Seeing the menace in his eyes, Tsubaki knew the man wasn't feigning an act. It was quite terrifying to see him like this as she only used to his gentle side. However, she always knew that this man had ruthless side as well, only being shown to strangers or his enemies. She could see it from the way he treated people around him.
"I know you just want to protect me. And I'm thankful for that." She smiled and squeezed his hand, reassuring him. "I will trust your decision."
Ren pulled her into a hug. Tsubaki was embarrassed with the intimate gesture but she didn't push him away. He was her husband after all. After some awkward time, she returned the hug.
"You might not remember, but I'm not a gentle person." He whispered next to her ear. "Besides Grandma and a few of my friends, I could only be kind to you. If they want to hurt you, I would return it in a thousandfold."
Tsubaki nodded, head pressing against his chest. She had agreed to accept him so she could even accept his dark side. And she believed that he won't hurt people recklessly.
After some time, he finally let her go albeit reluctantly. He chuckled amusedly at the sight of her blushing face. He cupped her cheeks, kissing her crown tenderly.
"Let's have our meal. Then I'll send you to your bakery."
Tsubaki lowered her head in shyness. She ate her meal in silence. After their late lunch, he dropped her off at Camellia Sweets before going to his company. He had some urgent matters to attend to. Assistant Matsuzaki had been calling him for quite some time already.
"Oh my God! Sister Tsubaki!"
Chiyo pounced onto Tsubaki once she entered the shop and wailed loudly. Luckily there was no customer around. She was dumbfounded with the way Chiyo acted.
"Calm down, Chiyo." Kohana came to Tsubaki's rescue. She dragged the girl off of their boss.
"Boss, are you okay?" Yoshie came out from the kitchen. "We knew what happened to you. About that scumbag."
"What? How come?" Tsubaki was clearly puzzled.
"We couldn't contact you throughout last night and Yoshie went to your house this morning. She met a man named Hibiki. He told her what had happened." Kohana explained in behalf of Yoshie.
Tsubaki knitted her brows. Her battery went flat before she arrived at Spring Garden and after charging it, she didn't turn it on due to the continuous events since the morning. Hibiki must had told Yoshie out of concern, considering the girls couldn't get a hold of her and he must have reported to Ren. She smiled helplessly thinking of the fact that her husband just didn't want her to worry so he hid this matter.
"It's already been dealt with. I've met with Chairman Kitaoji. He agreed to turn his grandson to the police."
"Thank God." Yoshie sighed, she looked completely relieved. "The Hibiki man warned me to not make a fuss as he said President Fuse had a plan. So we could only wait for you to come."
"So, it's true that Mr. Fuse saved you?" Chiyo asked with excitement, no longer wailing. "And you spend the night in his luxurious home?"
"What actually happened?" Yoshie pushed the overexcited Chiyo aside. "The man called you Madam, does it mean..."
Tsubaki sighed. She thought it was better for them to know. She couldn't hide it forever. After all, these three were her only close friends including the Osaki Sisters. Tsubaki flipped the sign on the door, turning it to Close. She pulled the blind down.
"I have something to tell you guys. Let's go to the resting room."
They followed Tsubaki from behind in confusion. Tsubaki sat on the long couch, Chiyo and Kohana took a seat on her left and right side, respectively. Yoshie sat on a chair opposite them. As the Osaki Sisters had gotten off work already, Tsubaki would only tell them first. It would save them from having misunderstandings.
"I have to tell you this, sooner or later. But, I need you to listen to me first. Only after I've done, I would answer your questions."
Seeing the serious expression on their boss' face, they didn't dare to play around. It seemed what she wanted to tell them was very important, considering she had closed the bakery temporarily during day time.
Tsubaki started her story. They had already knew about the accident that costed her memories so it was easier to tell them. She told them about the true nature of her relationship with Fuse Ren as well as what Kitaoji Masaru had tried to do to her last night.
".... so I'll be living with him from now on. And, Kitaoji Masaru might end up in jail eventually."
All three of them showed different reactions. While Chiyo gaped at her, Yoshie looked rather sad while Kohana lost in her thoughts. After a moment of silence, Kohana was the one who spoke first.
"It's good that he came back for you but why he only did it after five years?" She frowned, looking displeased. "I don't want you to be played by him, sis."
Tsubaki offered her a small smile. "Thank you for your concern, Kohana. For now, I want to trust him. Satsuki deems him trustworthy too."
"Don't worry, Kohana." Yoshie chimed in. She crossed her arms and smiled. "I know that you're worried. We all do. But let's trust in Mr. Fuse, okay?"
"Alright." Kohana reluctantly agreed.
"Gosh!" Chiyo jumped off the couch, looking overjoyed. "Does it mean we can attend the wedding of the year?"
The three of them could only smile helplessly.