Chapter 21: Nightmare and Retaliation (I)
This chapter easily grew longer than expected, so it has been divided into three sections. There are some unsettling and slightly mature themes and elements, so it is advised to read with caution.
Several months have passed since that battle and our experience in Yomi. Now, we are already university students. During that battle, we exhausted all our energy and lost our ability to transform, living our lives as ordinary people.
After entering university, fortunately, all of our schools are located in Tokyo, so the six of us have not drifted apart. Each of our three couples has moved in together, and living together has been a unique experience. To be honest, I quite enjoy this feeling.
However, we never expected that one day, all three of the girls with us three brothers would face such an ordeal at the same time…
Friday, May 13, 2016
Momoko is a student at Tokyo Confectionery School, and she works part-time at a café on the observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree. With her sweet smile and diligent attitude, she has won the affection of many customers. However, the workplace she considered a safe haven turned into a nightmare she never wished to recall that day.
That night, the manager suddenly called her into the office. Momoko thought nothing of it, assuming it was just routine work arrangements or some store-related discussion, so she entered the office with a light heart. As she stepped in, the manager quietly closed the door and locked it. The sound of the lock clicking in the silent room was unnervingly loud. At that moment, a sense of foreboding washed over her like a cold wind.
"Akatsutsumi, you've been working hard lately, haven't you?" the manager said, slowly approaching her, his gaze filled with unsettling implications. Momoko forced a smile and politely replied, "Thank you, Manager, I'm just doing what I should."
But as the manager drew closer, the unease in her heart grew stronger. Instinctively, she took a few steps back, trying to maintain her distance, only to realize there was nowhere left to go. The manager's eyes began to change, openly ogling Momoko from head to toe, his gaze filled with disgusting desire.
" Akatsutsumi, you're really cute, you know? That figure of yours is really something," the manager said, his voice becoming low and suggestive, his tone full of lewd innuendo. "With such a beautiful body, I bet your boyfriend is well taken care of, huh?"
Hearing those words, Momoko felt her whole body freeze in fear. She forced herself to remain calm, her voice shaking but resolute: "I have a boyfriend. Please respect that."
However, the manager paid no mind to her words and continued to push his advances, a sinister smile spreading across his face as his eyes roamed her body with even more intensity. "A boyfriend? What can he offer you? With a body like yours, you should be treated well. I could give you so much more."
Momoko's heart pounded faster and faster, her body trembling as her back pressed against the cold wall, leaving her with no escape. Her eyes began to fill with tears as fear and despair overwhelmed her, especially as the manager inched even closer. She tried to keep her voice steady, saying, "I love my boyfriend, and I will not betray him."
But the manager laughed, completely disregarding her words, his eyes growing even more disgusting. "Boyfriend? He's not here, so there's no need to be so tense. We can get closer, can't we? With a figure like yours, I'm really interested."
Momoko felt only disgust and humiliation hearing those words. There was only one thought in her mind: she had to escape. Her chastity was something she was protecting for Yuzuhiko, and she couldn't let this awful man touch her. As the manager's hand reached for her shoulder, attempting to violate her further, Momoko instinctively used all her strength to shove his hand away, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.
"Don't touch me! I have a boyfriend, and I will never betray him!" Momoko screamed, her voice trembling with terror and desperation as her tears blurred her vision.
The manager, though momentarily pushed back, smirked even more maliciously and didn't stop. He reached out again, trying to grab her by force. Momoko's heart raced with panic, her mind filled with despair. But suddenly, she caught sight of a desk lamp on the table. Acting on pure instinct, she grabbed the lamp and smashed it against the manager's head with all her strength.
The manager cried out in pain, staggering back while clutching his head and cursing under his breath. Momoko seized the opportunity and rushed toward the office door. Her hands trembled uncontrollably from panic, struggling to grip the doorknob several times before finally managing to open it and burst out.
