《At least we are together》


 Chapter 1 - Prologue

    Yukiko is sitting at her desk in the classroom She takes a sigh and leans back while hearing giggling from the back of the class.


    She turns around and looks at Manami and her friends who are looking right at her. She scratches her head and turns forward. When her classmates look at Yukiko, they just see a girl with long black straight hair and blue eyes. Shes also wearing the schools uniform like everybody else does.


    "Oh hey Yukiko, what is it? Arent you happy to see me?" -Manami says mockingly while she walks up to her with a grin, putting her hands on Yukikos desk. Her friends are right behind her.


    She has shoulder length blonde wavy hair, brown eyes, she also has a little earring. Shes always wearing baggy clothes on top of her uniform, now a gray hoodie. Covering her upper body.


    "Listen. Im not in for you three today... so could you just leave me alone?" -Yukiko shakes her head, looking up at Manami and her friends.


    "Leave you alone? But then you would be sooo alone. Right? You dont really have friends." - Manami grins and looks down at her


    Yukiko looks down for a second, and her feelings break out from her, she looks up at Manami and says frustrated.


    "Shut up Manami... just shut up... why do you have to ruin my life? You shouldnt take your problems out on me..." -When Yukiko says this, Manami slaps her across the face, leaving a red mark on her face. Yukiko puts her hand on her reddening cheek with tears in her eyes and looks up at Manami. Manami looks shaken for a little, like shes almost tearing up, and she steps back.


    "You fucking..." -Manami says and she storms out from the classroom. Her friends just standing there, not understanding what happened. The rest of the class is shocked too. But why would they care? They never cared about Yukiko, shes just... someone... who doesnt have any friends. So after some silence, the class starts to talk again. Leaving Yukiko in her toughts. Just like before.


    ___


    Manami rushes in the bathroom after she left the classroom behind, she stumbles to a sink and hold onto it at both sides, her grip tightening as she looks into the mirror with anger and hurt.


    ''Fuck... i hate her...i hate her so much...'' -Manami thinks to herself. She quickly opens the tap for some cold water and washes her face with it.


    Then she looks up in the mirror and... she cant recognize herself anymore.


    ___


    Some hours pass, the school ends. Yukiko is walking towards the exit gate from the schools yard. Her toughts are eating her mind up.


    "What could Manamis problem be? Maybe... I could try to help her. Then she would stop bullying me right? Yeah¡­ Yeah i guess" -Yukiko stops and looks down


    "Would that make me selfish? Or am i overthinking?" -Yukiko takes a big sigh, looks up and starts to walk towards her home.


    Later she finally arrives.


    ___


    "Mom im home!" -Yukiko yells while she closes the door and takes off her shoes.


    "Oh sweetie welcome home. Did you have a good day at school?" -Honoka smiles while walking out from the living room to greet her.


    "Y-yeah totally!" -Yukiko fakes a smile, but her mind is still going.


    Honoka is the same height as her daugther, she has long brown wavy hair in a ponytail, brown eyes, and shes wearing a shirt and long blue skirt.


    "Oh thats great to hear sweetie. I made some lunch for you. Its your favourite" -Honoka smiles and pats her daughters head, not noticing how her daughter is feeling.


    "H-huh? Teriyaki chicken?" -Yukiko asks with a small smile


    "Yes dear. Come, lets eat it before it gets cold." -Honoka smiles and they head to the kitchen and sit down.


    "Its great mom" -Yukiko smiles as she eats. At least this little good time makes her forget school.


    "Thank you sweetie¡­ Also i have a surprise for you¡­ You know i havent told you before. And this will come out of the blue... But i actually have a boyfriend for a year now and he wants to marry me." -Honoka says excitedly


    "W-what really? Hes gonna marry you?" -Yukikos eyes widen, she didnt expect anything like this. Shes taken a back by this, she cant believe that her mother havent told her this. But she knows how much her mother worked for her and her happines. She wants her mother to be happy too.


    "U-uh? Sweetie you dont seem so happy... i-im sorry if you dont like this¡­ i didnt wanted¡­" -Honoka looks down and she feels like she did the wrong move with this surprise, but her daugther cuts in her sentence.


    "Absolutely no mom! Im happy for you! T-this is a great surprise¡­ im happy" -Yukiko smiles, thinking that maybe this wont be bad. She also wants to see her mother happy.


    "Oh im so happy Yukiko¡­" -Honoka tears up a little in her happiness that her daughter accepted this. Honoka wipes her tear from her eye and looks hopeful at her daughter.


    "And also, he has a daughter too. Shes the same age as you. So that means... youre becoming a sister!" - Honoka giggles


    "HUH?! Im gonna be a sister? This¡­ this is..." -Yukiko always wanted a sister, and if the man has a daughter already then he cant be a bad man, can he?


    "Great isnt it?" -Honoka says


    "They will move in a week. So we have to prepare the guest room for your new sister. I already have some things up there thats hers. So i tought we could set up her room." -Honoka continues to eat with her daughter


    "Yes mom¡­ thats a great idea"


    ___


    Next day arrives, its Saturday. Honoka and Yukiko are preparing the guest room. They just finished setting up the bed.


    "Ugh im popped¡­" -Yukiko sits down at the beds side, while Honoka drinks some water standing beside her


    "Yes dear. This was a little hard. But we managed it didnt we?" -Honoka gives some water to her daughter


    "Thanks mom¡­ and yeah it was a little hard. But im so happy. I really wanted to have a sister for a long time¡­" -Yukiko says as she looks up at her mother


    "Having a sister will definitely be really good. You two will have a lot of fun. Just hanging out. Gossipping about boys" -Honoka giggles


    "M-mom¡­" -Yukiko blushes and looks away


    "Its okay sweetie. A little gossipping is okay right?" - Honoka shakes her head and sits down beside Yukiko


    "Yeah i guess. But by the way... How did you meet your boyfriend?" -Yukiko looks at her mother and asks curiously.


    "Oh sweetie, its not a big of a deal. I was just shopping and the bags were heavy. And then he came to me to help, and we started to talk. Its really nothing. But see? This is how easily relationships can form. Finding love will happen without you knowing it. You dont have to chase it." -she says while patting her daughters back


    "Yeah, i guess youre right mom." -Yukiko smiles


    "Now then lets get go down young lady. Now its your time to cook the dinner" -Honoka stands up


    "Ugh¡­ fine mom"


    ___


    A week passes, today is the day, Yukiko will meet her mothers boyfriend and his daughter. Also they will move right in. They sitting on the couch and watching a movie, Yukiko is excited, she can hardly control herself.


    "You seem really excited honey" -Honoka says this while looking at her daugter and then she stands up as her phone rings


    "Yes¡­ i am excited. Is your boyfriend calling? Are they here?" -as she stands up.


    "Yes honey they are here, ill let them in. Oh i forgot to set the table. Could you do that while i let them in?" -she says while heading to the front door


    "Yes mom!" -Yukiko says and heads to the kitchen.


    ''Ugh stupid table¡­ im on the edge here and she sends me to set the table¡­'' -as Yukiko finishes, she heads to the front door.


    Before she walks in the hall, she hears her mother talking with a man, and a familiar girls voice.


    ''Wait a second... isnt this?''- she thinks to herself, and she steps in to the hall to look at them. Her heart drops.


    "Oh, hey Yukiko" -she giggles with a smug grin on her face


    "Ah there you are sweetie, this is my boyfriend Sukeshi. And wait? You two know eachother?" -Honoka tilts her head a little while she asks


    "Yeah i guess we know eachother. We are classmates arent we?" -Manami says


    "M-Manami..." -Yukiko says while shes frozen. But she shakes her head, she knows this is important for her mother and puts on an expression like shes happy for Manami.


    "Y-yeah, im Manamis classmate¡­ We are¡­ friends¡­" -Yukiko says stammering


    "Oh friends?" -Manami asks while crossing her arms, still grinning


    "Yes¡­ friends¡­" -Yukiko looks down on the floor


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Suddenly Manamis father Sukeshi steps forward and offers his hand to Yukiko with a smile.


    "Glad to meet you Yukiko! Your mother told me so much about you. Shes one proud mother for sure. I hope we will get along" -Sukeshi says and they shake hands


    "Y-yes¡­ we will" - Yukiko forces a smile


    ____


    Later that night they all sit down to eat dinner. Yukiko is feeling uneasy all the time. She knows that Manami just got in her life, and she cant get rid of her.


