, and his longing eyes looked at her expectantly. "But what if I want you around?" she whispered, and her hand held his firmly.
Seiya glanced briefly around the crowd. "Are you alone here?" Usagi shook her head. "Makoto is waiting in the parking lot around the corner. I wanted to bring a little joy to an old acquaintance alone." "I can't bear to leave you alone, but I need to learn that you'll never be mine," Seiya whispered with a broken voice. "Seiya, I can't lose you. Not you too... I'm already alone," Usagi breathed, and their gazes melted together in a moment of love and pain.
This was the sentence Seiya had been waiting for. He pulled her by the wrist into the narrow niche between two buildings, pressed her lightly against the wall, and demanded an intense kiss from her. Usagi closed her eyes and simply surrendered to the moment. Only when she felt him part his lips from hers did she blink up at him. A faint blush adorned her cheeks.
Seiya bit his lips in agony. "You always manage to make me forget myself. That's why it's probably better if I stay with Ruka... We shouldn't do this... Tai is my brother; I can't do this to him, you're married to him... But, darling, if you need me, I'll always be there for you... You're not alone, I promise."
Usagi felt a pang in her chest as Seiya spoke those words. She tried to conceal her disappointment, forced herself into a sad smile, unable to respond. Slowly, Seiya let his hand slide from her cheek and stepped back. Regret was evident in his eyes. "I don't want to hurt you, darling. The last thing I want is for you to suffer because of me... But we're only making it difficult for each other. I wish it could be different."
Usagi sighed and looked longingly into Seiya's eyes. "Sometimes we have to make sacrifices to protect those we love. We'll find a way to deal with this. I... I have to go back now before Makoto starts looking for me."
The two stood silently facing each other as the sounds of the city around them became a blurred background. Usagi felt the uncertainty and pain in her chest growing. Then, without another word, she turned around and briskly walked down the street. She dared not look back to see him. The tears gathering in her eyes threatened to overflow, but she forced them back. This was a decision they had made, and now they had to accept the consequences.
Seiya stood for a moment on the street before lowering his head in resignation. His gaze followed her until she was out of sight. Alone in the silence of the street, Seiya lingered for a while before finally turning around and slowly walking in the opposite direction.
"Here you are, I was about to check on you. Did you manage everything?" Makoto asked as Usagi returned to the car. Usagi nodded somewhat sadly and got in.
"By the way, your phone kept ringing non-stop as soon as you left," Makoto said and handed her the phone. Usagi looked at the display with surprise.
Usagi joined the group "Kou's + Haruka."
A faint smile appeared on her lips. Then she opened the chat.
No session tonight. Have to take the visitor to Yokohama. Taiki
Is he still in decent condition? xD Haruka
You knew about his plans? Why didn't anyone inform me?! He's okay, Dr. Mizuno is taking care of him. Taiki
I could guess... Yaten did you find out anything or just venting frustration? Haruka
Why venting frustration? Is there something again that I'm not aware of? Taiki
Ruka so-so, at least a small lead... NO, you know everything now! Yaten Seiya has my delivery arrived by now? Yaten
Yes, everything is in the office at the harbor... You can pick it up... I'm on the road for now. Seiya
And you didn't inform me?! Give me half an hour! Haruka
Can we agree to discuss only important matters here? Otherwise, it will get too confusing. Taiki
This is important! If he trains without me ... anyway, I'll be there in a moment! Haruka
Usagi looked at the chat history. She knew for sure that Seiya wasn't on any racetrack because less than 10 minutes ago, he was standing right in front of her. She lightly bit her lower lip, which he had touched just a while ago.
"Is everything okay? You look kind of strange," Makoto inquired, noticing Usagi's facial expression. "Yes... of course... I was just lost in thought... Let's head home," Usagi replied.