She ran through the café, her vision blurred by tears, her clothes disheveled from the earlier struggle. Her heart was filled with indescribable humiliation and fear. When she finally reached the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree, her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the floor, trembling uncontrollably, tears pouring down her face.
Staring out at the distant Tokyo nightscape, she felt utterly alone and helpless. She hugged herself, unable to stop shaking, overwhelmed by the fear and shame from what had just happened. Her chastity was something she had protected for Yuzuhiko, and she couldn't let anyone else touch her. But in that terrifying moment, all she felt was unbearable coldness and humiliation. It made her feel incredibly small and powerless, as if the world could no longer protect her.
In her heart, there was only one name: Yuzuhiko. Only he could bring her true safety and warmth. Without him, she truly didn't know how she could go on.
Miyako is studying at Bunka Fashion College and is a highly talented fashion designer. She had always believed that school was a safe place and that professors were respectable elders. However, reality dealt her a heavy blow, shattering her idealized notions of safety and trust.
That day, as usual, Miyako went to her professor's office, ready to discuss her design project. As a talented student, she had always respected this professor, believing him to be a renowned expert in the field who could offer valuable insights for her work. With great anticipation, she entered the office, unaware that she was about to face an unimaginable nightmare.
At first, the professor behaved professionally, guiding her through her design and offering suggestions. Miyako listened carefully, taking diligent notes in her notebook, thinking of ways to improve her work. However, as time went on, Miyako started to sense that something was wrong. The professor's gaze slowly shifted from her design sketches to her body, his lecherous stare sending a shiver down her spine.
"Gotokuji, your design has great potential," the professor's tone became low and suggestive as he moved closer, his eyes filled with unsettling intent. "If you're willing to 'collaborate' with me, I can give you better grades and help you find good opportunities in the industry."
Miyako's heart sank. She instantly understood the professor's implication. A surge of disgust and repulsion welled up inside her. Struggling to steady her trembling voice, she coldly replied, "Professor, please have some respect. I have a boyfriend, and I am loyal to him."
However, the professor was unfazed, a sneer creeping onto his face. "A boyfriend? What can he give you?" His tone was full of disdain and menace. "In this industry, it's all about connections and resources. I can give you everything you want, as long as you're willing." Then, to Miyako's horror, the professor shamelessly named a price, speaking with absolute confidence: ""One million yen per month, and I guarantee you'll rise to the top in the industry.."
Miyako's heart filled with anger and disgust. She felt utterly humiliated. Trying to remain calm, she thought of nothing but escaping the situation. Her voice grew more resolute as she said, "I don't need that. I just want to succeed through my own ability. Please respect me."
The professor's face darkened as she refused. His tone became more aggressive as he suddenly reached out, trying to grab Miyako's arm and pull her closer. Terrified, Miyako struggled desperately, but the professor's strength caught her off guard—she couldn't resist. Her body was forced against the desk, and a corner of her skirt was torn, exposing the fabric beneath. The humiliation and fear she felt were overwhelming.
"Don't pretend to be so virtuous," the professor growled crudely, his words becoming more vulgar as he described her body, making Miyako feel like vomiting. "Sooner or later, you'll come across people like me. You might as well accept my 'offer' now."
His words felt like knives stabbing into Miyako's heart, filling her with indescribable shame and helplessness. But in that darkest moment, an image of Kagami suddenly flashed through her mind. She thought of his gentle smile and how he had always protected her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she bit down hard, her mind filled with a single thought: her body, her purity, was something she was saving for Kagami, and she would never let this filthy man defile her.
Just as the professor reached out again, attempting to violate her further, Miyako lifted her leg and kicked his knee with all her strength. The professor let out a pained groan and loosened his grip. Seizing the moment, Miyako broke free, her trembling hands managing to open the office door, and she bolted out.
She ran as fast as she could, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. She kept telling herself it was finally over, but the shame and fear continued to grip her tightly. When she finally found a secluded corner, she leaned against the wall, feeling utterly drained, on the verge of collapsing. She knew that the only person who could make her feel safe was Kagami. In her heart, she silently prayed to see him, hoping he could give her the strength to endure this painful ordeal.
