"An honor and a privilege that allows us to maintain a high status and display our abilities," —I said with a sigh, reciting from memory the typical phrases my mother, father, and even grandfather repeated endlessly.—"Can you understand why I feel uneasy about leaving my younger brothers behind?"

"A mother takes care of her children. You only have to watch over them. What reason do you have to feel uneasy?"

"I have been with Kechizu since he was a baby because you refused to breastfeed him due to his skin condition. You also hate Esou's back and keep them hidden from everyone else."

"You will never understand, Choso. To see those oni come out of me..." Her hands clenched her silk kimono as the sweetness in her eyes turned into intense fury directed at me. "My insides twist just thinking that I carried those two beings for nine months."

"My brothers are just as human as Yuuji," I said, hurt and angry because the woman I called mother could never admit her mistakes. She always pointed at others. Never herself. "Kechizu shows interest in his writing lessons..." A gentle smile appeared on my face for a few seconds. "But his scaly, cracked skin is the only thing you see."

My head turned sharply when my mother slapped me.We looked at one another. As if we were two strangers, and perhaps we were. Because it was not until I met you that I discovered myself. At that moment, I simply left with the things my mother had prepared for my new profession: oranda tsuji.

My parents were happy knowing that the shogun had promoted me to that position.The work was boring; I went to the port of Dejima. I met Dutch merchants and translated what was being said. Transactions, inventory inspections, and requests for goods. That profession brought status to the family, but at the same time it took away freedom. Constant surveillance and countless details to keep in mind so that no one would think I sympathized with foreigners.

"Hey!"

I turned around, not knowing why he was calling me or whether it would get me into trouble; still, I turned. But I did not speak and only glanced at him from the corner of my eye. A rare moment without supervision.

"Yes?"

"Japanese boy, is that paint on your face?"

"On my face? Ah... No. It is not paint. They are birthmarks."

"Birthmarks?"— His laugh was rough, but I noticed a glimmer of admiration on his face. I never thought those marks my parents despised would be interesting to foreigners.

"Funny!" He shook his head. "Come, Japanese boy. Come." He motioned with his hand for me to approach.

"Come?" I stepped back. "No... I should not... No..." My eyes darted from side to side as I hunched slightly. "I'm coming."

I saw him leading me toward the ship. At that moment I only thought that perhaps there was heavy cargo he wanted help carrying aboard. But I was foolish to go down first, because that Dutchman pushed me, causing me to hit my head.

By the time I regained consciousness, everything was dark. Sometimes I could feel the movement of the ship when the sea storms were fierce. Every now and then I could catch a glimpse of light, on days when I assumed the weather was fair. On particularly lucky days, I could eat something or drink a little water that was not in very good condition.

Seven months? Nine months? I spent that entire time locked away, unable to escape. Out of fear. Fear of being attacked. Fear of never seeing my younger brothers again.

The first time I saw sunlight was when that Dutchman and several others dragged me out. That place was chaotic. People shouted and moved in every direction. I looked around, seeing countless ships and cargo constantly being transported. Various smells—tar, mud, and rotten fish—hit me all at once, making me dizzy.

"Quick!"

"The cage!"

"Take off his clothes!"

I could not react. I was weak from malnutrition and thirst after spending so long in that dark place. The foreigners organized themselves. Two brought a large, sturdy cage, while two others tore at my clothes. In their haste, they only managed to rip my garments apart.

"Come closer and take a look!" one of the foreigners shouted.

"A monster straight from Cipango itself!"

"Mom! Mom! Look, a monster!"

The boy tugged at his mother's skirt, and she, horrified by my marks, pulled her child away from me.People soon surrounded me. Frightened, I stepped back without knowing how to escape, but the blows, spit, and insults quickly followed. I covered my face, horrified by myself; for the first time, I understood my mother. My birthmarks are hideous.

"Stop!" —you exclaimed as you pushed your way through the crowd. "What are you doing? Putting a person in a cage just because they have something different about them? Just because they come from another place?"

Your voice was gentle. My frightened gaze met yours. Those eyes (eye color) They were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. Your hand did not tremble when you snatched the padlock from that Dutchman's hand. You opened the cage. You gave me the freedom that had been stolen from me for so long in a matter of seconds. You saved me, you helped me... You were the first person to do that.

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Higuruma flinched and turned around. He let out a sigh when he saw it was Shimizu and motioned for her to close the door. She obeyed and walked over to his desk, where she noticed several folders containing Nanami's and Y/N's bank statements.

"Are you investigating Y/N?"

"She's disappeared. It's been a month already, and the police think she probably ran away with her husband's lover after he died."

"Well... maybe Y/N did leave with the lover."

"Shimizu... That's impossible."

"The police don't have any other theory, do they?" She sat down and sighed. "I remember seeing Y/N with her husband a few months ago. They looked like movie stars together."

"Really?"

Shimizu nodded.

Hiromi glanced at the full-length mirror he had in his office—the one Y/N had suggested he get. He looked himself over and felt ridiculous. He shook his head.

"The police aren't doing anything."

"I'm sure they're doing their job."

"The pressure they get from society ends up making them close cases as quickly as possible."

"Well, Y/N was supposed to go on vacation, wasn't she? Maybe she really did leave with the lover."

"No!" he blurted out.

Startled, Shimizu's eyes widened as she instinctively leaned back.

"Why are you so sure?"

The defense attorney rubbed both his face and his sunglasses, which had been resting on top of his head before sliding down onto the bridge of his nose.

"Because..."

he muttered, making Shimizu lean forward. Hiromi kept mumbling under his breath, speaking so quickly that she couldn't make out a single word.

"I can't understand you. What are you trying to say?"

