… three months later
… 6:23 p.m. Himura residence
It's a peaceful evening. The dusk brought on a comfortable coolness and a light mist skirting the pavement. The streets were empty. No one strolled down the sidewalk, nor did a car drive by. Street lamps emitted a soft, aurulent glow, casting harsh shadows from poles and sign posts. A zephyr breeze blew an abandoned newspaper along the sidewalk, dancing gayly and twirled like a ballerina.
It halts mid-flight, plastering itself on a pant leg.
A figure stood silently in the shadows, gazing at an apartment complex. They bent to snatch the newspaper from their person. With only one hand, they opened the paper. The figure's attention was caught by the headline NEICE OF OYABUN REMAINS MISSING, in the faint light from the streetlamps. They read it briefly before crumbling the newspaper single handedly then stuffed it into their pocket.
The figure mumbles to themselves.
The outline of the figure glances skyward. They eyed a window. It illuminated in the darkness like the moon rising from the horizon. Its pale auburn color was the only one visible in the building.
Drawn to a flame like a moth, the mysterious figure moves forward.
"Are you seriously going out with him?" A female voice asked.
The clang of a brush hitting ceramic echoed throughout the room. The fresh scent of cherry blossoms and warm honey lingered in the air.
"It's only one date," Hiromi answered with a little pep in her voice.
She hums while brushing her blown dry hair. Her turquoise eyes sparkled under the florescent lighting of the washroom.
"Do you like this guy?"
Hiromi sighs heavily, her gaze staring at the mirror in front of her.
"I do, actually. Tatsuya always calls me beautiful whenever he sees me, and respects me."
"That's because you are. I know Hisashi never did. Does he even know you've been talking to his brother?"
Hiromi groans, throwing her hairbrush down.
"Of course, he wouldn't. I haven't seen or heard from him for three months now. The lummox disappeared on me."
Kaori stares at her friend with a frown.
"Would it be insensitive of me to say good riddance?"
Hiromi sighs again, her gaze shifting from the mirror to the vanity top.
"No, it wouldn't."
"Good riddance, then. I don't think he was that great of a person anyway, with the way he treated you most of the time."
Hiromi hesitates, her voice soft and pained, as she says, "Well, Hisashi had his moments."
"Uh no you don't. Don't you even think of excusing his behavior, Hiromi. You're better off without him."
Hiromi's lips twisted slightly, her gaze still on the vanity top.
"Am I, though? I mean, would anyone other than Hisashi give me a chance? They'll think I won't be good enough for them even if I wanted to escape this prison."
Kaori groans.
"Hiromi, babe, you need to stop lying to yourself. I mean, can you not hear yourself? That is Hisashi's manipulation over you. You are better off without him and deserve someone who will love you unconditionally."
Kaori snaps her gaze towards the washroom door, eyeing her brother Sōsuke, who is in the room as well, then back on Hiromi.
"Besides, that rat bastard was part of a yakuza gang. They're dangerous people."
Hiromi glares at Kaori.
"They're not dangerous. Oyabun Fujiwara is not like Hisashi, not even the other members. They're protective, maybe, but not dangerous. He was only part of that family for a reason."
"Right," Kaori drawls with arms folded in front of her. "They all have some sort of weird abilities, like you and Hisashi do."
"Tatsuya does well. He can see the hollows." Hiromi considers something. "And the shinigami."
Kaori's peridot green eyes widened slightly, blinking furiously.
"Oh, I didn't know that. I bet that is why Hisashi wanted to date and bed you."
"That is hardly the case, to say the least. I stayed with him because he provided me some sense of security from the hollows."
"And for financial reasons, as well."
Hiromi sighs and then touches her slightly swollen belly, acknowledging that as well. "Fortunately, I have enough money to take care of my baby. I still wonder why he disappeared on me, and where exactly he went?"
Kaori hums as she leans against the doorframe with a flip of her long mahogany red hair.
"It's possible that he went back to Nagasaki." She says.
"Either there or Okinawa."
"It's honestly for the best if you ask me," Sōsuke says.
Hiromi looks over her shoulder at him, who is watching her get ready for this date.
"Hisashi is not worth worrying over, anyway. He's probably rotting on the side of the road somewhere from getting whacked."
"That would be the best-case scenario for me. If he is dead, which I doubt, I would have a mini fortune in my pocket right now," Hiromi says.
"That would be nice. You can get your own apartment and not the one you and him got together, that's for damn sure."
"It is a nice place, though," Kaori adds.
"And not too terribly far from the school either." Hiromi replies, smiling softly.
Sōsuke smirks, then lightly shrugs his shoulders.
"Eh, I guess it's better than this place."
"Are you saying we are living in the slums, brother?"
"Absolutely not. I like where we are. I just wish we had a little more room to have you live with us permanently, Hiromi. That way, you won't be alone with the baby. It's best to have people around you during this stage in life. I'm actually looking forward to being an uncle or even a godfather."
