Hush Temperance

by Chance Green G King

A short story focusing on student Hikaru Taoka who has odd and unusual circumstances that make other people raise their eyebrows, either finding it hard to believe or something. He doesn't care, besides what they don't know is that he is in a relationship with his own teacher Sadayo Kawakami. If interested in reading, then please, by all means. (Rated M for a very good reason)

7. Chapter 6

Here's chapter 7 oof Hush Temperance, for those that have been continuing to read and follow this story, thank you so much. I'm aware there aren't really many who'd probably ever try to do this, but its one reason why I wanted to.

Anyways, with that being said, huge shout out to Pyrojack for helping me write this chapter.

(Note, this will not have a lemon in it. Yes, yes, I know shocker. Because every single one of these always did have a lemon. But I assure you there's a good serious reason for that. Also depending on what course of the story goes on and what might happen, there might be another chapter with no lemons. Which honestly, even this would need a break from it. Just to make it a bit well...realistic and not a straight up porno😝At least that's how I see it.)

---

7/3. Sunday.

Weather: Clear

On a nice beautiful sunny day, the two of them decided to meet up at Ichigaya, there was local spot where people could fish if they wanted to. Not an ideal setting, but at least it gave the two an excuse to go out and do something. Only difference was that Sadayao was wearing a sun hat. It has now been officially three weeks and a day counting since their relationship had been discovered and by the new kid no less!

If things had gone in a different direction and if Ren wasn't such a decent guy, they would be screwed. Like ten out of a one hundred percent screwed, big time.

No education for Hikaru, say goodbye to Sadayo's reputation and career, all of it!

And to make things even wierder, there even having Ren call her up for services so that she can continue to work. Was Hikaru pleased with the ide? No. Was Sadayo pleased with it? No. Nor was she to freakin happy when he told her about it. He was pretty damn sure, she was going to choke him out for it.

Last month has been nothing but a headache and a half for the both of them. While they're glad he'll keep his mouth shut. It doesn't really calm their nerves.

Not to mention Hikaru was constantly on the vigilant look out, checking in on his lover making sure the possible 'four eyed prick' didn't do anything to her. Even at school he'd be giving him the eye every so often.

Was he messing around? No. He made it perfectly clear not to a damn thing to her and no funny business. That task alone fell onto the scared young man alone.

"You know, to most people, a fishing date isn't what they have in mind most of the time." Sadayo said as she was sitting next to him, both staring down and keeping focus on their lines.

"And I don't think I know another woman that's into fishing." Hikaru retorted. "Unless there male lead singers or boy bands, or...meh, you get it. Could go elsewhere."

"No, it's fine." The woman in the yellow shirt assures him. "It's kinda refreshing to do something different."

"That it is..." He sighed.

"By the way how you feeling about mid terms?" Now Hikaru groaned.

"Do you seriously have to bring this up now?"

"Just asking..." She shrugged in response. "Someone has to be keeping you on your toes."

"I've been kept on my toes for plenty enough...What are you gonna do next? Throw thumbtacks as I would dance like a leprechaun or something?" He glanced over to her.

"What?" She was confused especially with the last few words.

"Sorry..." Hikaru yawned. "Fuckin' sister's really been getting on my nerves lately...Which already adds fuel to fire of worries for me..."

"What is she doing this time?"

He started listing them off. "Oh where to begin? She's been using all my damn imported shampoo. Drinking my soda's from the US. Hogging the damn tv, the bathroom, and she even had the gall to take some of my art supplies from my office! If she wanted to use it, she could've freakin asked first. It's been one thing after another, I know she's doing it to keep her mind off of Bev's treatments and all that, but this ain't no different growing up with her. Even I got my limitations. Hell, just the other day she even thought I stole her stupid ass hair brush lookin' through my drawers...

"And where was it?"

"Her bedroom, underneath the damn pillow."

He groans, scratching his black hair. "I swear to God, all that girl does leach off of me and treats me like an idiot!"

"Sorry to hear that..."

"Another thing too..."

"What?"

"When she was digging through my drawers she almost found that one thing you gave me..." She didn't follow. "You know...'the thing?'"

Sadayo now blushed intenstly turning her attention back to the water. " .God. You told me you threw it away!"

"I thought I did too..."

"Is it still in there?" She really hoped it wasn't.

"Not after last night..." He admitted sheepishly. "Yeah...let's...just change the topic."

"Please."

"So...is he?"

"Hikaru you keep asking me the same question, over and over again when were alone." Sadayo cut him off. "Don't worry."

"Can't be to careful..."

"Wait...Miss Kawakami?" A familiar voice spoke up drawing her attention as did Hikaru. It was Ren and he was with Ryuji.

"Huh?" She now realized what was happening and out of embarrassment she pulled the edges of her sun hat. "Why me?" A futile effort to cover her face.

"Here there teach, what are you doing here?" The blonde asked.

"What am I doing? I always come here when I want to unwind. Adults need to relax too, we have many responsibilities." She answered back.

"Sure...Nothing better to huh?" Ryuji retorted back before noticing who was sitting next to him. "Wait, Toaka senpai? Your here too?"

"Well, yeah, you're not the only to come here." Hikaru retorts. "I like fishing, and it's a perfect excuse to...get out of the house." It was one the reasons he wanted to go with her today as well because Aria was being such a bitch.

"It's good to see you." Ren greeted them politely. He

"Yes, you as well." Hikaru glanced over and in his eyes, there was silence, but Ren kind of read or could've sworn he heard him say: 'Say a fuckin' word and you'll be sleeping with the fish...' "How you doing?" All with a straight face.

"I'm... I'm doing okay." Ren answered hesitantly.

"Cool." The other two sat behind them.

"How come you two are here on a sunday fishing like old men?" Sadayo asked. "Shouldn't you be going out to do something more exciting?"

"Look who's talkin, finding the two of you here is already suspicious." Ryuji retorted back.

"That's because people got different ways to clear their mind..." Hikaru interjected. "And I was already here when she arrived...And that's it..."

"You'll understand soon enough, when you start working in the real world." Sadayo added.

"Wow...Soundin' real old there, Kawakami." Ryuji fired back.

"That's MS. Kawakami to you!" She corrected making Hikaru smirk and chuckle, he had to be honest. He loved it when she gets fired up. He

"What're you laughing at?" The delinquent questioned.

"Who else?" Hikaru replied motioning over to his friend. "The dude with the bad hair cut right next to you..."

"Hey!"

"Just sayin'..." All he got was a shrug in response. "How many times do you put dye in there by the way?"

"Uhh, every week. Why?"

"No reason, because too much damages it, which reduces thickness. Which by my account, happens when thickness is reduced on hair?" Hikaru smikred.

"How do you know that exactly?" Sadayo inquired with a bit of interest catching on a bit with his smirk.

"I had a cousin who did the same thing all the time. Until his dome was shiny enough to blind your eyes...You'd think it was the sun if you didn't wear sunglasses."

Ryuji reached up for his hair in worry. He's gotta be clowning with him, right?

"Have you two got any luck?" Ren asked as he set out his lure.

"Nope...The fish ain't been biting..." Hikaru replied. "Which makes me think if there having a having a party under there."

"I'm sure you'll catch one."

"Whoa!" Sadayo spoke up in surprise. "I think I got one!" She exclaimed before standing up.

"Really?" Hikaru noticed the fight in the water that started. "Oh damn you got a good one! Come on show that thing whose boss!"

Sadayo was hassling and pulling on the thing with all her might while Hikaru cheered her on. "Come on, don't lose that thing! You got it!"

She continued on her fight with the fish that was on the end of her line moving in different directions until she reeled in the line grabbed what she caught. It was a white and red fish, also known as a treasure trout. A decent sized one too, for a medium fish.

"Whoo, nice one." Hikaru gave a small applause, not very big, but still a nice-looking fish she managed to reel in. "You did good."

"Thank you!" Sadayo laughed in pride. Probably her best catch she's ever caught in a while.

Suddenly Hikaru noticed his rod was getting some action too. "Oh shit! Me too!" He quickly grabbed the rod. Just like her he was getting into a fight and the only difference was the splash was bigger then Sadayo's fish. This meant that the fish on his line was much bigger then what she just caught.

"Come on...COme on!" Hikaru grunted as he continued while continuing to keep his grip firmly on the rod.

He could really feel the force of this fish, it really was making a dent. This meant for sure, that this bugger was lot bigger then he thought.

"Do you need a hand?" Ren offered to help.

"No, I've got it!" Hikaru continued his fight and gave off a yell as he successfully pulled it up. "Aha! Hahahahaha!" He laughed victoriously as he gripped his prize, a very large blue fish in his hands, a 50cm, a Delish Bitterlish. "Damn...I got ya now sucker..."

"Oh shit!" Ryuji exclaimed in surprise, because that was a pretty big catch Hikaru had in his hands. Not giant, but large.

