Bounded by Secrets

"Strings and Shadows"

Kaki finally took on a more serious tone, looking up at Mayumi. "Mayu, trust me. I'm your elder brother. I won't let anything happen to you."

Mayumi sighed, still nervous. "If I break my bones now, Asahi, make sure to inform my parents about this *great* brother of mine."

Kaki narrowed his eyes at her, playfully raising his hand as if to slap her from a distance. Mayumi smirked nervously as the boys laughed.

"Alright, on the count of three," Kaki said, rolling up his sleeves and holding his arms out.

They counted together. "One... two... three!"

Mayumi jumped, and Kaki caught her securely. She clung to him tightly, letting out a laugh of relief.

Their lighthearted moment was interrupted by a loud clearing of throats. Ren and Hiroto stood at the doorway, arms crossed.

Ren raised an eyebrow. "What's going on here?"

The group quickly let go of their playful demeanor, hastily apologizing. Ren, accustomed to their antics, sighed. "Alright, alright. We need this room ready for the meeting. Start working-now!"

The group scrambled to switch on machines, set up the projector, and prepare the room, their earlier mischief giving way to focused chaos.

---

Later, Ayumu entered the room with Shinobu, surveying everyone before pointing at Mayumi. "Mayu, child, today you're going to give the speech. Go get ready," he said.

Mayumi was stunned, as were the others. She had never been confident in such things, and while she wanted to protest, Ayumu's tone left no room for argument.

Just then, Mr. Ren and Hiroto entered the scene, laughing. "Mayumi isn't eligible for this!" Hiroto teased. Ren chimed in, "Not in a million years!"

Their comments made Norio, Jack, and the rest laugh as they tried to lighten the mood. Despite their playful efforts, Mayumi somehow summoned her courage and stepped onto the stage.

To everyone's shock, Mayumi's speech turned out to be phenomenal. The room was filled with applause, and even Jack and Norio couldn't resist recording the moment so Mayumi could see her own achievement later.

Meanwhile, a notification popped up on Jack's tablet. He glanced at it, his expression darkening as he fought back tears. Without a word, he rushed to the washroom, his emotions unraveling.

Ren, noticing Jack's reaction, discreetly followed him. As Jack wept silently over the washbasin, Ren appeared behind him, handing him a tissue. "Don't cry, please," Ren said softly. "I understand... When a man who has everything-every reason to smile-cries for the death of a small group of men, it shows what a true leader he is."

Jack gave Ren a weak smile, nodding, and the two re-entered the hall just as Mayumi finished her speech. She was flushed red, a mix of fever and overwhelming nervousness. The moment she stepped off the stage, she rushed out of the hall.

Jack, Asahi, and Norio laughed, impressed by how she had managed to push through despite her fears. Meanwhile, a concerned Mr. Joseph noticed her abrupt exit and instructed Kaki to follow his daughter, Mayumi, to ensure she was okay and to see what she would do next.

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In Mayumi's room, she was engrossed in a meeting with Mr. Oliver, discussing critical arrangements for upcoming events at the SIO headquarters. The discussion was intense, and Kaki patiently waited outside for half an hour, hoping it would end soon.