I will not be a fucking infidel

Chapter 5: Shadows in the Silence

I woke with the first rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains, faintly illuminating the ceiling of the room. For a moment, everything was calm, and I thought I was still dreaming. But the warmth I felt beside me, the soft sound of steady breathing, and the floral fragrance filling the air brought me back to reality.

I turned my head, and there was Haruna, deeply asleep, a slight smile on her face. Her lips seemed to form the expression of someone who had just lived a happy dream, and her hair fell messily over the pillow. She looked so peaceful, so... content.

I lay back again, staring at the ceiling as I tried to process what had happened. How did I get to this point? How did I end up sleeping with another man's girlfriend? Although, technically, Haruna had made it clear that Kazuki meant nothing to her anymore.

—I'm not interested in Kazuki —I murmured to myself, recalling her words from last night. She had been so direct, so honest. But even with that, I couldn't help feeling strange. It was as if I were caught between two opposing forces: a mix of satisfaction and guilt.

On one hand, there was the satisfaction of having awakened something in Haruna, that flame of passion that seemed to have been extinguished for so long in both of us. There was something incredibly addictive about the way she responded to my touch, in how she looked at me as if I were her entire world. But, on the other hand, there was the guilt.

Kazuki. His name kept popping up in my mind as an uncomfortable reminder. I couldn't ignore the fact that, technically, Haruna was still in a relationship with him. What kind of man had I become?

—Ryota, you've really outdone yourself this time —I whispered bitterly, a hollow laugh escaping my lips.

But then, as if my mind couldn't bear more of my introspection, a voice echoed in my head.

—Oh, dear Ryota, no need to lecture yourself. That's what I'm here for.

I flinched slightly, immediately recognizing that playful, mocking voice.

—Amaterasu... —I muttered, bringing a hand to my forehead. I knew this was going to be troublesome.

—Exactly! And well, well, what do we have here? —Her tone was full of amusement, as if she were greatly enjoying my discomfort—. Looks like someone had a very interesting night.

—Can you not appear in my head right now? —I responded mentally, trying not to wake Haruna.

—And miss this marvelous scene? Absolutely not. Besides, I must say, I'm very impressed.

—Impressed? —I asked, raising an eyebrow even though no one could see me.

—Oh, yes. I thought you were a complete fool in matters of love, but look at this: the girl you love is sleeping beside you, smiling as if she's won the lottery. That's not something that happens every day, you know?

—I don't know what you're talking about. This isn't something I'm particularly proud of.

Amaterasu let out a soft laugh that echoed in my mind, making me feel even more uncomfortable.

—Come on, Ryota. Admit it. You felt alive last night, didn't you?

—That doesn't mean it was right. Haruna was still with Kazuki.

—Oh, and now you're worried about morality? That didn't seem to stop you last night when you were... well, you know.

My face instantly heated up, and I glanced at Haruna, ensuring she didn't wake up.

—Can you not put it that way

—What? I'm just stating the truth. You're a man, Ryota. And last night, for the first time in a long time, you acted like one. Don't blame me for being proud.

—This has nothing to do with pride. It's more complicated than that.

Amaterasu paused, as if considering my words, before responding in a softer tone:

—Maybe it is. But, Ryota, life is made of complicated choices. And last night, you made one. It may not have been perfect, but it was honest. You set aside your doubts and followed your heart. That, at least, is something I respect.

I sighed deeply, trying to calm the storm in my mind.

—I don't need your respect. What I need is clarity.

—Well, dear, clarity is something you'll have to find for yourself. But in the meantime... —Her tone turned playful again—. Enjoy the moment. Look at that girl. She's happy, Ryota. And if you are too, then maybe you're not as lost as you think.

Amaterasu's voice faded, leaving a silence that, for some reason, felt heavier than before. I turned toward Haruna, observing her once again.

Her lips were slightly parted, and her hands rested on the mattress, relaxed. There was something so pure in her expression, so vulnerable. For the first time in a long while, I felt that maybe Amaterasu was right.

I leaned slightly and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

—Haruna... —I whispered, letting her name fill the room and my mind. Although the weight of my doubts still lingered, I couldn't deny that, at least for now, being by her side was the only thing I wanted.

I slowly got out of bed, my body still heavy with sleep, but my mind racing at full speed. A rush of cold air brushed against my bare torso, reminding me I wasn't wearing a shirt. I stretched slightly, trying to organize my thoughts. However, as I turned to take a closer look at the room, my body tensed. 

