The night has fallen at the Tetsunouji Residence, with the moon shining over the grand traditional Japanese house, faintly glistening the small trees and flower bushes in the courtyard, while a small pond in the centre dazzles with tiny sparkles from the moonlight, reflecting on the shiny koi fishes swimming within.

KENZAKI: Imp Lizards?

MIE: Yeah!

Kenzaki is outside on the house porch, talking to Mie on his phone.

From inside the dining room, his mother, Terumi, is sitting at the dining table while waiting for her son as she watches him through the translucent sliding door.

Lying down on the ground next to the table is a big, fat, white Persian cat, with his eyes tightly shut as he rests comfortably on his side.

Firmly standing right above it is a handsome young gentleman with sleek, well-groomed hair, tightly fitted in a black suit with a white shirt underneath.

He turns to Terumi and sees her worried expression.

TERUMI: …

ZAKURO: Terumi-sama?

TERUMI: Ah, yes?

ZAKURO: Would you like to have your dinner now, Terumi-sama?

TERUMI: Oh no, that’s okay. Let's wait for him a little longer.

ZAKURO: As you wish.

CHOBI: Meeeeeoooooowwwww...

A deep, bassy meow booms from below-

TERUMI: Oh?

ZAKURO: Hm?

-and they both look down and sees Chobi the cat, staring at them with a disgruntled look on his face.

CHOBI: …

TERUMI: … it seems Chobi-kun can’t wait any longer.

ZAKURO: Very well.

Zakuro snaps his fingers, alerting the young maid, Kana, who stands by a door at the end of the room to go to the kitchen to find some kibble.

TERUMI: Just wait a little bit more, okay, Chobi-kun?

CHOBI: Meeeeeoooooowwwww...

She smiles at the impatient cat and turns back to stare at her son’s silhouette by the door, patiently waiting for him to finish.

TERUMI: …

ZAKURO: …

TERUMI: … Zakuro-kun?

ZAKURO: Yes, Terumi-sama?

TERUMI: Did I remember to ask you to deliver-

ZAKURO: Your painting to your friend, Kyoko?

TERUMI: Oh... uh, yes.

ZAKURO: It has been done. It will arrive at Shirakawa precisely by tomorrow morning.

TERUMI: Woah... that’s fast.

ZAKURO: We send our own postal carriers to deliver your package safely and quickly. No time shall be wasted for your friend to receive your painting, Terumi-sama.

She looks up proudly at her head butler of the house as he cracks a confident smile.

TERUMI: Thank you for your hard work, Zakuro-kun. I can’t wait to hear what she thinks of it.

ZAKURO: She will most definitely love it, Terumi-sama. The way you carefully sketch her image onto the canvas, meticulously choosing the right colour palette, taking your time with each brushstroke; she will absolutely see the blood, sweat and tears that you have poured into your work of art, and will undoubtedly feel blessed to own such a finely crafted masterpiece, by such an incredibly talented artist.

Terumi looks at Zakuro with a baffled look across her face, unsure of how to respond to his adoring words, especially after seeing him proudly smiling at himself as he praises her.

TERUMI: …

ZAKURO: …

TERUMI: … w-well, I don’t think she’ll think of it that way... but thank you for those kind words, Zakuro-kun.

ZAKURO: It is my pleasure, Terumi-sama.

They both smile admiringly to one another, feeling a warm sense of comfort with each other’s presence.

The door to the kitchen opens as Kana returns with a feeding bowl and a bag of freshly opened kibble.

KANA: Here is the food, Terumi-sama.

TERUMI: Thank you, Kana-chan! Chobi-kun, food’s here.

CHOBI: Meeeooowww...

The young maid places the bowl in front of the hungry cat-

CHOBI: Meow!

-and pours in a small amount of kibble for him to eat.

KANA: Here you go, Chobi.

Chobi speechlessly stares into the near-empty bowl in utter disappointment.

CHOBI: …

He looks up at the young maid and scornfully stares into her.

CHOBI: …

KANA: … what?

CHOBI: …

KANA: I’m sorry, Chobi, but we gotta look out for your weight.

Chobi keeps staring daggers into Kana’s soul, nervously sweating as the big, fat cat quietly yet aggressively demands her for more delicious, crunchy kibble.

CHOBI: …

KANA: … uh...

CHOBI: …

KANA: Mm...

CHOBI: …

With weak-willed resistance, Kana fills the bowl with more kibble to Chobi’s delight.

CHOBI: Meow!

Chobi digs his furry face into the bowl and happily munches on his “well-earned” dinner, while Kana could only stare down at him with a disgusted pout.

CHOBI: Munch, munch, munch-

KANA: … greedy.

…

Meanwhile, at the house porch, Kenzaki carefully listens to Mie as she tells him what happened to her today.

KENZAKI: How many?

MIE: I found one running around on its own at first, then I chased it and trapped it in a bubble and- now that I think about it, I wonder what happened to it?

KENZAKI: Okay...

MIE: Anyway, after that, I heard Ryuken-san screaming from afar-

KENZAKI: Ryuken?!

MIE: Oh yeah, I forget to mention. I met Ryuken-san earlier too. Quite a coincidence.

KENZAKI: Did something happen to him?

MIE: Some of the Lizards got all over him-

KENZAKI: What?!

MIE: But don’t worry! I pulled them off as soon as I got there.

KENZAKI: Oh... that’s good.

