Bound by Fate

“You know Mei...,”Sugou moaned before going in for another kiss, his hands firmly placed on her hips.

Despite her obvious distaste for what was transpiring, Mei left her mouth open for him to explode with his tongue.

Mei didn’t know how many times they had met like this or how many painful kisses they’ve shared. It all felt like one long, dragged out day in hell whenever they were together.

“I’ve been thinking,” The man said after ending the kiss, feeling more than enjoyed at the trail of saliva that they made.

“While this has been.... very pleasurable.....,” he continued as Mei felt a wave of relief over her, perhaps they were done for the day.

“I think we’re ready for the next step in our physical relationship.” Sugou said sounding oddly bold. Mei simply stared as she tried to really understand what he was saying.

“What is he....,” Mei thought to herself, having been suddenly filled with fear.

“I mean,” he started, after seeing the confusion in Meis eyes. “We’ve been only doing this for years and you’re already a third year. I think we’re ready for Sex.”

“Sex??” Mei thought as her blood ran cold. She didn’t love the man whom she was to marry. She has yet to even enjoy kissing him once over the years.

But sex...sex felt like it was too much. She didn’t wanna be that intimate with him, to let him explore her whole body rather than her head and neck.

Plus, it was only a matter of time before Shou came home, surely. Once he’s back, everything can change and for the better.

“I know you may be worried, truth be told I am too. But!” He returned his hands to Meis sides.

“I’m worried about our relationship Mei. I feel like this will be good for us..being physical could make us grow closer and close this emotional gap we have.”

“I wanna marry you, my dear. But if you won’t put as much into our betrothal as me...I’m just not sure.” He said with a tone Mei knew to be full of it.

Though that last part caught Meis attention and he clearly knew. “I mean If you won’t give to our relationship and help us grow closer, we should forget everything...say the word and I’ll talk to your grandfather and cancel if that’s what you want.”

Mei couldn’t believe this....

Just the idea of him doing this was enough to fill Mei with a great pain, only made worse the more she thought about it.

This could be a good thing, Mei might not ever have to see this monster again or even kiss him.

“But....,” Mei felt ready to throw up as her stomach sank. If he does decide to call her grandfather and end their engagement, everything really would’ve been for nothing.

He was the man chosen for her, unfortunately. Her grandfather chose him for Mei and set her on her path. A path she was meant to walk...

All of those tear filled nights alone, waiting for Shou would’ve been for naught. She would’ve suffered so much all for nothing.

All that to have to make out with a man Mei doesn’t know, almost daily, since she was 15.

Having such little time to consider everything didn’t exactly help either. Say no, and her life could’ve been wasted on nothing.

As much as it pained Mei, she knew the reality of the situation. He was simply asking to sound nice and keep up some appearance.

She has no say on her destined path in life....

“Okay.” Mei said.

That Saturday, Mei could feel her heart race throughout her body. Not from joy, but desperation.

Whether or not Sugou ends things wouldn’t matter if Shou came home. That little thread of hope was all Mei had right now as she paced around her fathers house.

He hasn’t been back in several years but surely he’d return tonight...right?

Soon, she would leave, get in a train, meet her fiancé and become a woman. For almost any other girl this would be amazing and a day to remember.

Unfortunately, it won’t be amazing and Mei WILL remember it.

“Dad...,” Mei continued to pace around the home as she could feel herself want to break down and cry.

She needed Shou now more than ever, he could save her and protect her from Sugou.

All he had to do was be there just this 1 time in almost 10 years. This alone would make up for everything in Meis eyes.

As Meis desperation grew, time failed to stop. Before Mei knew it, she knew what time it was. If she didn’t leave now, she wouldn’t catch the right train.

“Please!” Mei cried as she flung the door open, hoping to see her father.

Nothing.

“No....no no no no no,” Mei cried. Despite her heart not wanting to move, her brain knew better. Her legs began to move as she approached hell.

“D...daddy please....,” Mei ignored her falling tears as she continued to make her way to the train station.

~the next day~

Mei stood frozen in front of the mirror, her hair and clothes scruffier than usual. She stood filled with more painful thoughts than she can handle.

Sugou had gotten her start kissing him at the age of 15. She hated it yet put up with it.

After all those make out sessions, she could almost taste that dammed taste of his mouth....

Finally, after 3 years, he and Mei had sex. She put up with all of that just for her fathers sake, remaining hopeful he would return.

She suffered so much now, all for a man who couldn’t save her the 1 time she needed him more than ever.

Mei felt violated but knew she allowed it. But also knew she didn’t have a single say in any of it...

“AHHHHHHHHH!” Mei voice cracked as she screamed before punching the mirror, shattering it entirely.

“Ah!” Mei shot up from her slumber, her husband resting peacefully beside her.