The room lacked the youthful touch I would have expected from Haruna. The walls were painted a neutral color, a light gray that conveyed elegance but also a certain coldness. There were framed pictures on the walls, delicate seascapes that seemed more suited to adults than someone like Haruna. 

The furniture was equally imposing. A large, classic-style bed with a dark, intricately carved wooden headboard dominated the space. The sheets, now disheveled from our presence, were pristine white, with a texture that screamed quality. Thick curtains hung down to the floor, blocking much of the outside light, and in one corner of the room, a small table held a vase filled with perfectly arranged artificial flowers. 

My heart sank as the realization hit me hard: this wasn't Haruna's room. No, this was her parents' room. 

—Gods... —I whispered to myself, feeling a cold sweat run down my back. 

The bed, the floor, the sheets... everything now bore traces of what had happened last night. If Haruna's parents returned today and saw this, it would be the end of me. Not just the end, but such a humiliating death that even reincarnation would refuse me. 

I ran a hand through my hair, further disheveling it, as I tried to steady my quickened breathing. I couldn't let panic take over now. I sighed deeply, shaking my head as I glanced down at Haruna, still asleep. Her serene face and light smile weren't helping at all. 

—This is your fault, Ryota... —I muttered, half-joking, half-serious, blaming the part of myself that had fallen so easily for her charms. 

I carefully slipped out of bed, trying not to wake her, and put on the pants I'd left on the floor. My shirt was nowhere to be found, but now wasn't the time to worry about that. I needed to distract myself before the thoughts of guilt, satisfaction, and regret consumed me. 

As I left the room and headed down the stairs, my footsteps echoed in the quiet house. It was a spacious place, much larger than I'd imagined. Though elegant, the home had a cozy air, with classic furniture and decorative touches that spoke of a traditional family. But none of that helped ease the confusion I felt. 

My mind was divided. On one side was Ryota, the more emotional part of me, unable to stop thinking about Haruna with a mix of desire and guilt. But on the other side was my rational self, wanting to convince me that all this had been a mistake, a moment of weakness. 

—At least I'm not like him... —I said to myself, trying to justify my actions. Though, to be honest, I wasn't entirely convinced. 

When I reached the kitchen, a new scene of chaos greeted me. The ingredients we had used last night were still scattered across the countertop, silent witnesses to the frenzy with which everything had started. There was flour spilled, utensils out of place, and even a couple of broken plates on the floor. 

—Perfect... —I muttered sarcastically, rubbing my temples. 

I sighed and approached the counter, picking up the broken plates first. The cold texture of the shattered ceramic reminded me that this wasn't a dream, though part of me wished it was. Carefully, I placed the pieces in a corner and began cleaning up the rest of the mess. 

As I washed the utensils and wiped down the surfaces, I tried to focus on the physical task to push my thoughts away. But it was useless. Images from last night kept invading my mind: the way Haruna had completely given in to her emotions, the way she had said my name with such intensity... 

I shook my head, scolding myself. 

—Focus, Ryota. What's done is done. There's no going back. 

Despite everything, I couldn't ignore that small spark of satisfaction still burning inside me. Haruna had been clear about her feelings, and even though the circumstances weren't ideal, I couldn't deny what we had both felt. 

With a deeper sigh, I finished cleaning the counter and leaned against it, staring at the now-spotless kitchen. Maybe there was something symbolic in it: an attempt to clean up the internal chaos by fixing the external one. But no matter how much I tried to organize, I knew the real storm was far from dissipating. 

As I leaned against the counter, lost in thought, movement on the stairs caught my attention. I turned my head and saw Haruna coming down, still drowsy. She was wearing an oversized shirt that barely revealed the edge of her thighs. As I focused more, I realized it was my shirt, the one I had been looking for. 

Haruna smiled when she saw me, her eyes half-closed from sleep but filled with a warmth that completely disarmed me. She walked over slowly, and before I could say anything, she wrapped her arms around my torso and rested her head on my chest. 

I couldn't help but smile, even if only a little. My hands moved almost instinctively, gently running through her hair as I felt her calm breathing against me. There was something indescribable about that moment. A part of me, the one that had been carrying an invisible weight for days, felt that weight begin to lift. I was lighter, freer. 

Haruna lifted her head just enough to look at me with a playful smile. —My hips hurt… a lot —she said with a soft laugh, though her tone had a teasing edge. 

My cheeks instantly heated up, and I averted my gaze, trying to suppress an embarrassed smile. —Well… you were screaming a lot last night. It's not my fault if the neighbors know your name now. 

Haruna laughed harder, burying her face in my chest as she mumbled something like, "How embarrassing." For my part, I could barely keep my own composure. 