MIE: And then, I got them to chase after me and brought them into this alley so I could face them on my own, but then...

KENZAKI: …

MIE: …

KENZAKI: … but then wha-

MIE: HUNDREDS of them just came right at me!

KENZAKI: Hundreds?!

MIE: They came from the end of the alley and they were like... charging at me like a freaking stampede in heat! And they like... swept me off of my feet! But not in a romantic way.

KENZAKI: I know they come in packs, but a hundred is unheard of.

MIE: You should have seen my face when it happens! It felt like my eyes popped out of my sockets when I saw them coming.

KENZAKI: How did you get out?

MIE: I used my cotton strips to aim at anything I can grab on and I pulled myself out of there. I almost got Ryuken out with me, but those Lizards are really grabby-

KENZAKI: WAIT?! Ryuken was IN there?!

MIE: Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that too.

KENZAKI: How did THAT happen?!

MIE: I don’t know, but they found him after they got me, and as soon as I escaped, I started chasing at them till I saw this portal opening up at the end, so I dash-

KENZAKI: A PORTAL?!

MIE: Yeah, and they were about to-

KENZAKI: RYUKEN GOT INTO THE PORTAL?!

His eyes shot up in fear as a drop of sweat trickle down his forehead-

MIE: Wha- no, no, no, no! I saved him after that. He’s fine now!

-but lets out a relieved sigh once Mie told him the good news.

KENZAKI: That’s... that’s good.

MIE: S-sorry, I didn’t tell you earlier.

KENZAKI: No, it’s fine. I just got... worried, that’s all.

MIE: Was I too much with the suspense?

He chuckles at himself, realizing how spooked he must have sound earlier.

MIE: Ahaha... sorry, Kenzaki-kun. I should have mentioned him first, but I got too caught up with the story.

KENZAKI: You got me scared for a second, but that’s okay. How did you save him?

MIE: I had to bring my Mambas out. I couldn’t risk using any fire magic or I’ll burn Ryuken-san. And once he’s out, I started fighting them off and chased them away back to their portal.

KENZAKI: Did you meet him after?

MIE: Yeah, I did. He was all good, but he had to leave early and I had to go to my friends. We both had plans of our own today till some Demons start showing up. Sigh... Must be nice to be a little ignorant...

KENZAKI: Ahaha. We can’t really afford that nowadays. I'll call him later to know how he’s doing.

MIE: He's probably tired after all that running.

KENZAKI: You must be tired after all that fighting.

MIE: Hahaha! Just some sores, that’s all. A good night’s sleep would do the trick.

KENZAKI: You earned it, Mie.

MIE: Aww... it’s nothing, really. Once I've freshened up, I’ll make sure to come up with a report lat-

KENZAKI: No need. I’ll write it on your behalf.

MIE: Really?

KENZAKI: Don't worry. I can make one based on what you’ve shared.

MIE: Thank you, Kenzaki-kun! Oh, but about Ryuken-

KENZAKI: Don't worry. I won’t include him in it.

MIE: Ah, alright. I was wondering how I could even write it down without mentioning him...

KENZAKI: You leave that to me. After everything you did this week alone, you deserve a good rest, Mie.

MIE: Aw... it’s nothing, really.

KENZAKI: Thank you, Mie, for saving Ryuken out of there.

MIE: Aw, come on... stop it now...

KENZAKI: I'm very proud of what you have accomplished to-

MIE: Seriously, stop it! I'm getting too many praises in one day! I don’t think I can take it!

KENZAKI: Ahaha. Alright. I'll see you later, Mie.

MIE: Bye-bye, Kenzaki-kun!

KENZAKI: Bye.

Click!

Kenzaki flips his phone close and walks into the dining room through the sliding door.

He closes back the door and approaches her mother at the dining table, who smiles brightly at the sight of her son.

KENZAKI: Sorry for the long wait, mom.

TERUMI: That's alright.

KENZAKI: You haven’t had dinner yet?

TERUMI: I was waiting for you.

KENZAKI: You don’t have to miss dinner for me, mom.

TERUMI: Please... what’s a family dinner without a family?

Kenzaki smiles at her mother as they both exchange a loving look to one another.

KENZAKI: Alright. Arai-san?

ZAKURO: Yes, Kenzaki-sama?

KENZAKI: If you please.

ZAKURO: Certainly.

Zakuro raises his hand, and with a-

Snap!

-of his fingers, two butlers slide open a door from the other side, allowing a group of maids and cooks to enter into the dining room with a trolley of warm, exquisite meals and hot, freshly brewed tea.

They reach to the dining table and in an elegant and courteous manner, set their trays of food at the centre, place their plates and cutlery onto each side of the square table and pour hot tea into each of their cups.

After laying down their finishing touches, Kenzaki and Terumi turn to the hardworking men and women of the household with a thankful smile.

TERUMI: Thank you for the lovely meal, everyone.

They all respectfully bow before the two and graciously move back to their post.

TERUMI: I think that’ll be all, Zakuro-kun.

ZAKURO: If there’s anything you need, you may request for my presence anytime.

KENZAKI: Thank you very much, Arai-san.

TERUMI: Thank you, Zakuro-kun.

Zakuro bows with a faithful smile-

ZAKURO: It is my pleasure.

-and gracefully exits the dining room, leaving the two alone for their nightly dinner.

Kenzaki pulls a chair from the table and sits down opposite her mother.

