February 21, 2014
10:00a.m
As she strolled down the vibrant streets of Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, the cacophony of bustling sounds enveloped her senses. Conversations, filled with casual chattering, reached her ears, creating a lively atmosphere that brought a small smile to her face. Suddenly, she came to a halt, captivated by the sight of a prominent Bookstore standing proudly before her. Without a moment's hesitation, she made up her mind to venture inside.
Upon stepping into the inviting ambience of the bookstore, a refreshing gust of chilled air engulfed her, leaving a pleasant shiver trailing down her spine. Instantly, her attention was captivated by the sight of a woman donned in a dignified ensemble, gracefully cradling a cup of coffee in her hand.
A gentle smile graced her lips, triggering a rush of familiarity within Y/n's mind, reminiscent of someone dear to her heart. The woman's mesmerizing expression exuded an endearing innocence, complemented by her enchanting lavender eyes that seemed to hold a thousand untold stories.
With a slight tilt of her head and an innocent expression, Y/n greeted the morning with enthusiasm. Purposefully, she wandered through the rows of books, her fingers delicately tracing the spines of the newly acquired literature. The books had a special significance to her, as they offered a sense of contentment and solace to her overwhelmed mind, which was brimming with thoughts about how she would break the news of her pregnancy to Sanzu.
The woman took a step towards the counter, prompting Y/n to join her. Curiosity piqued, the young woman nonchalantly trailed behind, keeping pace with the woman's movements. With a determined look on her face, the woman started rummaging through a collection of shuffled books placed inside a box below.
Finally, she exclaimed, "Ah, I found it!" As she rose to her feet, she carefully extended her hand, presenting Y/n with a pregnancy book that seemed as if it had been untouched for ages, covered in a layer of dust that added to its antiquated appearance.
Y/n had mixed emotions, feeling puzzled but choosing not to voice any complaints as she graciously accepted the book handed to her. With gentle care, she delicately wiped off the layer of dust that had accumulated on the book's cover. Unexpectedly, the woman who had initially handed her the book suddenly became aware of her own lapse in providing satisfactory service. Feeling remorseful, she swiftly took the book back from Y/n's hands and meticulously removed every speck of dust before returning it to her customer.
"I never thought I'd see this book again to be honest," the woman exclaimed enthusiastically as her thumb caressed the smooth leather cover.
"This very book held my attention during the precious moments of my pregnancies," she continued, her eyes gleaming with nostalgia and affection. With a hint of pride in her voice, she shared, "You know, this cherished book has actually been passed down through generations; it once belonged to my great-great grandmother." A gentle sip from her aromatic cup of dark mocha coffee accompanied her words, as if savoring the taste of the past intertwined with the present.
Y/n experienced a mix of emotions, feeling a blend of perplexity and appreciation due to the woman's words. The reason for the perplexity arose from the fact that she had been given a pregnancy book by a bookstore employee for free, without any explanation. However, amidst this confusion, a sense of gratitude also surfaced within Y/n. As she mustered the courage to respond, the woman unexpectedly interjected, sharing her own personal struggle. It unveiled a deeply emotional revelation that she had once carried a child within her womb, but circumstances and missed chances had deprived her of the privilege of motherhood.
Y/n experienced a sense of discomfort due to the woman's reaction, causing her to swiftly avert her gaze. It dawned on her that the topic at hand was evidently delicate for the woman. Nevertheless, Y/n genuinely wanted to convey her concern, leading her to inquire, "If you don't mind me asking, could you please share the reason behind it?" Struggling to maintain this unfamiliar situation, she recognized that she lacked the necessary skills or capabilities to address another person's difficulties in the same manner she would for her lover, Sanzu Haruchiyo.
The lady locked eyes with Y/n, her mesmerizing lavender eyes meeting her gaze in a deeply manner. There was an undeniable connection as she delicately uttered, "I just know you'll be a great mother." Hearing these words, a surge of warmth spread through Y/n's heart, engulfing her with appreciation for the woman's compassionate nature and unwavering encouragement.
Y/n struggled to find the right words, managing only to utter a simple "thank you" in response. Despite her lingering discomfort, she was determined to convey to the woman that she genuinely valued and acknowledged her kind act.
Y/n was taken aback as she delved into her pocket to fetch her phone; the clock displayed a surprisingly late hour, almost 11 o'clock in the morning. With curiosity in her eyes, she glanced around, absorbing every detail of her surroundings, while simultaneously bidding farewell to the kind-hearted woman who had graciously bestowed upon her the book.
Leaving the store brought her an unparalleled sense of elation, as if she had stumbled upon a valuable gem and cradled it delicately in her palms. Progressing on her way, she gradually became aware of a fatigue that crept into her bones, beginning from her knees and gradually infiltrating her entire being, weighing upon her back. Recognizing the need to rejuvenate herself, she made the choice to pause momentarily and seek respite by occupying a vacant bench situated in a conveniently close shelter.