Miyako's heart was filled with dependence and love for Kagami. She knew that only with his support could she find a way out of the trauma she had just experienced.
Kaoru is a student at Japan Women's College of Physical Education and is an outstanding athlete. As a member of the school's team, she frequently undergoes rigorous training under the coach's guidance. For her, the training ground had always been a professional and safe place, until that day, when she realized that she could face the threat of gender-based violence there.
Kaoru's nightmare began after that day's training session when her coach, a foreign man of considerable build, suddenly called her into a secluded training room, claiming that she needed additional exercises. Kaoru had always respected this coach for his experience and prestige in the sports world, so she didn't think much of it and followed him.
As Kaoru stepped into the training room, the lighting was dim, with only a few glaring fluorescent lights flickering overhead. She stood in the center of the room, preparing to warm up, when the coach abruptly closed the door and locked it. The sharp sound of the lock echoed in the silent room, sending a chill down her spine.
At first, the coach gave her regular instructions, guiding her through some basic stretches. However, soon his commands became increasingly inappropriate, demanding she perform more revealing poses, and during his so-called "adjustments," his hands began to touch her inappropriately. Each time he "corrected" her posture, his touches became more brazen.
"Hey, Matsubara, relax a bit. Don't be so tense," the coach said, his voice tinged with an unsettling excitement as his fingers lightly grazed her waist and hips. Kaoru's body stiffened, and a wave of anxiety and fear began to spread through her. She tried to steady her voice, making it sound firm: "Coach, please show some respect."
But the coach responded with even more repulsive words: "Respect? With a body like yours, it's a waste to be stuck in this women's university. Why not have some fun with me? I can guarantee you'll live comfortably. Those legs of yours are so firm and sexy—wouldn't it be better to try them out on me?"
Hearing those disgusting words, Kaoru felt a wave of nausea and shame. Her face instantly turned pale, but she knew she had to stay calm and find a way to distance herself from this man. "I have a boyfriend," she said firmly, "so please stop saying these things."
However, the coach didn't stop. In fact, he became even more aggressive. He sneered and continued to degrade her with vulgar insults: "A boyfriend? What use is a boyfriend in a place like this? With a body like yours, I bet you're amazing in bed. Stop pretending to be so pure, Matsubara. I can tell you need a real man like me."
Kaoru's heart raced as fear took over. She knew that her body and purity were reserved for Shigeru, the man she loved. She believed she belonged to him and knew she couldn't let this disgusting man have his way. Her voice trembled with both anger and fear as she said, "If you say one more word, I'll call the police!"
Instead of backing off, the coach became even more reckless. He suddenly grabbed Kaoru's shoulder, forcefully pulling her close to him, a sickening smile on his face. "Call the police? Go ahead, darling. It won't matter here—this is my territory. You'd better behave."
Kaoru struggled, but found herself unable to break free from his grip. The coach's hands began wandering over her chest and thighs, his breathing becoming heavier as he spoke even more vile words: "Your waist is so slender, and your chest so full. I'd love to taste you myself. Your skin is so smooth—I bet you're perfect for rolling around in bed."
"What are you trying to do? Let go of me!" Kaoru shouted, her voice filled with terror and anger. Her body trembled uncontrollably due to the intense fear. She could feel her strength gradually fading, as if she could no longer resist the coach's advances. She felt like she was about to be driven mad by the disgusting words he kept spewing. Her heart was filled with extreme disgust and revulsion toward the coach. She knew that if she didn't fight back, this vile man would do something even worse. A look of determination flashed in her eyes, and a single thought dominated her mind: her body and purity were reserved for Shigeru, and she would never let this disgusting man have his way.
In that moment, Kaoru fiercely kneed the coach in the abdomen. The coach cried out in pain and released his grip. Kaoru quickly backed away and ran toward the door. Her hands shook violently from fear, and she struggled several times to open the door, but eventually, she succeeded and ran out as fast as she could.