KENZAKI: I’m sorry you had to eat a little late. I had to take the call.

TERUMI: Don't be. I wasn’t going to ask you about it.

They hold up their utensils and start eating their meals together.

TERUMI: But since you brought it up...

KENZAKI: It was just a friend from the program. She was just telling me about her day.

TERUMI: Was it anything serious?

KENZAKI: No, nothing serious. Why do you ask?

TERUMI: I heard a gasp or two coming from outside.

KENZAKI: Oh, really?!

He lets out a soft nervous chuckle as his mother smiles at his embarrassed face.

KENZAKI: Yeah... but she handled everything all on her own.

TERUMI: You care about her?

KENZAKI: Of course. She's a good friend.

TERUMI: Is she nice?

KENZAKI: Yes, she’s quite lovely.

TERUMI: You like her?

KENZAKI: Don’t worry, mom. If there’s anyone I like, you’ll be the first to know.

She cracks a cheery laugh-

TERUMI: You better!

-as Kenzaki smiles cheekily at her.

TERUMI: Are you still learning anything new? You’ve been part of the program since you were like... 8, right?

KENZAKI: There’s still a lot more to learn. A lot more room to grow.

TERUMI: Hmm...

KENZAKI: I’ve also been helping out with younger students who’re new to the program too.

TERUMI: Did they ask you for help?

KENZAKI: I wanted to do it. Thought it’d be nice to teach them, even if it’s the simpler things.

TERUMI: You’re too kind for your own good.

KENZAKI: Only whenever I’m capable. How’s your next piece?

TERUMI: It’s going well! Trying to get the fur right can be a pain, but I have a feeling it’s going to turn out great.

KENZAKI: A portrait of our very own house cat, huh? You must feel honoured, don’t you, Chobi?

TERUMI: After all these years, he deserves his own piece on the wall. Isn't that right, Chobi-kun?

They both hear Chobi’s deep purr from below them, wondering if he’s responding positively to satisfy their curiosity, or he just simply doesn’t care.

KENZAKI: Has he eaten yet?

TERUMI: He already di-

CHOBI: Meow!

TERUMI: Uh?

CHOBI: Meeeooowww!

TERUMI: Oh, stop it, Chobi-kun. You have enough for the-

Slam!

Kenzaki and Terumi turn to the sound of a door slamming from across the house, while slowly accompanied by footsteps.

As they both look through the translucent paper doors, they see two silhouettes outside the dining room, walking towards the kitchen.

ZAKURO: Welcome home, Kensuke-sama. How was your day?

The young teen with dark blue hair swept on one side coldly answers with a mumble.

TERUMI: Kensuke?!

Terumi excitedly gets up from her chair while Kenzaki stays where he is as he watches her mother walks away to the door, sliding it open to greet her youngest son with welcoming arms.

TERUMI: Kensuke! You're back!

KENSUKE: … hey.

Kensuke walks past his mother without a single glance at her and proceeds to the kitchen with Zakuro tailing behind.

His demeanour slightly taken her aback, as if it wasn’t the first time he acted this way, but she continues to follow him regardless.

TERUMI: Are you hungry?

Kensuke quietly mumbles to her as he walks to the fridge.

TERUMI: Come have dinner with us.

He opens the fridge and checks inside.

KENSUKE: … what’s for dinner?

ZAKURO: Our house chefs have specially prepared their signature peppered duck breast, with a side of creamy gratin dauphinoise and Greek salad, made with our freshly-picked vegetables from the garden.

Kensuke takes out two cans of chilled energy drinks and closes the fridge door.

KENSUKE: … I want beef.

ZAKURO: Would you like them to prepare a steak for you?

KENSUKE: Tenderloin. Well-done.

ZAKURO: I'll pass the word to the chefs.

Zakuro leaves the two and snappily walks to the back kitchen.

KENSUKE: Zakuro!

ZAKURO: Yes, Kensuke-sama?

KENSUKE: And spaghetti bolognese. No milk or cheese.

ZAKURO: Certainly.

As Zakuro finally leaves, Kensuke walks out of the kitchen and passes by his mother as he opens one of the canned drinks.

Terumi walks up to Kensuke and lovingly places her hand on his back.

TERUMI: Let's wait at the dinner table, okay? They'll finish as soon as-

KENSUKE: ZAKURO!

He yells the name out loud as it echoes through the hallway.

KENSUKE: Send them to my room! I'm going up!

Kensuke leaves his mother’s side and walks towards the staircase.

TERUMI: Ken-Kensuke? Don't you want to-

Still sitting at the dining table by himself, Kenzaki sees his younger brother taking a big sip of his energy drink as he passes by the dining room, while his mother tries to catch up to him.

Kensuke continues to walk up the stairs, leaving his mother behind as she looks at him from below.

TERUMI: You... you must be tired. I'll come by your room lat-

KENSUKE: No need. I'm going to bed once I’m done.

TERUMI: Oh, okay... good-goodnight!

Without another word, Kensuke keeps on moving up to his room, leaving his mother at the bottom of the stairs by herself.

She rests her hand by the railing as she longingly stares at her son, even until he is no longer within her sight.

Kenzaki stands by the dining room doorway while quietly watching his mother from afar.

He was about to ask her to come back for dinner, but after seeing her blue, wishful face, he decided to not say anything and leaves her be for a moment.

…

BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!