After a few seconds, I sighed deeply and asked her: —Hey, Haruna… don't you think we should go to work today? I mean, after what happened last night, we probably need a bit of distraction. 

She shook her head immediately, still leaning against me. —I don't want to. Not today. 

I frowned slightly, though my tone was more curious than reproachful. —Why not? 

—Because I want to stay here with you, Ryota —she replied, lifting her gaze to meet mine. Her expression was sincere, so pure that I couldn't argue with her. —Yesterday was the first day in a long time that I felt… free. With you, I can be myself. 

My shoulders relaxed at her words, and I let out another sigh, this time more resigned. —Alright, you win. We'll stay here today… but you'll have to put up with me cooking. 

She laughed softly, holding me a little tighter. —It doesn't matter. I'll be happy with anything, as long as I'm with you. 

We stayed in each other's arms a little longer. The house was quiet, and though my thoughts were still a whirlwind, being there with Haruna made everything feel a bit more bearable. Perhaps, for now, that was enough. 

...

—Ryota, I don't want you to leave yet —Haruna protested, holding onto me as if she never wanted to let go. 

I sighed with a smile, trying to gently free myself from her embrace. —Haruna, I have to go. I can't stay here hugging you all day, even though I know it'd be a great temptation. 

She clung even tighter, a playful smile on her face. —If you leave, then I'll be here alone and abandoned, suffering from my hip pain. It's your responsibility. 

—Oh, so now I'm responsible for everything? —I replied sarcastically, though I couldn't help but chuckle a little. —Alright, what do you need me to do? 

Haruna pointed to a note on the nearby table. —There's a list. Go buy those things and come back quickly. 

I raised an eyebrow as I picked up the note. —Is this punishment for last night? 

She blushed slightly, but her smile remained. —Maybe. 

—Alright, but if you don't let go of me now, I might never come back —I warned, jokingly. 

Finally, Haruna let go of me with a light laugh, and I headed toward the door. I put on my jacket just in case, even though summer was still dominating the weather. 

The fresh air hit me as soon as I stepped out, making me shiver. It felt strange to be so cold at this time of year, but I didn't pay it much mind at first. Haruna's note was clenched in my hand as I walked down the almost empty streets. 

The atmosphere was heavy, and fog covered everything like a gray blanket. Despite the layer of mist, I could make out the distant lights of street lamps, though they seemed faint and far away. 

Suddenly, I stopped dead in my tracks. 

The sound of something metallic hitting the ground echoed through the air, breaking the silence. My body tensed immediately, and I turned my head back. 

—Hello? —I said, though my voice came out quieter than I'd expected. 

There was no response. My eyes scanned the fog, but visibility was limited. I could've sworn I'd heard something fall, like a trash can tipping over. 

I stayed still for a moment longer, my senses on high alert. I couldn't see anyone, but the feeling of being watched was hard to shake. 

After a few seconds, I shook my head and kept walking, though my steps were more cautious. Something felt off, but I had no intention of staying there any longer than necessary. 

As I moved away from the spot, I couldn't help but glance back one last time, with the strange feeling that something—or someone—was following me, hidden in the fog. 

....

Ryota slowly disappeared into the thick fog, his silhouette fading into the distance. Silence reclaimed the streets, broken only by the occasional rustle of wind carrying dry leaves. 

From the shadows of an alleyway, a figure emerged. Cloaked in a long, dark jacket, their steps were slow but deliberate, as though calculating each movement. Their eyes gleamed with a mix of restrained fury and dangerous obsession, fixed on the direction where Ryota had vanished. 

—Damn Ryota... —they muttered through clenched teeth, their cold voice barely audible over the whispering wind—. Ruining everything, as always. Who the hell do you think you are? 

Their jaw tightened, and their hands, hidden in the jacket pockets, curled into fists. 

—Do you think you can just barge into her life? Steal what doesn't belong to you? —they continued, their words dripping with venom. They stepped further out of the shadows, revealing a partially lit face under the faint glow of a streetlamp. Young, yet etched with anger and resentment. 

The figure's gaze shifted toward Haruna's house. Their cold, calculating eyes locked onto the lit windows. From that distance, they could see a feminine silhouette moving inside—probably Haruna. A twisted smile crept onto their lips. 

—Haruna... How can you be so naive? —they whispered, almost with disdain, though there was a hint of pain in their voice too. —Did you forget everything? Forget me so easily? 

Without another word, they started walking toward the house. Their steps were determined yet silent, as if trying not to alert anyone. The jacket swayed slightly in the wind, adding an even more unsettling aura to their presence. 

