Her Mother

(Akane’s PoV)

—

And so, I went down, and just as I had imagined it, Kurone’s mother was waiting for me.

Still no sight of butler or maids. Nothing.

She was sitting on the right side of a luxurious sofa, with a low table with two small cups of coffee separating the two sides, and looking at me like she was saying, “I was waiting for you.”

‘Even a breath here would cost me money, too many expensive things for someone who barely lives here. I will never understand this logic.’  I thought.

“You’re finally back,” she smiled warmly. “Please, take a seat. I prepared some coffee. Directly imported from Italy,” she added, pointing to the other side of the sofa.

I couldn't refuse. Of course.

“Yes, sure. Thank you for your kindness, Mrs Tsugikawa,” I said politely before sitting down where she wanted me to.

“Don't be so formal, Akane-chan, just call me Sakura. It's not the first time we talked, is it?” her voice softened, but I still felt something under it.”I know how close you've been to my daughter these years, and I thank you, so treat me like someone close. She used to talk a lot about you, you know?” 

Funny how she didn't say “treat me like a member of your family.” I couldn't lower my guard.

“Thank you, Sakura-san,” I said, before drinking the coffee and putting the cup away. It tasted like luxury regret. “Is there something particular you want to talk about with me? It's unusual for someone so important as you to be here in Japan.”

Sakura laughed a little. 

“Ara~, straight to the point, right?” she said, before drinking her coffee. “First of all, how is Kurone feeling?” she asked, with a glimpse of worry.

‘Oh, she remembered she had a daughter.’

“She's feeling much better, luckily. She regained some color,” I said. “She hadn't been eating since yesterday morning. How couldn't you notice? Aren't you supposed to be her mother?” I said, my voice remaining flat.

Sakura stared at me for a few instants before speaking.

“Yeah. I am. But she didn't want to talk to me. She was waiting for you. She said that you two had something important to talk about and kicked me or the butlers out whenever someone tried to help her.” Sakura sighed. 

‘Right. I'll pretend I didn't hear anything.’

“Okay, understood,” my voice remaining calm. “What is the second question?” 

“You already know, don't you?” Sakura crossed her legs and arms, looking at me with an unreadable gaze.

Of course.

“It's about Shin’s parents, right?” I asked, my voice sharpening. 

“I think that Kurone has already told you everything about their story, and…” 

“… about the fact that she wants to bring them back in Japan, right?” I interrupted her.

“Yes.” she smiled. “I wanted to know what you think about that, and what Shin thinks. I really need your help.” Her voice softened.

I already knew what she wanted to ask, but for some reason, my body immediately reacted to her words. It twitched, and I started gripping my leg tightly without knowing it.

“Why are you asking me this?” I asked.

“Because you're his girlfriend, obviously. And Kurone has told me that Shin is happy,” she looked away from an instant. I saw a glimpse of sadness in her eyes. “I would lie if I say that I'm happy for that twist of events, but…” 

My grip tightened.

“…but my daughter had to take responsibility for her own mistakes. She made her own choices, and she needed to grow up. Losing the only kid who protected her all these years was part of that.” She said, looking at me again. “That's why I want to do my best to make her little wish come true, Akane-chan. I assure you that she doesn't want to ruin your relationship. She's doing it because she wants to do something for him, at least for the first time in her life.”

‘I already know that… but why the hell does it bother me? Why the fuck am I so scared about what would happen after that? Shin won't leave me… and yet…’

“So, you want to know what Shin thinks about his family here, right?” I asked.

I had decided that I would've helped Kurone in bringing them here, but… in that moment, I was hesitating.

“Yes. I already talked to them, and they are completely willing to come back. They said that they gained enough money to afford university for Shin.” Sakura said. “And, more importantly, they miss him, a lot.”

I remained silent for a few instants, closed my eyes, and then took a deep breath.

“Sakura-san…” I spoke. 

“Yes?” She said.

I couldn't deny him the joy of having a family. Not after what we talked about, and surely not after telling me how much he still loves them.