"I've been meaning to get that one." Ren himself admitted.

"Geez, you two both got fish..." Ryuji muttered and looked over to his line. And immediately he got a bite. "Hey! I got one too!" The blonde said happily and yanked on it. And for only a mere second, all that enthusiasm deflated instantly.

"Hah! Nice catch!" Hikaru laughed as he tossed his into a cooler, and quickly Sadayo threw hers into it. He was also very sure, he heard a cat laughing. Was that possible? For a feline to laugh?

"Oh shut up! At least I caught something!"

"Do you always keep your cat around?"

"He doesn't like to be alone..." Ren anwsered before yanking his line, pulling out a fish of his own. Much to Ryuji's chargrin, it was bigger then his also. A Peerles Carp.

"Huh...Not to bad." The kid with glasses admitted nodding in approval at his own catch.

"Oh c'mon!" The blonde exclaimed in annoyance.

"Ryuji at least look at it this way, if you were standed on an island. That little fish would at least keep you fed." Hikaru smirked. "Better then nothing."

"But it would very small though." Ren pointed out.

"I know, again, better than nothing." Hikaru held back the urge to chuckle.

"Well, I don't know about you all, but I think I've had my fill. I'll see you all later." Hikaru walked off taking the ice chest with him to speak with the fishing guy who ran the pond to show what he captured.

"Goodbye." The gray eyed teen bids.

"See ya..." The delinquent mumbled.

"I think I'm gonna go too." Sadayo spoke up and walked off.

"Huh?" He looked over to see their teacher leave. "Now she's going too? Oh well...That's fine...Come you stupid fish give me something good..."

"You'll find one someday." Ren pats his friend on the back.

---

We now change to central street with Sadayo walking next to Hikaru who was still carrying the ice chest. After talking with the owner, and paid what was necessary, they were able to keep the fish.

"I can't believe our luck..."

"On what the fish?"

"No..." She answered back dryly while fixing her hat.

"Oh, those guys."

"Yeah..." Sadayo put her hat back on. "Don't get me wrong, happy about the fish...Just not happy about them showing up..."

"Almost had the thought of clocking Ren myself, I'll admit." Hikaru sighs. "But he's doing good, keeping his end of the bargin."

"I guess that's one positive." The brunette sighs to herself. "What are you gonna do with the fish?"

"I was thinking of cutting some of it up and maybe make something out of it." He glanced down at the ice chest he was carrying.

"Like what?"

"I don't know. Maybe some glazed salmon." He pondered in thought. "Or somethin' different."

"And...your gonna cook?" She looked a bit sheepish.

"What? You don't think I can?"

"Well...You've tried cooking in the past...and a few times have been a disaster."

"Like what?"

"Bento, you tried making bento and you ended up burning most of it."

"But the rice was still okay to eat."

"I tried..." Hikaru shrugged before stopping at the sign of the diner. "Speaking of which I'm feeling famished, you want to eat?"

"I would like that." Sadayo is okay with it.

They both enter inside going up the stairs. "Just a fair warning, I skipped out on breakfast and one of there famous steaks could really hit the spot right now..."

"That's fine, I'll probably take something small."

They both got up to where the dinner was located and immediately Hikaru paused freezing place and turned around. "Oh dear god no..." He looked like he was meeting the one who would judge him in the after life. "No..."

"What? What is it?"

"Look at the table at the far right..."

She looked at where she was directed and her eyes widened in shock because sitting there was his aunt Shirone who was eating from a big bowl of noodles. "She's here..." He cleared his throat nervously. "On...second thought maybe we should do take out."

But it was too late Shirone noticed them and waved out her arm. "Oh! Hey Hikaru!"

"Shit..." He muttered underneath his breath.

"Hikaru over here!"

The lanky student sighs, composing himself as he walks up to his aunt with Sadayo behind him by a few feet. "Hey, Auntie. Fancy seeing you here."

He walked over to her. "Wha-What are you doing here? I thought you were busy you know...shooting?"

"Oh that? Nah, we had to cut early."

"Why?"

"I'll tell you, come on, come on..." She motioned him to sit down. "Have a seat, buy you lun-" His aunt noticed Sadayo who was trying to act natural. "And, is that your home room teacher?"

"Yeah, yeah that's her." The scarred young man answered as his girlfriend walked over. 'God, why you doing this to us? This ain't funny.'

"Hi, I'm Sadayo Kawakami." She introduced herself nervously. "I'm his homeroom teacher."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Shrione Kagura." His aunt reached out to reach her hand to shake it. "His aunt."

"Oh, yes, that's right. I remember him telling me that you were both related. Wow...what a surprise." Geez, Sada was really putting up a good act, and Hikaru was impressed. Good on her.

'Seriously god, and other gods this is messed up.'

"I don't blame you. Not many people can see. But he has same blue eyes as me."

"She's not wrong." Hikaru nodded continuing to play along.

"Say, we were just going to lunch, would you like to join us?" Shirone offered and Hikaru did his best not to let his eyes bulge out.

"Uh...No, th-That's ok. I don't want to impose."

"Nonesene, by all means join us, join us..." She motioned for Sadayo to sit right by her. "More the merrier, plus I'm curious to know how my nephew's doing at school."

"Well...ok..." The secret maid sat down and a waiter came up over to them. "I'll have what she's having."

"Salsbury steak, medium." Hikaru replied and off the waiter went.

"So, aunty you um...you were gonna say why you had to cut the shoot early?"

"Oh, oh...Oh right" She gained an angered and annoyed look on her face. "So get this, a fire started and the source? Because someone forgot to take off tinfoil of their lunch in a microwave."

"Oh geez."

"So, because of that and some of the damages caused, were given a week or two until everything is fixed. Lord knows the director was pissed."

"How?" Sadayo was trying to wrap this around her head. "Why?"

"The guy was an idiot. Talking to some cinematographer to really pay attention to his food."

"It sounds like the current state of the entertainment industry..." Hikaru rolled his eyes. "People are just plain stupid...They're in there for their own interests..."

"You don't know the half of it, nephew." Shirone sighs, knowing how ridiculous it is out there.

She noticed the ice chest at the side of the booth. "So...what's the with the ice chest?"

"I visited the fishing pond Ichigaya and caught some fish. And I also had someone butcher it up for me." Hikaru replied holding back the urge to wince. "Two in total, one medium size, and a large one."

"Oh, and I take it your teacher happened to have found you there?" The actress inquires curiously.

"No, I was on my way here to eat and ran into her, that's all." As he said this his and Sadayo's food come over. "Yes, please..." He rubbed his hands anxiously, because he was hungry. That and he needed something to calm down his nerves.

"Finally..."

"So um...Kawakami san?"

"Yes?"

"How long have you been teaching for?"

"Um...About a few years now."

"How do you like it?"

"It's not perfect, it has its ups and downs but its rewarding at times. "

"I heard about what happened last April. I'm sorry you two had to go through that."

"Oh...You mean Kamoshida..." Sadayo frowned a bit as she stirred her noodles. "Yeah...Th-That was unbelievable...I'm disgusted by what he did..."

"And what's more a few knew about, including the parents, especially planet fatass in the principal's office." Hikaru cleared his throat. "Sorry about my language, but it's the truth."

"How he's even running that damned school is beyond me." Shirone agrees. "Back when I was in school, my old principal wasn't afraid to speak his mind about a lot of the problems we've had."

"I wish I had some of that growing up..." Sadayo muttered. "Honestly, could use more people like that."

"That's for sure..." Hikaru agreed as he cut him a piece. "One time when he caught some kids drinking. I heard he came this close to slamming the bottle over one of their heads before expelling them."

"What? Really?"

"That's I heard...Um...MS. Kawakami he also been creeping in on the girls. Everything didn't they confirm that as well?" He raised up his hands in defense. "Not tyring to bring up a sensitive topic, but, just curious is all."

The brunette sighs knowing this was going to come up sooner or later. "...Yes, he was."

"Good god...A-Are charges even going to be filled against your principle?"

"Actually, there's still an investigation going on..." Sadayo spoke up answering that she started eating.

"Still!?"

"We shit you not." Hikaru replied with a mouthful. "It still is..."

"Why is that? Didn't you say that he confessed to the entire school?" Understandably Shirone is finding this absolutely ridiculous.

"Kamoshida did yeah. Not to mention the parents are still being questioned. Specifically, the volleyball players. Kamoshida's ass is done. But can't say the same for the crappy shepherd." Hikaru replied as he listened to people talk to one another all the time.

Shirone sighed shaking her head. "You know...I really hope that someone really kicks some sense into people nowadays."

"Me too..." Hikaru agreed, the steak was really calming him down.

"Ok, so on another topic, Kawakami? Out of curiosity, what's your...status?"

"I'm sorry?" She paused eating.

"Sorry, let me rephrase that. So, do you have a spouse? Any children?"