The sharp noise of machine-gun fire reverberates through the halls of the second-floor corridor.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

The noise gets louder and louder as Kenzaki walks up the stairs.

He keeps on walking to the sound as it leads him to a room at the end of the hall.

He reaches for the door and knocks on it.

Knock! Knock!

No response.

He knocks again.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Still no response.

Not wanting to wait any longer, he opens the door and-

GRENADE!

KABOOM!!!

-the sound of the blaring explosion blasts out of the room, deafening Kenzaki’s ears for a few seconds.

He enters into what seems to be a common boy’s room, only that it was too big for any common boy to sleep in.

Cabinets of unworn clothes, shelves filled with unread books and a variety of video games, rows of collectible figurines from famous franchises, two computer monitors running in the background and a queen-size bed for a small-sized pre-teen.

And smacked in the middle of the room is Kensuke, chilling on a bean bag while fiddling with his gaming controller, as he plays a first-person shooter game on his wide-screen TV mounted on a grey-painted wall.

Kenzaki stands by the doorway and yells out his brother’s name.

KENZAKI: Kensuke!

KENSUKE: …

KENZAKI: Kensuke!!!

The game’s roaring sound drowns his word before they could even reach him.

KENSUKE: …

KENZAKI: KENSUKE!!!

Click!

Kensuke mutes the TV but keeps on playing his game.

KENSUKE: What do you want? I’m busy.

Kenzaki frustratingly stares at his brother, whose eyes are still fixated on the big TV screen.

He turns to his right and sees a trolley with a plate of steak and spaghetti on top, still untouched.

KENZAKI: You still haven’t eaten your dinner?

KENSUKE: Once I’m done with this.

KENZAKI: It's gotten cold.

KENSUKE: I'll have them reheat it later.

Kensuke takes a small sip from his energy drink and keeps on playing.

KENZAKI: …

KENSUKE: …

KENZAKI: Kensuke, I thought I asked you to-

KENSUKE: You asked me to come home early, right?

KENZAKI: Well, I-

KENSUKE: So, I did.

KENZAKI: Yes... you did, but-

KENSUKE: I did, right? So, what’s the problem?

KENZAKI: …

KENSUKE: …

KENZAKI: The problem wasn’t just you coming home late.

KENSUKE: …

KENZAKI: Why didn’t you want to eat with us?

KENSUKE: I don’t feel like it.

KENZAKI: Why?

KENSUKE: I don’t feel like it.

Kenzaki looks baffled by his younger brother’s cold responses, as he keeps on playing the game smoothly despite hearing no sound from it.

KENSUKE: …

KENZAKI: If you don’t feel like eating with me, you could at least have dinner with your mother.

KENSUKE: …

KENZAKI: And I know Arai-san and the rest are always around for her, but it’s not really the same.

KENSUKE: …

KENZAKI: There’s nothing wrong if you like to hang out with your friends, but at least spare some time for her.

KENSUKE: …

KENZAKI: I try my best to spend every night with our mother, so maybe you could do the sa-

KENSUKE: Why nighttime?

KENZAKI: What?

KENSUKE: Why not the whole day? What else are you doing every weekend?

KENZAKI: … you know I have the-

KENSUKE: Oh, right... the Winterblack program... I forgot about that s**t.

KENZAKI: …

KENSUKE: I mean, seriously... what do you even do there? What kind of bulls**t do they even teach you? Saying stuff like, “it’s for the betterment of humanity” or some s**t like that. What a load of f**king bull.

KENZAKI: Don’t use that language with me.

KENSUKE: You’re saying that I spent too much with my friends. What about you? You're doing the same f**king thing. You just have a better excuse for it.

KENZAKI: It’s not the same thing.

KENSUKE: You go out, spend your time with a bunch of people and do worthless s**t together... how is that not the same thing?

KENZAKI: You don’t understa-

KENSUKE: I bet you like going out there every time they call you. Gives you a good reason to escape.

KENZAKI: That’s NOT true!

Kenzaki suddenly raises his voice, causing Kensuke to slightly turn his head away from the TV to glance at his brother.

KENZAKI: And I know... I know I’m not one to talk... but all I’m asking is for you to be there for her when I'm not. That’s all I'm asking.

KENSUKE: Then, why don’t you do it?!

Kensuke’s face starts to squinch in annoyance.

KENSUKE: You're asking me to do what YOU want, so why don’t YOU do it?

KENZAKI: I don’t have the time-

KENSUKE: Then, make the time! Why don’t you just quit the whole program, then?

KENZAKI: … I can’t do that-

KENSUKE: If you did, you would have more time to spend it with whoever you want, whenever you want. Don’t need to tell anyone to do something you wish you would have done yourself.

KENZAKI: … that’s not-

KENSUKE: Hell, you can just quit school too. It's not like whatever s**t they teach us there is gonna be useful for you.

KENZAKI: What do you mean?

KENSUKE: You're going to be working for gramps anyway. So, what’s the point of wasting your time doing s**t that don’t matter?

KENZAKI: That has nothing to do with what we’re talking about.

KENSUKE: That's what everyone’s been talking about.

KENZAKI: I expect you to at least help.

KENSUKE: You shouldn’t expect me for anything!

KENZAKI: Can you stop being selfish for once?!

KENSUKE: You’re selfish for telling me to do-

KENZAKI: I’m not telling you! I'm asking you-

UMI: K-Kenzaki-sama?