"That I'm..."

"What?"

"The... the..." His eyes darted from side to side.

"I'm sorry, Higuruma. I don't understand."

"I'm the lover, Shimizu!"

Her mouth fell open in shock. Hiromi sank back into his chair. An awkward silence settled between them. Shimizu continued staring at him.

"No. She's not with me. Why would I be worried if she were?"

"Uh... Maybe she went to Malaysia by herself?"

"What?"

"Maybe she went on vacation alone."

"I meant the other part."

"Malaysia?"

"How do you know about Malaysia, Shimizu?"

"Y/N and I usually have lunch together whenever you lock yourself in your office. She told me about it. Her husband adored Malaysia and had always wanted them to travel there together."

"Reading... in Malaysia?"

"What?"

"Shimizu, I'll explain later." Hiromi picked up his luggage. "I'm taking the first flight to Malaysia. I'm leaving the firm in your hands."

"W-What?!"

Higuruma hurried past his employees. He had to catch a flight to Malaysia. The first one available. As soon as he stepped outside, a taxi was waiting for him.

"I've had the meter running for half an hour."

"That's fine. I'll pay whatever it costs. Take me to the airport."

He climbed into the taxi, and it pulled away. The driver quietly turned on the radio, where the weather forecast was playing. Hiromi kept sending Y/N more messages and even tried calling her.

"Going on vacation?"

"Uh... Yes, you could say that."

"Where to?"

"Malaysia."

"They say Malaysia's beautiful. I've never been myself. Which part are you heading to?"

"To... Malaysia."

"Right, I got that. I meant whether you're going to Kuala Lumpur... or Melaka."

"I hadn't really thought about it yet. For someone who's never been to Malaysia, you know quite a lot."

"Well, I like reading about different places and their cultures."

"Then maybe you'd happen to know where someone looking for a quiet place to read during a vacation in Malaysia should go?"

"Kuantan. It's beautiful and peaceful—perfect for relaxing on the beach and reading without anyone bothering you."

"Then that's where I'm going."

After a twelve-hour flight, Hiromi finally arrived. Exhausted. He picked up his suitcase and closed his eyes as he stepped out of the airport, the sunlight hitting them directly. He turned on his phone and found several messages from Shimizu.

"Higuruma, how could you not check the last paid invoices?"

"Answer me. Y/N must be in Kuantan, Malaysia."

"The last paid invoice was for the hotel: Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort."

"Good luck, Higuruma."

He facepalmed as he realized his mistake. He had been so obsessed with trying to reach her that he'd completely forgotten about the invoices and never checked them.

He looked around.

At least now he knew where to start.

On the beach, Y/N was reading What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama beside Nanami. She turned a page as Nanami pressed a gentle kiss to her shoulder.

"As long as you keep saying 'one day,' your dream isn't over... Life becomes happier when you have something to dream about."

She read the line before closing the book. She looked at Nanami.

"One day we'll have children."

Kento blinked in surprise before giving her a gentle smile. He kissed the tip of her nose, then rested his forehead against hers. They both closed their eyes. The sun had already begun to set. The cool breeze softened the lingering warmth of the afternoon. Only a handful of people strolled along the beach near the hotel.

"One day you'll have children, Y/N. And I don't doubt you'll become the kind of mother every child deserves. One day you'll look back on the past... and you won't cry anymore."

"Why would I cry when you're here?"

"I'm only part of your past now, sweetheart. I've never felt a love as deep as the one I shared with you."

"We hurt each other."

"I was the one who created that cycle. But in the end... Y/N, this was always the moment I dreamed of."

He stood and helped her to her feet. Y/N took his hand, holding on tightly. The sunset reached its most beautiful moment, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.

"Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"You loved me. And in the end, after everything I put you through, you still chose me. You chose to save us. You're beautiful, my love. Inside and out. Thank you for showing me how beautiful love can be."

"Kento..." She tightened her grip on his hand, which felt cold. "Your hand's cold. Let's go back to the hotel."

"Y/N... go home. It's time for us to say goodbye."

Y/N swallowed hard. She was about to shake her head, but instead she let go of Nanami's hand. Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Kento..." A lump formed in her throat. "I'll always carry you in my heart."

"Y/N..." He pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her forehead. "Live your life."

"I will, Kento."

"Without regrets."

"I don't regret us. I never will."

"That's my girl." As they pulled apart, he gently stroked her hair. "Remember... we'll always be together in Malaysia."

Nanami walked away.

Barefoot, he strolled along the shoreline.

Tears streamed down Y/N's face. And yet, she felt lighter, filled with hope that she could finally move forward. She watched the ghost of her husband slowly fade away with every step he took farther from her.

She hugged the book tightly against her chest.

"Y/N!"

She turned around and saw Hiromi, his face as red as a tomato from the heat. Confused, she slowly walked toward him. She stopped for a moment and glanced back.

Nanami was looking at her too.

When their eyes met, he gave her a small wave goodbye.

"Hiromi... What are you doing here?"

"What?" His jaw nearly hit the floor when he realized she seemed far more lucid than she had during their last phone call. "I... I... I..." He took a shaky breath. "I was worried about you! You came here alone and disappeared for an entire month without a single word. I had to come find you."

"I'm here."

She laughed softly when she noticed the thick layer of sunscreen spread across his nose.

"Were you afraid of getting your nose sunburned?"

"Huh?"

Hiromi gently brushed Y/N's hand aside, stepped closer, and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I'm here..."

Y/N hugged him back, comforting him more than he was comforting her. Hiromi was crying against her shoulder.

"I thought you were going to do something reckless. I was so scared... I was terrified."

"I'm sorry. I needed this time with Nanami."