"Ooh, Auntie Kaori sounds nice. Godmother just sounds old to me."
Sōsuke glares at Kaori with a grimace, and arms crossed. His auburn hair brushed along his cheekbones and obscured his left eye a little. Typically, it would be slicked back and styled in a short, yet tight ponytail. Except tonight, he let it down, which Sōsuke knows Hiromi likes it when his hair is like this. She told him once before he looked like the poster boy for those cheesy romance novels but with some bad boyish charm.
"Your vanity is showing, little sister."
"Oh, shut up."
Hiromi smiles softly at the siblings, pink gracing her cheeks despite the rouge.
"Maybe you guys could…" Hiromi trails off, her words interrupted by a knock that she, Sōsuke, and Kaori hear.
Sōsuke glances towards the apartment entry, blinking with a slight frown on his thin lips.
"I guess your date is here," he says. His voice lacked enthusiasm and with a tinge of jealousy.
Kaori eyes her brother briefly, hoping that he would be the one to answer the door. Except, when the knock sounded a second time, Sōsuke remained in his spot. His features hardened and lips pinched.
She sighs heavily, then moves away from the wall.
"Fine, I'll go answer it," she says.
As Kaori brushes past her brother, she provides him a look. They lock gazes from their proximity, peridot meeting deep emeralds. They silently exchange words in a brief span of time.
Hiromi watched them from her mirror, her brows creasing in confusion from their silent exchange. She wondered if they were talking about her. The thought of either of them talking negatively behind her back plagued her mind.
Please, don't talk about me behind my back when I'm sitting right here, Hiromi says to herself.
She watched Kaori leaving the room, leaving her and Sōsuke alone.
He glances at Hiromi, eyeing her with a frown, and arms still folded in front of him. He watched Hiromi resume putting makeup on to apply mascara on her lashes before speaking.
"Why did you decide to go on a date with him after this long, anyway?"
Hiromi stopped what she was doing to glance up at the mirror at Sōsuke. She doesn't answer.
"I mean, this is the same guy that threatened to snap Emi's wrist because she was bullying you, right?"
"Your point," she answered stiffly.
"It feels like you are repeating past mistakes, Hiromi."
"Tsk, what are you talking about?"
"He sounds an awful lot like Hisashi. Is that not a red flag for you?"
She observed him for a moment, noting his brows drawing close and a scowl pulling at the corners of his lips. Hiromi wanted to say something to defend Tatsuya, but couldn't bring herself to do so. She knows he's right. Hiromi just doesn't want to admit it out loud. She should avoid him. Except, there are several things that stick out where Tatsuya differs from Hisashi.
"Tatsuya has his moments, too, Sōsuke. While his anger issues are a red flag, he is different."
"How so?"
"He protects me from the hollows. Him driving me to and from work at the school and diner is a kind gesture. I especially like the fact he calls me beautiful. Hisashi never said that to me, you know."
"I know, and he's an asshole for not saying it. I just think this guy is love bombing you like the other creep you dated before meeting Hisashi."
Hiromi's eyes dulled, and lips curved into a frown.
"You're talking about Rinku?"
"Yeah, that guy. Isn't Tatsuya doing the same thing as he did?"
"Rinku gifted me with roses and fancy materialistic things. Granted, I liked the gifts, but he never was truly in love with me."
"Yeah, after he roped you into an engagement and then left you for another woman, Hiromi. Do you honestly think Hisashi really loved you? I mean, this Tatsuya guy sounds just the same. I just … I don't want you to get hurt again. You deserve better."
He stops himself from saying anything further, frightened he might reveal more than he wants.
Hiromi looks at him, her lips curved into a frown. She shifts her gaze to glance at the floor before standing away from the vanity stool. She crosses the room in a few quick steps to stand in front of him, her eyes not meeting his just yet. Hiromi remembered having a crush on him when she first met him, and the way he has looked at her throughout the years. She knows Sōsuke cares about her, maybe even loves her, but Hiromi doesn't know if it is along the lines of being sibling-like or romantically.
"I know you care, Sōsuke. You care too much, and I understand that. I just wish I could learn the depth you feel for me."
"Hiromi, I…," he trails off, unsure of what to say.
"Let me ask you this. If you say I can do better, does that mean you are my better?"
Sōsuke hesitated in answering. He wants to admit that he has been in love with her since Kaori introduced him to her in high school. He wanted to tell her he can be that special person she desires. Although he wants to, he cannot bring himself to say it. Springing up his feelings for her moments before her date would cause some confusion for her. Besides, it is only one date. If Hiromi and Tatsuya don't connect well, he will say something then. Hiromi deserves to know the truth. Just not tonight.
"Sōsuke?" Hiromi questioned after a moment of him going silent.
"I," he started, only to stop when he and Hiromi heard a high-pitched squeal.
They glance towards the apartment entrance, perplexed. They then hear rushing footsteps. Within a blink, a blur of mahogany red breezed into her bedroom.