    ''Why¡­ why did mom pick this guy¡­ this¡­ this is a disaster¡­ but i need to do this for her¡­'' -Yukiko thinks while looking at her mother and Sukeshi talking.


    Suddenly she feels that someone kicks her leg. She looks forward, it was Manami, who else? She sees Manami just looking at her. One tought runs trough her mind. When will this night end?


    ___


    Finally its night time, everybody is in her own bedroom. Yukiko is in her bed, pressing her face into her pillow. She wants to scream, but that pillow wouldnt be enough to silence her scream. Suddenly she hears her bedroom door opening.


    "Oh are you in here sis?" -Manami says while giggling,she steps in and sits on the bed beside Yukiko who sits up instantly, not wanting to be vulnureable to Manami.


    "W-what do you want?" -she gulps and keeps looking at Manami


    "Oh cant i just check on my sister huh?" -Manami says and grabs Yukikos hair and pulls her towards herself


    "Listen here bitch. The reason im here beacuse i want you to shut up about us being sisters. Got it? If i hear from someone in school that were sisters then ill beat you up for sure" -Manami says while looking at Yukiko mad, still holding Yukiko by her hair


    "Y-yes¡­ yes i got it¡­" -Yukiko is fighting back her tears, thinking about the situation. How crazy is this?


    "Good" -Manami lets her go and walks out from her room.


    Yukiko pulls the blanket on herself as she lays back on the bed, and stares at the ceiling.


    ''Why does she hate me? What did i ever do to her? This makes no sense¡­ This is absurd... Altough i guess i feel like i pity her a little¡­ somethings definitely going on in her life.'' -Yukiko thinks to herself while drifting to sleep.


    ___


    Next day Yukiko wakes up. She gets out of bed and heads downstairs and sees her new step father and her mother eating breakfast.


    ¡°Morning¡­¡± -Yukiko yawns as she sits beside her mother


    ¡°Oh good morning honey. Did you sleep well?¡± -as she places food on her daughters plate.


    ¡°Yeah i think. I did¡± -Yukiko looks around and asks


    ¡°Um¡­ where is Manami?¡± -scratching her head with a fake smile


    ¡°Oh she-" -Honoka tries to speak


    "She went out with her friends" -Sukeshi says, looking at Yukiko


    ¡°Ah¡­ got it¡± -Yukiko looks forward and starts to eat, her eyes slowly drifting to Sukeshi


    ¡®Damn...hes acting a little strange. Also i cant believe im eating breakfast with him. This feels surreal¡¯ -thinks to herself as she clenches her fist under the table


    ¡°Tell me Yukiko¡­ does my daughter cause any problem to you?¡± -Sukeshi looks at Yukiko as he leans back in the chair


    ¡°Manami? Problems? Um no¡­ Why do you ask?¡± -Yukiko asks with an awkward giggle


    ¡°Oh, well you just didnt seem that happy yesterday when you saw Manami. But i guess there are no problems then¡± -Grins and continues to eat


    ¡°Y-yeah¡± -Yukiko gulps


    ¡®I dont know¡­ i have a bad feelings about this whole thing.¡¯ -as she takes a sip from her drink


    ___


    Monday arrives, Manami and Yukiko leave the house and they head towards school.


    ¡°What is it Yukiko? You seem kinda tense. Or should i call you¡± -Manami leans closer and whispers ¡°sis?¡±


    ¡°E-eh?! Didnt you said to me that i shouldnt call you sis outside?¡± -Yukiko stops and looks at her


    ¡°Shut up loser. I was only whispering. Nobody could hear that¡± - Manami steps closer and grabs Yukikos arm ¡°Also i do what i want got it? You cant say it outside, but i can¡± -her grip tightens


    ¡°Y-yeah¡­ got it¡± -Yukiko takes a small step back, looking scared


    ¡°Thats what i tought¡± -Manami releases Yukikos arm, turns around and continues to walk


    ¡®So i guess she can do whatever she wants.¡¯ -She feels like shes on the bottom of the ocean, choking. She clenches her fists and grits her teeth, and continues to walk behind Manami.


    ¡®What is¡­ that youre really after Manami? Whats your problem? Why do i have to deal with this?¡¯ -Yukiko sighs


    ___


    Days pass, Yukiko is in class, sitting at her desk. Shes looking out the window as shes thinking.


    ¡®This makes no sense, im coming to school every single day to get bullied by them. And when i get home then Manami is waiting for me. Where could i run? ¡¯


    ¡°So everybody, today your math teacher got sick. So i have to ask everybody to go home now. The schools over for the day. Oh and also dont forget to do the homework!¡± -the teacher puts her book in her bag and looks at the students


    ¡®Ah great. I hate math anyway¡­¡¯ -Yukiko gets up and heads home


    ___


    ¡°Ah this sounds too good to be true¡± -Manami stretches her arms and stands up


    ¡°Oh dont even start Manami¡± -as her friend puts away her book


    ¡°Girls, you wanna hang out today then? We have a lot of time dont we?¡± -her other friend smiles


    ¡°Mmm i dont know, im kinda tired and all¡­¡± -Manami scratches her head


    ¡°Oh dont be like that¡± -her friend giggles


    ¡°Ah fuck, okay but just for a little.¡± -Manami looks annoyed


    ___


    Yukiko arrives home, she sees that her mother isnt home. But¡­ somethings off.


    Yukiko suddenly hears some movement on the first floor.


    ¡®What the fuck¡­ am i halucinating? Nobody should be home now¡¯ -she takes off her shoes slowly and heads to the kitchen to grab a knife. Then she proceeds to slowly go upstairs, the tension in the air is palpable. Her legs are trembling.


    As she slowly approaches her mothers and step fathers bedroom, she hears movement inside. So she slowly opens the door and she sees her step father looking right at her.


    ¡°O-oh hey Yukiko! Youre home early. Also¡­ what is that knife in your hand?¡± -Sukeshi raises his eyebrow and stands infront of her awkwardly


    ¡°I-i tought somebody broke in our house¡­ beacuse nobody should be home now¡­ thats why i took a knife with me from the kitchen.¡± -she lowers the knife


    ¡°Oh good thinking there Yukiko, if somebody broken in th-¡° -suddenly as he moves a gun falls out from his suits pocket.


    ¡°H-huh?! Is that¡­¡± -Yukiko turns her head slowly towards her step father


    ¡°Ugh fuck. Well i guess i fucked up¡± -Sukeshi shakes his head


    ¡°Ugh¡­ what are you-¡° -Sukeshi slaps Yukiko and then grabs her hair and starts pulls her in the room


    ¡°L-let me go! What are you doing?!¡± -she tries to break free, but she gets slammed against the wall and she collapses. Her back is against the wall, as shes looking up at Sukeshi.


    ¡°Listen here brat, youve just put me in a really bad situation you know?" -Sukeshi crosses his arms


    ¡°I-i dont understand¡­¡± -Yukiko says as she feels the pain in her body.


    ¡°And thats exactly how it should be. You wont understand or know more than this¡± -Sukeshi says


    ¡°Now i just have to find out what im going to do with you. Beacuse i cant let you go.¡± -Sukeshi scratches his head


    ¡°W-what?! Youre gonna kill me?¡± -Yukiko looks shocked and is on the edge of crying


    ¡°Well yes you idiot. I cant risk you telling anybody what you saw. The only question now is how. Beacuse i cant just kill you. Youre a part of something.¡± -Sukeshi grits his teeth, hes clearly annoyed


    ¡°Im a part of something?! W-what do you mean by-¡° -she stops talking as she sees Manami standing at the door, looking at them shocked.


    ¡°M-manami?¡± -Yukiko stammers, but shes not sure what Manami will do. Maybe shes in this¡­ who knows...


    ¡°Oh Manami¡­ you came home early too huh?¡± -as Sukeshi turns around


    ¡°What¡­ what is¡­ WHAT ARE YOU DOING FATHER?!¡± -she clenches her fists and grits her teeth. Her eyes are wide, the anger on her face is mixed with hurt.


    ¡°She saw something that she shouldnt have. So shut your fucking mouth or ill beat you up again. Go to your room NOW!¡± -Sukeshi tilts his head, his stare is menacing.