"With Nanami?"

"Yes. With Nanami."

"I need an explanation. A very long explanation for all of this."

"I know. I know, Hiromi. Let's have dinner together, okay?"

"Yes. I want dinner... But even more than that, I want your explanation!"

Y/N picked up one of Hiromi's suitcases as they headed toward a nearby restaurant. She glanced back one last time. Nanami was peacefully reading on a lounge chair. That was the image of her husband she wanted to keep with her forever.

Thank you so much for reading to the end of this story✨.

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it, despite the sad moments. I'll be uploading the epilogue tomorrow.

If you liked it, I invite you to read my other fanfics of Jujutsu Kaisen and other fandoms.

✨ Banner designed by@alebrasil0101 for this story ☺️.

The curtains were thrown wide open. The hotel room was a complete mess, clothes scattered across the floor and empty beer cans lying everywhere. Nanami looked over at Y/N. She was still curled up beneath the sheets, clutching her pillow. She had spent the last three days sleeping there, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

"Are you punishing me? Is that why you've stopped taking care of yourself?"

No matter how much he talked, she wouldn't answer. The only sounds he'd heard from her were muffled sobs and heartbreaking cries. The hotel staff had knocked on the door more than once, convinced something was wrong. He closed his eyes with a quiet sigh, sat down on the edge of the bed, and gently wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing soft kisses against the back of her neck.

"We're going to the beach today, whether you like it or not. You've been locked up in here for far too long. You're going to have fun, and you're going to eat a lot." He held her even tighter, desperately hoping she'd finally react.

"No."

"So you finally speak." He smiled faintly. "Sweetheart, I'm not asking. You need some sun. You need to get out of this room."

"Why? I just want to stay in bed. To dream."

"About him?"

Y/N's eyes flew open, and she turned to look at him. Pure terror was written across her face. She closed her eyes and let out a slow sigh, the same one she always did whenever a case became difficult and she couldn't afford to show weakness in court.

"To dream. Just to dream. To remember."

"To remember him, right? Higuruma. That's his name, isn't it?"

"He's my boss."

"Sweetheart, it's okay."

"Well... no, it isn't. You're accusing me of cheating on you."

"You're not denying it. You're just getting defensive. I cheated on you."

"I know."

"But... you didn't cheat on me?"

"I didn't... No..." She stammered, her eyes filling with tears. "You were the one who cheated first."

"Are you going to cry?" Nanami pulled her into a tight embrace. "Easy, love. It's okay."

"It wasn't an affair."

Nanami fell silent, simply staying there for her.

"It isn't fair to him. He tried so hard for me." She clung to Nanami. "It felt so good not having to beg for love for once. You never gave me sweet smiles or made me laugh on our dates. Hiromi took an interest in my hobbies even when they weren't his thing."

"I understand. Did Hiromi make you happy?"

"He makes me happy."

"And what about me?"

She shook her head before breaking down in tears. She clung to Nanami tightly, and he endured the pain of her nails digging into his skin. He wasn't going anywhere.

"I'm sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. I can't tell you what was going through my head. I can't explain it or justify myself."

"I'll believe everything you tell me."

"Will that fix anything?"

"For me, yes. It would fix everything."

"Sweetheart... Look at yourself... You're a mess."

Nanami pulled away and gently wiped her tears. Then he carefully brushed the hair away from her face and looked at her. Her eyes were red and swollen. Her lips were dry. Dark circles shadowed her eyes. She looked gaunt from the weight she'd lost. She was a wreck. They were supposed to be on vacation, yet she looked as though she'd never stopped working.

"Go take a shower. Can you stand up on your own?"

"I can."

"You're stumbling."

"I said I can."

"You're going to hurt yourself."

"I don't need your help. If I did, I'd ask for it."

"No, you wouldn't. That's just how you are. Stubborn."

Nanami slipped an arm around her waist and drew her close. Then he closed his eyes and let out a quiet sigh. Y/N sat naked in the bathtub while Nanami gently washed her back. Neither of them spoke. The silence between them was strangely comforting.

"I don't hate you. I never have."

"I don't hate you either."

"I know. Sweetheart, I know."

"You hurt me. You always blamed me for everything. For you not being happy, for having bad days at work, for the death of..."

"Yu." He finished the sentence for her. "I didn't know how to cope with it. I ended up blaming happiness itself... and you are my happiness."

"You never looked like you enjoyed our dates."

"I did. I enjoyed them."

"That's a lie."

"Didn't you say you'd believe my lies? That you didn't care?"

"You don't lie in a relationship. You should never do that. But I'm afraid of your words, your looks, your silences... I'm afraid you'll leave and never come back. I can't live without you."

"I never filled your lungs or made your heart beat; you do that for me. Don't be afraid of me. I never wanted you to fear me. I only want your love. I want to love you..."

"Do you love me?"

"I love you." He pressed a kiss to her back.

"Do you really love me?"

"I really do." Another kiss brushed against the skin of her shoulder.

"Do you want a divorce?"

Nanami froze. He closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. Y/N let out a sigh of relief.

"We came here to avoid that. To fix things. To start over."

"I know. I love you, Nanami. Can you tell me you love me as much as I love you?"

"Sweetheart... Easy..." He kissed her forehead. "Let's get out of this room. We'll take a taxi."

"No! Why?!"

"I'm taking you to a nice restaurant."

"Let's walk."

"It's too far."

"Then let's not go."

"I already made the..." He cut himself off when he noticed her trembling. He lifted her into his arms and draped a bathrobe over her shoulders. "I'll cancel it. Where do you want to go?"

"Let's sit by the shore and read."

"We will. Anything you want. But get dressed first."