"Uh... Me?... I'm not really seeing anybody. Not really trying to have any kids." Sadayo replied hesitantly not expecting that question.

"Really? Well, you strike me as the type who'd be married. I don't mean to offend, but you have that lovely vibe."

'What the *%$# are you doing aunty?' Hikary said to himself.

"Oh..." Sadayo was blushing heavily, because she swore that one time Hikaru told her something like that before. Not exactly the same words, but enough to where it hit home. "Well...thank you for the compliment...wow..."

"I've been trying to get my nephew to go on dates. But somebody just doesn't wanna read the loophole."

He rolled his eyes as he put the fork down. "And I keep telling you, I don't want to at least until I'm finished with the mess I'm in."

"So what, at least go out there and take a chance."

"I'm fine, Auntie. No need to string me along with this stuff."

"I'm just trying to help is all."

"And I don't need it. Trust me."

Shirone groaned as she sat back looking over to Sadayo. "See what I what to work with on a daily basis?"

"He's a handful, I'll give you that." Sadayo herself admits.

"How does he do in class? I have to ask."

"Surprisngly very well, pays attention in class and gets a few of my questions right. A bit more then other students I have."

"Ah, that's my boy!" Shirone said happily. "Anything else I should know?"

"Nope, just finals."

"Ah, I remember those days, always tired, always worrying, and on the verge of pulling and ripping off your own hair." Shirone chuckled. "As long as they keep a level head and invest into it, they'll be fine."

"Aunty...You would not believe the number of people that'd look at you as wise while the other calls you just plain crazy." Hikaru declared bluntly. He wasn't to far off about that either.

"That, Hikaru-kun, is something I take pride in, thank you very much." Sadayo chuckled a bit, she was really starting to love his relative. Not to mention she was so nice, not like one of those actors putting on a fake face on tv but a ligite good person.

"See? Even your teacher gets me!"

"I guess so." Hikaru snorted in response and took this as a good example of interaction.

If they got along right off the bat like this, maybe trying to break it to her and speak the truth would easier. But despite knowing that and seeing this, he was still hesitant to do so. Much less share the problems that had to go through, regarding two 'certain individuals'.

He just had to pray that, things will work out, despite being bleak.

---

Take your time...

Time: Night.

Inside of Hikaru's room he sighed in relief at his latest work, it is coming along so well. He was very pleased so far with the results he's been getting. And on top of that, he got an excuse from going to school on Tuesday because he had a meeting. It regarded the post production final touches, which involves music, sound effects, and voice acting. These set the tone, add realism, and breathes life into the characters from the page.

All of which Hikaru was really looking forward to do. Oh yeah, after lunch was done, Hikaru and Sadayo unfortunately had to part ways to avoid further suspicion. But when he did get home, he got to worm immediately working on the fish he'd caught. From skinning it, taking out the bones you name it. He got to work, and what's more he had Shirone helping out a little bit, as she has experience cooking then he does.

She did question on why he was doing it, but in the end he made it clear that it was something he wanted to do. Heck, the results turned out pretty good. Everyone ate it, while Aria was like so-so as usual. She wasn't much a fish fan, but Beverly didn't mind it, as it was something new to taste.

He really wished that Sada would've been able to share a dinner with him, but it was alright. He'd tell her all about it pretty soon. Suddenly his phone buzzed and he rushed over to it, he saw that he'd just received a text from her.

Sada: Hi...

Hikaru: Hey...How's it going?

Sada: Alright I guess...

Hikaru: You OK?

Sada: I'm fine, don't worry, my shift tonight wasn't really long. So I had was able to get home early.

Hikaru: Uh-huh...

Sada: Anyways, enough about me.

Sada: What are you doing?

Hikaru: Nothing much, just got finished with a bit 'work'

Sada: How'd it turn out?

Hikaru: I think it went good...Also, don't be mad..

Hikaru: But cooked the fish, and unfortunately there's none left😛

Hikaru sent her some photo's of what was made.

Hikaru: Well?

Sadayo: There better be some left, mister.😠

Hikaru: Uh...yeah...only a little bit though...

Hikaru: Turns out Beverly was really into the fish🐟...Aria, not so much

Sadayo: That's not cool...Your just teasing me...

Hikaru: Meh, ️ I try not😝 😉

Sadayo: Jerk.

Hikaru: But I'm your jerk aren't I?😏

Sadayo: Don't push it...

Hikaru: Sorry...😜

Hikaru: Oh yeah that's right...This Tuesday you should be able to come over

Sadayo: Are you sure?

Hikaru: Yeah, I got a meeting today with a production company for the anime adaptation of my manga

Hikaru: Aunt Shirone told me she needed to take care of some things

Hikaru: As for Aria and Beverly, they need a bit of alone time ️ Especially since there's a big treatment coming around soon

Sadayo:...Is it...that bad?

Hikaru: As of right now? No, at least that's I heard...

Hikaru: Maybe, so maybe not...I can't really say for certain, but hope Bev pulls through...

Hikaru: She's strong, though, so I'll have at least some faith...

Sadayo: I'm sure she'll be okay.

Hikaru: The feelings mutual.

Hikaru:😊 Well, I better hit bed, I'll see you tomorrow~

Sadayo: 😏 You too💋 Love you

Hikaru chuckled at that part before he did his thing before heading off to bed.

---

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

You know, back then things were still pretty much a mess when things went off rails. When the big thing happened, everything just seemed well...That was it, complete utter confusion. It was nothing like what it was like when it started in the beginning. First it was just having someone to talk too, honest communication.

A few well...interesting little misadventures too. But then things start to escalate and now I'm in a whirlwind of crazy! If I wasn't in the hospital when I met her, I'd be in even more trouble. A part of me told me I should've just stopped talking to her. My rational senses were telling me to just get her out of my life. Despite all that though, I ignored it. That's what I ended up doing, ignoring all of that just, following what my heart was telling me. Especially, when...we crossed that line. I knew however that whole idea was thrown out of the window, because I kept trying to talk to her. Even I'll admit this. I'm a complete and utter moron.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

---

(One Year ago)

3/21. Saturday

Hikaru sighs as rubs his head, he really has been feeling a bit off lately. He's barely getting any homework done. He hasn't done much for his manga. And he hasn't really gotten much sleep, evidence by the bags in his eyes.

It wasn't just that, but his head felt like it was gonna crack right open in half like an egg. He'd already taken the neccesary medicne. Now he was just waiting for the effects to kick in. Which was one reason why he was on the floor and not on his bed. The scared man tried to get into thier but failed, he just accepted what was happening and chose to stay on the floor.

Overall, Hikaru feels crap and he can't seem to make it stop. "Dammit..." He reached up the bed trying to get up into it, only it failed. He grunted and gave it another go.

Like the first time it failed. So like the old saying, third time was the charm. At least that's how he remembered it...So Hikaru gave one last final attempt to climb onto his soft mattress and escape the clutch's of the hard floor. He almost...had it. Thunk! Nope, he failed. "Gah...Fuck it..." He gave up.

Maybe the floor wouldn't be so bad at all. He's bared with the prospect of the phantom pains, so it wasn't anything new since he woke up.

As he succumbing to the effects of the hard floor a voice called out to him. "Hikaru?"

"Hm?" Wait, she actually came? Well, unexpected she entered the room and looked around.

"Down here..."

Hikaru spoke up and she jolted back in surprise. "Huh? W-What are you doing down there on the floor for?" Naturally she was confused.

"Trying to sleep. Meds are still trying to kick in."

"Then how come your not in your bed?"

"I tried getting to it, but, my head just feels like it's gonna crack open..." Hikaru explained. "Damn phantom pains..."

"Do you need any help?"

"...All I can get."

Sadayo gave him a sympathetic look. "Hang on..." She started giving him aid helping Hikaru get onto his bed and while do so he groaned. Eventually he got onto it, where he sighed feeling the soft comfort of the mattress.

"Thank you." The former coma patient tells the secret maid.

"Is this...a regular thing for you?" She's seen him act up when the pains came, but not like this.

"Unfortunately..." He admits. "Nothing but headaches and disorientation."

"Sorry to hear that..."

"Its fine, the only reason I get them is because there was a shard of glass in my head. So that's probably why I get them..." Hikaru grabbed a pillow placing it under his head.

Sadayo frowned hearing this, just the thought was horrifying enough. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yeah... I just need a minute." Hikaru replied as he adjusted. "Ok...I think there starting to kick now..."

Sadayo stared on, glancing at the scars covered his face. One thing that surprises her is how that despite gettig close to losing his life, he didn't let that affect him. Many would be affected and change drastically, but not in good ways. In most cases, they spiral down, but yet he wasn't. Hikaru?"

"Hmm?"

"Why did you call me again?" He looked over to her. "You know how you heard my story the other day right?" She also then turned her head away blushing, Sadayo didn't want to say a thing about what happened not to long ago. However Hikaru could see it in her eyes. "So...help me understand...Are you..."