As they drew closer, their thoughts grew darker. 

—I won't let this continue. I won't let you take everything, Ryota. —The figure gritted their teeth, their eyes burning with determination as their steps carried them ever closer to the front door. 

....

I was at the supermarket, one of those small, cozy ones that open early in the morning. There were only a couple of other people besides me, which made the place feel even quieter. The faint sound of background music and the hum of the refrigerators accompanied my steps as I held Haruna's list in one hand.

—Bread... milk... eggs... —I read softly, making sure I didn't forget anything. My eyes scanned the words written in her quick but oddly tidy handwriting. It amused me how even in something as simple as this, Haruna managed to convey part of her personality.

I grabbed the bread, selected a bottle of fresh milk, and carefully placed a dozen eggs in the cart. I was still reviewing the list when I noticed something curious.

—Parmesan cheese? Seriously? What does she want that for? —I muttered while searching for the right shelf. —She must be planning something weird for dinner again...

After a few more minutes gathering everything we needed, I headed to the register. There was only one cashier working, an older woman who gave me a kind smile as she scanned the items.

—That'll be two thousand eight hundred yen —she said, looking at me as I pulled out the money Haruna had given me.

—Ah... here you go. —I handed her the cash and watched as she placed it in the register. Picking up the bags, I thought about Haruna's budgeting skills.

—I should teach her how to manage her money better... —I murmured to myself, a light smile on my face as I walked out of the supermarket.

The air outside was cold, a stark contrast to the summer that still lingered. With the bags in one hand and Haruna's note in the other, I found myself walking toward the train station. My destination: Shibuya Central.

The train wasn't too crowded. When I arrived, the place greeted me with its characteristic bustle, though the fog gave it a different vibe. People came and went, their silhouettes fading into the distance like wandering shadows. The famous crossing was less crowded than usual but still retained its vibrant energy.

As I moved forward, I couldn't shake a strange heaviness in my chest. This was the place where it all began, where I first appeared in this world. Every corner, every modern building, felt like a reminder of how far I was from what I once knew.

After a few minutes, I reached the building Haruna had mentioned in her note. It was an imposing skyscraper with a reflective glass facade that captured the fog and turned it into an ethereal spectacle. The automatic doors opened with a soft hum, revealing a spacious, minimalist lobby. The gleaming white walls, metallic details, and carefully distributed lighting made the place seem like something out of a distant future.

I looked at the note again, searching for the name of the place.

—"Kobayashi Ceramics..." —I read aloud. —A dishware store in such a fancy place?

With a sigh, I adjusted the bags in my hand and approached the counter.

—Hi, I'm looking for some plates my... friend asked me to get —I said to the receptionist, who gave me a professional smile.

—Of course, sir. Please go to the third floor. You'll find everything you need there.

I took the elevator, watching the numbers slowly climb. When I arrived, I found myself surrounded by pristine displays of dinnerware, each more sophisticated than the last. I checked the list again.

—"White plates, minimalist style, heat-resistant..." —I read, frowning. —Heat-resistant? What is Haruna planning to cook this time?

I began selecting the plates, making sure to meet the list's specifications. As I did, I couldn't help but think about the expense.

—Haruna... you seriously need to learn to adjust your priorities. This must cost a fortune.

With the plates carefully packaged, I paid at the register, feeling the weight not just in my hands but also on my conscience. I had to address Haruna's excessive spending before we ended up in debt for buying luxury dishes.

I left the building, the cold Shibuya air hitting me again. Walking through the fog, I glanced at the bags in my hands and couldn't help but think about how much my life had changed since I met Haruna. There was something about that woman that constantly pushed me out of my comfort zone, and though I complained out loud, deep down, I knew I wouldn't change it for anything.

The journey back to Haruna's house was uneventful. The fog still blanketed the city, and while it made me a bit uneasy, I didn't pay it much mind. I held the bags carefully, fully aware of how fragile the plates were. The last thing I wanted was to return empty-handed after spending so much money. 

—What a morning... —I muttered to myself, adjusting the bags in my hand as I maneuvered around a few people who seemed oblivious to their surroundings. 

Suddenly, a sharp and disdainful voice broke my concentration. 

—Hey, get out of the way, idiot! —a woman shouted behind me. 

Before I could react, I felt a rough shove on my shoulder that made me lose my balance. The bags tilted, and to my horror, the plates fell to the ground, shattering into a thousand pieces with a sound that echoed through the street. 

—Damn it! —I exclaimed, my eyes wide with anger as I turned to confront the culprit. 