    ¡°Where? My room?¡±- Manami just stands there for a second, looking down on the ground, she sees the gun. And then she looks up.


    Suddenly one memory comes right back up from her childhood.


    /Manamis gets kicked in the stomach and she collapes


    ¡°Owww¡­ Father¡­¡± -she almost starts to cry


    ¡°GET THE FUCK UP AND DONT YOU DARE TO CRY¡± -he slaps her


    ¡°Y-yes father!¡± -Manami gets up, with tears in her eyes. Her bruised body is showing that she gets beaten regulalry.


    ¡°Listen here you shithead. Im so done with you being lazy about your training! Do the fighting stance that youve been taught!¡± -he snarls at her


    Manami quickly does a what her father told her. She puts her fist infront of her face.


    "Wrong! Youre putting your fist too high!" -he punches her in the face and she falls to the ground, going limp and unconcious/


    ¡°YOU CANT DO THIS, DO YOU HEAR ME?¡± -she says with an outburst.


    ¡°I wont let you hurt her. You cant take away her from me!¡± -Manami rushes towards her father and and evades his fathers punch as she leans to her right side, and with that she brings in a hit with her right fist.


    ¡°Owww, you fucking idiot!¡± -Sukeshi tries to grab Manami after he stumbles, but Manami grabs both of his arms, and pushes them back, then bringing in a left and a right punch to his stomach, then stepping back to get some distance.


    ¡°You made this! You are making me do this!¡± - Manami takes his fists up to her face, to prepare for his punches. While her eyes are wide and shes gritting her teeth.


    Yukiko just sits there, watching this unfold, while tears stream down her face. She cant really think of anything in this situation. She just simply doesnt understands whats happening.


    ¡°Manami stop! Do you want me to punish you again? Also why the fuck are you protecting Yukiko?! Youre suffering beacuse of her!¡± -as stumbles forward and grabs the knife from the floor that Yukiko dropped


    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± -Manami pushes him against the wall with a fierce look in her eyes and Sukeshi puts the knife infront of himself, as protection.


    As Yukiko is sitting there and sees this whole thing unfold, she sees a hopeless girl, breaking her chains. And not just breaking them, using them as a weapon. Yukiko suddenly thinks of one specific question.


    ¡®Who is Manami?¡¯


    And with this question Manami grabs her fathers hand, and takes the knife away, evading his other hand and slamming his head back into the wall. But before she could stab him, Sukeshi grabs her hand with the knife.


    ¡°You think you can run away? You will always be a monster. I made you this way.¡° -Sukeshi says ¡°You cant run away from yourself Manami¡± -says with fear


    ¡°So you say im a monster? Maybe i am. BUT I CAN DECIDE WHAT KIND OF MONSTER I AM¡± -she breaks free from his grip and slits her fathers throat, then stepping back and pushing him down. Shes just standing beside him, watching him as the light goes out from his eyes. Shes... free? What does free mean? Her eyes are wide and the anger from her face slowly disappers as she stops gritting her teeth and she collapses on her knees.


    Yukiko is looking at Manami in disbelief ''what... did just happen?'' -as she thinks that this is a nightmare and she wants to wake up. But what does she gets instead of waking up? She starts to puke on the carpet.


    "Ugh..." -as she keeps looking down at her puke, her eyes wide open, her hands trembling in fear.


    Suddenly Manami starts laughing on her knees, but not just laughing. Shes also crying.


    Yukiko looks at Manami, she never saw something like this. Never could imagine something like this. And as Manami stops, she looks at Yukiko, who looks at her anxious.


    "Enough of this..." -as Manami gets up, grabs his fathers pistol and puts it in her pocket. Then she heads towards Yukiko whos trembling in fear.


    "Listen here idiot" -she shakes Yukiko a little "Youre shocked and all, i know. So im not gonna argue with you now. Youre coming with me." -she says as she help Yukiko up


    "Coming... where?" -as she keeps looking down at the ground, her mind disconnected from reality.


    "I said im not gonna argue with you" -Manami grabs hold of Yukikos hand and pulls her around the house with herself. Yukiko sees Manami pack up food and clothes for them.


    ''What... why did she kill her father? Why did her father try to kill me? Where is she taking me? Is this real? Where is mom?'' -she thinks while Manami takes her outside.


    Manami shakes Yukiko a little again. But she sees that Yukiko is still shocked. So she just leaves it at that. She holds her hand. And starts to walk away with her.


    With this, they start their roadtrip to¡­ somewhere safe for now. Yukiko still doesnt knows what is this all about, not understanding Manamis actions. But she just cant seem to respond much to the outside world. Manami looks back at Yukiko, behind her crazy and tough exterior... we can see that shes concerned...


    ''Do i have the rights to take her with me? What the fuck am i even doing? I hate her... Im pathetic.'' Manami thinks as she grits her teeth and exhales, trying to calm down. Its hard to understand yourself.


    One things for sure. They have to rely on eachother.


    ___


    Later that day, a detective is sitting on his chair in his office. His legs are up on the desk and hes smoking a cigar. Trying to blow circles. The door opens and a police officer walks in.


    "Good evening detective Yuuji, youve got a new case! Also why are you sitting in the room with sunglasses on again?" -he raises his eyebrow as he puts down the file on the desk


    "Oh Kaito..."-he takes a big puff from his cigar and puts down his legs "Am i not cool?" -Yuuji laughs and takes off his sunglasses and puts it down on the table. "So whats the case for now?"-Yuuji grabs the file and takes a look.


    "Well you see, there was a murder. And it wasnt just anybody. It was the Narita Family''s leader who got murdered. Sukeshi Narita. Also weve got a picture from his family of him and his daughter. Its crazy that their identity was hidden this much." -he points at the picture of Sukeshi and his daughter


    "And this isnt even the most brutal part. The family is accusing his daughter, while the daughter went missing with Sukeshis future step daughter. Coincidence huh? And they pulled us out, to find her." -Kaito says as he crosses his arms


    "Hold up a second there Kaito. So youre telling me that we are gonna help this shithole family? Also, he had a daughter?" -he looks up at Kaito


    "Well given by the informations he had. And you know how it is Yuuji.. we have to do this. But i have to go now. You have to help us find the girls. Especially the daughter, Manami Narita." -with that, Kaito leaves and closes the door


    Yuuji leans back in his seat and takes a big puff from his cigar.


    "Money rules the world doesnt it? And the Narita Family got it all"-he takes a big sigh

 Chapter 2 - The other side of the wall

    Manami hears a woman talking... its soothing her and she feels safe.


    "Oh youre back Manami?"


    "How was school honey?"


    "A group project? That sounds fun!"


    "And whats up with the girl you were talking about a week ago?"


    "That sounds great!" -the sound starts to get further and further


    "Im happy for you!"


    Suddenly footsteps can be heard.


    "Huh? Its your father, honey go back to your room quickly. Ill keep him up"


    "Wait... no... come back.... come back.... please.... DONT LEAVE ME" -Manami screams


    Manami wakes up, panting and sweating, her eyes widening while looking around. Her grip tightening on the sheet. She wipes the sweat from her forehead and looks at the clock on her left. 3:32


    Then she looks to her right, Yukiko is sleeping beside her. She sighs and gets out from the bed.


    ''A nightmare again huh?'' -she thinks and slowly walks to the bathroom


    She looks in the mirror, seeing herself makes her shiver. And with that she takes off her clothes and gets under the shower, taking a cold one.


    ''''We can only stay in this motel beacuse our identities werent revealed to the public... and im sure it will stay that way.'' -she turns off the shower and steps out


    ''The question is, where should we head tomorrow?'' -while she walks out and opens her bag to pick out clean underwear, jeans, shirt and a hoodie. She dresses up, making sure to hide her body. And gets back in bed, she looks at her clothes that cover her body and she pulls the sheet back on herself.


    ''This is stupid, i just cant get myself to sleep. And when i finally doozed off a little, then i had a nightmare.'' -she sighs


    ''What was in that nightmare anyway? Everytime i have a nightmare i just forget it when i wake up...''


    "Well fuck it i guess" -she says as she closes her eyes. Trying to get some sleep anyway.


    Yukiko is laying on the bed, she is not sleeping. Just existing.