KENZAKI: Wha-

The commotion abruptly halted as the young maid, Umi, nervously approaches Kenzaki from behind while holding a house phone in her hands.

UMI: I'm- I'm sorry for... for interruptin-

KENZAKI: N-no, I'm- I'm sorry. I didn’t know you were here. What’s the matter?

UMI: You... you have a call, Kenzaki-sama.

KENZAKI: From whom?

UMI: It’s... from your father.

KENZAKI: F-Father?!

Kenzaki’s eyes suddenly shot up in fear upon knowing who is calling for him at this very moment.

Sweat starts pouring from his head as he gazes down to the phone in the young maid’s hand.

As he slowly raises his hand to reach for it, his body starts feeling heavier and heavier as his hand inches closer and closer to the phone.

Thousands of thoughts begin racing in his mind, thinking of the many reasons and possibilities as to why his father would be looking for him, right here, right now.

He knew that one day, he will face such an occasion and will prepare for the inevitable.

He never thought it will be today of all days.

As soon as he grabs onto it, he feels a strong rumbling from his stomach, like a flurry of butterflies raging in his guts, as he slowly raises the phone closer and closer to his sweaty head.

Before the phone speakers reach his ears, he takes a deep breath to calm down his nerves, until he is finally ready to speak to his father.

KENZAKI: This... this is Kenzaki speaking.

He hears a long, deep sigh breathing into the phone.

KENZAKI: …

SHIROU: … Kenzaki.

A deep, brassy voice softly booms from the tiny speakers, but it was enough to make Kenzaki tense up to hear his father say his name.

KENZAKI: H-Hello, father! It's... nice to hear from you. How are you-

SHIROU: I need to see you.

KENZAKI: Oh... wh-when-

SHIROU: I need you to come to Tokyo.

KENZAKI: But... but how-

SHIROU: I have arranged a plane for you at the airport. They will fly as soon as you arrive.

KENZAKI: Wa-wait-

SHIROU: Once you land here, a driver will pick you up and send you to where I am. I would not be available after noon, so make sure you come here on time.

KENZAKI: Wh-when is this?

SHIROU: Tomorrow.

KENZAKI: Tomorrow?! Wh-what is this about?

SHIROU: I would not talk about it on the phone. I will be waiting for yo-

KENZAKI: Wa-wait! I'm-I'm sorry, but-

SHIROU: …

KENZAKI: Is... is this urgent?

Kenzaki hears nothing but dreadful silence on the other end of the call.

SHIROU: …

KENZAKI: … f-father-

SHIROU: Me calling this number is not urgent enough for you?

The calm yet sharply fierce tone heard from his father’s response shook Kenzaki to his core.

He quietly sweats in panic as he fears that he may have gone out of line.

SHIROU: …

KENZAKI: I'm... I'm sorry, father. I... I shouldn’t have said it like tha-

SHIROU: Take the plane. Come here tomorrow.

Slam!

Beep... beep... beep...

The sound of the looping beeps rings through his ears, as he stands frozen with a head full of fearful thoughts.

… rrr...

As he lowers down the phone, he feels his stomach continuing to rumble-

… rrr...

-and it’s not slowing down.

KENSUKE: Gramps called?

KENZAKI: …

KENSUKE: …

KENZAKI: … he’s your father, Kensuke.

KENSUKE: I know. Feels weird calling him that.

The young maid worries for Kenzaki as she sees him looking down with a sick look on his face.

UMI: Kenzaki-sama?

KENZAKI: …

UMI: Are you alright?

KENZAKI: …

UMI: …

KENZAKI: … I’m fine. I'll... be away tomorrow to see my father. He's... requesting for me.

UMI: Would you like me to pack up your clothes, Kenzaki-sama?

KENZAKI: There’s no need. I believe it’ll be done before the day ends. I hope...

He gives back the house phone to the young maid with a forced reassuring smile, to which she concerningly accepts.

KENZAKI: Thank you for bringing this to me.

UMI: You’re-you’re welcome, Kenzaki-sama.

KENZAKI: Do you mind calling Arai-san for me? I wish to see him later in my room.

UMI: Certainly, Kenzaki-sama.

KENZAKI: Thank you, Ebihara-san.

She respectfully bows before him and leaves to do what she’s been told.

KENSUKE: Umi!

UMI: Y-yes, Kensuke-sama?

KENSUKE: Take the food and heat it up. I want it once I’m done with this.

UMI: Certainly, Kensuke-sama.

As Umi goes back into the room and takes the food trolley with her, Kenzaki silently stood still with his hand on his stomach-

… rrr...

-not even noticing Umi passing by him, as he takes a moment to control the nauseous sensation inside of him.

He breaths in and out of his nose, as many times as he needs to calm himself down-

KENZAKI: … pant... pant...

-until he finally relaxes himself enough to walk to the door.

KENZAKI: …

KENSUKE: You're going to meet him, right?

Kenzaki stops his tracks and with his back facing him, hesitantly turns to his brother, who’s still relaxing on his bean bag-

KENSUKE: Before you get back, get me a bunch of those chicken skewers from Toritama. The ones here taste like s***ty rubber.

KENZAKI: …

-and proceeds to leave the room without uttering another word.

KENSUKE: Nice chatting with ya, big bro.

Click!

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!

Kensuke unmutes his game and cranks up the volume, while Kenzaki steps out and closes the door behind him.

