Chapter 25: Calm before the storm

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Translator: Soafp

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[Kenji PoV]

October 31st crept in, marking just 10 days until the trial. The atmosphere was tense yet oddly hopeful, like the calm before the storm.

In the aftermath of our heart-to-heart, Dad seemed to be on a mission to turn things around. He’d been pounding the pavement, searching for a new job ever since he got the boot from his old one.

It was a sight to see, watching him hustle like that, determined to make things right. And despite everything, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of pride for him.

With Dad on the mend, I found myself with a rare moment of respite. It was a crisp autumn morning, the air tinged with the promise of change. I decided to spend the day checking in on Ryota. After all, with the trial looming and everything else going on, I couldn’t afford to lose sight of what mattered most.

As I made my way to the hospital, my mind buzzed with anticipation. The past few days had been a whirlwind of emotions, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something big was on the horizon.

The trial was fast approaching, and with it came a mix of anxiety and determination. I had submitted the evidence that would be crucial to the case, and the weight of that responsibility hung heavy on my shoulders.

Arriving at Ryota’s room, I was met with the sight of him lying unconscious in bed, his condition still critical. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of life, and my heart clenched at the sight of my friend in such a vulnerable state.

I approached his bedside, my concern mounting with each passing moment. Despite his unconscious state, there was a sense of peace in his expression, as if he were battling his demons in a realm beyond our own.

“Hey, Ryota. I’m here again.”

There was no response, only the steady beep of the heart monitor filling the room with its rhythmic cadence.

“Last time I was here, I told you about my father, remember? About how he was drowning his sorrows in alcohol, trying to forget the past. “

Lately, when I visited Ryota, I found myself talking to him more and more, hoping for some kind of response, any sign that he was still there. It was a desperate attempt to break through the silence, to bridge the gap between us.

“Well, something changed. He’s decided to turn things around. It’s strange, to see such a sudden change of heart. He’s been actively looking for a new job now.”

As I spoke, memories of the past weeks flooded my mind. It had been a relentless cycle of hope and despair, as I searched desperately for any sign of life in Ryota’s still form.

But there was nothing – no pulse, no flutter of eyelids, no hint of movement. It was as if he existed in a world of stillness, untouched by the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded him.

My heart ached as I watched him lying there, so pale and fragile, his body betraying no sign of the vibrant spirit that once animated him.

I longed to reach out and shake him, to plead with him to wake up and return to us. But I knew that such gestures were futile, mere expressions of my own desperation and despair.

In those moments, time seemed to stretch on endlessly, each second feeling like an eternity as I waited for some sign of life to emerge.

As I was lost in my thoughts, I noticed a slight movement in the corner of my eye. At first, I dismissed it as a trick of the light, a figment of my imagination. But then it happened again, more pronounced this time.

My heart leaped with hope as I realized what was happening. It was Ryota’s hand, twitching ever so slightly, as if struggling to break free from its stillness.

“Ryota!!”

A surge of emotion washed over me, filling me with a mixture of relief and apprehension. Could this be the moment I had been waiting for?!

Though Ryota remained unresponsive, the sight of his hand stirring filled me with renewed determination. He was still fighting, still clinging to life with every fiber of his being.

“Thank goodness. I am so glad…”

As I sat by Ryota’s bedside, watching over him with a mixture of relief and anticipation, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of optimism creeping into my heart.

His small movement, though seemingly insignificant to others, felt like a monumental milestone to me.

Still clinging to life with a tenacity that filled me with awe and admiration.

In that moment, I allowed myself to believe that he would overcome this obstacle, that he would emerge from this darkness stronger than ever before.

Glancing at the clock, I realized that I had to leave. I had promised Nao that I would meet her, and I couldn’t afford to be late.

With one last lingering look at Ryota, I whispered a silent prayer for his recovery before reluctantly tearing myself away from his side.

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As I walked towards our meeting spot, which happened to be the same cafe we always met at, I couldn’t help but smile at the familiarity of it all. It had become our designated meeting place, a cozy corner where we could catch up and share our thoughts.

As I entered the cafe, I spotted Nao sitting at our usual corner table, patiently awaiting my arrival.

“Ah, Kenji-kun.”

She greeted me with a wave.

I made my way over to her and took a seat opposite her.

“Sorry, Nao, for keeping you waiting.”

“It’s okay. It’s not like I waited for an hour or so.”

The reason for our meeting was to discuss Yuto’s trial.

“Kenji, you seem… happier. Did something happen?”

“Actually, yes. Today I went to the hospital.”

“To visit Onii-chan?”

“Yes, and usually when I visit, he shows no sign of movement. However, this time he did. His hand was moving a bit.”

“Wait, really?!”

“Yeah, it was a small movement, but it’s giving me hope.”

“That’s incredible news, Kenji-kun! Maybe it’s a sign that he’s starting to wake up.”

“I hope so. It’s been tough seeing him like that, but this gives me some much-needed encouragement.”

We fell into a brief silence, both lost in our thoughts about Ryota’s condition.

“So, about Yuto’s trial… What are we going to about it?”

I started the main topic.

“Okay…I’ve been thinking about why my dad would side with Nii-san, and I’ve come up with a couple of theories.”

“Go on.”

“First, maybe they had some kind of deal going on, where they both got something out of it. My dad mentioned something about satisfying himself, so maybe Nii-san provided whatever that was. In return, Nii-san got protection.”

“Protection? For what?”

“Onii-chan and Nii-san were always arguing however my father would have always chosen Nii-san side. I think this kind of protection.”

“Hmm. That sounds plausible. What is your other theory?”

“Nii-san is black-mailing my father to get his protection.”

“Black mailing…What could he have that your father would side with Yuto?”

“I have no idea. It’s just a theory for now. But I have a feeling that he will say something during the trial.”

“What makes you think so?”

“My father didn’t bail him out. In fact, he didn’t even visit him. So Nii-san could assumed that he broke the deal.”

“Meaning Yuto will reveal or do something.”

“But that’s only if Nii-san is blackmailing my father. Otherwise, it could be the other theory”

“Right…”

With just ten days until the trial, the future felt more uncertain than ever. As I sat in the cafe with Nao, contemplating the days ahead.

After spending some time discussing our theories about the trial, I felt a sense of resolve wash over me. It was time to face the future with courage and determination, ready to confront whatever obstacles stood in our way.

“I should get going.”

“Yes, take care Kenji-kun. I’ll see you at the trial”

With a nod, I rose from my seat and made my way towards the door. As I stepped out, I could feel the crisp autumn air.

As I walked towards home, the familiar streets seemed to blur together in a haze of uncertainty.

The cool autumn breeze whispered through the trees, rustling their golden leaves as if echoing the whispers of doubt that lingered in my mind.

I can only hope that after the trial, we can uncover the secrets that have been buried deep underground and end this madness.

Little did I know that delving into the secrets of would lead to disaster.