I saw her hurrying toward a nearby building as if nothing had happened. My jaw tightened, and I clenched my fists. 

—Hey, you! Aren't you going to apologize? —I yelled, but the woman didn't stop or look back. She simply disappeared through the building's doors. 

I let out a heavy sigh, anger bubbling inside me. 

—You've got to be kidding me... —I murmured, staring at the shattered ceramic pieces scattered across the ground. 

Without a second thought, I picked up the now-empty bags and ran toward the building, determined to confront her. As I entered, I stopped in my tracks. 

The interior of the place was as luxurious as I remembered, with the same clean, minimalist design. However, what caught my attention most was the woman who had caused all this trouble. She stood in the middle of the lobby, surrounded by several employees who kept their heads bowed as they endured a barrage of shouting. 

She was older than me, but her appearance didn't show her age. Her skin was smooth and pale, like porcelain. Her sharp, grayish eyes seemed to pierce through you with a single glance. Her black hair was tied up in a flawless bun, with a few strands falling strategically around her face, giving her a sophisticated and commanding air. She wore a dark tailored suit that highlighted her slender figure and, at the same time, projected authority. 

—What the hell do you think you're doing? —she shouted, her voice firm and dripping with contempt. —This is unacceptable! I don't pay incompetents to give me excuses. If you can't meet expectations, you can leave right now! 

The employees said nothing, simply nodding silently, as if they were used to this treatment. 

My eyes narrowed as I watched her from the entrance. 

—Is she the boss of this place...? —I murmured to myself. 

The woman seemed to radiate power, but there was also a coldness about her that was unsettling. A mix of anger and curiosity began to brew within me as I debated how to approach her. However, something told me this confrontation wouldn't be as straightforward as I had hoped. 

I shook my head, trying to clear the mixed feelings I was experiencing. This wasn't the time or place to be paralyzed by a combination of anger and nervousness. Straightening my posture, I took a deep breath and walked toward the woman, who was still scolding her employees as if they were small children. 

—Excuse me, miss... —I began, trying to keep my tone polite but firm. 

She raised a hand without even looking at me, signaling me to wait. 

—I said you wait until I give the order! —she yelled at the employees, who barely lifted their heads. —Do you want me to do your job for you? Useless! 

I stood there with a nervous smile on my face. I'd dealt with people with this attitude before, though every experience was equally frustrating. I decided not to back down. 

—Hey, I'm talking to you. 

She finally turned her head toward me, narrowing her eyes in irritation. 

—What do you want, kid? Can't you see I'm busy? —she snapped, crossing her arms. 

I gritted my teeth, trying not to lose my patience. 

—I want you to take responsibility for what you did. You shoved me earlier on the street and broke the plates I was carrying. 

She raised an eyebrow and let out a mocking laugh. 

—Are you serious? All this fuss over a few plates? How ridiculous! 

—Ridiculous to you! —I retorted, raising my voice. —Those were new plates I bought with my money, and not only did you shove me, but you didn't even apologize. That's the least one would expect from someone with manners! 

She scoffed, completely uninterested, while the employees around her began exchanging nervous glances. A few onlookers stopped to watch the scene unfold. 

—Manners? —she sneered. —Listen, kid, I don't have time for your petty complaints. If those plates mean so much to you, go buy yourself some new ones. 

My nervous smile transformed into one of pure annoyance. 

—You know what? You might have a lot of money and power here, but that doesn't give you the right to treat people like trash. You're going to pay for those plates, whether you like it or not! 

—Oh, really? —she shot back, raising an eyebrow with a mix of mockery and challenge. —And how do you plan to make me, huh, kid? With your big words and childish tantrums? 

—Kid? —I repeated, letting out a sarcastic laugh. —Look, ma'am, I don't know how old you are, but it's clear you don't know what responsibility is. 

Her face turned red instantly. 

—Ma'am?! —she exclaimed, visibly offended. —Listen here, you insolent little brat! I am not a 'ma'am,' got it? 

—Then act like one. —I crossed my arms, ignoring the chuckles that began to emerge among the employees and the curious onlookers who were gathering. 

She took a step closer, leaning in just enough to try to intimidate me. 

—Do you even know who you're talking to? —she asked with a venomous tone. —I'm the director of this company, and if I want, I can have you thrown out of here. 

—And I'm the guy you owe a ton of yen for those broken plates, director. —I replied, standing my ground. 

The argument continued in the same tone, with her throwing insults about my age and calling me things like "annoying kid" or "insufferable brat," while I countered with comments about her arrogance and her inability to own up to her mistakes. 

