CHAP 2: How long have I been out?

It was now Aki's turn to talk and tell Kira what happened that night.

"When you called me, I was already headed to the restaurant. So I had to ask Tako to cancel the reservation and asked Tom to drive me home instead. On the drive home, I received a call from Michael. He knows about our weekly dinners so he was aware that you and I should be dining that night. He asked where we were and when I told him that you had to cancel, he said that he was not mistaken. He said that he saw you at the pub walking to a private room like a raging bull. So I immediately asked Tom to take me there. My god, Kira. When I saw you in your state, and those men hovering on top of you, I swear I wanted bloodbath!" Aki's hands clenched to a fist.

"D…did…" I stuttered.

"Did something happen to me, Aki? Did they do something to me? Were they already doing something to me?" I was trembling. My eyes looked at Aki, almost pleading to hear that those bastards did not touch me. I shivered, in fear and in disgust.

"Oh God! No! We got there in time. Vince, Tom and Michael handled those three. I am still waiting for Tako's call." Aki then hugged me tighter and kissed my forehead.

"Nothing happened to you. You were just.. passed out and…" he hesitated.

"And?" I hesitated but I needed to know.

"And one of the guys was on top of you as the other held your hand while Mitch was just looking. The guy on top of you was about to rip your shirt off when I got there. Your coat was already on the floor and you were no longer wearing your shoes… I swear Kira, when I saw you, I was ready to kill! Thankfully, Vince was faster so he already had the guy who was on top of you in a death grip, Tom took the one who was holding you down and Michael dealt with Mitch. If…"

He hesitated again as he shook his head from side to side, not knowing what he could've done if they'd gotten there a minute late.

He hugged Kira tightly. "I'm just grateful we got there in time. Kira, do not ever do something so reckless like that again. EVER! You just didn't know how scared and angry I was that night! You should have told me what you planned to do when you called to cancel our dinner. What were you thinking, Kira?" He sounded exasperated.

Kira hugged him back. "I'm sorry Aki.I was overpowered by my anger as well. I…I just…I just acted on anger"… she responded dejectedly, her body trembling as she recalled the events of that night and what could have happened had it not been for Aki and the guys.

After a deep heavy sigh from Aki, silence engulfed Kira's room.

The silence was broken by Aki's phone ring.

"What's the update?" It was Tako.

"Well, boss. All three are locked up."

"Are you sure? Including Mitch?" Aki verified.

"Yes, including Mitch. His direct supervisor was so mad when he learned about what happened. They dismissed him from the force right away."

"And the wife? Is she safe?"

"Yes. The missus is under police protection now and she will be living with her family again soon. They will also be under police protection. Mitch's supervisor, Kendra and Sister Therese together with Doctor Oh are working together to make sure that Mitch serves time in jail for child abuse, illegal possession of drugs and aiding and abetting to attempted rape."

"And what about the other two? Should we concern ourselves with them? Should we be wary?"

"No, boss. They were just hired goons who already have records. So they will definitely end up in jail for attempted rape and illegal possession of drugs on top of the other petty crimes they have committed."

"Good. Job well done, Tako. I know I can always trust you and depend on you."

"Thank you, Damascus."

"Huh. You are still so formal with me Tako." Aki chuckled knowing that Tako finds it uncomfortable every time he would compliment him.

Tako just snorted before asking about Kira.

"And how's Kira doing?"

The three became friends when Aki started spending more time with Kira a few years back when they were both taking their MBA. Aki had always considered Tako as not just his right hand but a trusted and loyal friend. Tako has been with him since he was in high school and they've stuck together ever since.

"She's tired and still trying to get her senses back. I will tell her the good news. Call Doctor Simpson so he can check on Kira."

"Consider it done." Click.

Aki went back to Kira's bed.

"Doctor Simpson will be coming over to check on you. You better rest for a few more days. Tako already informed Pam to inform Julian and your cafe staff that you won't be going there for some time, and also Sister Therese and Sister Elena. You can only visit Luisa and resume volunteering at the orphanage once you have fully recuperated."

Kira was about to protest…

"They promised to continuously update us once there are changes in Luisa's condition."

"How…I mean, I just told you what happened… how…" I was somewhat confused.

"How long was I out? I thought it just happened last night?" I asked Aki.

"You were unconscious for three days, Kira. Now do you understand why I was so mad at you?"

"Three days?! What?! Today's already Saturday?!" I was in disbelief.

"Yes. You already missed two dinners with me. Make sure you make it up to me." Aki teasingly said seeing that Kira seems to be okay already. He did not want to let her wallow in what happened so he tried to make light of the current situation.

It was a good thing that the drug was immediately flushed out from her system when Doctor Simpson treated her that night. Aki decided that it would be best to let her stay at home instead of going to the hospital. Aki also personally took care of her until she regained consciousness a few hours ago.

"Hmph. Still thinking about those missed dinners. So juvenile." Kira pouted. "But, thank you, Aki. Again, sorry for worrying you. Wait. What about your work? Did you just stay here all this time?" Her eyes widened at the realization that Aki neglected his duty and his company just to be her caregiver.

"It's okay, Kira. I couldn't just let anyone watch over you. After what happened, I don't think I can entrust your care to just anyone. Tako is handling the company until I return to work. You don't need to concern yourself with that. All you have to do right now is to be a good girl and follow the doctor's orders. Okay? You need to get better and if you feel the need to undergo therapy, we can look for the best providers." He said gently.

Not long after, Doctor Simpson arrived and checked on Kira's vitals and he advised Kira to rest for another seven days. She just needs to recover from the shock and the drugs that she ingested. But all in all, she is no longer in any harm.

"Kira, you need to have bed rest for seven days. I will prescribe some medications and vitamins to help your body fully flush out the drugs and toxins. No alcoholic beverage until you get a bill of health from me. You can do some minor exercises but nothing strenuous, okay? No running and extreme sports." Doctor Simpson then turned to Aki. "I will walk myself out. Send my regards to your parents, Damascus." With that, Doctor Simpson left the room.

"You heard what he said, Kira. Be a good girl, okay?"

"But Aki…" She pleaded. I mean, it's nice to have a few days off from the cafe and the orphanage but bed rest?! Are they insane?! Damn!

"No buts, woman!" admonished Aki. "Now, what would you like to eat? I'll go over it with Chef Jacques."

"Wait. I'm pretty sure I only have one other spare room in this apartment. Don't tell me you brought some of your employees to stay here?" Kira questioned.

"Hah. Of course not. I have Chef Jacques prepare meals and have Tom bring them here. One of my housekeepers comes here daily to clean. Now, tell me what you want so I can have it prepared and brought over. I will also be sending Tom to grab your prescription."

"Are you okay living here for the time being? I mean, my place is barely one eighth of yours and I'm sure you are so not used to living in a cramped space without your servants." She scoffed.

"Oh? And when did I ever complain? Besides, I don't even call them servants. You're mean, Kira." He responded teasingly.

"Oh you know what I mean!" She rolled her eyes at the man who is now making fun of her. Damn. He can really be so annoying at times.

"Hey, Aki?"

"Hmmm?"