Y/N wrapped her arms tightly around Nanami, burying her face in the crook of his neck. He smiled, realizing she'd never stopped reaching for him. He hugged her just as tightly and gently kissed the top of her head.

"There's no rush. You haven't eaten yet, so you'll eat first, and then we'll go pick out some books. We'll sit by the shore and read until you get tired of it. Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you."

"I want you. Can I have you?"

"Y/N..."

"I want you." She insisted once more. He tried to pull away, but the moment he placed his hands on her, she held onto him with desperate strength. It broke his heart. He closed his eyes and sighed. Silence settled between them once again—a silence that both closed the distance between them and suffocated them at the same time. "I want you. Kento... I want you."

Her repeated pleas only deepened the pain they were both carrying. Nanami couldn't bring himself to say anything, and that silence continued to tear Y/N apart. They held each other's gaze for what felt like an eternity. Pain. Sorrow. Longing. Those were the only emotions reflected in their eyes. Nanami kissed Y/N passionately, pulling her back into his embrace. When the kiss ended, he gently brushed his nose against hers.

"I can't give you that. I'm sorry."

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"I'm sorry."

Nanami was the first to break the silence.

Y/N looked at him, not fully understanding his words, while Nanami continued staring at the horizon.

"What are you sorry for?"

"Everything. All the pain I've caused you."

"It's okay."

"Sweetheart, it isn't."

He pulled her closer against him and sighed.

"Our marriage wasn't beautiful."

"It was."

She corrected him immediately.

"It was always beautiful."

"Y/N... Please. Let's be honest. Let's not cling to these idyllic weeks."

"Stop."

She stood up and moved away from him, but Kento wasn't about to let her leave so easily.

"No. Y/N, look at me."

"I'm going back to the hotel."

"Please, look at me..."

Y/N shook her head.

She walked away without looking back, wanting to force her husband to drop the subject so they could return to their happy vacation, where they spent their days sightseeing, tanning under the sun, eating at expensive restaurants he chose, and sleeping in each other's arms at the hotel.

"I'm tired... Nanami..."

I know you're exhausted. You've been fighting alone for a long time.

"That's not true. You were always by my side."

I'm hurting you.

"No. You're not."

She closed her eyes and sighed.

I am. Look at yourself. Alone and suffering.

"I don't want to talk about whatever it is you think we need to talk about."

Then what? Are you just going to go back to the hotel, drink, and go back to sleep?

He grabbed her wrist abruptly.

Will you cry forever?

"Nanami, stop."

It's hard for you to call me by my name. You despise me.

"No. I don't despise you. I don't."

Yes, Y/N. You do. You hate me because I left you alone. You hate me because I was seeing someone else. You hate me because I make you suffer, and I hate myself for hurting you so much.

"No..."

She clung to Nanami.

"I could never hate you."

"What happened is in the past, Kento. We don't have to look back. Only we matter. Only our present matters."

You refuse to see that there is no "us" anymore.

"Why are you saying this now? We were fine before... Why are you doing this to me?"

He called you. Why won't you answer him?

"No one called."

She held Nanami tightly.

"Nanami..."

Nanami's arms wrapped around her as Y/N finally broke down crying.

She trembled in that vulnerable state, and Kento could only try to comfort her and make her smile, even though he hadn't known how to do that for a long time.

"Let's go back to the hotel."

Nanami whispered, earning a nod from her.

Back at the hotel, Y/N went straight to bed, completely exhausted.

Soon, Nanami lay down beside her and caressed her cheek.

"Y/N..."

He spoke softly.

"Get some rest... Tomorrow will be a better day."

"Do you promise?"

"I promise. I'll make tomorrow better."

Nanami kissed her forehead.

Y/N closed her eyes.

At that moment, she was taken back to several months ago.

She arrived home exhausted. Hiromi had been more demanding than usual that day, and she understood why. When a case involved a company that had promoted harmful products through negligence, there was no room for mistakes.

The moment she stepped inside, she knew something was wrong.

Her wedding ring sat on top of the shoe cabinet.

In the space where her shoes should have been, there was another pair that didn't belong to her.

There were no clothes scattered around; Nanami would never be messy.

There was no dinner waiting for her.

But there were two dirty plates in the sink.

An open bottle of wine.

And two glasses.

One empty.

The other half full.

She didn't need to hear the muffled moans or the creaking bed.

The moment she walked into the house, Y/N already knew what was happening.

That didn't make it hurt any less.

Even if their marriage had grown cold because of work and how little time they spent together.

Being home that night was unbearable.

"Y/N?"

Hiromi said, clearly not expecting to find her sitting outside the law office entrance.

She didn't answer.

She was still crying silently.

Nanami had been her boyfriend since secondary school, and there had never been any betrayal before.

In her shock, the only place she could think of going was the office.

"Are you okay?"

Concerned, he approached, sat beside her, and rubbed her back.

Y/N turned and hugged Hiromi before breaking down into tears.

Hiromi tensed at first. Not being used to situations like this, he soon relaxed and hugged her back.

He didn't let go until she calmed down.

Then he offered her a handkerchief.

"Thank you."

"Now that you're calmer, what happened?"

"Nothing, Mr. Higuruma. I'm sorry. I didn't know where else to go and... this was the only place I could think of."

"I don't think someone as pretty as you cries here..."

He looked around.

"At her workplace, after five in the morning, over nothing."

"I..."

She hesitated.

"I don't want to go home."

She confessed, still in shock from the infidelity.

"My husband..."

She couldn't finish.

She started crying again.

Higuruma immediately let her cry against his chest and comforted her.

She didn't need to explain anything.

He could already imagine Y/N's pain.

He offered to let her stay at his house that night.