After escaping the training room, Kaoru ran all the way to the campus sports field. When she finally reached the open space, her legs gave out, and she collapsed to the ground. Tears flowed like a flood, her heart overwhelmed with indescribable fear, humiliation, and anger.
She hugged herself tightly, and Shigeru's image kept flashing in her mind. She knew that if Shigeru had been there, none of this would have happened. She thought of how Shigeru was always so gentle, always protecting her with his warm smile and strong hands. The more she thought of him, the more uncontrollably her tears fell.
She deeply wished, more than anything, to return to Shigeru's side as soon as possible, to tell him what had happened, and she knew he would give her the greatest support and comfort. She knew that Shigeru was the person she trusted and relied on the most, and his presence was always the strongest pillar of strength in her heart.
After a whole day of terror and unease, Momoko, Miyako, and Kaoru all chose to turn to Instagram to confide in each other and seek comfort. They needed to confirm whether their experiences were just isolated tragedies or if there was a deeper conspiracy lurking beneath.
Momoko was the first to send a message, her words filled with anxiety: "I really almost... that manager... He did such horrible things to me today. I really don't know what to do." Her fingers trembled slightly, each tap on the keyboard felt like striking at the unease and fear deep within her.
Miyako quickly responded, "Me too, the professor dared to do that to me... I was about to lose my mind! Did you report it to the school?" She tried to suppress her inner rage, but the helplessness and grievance still seeped through every word.
Kaoru soon joined the conversation, "I just reported what the coach did to the school... but the school didn't take it seriously at all! That coach is still out there scot-free!" Her tone was filled with helplessness and despair, feeling disheartened by the school's indifference.
Seeing each other's experiences, a chill rose in all three of their hearts at the same time. They had thought these incidents were just unfortunate coincidences, but now they realized they had all encountered such similar terrifying experiences.
Momoko's fingers trembled slightly over the screen as she took a deep breath and continued typing, "Do you think there's a reason we all ended up in these situations at the same time? Is there some kind of connection between them?" Her confusion and fear were laid bare with this message.
Kaoru's reply carried an unmistakable fury, "There's no way it's just a coincidence! They must have all used their connections and resources to cover things up!" A strong anger against these abusers of power burned within her.
Miyako's words were filled with a sense of powerlessness and helplessness, "What should we do? The school and the police aren't doing anything. It's clearly their fault, but we can't find any help..." She could no longer hold back her despair, tears already welling up in her eyes.
Through Instagram, the three shared their fears and anger, and tears seemed almost unstoppable. They saw each other's helplessness and rage in their messages and realized deeply that the environment they were in could no longer rely on traditional methods to protect their rights.
Momoko finally sent her last message, with a hint of resolve in her tone, "Right now, the only person I can rely on is Yuzuhiko. I have to tell him everything and let him help me."
Kaoru immediately replied, "Same here, I'm going to tell Shigeru. Only he can help me." She clutched her phone tightly, determined to seek justice for herself.
Miyako finally said, "I'm going to tell Kagami too. He'll definitely protect me. We're not alone anymore; we have them." She felt a bit of warmth; though still fearful, she found some strength to keep going.
As I sat in the living room, reviewing my notes from law class, a wave of anxiety and unease crashed over me like a rising tide. I sensed the gravity of the situation, and a deep worry filled my heart. When I saw Momoko standing at the doorway, her face marked by barely concealed panic and pain, my heart sank. Her eyes were glistening with tears, and she looked so fragile and helpless.
I was about to ask her what had happened when she threw herself into my arms, clutching tightly to my shirt, her body trembling slightly. Her voice trembled so much that she could barely speak, "Yuzuhiko, I... I really don't know what to do... The manager, he... he almost..." She choked up, her words broken and intermittent. I could feel the fear and helplessness in her heart.