"Hot guy alert! Hot guy alert!"
Hiromi groans as she pinched the bridge of her nose. Sōsuke facepalms.
"Freaking maniac," he mumbled.
"I should have forewarned her that Tatsuya is a good-looking guy. We could have avoided the embarrassment."
"Or just told her to be on her best behavior."
"Yeah, that too. I'll go calm her down. I hope she won't embarrass me or you any further."
"Yeah, that's a snowball's chance in hell."
Sōsuke glances at her, noting the uneasiness in her eyes.
"Are you okay?"
She regards him with a frown, biting at her lower lip.
"Not really. I guess, despite being excited, I'm a little nervous, too."
"Because you haven't been on a date in a while, right?"
Hiromi gently nods her head.
Sōsuke eyes her before a soft smile stretched on his lips.
"It's alright to be nervous, and eager."
He pauses for a moment to eye her tenderly.
"Can you promise me one thing, despite my reservations?"
"What would that be?"
His features soften, and provides her a warm smile that made her heart melt like candle wax. Her feelings for him from high school resurfaced, causing her to blush.
"Will you promise me you will have a good time tonight?"
Hiromi presses her lips, her blush deepening.
"Promise."
Sōsuke remains to stare at her, taking in her enhanced appearance. Hiromi's makeup is minimal, with a soft shimmery highlight on her brow bone to brighten her gemstone eyes even more. Her eyelashes are slightly thicker from the gentle brush of mascara, and there is a hint of gloss on her lips. She wore a fitting little black dress that flared gently at her hips and fluttered mid-thigh, with a rhinestone encrusted belt buckle at her waist. Her well-endowed breasts are mostly covered from the sweetheart neckline, but there is some cleavage.
"Sōsuke?"
He quickly snaps out of his trance to acknowledge Hiromi, who is staring at him curiously.
"Oh, uh, I'll uh, I'll go check on him. I'm sure Kaori's pig squealing scared him off."
He quickly rushes away, leaving a confused Hiromi in the washroom.
Sōsuke dazedly approached the apartment door, his thoughts still on Hiromi's lovely appearance for the evening.
He utters, damn, under his breath.
… knock … knock … knock
His gaze snaps up, staring at the paneling with scrutiny, and with his hands stuffed in his pockets. He wanted to ignore the knocking. The thought of Tatsuya entering their threshold with the prenotion of him being a bad person festered into his brain. Sōsuke wants to protect Hiromi from guys like Tatsuya, and Hisashi, even Rinku.
Except he shouldn't take the incident at the diner to heart. Hiromi told him that Tatsuya apologized to everyone, showing regret for his rude behavior and even offering to help with chores. He even stuck around to drive Hiromi home. Hisashi never done that.
Perhaps Tatsuya isn't entirely bad, he says to himself.
With a sigh, Sōsuke grips the handle and swung it open.
He sees Tatsuya with his knuckle hovering mid-knock and has a bewildered look on his face. His brows are drawn together and lips slightly pinched.
"Hello," Sōsuke says with a slight drone.
"Um, my apologies. I think I'm at the wrong place."
"If you're looking for the Himura Residence, you're at the right place … unfortunately."
Tatsuya blinks, bewildered still.
"Oh, then I guess little miss pig squealer was your sister, Kaori?"
Sōsuke couldn't help but scuffs, smiling sheepishly.
"Yeah, sorry about that. She can be a little_ hey!" Sōsuke is cut short when Kaori returned by shoving him away. She has a bright smile and is wearing a provocative top to show off her full and fabulous breasts.
He collapses to the floor with an audible oof, landing on his side and a little winded. Little spirals danced in his eyes from Kaori's mighty shove.
When did she get so strong!?
"Hi! You must be Tatsuya."
Tatsuya grimaces.
"Y-yeah, in the flesh."
Kaori squeals again.
"My Rom Rom has told me all about you. I am thrilled to finally meet you in person." She beamed, thrusting her chest out for him to see.
Tatsuya stares at her uncomfortably, shrinking back from her overly bubbly personality.
"I'm sorry, who now?"
"Oh, that's just my nickname for my soul sister. Hiromi is finishing up. Come on in!"
Kaori takes his hands into hers and yanks him inside, who rightfully makes a startled yelp.
Upon entering, Kaori ambushes him with a tight hug and delightful squealing.
"Ooh, you're muscular, too. Me like. When Hiromi told me about you, she never mentioned how hot you were."
Tatsuya mumbled, growing increasingly uneasy, "Probably for a good reason. Will you please let go of me?"
Kaori ignores him.
"You know, I love a nice, strong, handsome man like yourself, Tatsuya. If I were available, I would steal you from her."
"You are available, you maniac!" Sōsuke shouts from behind them, who remained on the floor, and getting his bearings.
"Oh hush, Sōsuke." She snapped her gaze in his direction, catching him getting on his feet.
