Chapter 8: Realizations

Inuyasha hurried towards the front door, his bag slung over his shoulder. He had already changed into his uniform, grabbed his skateboard, and was ready to head out for the day. His mother's voice, however, stopped him in his tracks just as he passed by her office.

"Inuyasha, hold on a minute."

He paused, but didn't turn around immediately. He knew exactly what was coming. She always knew when something was bothering him. Always.

He took a breath, straightened his shoulders, and turned to face her. Inukimi was sitting behind her polished mahogany desk, the soft glow of the desk lamp casting a gentle light on her face. Her silver hair was perfectly styled, as usual, and her posture—elegant, poised—gave nothing away. But there was a softness in her eyes, a quiet understanding, that made Inuyasha feel like he was on the verge of being uncovered.

"What's up, Mom?" he asked, trying to sound casual, but the slight tremor in his voice betrayed him.

Inukimi looked at him steadily, her gaze almost too perceptive. She pushed the papers she had been reviewing to the side and folded her hands in front of her. Her voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable hint of concern.

"You've been off lately," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "You've been distant—something's on your mind."

Inuyasha shifted uncomfortably, suddenly feeling like he was being caught in the act of doing something wrong. He fidgeted with the strap on his bag, his eyes darting anywhere but at his mother. "I'm just busy, Mom. You know, with school and… everything. No big deal."

Inukimi's sharp eyes softened, but the concern didn't fade. She had always been able to read him, no matter how much he tried to hide. And right now, he could tell that she wasn't buying it.

"You're always busy, Inuyasha," she replied, her voice taking on a more patient tone. "But this is different. I know when something's bothering you." She paused, studying him for a moment, and then added softly, "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

His heart thudded in his chest. He hadn't expected this. He'd thought he could slip away, disappear into the busy rhythms of the day without having to face what was really on his mind. But there was no way out now.

"I'm fine, Mom. Really," he said quickly, his voice a little too sharp. He wasn't looking at her anymore, his gaze focused on the floor just past her office. "I've got an important exam today, so I need to go. We'll talk later, okay?"

Inukimi didn't press him right away. She simply watched as he took a few more steps toward the door, then let the silence linger for a moment, as if waiting for him to come back to her. But when he didn't, she spoke again, her voice softer, almost like a whisper.

"I know something's going on, Inuyasha. It's okay if you're not ready to talk about it, but you don't have to shut me out."

He froze in place, his hand hovering over the doorknob. The words hit him harder than he expected. It was like a weight pressing down on his chest, making it harder to breathe. His mother had always known him so well—too well sometimes.

"I'm not shutting you out," he muttered, looking over his shoulder at her. But the words sounded hollow, even to his own ears. "I just... have a lot on my plate."

He turned back to the door, trying to escape the tension in the air. But before he could open it, Inukimi spoke again, her voice still calm but with an edge of quiet insistence.

"What is it, Inuyasha?"

His throat tightened, and for a moment, he felt like he couldn't breathe. His hand gripped the doorknob so tightly it hurt, but he didn't dare let go. There was a lump in his throat, and all he wanted to do was leave, to avoid this uncomfortable moment. But Inukimi's gaze remained steady, watching him like she was waiting for him to make the next move.

"I—" he started, but the words wouldn't come. His thoughts swirled in a chaotic blur. He wanted to say something. He wanted to open up, but what would she think? What would his father think? They already had so many expectations for him.

The dream he couldn't let go of—the dream of playing soccer, of doing something with his life that wasn't dictated by his family—was one he wasn't ready to share. Not yet.

Instead of answering, he quickly glanced at his phone. "Uh, sorry, Mom. I got a message from one of the guys. I really have to go."

Before she could respond, he opened the door and stepped outside, not waiting for her reply. The cool morning air hit his face, but it did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside him. He kept his gaze focused on the ground as he moved quickly toward the driveway, his footsteps loud against the silence that lingered in his wake.

But even as he skated down the street, his phone buzzing in his hand, Inuyasha couldn't shake the feeling that his mother knew something. That she was waiting for him to tell her what he was so desperately trying to hide.

The evening air had turned cooler as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft golden light over the streets of Shinjuku. Kagome adjusted the jacket the stranger had left draped over her shoulders. The coat was heavier than she expected, the fabric warm and comforting against the chill. As she walked, her mind replayed the afternoon. Sango had teased her afterwards her voice soft, but with a warmth that made Kagome pause. "He seemed to really care about you," Sango had said, giving her a gentle smile. It was said with such sincerity, and yet it made Kagome feel something she couldn't quite explain. It was a simple observation, but coming from Sango, it felt like more.