The crowd around us kept growing, some even recording the scene on their phones, which only made her angrier. 

—You know what? —she finally said, stepping back and pointing a finger at me. —This isn't over! 

—I hope not —I replied, shrugging with a smile. —Because I'm still waiting for you to pay for those plates. 

Although my heart was pounding, I couldn't deny that I was enjoying the situation a little. Something about her frustration was almost comical, though I still felt the sting of losing the plates. This was definitely not how I imagined my morning would turn out. 

The argument kept escalating. I couldn't believe how this woman managed to be so arrogant and stubborn at the same time. Every time she opened her mouth, I felt my patience was about to collapse.

—You know what? You're like those cheap villains from TV dramas —I said, crossing my arms. —Arrogant, selfish, and completely unable to admit when you make a mistake.

She took a step toward me, clearly outraged.

—Cheap villain? —she spat, getting closer to my face. —You insolent brat! How dare you talk to me like that? I could buy your life if I wanted to!

—Well, if you have so much money, start by paying for the plates —I replied, with a sarcastic smile. —Because so far, the only thing you've proven is to be an immature adult with a drama queen complex.

Her face turned bright red with fury, but before she could respond, my attention was drawn to a small child running toward us. It seemed he had slipped out of his mother's grasp, who was watching the scene from the side, trying to catch up to him. The ball he was carrying rolled past me, and the child was heading straight for us.

Before I could warn the woman that the child was coming, she shouted another insult:

—You're a disaster of a human being! Insufferable!

—Well, you're a tyrant with expensive shoes —I responded, without missing a beat.

That was enough to make her face go from red to scarlet. With a quick movement, she raised her hand, clearly determined to slap me.

It all happened in a second. I saw the child running directly into the path of her raised hand. Without thinking, I rushed toward him, grabbing him just in time to prevent him from getting hit. But in the process, the angle of the movement changed and...

BAM!

Her hand landed, not on my face as she intended, but directly on my behind. The sound echoed loudly, and the impact was strong enough to make me stagger.

The whole place went silent. My mind tried to process what had just happened while the pain from the slap spread across my backside. I slowly turned my head toward her, who stood frozen, her hand still in the air, as if she couldn't believe what she had just done.

—What…? —I whispered, my voice barely audible, because honestly, I didn't know how to react.

The woman looked just as stunned. Her face went from fury to a deep flush, her eyes wide open as her mouth moved without making any sound.

—WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! —was the only thing she managed to say, her voice high-pitched and full of embarrassment.

Before I could say anything, the child in my arms began to cry.

—My ball! —he sobbed, while the mother ran toward us with a horrified expression.

That's when I got an idea. Maybe it wasn't the most mature, but after everything this woman had done, I couldn't resist.

Carrying the child with me, I knelt down a bit and started crying as well, pointing at her with an accusing finger.

—This abusive woman! —I said between exaggerated sobs. —Not only did she break my plates, but now she's hitting me in front of everyone! And the poor child too!

The murmurs began immediately. The crowd, which had so far been watching with only mild interest, started whispering among themselves, their looks of judgment directed toward the woman.

—I… I didn't do that! —she exclaimed, clearly agitated. —It was an accident! That brat got in the way and… and…!

—She's not even denying it! —I shouted, holding the child against my chest while he continued crying. —She's a heartless tyrant!

The child's mother finally arrived, shooting the woman a furious glare.

—How dare you lay a hand on my son!

The woman stammered, trying to explain herself as the weight of the stares and whispers grew. Her face was now completely red, a mix of fury and embarrassment, as she took a step back, clearly cornered.

As for me, I had to admit I was enjoying this a little more than necessary. Though the slap on my behind still hurt, the expression of humiliation on her face was almost enough to make up for it.

The child kept sobbing in my arms, and I took the opportunity to intensify my performance. With tears still running down my face, I looked down at the little one, trying to sound as compassionate as possible. 

—You know what, champ? —I said between fake sobs, while carefully wiping his tears. —I think there's a way for both of us to stop crying. But only if that mean lady does the right thing. 

The child looked at me with his big tear-filled eyes, clearly confused but trusting me. 

—What does she have to do? —he asked with a slight pout, while the crowd watched expectantly. 

I turned toward the woman, dramatically pointing at her with a finger while still holding the child in my arms. 

—She has to pay for my plates —I declared with a firm voice, though a couple of tears were still falling for the theatrical effect. —And she also has to give money to your mom! Because you know what? She almost hurt you, and things like that can't just be left like that. 