Breathing heavily, Mei tried to calm down and forget her nightmare. Only problem, it wasn’t a nightmare, it was an actual memory. One that Mei replayed whenever her husband would wish to be physical.

She didn’t know what was worse, being physical with Sugou or having to constantly remember when they started and how heartbroken she was when Shou didn’t save her.

Not like it mattered anymore, she was already married. No one was coming to her rescue, this was her life now.

Slipping out of their bed, Mei escaped to the bathroom. She didn’t wanna see her naked figure in the mirror while she grabbed her birth control.

Just looking at her after sex reflection was enough to remind Mei how miserable she felt. This was one of the few times that Shous’ potential returning couldn’t stop the pain. One of the few instances she felt too overwhelmed.

After taking her birth control, Mei took a few more deep breaths. The fact she practically has to be on them also hurt. She wasn’t being forced but she’d be dammed before conceiving a child with her husband.

After a few minutes, Mei had returned to her Normal self. Or at least the most normal she could right now.

Once feeling better, Mei knew she needed a shower. There was no way she was going to work with his scent on her body.

Admittedly, the warm shower was very calming. Felt like all her problems melted away. Her daily showers were a small bit of heaven in a living hell.

After her shower She had noticed it was a quarter to six in the morning and let out a heavy sigh. Her day has barely started yet she knew it’d be a long one.

While making herself some breakfast, her husband had awoken. “Hello my dear,” he smiled as he pulled Mei close from behind, she tried to Not grimace.

“How’d you sleep?” He asked with wandering hands, making Meis soul shiver.

“...I slept fine. How about you?” Mei asked, trying hard to keep her normal tone.

“I always sleep fine with my beautiful wife next to me,” he kissed the top of her head. “But sleep even better after we make love.”

“Make love huh?” Mei thought, resisting any urge to roll her eyes. There was no love between them, no matter what he’d say. She knew the truth, Mei knew he was practically using her for money.

She felt a small sense of calming knowing it’s technically a mutually beneficial agreement for the Aiharas and Amamiyas. But that was little more than a technicality she clung to.

“Hey I gotta grab a shower before work, make me some?” He asked while thankfully releasing his hands from Mei.

“Alright I will,” Mei agreed.

“Thanks my Love,” Sugou gave his wife a quick kiss on the cheek before heading to his shower.

With a sigh, Mei did as she was asked. She had played the role for so long that if she started to act less friendly he would know. So she’d do small things like this whenever asked to keep up appearances to her husband.

“You are too sweet to me, Mei,” Sugou commented as he rejoined his “beloved”.

Mei simply nodded before finally being able to enjoy her breakfast. It had a faint bitter taste thanks to her husband being around but Mei chose to power through it.

The couple soon had to leave for work, though while walking mei had noticed a rather serious look on her husbands face. She didn’t particularly care but appearances are important.

“Something the matter?” Mei said after a sigh, still on the fence about if she should ask.

“No. I’m okay my love,” the man said through a poker face. “Thank you for worrying about me.”

In truth, he was worried thanks to some blonde nuisance. A girl he had only ever met a couple of days ago now threatens him and his girlfriend.

Their plan to be set for life was all but done. Thanks to their marriage agreement, they had to be married for a set amount of time to make sure the families got the same amount of business from it. That or have a child together but Mei was clearly against it, despite any attempts on Sugous part.

Once the set amount of time would pass, he could safely leave Mei snd even take money from her family. He got to do so many things wirh and to Mei yet was gonna basically get paid for it.

They planned to use Aihara money to cover expenses for their life, letting them live it easy. This is where the slight fear arose.

He was certain if the blonde told Mei about his girlfriend, than his wife wouldn’t believe her. Then he can manipulate her into forgetting about any possibility of him not being loyal.

So he had a plan, he was gonna try and make the blonde not say anything or have his word vs hers. To his knowledge, Mei wasn’t necessarily close with her so that could be an easy victory.

But the threat still lived. Meaning he was gonna have to today his all. Either stop the blonde or manipulate his wife, something he believes he has been doing for years.

The married couples’ commute was the same as ever, meaning they showed up around the same time. Usually Sugous’ Assitant would be waiting for them but she had called in, is what Mei heard.

He has asked his girlfriend to not come in today in case things somehow went south.

While Mei was talking with some teachers, Sugou visited the receptionist. “Hey...I need a favor.”

“Hm? Oh how can I help you?” She asked.

“My wife, Mrs Amamiya, has a meeting around 5 today. A blonde woman is supposed to come here. Could you see to it she comes a little early and to see me?”

The receptionist looked dumbfounded at him. “Y..yeah I could try I guess. Is there any reason?”

“My wife hasn’t been feeling well and I’m trying to lower her work load. It’d be better if you didn’t say anything to her either, it’ll be a nice little surprise,” he smiled with all his charisma, even making the receptionist blush.

