Chapter 62

With lightness and unmistakable determination, Haruka descended the basement stairs in a few muted leaps. The diffuse light of the bulbs above her painted flickering shadows on the walls as she pushed open the heavy metal door of the basement storage. Today was New Year's Eve, but for Haruka, there was no time for celebrations. She was in a hurry and had no heightened interest in wasting her time down here, but she needed to find out what this mysterious deal was about.

With swift, determined steps, she crossed the long, narrow corridor and finally pushed open the door to the interrogation room. Her gaze immediately fell on Tellu, sitting on a chair, her hands and feet securely tied. Her head had fallen forward, and soft snoring filled the air. "At least Yaten managed to do this much in his condition," Haruka sarcastically praised him in her thoughts.

But Haruka was not here to judge Yaten and his methods. Her gaze swept across the room. Empty whiskey bottles adorned the table, and Yaten's jacket lay carelessly on the floor, with a notepad on top. The empty whiskey bottles on the table clinked softly as Haruka squatted down and inspected Yaten's notes. The first page contained valuable information, but as she looked further down, Yaten's handwriting seemed to spiral out of control. The letters blurred into a kind of hieroglyphic script that raised more questions than answers. But as she flipped the page, words simply failed her.

Meticulously noted questions covered this side of the paper as well, but each one was overshadowed by massive hangman puzzles. Haruka furrowed her brow in confusion and displeasure. Had Yaten really played a hangman game with her instead of demanding clear answers? A hint of anger flashed through her, and she ran her fingers over her eyebrows to control her emotions. This couldn't be serious!

In the next moment, Haruka stood up, her hand grabbed Tellu's hair, and she pulled the head back unceremoniously. "Ouch... What's this?" grumbled Tellu vigorously, blinking her eyes open. "Sorry, your dream prince from last night is still in a coma, and my time is limited. So gather your sober brain cells and answer me; the sooner you do, the sooner you'll be rid of me." Tellu groaned and tried to touch her head, but then she noticed her hand was tied again. "What do you want? The deal was clear, and I fulfilled it last night," muttered Tellu, looking at Haruka. "Very well, that brings us to the topic. What deal are we talking about here?" Haruka began her quest for answers. "I was supposed to tell Yaten what I know, and in return, he said he'd let me go after his conversation with Mimete... so why am I still tied up like a package? I told him everything he wanted to know."

Haruka rolled her eyes and held the notepad under Tellu's nose. "Maybe because you played Hangman instead of jotting down the answers?!" she asked ironically and louder than originally intended. In response, Tellu grimaced in pain. "Can you keep it down? My head is pounding like a whole train just went through... It's not my fault if he didn't jot everything down."

Haruka sighed; this made no sense. Neither Yaten nor Tellu were in a usable state. She turned away from the green-haired woman and tossed the notepad onto the table. A glance at the clock told her she had little time left if she wanted to be on time for her appointment at the harbor. "Answer Yaten's remaining questions when he regains consciousness, and then have him call me. I don't have time for this kindergarten now," Haruka said, heading towards the door. "Hey, you can't just leave me here like this! I'm thirsty, and besides, I need to use the bathroom!" Tellu shouted after her, but Haruka had no intention of turning back. Yaten could handle this mess on his own.

Usagi had by now stored her own suitcases and Seiya's luggage in the closet. In line with the weather, she wore a light dress with sleeves. Seiya had some matters to discuss with Taiki and would contact Haruka, so Usagi had some time to let everything sink in. Her legs dangled from the bed where she lay stretched out. One hand rested on her still flat stomach, and she smiled knowingly, thinking about how Shingo would react when he found out he was going to be an uncle.

Only when the door opened slowly did she snap out of her thoughts. "Serena? I just wanted to check on you. Are you done unpacking?" Taiki's well-known voice sounded. She sat up and looked at her husband. "Yes, I'm really fine, and you don't have to ask me every few hours. Seiya barely let me unpack the suitcases, afraid it might be too much," she said slightly annoyed, blowing a stray strand of hair from her face. Taiki just grinned at her. "He's just worried, and no one can blame him... After all, you've caused quite a stir in our lives so far. But the main thing is that you can finally rest properly now. Far away from your father. However, Seiya and I have to go back to Tokyo in a week at the latest. But you can stay here with Suna and Shingo as long as you want. Amy would adapt and take care of the check-ups if you decide to stay. No one would blame you if you don't come back to Tokyo."

