Kaito's eyes gazed into the distance, memories flooding back. His expression hinted at a complex mix of emotions: pain, anger, and regret.
"Sakura, do you want to know what happened?" Kaito asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sakura nodded, her eyes locked onto his, filled with empathy and curiosity.
"I'll tell you everything," Kaito promised, taking a deep breath.
Kaito's voice dropped to a whisper, as if sharing a secret.
"Growing up, my father was distant. Always busy with work," Kaito began, his words painting a picture of a lonely childhood.
Sakura's grip on his hand tightened, offering comfort.
"But Akira's family was close to ours. We were like siblings," Kaito said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
Sakura's eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to understand the complexities.
"What changed?" Sakura asked, her voice gentle.
Kaito's expression darkened, his eyes clouding over.
"Father's business dealings. Akira's father, Taro, manipulated him," Kaito accused, his tone laced with bitterness.
Sakura's heart sank, sensing the depth of Kaito's pain.
"How?" Sakura pressed, her voice encouraging.
Kaito's voice cracked, emotions threatening to overwhelm him.
"Father trusted Taro. He invested in Taro's real estate ventures," Kaito explained, his words dripping with regret.
Sakura's eyes widened, understanding the gravity.
"But?" Sakura prompted, her voice soft.
Kaito's eyes flashed with anger.
"Taro embezzled funds. Father's reputation was ruined," Kaito spat, venom in his voice.
Sakura's grip on his hand intensified, offering support.
"I'm sorry," Sakura whispered, her eyes filled with compassion.
Kaito's gaze locked onto hers, his expression softening.
"Akira knew. She helped her father," Kaito repeated, the pain still fresh.
Sakura's heart ached, understanding the complexity of Kaito's emotions.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Sakura asked, her voice gentle.
Kaito's expression softened.
"I didn't want to burden you," Kaito admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sakura's eyes filled with tears, her heart overflowing with empathy.
"You're not alone, Kaito," Sakura vowed, her voice filled with conviction.
As Kaito's past unfolded, Sakura's understanding deepened. She saw the scars, the pain, and the resilience.
"Kaito, what happened to your father?" Sakura asked, her voice cautious.
Kaito's voice dropped, his eyes clouding over.
"Father disappeared. Some say he's hiding. Others claim he's dead," Kaito said, his words laced with uncertainty.
Sakura's heart went out to Kaito, her grip on his hand tightening.
"I'm here for you," Sakura promised, her voice filled with conviction.
Kaito's arms wrapped around her, holding her close.
"Thank you, Sakura," Kaito whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.