“Y-yeah sure. Anything to help Mrs. Amamiya. I’ll have that taken care of right away!”

With another smile, he left the woman to work, all while planning what he had to say to the that blonde bitch.

Bzzzzz

Bzzzzz

Bzzzz

“Oh, hang on Harumin!” Yuzu said before putting down her breakfast and picking up her phone. “Hello?”

“Hello, this is Yuzuko Okogi, correct?”

“Yeah this is her. What’s up?”

“Hi, I’m with the Aihara academy High School and we were hoping for your meeting later you could come a little early.”

“Y-yes!” Yuzu shot from her chair. “Of course, what time?!”

“Quarter to Five work?”

“Sounds perfect! Have a good day!” Yuzu smiled before the call ended.

“That for your fake work meeting?” Harumi laughed again at what Yuzu had done. It was stupid, even for her.

“Yes it was thank you very much!” Yuzu stuck her tongue out playfully before the girls shared a laugh.

“I still don’t get why you’re getting involved,” Harumi commented after they settled down. “People like them live on a different world than we do.”

“Well what if you were Dating someone and....,”

“I-I’m not dating anyone!” Harumi panicked, her eyes wide and face red.

“Huh?” Yuzu looked confused. “No it’s a hypothetical. If you were dating someone I know you’d tell me.”

“R..right my bad,” Harumi nervously laughed while feeling a small bit of guilt for lying.

“But like I said,” Yuzu continued, her seriousness returning. “If you were dating someone and I saw them cheat on you, you would deserve to know.”

Harumi did her best to fight any thoughts of Matsuri cheating on her while listening to Yuzu. She knew that wasn’t the point but couldn’t help imagine it.

“Yeah you’re right,” Harumi was gritting her teeth a little.

“You’d especially deserve to know if you hated your partner and would cry about how sad you were in your sleep. Seriously she’s so miserable and he couldn’t care less.. what kind of guy..or even partner does that!? It’s..its....,”Yuzu voice had began to break as tears formed.

“Hey...hey it’s okay,” a now more focused Harumi got up and hugged her friend. “I’m sorry alright? I know you just wanna help save her. I don’t know why you care so much for someone who’s practically a stranger but I guess I understand the principle.”

“Thanks..I’m sorry I’m getting so worked up over this. I’m not sure I know what’s gotten into me,” Yuzu lightly chuckled in her friend’s arms.

“You just have a really big heart Yuzucchi,” Harumi patted her head. “It’s a great quality of yours.”

“Ya mean it?” Yuzu asked.

“I do. You do have a big heart buuuuut,” Harumi devilishly smirked before grabbing Yuzus’ chest and giving them a light push upwards.

“Small boobs,” Harumi laughed while Yuzu began getting defensive with a noticeable amount of red on her face.

“My boobs are fine thank you very much!” Yuzu declared.

“Oh?” Harumi smirked. “Has anyone ever told you that?” She herself had been complimented on her chest several times, though those were mainly from her girlfriend.

“Oh shut it!” Yuzus’ spoke with a red face, only making Harumi laugh more at her expense.

“I’m sorry!” She lied while continuing to laugh. “Wait it’s getting late..don’t you still have work before your fake meeting?”

“Huh?” Yuzu was pulled from her embarrassed rage. “Oh yeah why?”

“Ya may wanna get ready,” Harumi showed the blonde her phone.

“Oh crap!” Yuzu began to panic as she tried to take care of her breakfast. Harumi waved her away saying she’d take care of it so the blonde the get ready. One outfit change later and Yuzu had booked her way out of the shared apartment, ready to start her day.

Once alone Harumi did a double check to see Yuzu left. After confirming, she pulled out her phone and made a call. “H-hey Matsuri...good morning....,”

“I-I,” Harumi stammered after Matsuris response. “I missed you too okay?”

Even over the phone Harumi could see that cocky grin on her face, though she wasn’t sure how she felt about it right now. “But anyway...hey you wouldn’t ya know....cheat on me right?”

Meanwhile Yuzu was booking her way to work. She only had to take few trains so it wasn’t that bad, though she did sometimes wish she had gotten a bike like her mother. Would feel less cramped, Yuzu thought as a stranger was pressed against her side.

But a bike would also mean really having to deal with traffic and Yuzu wasn’t about that. She still found it hard to believe Harumis sister drove one.

“Okogi good news,” Mr. Kybashi startled Yuzu who had just punched in. “If the Aihara academy banquet gets signed you’ll be responsible.”

“I-I will?” Yuzu asked. “I thought I was just in charge of the meeting.”

“Well yeah,” the man sighed. “It wouldn’t look good if we sent someone to meet with clients then Intrust the job to someone they never met.”

“I see,” Yuzu smiled.