"No." He spoke up immediately at what she was going to possibly imply. "I would not do that you or anyone..."

Immediately Sadayo felt guilty, he was very adamant about what he said. But despite hearing those words, it really wasn't enough nor a clear answer for her. "But why?"

"I guess, I still feel guilty about it I guess..." Hikaru admitted with a brief exhale. "That might be it..."

"What? No Hikaru...We already talked about it..."

"I know. But feel like I took advantage of you... If you can't already tell, I haven't had a lot of sleep since then." He stared up at the ceiling. "I meant by what I said, but the same time too. The thought is just the back of my head." Hikaru turned back to her again. "I openly admit I enjoy your company...I really do. But now it just feels like it just got screwed up over something so dumb..."

Instead of standing up she takes a seat at the edge of his bed. "I honestly, should've been more careful from the beginning. I know I should've..." She started speaking. "But to be honest, through the while I've been feeling a bit...more at ease."

"More at ease?"

"I think I get where you're coming from..." Sadayo continued. "I've never been able to tell anyone about it, the reason, my secret. Everything. I figured I would do as much as I can as a way to say thanks. And I'm glad that you were the one to find out I was maid...You know, just being able to talk to someone and not just ignore it..."

"And I appreciate the company... Not many people would talk to me after the accident. But you do." He smiled lightly. "It just feels good knowing that there's someone who's willing to listen...And in exchange you do the same for that person."

Sadayo blushed a bit hearing this before standing up. "Um...would you like something to eat? Because I could make you something...Come to think of it, have you been eating well? You need to eat fresh vegetables, and none of that instant stuff."

"Maybe just some soup..."

"Alright, but you better have something for me to work with. Vitamins are super important! Your going to turn out like me if you don't take care of yourself."

"Give me a break I do..." Hikaru rolled his eyes as she walked off.

"I'll be the judge of that." Sadayo replied before walking off.

---

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Really odd and really weird, the whole situation was. We both knew what happened and yet were just going about as normal as if nothing else matters. Or even happened.

But we know the truth. No matter how much we wanna skirt around it, we're gonna have to talk about it. Not to mention the troubles she been dealing with. She's listened to my problems and now, I got to listen to hers. Try to understand.

There's more to the story than just money...More then just paying back, there was more to it. I felt it.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

---

3/24. Tuesday.

Hikaru hummed to himself as he was making his way through the park in Inokashira. In his hand was a plastic bag, filled with fresh new supplies for his office. He hadn't need to do it for a while, so being able to do it now was a good feeling. But the rush to get there after school got done for the day right off the bat was an annoyance. He was just glad it was over. Plus, it gave him the excuse to go through this area.

It really nice, and who wouldn't like to be here? All in all, it was really refreshing to be out here, he knew that around this time of day there really wouldn't be to many people around.

Well, there were people, but it just wasn't so crowded right now. On the weekends it was though. In the last few days, there's been something on his mind lately. Regarding Sadayo, and her so called 'debt'. None of it many sense at all.

Why would someone keep haging a debt over someone's head even when a loved one wasn't even there anymore? What was to gain from it?

None of this makes sense. No money in the world could bring back someone from the dead just like that. Normal people would try to cope and accept that the person they cared for is gone. Try to move on.

Yet, the uncle and aunt, why weren't they? Were they angry? Did they blame her for it? Just why are they doing this to Sadayo? She was only trying to help.

Perhaps if he tried to talk her more about to get some answers? Would she even be open to discussing this?

Because, where water ran this deep, there was a lot meaning to this. Takase died for a reason, sad as it might've been it could've been prevented. Some of these feels, like it was made into motion. In almost sick and humane way too.

As he was walking surely enough it was almost as if fate was playing him again because he saw Sadayo gazing off to the distance. Not even paying attention to her surroundings, looking, a bit at peace. Not faking it but feeling not to stressed out. "Sada?"

She blinked in surprise and looked over to him. "Hikaru? What are you doing here?"

"Just passing through, I could say the same thing to you." He replied to back walking over. "I thought you'd be grading papers or something."

"What?" Sadayo raised an eyebrow at this. "Is that really what you think that's all teachers do?" She also had her hands on her hips.

"Well, it kind of is your job?" He shrugged meekly in response earning a sock in the shoulder.

"I have a life too, you know." The secret maid frowned in disproval. "And that's not funny..."

"Sorry...But, when you see people staring down at paper 24/7 and not even blink. It kind of says otherwise." This just earns him another smack. "OW!" It was also harder. "Stop doing that!"

"Then stop giving me a reason too." Was her response.

"Okay, okay, sorry! Geez, someone woke up in the wrong side of the bed this morning." Sadayo blushed again before punching him again. "OW! OK! OK! I deserved that one! Wrong choice of words!" Yeah he understood where that one came from.

"Your damn right it is!"

He stepped back in caution. "Don't hit me anymore or I'm gonna scream for police that a crazy woman is hitting me."

"No, you're not."

Hikaru gave a flat look in response. "Oh yeah? Huh?"

"I can do the same thing as well you know..." Sadayo crossed out her arms with a smirk.

"Oh really?" The scarred young man smirked cockily.

"Try me."

"Well played." Hikaru nodded giving into defeat, using this might be what could help him out.

"I thought so." She was most pleased. "So, before trying to take jabs at me, what were you doing?"

"Just getting fresh new art supplies." Hikaru held up the bag. "What about you? I thought you'd still be at school."

"There wasn't really much to be done. And, well I thought that maybe a change of scenery and taking a breath would help me out." She glanced around the park. "And well...here I am."

"Not a bad place to be a during the sunny spring." Hikaru admitted. "But its a lot more neat when there's snow."

"What are you more of a cold person?"

"Yeah, I do, I hate the heat."

"I can understand that..." She and him walked over to a nearby railing to sit down. "But I really do love the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring."

"Nah, not so much for me." Hikaru admitted much to her surprise.

"What? Why not?" He didn't respond and she realized why. "Does it...have anything to do with your accident?"

"No, not that. It just reminds me of good times that are gone..." Hikaru answered bitterly. "Like with my family...We always went to them when I was little...But as I got older, they just stopped..."

"Well things happen sometimes..."

"Yeah? Well, sometimes too much change is a crime all on its own." He scoffed. "Waking up that day just kinda opened my eyes fully.

"How?"

"I'm not as young as I was before. My parents weren't really there when I woke up. Less said about my sister, the better."

"Hikaru...I'm not trying to defend what they did...But haven't you at least try to understand the reasons why?"

"I think them not being there just settles it...But enough about me...I've been curious about something..." Hikaru turned over to her. "I know you told me what your doing to pay off a debt. But help me understand it, because...Takase is dead. What more is there to do?"

"I already told you...I'm the reason he died..." Sadayo said hesitantly. "Its my fault..."

"I understand that. But why bother paying these guys off? They never bothered to stop."

"It's not that simple...They plan on suing me if I don't..."

"Sue you? You should be suing them." Hikaru was getting frustrated at this point. "What's done is done..." He then frowned. "Hell, if anyone's to blame its them."

She looks to him, unsure of what to think listening as he continued "What they've been doing to is extortion, blackmail. Both, last I checked, are illegal. Even before the kid died, what do you think they've done to help him? Nothing. I understand how much this means to you Sadayo. But the way I see it, you owe them nothing."

He even poked her in the center of the chest a few times emphasizing his words. "Much less you... You've paid plenty. I bet you right now, they're squatting in their crummy house right now just swimming in Yen bills they don't even need."

"It's not that easy...I've tried...But they know a lot more then they let on..." Sadayo informed him grimly. "Even ifI were to move away, my chances of teaching at another school would be ruined. It's that bad."

At first, he was going to say something, but she beat him to the punch. "I've thought of coming to the police with this...But who are they going to believe? Me? Or the relatives of the deceased?"

Of course she'd ask that question. Sucker of the authorities to believe one side over the other without the facts.

Hell, he couldn't blame her, because they'd most likely without a doubt believe in asshole and not a guy who had scars all over his face. Thier first conclusion, he was a thug and a punk, who got into fights. Typical.

Sad, but it was mostly the truth. Rarely do people like him win. But that's a twenty five percent chance. Even with the money he's making now, Hikaru doubts it'll work. Good lawyers are hard to come by. Much less hard to afford depending on how they are.

She sighs sadly offering him a smile. "So, I appreciate the thought and your words. But...I can't get out of it..."

Sadayo even puts a hand on his back. "...Maybe...Maybe now you get why it's not such a good idea to associate or bother with someone like me."

This just doesn't sit right with Hikaru. An unwinnable fight against a couple of greedy pigs who do nothing to mourn for their loss. Instead, they leech away at her, like parasites, bleeding her until there's nothing left.

How can someone be so damn heartless and do this to other people!? Putting up with that asshole, Kamoshida is one thing. But this?... This is even more pathetic. Petty.