But Kagome still didn't understand. Who was he? Why her? What had made him notice her—just a random stranger in the park?

Sango had seemed amused by this man's actions. Kagome hadn't thought much of it at the time, but now she wanted to thank him and return his jacket, surely, he could have taken it back when Sango had returned.

Her fingers slipped into the pockets, hoping to keep her hands warm as she walked through the park's quiet streets. The coat was a little too large for her, the sleeves long enough to cover her hands completely. She had to admit, though, it was more comfortable than she had expected. It had a sharp, distinct smell—something clean, yet faintly woodsy. The fabric was smooth and well-made.

Her fingers brushed against something inside the pocket, something that wasn't just the fabric. She pulled it out, curious, and found a card tucked inside.

Curious, Kagome pulled it out, blinking when she saw it was a business card. She hadn't expected that. She turned the small card over, reading the neat, embossed lettering printed in elegant black ink:

Sesshoumaru Taisho

Owner Chief Engineer, Taisho Engineering

Tel: 03-xxxx-xxxx

Kagome's heart pounded in her chest as she stared at the name on the business card. Sesshoumaru Taisho. It felt surreal, like something straight out of a dream. She had heard of the Taisho family—everyone had. Taisho Enterprises was one of Japan's largest conglomerates, with its tentacles in everything from cutting-edge technology to luxury real estate. People in Kagome's circles—students, hospital staff—had talked about the family's wealth, power, and influence in hushed, almost reverent tones.

Her fingers trembled as she reached for her phone, instinctively pulling up a search engine. She quickly typed in the name—Sesshoumaru Taisho—and waited as the results loaded. When they finally appeared, her eyes widened, disbelief settling in her chest. The results hit her like a wave. There, in black and white, was the man from the café; the crisp suit. The steely presence. The quiet intensity. Now it all made sense.

It was him.

The one who'd stood with that unreadable expression at the cafe. The same man who had so effortlessly untangled her bracelet and commented on her "disorganized approach to life." She had thought nothing of it at the time, dismissing it as a chance encounter, a random collision in the busy streets of Tokyo. But now? Now everything seemed to shift.

The search results were clear. Sesshoumaru Taisho wasn't just some businessman. He was the Owner Chief Engineer of Taisho Engineering, the engineering firm that played a pivotal role in some of the most high-profile infrastructure projects in the country. The business card in her hand made perfect sense now. She had unknowingly crossed paths with one of the most influential people in Japan.

Her breath caught in her throat as she quickly scanned more details about him. Despite his relative youth—only in his early thirties—he had already built an empire. His work was renowned in fields like robotics, architecture, and urban development. No wonder his presence had been so commanding, so... intimidating. How had she not recognized him sooner?

Her thoughts were a blur. She'd been so caught up in the chaos of her day—the missed call from her father, the frantic rush to deliver the proposal—that she hadn't taken the time to notice the man she had literally bumped into was a corporate titan.

Kagome took a steadying breath, her grip tightening around the card. Sesshoumaru Taisho. She repeated the name in her head, trying to process the information.

She shook her head, trying to focus. She could still picture the look on his face—the faint amusement behind his eyes, like he was watching some private performance unfold. She had been so caught up in the moment, in the rush of her thoughts and frustration, that she hadn't fully processed how strange it was that he'd been so calm, so composed in contrast to her own reaction. He was different, she realized now. There had been something about his presence, something commanding, but not in a way that overwhelmed her—it was like he was untouchable, observing everything from a distance.

Her fingers lingered on the business card as she stood on the quiet street, the weight of the discovery slowly sinking in.

The warmth of the coat around her shoulders—now carrying a new layer of meaning—seemed to weigh on her in a new way. He really didn't have to give it to me, she thought. He could have just walked on by, like everyone else. But no, he had done something kind.

The question gnawed at her—Why me?

Before she could think any further, her phone buzzed in her hand, dragging her back to the present. It was a text from her father, reminding her of the deadline for the proposal. Kagome sighed, slipping the card into her coat pocket with a sense of finality.

She wasn't sure what would come of this, if anything, but the least she could do was thank him and return his coat.

The sun had barely begun to dip below the horizon when Kanna wandered out into the garden, her soft footsteps muffled by the grass beneath her feet. The estate was quiet at this hour—Toga and Sesshoumaru would be coming home soon, and Inuyasha was likely out with Koga and Sota. The only sounds were the rustling of the cherry trees and the occasional chirp of a bird.