"What are doing down there, anyway? I swear, don't embarrass me in front of this hunk of a man."
Tatsuya silently groans, grimacing from Kaori's proximity.
"Will you please get off me?"
His request still goes unheard.
"I was down there because you pushed me, Kaori. And you're embarrassing me. Now, let go of Tatsuya. You're making him uncomfortable."
Kaori glares at her brother, pouting like a two-year-old before sticking her tongue out at him.
"You are such a child."
"Shut up, Sōsuke. It's not my fault the last guy I saw who is a twelve out of ten was that schlub Hisashi."
He stared at his sister with an irritated frown, and right brow twitching.
"Twelve out of ten? That makes zero sense," Sōsuke grumbled.
He glances at Tatsuya, noticing the distant gaze in his eyes. Sōsuke remembered then the two brothers have a vendetta. He honestly feels a little sad for him. Sōsuke may have his moments with his sister, but he will always protect and love his family. Knowing that Tatsuya doesn't have that familial connection with Hisashi made Sōsuke want to try being friends with him.
He opens his mouth to say something, but Kaori talks over him.
"It doesn't have to make sense, big brother. You know, if it doesn't work out between you and my Rom Rom, I am available to go on a date with you."
Tatsuya's nose wrinkled.
"I'd rather not," Tatsuya says as he forced Kaori's arms from his person.
"Awe, why not, hot stuff?"
"For one, I find your overly bubbly personality a bit too strong for my liking. Second, I don't date a girl's best friend. Plus, you have no boundaries with you being a stage five clinger."
"It's just how I am," Kaori replies, while staring dreamily up at Tatsuya.
"Come on, Kaori, back off," Sosuke groaned as he watched his eccentric sister hitting on Hiromi's date.
"Hush! So, what do you say? Would you be interested in sexy ole me?"
Tatsuya stares down at her for a moment. His gaze roved over her body that made her visibly tremble.
"Sorry, no, thanks."
Kaori felt a coldness wash over her, frozen in her spot like an ice sculpture. She even thought she saw snowflakes breeze through the warm room.
"Ha, I think hell just froze over," Sōsuke said from behind the duo, and trying his best not to crack a smile.
Tatsuya waved a hand in front of Kaori's face when she became unresponsive for at least a minute. He quirked a brow when she didn't react.
"Um, is she okay? It's like her batteries went dead."
Sōsuke snickered.
"Oh, she's fine. It's just…." He scratches at his chin, smirking.
Tatsuya glances at Sōsuke, an uneasy expression glazed over his features as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"It's just what?"
"Well, honestly, this is the first time a guy shot her down," Sōsuke explained.
Tatsuya's brow quirked and lips curved slightly.
"Meaning what exactly? I don't want to be disrespectful and assume the worse."
Sōsuke blinks at Tatsuya as a corner of his lip curved.
"My sister is not one of those girls. Everyone is just drawn to her because of her overly bubbly personality."
"And it has nothing to do with her ravishing looks, right? Don't get me wrong, she is pretty."
"She has a magnetism that guys and girls like. She's no floozy."
Kaori snapped out of her stupor to snap her gaze on Sōsuke, snarling.
"Who is calling me a floozy?"
"No one is calling you that."
"Someone said floozy, for a reason!"
"Oh good kami, I was just telling our guest that you weren't one."
"So, hot stuff here thinks I'm one?"
Kaori glowers at Tatsuya, who rightfully returns the sentiment.
"I was trying to be respectful and not assume that you were, since he mentioned I was the first guy to turn you down. That's why I asked. No need to get your panties in a twist, girly." Tatsuya says, his voice level and firm.
Kaori makes a strange noise, turning red.
"G-girly?"
Sōsuke silently shakes his head, cradling his face.
"Ugh, my sister is a maniac," he mumbles to himself. "Kaori, would you kindly calm down?"
She stares at her brother briefly before moving away from Tatsuya, pouting.
"Ugh, fine."
Kaori slips past Tatsuya, shooting him one more flirtatious smile and wink, then settles herself in a comfy chair in the living room. She reaches forward to snatch a remote control, channel surfing boredly. A mischievous smirk suddenly spreads across her lips.
"Yo, Hiromi! Are you done prepping your furry taco? Your smoking hot date is here!"
Sōsuke grimaces deeply, whereas Tatsuya tries to choke back a laugh but fails. He laughs loudly, drowning out Sōsuke's shout of disgust. They don't even hear Hiromi screeching Kaori's name.
"For Pete's sake, Kaori, stop embarrassing me!" Sōsuke shouts.
"Oh, lighten up. You know, I can't go a day without embarrassing someone."
"You could if you tried. And don't refer to your … nether regions like that. It's disgusting."
"Where's the fun in that? Besides, you are way too easy to annoy, Sōsuke."
