The tires crunched on the gravel as Rowen pulled into the driveway. The engine sighing as it was turned off. A moment later, the doors swung open, and the group spilled out. A silent understanding passing between them. They moved together towards the house, but once inside they drifted into the living room.
Ryo studied Rowen; from being friends for so long, he knew there was some reason for their sudden departure without some kind of reason. "Alright," his voice calm but firm, breaking the silence. "What was the sudden reason to leave? We were hardly at the station."
Sage, Cye, and Kaye exchanged quick glances, a shared acknowledgment of their curiosity.
Rowen's gaze swept across them, a brief pause as he took in their expressions before speaking. "It was when Sage had been asking his questions. I was watching Shaw and Yayoi." A slight frown creased his brow as he continued. "Their reactions. They didn't seem surprised by his line of questioning. They didn't give up any information or try to deflect. It seemed they knew the same information we knew. It confirmed my suspicions. They know what's going on and how Kento is involved."
"If they knew, then why didn't they say anything?" Kaye inquired.
"I have a couple of ideas; one is they might have been ordered not to say anything from their superiors. Or two, they didn't want us to worry." Rowen pointed out his reasons. He had a third reason, but it couldn't be voiced just yet. But after he thought about everything that happened up to now, his suspicions made sense.
A heavy silence settled over the room. Thick with the weight of Kaye's question. "So, then what do we do now?" she asked. Her voice barely a whisper, yet the urgency behind it was clear.
The information they uncovered about Kento's employer had landed like a punch in the gut. These people weren't just run-of-the-mill criminals; they were a league way above. They operated in the shadows with a ruthlessness that sent chills down their spines. Somehow Kento was in the middle of it.
Rowen's gaze flickered towards Kaye, and he immediately sensed the internal struggle waging within her. She was clearly grappling with the decision of whether or not to reveal their earlier conversation, her lips pressed into a thin line.
Kaye, catching his eye, responded with a subtle frown; her unease was easy enough to see.
The tension between them hadn't escaped Cye, who looked back and forth with furrowed brows. "What's up with you two?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of confusion. The question hung in the air, unanswered, as both Rowen and Kaye fell silent, refusing to explain.
Across the room, Sage and Ryo exchanged a knowing glance, their heads shaking. This silent exchange spoke volumes: something was definitely brewing, and the last thing the group needed was another secret simmering beneath the surface. "Come on, you two, spill."
Kaye let out a long, frustrated sigh, the sound echoing slightly in the quiet room. "Okay, so, Rowen and I were brainstorming," she began, her fingers nervously tracing circles on the table, "and we were talking about the Jade Dragon. Specifically, the possibility of...sneaking in." A ripple of concern passed over the guys, but Kaye pressed on. "We were thinking, since it's all messed up from the fight between Kento and Oni, it's probably going to be a lot less secure right now. We figured we could maybe get in, plant a recording device—something small and discreet—and at the same time, try to hack into their system. Get a look at their data, you know? It's not ideal, but it could be a golden opportunity to find something useful." She looked up, her eyes holding a mixture of determination and apprehension. "I know it's risky, but... it might be our best shot."
Sage's brow furrowed into a deep frown. "This isn't just risky, Kaye; it's reckless," he argued, his voice tight with concern. "Especially now, after learning what we did about Lan You and his partners." He couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking headfirst into a trap.
Rowen, however, offered another option, his gaze shifting between Sage and Kaye. "Hold on a minute, Sage," he interjected, acknowledging his friend's concern. "I agree, it's dangerous, but Kaye might have something here." He gestured towards Kaye, who seemed lost in thought. "When we were checking out the vendors at the club, I noticed a few businesses dealt with electronics. Remember, one of the main things damaged was their sound system? Maybe we could approach them and see if they can help us fix it. That way," Rowen concluded, a spark of hope in his eyes, "we wouldn't have to risk sneaking in to plant a recording device."