Kanna, feeling the cool evening air on her skin, walked along the stone path that wound through the garden, her book still clutched in her hands but forgotten for the moment. She had come outside to clear her mind, to breathe in the serenity of the estate. The evening light bathed everything in soft, golden hues, making the garden seem even more magical.

Her small feet took her down a path she didn't often walk, one that led toward the edges of the garden near the large, white stone wall that marked the perimeter of the Taisho estate. The gardens here were wild, overgrown with ivy and thick shrubbery. There was a certain charm in the untamed beauty of it—almost as if the estate's guardians had let nature take its course in this corner of their world. Kanna liked it here. It was peaceful.

As she rounded a bend in the path, something caught her eye. At first, it was nothing more than a small rustling sound, barely audible over the faint wind. She paused, her eyes scanning the area, and then she saw it—a pair of glowing green eyes peering out from behind a large bush.

Kanna took a tentative step closer, feeling a slight flutter of curiosity in her chest. The eyes blinked, unblinking and curious, but there was no immediate movement. It was as though the creature was waiting, just as Kanna was, to see what would happen next.

Tentatively, Kanna knelt down to the ground, trying to make herself seem less imposing. Her small voice, usually so soft, came out in a gentle whisper. "Are you lost?"

The creature, a small cat with soft, midnight-black fur, crept forward, her eyes bright and intelligent. The cat's ears twitched slightly as it approached Kanna, its tail flicking back and forth. Kanna didn't move, waiting patiently as the feline drew closer, her heart racing in her chest.

The cat sniffed the air, and then—almost as if deciding she was harmless—the creature nuzzled Kanna's small outstretched hand with the top of its head. Kanna gasped, her breath catching in her throat. It felt like magic.

A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she reached out to gently stroke the cat's soft fur. The cat purred, a soothing, rumbling sound that vibrated against Kanna's fingertips. It was as though the creature was responding to her unspoken need for companionship, a silent acknowledgment of the solitude she often found in her own thoughts.

"Hello, little one," Kanna whispered, her voice soft and uncertain, like the words themselves were unfamiliar to her. But the cat didn't mind. It simply closed its eyes and leaned into her touch, purring louder now, content in the quiet moments they shared.

For a few minutes, Kanna just stayed there, kneeling on the soft grass, her hand gently petting the cat. She wasn't sure why she had come to this part of the garden today, nor why this little cat had appeared, but it felt... important. It felt like something she needed.

As if on cue, the cat sat back, its green eyes studying Kanna. Then, it took a few steps back, its tail flicking in the air. "You're not going to run away, are you?" Kanna asked softly, more to herself than the cat. She wasn't sure if she wanted the cat to stay or if she was afraid of the company it might bring."

But the cat didn't run. Instead, it sat and looked at her expectantly, as if inviting Kanna to follow. She hesitated only for a moment before standing up and brushing the dirt off her knees. The cat turned and trotted ahead, as though it knew the path, weaving through the bushes and flowers with confident steps.

Without thinking, Kanna followed. The sound of her footsteps mingled with the cat's light padding on the grass, and together they made their way deeper into the garden. For the first time in a long while, Kanna felt... not quite alone. The quiet, often overwhelming silence she felt inside herself felt less heavy, as if the world was somehow a little more inviting. A little more full.

The cat led her to the farthest edge of the garden, where the hedge was thicker, and the space seemed more hidden. It was here, nestled among the ivy and tangled vines, that the cat stopped and turned to face her.

Kanna's heart skipped a beat as the cat sat down in front of a small, hidden door at the base of the wall—half obscured by the creeping vines. It was an old wooden door, weathered by time, with an iron latch that had long since rusted. The door looked unused, forgotten, as though no one had been here for years.

"Is this your home?" Kanna asked, her voice soft with wonder.

The cat merely looked back at her, its tail flicking once more before it turned and slipped through the vines, disappearing behind the old door.

Kanna stood still for a moment, contemplating. She had been brought here by something—perhaps curiosity, perhaps the simple need for a companion. She didn't know, but she felt something shift inside of her. The cat had shared a moment of connection with her, and for the first time in a long while, Kanna wasn't sure she needed to say anything at all.

As the cat disappeared behind the door, Kanna felt no need to follow. Instead, she stood in the garden for a while, the silence around her no longer uncomfortable, but comforting.

She didn't speak to anyone else that day, but when she returned to the house, her thoughts felt a little lighter. A little braver.

"Tomorrow," she whispered to herself, "maybe I'll talk more."

And with that, she turned and walked back to the house, her heart a little less quiet, her steps a little more sure.