As Tatsuya watches the siblings, he can't help but gnaw at his bottom lip, a nervous habit that reflects his inner turmoil. His brows furrow, drawn together in a display of deep concentration and concern. But it is his eyes that reveal the true depth of his emotions - a distinct longing gaze that overwhelms his silver eyes. He wished he had the relationship Kaori and Sōsuke have with his brother. They have been vying with one another since birth for affection from their abhorrent parents and pitted against one another. It also didn't help that Hisashi wished that his little brother weren't breathing. He hates him. The feeling is mutual for Tatsuya. Although, there is a sliver of affection for his only living family member.
"Hey, you okay?" Sōsuke asked once he noticed Tatsuya was silent for a long moment.
He glances at Sōsuke, pain still clear in his gaze.
"Yeah, I'm good. Nothing to worry about."
He tried to be nonchalant about it, but his emotions were boiling over. Tatsuya felt an urge to punch something. The nearby wall seemed like a suitable candidate. Except, he didn't want to cause damage to their home. He has been known to punch through walls, leaving a souvenir of his presence for others to remember him by. That was always his way of releasing pent up anger … lashing out. The incident at the diner is his most recent outburst. Except, after that night, Tatsuya has learned to control his anger. And he has Hiromi to thank for. She seems to be the only one who can keep his emotions in check. He wished she were out here right now to subdue his inner turmoil.
"Are you sure?" Sōsuke's voice asked him.
Tatsuya blinks himself out of his thoughts and adjusts his jacket with a snap, avoiding eye contact.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Is she ready yet?"
Kaori noted the tinge of anger in Tatsuya's voice, causing her eyes to narrow slightly.
"You seem awfully agitated about something." She says, her voice holding steady.
Tatsuya rolls his eyes and looks her way, frowning. He opened his mouth to tell her off, and maybe put Kaori in her place, but stops. Hiromi's voice filled his ears.
"Leave him alone, Kaori," Hiromi says as she entered the room.
A trickle of calm washed over him, easing his bubbling anger. His gaze on Kaori softens, even the snarl he didn't know he had, then looks over his shoulder. Tatsuya's eyes widen and jaw dropped slightly. He felt heat brush along his cheeks, and tongue had gone dry from the sight of Hiromi. He knew she was a beautiful woman, but Hiromi looked absolutely marvelous in the form-fitting and flowy black dress. The way her concerned eyes sparkled under the incandescent lighting caused his belly to flutter wildly and heart soar to his throat.
Um, wow, he says to himself, awestruck.
From beside him, Sōsuke glances from Tatsuya to Hiromi. He noticed the shift in Tatsuya's mannerisms, and the way he is looking at Hiromi right now. He felt a slight pang in his chest from the realization that the supposed overly charming bad-boy is love-struck. Sōsuke senses that things between him and Hiromi are about to change. He is honestly not upset about it. In fact, Sōsuke is … happy. He can tell in his heart and gut that Tatsuya is going to change for the better and provide Hiromi the love she deserves.
His thoughts were interrupted when Kaori started talking.
"What? Can I not suspect him of sounding agitated? It sounds to me he is irritated that you were not ready yet, Hiromi."
"I doubt that is the case, Kaori."
"And what makes you so sure that it isn't? I mean, that schlub of a boyfriend was always rushing you, and got irritated if you weren't ready when he was. So, how is hot stuff any different?"
"Unlike my dumbass brother, I at least have some manners," Tatsuya says while staring at Hiromi.
"Sure you do. I mean, you threatened Emi to snap her wrist," Kaori jabs.
"She caught me on a bad day. I know it's no excuse and I could have handled it better, and wish I would have controlled my anger. It's the past. It won't happen again."
Kaori scrutinizes him. Her lips pursed in thought, and arms folded in front of her.
"I'll believe you if you promise me one thing?"
Tatsuya eyes Kaori with a frown and worry creasing his forehead.
"And what would that be?"
Kaori stared at him, her jaw setting slightly.
"Promise me you will never hurt my sister. She's been in abused relationships before. Hiromi doesn't need another one."
Tatsuya's gaze softens, his eyes flicking to Hiromi, who is watching the exchange uneasily.
"I know she doesn't. I promise I won't hurt her."
He continued to eye Hiromi, his cheeks flushing a bright pink, and softly grimaced. Tatsuya wanted to scratch the nervous tick on the back of his neck. Instead, he opted to gulp tightly and shuffle in his spot. Hiromi's beauty has his tongue tied. He clears his throat after a couple of seconds, shifting on his left heel and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"You, uh, you look really pretty. I mean," he stumbled, shaking his head lightly.
Hiromi stares at him, blinking, and pressed her lips. She can feel her chest swell from the compliment, and felt an intense heating flutter in her stomach.
Kaori eyed Tatsuya and Hiromi briefly. A knowing smirk grew on her lips, along with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Really? Pretty. I think she deserves something better than that, don't you think?"
"Yeah, I guess pretty is putting it lightly. You're a masterpiece."
Kaori inwardly squeals. Hiromi, however, flinches from Tatsuya's compliment, her cheeks turning red and fighting a grin.