    Whats on your mind Yukiko?


    Yukikos mind is distorted. Shes sitting on the ground, her back against a large wall. There is nothing on the side she is now. There is only Yukiko and the wall.


    Yukiko sighs and suddenly she hears "Well fuck it i guess"


    "Manami?" -she stands up and steps back, looking at the wall


    "Manami are you on the other side?" -she asks, but there is no answer


    "Oh... okay then." -she looks down for a little while, thinking


    "What is on the other side of the wall? I mean... im curious. Also think i could break trough if i wanted to but... i feel like something is on the other side that should stay there." -she gulps and looks up at the wall


    "It wouldnt be a good idea to break trough. That something after the wall is there for a reason. Also i feel safe here like this. But i feel something beyond the wall.... pain? But... also freedom" -she grits her teeth


    "And im curious beacuse of that freedom..."


    "What should i do?"


    ___


    Yuuji gets home and walks in.


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    "Hey guys, im home!" -as he closes the door


    "Hey dad, works finally done huh?" -Shin says as he comes out from his room


    "Yeah champ, it was a long day and got a pretty nasty case. But thats just how a detectives day goes." -as he takes off his shoes


    "Ah, and what is that nasty case?" -Shin asks curiously


    "Well its..." -takes a big sigh "just a murder case." -scracthes his head


    "Ah, i understand. Well anyway, mom made some dinner. I guess you must be hungry." -Shin says


    "Absolutely, lets head to the kitchen Shin" -as he smiles


    "Hey honey. Mmmm, it smells good in here" -Yuuji says with a smile as he sees his wife Suzume and gives her a kiss


    "Well, thats the difference between your cooking and mine." -she giggles


    "Ouch that hurt! Buuut i guess youre right" -Yuuji laughs


    They all sit down to the table to eat.


    "So how was everyones day? How was school today?" -looks at his son


    "Well dad, you know how school is. Booooring." -as he takes a bite


    "Yeah i understand Shin. To be honest i only liked to go to school beacuse of my friends. So i understand" -He nods


    "I think you are just lazy" -Suzume teases him


    "Ah sorry, i forgot that you somehow loved school. I wouldnt be suprised if youdbe an alien" -he smiles


    "Well, im eating you first then, beacuse of your lame jokes" -Suzume shrugs her shoulders


    "Oh please, im looking too good to be eaten" -he shakes his head and grins


    "Drop it, you arent fooling anyone darling" -as she sips her drink


    The familys dinner feels idyllic as they laugh and enjoy the warm food together. But... a storm is on the way.


    ___


    Morning comes, Kaito and Yuuji head to a noodle bar.


    Kaito orders the spiciest noodle there.


    "The spiciest?" -he raises his eyebrows and then looks at the cashier "Ill just go with some Yakisoba"


    They get back in the car, Yuuji puts his food on the backseat and Kaito sits on the passenger seat.


    "Ugh, these noodles are brutal..." -as Kaito eats the noodles


    "Kaito, im just saying i wont drive around to find you a toilet" -he shakes his head as he drives the car


    "Okay then old man. Ill just do my thing in the car i guess."


    "I dare you Kaito. You wont take a shit in a cool detectives car" -he laughs


    "This isnt even your car Yuuji." -Kaito says while hes rolling his eyes


    ___


    Manami drags Yukiko out from the Urban Nest Motel and they walk into the alley beside it.


    "Yukiko try to move your ass." -Manami stops and looks irritated at Yukiko


    "Listen, youre slowing us down. You have to get a hold of yourself!" -she leans in as she spits out whe words in anger


    "Please stop..." -Yukiko says with sadness in her voice


    "Shut it, just get yourself together. Just a little bit!" -Manamis grip tightens on Yukikos arms...


    Suddenly Manami notices a police car coming, so she pulls Yukiko behind a dumpster.


    "Fuck, i hope they didnt saw us"


    The police car drives slowly...


    ___


    Kaito looks at a motel called "Urban Nest Motel" as Yuuji drives.


    "I think we should also check out motels. Those are surely convenient for them." -Kaito says


    Kaito leans back.


    "Oh also, i forgot to say. We were at the house where the murder happened. I wanted to talk to the woman who found Sukeshis body. But it didnt go well, shes pretty shaken so we couldnt really talk with her. So i guess we have to visit her again later. Poor woman... She must really miss her daughter."-Kaito shakes his head


    "Yeah, poor woman. Im a parent too, and i dont know what would i do if i was in the same situation." -Yuuji takes a big sigh and they sit there for a minute in silence. And suddenly Yuuji breaks it.


    "Cant wrap my head around all this. What is really happening here? Also, im sure that the family has connection with the higher ups. I know that we have to find out what happened here, beacuse this is our job. But behind everything, the Family is definitely pulling strings. Beacuse someone provided the higher ups with the information and pictures. We didnt even knew that Sukeshi had a daughter. Hell, we didnt even knew how they looked like." -Yuuji sighs


    "And the Family wants to find Manami real bad, they even threw out her identity to the police."


    "Yeah youre right with that Yuuji, this whole thing is weird. And they only threw out the identites to the police, so its a secret from the public. And lets not forget all the shady bussiness that happened around the family." Kaito yawns as he drinks "Ugh this noodle was spicy"


    "Hm... Yeah, a lot of crime and shit is around the Narita Family. But we dont have any evidence about them. I kinda feel like that this is much bigger than we think." -Yuuji says irritated as hes still driving

 Chapter 3 - Forcing her to look at me

    Manami and Yukiko continue their journey, hidding in the shadows, trough the city.


    Manami is holding Yukikos hand as they are walking trough an alley, when suddenly her stomach growls.


    "Uh..." -as she looks back at Yukiko


    "Are you hungry too?"


    But Yukiko is silent, while shes looking in the distance.


    Manami stops and grabs her chin forcefully, making Yukiko meet her eyes.


    "I asked something! Are you hungry?!" -she snaps


    "N-no..." -Yukiko says slowly, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "How are you not huh? You havent eaten anything since we ran away." -she tilts her head and raises one of her eyebrow


    Manami lets Yukikos chin go.


    "Then i will force something down your throat. I dont want to carry you on my back, when you get too weak to walk beacuse you havent eaten shit."


    They look around, and find a small sushi restaurant and after sitting down they order some.


    Not long after the sushi arrives and Manami finishes it quickly, then as she looks to her right side, she sees that Yukiko hasnt eaten a single piece yet.


    "So? You wont eat huh?" -she says


    Yukiko shakes her head a little as shes looking at the sushi.


    The anger and irritation can be seen clearly on Manamis face.


    Manami picks up a sushi with her chopsticks and holds it directly in front of Yukikos lips.


    "Eat it, idiot." -Manami demands


    Yukiko shakes her head and Manami grabs her thigh with her other hand. Her grip tightening painfully.


    Yukikos flinches, grabbing Manamis arm.


    "Stop... it hurts..." -says with sadness and hurt in her voice while still looking at the sushi.


    "Then you know what you have to do." -Manami says, still holding the sushi infront of Yukikos mouth.


    Yukiko sighs, opening her mouth slowly and then Manami puts the food in her mouth.


    Yukiko chews the sushi slowly. Her eyes remain downcast, fixed on the table as she swallows. Manami watches closely, her expression still hard, but there''s a flicker of something else in her eyes.


    "See? It wasnt hard wasnt it?" -Manami mutters, her voice slightly softer, but there is still annoyance. She sits back in her chair, crossing her arms tightly over her chest


    ___


    Later, they look around and find another motel.


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    ''It was a good choice to take money from home before we ran away. We would be in deep shit now.'' -Manami thinks as she pays the room for the night.


    They reach their room and Yukiko sits down on the bed, staring with a blank expression.


    "I wanna go home." -she says slowly


    Manami turns around and glares at her.


    "Youre joking right? Im here trying to protect you and you say that you want go home?" -she says, her voice filled with fury as she walks toward Yukiko.


    But Yukiko remains silent


    "Speak to me bitch" -she snaps, pinning Yukiko down on the bed by her hands


    Yukiko looks away.


    "So you wont speak and wont look at me huh?" -she tilts her head


    The room goes silent and tense for a little while.


    Manami grits her teeth, her grip tigheting on Yukikos arms.