She stood up and started walking off before pausing and turned around. "Your a good person Hikaru...Don't let yourself get dragged down into something that could ruin you..." Off Sadayo went leaving him by himself.

---

XXXXXXXxx

What she told me really hit hard

These people hold this level of blame over her head, like a dog on a leash. One wrong move, everything she has will disappear. It an injustice, knowing she can't do anything and I'm just as powerless to help her through this.

In a way, it was just like me. If I don't comply and obey its over for me. This time and age of my life should be full of happiness. Looking forward to the future, and what it could possibly hold. Only, that was taken away, and now,...Now it felt like everything was just the aftermath of everything that's happened. If we both didn't comply, it's all done.

How the hell was any of that supposed to be, ok? What happened to justice, and fairness? Were we just told these things because it's what we want to hear? It couldn't be, it shouldn't. Yet, it somehow does. It's bullshit! I can't be quiet about it, no matter how many times you shut me up.

Eventually you have enough of it! You can't treat people like there your own damn playthings for your own amusement! Sometimes, you gotta take a stand. And that's what I intend to do today.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

---

(Back to Present Time)

7/5. Tuesday

Weather: Cloudy

Hikaru anxiously waits in the living room. Checking his phone, not too long ago he called Sadayo up. To say he was anxious was an understatement. But this was also the first time she's ever been able to come over in a while since his sister and her wife set up living here. For mostly good reasons, if only Aria wasn't such a bitch.

He knew that they'd be out for a while, maybe dinner at best while Shirone was doing her own thing. Because tonight was gonna important.

Tonight, it's just him and his girlfriend. No one else but them.

Although the circumstances were odd, he wouldn't have it any other way. Shit, he even listened in on the neighbors and they were gonna be gone for the night too! An extra! As much as he was tempted to, no. Tonight there was going to be an objective and he needed to see it through.

No delays, no interruptions, absolutely nothing. He heard the doorbell ring and he raced up to it, but paused upon hearing the sound of coughing? Yeah, it was coughing, coming from outside.

Slowly he opened up the door and saw his girlfriend in her maid outfit coughing heavily, but she quickly recovered upon seeing him doing a bow. "Hello master~ Its nice to see you again."

"Hey. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine..." Sadayo replied as she entered the house before coughing. "I just have a small cough..."

"A small cough?" Hikaru closed the door behind him. "That didn't sound too small to me..."

"I know...I know...But enough..." She motioned him to come closer and he complied capturing her lips for a brief second. "I am happy to see you though..."

"Same...But have you taken anything for that yet?"

"I've only taken a few drops. But I haven't got any medicine yet."

"I should have some, wait here..." He walked off to the pantry that was full of medical supplies glancing through the selection. "Ah, here it is..."

A half of bottle of cough medicine, that should help her for a little while. Hell, she was really hacking up a lung. "Ok...No bullshit with me Sada." Hikaru said placing it down. She reached over to grab it, but he reeled it back. "You gonna tell me what's going on?"

"I was just working another shift, got a little cough. That's all."

"Sada."

"It's nothing Hikaru..." She reached over and grabbed it from him.

"Sada, I know you better than that." He walked around the counter while she took what was given to her. "And you know, just a few days ago you didn't have that cough. And you didn't show it at school, that tells me you've been taking the stuff so people wouldn't have to worry about you. So I wouldn't notice anything." She sighed, she was supposed to be the one giving lectures and chewing people out, yet someone else was doing it for her. "So? What's going on?"

Sadayo paused, it was one thing to let get lectures and her giving out lectures. But from Hikaru was different, because he was her boyfriend and he cared about her a great deal. "Takase-kuns guardians said they need more money. So..." She paused knowing this spark a fire but knew it was better to give some truth. "I had my boss give more shifts. I had to beg him for them, but..."

"Sadayo."

"I know, I know..."

"You know!? You know!? Sada, are you out of your mind?" Hikaru slammed a fist onto the counter right by him making her flinch slightly in surprise. "You're overdoing it!"

"I'm fine Hikaru really..."

"No, you're not. You're coughing up a lung and you can barely stand on your own two feet. You are over doing!" She coughed a few times as he said that. "See what I mean!?"

"I'm trying ok!?" Sadayo snapped him. "I'm trying!"

"This has to stop!"

"You don't think I know that!?" Her coughing increased a little and she sat down. "I want this to end as much as you do...But...But I don't know how..."

Hikaru exhaled as he started pacing, he had to calm himself down. He's been patient with her about this. But now, it has gone far enough. But he needs to be on a level mind. "Sada..." He got her attention. "Look, I we've been doing our best and all that...but...Maybe...Maybe we should consider getting help..."

"From who?" Sada retorts. "The police can't help me, Hikaru. I already told you."

"No...Not the police...maybe...my aunt..." The older student clarified hesitantly.

"Your aunt? But that's-"

"I know. I don't like the idea either, but this probably the only option I've got right now." Hikaru walked over to the fridge to take something out. "I mean, come on you've interacted with her. Plus...what choice do we really have? Honestly?"

She stayed silent and watched as he took out the fish he and his aunt made and got to work. "They got you around their finger, we can't go to the cops. And not to mention aunty's literally like the only one who actually listens to me. Shit, she bugs me plenty of finding a girlfriend...I haven't said anything yet, and that's why I wanted to talk to you about it directly face to face." He placed out the fish onto some plates and put one in the microwave.

"With her influence, she might be able to shake those bastards off of you."

"But even with her help, there would be immediately attention. A spotlight over us, Hikaru, I've heard of school scandals and how it affects people." She lightly coughed a few times and Hikaru gained an idea of what could help out with that. So, he got to work prepping it. "I mean...you already seen the state Shujin is in right now."

"Well yeah, because the freakin gym teacher was a rapist, abusive asshole." He said bluntly. "Kamoshida got what was coming to him.."

"And what do you think is gonna happen when, people find out a teacher is dating her own student in secret?" She fired back.

Hikaru looked over to her, taking the plate out and put the other in there quickly picking up the slack with whatever he was making. "Maybe...But don't forget, my situation's complicated. Not to mention I'm freakin twenty years old, soon to be 21 in months from now...I know I'm not supposed to date anyone, but shit happens. At least I'm not one of those creeps in those gross ass anime's some people make...who got after the younger girls..."

"But this isn't some anime, Hikaru. My lively hood is on the line!"

"So is mine!" He raised up his hands before getting finished walking over to her with the fish that was made and also a cup filled with green liquid. "But we really ought to consider our options."

"First...what is that?" Sadayo pointed down to the cup she was given.

"It's tea."

"Why?"

"Because I've made it in the past, my aunt taught me whenever she came around. It helps with coughing take a sip."

She does as instructed but in a mere instant she almost gags but swallows it, shivering by the gross taste. "Ugh...What kind of tea is that!?"

"Ginger..."

"Uck!"

"I never said it tasted good." Her boyfriend shrugged in response. "The fish on the other hand should. I had some earlier today, and people say fish aren't good the second time. Oh well to each's own." He went over to get his plate. "Come on eat up."

She grabbed a fork and started to slice a chunk off, before jamming it in her mouth. Thankfully it's not mild or bitter. "This is...actually pleasant." Sadayo admitted, enjoying the taste and texture of the leftovers served to her. "Really good..."

"Really?"

"Yeah..." She continued eating.

"I...I really needed this..."

Hikaru paused. "Speak..."

"Well...I guess I should get more sleep...and honestly...feeling a bit achy..." Sadayo admitted.

"On a scale of one to ten?" Hikaru narrowed his eyes.

"Like...a 8?" He dropped his fork and marched off. "What are you doing?" The way Hikaru was acting took her by surprise.

"I'm extending your time here..." Was his response.

"Huh? Wha- Wait, Hikaru?"

"You heard me..."

"But, t-that..."

"I don't care..." Hikaru cut her off. "Between dealing with my sister and other bull shit, I'm doing my good deed. The few good times I get to do a good deed, don't make me think otherwise." He tries to dial it, but Sadayo stopped him. "What are you doing?"

"Hikaru, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but you got to at least have a bit of faith in me."

"I do have faith, but I gonna sit back and let you do this to yourself. Shit, is that what you're trying to do?"

"No!...Hikaru...I might be under their thumb...But you've helped give me a lot of courage to pull through and put up with this garbage..." She explained. "I've had my share of rough times as you have...Please...I got to see through with this..."

Hikaru sighed as he gently placed a hand onto her and made her let go. "That's still not changing my mind on extending the time. Because you're gonna get some sleep. But I mean it, we need to have that talk. I trust my aunt, she can help. Remember? You told me the same thing in the past, I chose not to then, and now I choose too because enough is enough. OK?"

"...Okay." She nodded slowly in response.

He paused a for a moment and leaned making contact that she returned. "I know this ain't easy...None of this has been though, has it? For either of us..."