She had lost touch with the overwhelming nature of the world beyond her own solitude. The never-ending buzz of voices surrounding her began to grate on her nerves, much like the gentle whispers of the breeze and the rustle of leaves in the trees. The tranquility that enveloped her room had become a sanctuary, shielding her from the outside world and allowing her to delve deep into the recesses of her mind where her thoughts and imagination roamed freely.
As she shut her eyelids, her thoughts started to drift away, engrossed in her personal realm, liberating herself from the limitations of the real world. In spite of the bothersome disturbances from the external environment, she experienced a profound feeling of appreciation towards the book that she held firmly in her grasp.
A faint smile slowly emerged on her countenance while contemplating the unforeseen present and the compassionate lady who had bestowed it upon her. She pondered about the mysteries and revelations that this book might unveil, eagerly anticipating the moment she could immerse herself within its captivating pages.
"Someone is exhausted." A low and resonant voice resonated next to her, and as soon as she heard it, she immediately recognized whose voice it was. It was none other than Ran, the person she had been expecting. She called out his name as he gracefully sat down beside her. Ran cast a captivating smile her way, captivating her with his presence. As she observed him, she couldn't help but notice his sophisticated attire, consisting of a casual three-piece suit and a meticulously matching Rolex wristwatch, which he proudly shared with his brother, Haitani Rindou.
"What brings a stunning woman like you to the bookstore at this hour?" Ran asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity. Drawing closer to her, he playfully nestled his head on her shoulder, still maintain that infectious smile on his face. Y/n, on the other hand, had grown accustomed to this habit of Ran's, finding it endearing and typical of their close friendship. Hence, she saw no need to address his actions, considering them a norm among friends.
"Any exciting plans, gorgeous?" Ran asked nonchalantly, genuinely interested in her daily activities and eager to be a part of her world.
"I'm heading to Mitsuya's residence," Y/n replied, her voice exuding a casual yet decisive tone. She felt a sense of tranquility as she mentioned her destination, knowing that she would be in the company of dear friends and surrounded by warmth and happiness.
"I'm heading to the same street near Mitsuya's house," Ran informed Y/n as he straightened his back and stood up from the steel bench. He extended his hand towards her, offering to drop her off there. Y/n gladly accepted his hand and held onto his biceps as they walked towards the Shibuya parking lot, where Ran's Purple Ferrari Italia 458 was parked exclusively for business people.
As they entered the opulent parking lot, Y/N's eyes widened with sheer delight at the sight of the extravagant cars that surrounded them. From the sleek Chevrolet Camaro to the iconic Ford Mustang, and the sporty Scion FR-S, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Subaru BRZ, the array of luxury vehicles was enough to captivate anyone's attention.
Ran playfully asked, "Do you like what you see?" as he unlocked his own sports car.
Y/n replied in a childish manner, exclaiming, "Very!" Her innocent response only made Ran find her even more adorable.
While Y/n continued to be captivated by the fancy cars around her, she suddenly realized that Ran's car was already parked beside her, patiently waiting for her to finish admiring the impressive display. In a moment of realization, she snapped out of her reverie and remembered that she didn't want to make Ran late.
"You're right, I apologize for getting lost in my admiration," she said apologetically as she swiftly entered the Ferrari.
Ran reassured her, saying, "No need to apologize. It's understandable that you were fascinated by these cars. Your enthusiasm is valid and completely understandable." With that, he started the engine and began driving.
A shady guy appeared out of nowhere, quietly taking their picture without their knowledge. He quickly disappeared into the crowd, leaving them oblivious to what had just happened.
Unaware of the stranger's actions, the two continued to chat and spend time with each other. They left the waiting shed and continued on their way, unaware that they had been the subject of someone's covert photography. As they went on their way, Y/n felt grateful for Ran's presence. He was always there for her, providing her with a sense of security and comfort, even in the face of unexpected events.
Mitsuya's Residence.
Yuzuha's heart filled with tenderness as she laid her eyes on the handcrafted shoes made by Mitsuya. The shoes were not only adorable, but also delicately woven from soft yarn, making them a perfect fit for their soon-to-be-born daughter's tiny feet. Overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness behind the gesture, Yuzuha couldn't help but express her appreciation through a warm, heartfelt smile towards Mitsuya.
The genuine display of kindness further intensified her feelings of gratitude, creating a profound sense of gratitude within her. With an abundance of excitement gleaming in his eyes, Takashi meticulously measured the expansion of Yuzuha's burgeoning belly.
While placing his ear gently against her stomach, he joyously announced, "Our precious bundle of joy is kicking!" Filled with immense adoration, Yuzuha delicately caressed Takashi's head, emitting a melodic laughter that echoed in the room.
Out of nowhere, Luna stormed into the room, her voice filled with enthusiasm as she exclaimed, "BIG BROTHER! Y/N IS ON HER WAY!" Takashi swiftly rose from his seat, a smile dancing on his lips as he approached his sister.
"Well, hello there, Luna," he greeted her warmly.
"I'll start getting ready immediately." With determination in his eyes, he made his way to the kitchen, eager to concoct a delightful treat consisting of his brother's sister beloved butterscotch and a refreshing iced tea that was sure to please Y/n.