    She breaks the silence.


    "Maybe i cant make you talk, but ill make you look at me" -she says, leaning closer


    Suddenly, Manami kisses Yukiko roughly.


    Yukiko looks at the wall inside her head, feeling more suffering. She doesnt understand whats happening.


    She is not kissing back Manami, shes just letting her do it.


    Manami pulls away, releasing her, standing up and stepping back with wide eyes.


    She stares at Yukiko, who is just laying there, sweat rolling down on Manamis forehead.


    She grabs her own hair, tugging it down, her mouth opening as she tries to scream. But no sound comes out.


    After a little while she finally lets go of her hair, closes her mouth and shakes her head. She looks around in a hurry breathing heavily and her eyes locking onto the door that leads to the balcony. She rushes out and grabs the metal raling, looking down on the street.


    She starts to grith her teeth again, her hands holding onto the railing tight and a tear appears on the side of her right eye as its still wide.


    And what happens after that? She giggles as tears start streaming down her face.


    As she does this, her giggle becomes erratic, like a desperate attempt to convince herself that shes in control.


    She presses her forehead against the metal railing, the tears falling freely.


    Yukiko is still laying on the bed, hears the sobs faintly trough the open balcony door. But she isnt reacting anything to it.


    Manami stays outside for a while longer, her grip on the railing loosening as her sobs fade into the night air. When she finally comes back inside, her eyes are red and swollen, but her expression is colder.


    "Get some rest shithead." -as she walks to her side of the bed, laying down.


    ____


    Yuuji walks out from the shop while looking at his phone.


    "Ah dang it, i really wanted to suprise my son with that new volume of his favourite manga." -he sighs


    ''Who is this guy? Hes on my tail for a while now.'' -he thinks as he keeps his expression neutral, pretending not to notice, but remains alert, subtly watching the stranger whos still inside the shop.


    Yuuji turns right and starts to walk away as the man steps out from the shop. But Yuuji is nowhere to be found. The man looks around confused, a hood is on his head, so his face cant be seen. Suddenly,Yuuji jumps out from beside the trash cans, lunging toward the man.


    "Ah fuck!" -Yuuji says irritated as the man evades it, breaking into a sprint.


    Without missing a beat Yuuji starts to chase him, the man turning right in an alley.


    Yuuji quickly grabs his walkie talkie and calls for backup as he follows him into the alley.


    The man clambers onto a dumpster and leaps up to grab the fire escape ladder, pulling himself up swiftly.


    Yuuji does the same.


    "Hey! Im not that old that i cant do simple parkour!" -as he follows him up on the fire escape, all the way to the rooftop.


    They race across the roof, the edge of the building quickly approaching. The man reaches it first and jumps to the next rooftop.


    Yuujis eyes widen as he stops with heavy breathing


    "Man youre crazy!" -shakes his head in defeat as the man runs toward the stairwell door of the other building.


    Yuuji pulls out his walkie talkie.


    "Ive lost him, i repeat ive lost the suspect."


    Yuuji runs his hand through his hair, frustration mingling with disbelief.


    ''What was that? That cant be possible right?'' -as he thinks he scratches his head in awe

 Chapter 4 - In the middle of nothingness

    Manami and Yukiko left the motel early in the morning, sticking to the shadows as they moved, trying to lay low.


    "Where are we going?..." -Yukiko asks


    "Shut up... im thinking about it okay?" -Manami snapped, irritation lacing her words.


    ''Ah fuck we arent safe anywhere. But i guess leaving the city first would be the best.'' -she thought, frustration bubbling up.


    They continued walking, slipping into an alley when they spotted a girl approaching from the other end. Her head was down, hands shoved into her pockets, her expression completely blank.


    Manami and Yukiko moved to the right side, but the girl shifted to the same side.


    ''Huh?''


    As they go to the other side, the girl mirrored their movement.


    All three of them stop.


    Manami raises her eyebrow.


    "Hey you, have you got some kind of problem with us?" -she asked, tilting her head with suspicion


    Without warning, the girl lunged at them, her right hand revealing a black, metallic gauntlet.


    Before they could react, Yukiko was struck with a fierce punch from the girls left fist, sending her crashing to the ground, groaning in pain.


    Manamis eyes widened in shock before anger surged through her veins.


    "YUKIKO!" -she says, gritting her teeth, she locked her eyes on the girl, who was already swinging her gauntlet at Manamis stomach.


    She dashes backward just in time to avoid the blow. The girl stumbled slightly from the missed punch, giving Manami the chance she needed. She grabbed the girls arm, stepping to her side, delivering a powerful punch to the girls face with her left hand, making her stagger back.


    "HOW DARE YOU?!" -Manami shouted, fury in her voice, but the girl remained eerily expressionless. She raised her fists again, unfazed, ready to continue the fight.


    The girl lunged once more, throwing a punch at Manamis face. Manami ducked and countered with an uppercut to the girls jaw. The girl barely flinched, grabbing Manamis wrist with her left hand and swinging her gauntlet into Manamis ribs.


    Manami stumbles back but stays on her feet, coughing and trying to catch her breath, her gaze never leaving the girl.


    ''What the hell is that gauntlet on her hand? That punch was really something.'' -she thinks


    Straightening up, she glared at her opponent.


    "I guess you are the same as me, right?"


    But the girl doesnt answer.


    Meanwhile, Yukiko clutched her stomach, wincing from the pain, she looked at the fight as it unfolded before her.


    After a brief moment, her eyes widened as she looked around.


    She felt the wind against her skin, it was real. It felt like... waking up.


    "Well fuck you then." -Manami reaches for the gun in her pocket.


    Only to realize it wasnt there. Panic flashed across her face as she glanced down, searching for it.


    Before she could react, the girl was suddenly right in front of her, swinging the gauntlet toward her face. Manami barely managed to catch the girls arm, but didnt see the left hook coming until it connected with her stomach, knocking the air out of her. Grunting, she shoved the girl away.


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    "You..." -Rage boiled within her, her vision narrowing as she teetered on the edge of losing control, ready to unleash everything she had.


    She tries to take the first step but... somethings holding her back.


    Suddenly, she wasnt in the alley anymore. She was standing in the middle of... nothingness. And something¡ªno, someone¡ªwas pulling her back. She turned her head, her breath catching in her throat.


    It was her younger self, a small version of Manami, clutching her desperately, tears streaming down her face.


    ¡°D-dont go...¡± -the little girl sobbed.


    Manamis eyes widen in fear and she whipped back around, just in time to see the girls punch coming. She ducked, but the girl followed with a kick that sent Manami stumbling into the wall.


    The girl swung her gauntlet again, suddenly steam comming out from it. Manami jerked her head to the side, narrowly avoiding it, the punch cracking the wall.


    ''What the?!'' -she thinks as her eyes widen


    Then Manami tries to kick the girl.


    But the girl raised her leg, blocking the attack with the bottom of her shoe and pushing Manamis leg back.


    Suddenly, a gunshot echoed through the alley. The girl collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain, blood seeping from the wound.


    Manamis eyes widened in disbelief as she slowly turned her head toward Yukiko.


    Yukiko stood there, staring at her own hands, the gun lying on the ground in front of her. Slowly, she raised her eyes to meet Manamis gaze.


    Manami shook her head, snapping out of her daze. Without a word, she rushed to Yukikos side, grabbing her by the arm and scooping up the gun.


    "We are leaving. Now!"


    Together, they ran, leaving the bleeding girl behind.


    On the other side of the broken wall, Yukiko looked around, as she took in the sight before her.


    "So... this... this was on the other side."


    ___


    They ran and stumbled into a half-finished construction site.


    Yukiko collapsed against a crumbling concrete wall, clutching her head. Eyes wide with fear, disbelief written all over her face.


    Manamis hands are on her hips as she looks around, thinking for a brief moment. Then shaking her head.


    "What the hell were you thinking? You cant just start shooting around, idiot." -she snapped, her voice laced with anger.


    But Yukiko didnt respond. She just kept her hands pressed to her head, her breath shaky.


    "Talk to me!" -her patience frayed as she stepped closer, her tone sharper.


    "Shut up! Just shut up! I shot someone, Manami! Do you get it? I shot someone!" -Yukikos voice broke, trembling but filled with fury.