The woman, who was about to burst with embarrassment and rage, raised both hands in a gesture of frustration. 

—That's ridiculous! —she yelled, looking around as if searching for support from the crowd. —I don't owe anyone anything! It was an accident, it's not my fault that this brat was running around here! 

The child's mother, now holding his hand with an expression of indignation, stepped forward. 

—Excuse me? —she said, her voice filled with contained fury. —Are you saying my son is to blame? You were distracted and pushed this young man! Now you want to blame a small child to avoid taking responsibility! 

The crowd began to murmur even louder, and I saw some people pull out their phones to record the scene. The woman looked around, her face red with anger as her hands trembled. 

—You don't understand! —she screamed. —I don't… I don't have to pay for anything! 

—Then you admit it —I said, with a satisfied smile while holding the child a little tighter. —Admit that you have no intention of doing the right thing. What kind of example do you want to set? 

She clenched her fists, clearly on the verge of losing her patience. 

—Fine! —she finally shouted, pulling out her wallet with a sharp movement. —Here's your money! But only so you stop crying like an idiot in front of everyone! 

She took a couple of bills and threw them at me, but it wasn't enough. 

—That's not enough for the plates —I said in a calm tone, though I was enjoying every second internally. —And it's not enough to make up for the scare you gave this mother. 

—Damn brat! —she spat through gritted teeth, pulling out more bills and throwing them on the ground with fury. —There you go! I hope you choke on them! 

—Thank you for your generosity, ma'am —I replied with a sweet smile, bowing exaggeratedly as I picked up the bills. 

The woman snorted with disdain and turned to leave, clearly defeated. The crowd followed her with judgmental stares, some still recording as she walked away. 

The child stopped crying, looking at the bills in my hand with some curiosity. 

—Are you happy now? —he asked me with a shy little voice. 

—Very happy, champ —I responded, smiling as I patted his head. —Thank you for helping me. Without you, I wouldn't have been able to get that lady to pay. 

The child's mother gave me a grateful smile. 

—Thank you for protecting him. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't seen him. 

I nodded, still smiling, while I put the bills in my pocket. Though my behind still hurt, I knew this day would be hard to forget, both for me and for that woman.

When I left the building, the fresh air hit my face, dissipating some of the discomfort I was still feeling. I adjusted my jacket while trying to focus on what I needed to do next, but then I heard a familiar voice resonating near the entrance. 

—You're an unbearable brat! —the woman was shouting, pacing back and forth like a caged lion. —I have never in my life seen someone so spoiled and shameless! How embarrassing! 

I decided to ignore her. Clearly, she was looking for a confrontation, and after the spectacle earlier, the last thing I wanted was to attract more attention. I walked toward the edge of the sidewalk, looking for the quickest route back to Haruna's house. 

—Hey, you! —she shouted again, and this time I felt her footsteps quickly approaching. 

I sighed and closed my eyes for a second, wishing with all my might that she would just leave me alone. But it didn't happen. 

—Don't you dare ignore me, brat! —she exclaimed, planting herself right in front of me with an expression that mixed fury and humiliation. —Who do you think you are to talk to me like that inside MY building?! 

I raised an eyebrow, trying to stay calm. 

—Who do I think I am? —I repeated, crossing my arms. —I'm the person you shoved, broke the plates I bought with borrowed money, and then tried to humiliate me in front of everyone. Who do you think you are acting like nothing happened? 

—They were just some cheap plates! —she said, rolling her eyes dramatically. —Besides, I already paid you, right? You have no reason to be making a scene anymore! 

—Oh, of course, because money fixes everything, right? —I replied, my tone heavy with sarcasm. —And what about the slap you gave me? 

Her face, already red with rage, turned an even deeper shade. 

—What are you saying?! —she exclaimed, her voice rising a couple of octaves. —It wasn't a slap, it was an accident! 

I smirked, enjoying how she was trying to justify herself. 

—Oh, an accident? —I said, pretending to be thoughtful. —How curious, because your hand landed right on my butt. Not on my back, not on my arm. Isn't that a bit... specific for an accident? 

—You... you're an idiot! —she mumbled, clearly losing control of the conversation. —It wasn't intentional, and also...! 

—Also, what? —I interrupted, leaning slightly toward her with a mocking smile. —Didn't you think about the consequences of your actions? Because honestly, I think you should reflect on how you treat people. 

—That has nothing to do with this! —she yelled, pointing at me with a trembling finger. —You're an insolent brat who doesn't know when to shut up! 