Cye chewed on Rowen's proposal; the idea of approaching contacts for assistance felt far less reckless than their initial plan of a straight-up infiltration. He focused his gaze on Rowen, a flicker of concern in his eyes. "How confident are you they'll actually come through for us?" he questioned.
Rowen met his gaze evenly, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Let's just say they owe me a few favors," he replied, his tone holding a subtle confidence.
Ryo, who had been silently absorbing the details, finally nodded in agreement. "Alright, Rowen," he said, his voice firm, "You and Kaye head to the electronics stores and see if your friends are willing to lend a hand. But we still need to address the hacking aspect. What's the plan there?"
Rowen leaned back, a thoughtful expression settling on his face. "I'll figure something out for that later," he stated, a casual wave of his hand dismissing the concern. "For now, this is our best option. They won't be open tomorrow; we'll have to wait until the next day."
The weight of the unresolved situation hung heavy in the air as Sage's words settled: there was nothing more they could do for now. With a shared understanding, Sage, Ryo, and Cye dispersed to their rooms, leaving Rowen to witness Kaye's lingering presence on the couch. He paused, his concern drawing him back. "Hey, are you doing ok?" he asked, his voice soft with empathy. "You're not upset about me telling them about what we talked about earlier?"
Kaye's shake of her head brought a touch of relief, her reply laced with worry. "No, Rowen, I'm not upset. I'm just processing everything. I'm concerned about how much trouble Kento is in with this whole thing."
Rowen, understanding her deep connection to Kento, offered a comforting reassurance, "Hey, Kento can take care of himself. So, you don't need to worry."
Though Kaye nodded in agreement, a hint of unease remained. "I know, and you're right, it's just, well..." Her unfinished thought spoke volumes, echoing the unspoken feelings they all held regarding Kento and Kaye's relationship and the genuine concern they all shared. But as he pointed out, worrying wouldn't change anything.
"We'll just have to deal with things as they come and do the best we can," Rowen stated, his words providing a touch of strength.
Kaye's small smile in response was a silent thank you. As Rowen retreated to his room, she was left alone with her thoughts. Her cell phone lay in her hand, a tangible link to the absent Kento. The urge to reach out was strong, yet a multitude of questions held her back. Would he answer? What could she possibly say?
The knot in her stomach tightened as she stared at the screen, the ghost of his icon a silent challenge. Steeling her nerves, she took a breath and pressed it, the familiar ringing tone a stark soundtrack to her anxiety. Each pulse of the ring was a tick of the clock, measuring the agonizing seconds before she'd either hear his voice or be met with the dreaded voicemail greeting. Her heart sank as the ringing continued, unresolved, finally giving way to the automated message.
Her voice, a little shaky, filled the void, "Kento, hi, it's me. I'm calling to see how you're doing and to..." She paused, a sigh escaping, "...you know how much I don't like to leave messages. So could you please give me a call back or text? I love you." The words, spoken with a mix of vulnerability and hope, hung in the air for a moment before she ended the call, the screen returning to its blank, indifferent state. With a sharp breath, she hung onto her cell, the silence now amplified, a stark reminder of the unanswered connection.
Kento's fists hammered against the punching bag, a relentless assault fueled by a pain that throbbed through his every muscle. Crimson seeped from beneath the bandages wrapped around his knuckles, staining the already battered surface of the bag. He finally broke his rhythm, gripping the bag with sweat-slicked hands, his chest heaving as he rested his forehead against its rough exterior.
The shrill chime of his phone sliced through the silence, a familiar melody that he instantly recognized. Kaye. Her name echoed in his mind, a bittersweet ache. He hesitated, the urge to answer warring with the struggle raging within him. He let it ring, a small act of self-preservation. He retrieved the phone, the caller ID confirming his suspicion, a slight frown etching itself onto his brow as he saw the missed call and accompanying voicemail.