That night, Hiromi let her sleep in the bed while he stayed on the uncomfortable couch.

"Mr. Higuruma..."

She whispered softly as she gently tapped his shoulder.

"Is something wrong?"

"I can't sleep alone. Could you come lie in bed with me?"

He opened his eyes and remained silent for several seconds, debating with himself.

But in the end, he couldn't refuse.

Y/N, who always seemed so fierce in court, now looked vulnerable.

Even so, he left space between them and placed a pillow there as well.

Y/N faced away from him while he stared at the ceiling, his heart refusing to slow down.

"Mr. Higuruma."

"You can call me Hiromi. Are you uncomfortable?"

"No."

She paused.

"I feel more comfortable with you beside me."

Hiromi blushed, choked on his own saliva, and closed his eyes.

He opened his mouth, but he didn't know what to say.

He turned to look at her back.

Was it wrong?

Would he be taking advantage of her if he moved closer?

He didn't have time to think any further.

Y/N turned around.

They stared at each other.

Hiromi stopped thinking.

He simply leaned forward and kissed her.

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⚠️ Content Warning / Reader Discretion Advised ⚠️

This story arc contains themes that some readers may find sensitive or distressing.

Throughout the "First Case" arc, topics such as transphobia, discrimination, prejudice, intolerance toward LGBTQ+ individuals, social exclusion, and hate-motivated attitudes are discussed and depicted as part of the narrative conflict.

These elements are included for storytelling purposes and to explore the experiences, challenges, and injustices faced by certain characters. The presence of discriminatory language, opinions, or actions within the story does not reflect the views of the author, nor is it intended to promote or justify prejudice of any kind.

This arc also features the relationship between Kinji Hakari and Kirara Hoshi, and explores themes related to identity, acceptance, and the impact of societal attitudes on personal relationships.

Readers are encouraged to approach these topics with discretion and sensitivity.

Thank you for reading.

Kinji was sitting in the chair at the end of the table, the one where Hiromi would normally sit. His legs were spread apart, and Kirara was sitting on his lap, hugging him. Hiromi watched as Y/N connected her laptop to the projector. The lawyer's gaze traveled over Y/N's figure; Kinji caught him doing it, as he knew perfectly well when a man was looking at a woman.

"You're very beautiful, Y/N."

"Thank you, I went to the hair salon today."

Hiromi narrowed his eyes, annoyed by the compliment, but then looked up at her.

"You went to get your hair done?"

"Mr. Higuruma, it was just a visit to keep it healthy, nothing expensive. I have money saved up."

He stood up and touched her hair, making her look at him. Higuruma noticed how full of life she was, and her hair impressed him a great deal. It wasn't as though he often came into contact with women who sparked his interest.

"Y/N…"

"Yes, Hiromi?"

"Save your money and don't be irresponsible." He scolded her as he stepped away. "Your hair can wait until I can pay you a decent salary. Yesterday I only gave you…" He shook his head. "We're working. Show us what you've been keeping secret."

"They've definitely started dating recently." Kirara whispered to Kinji while leaning against him, and they kissed passionately.

"Oh, God… Y/N, the evidence, or they'll turn my law office into a love hotel."

"It's ready!"

The defense lawyer turned around and looked at the screen where Y/N's investigation was being projected. His eyes widened in surprise.

"Here are photos of the three neighbors who convinced the neighborhood association to file the complaint against you."

"How did you do that?"

"I just stayed around the area for three days."

"You went back without me?"

"Was I supposed to tell you?"

"I'm your boss. It would be nice if you did. Besides, being out alone that late is dangerous." He looked at her, and his expression softened for a few seconds. "And this isn't what I meant by investigating."

"Well… you never said how I was supposed to do it."

"I really like your style, babe." Kinji smiled happily while Kirara nodded in approval.

"No. Don't listen to them." He moved closer to her and placed a hand on her waist; it wasn't necessary, but Hiromi had been holding himself back for a while. "If you do this and find good evidence, the association's lawyers could argue that it shouldn't be considered."

"Stop being such a bore." Kinji yawned afterward.

"I'll be careful, Hiromi." She pointed at the photos. "The man leading everything is Mr. Gakuganji."

"That old bastard." He took Kirara's cheek and made her look at him. "You don't deserve any kind of hatred, babe."

"Kin-chan…" She closed her eyes, and they melted into another passionate kiss that made Higuruma sigh while Y/N watched the couple with admiration.

"Love is so beautiful. It's a shame I'm single now."

"With how pretty you are, I'm sure you could get another boyfriend right away."

Hiromi froze completely before his stoic expression shifted into horror at the thought of Y/N meeting another man. Kirara's comment awakened both fear and guilt inside him.

"Don't listen to them." He waved a hand dismissively. "Having a partner while focusing on your professional future is a distraction. Trust me, I've never had a partner in my thirty-six years."

"Are you bragging about being a virgin or about being single?"

"Hakari, perhaps you should remember you're being sued and focus on the case."

"When is the trial?" Y/N's question caused the meeting room, which had been noisy despite only having four people in it, to fall into silence as everyone looked at one another.

"Very good question, and an essential one." He sat down near Y/N again and looked at her closely. "I completely forgot to ask for that information. You work with such insight that…"

"This lawyer is definitely falling in love, isn't he?" Kinji laughed and hugged Kirara. "The train of love stops at every station." He fell silent for a moment and then suddenly shouted in surprise, making Y/N jump, while Higuruma kept the same annoyed expression at his jokes. "I'm missing Pure Love Train!"

Kirara stood up, knowing how important it was to him. Confused, Hiromi looked to Y/N for information about what they were talking about.

"You watch that anime?! Hiromi, they're talking about Pure Love Train."