…

In his room all by himself, Kenzaki is sitting on his desk in front of his computer, logging into an online chat site.

He goes through his list until he finds the person he’s looking for and starts typing his message.

IRONEYE: HELLO, VINNY. SORRY TO INFORM YOU BUT I MIGHT NOT MAKE IT TOMORROW. THEY ARE SOME ISSUES I NEED TO ADDRESS HERE FIRST. I HOPE THAT IS OKAY WITH YOU.

He stares at his computer screen while waiting for a response.

Ping!

AVIANADO: NO PROBLEM, MAN! 👍

AVIANADO: TAKE CARE OF WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.

AVIANADO: I GOT IT ALL UNDER CONTROL. 👌

IRONEYE: THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING.

AVIANADO: DON’T WORRY, MY MAN!

AVIANADO: NOT MANY OF US GETS TO LIVE DOUBLE LIVES.

As Kenzaki was about to type his next message-

Ping!

AVIANADO: ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO DO DOUBLE JOBS.

AVIANADO: DOING A REAL-LIFE JOB WHILE STILL BEING A WORKING EXORCIST?!

AVIANADO: I CAN’T IMAGINE MYSELF DOING THAT SORT OF THING.

AVIANADO: FEELS TIRING JUST THINKING ABOUT IT.

AVIANADO: PROPS TO ANYONE WHO CAN DO THAT.

AVIANADO: ANY WAY TO GAIN AN EXTRA BUCK IN THIS TOUGH WORLD.

Kenzaki carefully reads the chat-

Ping!

AVIANADO: MY COMMANDER DOES THAT TOO.

AVIANADO: ALWAYS BUSY WITH HIS WORK BACK HOME.

AVIANADO: THEN GETS BUSY AGAIN AT CENTRAL.

AVIANADO: I’M SURPRISED HE STILL GETS TO KEEP HIS JOB.

AVIANADO: OR STILL BREATHING AT THIS POINT.

AVIANADO: BUT HE ALWAYS SLEEPS IN EVERY MEETING WE HAVE.

AVIANADO: WHICH ALWAYS PISSES OFF OUR CAPTAIN.

Kenzaki tries catching up with the chat, but-

Ping!

AVIANADO: IT’S EVEN WORSE WHEN HE ISN’T AROUND AT ALL.

AVIANADO: THAT GETS THE CAPTAIN RILED UP MORE THAN EVER.

Kenzaki quickly types in the chat to change the subject.

IRONEYE: DID YOU GET ANY AVAILABLE SHIFTERS FOR ME, VINNY?

AVIANADO: YEAH, I SURE DID! 👍

AVIANADO: BUT THE BEST I COULD FIND WAS A WATER BOTTLE.

IRONEYE: NOTHING SMALLER?

AVIANADO: NADA. IT’S THE BEST I COULD GET FROM THE REJECT PILE.

AVIANADO: THE REST DON’T SEEM FITTING FOR A SCHOOL KID TO BRING AROUND WITH.

AVIANADO: THERE WAS LIKE A DUMBBELL, A BUCKET HAT, A SKIP ROPE AND A PLUNGER AMONG OTHER THINGS.

IRONEYE: THE WATER BOTTLE’S FINE.

AVIANADO: I EVEN FOUND A BONG SNUCK IN THERE.

AVIANADO: EITHER SOMEONE HAD A WEIRD SENSE OF HUMOR, OR THEY REALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD IDEA.

Kenzaki puzzlingly looks at the screen, unsure of how to respond.

AVIANADO: I KINDA HAVE AN IDEA OF WHO IT MIGHT BELONG TO.

IRONEYE: DO YOU MIND HOLDING IT FOR ME TILL WE MEET?

AVIANADO: THE BONG?

IRONEYE: THE WATER BOTTLE, I MEAN.

AVIANADO: SURE THING, MAN.

AVIANADO: YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND ME.

IRONEYE: THANK YOU, VINNY. MUCH APPRECIATED.

Knock! Knock!

KENZAKI: Come in!

ZAKURO: Kenzaki-sama. You wish to see me?

Kenzaki stands up from his chair to greet his butler as he enters the room.

KENZAKI: Arai-san. You must have heard of the news.

ZAKURO: You will be leaving for Tokyo tomorrow?

KENZAKI: I'm afraid so. My father says that he has prepared a plane for me at the airport tomorrow morning. Do you mind looking that up for me?

ZAKURO: Of course. I’ll arrange the transport so you would be there on time.

KENZAKI: Thank you, Arai-san. And I believe it’s best for me to wear something more presentable for tomorrow’s trip.

ZAKURO: I will prepare a suit for you to wear by morning.

KENZAKI: Do you mind bringing it to my room tonight? I want to have it ready first.

ZAKURO: It will be done in under an hour.

KENZAKI: And... Arai-san?

ZAKURO: Yes, Kenzaki-sama?

KENZAKI: Do you mind...

ZAKURO: …

KENZAKI: … accompany me on this trip?

Zakuro responds to Kenzaki’s wishes with a pleasing smile.

ZAKURO: Certainly, Kenzaki-sama. I will grant you the courtesy of being your travel companion.

Kenzaki pleasantly smiles back to his trusted butler.

KENZAKI: Thank you, Arai-san.

Zakuro respectfully bows before his young master and walks to the door to leave for his duties.

He opens the door and-

TERUMI: Oh!