“…I’ve already discussed with Shin about that.” I said, my voice calm.

“And?” 

I stood silent for 

“He misses them. I made him talk about his past events to make him remember them with a smile. And… he still loves them. He wants to see them.” I said, my hand tightly gripping my left arm.

Sakura remained silent for a few moments. 

“So… he still loves them.” Sakura said, relieved. “Thank you, Akane-chan.” 

Sakura then stood up and walked towards me.

She lowered herself to my level and then grabbed my hands. 

My eyes widened, confused by her actions. 

“Thank you, Akane-chan,” she repeated, her eyes wet.

“Sakura-san, what's wr—” I tried to speak.

“Nothing. I know that you have no reason to help us, and still…” a pause. “You've always been so kind.” 

I felt a strange sense of unease.

“What do you mean, Sakura-san? I'm only doing this for Shin—” 

“I mean...” She releases my hands. “I know about your story, Akane-chan. And I also know that you have the right to hate everyone”

I felt my blood freezing. 

“What…?” that's the only sound that could come out from my mouth.

I immediately stood up, and my head started spinning.

I then looked straight into Sakura’s eyes and took a deep breath to calm down before speaking.

She had an unreadable expression on her face.

“Excuse me, Sakura-san, what do you mean?” I asked again.

“I've been in touch with your mother all these years, you know?” She took some steps closer to me, but my body moved towards the exit of her house unconsciously. “I promise that I'll return the favor, Akane Yamada. Thank you for helping me.” She then bowed politely.

The way she spoke my old name made me shiver, and it made my heart race almost instantly.

I had a million questions to ask. But I felt like every answer wouldn't be enough. 

How did she know that? How did she know about my mother?

I didn't want to know. I didn't need it. Every answer would've been useless, and it wouldn't have changed anything.

After some instants, my back touched the wall without even realizing it.

“Akane-chan? Something’s wrong?” She asked, worried.

For some reason, I snapped back to reality.

“Yeah.” I said, taking a deep breath. “Sakura-san, I have only one favor to ask.”

“Mh? What is it? Feel free to tell me everything.” she said.

“I don't care, and I don't want to know how you knew my old mother.” I breathed. “The only favor I ask is for you to never bring up that family in front of me ever again. My name is Akane Takahashi. The Yamadas are dead. My mother died years ago, and I don't want to have anything to do with them. The only family I have right now is Shin. No one else. I don't want any favour in return. Everything I'm doing is for his happiness.” I said, politely but cold at the same time.

Sakura stared at me in silence for a few instants before smiling softly.

“Akane-chan, I'm completely aware of that. I've been told about the cruelty of that man, and all the abuses you and your mother have been through. I just wanted to say that you'll have full support from the entire Tsugikawa family.”She said.

She… knew.

‘You'll have full support from the entire Tsugikawa family’

At first, I didn't understand what she meant, but then… I remembered Kenji’s words.

I remembered every single detail, and I also remembered what he said about my mother.

That she will testify against our father, just to put him in jail, for everything he has done.

My blood started boiling.

‘No… if Kenji has some dignity… or a glimpse of humanity… he wouldn't come here…’

“Sakura-san, please. I don't know what you're talking about, but, as I said, I don't want to deal with that family again.” I said, my voice leaving no room for argument.

Sakura’s smile softened even more, like she was looking at a stray puppy.

“I know you don't, Akane-chan, but…” the sound of a door opening interrupted her.

My eyes immediately moved to the source of the sound: the door behind her, the one that lead to the dining room.

And in that moment, someone very unexpected walked out.

My eyes widened, my body started to tremble, and I felt a knot in my stomach.

I couldn't believe my sight.

I started breathing heavily.

“No… no… you… you can’t—” my fists clenched.

“It has been a long time, Akane… did you... Did you miss your mother?” She spoke like nothing had ever happened. Like it was a beautiful family reunion after a long trip aboard.

Her tone was soft, but to me… it felt like needles of glass stinging my entire body and soul…