This is the Last chapter containing story before chapter 24
Aiko's heart was shattered into a million pieces as she stared at the screen, her tears streaming down her face, her voice filled with a mixture of anger and betrayal. She had poured her heart and soul into building a trust with this person, only to have it shattered in an instant. She wondered if she had been a fool all along. She was on the verge of throwing the phone across the room when it rang. She hesitated for a moment, then answered cautiously.
[call: Honey]
"Hello," she said, her voice filled with a biting coldness.
"Hello, honey. I am sorry I can't come to pick you up today. Today I gotta go to Ayumi's to look after her. She has caught a fever. I am sorry, honey."
"..."
"Honey, are you okay?"
"I gotta go, sorry will talk to you later," she cut it.
Aiko stood up, her hands shaking as she went to the bathroom. She washed her face and tried to compose herself, but the tears still flowed. Her makeup was ruined, and she felt completely
destroyed.
..."Takashi, I was the one who was always there for you. But you chose Ayumi over me? Why are you still with me?"
She thought, her heart heavy with despair. The door to the bathroom suddenly opened, and footsteps echoed in the hallway. Who could it be? She wiped her tears and walked out to find her friend Yuki standing there.
"Ara, Yamato sempai, why are you crying, sempai? Don't tell me your man really did cheat on you?"
"YY...Yuki san. Why are you here?"
"Why? To pee, of course. I need to use the washroom."
Aiko felt a pang of envy for her friend's nonchalant attitude. She wondered if she could ever be as tough as Yuki.
"So, tell me what actually happened? You found out he was cheating all along, right? Men are such manipulative assholes. You were working your ass off and your husband was cheating on you. What does he do for a living?"
"What?" Aiko asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I mean, what is his occupation?"
"He used to work for a company, but he recently got fired."
"So, he's a pimp, living off your money? How naive, sempai. You look so tough, but in reality, you're just an easy woman who's being used by a shitty man."
Aiko felt a wave of anger wash over her as she glared at Yuki.
"I hope you divorce that shit sempai," Yuki said as she left.
Aiko was left alone, her heart heavy with sadness and anger. She had never felt so betrayed in her life.
#On the other side,
Takashi was looking at Ayumi's apartment, his heart aching as he remembered the times they had spent together. He had a duplicate key, and he opened the door, stepping inside. It was quiet and still, and he felt a wave of worry wash over him. He put the food ingredients on the table, hoping that Ayumi was just sleeping.
"Ayumi... Ayumi..." he called out, his voice barely above a whisper.
He rushed to her room and opened the door, his heart racing as he saw her lying on her bed, her beautiful face red and feverish. He put his hand on her forehead, feeling the heat that radiated from her.
"Man, it's so warm..." he whispered, his voice filled with concern and love.
He leaned down and gently shook her shoulder.
"Ayumi, Ayumi... it's me, Takashi. Wake up."
She opened her eyes, her face breaking into a smile as she saw her beloved brother.
"OO... Oniii chaan. HUuuuggg...~~~" she said, reaching out to hug him.
He hugged her back, feeling a sense of relief wash over him as he held her close.
Takashi took a deep breath and looked at Ayumi, who was now resting in her bed. He knew that he needed to take care of her, to make sure that she got the rest she needed.
"Don't worry, Ayumi Oni Chan is here. Let's just check your temperature," he suggested gently as he took a thermometer from his pocket.
Ayumi undressed her shirt, revealing her delicate, smooth skin. She opened her arm, signaling for Takashi to take the thermometer. He put it under her armpit, and after a few seconds, he quickly removed it. He looked at the thermometer and his eyes widened in alarm.
"It's very high, Ayumi. You need to rest. I'll talk to your college. You're staying home today. I'll look after you," Takashi said with a concerned smile.
Ayumi nodded, looking grateful and relieved. Takashi then went to the kitchen to make Ayumi some food. When he returned, Ayumi was sitting up in bed, her eyes gleaming with hunger.
"Here, eat this," Takashi said, offering Ayumi a plate of food.
Ayumi's face lit up with happiness as she eagerly took the food from Takashi's hands, her mouth wide open. Takashi fed her, enjoying the simple pleasure of taking care of his little sister.
Once Ayumi had finished her meal, Takashi took a wet towel and gently cleaned her body. He massaged her shoulders and back, making sure to soothe her aching muscles. Ayumi closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation of her brother's touch.
As the sun began to set, Ayumi fell into a deep sleep. Takashi looked at the clock and realized that it was 7:00 pm. He knew that he needed to prepare dinner for Aiko, but he couldn't bring himself to leave Ayumi's side.
Suddenly, Ayumi grabbed his hand and said,
"Oni Chan, don't leave me. Stay with me." Her words were like a gentle plea, and Takashi's heart melted. He knew that he couldn't leave her alone, not when she needed him the most.
Takashi sat down beside Ayumi, taking her hand in his.
"Dont you worry I will be here by your side." I said as I texted Aiko that I would be late....
[End of the chupter]