"I still don't know what that is. I don't watch anime."

"It's about a high school girl who travels by train and has to choose between several boys who are in love with her."

"I've never heard of it."

Hiromi quickly stood up and leaned out through the doorway before his clients left.

"Tell me the date."

"October 12th, in the morning."

"What?! That's tomorrow."

Defeated, he sat down again, knowing perfectly well that he would have to spend the night preparing an emergency defense.

"I hate irresponsible clients."

"Hiromi, I'll stay with you for as long as necessary to help." Her hand rested on his back and gently stroked it, comforting him. "I don't mind, and you don't have to pay me overtime."

He closed his eyes. His body relaxed, and Y/N's voice wrapped around him like a lullaby, becoming a balm for his exhaustion.

"You don't have to do that. You should get proper rest."

"I don't care. I want to help you."

"You already help me a lot. Overworking yourself is foolish. You're doing your job very well."

"Don't make me insist. I'm staying, and that's final."

"Y/N… if you were the protagonist of that anime…" He fell silent for a few seconds. "I mean the one we were talking about before… which boy would you choose?"

"Well… Gojo… my ex…" She sat beside him. "I still love him, or at least I think I do… It was two years."

Hiromi lifted his head in horror; he didn't want to hear any more about her ex-boyfriend. It irritated him.

"I understand your feelings, but he wouldn't be on that train, Y/N. On your train of love, there can't be anyone who hurt you that much."

Hiromi's large hand took hers and drew it closer to him as he looked at her with a silent plea.

"Who would you choose?"

"I don't know," she whispered while holding onto his hand. "What about you? Who would you choose if you were on that train of love?"

"I don't know either," he whispered back before closing his eyes and pulling Y/N a little closer so he could rest his forehead against her arm.

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"Defense attorney Higuruma Hiromi still refuses to give a firm statement regarding his most high-profile case. We've attempted to speak with former employees and friends, but they have declined to comment following the collapse of the attorney's reputation."

A clip of his closing argument played next. Hiromi stopped working and looked up at the screen. He appeared serious, his final statement prepared. He cleared his throat before speaking.

"The plaintiff repeatedly visited and harassed one of the defendants. This isn't sensationalism; it's realism. These are undeniable facts: we have stopped defending traditional values and started attacking the peaceful way of life of others. Many people may believe the solution is simple. My clients decided to move their business to Ni-Chome, but that changes nothing. It took me too long to realize that doing so meant pushing away something we reject simply because it's different.

"Don't we claim to value diversity and equal opportunities for everyone? And yet, when someone is too different from us, we isolate them and push them aside. I won't give a tedious speech. I won't point fingers, because that isn't my job. I only ask you, members of the jury, to reflect before making your decision. Is it truly fair to hate and discriminate against people simply because they've chosen to live differently from what society imposed on them?

"We've forgotten what it truly means to be human: diversity, change, and empathy. We cannot claim to have progressed as a society if we still condemn a café that supports minorities and provides them with a safe place."

Y/N was applauding while leaning against the frame of his office door. Embarrassed, Hiromi quickly turned off the television. She walked closer with a smile.

"It was beautiful."

"A sentimental attempt to appeal to the jury."

"It shows personal growth."

"I wasn't being homophobic back then."

"Just pragmatic about the case." Both of them spoke at the same time.

"I liked it. Kinji and Hoshi are in Shibuya working hard thanks to you fighting for them."

"We fought for them. I wasn't alone. You helped me a lot, so you don't get to dismiss your contribution. I accepted the case because you insisted, and you were quick to gather information."

"I bet you thought I was useless." She smiled.

"I respect you even more now that we're living together. You're calm and stable." He looked at her. "Can you remind me why you're still single?"

"Because there's a man who hasn't worked up the courage to make a move."

Hiromi blushed instantly. Heat rushed to his face, and his heart skipped so violently that he had to loosen his tie. He stammered a couple of times. He hadn't expected her to be so direct.

Living together had turned out to be a good decision. Not only were they spending more time together, but they were actually sharing a home. Higuruma's routine had become more dynamic. Sometimes they had dinner out. Other times, they cooked together, and they'd even started going to the movies again—something he had stopped doing once he entered university.

"Y/N..."

Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong.

The relentless ringing of the doorbell completely shattered the atmosphere that had naturally formed between them. Y/N smiled shyly and stepped aside, allowing him to get up from his chair.

They headed downstairs together like a team. Hiromi was already expecting another inheritance dispute or some minor fraud case. However, when Y/N opened the door, she found a nervous-looking fifteen-year-old boy with pink hair standing outside. Hiromi promptly shut the door again.

"He's a teenager. He's probably here over something stupid or to pull a prank."

"Hiromi, I thought we'd moved past this stage. Weren't we supposed to be kinder and more open-minded before rejecting people's cases?" She crossed her arms and looked at him with annoyance.

"Uh..." He let out a quiet sigh. "Right... You're right. We agreed we'd hear them out first, then investigate, and only after that decide whether to take the case."

Resigned, he opened the door again. The same teenager was still standing there, clearly unsure of what to do. Higuruma wasn't helping either, staring at him with his usual exhausted expression.

"Hello," he greeted him politely. "Come in."

"Oh, thank you. I'm Itadori Yuji, and I need your help."

"I figured as much."

Hiromi stepped aside to let him in while Y/N prepared some tea, a gesture of courtesy on her part.

"Let's talk in the meeting room."

Once they were seated and the tea had been served, Yuji took a sip from his cup. There were no smiles and no relaxed atmosphere. Y/N watched as Hiromi opened his notebook and uncapped his pen. She decided to take notes as well.

