Haruto and Daimon found themselves serving community work, a consequence of their recent altercation. 

They had put a group of drunk men in the hospital after the men had publicly humiliated and slapped a girl from their school. While their actions were in defense of the girl, the law had still found them responsible for the violent outcome.

As they worked, a man struck up a conversation with them. He seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. "Used to sell pure substances," he began, his voice tinged with regret. 

"Got caught and served twelve years. Missed my kids growing up, went through a divorce... it ruined my life."

Daimon and Haruto listened, their tasks momentarily forgotten. The man's story was a harsh reminder of the consequences of certain life choices.

"That's rough, man," Haruto commented, with empathy in his voice. "Twelve years is a long time."

"Yeah," Daimon added, his mind reflecting on his own past actions and those of his father's men. 

"Life can take unexpected turns."

The man nodded, a bitter smile on his face. 

"The worst part? I was just a delivery guy for some big shot named Masaru. Got caught because someone ratted me out."

At the mention of 'Masaru,' Daimon's expression shifted to one of shock, but he quickly composed himself, not wanting to reveal his recognition of the name.

Haruto noticed the change in Daimon's demeanor and gave him a questioning look, but Daimon just shook his head slightly, signaling to let it go.

"Yeah, trust is a rare commodity these days," Haruto said, turning back to the man.

The conversation continued, with both Daimon and Haruto offering words of comfort and support to the man, but Daimon's mind was elsewhere. The mention of Masaru had stirred a sea of questions and suspicions. 

He couldn't help but wonder about the connections and the unseen threads that seemed to tie his life to these hidden underworld figures.

As they finished their community work, the encounter left a lasting impression. For Daimon, it was more than just a story of loss and regret; it was a clue, a piece of a larger puzzle he was slowly piecing together. 

And for Haruto, it was a stark reminder of the paths one could take and the roads best avoided.

Daimon and Haruto walked away, their minds heavy with thoughts and reflections on the choices they had made and the lives they had touched, knowingly or unknowingly, in their intertwined journeys.

I wanted to share an update regarding the direction of our story. After much consideration, I've decided to part ways with the joint effort in writing this series. My creative vision tends to lean towards darker themes, and I feel it's best to continue crafting the narrative in a way that stays true to my style.

Your support means a lot to me. If you've enjoyed the story so far, please don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave your comments. Your feedback is invaluable and will help me grow as a writer. I'm excited to continue this journey and bring you more compelling and intense storytelling in the future.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.