Dean hadn’t moved since Daiki left, his head bowed low, his body frozen in place.

Benjiro stood there, helpless. Looking at his friend like this was like a knife twisting inside him.

He swallowed hard, desperate to find something to say—something to ease his friend’s suffering—
but the words wouldn’t come.

Then he saw it.

Dean’s body trembled.

It was faint, almost invisible, but Benjiro caught it clearly.

There was something Dean feared deeply.
But would he share it?
Would Dean let him in?

Benjiro clenched his fists. No. He couldn’t just stand there. He was Dean’s best friend. He had to try.

“Dean…” Benjiro whispered softly.

But Dean kept his head down, refusing to meet his eyes.

Benjiro pressed on.
“You know what? Suzy called me last week.”

Still no reaction.

He added gently, “I never thought she’d call me. Why do you think that is?”

At that, Dean finally lifted his head slightly, just enough to glance at Benjiro.

His eyes were red. His lips trembled with words he couldn’t yet form.

The tears he fought to suppress left their traces regardless.

He parted his lips—about to speak—

—when the door slammed open.

“Do they not know how to open a door like normal peo—?”

Benjiro choked off his words, when he saw Daiki stride in.
And he wasn’t alone.

A maid guided a girl behind him.

Ayane.

Dean’s heart dropped. His eyes widened in shock, terror flooding him.

Why is she here?

Didn’t she promise to give me time to confess on my own?

Don’t tell me… she already told him?

He couldn’t focus on anything but Ayane quietly taking a seat behind Daiki.

Her presence anchored him in dread, her expression unreadable—was she worried, or calculating?

Dean’s thoughts spiraled into chaos, guilt stabbing at him like a thousand blades.

Daiki stood in front of them, his voice firm and sharp:
“Now talk.”

Dean flinched. His throat went dry.

His hands clenched so tightly his nails dug into his skin, nearly drawing blood.

He knew for sure now.

He had to face his ghosts… sooner or later.
He had to atone for what happened back then.

He couldn’t run anymore.

Daiki slid his hands into his pockets, his tone heavier.
“Why did you attack us? Who sent you? Speak.”

Dean blinked rapidly, startled, struggling to understand.

What attack is he talking about?
Wasn’t this about his real identity?

He lifted his head carefully, terrified…

But then, he realized Daiki wasn’t even looking at him.

His gaze was fixed on Benjiro with a terrifying intensity.

Benjiro stayed silent, hoping if he said nothing, they might grow tired and release him.

But he had forgotten an important truth.

He was now in the hands of the yakuza.

Men with little patience—
and even less mercy.

Daiki repeated, more forceful:
“What were you intending to do?”

Still no answer.

Behind him, Ayane could feel her uncle’s rage deepen, heavy in the air.

The tension made even her worry.

Her unease was justified.

Daiki drew a gun.

The metallic click echoed like a death sentence.

He leveled it at Benjiro’s head.

Ayane’s lips trembled slightly.
She wanted to speak—but stopped herself.

Her uncle was right. Lives were ruined because of this attack.
If the truth was hidden in these two boys, then anything was justified to uncover it.

And what she discovered earlier about Dean…
No, she would not interfere.
Not yet.

Benjiro’s blood ran cold facing the gun. His knees felt weak.

He realized, with a chill racing down his spine—

Daiki wasn’t bluffing.

If he stayed silent, he might not see tomorrow.

TO BE CONTINUED…

 Author’s Note

Thank you for reading Chapter 10 – Part One!
The tension is rising—Daiki is demanding answers, Benjiro is cornered, and Dean’s secret is on the verge of being exposed.

In Part Two, everything will come crashing down.
Who will speak first?
And what will happen when the truth finally slips out?

Stay tuned for the next update 💕
If you enjoyed this chapter, don’t forget to like, comment, or share your thoughts—your support means the world and keeps me motivated! 🌸