    Manamis eyes widened, her arms crossing over her chest as she stared down at her.


    "Oh, the princess is finally back to the real world?"


    Before she could blink, Yukiko sprang up and slapped her across the face.


    "You fucking..." -she hissed, grabbing Yukiko by the shoulders, slamming her back against the wall


    "How dare you slap me?!" -her grip tightened, fingers digging into Yukikos skin.


    "Beacuse im so full of you! I was just trying to help... okay? I was just trying...to..." -Yukikos voice cracked, tears spilling as she trembled


    "Well i didnt asked for it."-Manami says


    As shes still looking at Yukiko as shes crying. Slowly, she released her and stepped back, her expression unreadable. She turned away, walking to the other side of the room, where she sank down. Frustration boiling over.


    ''Fucking idiot...'' -she closed her eyes for a second, inhaling deeply, trying to think.


    ''Hm... so what the hell was that gauntlet... It boosted her punches. She even cracked the wall with a single hit.'' -as she ruffles her own hair


    ''Well i guess one thing is for sure, the Family has to be behind it. Beacuse that girl has to be one of the familys puppet.''


    A memory flashed through her mind.


    /Manami struck a man, sending him crashing to the floor. She stared at him, her fists clenched at her sides. Sukeshis voice rang out behind her, sharp and biting.


    "Why did you stop Manami? The fight isnt over yet you idiot."


    Manamis eyes didnt leave the man on the ground. Her fists tightened, nails digging into her palms.


    "Yes... father."


    She stepped forward, her fists raining down on the mans face, teeth scattering across the floor, blood flowing freely from his nose. The man begged for her to stop, but she didnt.


    Sukeshi just kept watching while he was grinning./


    Manami clenched her jaw, pushing the memory away. She looked up, catching Yukikos gaze from across the room. Yukiko wiped at her tear-streaked face, her expression torn between anger and despair.


    ___


    Its dark.


    Suddenly, a womans voice echoes in the darkness.


    "My, my, Akemi... what a failure you are."

 Chapter 5 - Dissociative amnesia

    Yukiko wipes the tears from her face, frustration and despair flashing in her eyes.


    "Are you gonna finally tell me who is after us? Who was that girl? And what was all this?" She storms over to Manami, glaring down at her


    Manami looks up, a hint of annoyance on her face.


    "Does it really matter?"


    "Of course it matters! You have been dragging me around all this time, and I do not know anything!" she snaps


    Manami sighs, her expression unreadable.


    "Its my family, okay? They want to kill us because I killed my father. Happy now?"


    "What the fuck? Who was your father, and who the hell are you?!" -anger creeps into her voice


    She begins pacing, running a hand through her hair as she thinks aloud.


    "How did I get caught up in this mess? And dont even get me started on you killing your father..." -she grits her teeth, overwhelmed


    After a moment, she sighs, biting her lip.


    "I understand, okay? I know you were trying to protect me. I know he wanted to kill me." -she bites her thumbnail, trying to make sense of it all


    "Ah, shit... I do not know how to feel about any of this... about you killing your father to save me." -she steps closer to Manami


    "Just spit everything out already! I am done with all this!"


    Manami stands abruptly, grabbing a fistful of Yukikos hair and pulling her close, her eyes blazing.


    "Shut up. Got it? Just shut up. You know enough."


    "L-let me g-" -Yukiko starts, but Manami tightens her grip, then shoves her to the ground.


    Yukiko falls hard, punching the floor in a mix of anger and defeat.


    Manami watches her for a moment, then pulls her to her feet.


    "You have to keep only one thing in that little mind of yours: Im keeping you safe, got it? Now enough of this pointless shit. We have to go. We are leaving the city." -as she drags Yukiko along


    ___


    They walk for an hour before stopping at a market to buy supplies.


    While Yukiko follows Manami around, a nearby dog wanders over and licks her leg. She looks down, smiling as it returns to its owner. When she looks up, she sees Manami still tense, scanning the area.


    Deciding to break the tension, she asks.


    "Do you... have a dog, Manami?"


    Manami glances at her, an eyebrow raised.


    "Huh? Where did that come from? Are you trying to break the tension or something?"


    "Maybe." -Yukiko shrugs, looking away


    Manami sighs, grabbing a few bottles of water.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on."Yeah, I had one."


    "You had one? What happened to it?" -she tilts her head


    Manami pauses and scratches her head.


    "I... I dont know."


    "You dont know?" -Yukiko asks


    "No." -Manami says, dropping the supplies at the register


    After they pay and head back to the street, Yukiko stops suddenly, her face crumpling as tears roll down her cheeks.


    "I... I miss my mom..." -she says softly


    Manami grabs her hand, pulling her along without looking at her.


    "You will see her again. Okay? Now stop crying."


    "Y-you promise?" -Yukikos voice is barely a whisper


    But Manami remains silent, leaving the question unanswered.


    ___


    Meanwhile, Yuuji and Kaito drive toward Yukikos mothers house.


    "I know it is hard for her... but we need to talk with her. She might know something helpful." -Yuuji says, studying the investigation notes


    "She seemed calmer when we asked her this morning. I think shes ready to talk." -Kaito replies


    Yuuji flips through the notes, frowning.


    "So, it says Manami killed her father. But why? There is no motive listed, just that he is dead. This is nothing."


    "I mean the family was accusing her, but how were they so sure?"


    "That is all the investigation team found so far. And about the family... good question." -Kaito scratches his head, shrugging as he keeps driving


    "Throat slitting?" -Yuuji sighs, frustrated


    "This is not much to go on. Who was handling this investigation?"


    "Yuuji, I... I dont know," he says, shaking his head.


    "You dont?" -Yuuji looks at him for a moment, then leans back in his seat


    ___


    They soon arrive at the house, and Yuuji knocks on the door.


    "Maam! We are from the police! We are here to talk!"


    "Huh? She is not home or what?" -Yuuji knocks again


    "She should be." -Kaito says, trying the doorknob, which turns easily


    "Well... the door is unlocked at least."


    They step inside, calling out for Yukikos mother, Honoka.


    "Yuuji... where the hell is she?" -Kaito asks, scanning the empty rooms


    Yuuji shakes his head, and he lets out a bigh sigh.


    "Man, I have a really bad feeling about this."


    ___


    Later that night, Yukiko and Manami continue down the darkened streets.


    "Manami... we should really find a place to rest for the night." -Yukikos voice is small and tired


    "Yeah i know, i know... just keep walking for now." -Manami replies


    They turn into a narrow alleyway, only to be confronted by three men, smirking as they keep looking at them.


    "Well, well. Out a bit late, arent you, ladies?" -one of them sneers


    "Mind your own business." -Manami growls, trying to pull Yukiko along


    But suddenly one of the men grabs Yukikos arm, yanking her back.


    "Aw, dont be like that. We just want to have a little fun."


    "M-Manami?!" -Yukiko calls, fear gripping her voice


    "Huh? You fuckers. Let her go. NOW!" -Manami steps closer, fists clenched and her eyes flash with rage


    "And what are you gonna do if we dont, huh? Call the cops?" -he taunts, his hand moving to grope Yukiko


    Yukiko gasps, her scream muffled as one of them clamps a hand over her mouth.


    Manami tilts her head, her expression darkens, her blood pounding with fury.


    "You¡­ you idiots are dead." -she swings her fist, landing a blow across one mans face, sending him sprawling to the ground


    The second man lunges at her, but she dodges and grabs his collar, slamming him against the wall before delivering a rapid series of punches to his face.


    The third man shoves Yukiko aside and rushes at Manami, but she pivots and tackles him, straddling him on the ground as she rains punches down on him. Her hand closes around his throat, squeezing as he struggles beneath her.


    "You¡­ damn¡­ psycho¡­" -he chokes out, his eyes starting to glaze over


    Suddenly, Manamis eyes widen as she releases his throat, leaving him unconscious. She stares at her hands, then begins to laugh, a cracked, unsettling sound as tears spill down her face.


    Yukiko rises shakily, watching her in fear.


    "M-Manami?" -she whispers, hesitantly approaching her


    "I remember now... i remember..." -she looks up at her


    "W-what are you talking about?" -she asks, her voice trembling


    Manamis laughter fades, but the tears keep spilling, her gaze distant as she whispers.


    "My dog¡­ I strangled it."