Shaking her head, Usagi stood up and paced around the room. Both felt the palpable oppressive silence. "No. I won't hide anymore. Besides, how would it look if we spread beautiful vacation pictures in the media, and then you return alone? Also, the opening of the homeless center is coming up, and I have to disclose how the funds were used at the women's meeting..." she began to express her thoughts aloud, but Taiki stopped her rant when he placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Serena," he said insistently, seeking eye contact. "Don't you think you're demanding too much of yourself again?" he asked with concern, but the determination in Usagi's eyes was clear. "Trust me, I can handle it. I'm stronger than I look, and besides, I have Makoto by my side in Tokyo. I don't think she'll ever leave my side again," she declared confidently. "Yes, that's true. Poor thing was completely exhausted and really deserved this short break... So, now that everything is settled, how about a few pictures in the garden or by the pool? I can already send the ones from the arrival to our press department as New Year's greetings for tomorrow."

Usagi nodded. "Yes, that sounds good. But I think we should find another photographer. Seiya really didn't seem happy," Usagi giggled as she followed Taiki outside. "We'll photograph him first before he can avoid it again," Taiki countered decisively. "But what about Amy? Are you sure she'll feel comfortable standing by Seiya's side? I mean... It's already an art that we manage it so well," Usagi expressed her skepticism. Taiki stopped abruptly. "No, it's not. We grew into it. Serena, we became friends, and you're carrying my children under your heart. Even for me, touching you at the beginning felt strange. Even just holding your hand in public took me some courage back then, but the more you do something, the more normal it becomes... And it's not about some trivial matters; it's about ensuring Amy's safety. So, they have no other choice but to learn to get along, just like we did," he explained calmly, but Usagi saw the concern in his eyes. "Okay. Let's see where they are," she replied kindly, hoping to lift Taiki's mood a bit. "They're lying together with Suna in the shade. Come with me."

Taiki was right; Seiya, Amy, and Setsuna were lounging together in swimsuits by the pool in the semi-shade. Taiki stood behind his brother and cleared his throat to get his attention. Seiya, looking slightly sleepy, raised his head and pushed his black sunglasses down to see his brother better. "What's up, Tai?" he asked, but his voice sounded decidedly disinterested. Only when Usagi stepped into his line of sight behind Taiki, his expression automatically brightened, and he jumped up. "Darling, are you done with everything? Or do you need help with something?"

Taiki rolled his eyes at Seiya's sudden burst of energy. "Yes, Serena is done with everything, and now we'd like to take some pictures. Of you and Amy, and then some of us, so they can be sent out today," Taiki announced the next steps. However, his brother seemed anything but thrilled, and there was a certain uncertainty on Amy's face.

Amy stood up and nodded shyly. Of course, she had already discussed Taiki's plan extensively and had ultimately come to the same conclusion as him. She had to reluctantly appear in public as Seiya's girlfriend now, and that's why she sought Taiki's proximity again. His protective arms were around her, and he pressed an encouraging kiss on her forehead.

Now it was Seiya who impatiently cleared his throat. "Can we get this over with now, or do you want to disappear into the room first?" he asked provocatively, earning a stern look from Usagi, which he countered with a wink. Boldly, he stole another kiss from his beloved and posed at the edge of the swimming pool. "Here?" he inquired with his brother, and Amy hesitantly approached him. She stood at a little distance from Seiya, and Usagi frowned in dissatisfaction.

"The pool is good since you're wearing swimwear, but you seem more like casual acquaintances than a couple. You'll have to make a bit more effort. No one will believe it otherwise," she criticized the expressions and gestures of the two.

Soon, Mimetes' words echoed in her mind again. "You always have to face him, body language is crucial. No crossed arms or anything... Think of the happiest moment in your life when you look up at him. That automatically gives you a loving look..." How many times had she heard these sermons from her and practiced the right behavior with her? She precisely told her what to pay attention to in pictures. And that would help her now.

"You should somehow touch each other," she called out her suggestions to the two. Seiya gave her an annoyed look and then positioned himself behind Amy. "Better?" he asked the blonde, and she clearly heard his dissatisfaction. Usagi observed the two critically and shook her head. "No, it still doesn't look right. You have to get closer as if you were in love. Hug or hold hands, but don't let that distance remain."

Seiya and Amy exchanged uncertain glances before Seiya put his arm around Amy's waist. Amy could see the slight surprise on his face, but she tried to play her role as convincingly as possible. Usagi nodded approvingly and said, "Better. But remember, a genuine smile always makes a big difference; you have to appear relaxed and easygoing." Usagi continued giving her directorial instructions.

Suddenly, Seiya pushed Amy away. "I can't do this like this, and especially not when you're messing around behind Taiki and shouting instructions at me." "Seiya, you know how important this is," Taiki warned his brother as he walked past him. "Yeah, give me a short break, and then we can try it again," he grumbled.

Taiki exchanged a brief glance with Usagi. Their communication was silent, and in that moment, they understood each other without words. She nodded briefly at the brown-haired man and was already with Seiya with a few steps.