—And you're an adult who doesn't know how to act like one? —I responded, shrugging. —Look, I don't care how much money you have or how important you think you are. What you did was wrong, and you know it. 

For a moment, I thought she was going to explode. Her mouth opened and closed several times, but she couldn't find the words to respond. In the end, she just snorted in frustration and turned around, storming off with angry steps while muttering something unintelligible. 

—Have a good day, ma'am —I said aloud, unable to suppress the smile that formed on my face. 

She didn't respond, but the way her back stiffened as she walked away let me know she had heard. With a sigh of relief, I adjusted the bags in my hand and got ready to head home. The day had been much more intense than I expected, but at least, for now, I felt like I had come out victorious.

....

I was in the kitchen, washing the dishes I had left undone from the night before. My hips still hurt a little, but I couldn't help but smile when I remembered the reason. Although I moved with some awkwardness, the warmth I felt in my chest made up for any discomfort. Ryota hadn't returned yet, but that gave me time to tidy up the house a bit and make him something nice to eat.

As I dried the dishes, a sudden noise echoed from above, as if something had hit the second-floor window. I stopped, letting the cloth drop into the sink, my heart beating a little faster than normal. I looked up at the ceiling, as if I could see through it, and furrowed my brow.

The windows were closed, I remembered that clearly. There was no way something could have gotten in... right?

—Ryota? —I called out loud, although I knew it couldn't be him. He was out running errands.

Silence was my only answer.

An uncomfortable feeling settled in my chest, as if something wasn't right. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Maybe it was just my imagination, or maybe a bird had hit the glass. But the sound had been too loud, too... human.

—This is not funny! —I shouted, trying to sound more confident than I felt. My voice echoed through the empty house, but there was no reply.

I took a step toward the stairs, hesitating. Something inside me told me not to go up, but I couldn't ignore what I had heard. I bit my lower lip, my mind working quickly to come up with a logical explanation.

—If someone's up there... —I said, my voice cracking slightly. —Come out right now.

The silence continued, oppressive and heavy. I couldn't shake the feeling that something or someone was up there, waiting. I didn't know whether to move forward or stay where I was. However, a part of me, the more rational one, insisted that I should investigate.

I grabbed the first object I saw on the counter: a rolling pin. It might not have been the deadliest weapon, but in that moment, it gave me a small sense of security.

With slow and cautious steps, I made my way toward the stairs, my heart pounding hard against my chest.

I climbed the stairs with slow steps, each creak of the wood beneath my feet echoing like thunder in the silence of the house. My breathing was shallow, almost afraid to make a noise in case whatever I was searching for heard me first. The walls, usually familiar and warm, felt oppressive, as if they had closed in around me.

The first room I entered was the bathroom. I opened the door carefully, bracing my shoulder against the frame as if expecting something to jump out at me. Nothing. Just the echo of my breath and the rhythmic dripping of the poorly closed faucet. I approached to turn it off, trying to silence the noise that seemed to drill into my nerves. The rolling pin trembled slightly in my hand, the sweat making my grip less firm.

The next room was the study. I pushed the door open with the tip of the rolling pin, allowing it to swing wide. The curtains were closed, leaving the room in twilight. The shadows of the furniture seemed larger, more elongated, distorted by the faint light filtering through the cracks. Every shelf was in its place, every paper stacked as I had left it before.

Despite the apparent calm, I couldn't shake the feeling of a chill creeping up my back, as if someone were watching me from some dark corner.

—Just the wind... —I murmured to convince myself, although I knew the windows were closed.

One room remained. The bedroom where Ryota and I had slept. Each step toward that door felt heavier, as if something invisible were pulling me backward, urging me not to continue. The door was slightly ajar, leaving just enough space to glimpse the messy bed inside.

The air there was different. Colder, denser, as if time had stopped in that place. Everything was in complete silence, a silence that was not normal. A silence that screamed that something was wrong.

I took a breath and advanced slowly, my hand gripping the rolling pin tightly, though my pulse was erratic and I struggled to stay steady. Just as I was about to push the door open to enter, something happened.

A hand shot out from inside the room, grabbing my wrist with force.

—Ah! —a scream escaped my lips before I could contain it.

The rolling pin slipped from my fingers and hit the floor with a deafening crash. I tried to free myself, but the grip was firm, cold, as if that hand didn't belong to a human being. My breathing quickened, fear consuming me as I tried to look at the person who had grabbed me.

—Let go of me! —I screamed, my voice cracking with a mixture of terror and desperation.

The door opened slowly, revealing a figure in the shadows. My mind worked at full speed, trying to process what I was seeing as panic took over me.