 Chapter 6 - Beyond right and wrong

    As Manamis tears keep falling, Yukiko shakes her head in disbelief.


    ¡°Y-you did what?¡± -she stammers, fear clear in her voice


    But suddenly, cars pull up at the end of the alley, and people start getting out. Manamis eyes widen, and she grabs Yukikos arm, sprinting toward the other side of the alley.


    ¡°Fuck! I cant believe they found us!¡± -she says, anger sharp in her voice


    ¡°Are those people¡­ are they from the family?¡± -Yukiko asks, her voice trembling


    ¡°Yes!¡± -Manami confirms as they run.


    Looking around for a place to hide, they run to a house. Manami tries the doorknob, and it opens. Silently, they slip inside, shutting the door behind them.


    ¡°Stay here and dont make a sound.¡± -Manami whispers, moving quietly through the house to check for occupants


    Yukiko stays by the door, nerves on edge as she imagines what might happen if the owner is home. Suddenly, she hears a womans voice.


    ¡°Who the hell are y¡ª?¡± -The womans question is cut off by a loud thud. Yukiko rushes into the living room to find an elderly woman on the floor, Manami standing over her, fist raised to strike again


    ¡°Manami, what are you doing?!¡± -Yukiko asks in disbelief


    Manami glances back.


    ¡°What does it look like, huh?¡± -she delivers another blow, making the woman go limp


    ¡°STOP! Youre killing her!¡± -Yukiko shouts, trying to pull Manami away


    ¡°No, idiot! Im just putting her out cold!¡± -Manami shrugs her off


    ¡°Now find some rope or something. And duct tape.¡±


    ¡°What the¡­ no, I wont! We cant do this!¡± -Yukiko shakes her head, horrified


    Manami grabs her shoulders, locking eyes with her.


    ¡°Dont you want to live? Do you think Im doing this for fun?¡±


    Yukiko gulps, realizing she has no choice, and sighs heavily.


    ¡°Fine¡­ fine, Ill do it.¡± -she runs a hand through her hair in frustration


    After a little while, she finds duct tape and rope, which they use to bind the woman, covering her mouth with the tape.


    Once finished, Yukiko sinks onto the couch, holding her head in her hands. Shes reeling.


    ''What are we doing?''


    Manami stands over her, looking down.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.¡°Listen, I get how you feel, idiot.¡± -she says, leaning close


    ¡°But we had no choice. Theyd never look for us in some random house.¡±


    Yukiko nods slowly.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I know.¡± -she pauses, a worried look crossing her face


    ¡°But what about the woman? Whatll happen to her when we leave?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Even if she talks to the police, it wont matter. We dont have to shut her up.¡±


    Yukiko meets her gaze.


    ¡°What? You mean¡­ if it did matter, youd¡­ youd kill her?¡± -she asks, fear evident in her voice


    Manami leans back, expression unreadable.


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ___


    Meanwhile, Yuuji and Kaito arrive at the scene, where several investigators are already at work.


    ¡°So¡­ can you fill us in on what happened here?¡± -Yuuji asks, lighting a cigarette as he eyes the beaten men


    ¡°The girls¡­ they beat these guys up... for cash.¡± -the investigator replies.


    ¡°For cash? Youre telling me two girls beat up three men for some money? That sounds¡­ ridiculous.¡± -Yuuji raises an eyebrow


    ¡°Thats what they said happened. Apparently, the men approached the girls, asking if something was wrong, beacuse they seemed to be in a hurry, tensed up, and the girls attacked them.¡±


    Yuuji scratches his head, taking a deep drag on his cigarette.


    ¡°Huh¡­ we should talk to those guys ourselves.¡± -Kaito suggests


    ¡°Theres no need for that. This case is closed. You can head home. Weve got it under control.¡± -the investigator responds firmly


    ¡°What? So we came here for nothing?¡± -Yuujis asks with confusion and frustration on his face


    Kaito puts a hand on his shoulder, sighing.


    ¡°Let it go, Yuuji. Just leave it.¡±


    Yuuji stubs out his cigarette, nodding reluctantly as they return to their car.


    ¡°This is ridiculous. Theres no way thats what really happened.¡± -Yuuji says, voice tense with frustration


    Kaito shakes his head, remaining silent.


    ¡°Come on, say something!¡± -Yuuji presses, irritation in his tone


    ¡°I know, but what can we do? We have to follow orders. Thats all there is to it.¡± -Kaito replies quietly


    Yuujis expression hardens.


    ¡°No, Kaito, we have to do something. Theyre putting everything on the girls. Im sure of it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, its obvious theyre lying. The whole case is rigged, but we cant do anything. Our hands are tied.¡± -Kaito sighs, leaning back in his seat


    ¡°How is the family doing all this?¡± -Yuuji seethes


    ¡°Well were talking about the Narita Family here, Yuuji. You know they pull the strings. They control the police. Were just pawns in their game.¡±


    Yuujis hands clench around the wheel.


    ¡°No¡­ I wont let them get away with this. We have to stop this.¡±


    ¡°No, we wont. I wont.¡± -Kaito crosses his arms


    ¡°Huh? So youre leaving me to do this alone?¡± -Yuuji asks, shocked


    ¡°I dont want to, but I have to. This isnt a fair world, and I suggest you let it go. You know i have a pregnant wife back home, and you have a family too. Do you want to put them at risk?¡± -Kaitos voice rises with anger


    Yuujis eyes widen as he looks away, muttering.


    ¡°Damn it¡­¡±


    ___


    Yukiko is still on the couch, still in shock. Manami has gone to take a shower, and Yukiko stares at the unconscious woman on the floor, raking her hands through her hair in frustration.


    Manami soon returns from the bathroom, wearing her hoodie, the familiar fabric covering her body.


    ''Wait... have I ever seen her without her body so covered up? I mean shes even sleeping like that.'' -Yukiko wonders, a flicker of curiosity breaking through her daze


    ''Its like she¡¯s hiding herself¡­''


    Manami stretches and walks over to Yukiko, yawning.


    ¡°Alright, now its my turn to rest first. Wake me up in two hours, and well switch. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ got it.¡± -Yukiko replies


    Manami heads to the bedroom, leaving Yukiko alone in her thoughts.


    ''I dont know anything about you Manami... And theres so much I want to understand¡­'' -she sighs casting one more glance toward her before settling in for the watch


    ''Why are you hiding your body so much?''

 Chapter 7 – A face i cant escape, or cant catch

    A little while after Manami had fallen asleep, Yukiko was still sitting on the couch, lost in thought.


    ''This... this is a stupidd idea...'' -her eyes fixed on the bedroom door


    ''If she finds out what im about to do...''


    But then, a wave of determination washed over her. She stood up, clenching her fists.


    ''No... I have to do this. I need to find out more about her. So first, i have to know why shes always hiding her body.''


    With silent steps, Yukiko approached the door and carefully opened it. Peeking inside, she saw Manami sound asleep on the bed.


    ''Alright, shes asleep.'' -she reassured herself


    Yukiko tiptoed to the bedside and knelt down, her heart pounding. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out toward Manamis hoodie. With great care, she lifted it, revealing the skin beneath.


    ''Now, the shirt...'' -she thought, her breath catching in her throat


    She slowly pushed up the shirt, and her eyes widened. Manamis body was riddled with scars. Evidence of brutal abuse. Her form was also muscular.


    ''I knew it from the start... back then at my house her father told her that he will punish her again if she doesnt stop...'' -Yukiko thought, her stomach twisting


    ''And... also the muscular body... well i saw what shes capable of, so im not so suprised.''


    ''Wait... why can she even fight like that? I just have more and more questions...''


    Yukiko gently lowered the hoodie and shirt, covering Manami once more. Just then, Manami stirred, letting out a soft grunt. Yukiko gasped, her pulse racing.


    She quickly but quietly retreated from the room, closing the door behind her.


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    ''She must have been dreaming...''


    ''Manami, i cant even imagine what youve been trough... im so sorry'' -she thought, clenching her fists in frustration


    Turning towards the old woman, she noticed her watching.


    Yukiko approached her.


    ¡°Oh, youre awake.¡± -Yukiko murmured, rubbing the back of her head awkwardly


    ¡°Look, we wont hurt you, okay? I promise. We just needed a place to stay for the night. Im sorry...¡±


    The woman mumbled something against the duct tape covering her mouth.