I gently held Momoko, her face streaked with tears, feeling her trembling body against mine. I tried to slow my breathing and heartbeat, using my warmth to calm her emotions. Momoko nestled in my arms, her tears still flowing uncontrollably, her voice tinged with sobs, "Yuzuhiko... I'm so scared... If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know what to do..."
Hearing her words, my heart ached as if it were being cut by a knife. I held Momoko tightly, wanting her to feel my strength and support. "You're very brave, Momoko. You've endured so much, and I'm proud of you. You're safe now. I'm here, and you don't need to be afraid anymore." I gently wiped away her tears and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, wanting her to know that no matter what happens, I will always be by her side.
Momoko seemed to find a bit of comfort in my words. Her body gradually relaxed, and her tears slowly stopped. I whispered softly to her, "Let's get through this night together, okay? I'll stay with you until you fall asleep." She nodded, her voice still trembling slightly, "Don't leave me... I'm scared..." I shook my head, "I won't leave you. Never."
I gently picked Momoko up and carried her to the bedroom, laying her down on the bed before joining her, gently wrapping her in my arms. Feeling my warmth and steady embrace, Momoko's fear slowly dissipated. Watching her finally close her eyes and drift off to sleep under my soothing presence, I finally felt a slight sense of relief.
When Miyako returned home, she was already in tears, exhausted both mentally and physically. Kagami immediately sensed something was wrong and pulled her tightly into his arms, softly asking, "Miyako, what happened?" Miyako couldn't help but sob in his arms, her voice broken and halting, "The professor... he... he did something terrible to me... I was so scared..." Her body trembled as if reliving those terrifying moments.
Kagami's heart filled with fury, but he knew the most important thing right now was to make Miyako feel safe and loved. He gently patted her back and comforted her softly, "Miyako, don't be afraid. I'm here. As for that professor, I will never let him get away with it." Miyako clung tightly to Kagami, feeling his warmth and determination, and her fear eased slightly. She sobbed softly, as if pouring out all her grievances and pain.
"I really can't believe it... How could he do that to me..." Miyako's voice was full of helplessness and despair. Kagami gently wiped away her tears and said tenderly, "You don't need to think about it anymore. You were brave to protect yourself in that situation. You're safe now. I'm here; you don't have to be afraid anymore." Feeling Kagami's gentleness and firmness, Miyako's fear gradually faded. She nestled in his arms, feeling his warm embrace, finally finding a bit of peace.
Kagami gently picked Miyako up, placed her on the bed, and then climbed in beside her, wrapping her tenderly in his arms. Miyako felt Kagami's warmth and comfort, and her anxiety slowly dissipated. Finally, in his embrace, she found a sense of security, slowly closing her eyes and drifting into sleep.
After returning home, Kaoru nearly stumbled in front of Shigeru, her face already soaked with tears. Seeing her in such a state, Shigeru felt a pang of heartache and immediately pulled her tightly into his arms. "Kaoru, tell me what happened," he said, holding her tightly, trying to use his warmth to calm her inner fears.
Leaning against Shigeru's chest, Kaoru sobbed uncontrollably, "Shigeru... Today, that coach almost... I fought back as hard as I could to escape... I reported it to the school, but they completely ignored it... He used his connections to suppress everything... I feel so helpless and scared..."
Shigeru's hands held Kaoru tightly, his heart a mix of anger and heartache. "Kaoru, don't worry. I'm here. You did well; you protected yourself. Leave the rest to me. I will make sure you get justice." His voice was filled with a strong determination to seek a fair outcome for Kaoru.
Kaoru's tears continued to flow, her voice filled with helplessness and fear, "Shigeru, I really don't know what to do... How can people like him still walk free? I'm really scared..."
Shigeru gently cupped her face, his eyes full of resolve, "Kaoru, you don't have to be afraid anymore. I won't let this happen again. I will do everything I can to make that coach pay for what he's done. All you need to do now is rest; I've got this." His words acted like a strong tonic, giving Kaoru a sense of reassurance. Although her fear hadn't completely dissipated, Shigeru's embrace and promise made her feel she was not alone.