Sango tapped her phone impatiently, waiting for Kohaku's reply. She couldn't stop thinking about the strange encounter with the man in the sunglasses. Who was he? Why had he been so intent on watching her and Kagome? The whole thing still felt... off.

Then, her phone buzzed, and a text from Kohaku popped up on the screen.

Kohaku: Got it. You're not going to believe who bought it.

Sango: Who? Tell me.

Kohaku: Miroku Sato.

Sango's brow furrowed. She didn't recognize the name right away.

Sango: Miroku Sato? Who's that?

Kohaku: Okay, this guy's an engineer. But not just any engineer. He's loaded. Works in high-tech—think cutting-edge engineering or maybe some sort of innovative startup stuff. Basically, he's a tech mogul, one of those quiet, super-rich guys who doesn't like to be in the spotlight. But he's known in certain circles as a big-time collector of rare luxury items, including—yep, you guessed it—perfume.

Sango sat back, blinking in surprise. "An engineer... and rich?" she muttered to herself. That seemed a little... out of the ordinary. She thought about it for a moment. Tech mogul, huh? That added a new layer of intrigue.

Sango: Wait. So he's like, super rich and just... happens to be into perfume?

Kohaku: Yeah, seems that way. He doesn't really flaunt it, but he's been buying up rare, limited-edition luxury items for a while now—furniture, fine art, vintage cars... and apparently Le Parfum de L'Obscurité is his latest acquisition. He got it at a private auction. And I'm talking private—one of those ultra-exclusive, invite-only kind of deals. I'm talking rare. Like, you wouldn't find it at a department store.

Sango was processing all this, her mind racing. So, Miroku Sato was a high-powered engineer, a tech mogul with a serious taste for expensive things. Definitely not the average collector.

Sango: That's... odd. He's not a socialite or anything, though?

Kohaku: Nope. He's the quiet, low-key type. Very private guy. But when it comes to rare, luxury stuff? He's all over it. And now he's got a bottle of perfume that's worth more than some people's houses. Weird, right?

Sango: Yeah, totally. But if he's that rich and private... why the heck was he watching us so closely earlier?

Kohaku: Who knows? Maybe he's just... observant? Some people have a tendency to study their surroundings. Or maybe he's just really into rare things—and people. I mean, he does seem to have a knack for noticing things that others don't. Could be part of his personality, being in tech and all. Always analyzing.

Sango leaned back in her chair, mulling it over. Miroku Sato. A super-rich, low-profile tech mogul who liked collecting rare, luxurious things. And apparently, this included perfume. It made sense—kind of. But why her and Kagome. Did it have anything to do with Kagome being the heiress of her father's company?

Sango: I don't know... I'm still getting a weird vibe. Like, he wasn't just "observing." It felt like he was analyzing us. And that smile? He knew something I didn't. Maybe it's just me overthinking it, but I'm not letting it go yet.

Kohaku: Sounds like you've got a new mystery to solve, huh?

Sango: I guess so. But I still don't get it. Theres gotta be more to it."

Kohaku: Well, if anyone can get to the bottom of it, it's you."

Sango: Don't worry. I'm not planning on knocking on his door anytime soon. But next time I see him, I'm definitely going to ask him what's up.

Kohaku: Good luck with that. If he's as quiet as you say, I'm guessing it's not going to be an easy conversation.

Sango laughed, shaking her head. "Yeah, probably not. But this mystery is getting too weird to ignore. I'm going to find out exactly why Miroku Sato is interested in us."

As she hung up the phone, a thought struck Sango. Kagome's family was hosting that charity gala soon, and if there were rare collectibles on display... Miroku Sato would definitely be there. Sango's lips curved into a sly smile. Perfect.

Kagome adjusted her stethoscope and made her way down the familiar, sterile hallways of the hospital. The scent of antiseptic lingered in the air as she checked the patient files on her clipboard. The quiet murmur of nurses and doctors talking in hushed tones was a comforting, routine background to the chaos of her own thoughts.

Her mind kept drifting back to the encounter with Sesshoumaru Taisho. The business card. His calm, composed presence. She felt almost foolish for not recognizing him sooner. He was a powerful man, one of the most influential in Japan, and she had met him without even realizing it.

But there wasn't time for daydreaming. There were patients to check, vitals to assess, and rounds to complete. Kagome pulled herself back to the present, focusing on the responsibilities at hand.

The hospital was quieter than usual during the evening shift. She passed by the nurses' station, nodding at a few familiar faces, when a voice cut through the stillness.

"Kagome!"

She turned, a familiar, forced smile immediately creeping onto her face. Hojo was standing near the vending machines, his white coat untidy and hanging slightly off his shoulders. His hair was combed but slightly messy, as if he'd been rushing all day. As usual, he looked like he was trying too hard to present an image of superiority—something that always grated on Kagome's nerves.