Sitting heavily, he pressed play, her voice washing over him like a soothing balm. The sound of her words, even just a brief message, did something to ease the turmoil that had been threatening to consume him. He longed to call her back, his finger hovering over her icon, but ultimately, he pulled back, returning to the main screen. He listened to her message several times; each replay was a small comfort. Finally, plugging his phone into the charger, a quiet murmur escaped his lips, "I love you too, Kaye," a silent confession offered to the empty air as he walked away from the device and thoughts of her.
The silence of her phone was a heavy weight on Kaye's chest. She'd stubbornly kept it clutched in her hand, hoping for that familiar ring, Kento's name flashing across the screen. But the minutes stretched into an hour, then two, and the hope began to fray at the edges. Was he still reeling from the brutal clash with Oni? It had been a vicious fight, one that surely left its mark.
Or perhaps, more likely, he needed space. The words they'd exchanged, sharp and laced with hurt, still echoed in her mind. Maybe he was trying to calm the storm within himself, needing time to process before facing her again. Kaye's mind spun with possibilities, each one a potential reason for his silence, yet none offered any real comfort. A dull ache settled in her heart, a feeling she couldn't shake. With a sigh, she stood, the promise of sleep a weak consolation as she climbed the stairs towards her room.
The next day dawned, casting a gentle, golden light across the landscape. For most, it was a typical quiet autumn Sunday, the kind that invited leisurely strolls through rustling leaves and mugs of warm cider. Families gathered for cozy brunches, the air filled with the soft murmur of conversation and laughter. The crisp air, tinged with the scent of decaying leaves and distant woodsmoke, held a certain magic, a tranquil beauty that seemed to soothe the soul.
However, this idyllic scene was not universal. There were a few, a small fraction of the population, who couldn't bring themselves to partake in the season's charm. For them, the vibrant colors of the changing leaves only seemed to mock an inner turmoil; the quiet stillness only amplified a restless unease. The beauty around them was a backdrop to a different kind of day, a day filled with anxieties, fears, or perhaps just a deep, unspoken sadness that the soft light of the autumn sun couldn't penetrate. But they were trying to make the best of it.
The weight of the manor, with its secrets and unspoken anxieties, had begun to feel stifling. A unanimous decision was reached: a day away was essential. The park, with its promise of open space and fresh air, became their destination. Perhaps, just perhaps, they could find a moment of genuine relaxation, a brief respite from the constant unease.
Fortune smiled upon them; the park was surprisingly quiet for that time of day. This was a relief, as a crowd would only amplify their current predicament. The fewer eyes on them, the better. Especially with Kento's absence so glaring, they knew any questions would be a minefield. They had no prepared answers, no explanation for his disappearance, and silence seemed their only safe strategy. So, they hoped the peaceful solitude of the park would offer some much-needed solace, even if they couldn't fully shake the worry that clung to them like a shadow.
Every so often, Kaye's hand would subconsciously reach for her pocket, her gaze darting to the phone screen, only to be met with the same disappointing emptiness. No new messages, no missed calls, just the stark reality of Kento's continued silence. It was a weight on her chest, a quiet ache that grew with each passing minute.
Cye's sudden appearance at her side startled her, his presence catching her in the act of another phone check. Her hand flew to her pocket, concealing the device as if it held a secret. Cye offered a sheepish "Gomen," his eyes reflecting a gentle understanding. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Kaye brushed it off with a smile, "It's fine," she managed, though her inner turmoil was far from settled.
Cye's perception was sharp; he didn't need words to understand the situation. "Kento hasn't returned your call, has he?"
Kaye's silent head shake confirmed his suspicions.
Cye's hand found her shoulder, a warm, reassuring gesture. "Don't worry; he will."
Kaye offered a nod, though her optimism felt forced. "I know you're right." She quickly shifted the topic, her voice a little too bright, "So then, have you guys decided where we're going for lunch yet?"
Cye acknowledged her attempt to redirect the conversation, meeting her with a knowing and accepting smile. "We're trying to still figure it out," he answered, letting her change the subject, offering her the space she needed.