ZAKURO: Terumi-sama?

TERUMI: Ah, Zakuro-kun. I'm sorry to bother you.

ZAKURO: No worries. I was just about to leave.

Zakuro opens the door wide and greets Terumi with a kind smile as she enters the room.

TERUMI: Thank you, Zakuro-kun.

ZAKURO: You are most welcome, Terumi-sama.

As he leaves to make the necessary preparations for the trip, Terumi looks into her son with a knowing expression.

TERUMI: I've heard.

KENZAKI: I know.

TERUMI: How are you feeling?

KENZAKI: I'm good. I... I'm alright.

She walks to Kenzaki’s bed and gently sits down on it.

TERUMI: Come. Sit with me. You must be tired.

Kenzaki obliges and walks to his bed to sit down at her left.

As his mother lovingly brushes his hair, fixing any stray hairs sticking out of his head, Kenzaki closes his eyes and quietly enjoys the simple peace he is sharing with his mother.

TERUMI: …

KENZAKI: …

TERUMI: Are you sure you’re alright?

Kenzaki opens his eyes, looking down as he says the same set of reassuring words to comfort his worrying mother.

KENZAKI: … I’m fine.

TERUMI: …

KENZAKI: …

TERUMI: Do you remember the last time you met your father?

KENZAKI: Yes, I... I do. I was 13 when we went to that corporate party together. I remember... a lot of old businessmen, talking all at once. Their chatter was louder than the band playing. A lot of famous faces, all in one room.

She lets out a soft chuckle-

TERUMI: I can’t even remember their names anymore.

-and Kenzaki responds with a small smile.

KENZAKI: Yeah... it was the same time my father wanted me to be in the same room as him, with the rest of my older brothers. I remember them... looking at me weird. It was like... looking at a stranger who sort of resembles you.

TERUMI: …

KENZAKI: I don’t remember what they talked that night. I mean, it was more than just talking. There were some... harsh words, thrown at each other. I think my father wanted me there so I could learn from my brothers. Or maybe, he wanted me to know... what I shouldn’t learn from them.

TERUMI: …

KENZAKI: I don’t know... it all feels like a blur now.

Kenzaki turns to his mother and sees her staring deeply into him with concerned eyes.

KENZAKI: I’m sorry, I... I didn’t mean to talk this much.

She reaches for her son’s hand and holds it tight while looking at him with a soft smile-

TERUMI: That's okay. I like to hear you talk.

-and Kenzaki smiles back as he holds back her mother’s hand.

TERUMI: I’ve never heard you said anything about this.

KENZAKI: Uh, yeah... I guess I... never thought of telling anyone about it. If anything, it was more of a business meeting to which I got invited, even though I was too young for it.

TERUMI: …

KENZAKI: … there was one other thing that I remember that night. It was something that father told me.

TERUMI: …

KENZAKI: I believed he... he knew of my academic scores and my... athletic achievements back when I was in elementary school. He said that... that he was impressed with what I did. He told me how I... exceeded his expectations. And...

TERUMI: …

KENZAKI: He expects me... to not fall from where I was.

He coldly stares into space, as he remembers the night his father carved those words into him.

KENZAKI: …

TERUMI: … Kenzaki.

He slowly turns to his mother and sees her head looking down, but notices a small smile on her face.

KENZAKI: … mom?

TERUMI: Do you remember your first Sport’s Day back in elementary school?

KENZAKI: … I don’t think so.

TERUMI: I remember it so clearly... you were so hyped to do every game they had to offer, and-

She snorted a laugh as she recalls the memory.

KENZAKI: Hm?

TERUMI: … you lost in every one of them.

KENZAKI: Oh... no wonder I don’t remember.

TERUMI: I remember your face so well. You look like you were about to cry, but every time I come to see you, you tried so hard to hold them back, telling me that you’ll win the next one.

KENZAKI: And I guess I didn’t live up to my word.

TERUMI: You sure didn’t.

They both let out a small laugh together as they reminisce a moment in Kenzaki’s childhood.

TERUMI: But there was one game that you didn’t lose.

KENZAKI: Hm?

TERUMI: It was a game of tug of war and I remember how you were so fired up to win it. You really didn’t want to lose this one, so you pulled on that rope as hard as you can. I was so afraid you might get your hands burned. But it wasn’t just how hard you played that game-

KENZAKI: …

TERUMI: You weren’t the strongest, but you keep on cheering your team from the front. You keep on yelling your heart out, and they listened. Every time you pull, they pull with you. Every time you fight, they fight alongside you. You were all in the moment together. And, not gonna lie, I was in the moment too. I kept cheering you on, and you all kept pulling, harder and harder, until finally...

KENZAKI: …

TERUMI: You all pull that red marker to your side, and you won the game! You won! I remember you were all smiling together after, and you... I have never seen such a big smile on your face till that very moment.

Her eyes glow with joyful pride as she lovingly stares into her son.

TERUMI: They even gave you those blue ribbons right after, remember?

KENZAKI: Huh?

TERUMI: Everyone who joined that day got one, but you got yours immediately after that game, and thought it was your prize for winning. I remember seeing you getting it the first time... you could not even stop staring at it the whole time. And every time you show it to me, you have this big, proud grin on your face. That ribbon... was your pride and joy.

Kenzaki looks at his mother softly smiling at herself as she reminisces those happier times.

KENZAKI: …

TERUMI: … Kenzaki.