She rubs her palms together, and eyes staring at the tops of his polished shoes.
"Th-thank_."
Hiromi was cut off when the apartment phone rang loudly. She flinches at the abrupt sound with a yelp and cowers slightly.
Tatsuya hears her mumble, "Is it him?"
His eyes narrow, curious about what she meant by that.
Sōsuke glances at the phone, his lips faintly pursing.
"I wonder who is calling at this hour?"
"Oh, I bet it is my second best friend, Orihime." Kaori replies as she lunges for the phone.
Hiromi blinks and frowns slightly.
"Wait, are you talking about the Inoue girl?" She asked, perplexed.
"No, Hoshino. Although, it is sad about what happened to her brother. Orihime! Kon'nichiwa!" Kaori exclaims as she answered the phone with a beaming grin.
She stretches herself across the couch for a moment, waiting for a reply.
After a minute of silence, Kaori's brow twitched.
"Uh, hello? Orihime, are you there?"
Still no reply.
The only sound Kaori hears is someone's ragged breathing on the other line.
When they failed to answer again, Kaori became uneasy … and angry. Her jaw squares and gnashes her teeth. Her brow twitches rapidly.
"Alright, whoever is sitting there picking the zits on their ass better answer me. Or so help_."
"Turn to channel seven," a warbled, distorted voice tells her.
"Huh?"
The line instantly goes dead.
Kaori stares at the phone cradle. Her eyes are wide and mouth gaped open slightly. She feels a cold prickle run down the length of her spine, causing gooseflesh.
Hiromi stared at Kaori, shrinking in on herself. Her arms squeezed at her sides and ribcage, and eyes looking dull.
"Um, Kaori," Sōsuke says, his voice low and uneasy. "Who was that?"
She glances over at her brother, settling the phone back onto the cradle.
"I don't know."
"What did they want?"
"They_."
Kaori doesn't finish when she hears Hiromi's cell beep. She glances at her, noticing Hiromi stiffen. She does, however, step towards where her phone rested and picked it up.
It was a text.
"Hi Hiromi. I know it's been a while, and you probably don't want to hear from me, but you need to see what's on the news. It's from Rin." Hiromi read out loud.
"Um, who?" Sōsuke asks
She quickly types a message, asking if they tried calling her at the apartment. The answer she got back caused her features to become grave, and bites her lower lip with a tight gulp.
"No. I don't even know it. What's going on?"
Hiromi doesn't answer back. She got the answer she needed.
"Hiromi?" Kaori called to her.
She glances over at Kaori, who is staring at her with brows wrinkling and biting at her nails.
"What did Rin say?"
Hiromi stares at her for a moment, then glances at the television.
"It wasn't them. Turn to channel seven."
Catching the wobbly tone in her voice, Kaori rapidly clicks through the channels, settling on the channel they were instructed to watch.
Tatsuya approaches Hiromi's side, while Sōsuke went to sit beside his sister, who is gnawing at her fingers. He gently places a hand on hers, urging Kaori to pull her fingers away from her mouth.
"The whereabouts for Oyabun Fujiwara's niece, Emi Higurashi, have finally drawn to a close after four long weeks. Emergency responders discovered the young woman's body in her bathtub after receiving an anonymous tip."
There were collective gasps in the room, along with a slight squeak coming from Kaori. Hiromi's eyes widened and chest constricted.
"Wait, what?"
Her cell vibrated from Rin texting her, but it goes ignored.
"The cause of the death is an apparent homicide from multiple stab wounds in her back, and head submerged under water ... drowning her. An investigation is underway to determine if any foul play was involved in this heartless, heinous crime. Neighbors are being interviewed by police about the murder, looking for details about any potential suspects. If you have…."
The news anchor's voice fades from Hiromi's ears. The startling news of Emi being murdered struck her hard in the chest. Hiromi may not have been on the best of terms with her, but Emi made some improvements with their relationship to be tolerable. Heck, she didn't know Emi was Oyabun Fujiwara's neice. Hiromi always wondered why Emi never contacted her about having drinks together. She had been killed. And she doesn't know who would do such a thing.
Although she is wondering if it has anything to do with Hisashi's disappearance. Maybe he is the killer? Or maybe he is dead too? They just haven't found him yet. He could have gone to his old apartment and hung himself. Except, other yakuza members have gone there looking for him. He wasn't there. Hiromi worries he may have gone to Aokigahara Forest.
No. Hisashi wouldn't go there. He's too much of a coward to go there or kill himself, she says to herself.
She stood in her spot, staring at the television screen, her lips curved into a deep frown, her eyes reflecting the sadness on the screen. While her heart ached with the news about Emi, her anxieties about Hisashi lingered like a dark cloud.
Her cell vibrates again. Rin texting her if she was okay and wanted to know if she needed company. She ignores it still.
"Poor Emi," Hiromi replies to herself in a whisper.