A small laugh came out from Kaye, escaping her lips as she and Cye strolled back towards the rest of their group. A playful glint sparkled in her eyes as she turned to him, "Did the others send you to find me?"
Cye chuckled, a low, warm sound, and shook his head. "No," he admitted, a hint of mock exasperation in his voice, "I volunteered. I was getting tired of them trying to convince each other which place would be better for lunch."
Kaye's laughter echoed again, amused by his exaggerated show of annoyance. She found it endearing.
A genuine smile blossomed on Cye's face as he watched her, the carefree sound of her laugh a welcome melody. He liked seeing her like this, light and unburdened.
Ryo's hand shot up in a wave, a grin spreading across his face as he spotted Kaye and Cye finally approaching. "About time you two showed up!" he called out, his tone lighthearted despite the slight delay.
Kaye immediately offered an apologetic bow, "Gomen, it was my fault," she admitted, a sheepish look on her face.
Ryo quickly dismissed her concerns, shaking his head with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry about it."
Cye, observing the interaction, glanced back and forth between them, an inquisitive tilt to his head. "So, did you agree on a place for lunch?" He asked, his attention shifting towards Rowen.
Rowen simply shook his head, his expression remaining neutral. "Still up for debate."
Cye, unsurprised, rolled his eyes upward good-naturedly, a familiar exasperation coloring his tone. "Figures," he sighed, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
They ambled along the city trail, their destination for lunch depended on the first suitable eatery they stumbled upon.
Kaye readily agreed, a sentiment echoed by the others, a collective "Sounds good" settling the matter. Their casual stroll, however, was being observed from afar.
Four figures, Oni, Wan, Shen, and a disgruntled Kento, kept watch, their presence cloaked in a purpose Kento was yet to understand. Just a few hours prior, Kento's hard-earned day off had been interrupted by the urgent summons of his comrades. "So, are you going to tell me why I'm here instead of at my apartment?" he asked, his arms crossed, a hint of irritation coloring his tone.
Shen's explanation was brief, a "quick job" that required Kento's expertise.
Skepticism etched across Kento's features, he demanded, "What do I have to do?"
Wan's reply was immediate and unexpected: "First, give Oni your phone."
Kento's mind raced. Why his phone? A pang of panic shot through him, but he quickly calmed and realized luck was on his side; this wasn't his primary device. He surrendered his 'spare' to Oni, who snatched it and declared he would return it.
The weight of the situation settled heavily on Kento as Shen gestured for him and Wan to proceed. He reluctantly began to follow, but a nagging unease pulled his gaze back to Oni, who remained rooted in place. "Um, isn't he coming?" Kento questioned, the unspoken concern evident in his tone.
Wan shook his head curtly, "No, Oni has something else to do while you are with us," which did little to quell Kento's apprehension. The thought of Oni operating unsupervised sent a shiver down his spine, his mind racing with the endless possibilities of what he might be plotting.
Shen's sharp gaze and pointed reminder, "Look, Rei Faun, this was an order from Lou Yan. It would be wise not to go against him. Now let's go," left Kento with no room for argument.
Resigned, he trailed behind Wan and Shen, his worry for Oni—and what he might do—a persistent hum in the background.
Meanwhile, Oni waited until the trio disappeared from sight before retrieving Kento's phone. His fingers danced across the screen, sifting through a collection of snapshots. He paused at pictures of Kento and his friends but quickly moved on, his eyes fixated on the ones showcasing the bouncer and Kaye. A flicker of recognition sparked as he noted the park in one of the photos—this same park where there was a waterfall. A lot of the pictures seemed to have been taken. This must have been their special place.
A mischievous smirk stretched across Oni's lips as he crafted a message to Kaye, mimicking Kento's style. After sending the deceiving text, he meticulously erased the evidence, returning the phone to its original state before sliding it back into his pocket. With a dangerous smirk that reached his eyes, Oni's plan was set into motion.