"What legal issue are you dealing with?"

"My best friend committed suicide. A week ago."

That single statement made the room even heavier. Itadori looked away, his eyes stinging as he fought back tears. Y/N gently rubbed his shoulder, trying to comfort him.

"We can't help you with that case. I don't handle suicides." He set his pen down on the table and crossed his arms. "Suicide is a personal choice each individual makes, and legally there's no one to hold responsible."

"Are you saying my best friend killed himself because he wanted to?"

"That's one possibility."

"Hiromi." Y/N scolded him.

"No. Junpei would never have done that." He slammed his fist against the table. "He was driven to it!"

"They drove your friend to suicide?"

"Do you have any evidence?" Hiromi asked. "A video? A recording? A letter? Witnesses?"

"No."

"Then there's nothing I can do."

"We can look into it further." She kicked Hiromi under the table. "Would you like to tell us what happened?"

"On Monday, during lunch break, Junpei went up to the rooftop. I got there late because I was helping carry supplies to the teachers' office. By the time I arrived, Junpei was standing on the edge of the roof and..."

Silence fell over the room once again. No more words were needed. Y/N closed her eyes, then glanced sideways at Hiromi. He was looking back at her, silently asking what they should do.

"He was being bullied. I found this." He pulled the business card Hiromi had slipped into the boy's jacket out of his pocket. "You knew him already, didn't you? He asked you for help, right?"

"We saved your friend from getting beaten up by a group of juvenile delinquents."

"Yankees?"

"Yeah. They were some pretty terrifying teenagers."

"That's impossible. Junpei doesn't hang around people like that."

"Can you tell us your friend's name?"

"Yoshino Junpei."

Y/N wrote the name down before giving Yuuji a gentle, reassuring smile. Hiromi closed his notebook and turned his chair around, facing away from them.

"We'll help you. But for that, we'll need you to tell us everything you know."

"Even if it seems insignificant or something terrible." Hiromi's tone was stern. "Tell us."

"Here's what we'll do. Come back tomorrow around this time. Think everything through carefully and try to remember the last three months."

"Talk to any classmates who may have gone through the same thing or might have witnessed something."

"Okay. I'll come back tomorrow after five. I have the Occult Club after school. My senpai get scared easily, so they need me for the paranormal investigations."

"Oh... That sounds interesting. Itadori, come whenever it works for you. We'll adjust our schedule to yours."

"Thank you very much." He bowed gratefully before gathering his belongings and heading for the door.

"Itadori." Hiromi called out before he could leave.

"Yes?"

"Don't even think about confronting the bullies."

The teenager's fists clenched tightly before he nodded and walked away. Y/N let out an anxious sigh. Hiromi turned toward her and looked into her eyes. He knew exactly what that expression meant: regret. It was the same look he used to wear at the beginning of his career, and perhaps it had never truly disappeared. Maybe he'd only learned to hide it.

"This isn't your fault."

"What?"

"Don't blame yourself. We couldn't have known, and there wasn't anything more we could've done."

"Even so... He was only seventeen."

"Did you read the medical report?"

"Being his lawyer gives you a lot of privileges."

Hiromi gently stroked her hair the way an owner would pet a beloved puppy. She blushed, but she didn't pull away.

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Under the blazing sun, on the coast of Essex, the younger brothers lay on the shore between the sand, a cloudy sky stretching above them. A tall, broad-shouldered man grinned at the sight of two fine specimens of creatures.

"Megumi!" he shouted, hoisting Esou over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes while grabbing Kechizu by the collar of his kimono. "Take the pink-haired brat. We'll be eating well tonight."

"Where did you find them?"

"Caught them. Didn't even have to work for it. We're in luck."

Megumi grabbed Yuuji by the wrists, dragging him across the sand. As Toji ran, he dropped Esou and Kechizu as though they were dead fish. Without a word, Megumi picked up the one he had been carrying and slung him over his shoulder again.

"Let's head home. Your little sister's still in London, right?"

"She's studying with the nuns at the convent."

"Good. She ought to become a nun. I can't afford to feed any more mouths. Even if I could, I only promised your mother I'd take care of you."

Three days had passed since their captivity began. Fear and panic faded quickly for Yuuji, who now had to watch every single day as Kechizu was kept inside a tiny cage while Esou remained bound hand and foot, his back exposed for everyone to gawk at its deformity and burn scar.

People laughed and stared in amazement at those with unusual deformities. A dark-skinned boy was taming lions, astonishing the crowd. Yuuji looked away when a whip cracked violently against one of the animal's coats.

"Hurry up!" Toji shoved Itadori forward so he would carry the crates of rotten tomatoes with the others. "Megumi's finishing handing out the crates. You need to restock them. Don't you get it?"

"I'm going..."

He lowered his head. His fists clenched tightly as tears of helpless rage welled up in his eyes. A girl around his age with short brown hair looked at him seriously.

"Why are you crying?"

"I'm not crying!" he snapped angrily. Even so, the tears streamed down his face, and his nose was already running.

"Ugh... You make such an ugly face when you cry."

"I said I'm not crying."

"Did you get lost? Can't find your family?" She glanced around. "Don't cry. I'll help you find them."

Balancing the crate in one hand, Itadori pointed with the other toward the place where his brothers were being exhibited. Nobara frowned.

"Are your brothers over there?"

Itadori nodded three times in a row. Nobara crossed her arms. Megumi, who had been standing behind him, rested a hand on the pink-haired boy's shoulder.

"You'd be better off staying out of trouble."

"They're my brothers."

"Exactly. They're his brothers." She stepped in front of Yuuji and shot Megumi a glare. "You're that abuser's disgusting son."

"I didn't get to choose that either."