    Yukiko sighed heavily and returned to the couch.


    ¡°Just try to get some rest... Well be gone by morning. I swear.¡±


    The old woman stopped struggling, her tense demeanor softening a little. She seemed to understand that fighting was futile.


    Yukiko leaned back, staring at the ceiling.


    ''This is all so messed up... everything is a complete mess.''


    Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Manami tossed and turned, sweat beading on her forehead as she thrashed in her sleep. Her dreams were dark and chaotic.


    In her mind, she was running desperately searching for an escape in the nothingness. But she wasnt alone. She was being chased... by herself.


    Why are you running from yourself, Manami? Are you scared of yourself? Do you hate yourself?


    The figure pursuing her was monstrous, a twisted version of herself. Which one of you is the real Manami? The one fleeing, or the one giving chase?


    She writhed in her sleep, tormented. Your worst enemy... is yourself, isnt it?


    ___


    Meanwhile Yuuji sat at his kitchen table, his head bowed, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. He took a slow sip of his drink, his gaze fixed on the table before him.


    ''What should i do?'' -he agonized


    ''If I try to stop the Narita Family, then ill be putting my own family in danger.''


    He clenched his fists.


    ''I cant let them get away with this... i have to stop them... but...''


    His eyes drifted to the living room, where his wife and son sat peacefully watching a TV show. The sight was both comforting and heart wrenching.


    He tightened his grip on the glass, then suddenly let it go, standing abruptly.


    ''I think i have my answer. Fuck... i feel like such a coward. But... i have to protect my family.''


    ___


    The room is dark. She stares straight ahead, frozen, as voices echo in her mind, screaming for help.


    She sits up in bed, glancing around, desperate for a way to make it stop.


    ''Sweetie, dont look at us!''


    ''Everything will be fine, Akemi!''


    ''No¡­ NO!''


    Suddenly, the slow creak of the door opening pulls her from her thoughts.

 Chapter 8 – The burden of knowing

    In the morning, Yuuji arrives at the old womans house.


    As he approaches, a couple of investigators block his way.


    ¡°Hm? So, youre telling me I cant go in and take a look for myself?¡± -he asks, sounding unsurprised


    "Well then... atleast tell me what happened."


    One of the investigators responds with a flat expression.


    ¡°Well, detective, the woman who lived here called the police about two hours ago. She reported that two girls had broken in and held her hostage. When we arrived, though... she was already dead.¡±


    Yuujis eyes widen, clearly taken aback.


    ¡°So, it was probably Manami and Yukiko. But... why would they kill her?¡±


    ¡°Im sorry, thats all we can tell you. At least for now.¡± -as the investigator turns away


    Yuuji sighs in frustration, knowing they wont give him any more details. He returns to his car, lost in thought.


    Sitting in his car, he pieces things together.


    ''So, after that fight yesterday, they mustve fled to that house. The crime scene wasnt far from it... and the investigator did say two girls. It has to be them.''


    He rolls down the window, lights a cigarette, and takes a drag.


    ''But why would they kill the woman? If she called the police only two hours ago, then that means that the girls are close, right?'' -Yuuji chuckles to himself in disbelief, taking another puff


    ''I doubt they were still here when she called. Why would they keep her alive all night only to kill her at the end? Sure, maybe she tried calling the cops while they were still here... but...''


    Suddenly, the passenger door opens, and a figure in a hoodie slides into the seat beside him.


    Yuuji instinctively reaches for the gun in his pocket, but the young man speaks calmly.


    ¡°Detective Yuuji, right?¡± -he pulls down his hood, revealing his face


    Yuuji narrows his eyes, recognizing him beacuse of the hoodie.


    ¡°You... youre the guy I chased on that rooftop a while back, arent you?¡±


    The young man nods.


    ¡°Yeah... but lets not get into that now. Whats your take on what happened in that house?¡±


    Yuuji keeps his hand on his gun.


    ¡°You know you cant just sit in my car and question me like this, right?¡±


    The man sighs, remaining expressionless.


    ¡°When the woman called, the girls werent there. They didnt kill her.¡±


    ¡°Oh? I had a hunch. But how do you know that?¡± -Yuuji asks, still cautious


    ¡°Im looking for those girls too. When I arrived, they were long gone.¡± -he says


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    Yuuji leans back, scrutinizing him.


    ¡°And why are you after them? How do I know youre telling the truth?¡±


    The man smirks, wagging a finger at Yuuji.


    ¡°Nice try. Im not giving up info so easily. For now, all you can do is trust me. Which you wont. Beacuse why would you?¡±


    Yuuji scratches his head.


    ¡°So, why are you here?¡± -he asks, still guarded


    The man leans in.


    ¡°I need you to team up with me. I want to take down the Narita Family too.¡± -as his eyes are glinting with a hidden determination


    Yuuji scoffs, shaking his head.


    ¡°No, absolutely not.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡±


    ¡°Is it because of your family?¡± -he asks


    Yuujis face hardens as he looks down, staying silent.


    ¡°Youre a good man, Yuuji. But this goes deeper than you think.¡±


    Yuujis eyes narrow, something stirring within him.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    The man pulls a USB drive from his pocket and hands it over.


    ¡°This drive has answers to some of your questions.¡±


    Yuuji looks at the drive, then back at the man.


    ¡°This... things are about to get serious, arent they?¡±


    The man nods.


    ¡°After you see whats on that drive, protecting your family wont be so simple.¡±


    Yuuji tucks the drive into his pocket.


    ¡°If you decide to take down the Narita Family with me, theres also another file on the drive. Itll tell you where and when to meet me again.¡±


    Yuuji nods slowly.


    ¡°Understood. And if what youre saying is true, then... the Narita Familys behind the womans death, trying to frame the girls.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    The man nods, then pauses.


    ¡°Oh, one more thing.¡±


    From under his hoodie, he pulls out a manga volume and hands it to Yuuji.


    ¡°Isnt this the latest volume your son wanted?¡±


    Yuuji raises an eyebrow, then chuckles, shaking his head as he takes it.


    ¡°Youre damn right it is.¡±


    With that, the man slips out of the car, leaving Yuuji alone. Yuuji pulls out the USB drive again, studying it, realizing that whatevers on it could change everything he knows about this case.


    He thinks to himself.


    ''If I look at whats on this drive... theres no turning back. Maybe itd be safer to leave it alone. But what if ignoring it only puts everyone at even greater risk?''


    ¡°Damn it...¡± -he mutters under his breath, his gaze flicking from the drive to the dashboard


    ___


    Meanwhile, the girls are quietly making their way out of the city, staying hidden in the shadows. Theyve decided, for now, to leave town entirely, and theyre already on its outskirts.


    As they walk, Yukiko seems downcast. Manami notices but quickly looks away, scratching the back of her head before coming to a halt.


    ¡°Huh? Why did we stop, Manami?¡± -Yukiko asks


    Manami points over her shoulder at a small crepe shop.


    ¡°I... Im hungry. Thought we could get some crepes.¡± -she avoids Yukikos gaze, a hint of awkwardness in her voice


    Yukikos face lights up, a genuine smile forming.


    ¡°Really? I love crepes!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah... lets just go in, idiot.¡± -Manami grumbles, as they head for the door


    But just before they enter, Manami suddenly stops again.


    ¡°Whats wrong?¡± -Yukiko asks, concern in her voice


    Manami doesnt answer, gripping her knees as her breathing becomes erratic. Her eyes are wide, staring blankly.


    ¡°M-Manami?¡± -Yukiko stammers, unsure


    ¡°Just... go in without me. Ill be right behind you,¡± -Manami snaps, her voice rough with irritation


    ¡°O-okay...¡± -Yukiko says softly, hesitating before stepping inside, still looking back in worry


    Manamis mind spins with a single, looping thought.


    ''But I hate her... so why?''


    A moment later, she snaps out of it when she hears a gentle voice.


    ¡°I... I got you some crepe,¡± -Yukiko says, holding out a chocolate-banana crepe


    ¡°I hope you like chocolate and banana...¡±


    Manamis eyes widen, a single tear slipping down her cheek. She accepts the crepe and takes a bite, whispering.


    ¡°Yeah... I do.¡±