Sudden Loose Ends

Approximately before Lidiya and Kasumi went on their mission... Ryo is still on a call with Aya

"Anyway, Senpai, have you had dinner?"

I could sense a tired sigh on the other end of the call. "No, not yet. I've been caught up with everything that happened today."

"You should eat something, Senpai. It's not good to skip meals, especially after all that stress."

Aya's voice held a hint of weariness. "I know you're right, Ryo-kun, but with everything going on, I don't even feel hungry."

I leaned back in my chair, a small smile playing on my lips. "Well, I get it. But you know, even in the midst of chaos, our bodies still need fuel. How about I treat you to a meal tomorrow? My way of making sure you're taking care of yourself."

There was a moment of silence, and then Aya's voice turned playful. "Oh? Is this you asking me out on a date, Ryo-kun?"

I felt my cheeks warm up a bit. "N-No! It's not like that. I mean, it's just a friendly gesture, you know?"

Aya's laughter came through the phone, a sound that somehow managed to ease some of the tension in my chest. "I'm just teasing you, Ryo-kun. But sure, I'd love to have a meal with you tomorrow."

"Great. It's a plan then."

We continued to chat, bouncing from one topic to another, deliberately avoiding the heavy events of the day.

"Oh, by the way, Ryo-kun," Aya's voice turned more serious, "thank you. For today. You really saved the day back there."

I scratched my head, feeling a bit sheepish. "I just did what I thought was right. I mean, you were worried about me, weren't you?"

Aya chuckled softly. "Well, yes, but that doesn't mean you had to go all superhero on us."

We shared a laugh, the tension from the day slowly melting away.

"But still, I appreciate it," Aya continued. "You really know how to handle yourself in tough situations."

I leaned back in my chair, a thoughtful expression on my face. "I've had my fair share of experiences, I guess."

The conversation flowed, and before I knew it, the night was growing darker.

"Senpai, it's getting late. You should rest."

"Hmmm about that... Ryo-kun, how about we meet somewhere tonight?"

"Somewhere... tonight?"

"Yep~"

"I mean..." I glanced at the wall clock, It was almost 11 PM. "Alright, just for a stroll of the night, okay?"

"Hehe, of course!~ Let's meet at the park near the school."

"Yeah, let's do that then."

"I'm hanging up now~"

As I ended the call, I couldn't deny the excitement that bubbled within me. A nighttime rendezvous in the park with Aya? It had an almost romantic feel to it, like something out of a movie. But I had to remind myself that it was just a friendly meeting, right?

I quickly changed my clothes into a black hoodie, opting for something that would keep me inconspicuous in the night. I slipped it on, feeling the cool fabric against my skin, and then I grabbed my jacket as an extra layer.

sing the window in my room, I quietly slipped outside. I couldn't let my maids know I was sneaking out into the night, after all.

The streets were quiet, and the city lights painted a warm glow on the pavement. It was a stark contrast to the events of the day, a welcomed calm after the storm.

Arriving at the park, I spotted Aya waiting on one of the benches, her expression a mix of anticipation and a hint of shyness. She waved as she saw me approach.

"Ryo-kun, you made it!"

"Of course, Senpai. You're the one who invited me, after all."

Aya giggled, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. "True, true. But still, I'm glad you came."

We both took a seat on the bench and for a moment, we just sat in silence, taking in the serenity of the park at night.

"It's really nice here," I finally spoke up, breaking the quiet. "I haven't been to this park in the nighttime before."

"Me neither, actually. But somehow, it feels different. Like a whole new world compared to the bustling daytime."

"Yeah, I get what you mean."

We continued to chat, our conversation flowing effortlessly. We talked about everything and nothing, our laughter blending with the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

"So, Ryo-kun," Aya turned toward me with a mischievous smile, "do you have any secrets?"

"Secrets? Like what?"

She winked playfully. "Come on, everyone has secrets. Tell me something no one else knows about you."

I scratched my head, pondering for a moment. "Well, here's a secret: I actually enjoy cooking. I'm not the best chef, but I like experimenting with different recipes."

Aya's eyes lit up. "Oh, that's interesting! I wouldn't have guessed. What's your specialty?"

I chuckled. "I'm pretty good with pasta dishes. But don't expect anything too fancy."

Aya laughed. "Hey, that's great! I'd love to taste your cooking someday."

"I might take you up on that offer."

"Then, Senpai, tell me your secret too."

Aya-Senpai looked into my eyes with a gentle smile. "Sure, but before I share it, can I talk to you about something?"

"Of course, go ahead."

She gazed at the ground for a moment before continuing. "Ryo-kun, I have a little sister and a younger brother. They're both in middle school." Aya opened her phone, revealing a picture of her siblings as her wallpaper.

"Eh? They look so cute..."

Aya smiled sadly. "Thank you. But the thing is, they're not with me right now. They were taken by a Yakuza group called the 'Dragon's Wrath.'"

My eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what? Why haven't we called the police?"

Aya's expression became pained. "I can't involve the police, Ryo-kun. My dad's job is at stake..."

I was taken aback. "But Senpai, it's a parent's responsibility to do whatever it takes to protect their children, no matter the sacrifice. They should be saved no matter what."

She nodded, tears shimmering in her eyes. "I know, Ryo-kun. But I promised them that I'd comply with whatever they demanded, as long as they ensure my siblings' safety and return them to me."

"Senpai..."

Aya held me tightly in a hug, her voice shaking. "I'm so sorry, Ryo-kun." She swiftly pulled out an ampule of something and injected it into my neck.

"Sen...pai?"

"Ryo-kun..." Aya's embrace tightened as she whispered, "The task they gave me was to deliver you to them... Don't worry, it's just a tranquilizer."

"Why...?" My vision started to blur as I felt myself losing consciousness.

With my senses fading, I saw two figures in suits emerging from a parked van near the park. They approached Aya.

"You've done well," a deep voice said.

"Yes, the arrangement is perfect. Now, please give them to me!"

"Very well. Come with us."

One of the figures picked me up, carrying me toward the van, while the other followed Aya. The world around me darkened as I slipped into sleep.