"No..." She shook her head as he walked off.

"Alright, eat up. Fish is getting cold." He started making the call leaving her be.

"Alright." Sadayo does so, knowing well she can use a pick me up. So far the coughing medication he's given her was helping. Same with the nasty ass tea he served her.

---

Time Skip. 7/Friday.

Location: Shujin Academy.

Time of Day: Lunch Time.

Weather: Cloudy

Another school day was going through with ease, the day was sunny. At least to some, odd enough there's been rumors lately.

Something involving taking a side job, that helped you earn extra cash secretly and quickly. Just by doing a few things, however, another part of the rumor was, it had to do with the a gang. A mafia, or in Japan's terms, Yakuza.

Everyone hasn't been on this much edge lately, not since Kamoshida was still there. When he was behind bars, many students were relieved, only to have another dark cloud out of nowhere cast above them taking the place where the bastard was.

For a while now too, Ren hasn't been paying Hikaru many visits, weeks ago he recalled that the school president, Makoto Nijimia was up to something.

Every once in awhile he would catch her spying on him down the hall. Now normally when somebody sucks around the halls like that he would call security. But the fact that it's a school president of all people is even more bizarre.

Hell, he even seen her following Ren all while pretending to read a book trailing him no less! Freakin stalker much?

Almost everyday when they were at school, he even seen her do it while outside of school too. He thought his mind was playing tricks on him, but they weren't she was.

Things at this school just keeps getting weirder, Hikaru would tell himself in recent times. It's almost as if they can't catch a break at all since the school year started this year. Even though some things changed, something else just as bad as the schools so called 'Super Star' fell from glory, taking his place.

He doesn't know who this guy is. But he knows that he should stay the hell away from him, lest he get roped into whatever trouble he's into. Plus, the hell would he try to find trouble to get himself wrapped up into? He already had enough shit on his plate as it is.

Like, trying to figure out how to tell his aunt and come clean. What to do if it didn't work out?

What would he next move fail if this plan failed? Because Hikaru has no way of knowing what would happen next.

A part of him tells him to worry, this was aunty Shirone he was talking about. She always had his back, always supported him, more then his own mother did at most times. But the other gnawing at his skull was the possibility of her flipping the fuck out.

Just...shit, talking about this with Sadayo seemed easy a couple nights ago, where the hell did all the conviction go? Was it a heat of the moment thing?

Was he just talking out of his ass? Speaking of Sadayo, he's noticed that she's been looking tired more so then usual.

She wasn't coughing as much as she was when he saw her, but something was wrong. Really wrong, he could feel it.

When Hikaru gets the opportunity, he's going to have a little chat. Last thing he needs is her to collapse in the middle of school.

"Hikaru-senpai." A voice called out to him, and wouldn't you know it was Ren who began approaching him.

"Hello Ren..." The scarred teen acknkowled his presence. He hasn't talked much with him in a long while, not since he found out the secret.

Things have been a bit well...testy. "Are you okay?"

"I've had better days..." Hikaru replied in an honest answer. "Didn't think you'd be coming to me...Been a while since you've done it..."

"Yeah..." The glasses wearing boy sighs, rubbing his head. "It wasn't easy to find some privacy."

"Looks like it...So...how's things for you been? Keeping out of trouble?" The quiet transfer student nods his head. He hummed having a hard time buying his response. "So...how's things going with you and Nijimia? i know she's been trailing you a lot lately..."

"Wait, how do you know?"

"I hear and listen...Plus I've seen her do it..." Ren could only sigh. He just can't catch a break this year. "So? How are things with your little rag friends doing? Haven't been seeing much of you all lately."

"We've been occupied..." Ren answered.

"Good or bad?"

"A bit of both." Ren replied earning another hum from Hikaru.

"Nothing to do with that guy I'm hearing about?"

"No..." Ren took a seat. "Actually...I'm not here to make small talk...but I actually wanted to speak with you..."

"Why? What's up?" Hikaru was getting a bit interested and intrigued.

"Have you been noticing anything odd with MS. Kawakami lately?"

Ah, should've seen it coming. "... Yeah, I've seen it." Now his full attention was drawn. "Speak..." He wasn't playing around, nor was he asking, Hikaru was demanding answers on what was going on. What Ren had to say clearly.

"Yesterday I called her in..."

"Uh-huh..."

"And she was coughing..."

"How bad?"

"Pretty bad." Ren answered in a grim tone. "She did not look well at all...And she looked like she was having a hard time standing...I almost had to catch her from feinting."

Hikaru frowned and did his best to keep his composure. "What next?"

"I tried to suggest a doctor, but she insisted not to."

"Why?" He already had thought on what the reason was, but he still needed extra confirmation for this one.

"Something about...needing to make more money..." Hikaru sighed exhaling loudly. "Senpai?"

"God dammit...Sada..." He looked to the glasses kid firmly in the eyes. "The ones doing this to her, are the ones responsible for the pit she's in now...I told her to not push herself no matter what...I've seen this before." Hikaru admitted sadly.

"You have?"

"Ren...there's a lot of ways to kill yourself...A lot of times it can be unintentionally. Overworking yourself to the bone, one the biggest examples..." The blue-eyed man tells his fellow second year. "It's a recurring problem in the country that nobody bothers to change. But the reason for why she's doing it is because she feels responsible for someone who did the same thing."

"So that's the whole reason she's doing this to herself?"

"Yeah, but pretty soon, this shit has got to stop." Hikaru made it clear. "I don't care what happens next, but its not right to see someone going through this. Especially when your getting fuckinig leeched on."

"I didn't realize it was this bad..."

"Yeah it is bad..." Hikaru frowned before standing up. "Ren, thank you for telling me this..." With those words said he walked off.

At first Ren wanted to say something, but it was already too late, Hikaru had left. He could could see it in his eyes, he was beyond worried.

...Maybe if he can find out who these people are, Ren and his friends could see what they can do to help. But it'll take some convincing with Ryuji and Ann.

---

Time Skip: Night Time.

Right now Hikaru was on a walk, trying to collect his thoughts as of the moment. Much to his chargrin Sadayo wasn't there at school when the day was done and over with.

He tried calling, but got no response, nor has she replied back to his texts. This wasn't good.

Hikaru's level of worry was increasing drastically and he was getting anxious, also fearful. Maybe he should check by her apartment.

But that would take a while though, hell he'd probably be home late and that alone would raise suspicion. Especially from his aunt, he couldn't yet. Not till he knew what was going on.

Hikaru stopped in his tracks staring down at the number. He might as well give the call one more go again. So he made his choice and put in on speaker. Waiting anxiously as it was ringing.

"Come on...Come on..." He waits... And waits... And waits... "Come on...Sada...Where are you? Pick up...Pick up...please..." He got a response.

"Hello...Oh, are you perhaps Hikaru-kun?" An unfamiliar womans voice was heard on the other end of the line. What the hell?

"Who is this?" That wasn't her voice at all, someone else had her phone!

"This is the head nurse of Aoyama Hospital, speaking on behalf of Kawkamisan." The woman identified herself. "Kawakami-san actually collapsed and she was admitted to our hospital."

"She what!?" Hikaru exclaimed yelling out in shock. He wasn't even caring what kind of attention was being drawn to himself. "How long ago!?

"I understand your concern, but please calm down..."

"Don't tell me t-" Hikaru stopped at himself. "How long ago?"

"Approximately four hours ago..." Shit, no wonder she hasn't been replying at all! "Do you know our hospitals address?"

"Yes, I do." He answers the nurse. "Make sure she stays there, I'm coming over right now!"

Hikaru sped off as fast he could, dammit! Dammit! Dammit! He knew this would happen! He didn't want to believe it!

The scarred young man did his best to have faith in her, he took her word.

But now she does this behind his back anyway! That stupid-stubborn yet beautiful bitch! She better be ok, or so god help him he's gonna be joining the afterlife after her if its the last thing he'll do.

---

After much amount of running, grabbing a taxi and even almost getting hit by the taxi, he arrived at his destination, Ayoma Hospital. During the ride he managed to calm himself down a bit. Not a whole bunch, but enough to where he was able to have a leveled head.

When he got the room number, Hikaru went to the gift shop and grabbed a vase of flowers. Which of course would be a small token of him hoping she'd be in good health. While also concealing the wrath a lover who's been worried sick about their partner.

As he approached the room, he saw a nurse emerge closing it behind her. "Hi, are you Hikaru?"

"Yes I am."

"She's right in here."

"Um, excuse me? But...could you possibly break down on how's she doing?" He asked anxiously as she looked on the information on her clip board.

"Well, if you must know, nothing to serious...She is just...overworked...Really overworked..."

"I should've guessed..." Hikaru was really concerned now more then ever. "Be honest with me...How bad was it?"

"Believe me, we've seen and dealt with worse than this..." She answered truthfully. "But...I don't recommend her doing whatever she does that caused this..."

