Bounded by Secrets

"Strings and Shadows"

Once the meeting concluded, Mayumi didn't stop. She immediately started working on her laptop, her focus unwavering. Kaki, growing concerned, walked over and abruptly closed the laptop, his tone firm as he commanded, "Go to bed."

Mayumi frowned, protesting, "Why? I still have so much work to do!"

Kaki crossed his arms and replied sharply, "Because you're ill, and above all, we're leaving for a mission tomorrow. You need rest, whether you like it or not."

Mayumi sighed in frustration but reluctantly moved to her bed. Throwing herself onto the mattress, she muttered sarcastically, "Is this fine now? You can leave."

Kaki didn't answer. Instead, he walked over to the bed, pulled out iron railings, and secured her to it. Mayumi's eyes widened in disbelief as he tied her down. "What are you doing?!" she shouted, struggling against the restraints.

"This is for your own good," Kaki said flatly, ignoring her protests. "You've left me no choice. Now, rest."

Without another word, Kaki exited the room, leaving Mayumi with no chance of leaving her bed until morning.

---

In the sprawling sports house of the headquarters, Jack and Mayumi were engaged in a friendly yet competitive basketball game. Jack, towering over Mayumi, couldn't resist teasing her about her height disadvantage. "Are you sure you can even see the hoop from down there?" he grinned, dribbling the ball effortlessly.

Mayumi scowled, trying her best to block him despite the obvious height difference. "Laugh all you want, Jack! I'll still beat you!" she huffed, jumping to snatch the ball, but Jack held it just out of her reach.

In the audience seats, Gaku and Asahi were glued to their phones, each engrossed in conversations with their girlfriends. Meanwhile, Norio sat in a far corner, shoulders trembling as he quietly sobbed over some unknown plight.

Suddenly, Hiroto walked into the court, his commanding presence drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, I need some strong men to help me with a task," he announced, scanning the group expectantly.

When nobody responded, he let out a loud sigh, crossing his arms. "Figures. None of you are of any use to me," he muttered, shaking his head in disapproval.

At that moment, Light burst into the room, her energy palpable. "I'll help!" she volunteered enthusiastically, practically bouncing on her toes.

Hiroto hesitated, raising an eyebrow. "You? No offense, but I need someone tougher," he said dismissively, his tone skeptical.

Before Light could argue, Jack stepped in, pulling his sister back protectively. "Not happening, Light. He needs boys-tough ones. You can sit this one out," Jack said firmly.

Light's eyes blazed with determination. "There's no such thing as 'boys only' work! I can do everything they can!" she shot back defiantly.

Mayumi chimed in, stepping up beside Light. "She's right, sir. Give her a chance. She can handle it," she said confidently.

Reluctantly, Hiroto sighed. "Fine. Help if you want," he said, though his tone suggested he still wasn't entirely convinced.

Jack frowned, folding his arms. "Rimmy, go with her, will you? You know how she gets-she'll cause a mess," he said, half-joking.

Rimmy nodded, though her face carried a hint of reluctance. "Fine, but just so you know, I won't be around from tomorrow. I'm taking a leave," she said, glancing at Jack.

Jack shrugged. "Good luck with that. Just keep her out of trouble today."

With that, Hiroto, Rimmy, and Light left for their task. Back on the court, Jack returned to teasing Mayumi relentlessly. This time, he went too far, poking fun at her failed shots and height to the point where Mayumi's patience snapped. "That's it, Jack!" she yelled, storming off toward the locker room.

Jack, unfazed, leaned against the bench. "Norio, go check on her," he said casually.

Norio wiped his tears, sniffled, and nodded, heading after Mayumi. However, his attempt to console her backfired spectacularly. The two quickly got into an argument in the locker room, their voices echoing in heated tones.

Things escalated when Norio, frustrated, decided to lock Mayumi inside a locker. "You're too loud! This will shut you up for a while," he muttered, placing the key smugly on top of the locker, just out of Mayumi's reach.

"Let me out, Norio!" Mayumi shouted, pounding on the locker door.

Outside, Jack, unaware of what Norio had done, continued shooting hoops, blissfully ignorant of the storm brewing inside.