Tatsuya hears her breathy response. He glances down at her, frowning and brows lowered. He heaves a sigh from his lungs and reaches out to provide Hiromi some comfort. His hand stops when his cell chimed. She doesn't hear it, nor does Kaori or Sōsuke. With a gulp, he glances down at his phone, catching a text that sent a chill down his spine.
"Do the job. Or I will."
Tatsuya stares at the text with a scowl that went unnoticed. His silver eyes flick to Hiromi briefly then to Kaori and her brother.
No. Not yet. It's not the right time, he says to himself.
The right time never came.
After the night of Emi's whereabouts, Tatsuya had multiple opportunities to fulfill his task. To murder Hiromi Watanabe. A hit placed by her supposed "loving" boyfriend.
He had the chance to slit her throat, but couldn't. His victim looked at him with such warmth and a smile that melted his icy heart. They were alone at an aquarium. Something that Hiromi always wanted to go to, but never could. They were in an area where no one could see them. She was mesmerized by the colorful sea life and the beauty it held. Hiromi had looked at him, smiling brightly, and thanked him for bringing her there. It wasn't the right time.
Tatsuya had the chance again to kill her when Hiromi was alone in the apartment. He had just dropped her off after work. The Himura siblings were out and wouldn't be back until late that evening. Hiromi didn't want to be alone that night. And so he stayed. Instead of cooking, Hiromi ordered them a pizza, one that they both had a hankering for, a pepperoni and sausage pizza with green peppers. They even watched a movie together, a horror movie, to be exact. She enjoys them just as much as Tatsuya does. They sat close together on the couch, Hiromi's arm entangled around his own while engrossed in the film. It wasn't the right time.
He had the chance a third time, but couldn't go through with it. Not when it was Hiromi's birthday. He had nothing to give her except provide her company. She didn't care Tatsuya didn't bring her a birthday present. As long as he was there to celebrate with her and her closest friends. What Tatsuya wasn't expecting was Hiromi pecking a kiss on his cheek and thanked him. It wasn't the right time.
It was never the right time.
The more he put it off, the more Tatsuya fell deeper for Hiromi.
It wasn't the right time when Hiromi came out of the school, crying. One of her male colleagues made a move on her. Out of fright and desperation, Hiromi kneed them in the groin and ran. When she saw Tatsuya waiting for her outside, Hiromi had rushed towards him and wrapped her arms around his chest. He had felt a flare of anger then. Tatsuya immediately went searching for the creep. Hiromi tried talking him out of it, saying he wasn't worth it, but he felt differently. He found the perv and struck him hard before lecturing the piece of shit to never make an inappropriate move towards her again. Hiromi may not have liked how he handled it, but was grateful for him standing up for her when Hisashi never did.
It wasn't the right time when he brought her home and apologized for his actions. He provided her comfort, holding Hiromi tightly against his chest and reassuring her he would fight for her honor. What he shouldn't have done was kiss her forehead softly as a promise to her.
It struck Tatsuya like lightning then. He was in love with her.
It will just never be the right time. Tatsuya promised he would fight for her and protect her. Because Hiromi was worth changing over for the better. He hated who he was, and what he was doing to her. She deserves better ... and the truth. If she hated him for learning about it from his own lips, then so be it. Tatsuya would have done whatever he could to regain her trust, even if it took a month, a year, or even longer. Hiromi was worth waiting for.
Except, Tatsuya never thought he would never get the chance to tell her.
… three weeks later
Fuck, it hurts.
It hurts way too much than it should be. The sharp stabbing pain in the stomach is excruciating.
Why does it hurt this much?
A hand tightly grips their stomach, crimson blood oozed from a deep stab wound, gushing from their tight grip. They groaned painfully, their vision going fuzzy.
"Kaori," a small voice filled their ears, followed by a strangled cry. "No."
They can hear Hiromi cry over Kaori's lifeless body, calling out to her best friend, and begging for her to come back. Except she knew her dearest friend will not wake. Tatsuya knew. Shoot, even the gods knew she won't.
"H-Hiromi," Tatsuya called out. His voice was strained, raspy, and low.
Despite his blurring vision, he can see Hiromi snap her gaze in his direction. Tatsuya can vaguely see the slight snarl on her lips, but her eyes betrayed her anger. Tears streamed from her eyes, despite the surprise in her gaze.
"Hiromi," he rasped.
His bloody hand reached out to her, as if wanting to touch her warm skin one last time.
With difficulty, she crawled over to him, straining and groaning.
"You're alive?"
Her voice is soft and wobbly.
"Hiromi," he called again.
His blood-soaked fingers curled from a painful stabbing sensation in his stomach. Blood continued to flow from the dangerously deep stab wound in his abdomen.
"It … it won't stop." He groans.
"You're bleeding out," Hiromi says softly, her tears remaining to fall. "Stay alive."
"I … I don't think I can," he says, his voice slowing. "I'm dying. I can feel it."