KENZAKI: Ah?

TERUMI: I have always been amazed with what you can do. You always push yourself to make the best out of anything and everything. Whether it’s getting good grades or breaking school records, but especially when you support the people around you, work together with your team, teaching others that needed help...

KENZAKI: …

TERUMI: In everything that you do, you never fail to make me and everyone around you feel proud for who you have become... and I know, whatever you’ll do tomorrow, and the day after, I’ll never stop feeling that way... always have, and always will be.

KENZAKI: …

TERUMI: But...

She looks up to stare into her son’s eyes as he diligently listens to his mother’s words.

TERUMI: Don’t you think it’s time for you to feel the same?

Terumi quietly stares into her son, hoping that her words would reach him.

Maybe not today, but hopefully, when the time is right.

She gently brushes her son’s hair and pulls him closer for a kiss on his forehead, before looking deeply into his eyes with a loving smile.

TERUMI: … get some rest, Kenzaki. You look tired.

Kenzaki lets out a quiet chuckle and responds with a weak smile.

KENZAKI: … okay, mom.

She stands up from his bed and walks to the door, but before leaving his room, she turns around to look at her son one more time.

TERUMI: Good night, Kenzaki.

He looks up to see his mother greeting him before she leaves.

KENZAKI: … good night, mom.

Terumi leaves the room with a tender smile as she gently closes the door behind her.

Kenzaki, now alone in his room, quietly stays seated on his bed with his hands clasping to one another, as he ponders to himself after one long night.

His brother’s attitude.

His father’s commands.

His mother’s advice.

With all these thoughts clouding his mind, all he could do is sit still and wait for what is yet to come.

…

In a dimly lit hallway with elegant silver-coloured wallpaper and carpet flooring made from purple velvet, a golden elevator stands out at the very end of the quiet hallway, while a single black-wooden door can be seen at the other end.

Seated next to the door is an old suited gentleman with a short grey moustache-

WATARU: Hmm...

-sitting calmly on a stool as he reads a book with his reading glasses.

“Why are you telling me this?!”

An angry voice can be heard audibly from the other side of the door.

“You can’t take that away from me!”

The old man glances at the direction of the yelling.

“I won’t let you do that, YOU HEAR ME!!!”

The sound of thumping footsteps gets louder and louder as they get closer and closer to the black door.

The door violently opens from inside and out comes a young man with long, wavy dark blue hair in a dishevelled suit, fuming angrily as he slams the door behind him.

SLAM!

He bites a cigarette into his mouth as he frantically searches for his lighter in his coat.

KENJIRO: … dammit.

He finally found it and quickly flicks it to his cigarette, but it won’t ignite.

KENJIRO: Dammit...

He keeps on flicking it repeatedly-

KENJIRO: Dammit, dammit, dammit-

-but it keeps on sparking without a flame.

KENJIRO: Gh...!

He squeezes his lighter tightly in his fist-

KENJIRO: Goddammit!

-and roughly throws it away while the cigarette from his mouth drops to the ground.

He lets out a long, seething sigh, and as he notices Wataru staring blankly at him from behind, he slowly turns to him and stares back with a mean glare.

KENJIRO: …

WATARU: …

KENJIRO: The f**k you looking at?

WATARU: …

Kenjiro scoffs at the old man and proceeds to walk to the elevator while taking out a hip flask from his coat and drinking a big sip from it.

As he watches Kenjiro walking towards the elevator, Wataru closes his book, gets up from his stool and enters the residence through the black wooden door.

He walks further and further inside the private condo as he passes by the white, pristine walls of the foyer.

He finally enters the large living room surrounded by clear window walls, spaciously decorated with beautiful ornaments and luxurious furnishing, with colours ranging from gold to platinum, shined by flashy lights all around, all while an antique phonograph plays classical music in the background.

Wataru halts in front of the living room and metres before him is an old, overweight man with neatly combed grey hair.

The man’s back faces Wataru as he fixes himself a drink at the liquor table.

WATARU: We have postponed your meeting with the Tri-Factor Holdings representatives to Wednesday to accommodate the upcoming conference with Shizu Co., as per your request.

The quiet old man starts pouring himself a short glass of iced whiskey.

WATARU: We have cancelled your reservation at Luxx Café and make a new one at Paolo Rosso’s for tomorrow’s scheduled lunch with Mr. Thomson, as per your request.

He raises his glass and walks towards the tall window wall.

WATARU: Arai Zakuro of the Machi Residence has arranged the transportation of your son, Tetsunouji Kenzaki-sama, to arrive at the airport by 8:30 in the morning so they could arrive here before 10, and I have arranged a car to send him directly to your office, as per your request.

He looks beyond the window and takes a small sip from his glass.

WATARU: That is all I have to report for now. Have a good night, Tetsunouji-sama.

Wataru respectfully bows before his employer and courteously walks away-

SHIROU: Wait.

-but instantly halts when his employer calls for him, who still faces the window while holding his drink.

SHIROU: Send him directly to the golf club. I will be having my practice after breakfast.

WATARU: Certainly, Tetsunouji-sama. I will set up the necessary preparations.

Wataru finally exits the room to fulfil his duties, leaving Japan’s famous tycoon to quietly enjoy his ice-cold whiskey, as he stands by the window walls of his million-dollar condo, watching over the bustling, chaotic streets of late-night Tokyo.

End of Chapter 21