"You and me both." Hikaru nodded appreciating her looking after his girlfriend even adding a small bow. "Thank you very much."

"You're welcome. She's right this way, sir."

"Thank you again..." She walked off and Hikaru paused once he got to the door, taking a deep breath and inhaling. "Whoever is listening right now...Give me strength..." He muttered under his breath before opening the door.

The moment he did, Hikaru saw Sadayo in a white hospital gown hesitantly and slowly turned to see who had entered. Immediately she looked a bit fearful and worried knowing he was there. "Hikaru? What're you doing here?"

"What do you think? I came to see you." He replied in a firm tone and walked over to her slowly. "And do you have any idea how worried I was? Do you?" She didn't reply. "I've been trying to call you after school, and you haven't answered!" He continued on placing the vase to the side. "Same with my texts. Ren told me you've been exhausted, you nearly feinted at his place. You didn't bother telling that why exactly?"

"...I didn't want you to worry."

"You don't want me to worry!? And now here you are, sleep deprived in some godforsaken hospital bed!" He sat down next to her. "Sadayo, I trusted you to be honest with me. Why would you lie to me?"

"..." She tried to say something, but words couldn't come out.

"You're my girlfriend for god's sake, I get you need some privacy. But to put your life on the line like this... I can't... This has to stop, right now."

"I know..."

"You know, but you still didn't listen me after I warned you about this."

"Hikaru...you don't understand...They have me by the neck...I have to pay them."

"No you don't. As far as I'm concerned these pricks don't deserve your sympathies, much less your money." Hikaru argued. "Sympathies is one thing but drawing it out of guilt for personal gain is wrong. Come on Sada...You know technically, you tell me you're the adult of this relationship. Then how come I'm on the one carrying the reigns?"

She was about to respond and then someone else entered much to their surprise it was Ren. "I...I hope I didn't come in at a bad time..." He said in a sheepish tone as walked over next to Hikaru.

"What are you doing here?"

"I tried calling her, the head nurse answered, your phone was silenced, and I put the two together." He looked over to his home room teacher. "I also...wanted to see how she was doing too..."

"I'm just a little overworked." Sadayo reassured him. "No need to make a big deal about it...hahaha..."But thanks for coming to visit me Ren." She sighed.

"Sada..."

"Hikaru I know...But I really needed to make some money...At least to keep them occupied...Not to mention the payment was due today..."

"That maybe, but you ought to focus on resting right now." Ren advised.

"Yes, yes you should." Hikaru agreed. "You aren't gonna get anywhere if you collapse again. For a third...time."

Ren naturally looked over to him surprise. "A third? This has...happened before?"

"Yes..." He turned over to her. "It has happened before...and it has happened again...And now this will be the absolute last time that'll ever happen again."

"Tch, there you are!" The voice of a rude man spoke up.

Oh hell no...Hikaru felt his blood run cold and slowly started to get warm again. They looked and saw a man wearing a purple shirt with his arms crossed out. Judging from his appearance, he had a stick up so far his ass it couldn't get taken out. "What's going on MS: Kawakami!? I called the school but no one answered!"

"Takase-san!" Sadayo was shocked to hear this, much less see them here at the hospital. "You contacted the school!?"

"Well, you weren't answering your phone!"

Hikaru cleared his throat butting in. "Pardon me sir, but as you can clearly see, there is a perfectly good explanation for this, as you can clearly see." He put on his 'mask'.

"This young woman had just collapsed not long ago. So, there is a reason why she couldn't call you."

"Oh, were well aware, but it's very inconvenient for us when she misses a payment."

As for the witch right next to her, by God her voice made them want to hurl, as it was so unpleasant. "Now, now, it's not like she wanted to collapse. But our credit card payment is coming up soon, so we'll need you to transfer the money."

"I-I'm sorry..." How fucking dare, they. How dare they do this...There not even concerned with the state she's in right now at all!

But Ren looks on confused. "Remember when I said that she 'owed' money to some folks. Well, this just happens to be the dead man's dipshit aunt and uncle."

"Excuse me!?" The rude man questioned. "Who the hell are you!?"

"How rude!" the unpleasant woman exclaimed.

"This coming from the people who just waltz into a hospital, demanding money from someone who's in no condition to move. So, I'm sorry for being a concerned citizen."

"This is none of your business. Who are they?"

"These two are students of mine. They came to visit."

"Messing around with more students?" He chuckled in mockery shaking his head in disbelief. "Haha, you never learn, do you? Tsk, tsk...And after all you did to him..."

Hikaru had enough and stood up. "I think you both should leave now...Right, now..." He be dammed if they were gonna continue fucking guilt tripping her. Especially when she's still recovering."

"Why should we? After all it's her fault our nephew is six feet under." The wife huffed at his threat. "And you stay out of this!"

"I'm now involved because I spoke up..."

"Don't act so tough kid..." The rude man spoke up. "Our precious adoptive son Taiki is dead because of this woman. Honestly she should've been fired."

"Or maybe its the other way around..." Hikaru crossed out his arms and approached them. "Because, from where I stand...The problem is right...here."

"What did you say?"

"I mean its clear you people have been gaslighting this woman for years and have been threatening her career if she doesn't pay you. From where I'm sitting, you selfish bastards should be rotting in jail for extortion and blackmail." He glared firmly a t them. "And you have the nerve and audacity to use your own dead child as an edge over her...What kind of parents are you to do that?"

This was absolutely unbelievable, Ren heard bits and pieces about the situation Sadayo was in. But never thought, that two supposed 'guardians' or 'relatives' would ever stoop this low. However, given the 'circumstances' he has seen it wasn't too farfetched.

Human nature itself was unpredictable, it was a blessing and a curse. Some would use it to help others and the rest for other various selfish deeds. So many disgusting, inhumane things. Stuff that would make people stay up late at night and empty out their stomachs because they were so sickened by them.

"Don't you dare act like you know what we're going through!" The woman exclaimed pointing an angry finger at Hikaru. "You have no idea the pain we've had to endure!"

"If I wasn't a simple person, I might believe you...But, I don't. None of it adds up. So, I'll ask again...Leave now."

"You think were intimidated by some punk like you?" Oooh, he really wanted to go that route huh?

From his seat Ren stood up next to him. "And how about I help him?" He had enough and heard enough.

As they were going to say anything else, Hikaru cut them off. "I feel sorry for both of you...For being so damn ignorant, and so damn greedy." He mads, beyond mad. "She wanted to help him, but what did you do? Nothing. Did you try to understand? No. Did you try to talk him? No. What about the principal who threatened her for trying do her damn job like a good kind teacher is supposed to do? Not a damn thing, because your just as guilty as the son of a bitch himself. Its one thing to be victimized, but constantly using it your advantage is bull shit." He made his way over the door and motioned over to it. "So do us a favor, take your spineless pathetic selves out this damn door. Don't bother her, and if you do try do anything else. I got my own sources. Now get the hell out."

To say the least both teacher and transfer student are in surprise to hear those words grace the scarred mangaka. Even the couple are at a loss.

Heck the same transfer student nodded in approval. His respect for him grew more, he couldn't but wonder if he'd ever make a good addition to his inner friend circle with courage like that.

But there's just one problem. "All you want to do is just be on her side...But let me tell you something, that woman doesn't know her place...and yet she still continues." The man kept going on. "She needs to show remorse in a material and undeniable way."

Hikaru glared at them. "Did you not hear a word I just said?" His blood continued to boil.

"We're not trying to extort her." The bitch spoke up. "He needed to be working, and she convinced him to study. The schoolwork and part time jobs overwhelmed him and that's what caused the accident in the first place. Poor Taiki...it's almost like he was murdered!"

"So, is that it? You no longer feel regret? In that case maybe we should sue the board of education. Or should we have a chat with your school? Either way your days as a teacher would be over..."

They were still trying to get their way with her! He reached his limit but before he could do anything a hand stopped him. Hikaru looked over and saw Ren was holding him back. "Let go..."

"Hikaru...That's just what they want..." He tried to reason with him.

"Let. Go!"

"Hikaru, if you do this you'll only make things worse and more complicated. Is that what you want?"

Hikaru just can't stand it. These people are hurting his girlfriend, and he knows they won't stop until she drops dead. And Ren won't let him put that son of bitch on the floor while his whore wife watches every second of it.

But he made a valid point. If he did go around and start a fight it'd only work in these fucker's favor. Who knows what words they'd say so it works over for them?

Things were already bad enough and now they were getting worse. Did he want to make things worse for the woman he loves most? No, no he didn't.

Hikaru backs away, his knuckles clenched tightly. "That's what I thought." They walked off. "Well, we're looking forward to receiving your payment."

As the two left Hikaru rushed over pushing the bitch out and slammed the door hard on them both. Turning around he exhaled loudly from his nose, much akin to an angry bull that saw the color red.