"Oh, Hojo. What's up?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation polite but distant.

Hojo smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Just finishing up rounds. You know, I've been really busy with the patient load lately. But I suppose some people have it easy." He said the last part with a bit of a sneer, clearly referencing her more relaxed schedule as a resident compared to his student status.

Kagome bit her tongue. Hojo was always condescending, but today, it felt particularly sharp. "I'm sure you're doing fine, Hojo. It's good to see you're so committed."

Hojo's eyes twinkled, a smug expression crossing his face. "Yeah, well, someone's got to make sure things run smoothly. Not everyone can coast like you, with family connections and everything." He was clearly trying to get a reaction, but Kagome had learned long ago that he thrived on provoking others.

She kept her smile in place, though it was harder to maintain this time. "I'm just doing my job, Hojo. Just like you. We all have our responsibilities."

There was a beat of awkward silence before Hojo shifted, obviously feeling uncomfortable with the lack of tension. "Right. Right," he said, fumbling with his phone. "Anyway, if you're free later, maybe we could catch up. It's been a while since we've had a proper talk."

Kagome's smile was polite but firm. "I don't think that's necessary. I'm busy tonight, but thank you for the offer."

Hojo's smile tightened, a flicker of frustration visible for a split second before he masked it. "Alright. Well, maybe some other time. Take care, Kagome."

As he turned to leave, Kagome felt a mixture of relief and unease.

Later in the evening, while she was making her way to another ward, Kagome was unexpectedly pulled into a conversation with one of the senior doctors, who asked her to check on a patient in a nearby consultation room.

When she arrived, the room was dim, the fluorescent lights casting long shadows across the floor. The patient was already seated, looking restless, their eyes darting to the door every few seconds. Hojo was standing beside the bed, looking at the chart on the wall.

"Oh, Kagome," he said, without looking up. "I was just finishing up with this patient. Everything's under control."

Kagome nodded and stepped inside, glancing at the patient who looked a little too uneasy for someone simply receiving a routine check-up. She noticed their fingers twitching, their eyes wide with a subtle, panicked expression. There was something... off about the situation.

"Hojo, is everything alright here?" Kagome asked, trying to mask the slight suspicion in her voice.

Hojo looked up, flashing her a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Of course. Just a standard check-up."

But Kagome's eyes caught something on the patient's chart—a prescription for an unusual medication that didn't seem right for their condition. She'd been working in this department long enough to recognize when something wasn't lining up.

"Is this patient being prescribed this medication?" she asked, a little more sharply than she intended, her eyes flicking back to Hojo.

He glanced at the chart, his smile faltering just for a moment before he regained his composure. "Ah, yes. It's a new treatment plan we're trying out. It's… experimental."

Kagome didn't buy it. The medication was far too risky for someone with such a mild condition, and she knew that any "experimental" treatment had to go through several layers of approval before being administered, especially in a hospital like this.

Kagome hesitated. This didn't seem right. She felt a deep instinct telling her that Hojo was cutting corners, maybe even trying to rush a treatment that wasn't fully authorized. She considered asking the patient directly, but they looked too uncomfortable, too afraid to speak up.

"I see," Kagome said slowly, her voice careful.

Hojo's expression hardened just slightly, a flash of annoyance crossing his features. "Will that be all, Kagome?" His tone was smooth, but there was a sharp edge beneath it.

Kagome's heart was pounding as she tried to keep her voice neutral. "Yes," she said, turning to the patient with a reassuring smile. "You're in good hands. Just make sure you follow up if you feel uncomfortable at all, okay?"

As she walked out of the room, her mind was racing. Hojo wasn't just rude or arrogant—he was reckless. And possibly even dangerous. She had seen enough over the years to recognize when a doctor was cutting ethical corners. She couldn't ignore what she'd just witnessed.

But Kagome wasn't about to confront him without more evidence. Not yet. There was too much at stake. She would need to be careful—watch him more closely and gather more information before doing anything.

For now, she would report the suspicious behavior to a senior doctor—quietly, without making a scene. But one thing was clear: Hojo was hiding something. Something unethical. And Kagome would make sure it didn't go unnoticed.

Thank you so much to everyone for your reviews and thoughtful feedback! I truly appreciate your support. I hope you're enjoying this story as much as I am enjoying writing it. The next chapter will be a special one—I had a lot of fun working on it, and I can't wait to share it with you all!

I'd love to hear from you—what's been your favorite character or chapter so far? Let me know!