Reconcilingly, she wrapped her arms around him from behind and planted a kiss on his neck. "You can do it. I'm sure of it," she whispered in his ear. With a skillful movement, he turned around and wrapped his arms around her waist. He leaned his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. "I only have eyes for you, and I've had that since the beginning. Tell me, how can I manage to look at someone else in that way?" Her hand caressed his cheek tenderly. "You'll manage it. Taiki and I will take our pictures now, and then you can try again with Amy... and Seiya, you don't need to be jealous; there's only you for me too," she whispered softly to him. "And why is it so damn easy for you two to play the perfect couple in front of the camera?" he growled frustrated, causing Usagi to sigh in desperation. "Because I received weeks of training from Mimetes, with strict instructions on how to present myself, and because Taiki and I are already in sync with each other. So, now watch us and learn."

Taiki had also had a brief conversation with Amy and now handed his phone to Setsuna. "Would you be so kind as to take the pictures so the other two can watch?" he asked politely. "But only if it's quick. I have a lot to prepare; sunset is coming soon," she replied curtly and took it from him.

Meanwhile, Usagi had joined Taiki again. "What do you think about taking the pictures over there in the front garden? The pool would be a bit inappropriate with our choice of clothes," she suggested, and Taiki responded with a nod. Never before had Usagi shown such professionalism. So far, she had just played along, but he had to admit that he liked this dedicated side of his wife. Slowly, she seemed to be settling into this world. Taiki and Usagi positioned themselves in front of the lush bush with white blossoms, providing a picturesque backdrop. The sun was slowly descending towards the horizon, giving the setting a warm, soft light.

Carefully, Taiki wrapped his arms around Usagi from behind, and she tilted her head up to him while Setsuna kept pressing the shutter button. There was so much kindness in Taiki's gaze, and in hers, just pure joy and happiness. Afterward, they switched to two more poses; for the next one, they stood arm in arm side by side, and for the last picture, they began to stroll hand in hand through the garden.

Setsuna's eyes widened suddenly. "Stop! Don't take another step!" she shouted at them, and to her relief, both stopped immediately. Taiki turned to her with a puzzled look. "What's going on?" he asked confused. Setsuna scratched her head embarrassedly. "The back part of the garden is off-limits for you; I should have mentioned that earlier. That's why I threw the knife at Seiya earlier... Well, you and Seiya could probably get through, but I wouldn't recommend it to your ladies."

Now Seiya became curious. "Suna, what's in the garden?" "Traps, and not just a few. Most are still active; I would need to activate two or three more to finish the short one's training for today..." she began to explain. "You're training her brother?" Seiya asked somewhat surprised, to which Setsuna just rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Yes... actually, your brother forced me to do it... Better not ask, there's still a lot of work with that half-pint. At least after almost two weeks, he now knows how to avoid traps and hold a weapon properly."

Suddenly, the black-haired youth felt the urge to face the challenges. The idea of dedicating himself to training seemed to appeal to him, and without further words, he ran off, driven by the prospect of an exciting training session.

However, after just a few steps, he overlooked a fine, tense thread, and when it snapped, some of Setsuna's traps were set in motion. Seiya skillfully dodged the first flying blades. Usagi held her breath as she saw how precisely Seiya moved. He easily overcame the following obstacles, but then, when he reached the small fountain in the middle, he thought he was safe. He turned back to the others and gave them a lopsided smile. "A bit of training is really enjoyable. I should definitely do it more often."

Suddenly, Setsuna's expression changed. Angrily furrowing her brow, she yelled, "Seiya, you damn idiot! Shingo is coming back any moment, and you've already disarmed half of them! Get your ass back here and help me rebuild everything, or you'll get a special training session with me, and it won't be as easy for you."

A bit intimidated, Seiya scratched the back of his head and retraced his steps. "It was just too tempting. Sorry," he didn't get any further since, being distracted, he overlooked another string, and the arrow triggered by it shot towards him. In the nick of time, he managed to jump aside, but the arrowhead grazed his upper arm. "Ah... damn it," he finished his sentence.

Usagi was about to run to him, but Taiki held her back. His gaze shifted from Setsuna to Amy and then to Seiya. Setsuna rolled her eyes. "It's okay; I'll get him out." Amy ran to get her first aid kit. With a few moves, Setsuna deactivated the remaining traps and signaled the others that it was safe.

Usagi quickly ran to his side to inspect the injury. "You really need to be more careful. First, your leg, and now your arm... What am I supposed to do if you're not so lucky next time," she scolded him but hugged him in relief in the same second. Next to her, Amy crouched down; she had already opened her small medical bag and taken out the essential items. "Serena, can you let me attend to the wound for a moment? Then you can have him all to yourself again."

Usagi slowly released her grip and stood back next to Taiki. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he pulled out his phone. Finally, he had at least two reasonably usable pictures.