"Do I look like I care?"

"You complain about this place, but you keep coming back every day."

"That's my problem, not yours."

The laughter of several adults echoed through the air as a pouch of coins was dropped into Toji's palm. Then came Kechizu's cries as stones tore open his scabs, making them bleed.

Megumi turned just in time to see Yuuji launch himself forward and kick the older Fushiguro square in the face. Toji staggered back with a loud laugh. Covering his face, he watched as Itadori swiftly began striking the customers who had hurt Kechizu.

"Whoa!" she exclaimed in amazement. Without wasting a second, she grabbed a wooden crate and swung it with all her strength into the back of one of Toji's lackeys, who had been about to grab Yuuji.

"You're insane."

Megumi muttered as he stepped away to avoid getting dragged into the mess. Nobara and Itadori high-fived each other, clearly impressed by one another. But Toji soon grabbed both of them by their clothes with a growl.

"Still looking for your little Saori, you troublesome brat? Stop coming here. She's not around anymore."

Toji walked out of the freak show he ran and tossed Nobara near a pile of trash. Then he lifted Yuuji even higher as the boy kicked and struggled in anger.

"Why'd you hide all that strength, little man?" He threw Yuuji onto a heap of dirty laundry. "If you've got all that endless energy, then you can start by taking these clothes to the laundry. After that..." He pointed at several heavy crates. "See all those boxes? Haul them over to the dump. And once you're done with that, you'll help unload the wagon carrying the lions' food."

Itadori growled in frustration. Noticing it, Toji rested a hand on Kechizu's cage with a broad grin. Yuuji lowered his head again, powerless to do anything. Megumi shot his father a cold glare.

"What?" Toji crossed his arms irritably. "What's with that look? I'm putting food on the table for you, aren't I?" His son's gaze seemed to pierce straight through him. Uncomfortable, Toji grunted and raised his hand.

"Let her go!"

"She came over here on her own!"

Father and son both turned toward the commotion, where two separate fights had broken out. Hakari was pummeling the lion tamer while Hoshi stood there, stunned and hurt.

"Mr. Casino and Miss Star, when are you two going to stop being such a nuisance?"

"I won't rig the games today if—"

The dark expression on Mr. Fushiguro's face revealed just how little patience he had left that day. Even so, he never loosened his iron grip on every situation. He burst into booming laughter that only made the atmosphere more tense.

"Sure, go ahead. We'll just lose money tonight. How exactly are you planning to buy your girl's freedom?" He grabbed Hoshi's face roughly, squeezing it without the slightest care. "It wouldn't cost me a thing to call Shiu and have your little girlfriend disappear."

He shoved Hoshi away so hard that she lost her balance and fell to the ground. Kinji bit his tongue, choosing instead to help his girlfriend. Megumi, on the other hand, simply went back to work. For a long time now—perhaps ever since his mother passed away—Megumi had watched his father turn into a monster, crossing the moral line a little further each day.

"I told you..." he whispered to Yuuji. "It's better not to get yourself into trouble." He lowered his gaze. "Once you start working for him, you're no longer free... and you'll never get that freedom back."

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Nanami always prepared dinner. Without a doubt, it was his favorite part of the day: cooking. He would put on some soft jazz music, look through the ingredients, and decide what to make. He poured himself two fingers of whiskey and enjoyed the process.More than anything, he enjoyed dinner itself, even if he had to eat alone.

By the time Y/N returned home, it was usually four in the morning, and Nanami was already asleep. Her dinner waited for her, cold and unappetizing. She would push it aside and go straight to bed, too exhausted to even change out of her clothes.

Every day was the same.The days blurred together into a homogenous cycle, each one indistinguishable from the last.

Until one day, Nanami stayed awake until four in the morning.

"I never realized you came home this late."His voice carried its usual seriousness as he sighed before standing up and helping her remove her coat, hanging it neatly on the rack.

"The cases have been difficult lately, and Hiromi needs more help. The entire team has been staying this late."

"This has to change. I can't keep living like this, Y/N."He ran a hand through his hair before helping her sit down, ever the gentleman."I need you. I miss you."He gently kissed her hand. First the back of it, then her palm, and finally the spot where he could feel her pulse.

"I miss you too. A lot."She whispered the words tenderly."I thought that after we got married, I'd eventually get tired of seeing you. But it feels like we don't even live together."

"I know. I know. Listen to me, sweetheart."He walked into the kitchen and returned with several papers in hand, placing them in front of her."What do you think?"

Y/N stared at them in surprise.Plane tickets to Malaysia.A long time ago, she had begged him for a romantic getaway. He had always refused. The destination itself didn't matter to her; all she had ever wanted was her husband.But now, she wasn't so sure anymore.

"Are you crazy? These say a month and a half in Malaysia. Nanami... I don't think Hiromi will let me take that much time off."

"You've worked hard for years and put in more overtime than anyone else. Explain the situation to him, and I'm sure he'll understand that his best employee needs a break."

"And your boss approved this?"

"Yes. He didn't complain at all. In fact, he was the one who suggested I take some vacation time."Nanami stepped closer and pressed a kiss to her neck."Just imagine it. The two of us in Malaysia, sitting in the shade on a beach, hiding from the scorching sun while we read and enjoy the breeze. Sleeping in every morning and making love whenever we want."

"That doesn't sound bad at all..."She turned toward him, and they shared a soft, tender kiss."I'll tell Hiromi tomorrow at the office."

That day was the only day in a long time that Y/N found herself still lying naked in bed well past ten in the morning.She slowly opened her eyes and stretched.Then she glanced toward the window and squinted against the sunlight. Pulling the sheet around herself, she reached out in search of Nanami.

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