He can hear her struggle, groaning painfully and crying.
"No, please don't you die on me, too."
Darkness prickled the corners of his eyes, his own fearful tears falling.
I don't want to die.
"I'm … Hiromi." His voice is barely a whisper now.
"Tatsuya! Stay with me!"
Her shuffle quickened. She edged into his line of vision. Hiromi's breathtaking gemstone eyes met his silver, tears falling onto his cheek.
"Come on, stay with me!"
His lips moved, but nothing could come out. Tatsuya wanted to tell her everything. Except his voice died on his lips.
"Tatsuya, please," Hiromi cried. Her lips pulled into a deep grimace, choking back a sob.
"Don't, don't you dare die on me. I may hate you right now, but don't die on me."
His silver eyes dimmed as he stared up at her. Tatsuya wanted her to hear it from his lips, of how sorry he was for bringing her heartache. She didn't deserve any of it. He wished he could go back to the night he met this beautiful woman and just drove her out of town, out of the county, and away from his sadistic brother. Tatsuya should have saved her and her child. It was his nephew, or niece. He could have provided her with the security Hiromi needed. He would have helped raise the kid, as well.
Except Tatsuya gave in to his brother's manipulation, and the darkness in his own heart.
He wanted to tell Hiromi the truth, to let her know none of this was her fault. Hiromi's words of self-blame echoed in his ears, even his name on her lips. He wanted to comfort her the best he could. Except his limbs have grown heavy. He can barely move now.
Tatsuya doesn't see the woman crying over him, or her warm fingers cradling his cheek. Blackness tunneled his vision. Her voice is distant and distorted, as if he were underwater.
"Tatsuya, come on, stay with me! Please. D-don't … don't leave me alone."
Visions of his past filtered through his mind as he laid on the carpet, bleeding out. He can feel a deep cold settling over him, and tears of sorrow streaming down his paling skin.
Tell her.
"I … I'm … so … s-sorry," he tried to say.
Except his words were replaced with derogatory terms and cutting insults that his narcissistic mother lashed at him when he was just a boy. Ghostly pains of cuts and bruises peppered his clammy, cold skin his abusive father inflicted upon him.
"You shouldn't be breathing!"
"You should have died!"
This was constantly screamed at him by his father … and his brother, Hisashi. Tatsuya was told many times that he was supposed to have died after Hisashi was born. They thought with the complications he was having during development that he wouldn't make it. Apparently, the doctors were mistaken.
"Tatsuya!" Hiromi had screamed.
His dulling gaze slid to hers.
He wanted to say it, to say everything he was feeling and how sorry he felt for hurting her. His lips barely moved as he spoke what would be his dying breath, haunted by the memories of his youth.
"You shouldn't be breathing," he rasped lowly.
A slow exhale left his lungs, leaving his body lifeless and still on the cold floor. Hiromi's cries filled the room, echoing the pain and heartbreak she felt in losing him.
"Tatsuya! Come on, wake up, goddamnit! Wake up!"
She cradled his lifeless form, unable to comprehend the sudden emptiness that consumed her.
"Tatsuya, please," she cried, hiccupping. "Please, wake up."
As the darkness enveloped Tatsuya, memories continued to flash before his fading consciousness. The moments of happiness and his secret love for Hiromi seemed like a distant dream now. Regret gnawed at his soul, knowing that he had failed to protect her, failed to be the person she needed him to be.
His mind wandered back to the fateful night when his brother, Hisashi, had unleashed his violent rage upon him for not fulfilling his assignment. Forcing him to make a choice. Tatsuya is just glad Sōsuke wasn't here to witness the carnage he and Hisashi left behind. He was glad to know that someone still has a decent opinion of him. Sōsuke was the only male he knew who treated him like a person. He just hopes that the brother he saw in Sōsuke would take care of Hiromi for him. Tatsuya tried to shield Hiromi and Kaori, to be their protector. Except he was overpowered by the darkness that consumed his family. The guilt weighed heavily on his chest, suffocating him as he took his final breath.
In his last moments, Tatsuya's wish was for Hiromi to find happiness and heal from the pain he caused. He hoped that someday she would understand that his actions never reflected her worth, but manifested his own internal battles.
He made a silent vow then. Tatsuya vowed to stay behind, to follow her, and protect Hiromi. Because if his brother ever returned after fleeing and leaving Hiromi behind like the coward he was, he will end up killing her. Tatsuya can't have that. He won't physically be here to protect her, but he will in spirit … or as a hollow, whichever makes him stronger.
He just wants to keep Hiromi safe.
A/N: Hello, everyone. Sorry for not updating sooner. I've been going through some personal stuff that it has been hard working on chapters. Plus, I've been feeling stuck and lost on some scenes. I'm not abandoning the story, but it will be a while until I post a new chapter. I will be taking some time to focus on my health, so this will be the last update on this story for this year. Updates will resume soon.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone.
Be safe, be kind, and don't forget to take care of yourselves.