"I can't believe this fucking shit. You actually let these sons of bitches do this to you!?" Hikaru questioned as he walked over to her side gently taking her hand. "Come on...This has gone on long enough..."

"Maybe it has...But I have to find a way to make more money...I guess...maybe transferring to our sister company-"

"The hell you are..." Hikaru reached behind his pocket and pulled out a familiar small book and passed her a blank check. He'd be damned to hell and back if he was going to let that shit happen or slide!

She gasped in shock, no, no. "Hikaru...No...No, not again..."

"I'm not taking no for anwser..."

"You've done so much for me already Hikaru...I can't let you keep doing this..."

"This isn't a discussion anymore. I'm telling you right now, that you need this money. More than I do."

"..." Sadayo paused staring down at the check. "Why?" Her breathing hitched; she was starting to break down. "Why do you put up with all this shit? Helping me? I'm not worth it..."

"Yes you are, Sadayo. Stop doing this shit and just take it. I can't bare seeing you like this!"

This was hard for him to watch and from the side Ren watched on as well. Even though his expression didn't change much he could read exactly what he was seeing. Disparity between lovers.

A man that cared for his woman a lot and was willing to do everything and anything he could to help her. Even though he was at his wits end, he did it because he loved her. And the lady sitting in bed, this was all tearing her apart inside, both psychically and emotionally. Lots of guilt was coursing through her and feeling pathetic that she had to rely on him to help her with her troubles.

He now understands what he has to do.

She continued sobbing and Hikaru got to her level cupping her cheek. Trying to remain strong for her, but this was so hard to see his beloved in this state. "I'm so tired..."

"Yeah..."

"All I want is a way is...a way to apologize to Takase-kun..."

"You already have, love...They just can't see it." Hikaru sighed shaking his head. "You listen to me...For right now...Just rest ok? You'll be getting out tomorrow...Just what do what you got to do..." He taps on the check. "But only...only with this. None of that bullshit, don't drag yourself in so deep for them shits..."

She nodded as he wiped away her tears and the two shared a quick kiss. Not even caring if Ren was right there. Speaking of the frizzy haired boy Sadayo turned over to him. "Listen...I appreciate you coming to see me today. Both of you...It made me really happy...Thank you."

Ren nodded frowning lightly seeing her cough some more. "Like Hikaru said...I'll be released first thing tomorrow morning, so don't worry. The IV's work really well here...And...the visiting hours are over now.."

"Alright..." Hikaru gives her one last kiss and grips her hand gently pecking it before letting go.

"Get home safe okay?" Hikaru gave her a nod back in response wiping away a tear as he left the room with Ren lagging behind.

---

On the way out of the hospital the first thing Hikaru did was go over to nearby trash can and started to kick it in anger. "Those ungrateful, two-faced bastards! I had them! I don't care about some bullshit apology. They deserve to rot in a cage!"

"That they do..." Ren agreed watching as he continued to watch his senior kick the trash can to vent out more of his frustration.

"I could've ripped there fucking heads off! Damnit!"

"Maybe you want another try at it?" Speaking of the devil, they were standing right there.

Hikaru snarled and once again Ren held him back. "No fuck this! Let me at this asshole!"

"No, those scum aren't worth it! Remember!"

"How rude..." The wife sneered. "I guess a student reflects on their teacher. Obviously, you both lack a proper education."

"The fuck I do!" Hikaru snapped back.

"And you prove my point..."

"Who do you think you are!?" Her husband snapped as well. "Butting in on business that has nothing to do with you!? Telling us off like that when she deserves it!?"

"And who the hell are you to judge someone who's trying to do her fucking job? I should call the police right now and tell them everything you've been doing."

"Oh really? What about the fact that very much without a doubt that your teacher caused a student to die? Our own child!" He went into thought. "Maybe even expose that secret of hers too..."

"What are you talking about?" Ren inquired not liking where this was going.

"I'm talking about little stint of hers as a sex worker."

"The hell did you just say!?"

Seeing Hikaru's reaction the bastard smirked. "Oh? So, I'm right, aren't I?"

Hikaru shrugged off Ren. "That's nonsesense...Utter nonsense!" Although they've both laid in bed with each other and in different places, never was it for the money. He paid her fairly and the amount she always needed too.

"I mean, the amount of money she's paying us can't come from a teacher's salary." He wouldn't shut up.

"She had to have been seeing you for a reason. It makes sense... But to think that she's fucking some crippled freak for that money is kind of pathetic."

"Say that one more time..." Hikaru challenged the prick.

"I think you heard us pretty clearly." The husband glares at him. "Or does your hideous visage come with deaf ears?"

Hikaru tried to lunge towards him and now for a third time Ren held him back. He was full hell bent on ripping this son of bitch's head right off! "Let go of me Ren! I'm not playing!"

"This is exactly what they want!"

"I don't give a fuck! You fucking bastards, when I get free your fucking dead! You hear me? Dead!"

"And now he has the nerve to threaten me and my wife. How pathetic."

"And you call yourself an adult? That's very unbecoming..." Ren said as he continued his effort. He wanted to help and let his friend do this, but now wasn't the time.

"Screw both of you! You're the ones who caused your own nephew to die you pieces of shit!" Hikaru continued struggling. "You're the ones who did it but you're to damn stupid to see or admit it! Not her! You! Real responsible adults with common sense wouldn't do that to kids!"

"Pin it however you want. You're as guilty as she is."

"What did he do!?" Ren inquired still maintaining to hold back his angered classmate. "What's he guilty of!?"

"Prostitution."

"Prostitution!?" Hikaru was more pissed off. "Prostitution!?" He started thrashing more and more in Ren's grip. "Prostitution!? You disgusting son of a bitch!" The transfer student is trying everything he can to hold his friend in place. But it's becoming even more difficult. "Let go of me!"

"Senpai, stop. If you do this, they'll ruin you. You're work, your identity, everything. I'll take care of it."

"Tch, you'll take care of it? I think we've heard just about enough..." The bastard sneered. "Oh don't worry, we'll be paying you a visit very soon..." He vowed before walking off. Hikaru still kept trying to go after them, but it was to late, they were already gone.

By this point, Hikaru has had it. Once Ren had let him go, the scarred student decks him across the temple. The transfer student staggered back, feeling his glasses fly off of his eyes. "Why? Why did you let them get away!?"

"I know your upset...But please you have to listen to me..." Ren replied as he reached over to retrieve his eyewear.

"Why should I? After all you are so willing to let them walk, while me and my fucking girlfriend are waiting for the lynch mob."

"Because I know what needs to be done..."

"Well you go do whatever the fuck you want! Me, I'm going home. I'm going to my dad's room, grab his gun and I'm gonna shoot them if they even take a step in my front door!"

Hikaru fumes, bashing his shoulder against the boy as he storms off. "Wait! Wait! What are there names!?" Hearing this Hikaru stopped looking at him in confusion.

"What?"

"There names...What are there names?"

"Why?"

"Because I can help...But I'll need their names first..." Hikaru frowned. "Please...just trust me...I understand now...You've been fighting this. Hikaru-senpai, you've been kind to me...So let me return the favor."

"And what the fuck are you gonna do about that? Talk them to death?"

"No. But they'll answer for everything."

"..." Hikaru paused a minute in thought. "The bastards name is Toshino...and the bitch's name is Hiromi..."

"...Thank you." With those words said, Ren goes to leave. Tomorrow morning, it's time to make a phone call.

As for Hikaru he walked off as well knowing full well it was going to take a while for him to get back home. No doubt he was gonna get his ass chewed out a bit. But he didn't care.

Hikaru just wants an excuse to be left alone.

To be continued

---

(Welp, now do you see why no lemons? Because again, very serious shit went down in this chapter, a lot of emotional stuff, it's like how can you focus on that stuff when there's things that need to be addressed and focused on. Know what I mean? Plus, its sad, sick and cruel that there are in fact people like that in this world. Which makes it even more sad. Hope you all enjoyed this one.)

Now replying back to reviewers

Karsap: I don't know...If you wish to speak or talk, PM me.

Waleon: Hope you like.

Lilspooky221: Happy to hear that, as well as hoping you enjoy this chapter as well.

RubixRaptor: Unexpected, and that's pretty much the point before eventually the hatchet's got to be buried.

Solnage Griffon: (Who for some reason was able to post it twice?) Thank you.

Angeredleopard: I know, and I felt the same way😝 As for her being a bitch, yeah she straight up is, but as the story goes on thing's will change, but it takes time too. And no worries, all good and pleased to see your enjoying it since you clearly seem like a Sadayo fan.

Durin's Bane: No it doesn't, but people always act differently at times. I know that through experience, as for Hikaru's parents, it'll be like the same with Aria, and as I've said in one review already, the hatchets got to be buried, Especially if there gonna move on forward with their lives.

Marbeled Gold: Yes, yes indeed.

The cake and wine, yep that was interesting indeed😝