Shibuya's underground.
"Happy birthday Koko, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday Koko!!" Sanzu gleefully sang to Hajime, while Hajime tried to block out the noise by covering his ears, feeling overwhelmed by the insanity of it all.
"Are you on drugs?" Hajime questioned, finding it difficult to comprehend Sanzu's behavior. Sanzu nonchalantly replied, "Absolutely."
"He's definitely high on drugs," Kakucho chimed in, casually resting his feet on the table as he observed the chaotic scene unfolding before him. After Sanzu climbed out of the wrecked car, he unexpectedly embraced Rindou from behind, leaving Rindou shocked and bewildered.
"What on earth is happening?" Rindou exclaimed, his face tilting to meet Sanzu's as Sanzu planted an unexpected kiss on his lips. Rindou quickly wiped his lips and exclaimed, "Disgusting!" Hajime couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation, while Kakucho opted to take a brief nap by closing his eyes.
To everyone's surprise, Sanzu blurted out, "Want to gang a girl? I can contact Xia." The room fell into stunned silence, as Hajime reacted by throwing money at Sanzu in disbelief.
Amidst the chaos, Kakucho lightheartedly chuckled, saying, "I must add, I am a virgin with asthma, so count me out."
Rindou, clearly irritated, interjected, "I'm getting married soon," clicking his tongue in annoyance.
In an unpredictable turn of events, Hajime playfully slapped Rindou on the neck and provocatively stated, "Akane is dead :P," provoking a shocked reaction from Rindou.
Recognizing the dark direction the conversation was taking, Rindou attempted to divert the topic, "There's Inui-" but was abruptly silenced by Hajime's hand covering his mouth, warning, "Don't even dare to say it!"
Y/n stepped out of the extravagant door of Ran Haitani's sleek sports car, which happened to be a striking Purple Italian Ferrari 458, parked right in front of the Mitsuya residence. Yet, before she could make her way towards the house, Ran thoughtfully rolled down the car window and offered her a ride home, instructing her to give him a call if she needed assistance.
Y/n expressed agreement with a nod and started moving forward.
"You made it, bitch! Congratulations!" Yuzuha exclaimed with excitement, causing Yuzuha to jump in surprise Takashi interjected, "Hey!" in a playful manner, causing Yuzuha to cover her mouth to stifle her laughter. In her excitement, Yuzuha had forgotten that she was pregnant.
"I'm overjoyed! But I must admit, I'm not fond of your baby's father," Yuzuha confessed as they entered the stunning and green-filled home of Yuzuha and Takashi. Y/n whispered in awe, "Mitsuya must really love plants." Yuzuha chuckled at the comment. "Speaking of which, have you seen Hinata's latest post? Their daughter is starting to resemble Takemichi as she grows up."
"It's been a year since I last saw any of them besides Mitsuya and Yuzuha. How is everyone doing?" She inquired. The pregnant woman eagerly replied, "They're all doing well, including Draken!" Yuzuha called out to her husband.
"When is Pah Chin's wedding?" Y/n asked casually.
Takashi's attention was caught when Y/n mentioned Pah Chin. "Yes?" he responded, curious about the topic. She asked, "What did Pah Chin say last week?" to which Takashi revealed, "He postponed his wedding for Kazutora; he's willing to wait three more years."
Y/n reacted with a shocked gasp. "Oh my god, is that for real? What did his fiancee say? I should visit my brother tomorrow." Takashi couldn't help but laugh at her genuine surprise.
"We love Kazutora."
"I hope you don't mind me asking, Y/n, but being your brother's friend, I'm genuinely concerned about the father of your unborn child," Takashi asked, his tone reflecting genuine worry. In response, Y/n couldn't help but feel a sudden quiver running through her body, though she managed to mask it, not wanting Takashi and Yuzuha to catch on to her inner turmoil. She found herself at a loss for words, unsure of how to address this particular inquiry.
The person responsible for fathering her child happens to be the second most perilous felon within Japan, notorious for his notoriety tied to drug dependency and his occupation as a professional killer. However, he is a kind and considerate boyfriend to her in spite of Sanzu's darker side. She still saw him as the love of her life, the one she could not afford to hurt, even in the face of all the terrible circumstances.
After pausing for a brief moment to regain her composure, Y/n proceeded to take a series of deep breaths, mustering the strength to vocalize her thoughts. Fully aware of the situation at hand, she came to the realization that she would have no choice but to resort to deceit in order to safeguard Sanzu. No hesitation arose within her when it came to sacrificing her own honesty for the sake of protecting the man she deeply adored.
It became evident that she would go to great lengths to fabricate stories, hiding the truth from everyone around her, as the mere thought of parting ways with Sanzu was an outcome she simply could not bear. The reason for her subterfuge stemmed from her unwavering desire to preserve the unwavering loyalty and devotion that Sanzu had consistently shown her.
She'll be his bulletproof vest, always protecting the one and only Sanzu Haruchiyo.
"Ran Haitani," she replied with a slight quiver in her voice.