So What is It?

The rhythmic splashing of waves against the hull of the ship punctuated the journey, while the salty sea breeze teased Geto's hair. Wrapped in his signature long black coat, he stood at the bow of the vessel. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, where the water and sky seemed to merge in an endless waltz.

A soft rustle behind him betrayed Manami's quiet approach. The young woman clutched a binder tightly to her chest, lingering for a moment as though unsure how to break the spell of her superior's intense focus.

"Still no word from Miguel and Toshihisa?" Geto's voice was calm, unwavering, his gaze never leaving the rolling expanse of the ocean.

Manami's shoulders drooped slightly, and an awkward expression crossed her face. She held the binder a little tighter before murmuring softly, "No... not yet."

Geto's only response was a slow nod. The exchange could have ended there, yet the heavy air of uncertainty stretched between them, nearly tangible.

"And? How close are we?" Geto asked after a pause, his voice cutting through the wind with a sharper edge.

Manami snapped to attention, her fingers fumbling through the pages of her notes. After a moment, she looked up nervously. "About three more hours. We'll reach the island soon."

Silence.

Geto closed his eyes for a brief moment, drawing in a deep breath before turning slightly toward her.

"So, I suppose I have no choice but to go feral... Do you think I'm wrong?"

Manami froze, her lips parting as if the question carried a weight she hadn't prepared for. Finally, she shook her head. "No," she replied, her voice steadier than she had expected.

A faint smirk—or perhaps a grimace—played on Geto's lips, but he said nothing. He turned back to the horizon, and for a fleeting moment, Manami wondered if he was searching for a destination... or a justification for what lay ahead.

---

The door to the suite opened slowly, revealing Ryosuke. He'd barely set foot inside before a woman rushed toward him, arms outstretched.

She pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Mom…"

The woman's grip tightened as she trembled.

"Let me hold you," she whispered. "Just for a moment."

Ryosuke felt his chest tighten.

"And Sayuri? How is she?"

His mother finally stepped back, her eyes red but overflowing with affection. "She's in her room," she said gently. "Still a bit shaken up..."

Then, hesitant, she added, "You shouldn't have come all this way, Ryosuke. Don't you have class? You could have just sent a message."

Ryosuke shook his head, a reassuring smile touching his lips.

"School's not more important than family."

At that moment, a voice rose behind him.

"Looks like Ryosuke didn't come here alone."

Ryosuke turned to see Utahime stepping into the room. She took a few steps forward and bowed slightly.

"Utahime Iori, Ryosuke's academic supervisor. I'm deeply sorry for the tragedy your family has endured."

Ryosuke's mother looked at her with a mix of gratitude and lingering sorrow.

"We survived... miraculously."

A brief silence fell, thick with unspoken emotions. Feeling uneasy in the tense atmosphere, Ryosuke made his way to the spiral staircase at the end of the hall.

Stopping in front of a delicately carved wooden door, he hesitated. Taking a deep breath, he knocked softly.

"Sayuri?" he called, his voice gentle. "It's me."

A faint noise came from the other side, so quiet it was almost inaudible. Placing his hand against the door, Ryosuke waited.

The door creaked open, just enough for a thin ray of light to pierce the dim room. Sayuri stood there, half-hidden in shadow, wearing an oversized sweater with her hair slightly disheveled. Her pale face and swollen eyes betrayed her emotional state, but when she saw her brother, a small, trembling smile broke through.

"Big brother…" she whispered, her voice fragile, like fractured glass.

Ryosuke smiled softly and extended his hand.

"Hey, little sister."

She hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sweater, before taking one step forward. Then another. Finally, her hand met his, and that single connection seemed to break the dam inside her. Sayuri collapsed into his arms, her tears flowing uncontrollably.

"I thought I was going to die..." she sobbed, her voice muffled against his chest. "I was so scared, big brother…"

He held her tightly, gently stroking her hair.

"I know. But listen to me: it's over now. I'm here. Nothing will hurt you while I'm around."

Her breath hitched as she tried to speak, but instead, she clung to him tighter. After a moment, Ryosuke guided her to her bed—a cozy nest of pillows and plush blankets. They sat together, side by side, Sayuri still holding on to him like he was the only anchor in a turbulent sea.

The faint sound of footsteps drew Ryosuke's attention. Utahime appeared in the doorway, her serious demeanor softened by a touch of compassion.

She stepped forward carefully, her movements light, as if not to disturb the fragile calm in the room. Catching sight of Sayuri, she offered a kind, almost motherly smile.

"Hello, Sayuri," she said warmly. "I'm Utahime. I work with your big brother."

Sayuri, still leaning against Ryosuke, glanced at her with wary eyes. But something in Utahime's gentle manner eased her anxiety, if only a little.

Inclining her head respectfully, Utahime added, "You mean a lot to your brother. I didn't know he had such a tender side."

Ryosuke averted his eyes, visibly flustered by the comment. He coughed awkwardly, as if trying to dispel the tension.

"That's not— That's not how it is!" he stammered, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "And you, Sayuri, stop clinging to me! I'm not some kind of plush toy, you know."

Sayuri lifted her head, sniffling but already showing a mischievous grin.

"But big brother, you said nothing would happen to me as long as you were here," she replied, her voice regaining a spark of life.

Utahime couldn't hold back a light laugh.

"Come on, Ryosuke," she said with an amused smile. "It seems your little sister is taking you at your word. Shouldn't you be flattered?"

He sighed, throwing his hands up as if in surrender.

"That's no excuse to turn me into a giant plush toy," he grumbled, shooting an accusatory glance at Sayuri. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"

Sayuri tilted her head, pretending to think, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Maybe… just a little," she said with a soft laugh before snuggling against him again.

This time, Ryosuke let out a loud groan, his face adopting a mock expression of exasperation. Yet, his movements remained gentle as he adjusted the pillows behind her.

"I give up," he declared, raising his arms in defeat, earning another round of laughter from Utahime and Sayuri.

"I have to admit," Utahime teased, her tone playful, "I'm seeing a whole new side of you, Ryosuke. Who would've thought you were such a doting big brother?"

"If you keep this up," he retorted, pressing a hand to his forehead, "I'm seriously going to regret letting you in here."

But the faint smile on his lips betrayed him, even as he sighed. The cheerful noise filling the room was such a stark contrast to the earlier gloom that he couldn't help but feel a flicker of relief.

Sayuri finally caught her breath, her cheeks slightly flushed from laughing, and turned toward Utahime.

"You're really kind," she said softly, her smile small but sincere.

"Thank you," Utahime replied gently. "Everything's okay now. You're safe."

Ryosuke raised an eyebrow. "Alright, no need to play the hero in front of her. She's already got enough admiration for me, thanks."

That quip sent both Utahime and Sayuri into fits of laughter, leaving Ryosuke shaking his head, powerless against their newfound camaraderie.

TO BE CONTINUED!

A/N: -4 Chapters

Next Chapter: Things are about to get Ugly...