“I’m sure with Mei I can make sure things go great on our part...I wonder what kind of food she likes anyway.” She thought to herself.

Unfortunately for Yuzu her work day felt longer than normal. Didn’t help she had a lot on her mind regarding her meeting later but also she had started to help train a new hire.

Yuzu had figured this was part of a potential promotion, seeing how she can handle certain tasks. That being said, she was sure to give it her all even with her distractions. Even if she was less than thrilled to stay after, she persevered.

Her luck had finally came through when she was finally freed from work. “Why you in such a rush? Got a hot date?” Her coworker Rena teased.

“No I just got things to do,” Yuzu continued to get her stuff together.

“Yeah I should’ve known better,” she laughed as a slightly embarrassed Yuzu left in a hurry.

“I can worry about dating after I save Mei,” Yuzu thought to herself. She did want what so many others had, a love of her own. Truth be told it’s part of the reason she hated Meis husband. They had love but it’s not enough for him, it’s disgraceful.

Even more reason to tell Mei about what she had seen.

Fortunately she had just enough time to make it to the new time she was requested to be there. “Hi I’m Yuzuko Okogi. I was requested to be here early.” She told the receptionist.

After getting checked in Yuzu was told to go to the room she had witnesses Sugous affair. It was weird she wasn’t told to wait in Meis office.

“Hello?” Yuzu said as she walked into the room.

“Hello why don’t you take a seat?” Sugou asked from his desk, instantly giving Yuzu a sickening feeling in her gut.

“Where’s Mei?” Yuzu asked.

“Sit and I’ll tell you,” he smiled at her. Knowing she still needed information, Yuzu did as she was told.

“Now where is she?” Yuzu asked, annoyed at the mans presence.

“My dear wife hasn’t been feeling well so I took it upon myself to kick things off for her,” he said in a weird attempt to sound genuine.

“Does your ‘dear wife’ know you’re a dirty cheater?” Yuzu asked feeling her blood boil. The man went silent as he thought of some kind of retort.

“Just so you know I plan on telling her,” Yuzu shot daggers into his unfazed eyes. “She’s gonna leave your sorry ass.”

Yuzu was caught off guard when the man started to chuckle. It was eerie sounding given the conversation they were having.

“My wife may be dumb,” he continued to chuckle. “But she’s not dumb enough to believe some random woman she met at a bar over her dear husband.”

“What did you just...,”

“Actually I don’t know....she IS dumb enough to go home drunk with a female stranger,” he face palmed lightly.

Yuzu felt numerous of her nerves get struck at that statement and what it had implied. Yes Mei had accidentally gotten drunk and gone home with Yuzu but nothing happened! Besides she only got drunk because....

“Mei only needed me because...,”

“All those times I fucked her and we were both thinking about more beautiful woman, ain’t that something?” He laughed at the irony, seeing Yuzus fist clenching tightly. Being ignored while hearing how little he truly thought of Mei was beyond irritating.

“She DID go to an all girls school so I’m not too surprised she’s a dyke” He smiled seeing how Yuzu looked on the verge of tears or violence.

“But the fact she was nothing but an obedient, warm hole for...,”

SLAP

Enraged, Yuzu struck the man across his face. She could feel her heart in her ears and tears on her face as she hit him, never doing anything like this before. Her first time slapping someone and it left one hell of a mark on his face.

No one deserves to be demeaned like that, especially by someone whom they’ve trusted their life with. Married for 2 whole years and he thought this little of Mei??

“How could you say anything like that!?!” Yuzu screamed. “She’s your wife! You’re nothing but a....,”

The man violently slammed his hands on his desk before making his move against Yuzu. He didn’t expect it to hurt that much and had acted out of anger rather than his plan.

Shoving her against the wall he covered her mouth with his hand, “listen here bitch!” He yelled in Yuzus now slightly scared face.

“My family is pretty powerful. The Aiharas are also very powerful....I can ruin you! Try anything and I’ll make sure the only job you can get is dancing on a pole.” He said inches from her face.

“Understand??” He asked, spraying more than he was saying.

Yuzu had given him, what she considered, her best scared/helpless damsel eyes and nodded. Fortunately it had its desired effects since she felt his grip on her lighten up slightly.

Yuzu did what she felt she had to do in order to escape and kicked him in his shin as hard as she could manage. It wasn’t a very powerful kick but enough to make him grab his shin in pain.

“Ah shit!” He groaned before Yuzu shoved him back even more before booking it out of the room. Even she was surprised at where this all came from but despite that she still had one big objective on her mind: find Mei and save her from this...thing.

“That bitch,” he thought to himself now alone in the room. “Calm down...as long as everything is still working It’ll be fine.”

“I can’t believe I did that!” Yuzu thought to herself as she made her way to, what she recalled, Meis office. Now was shaking from a mix of shock and anger, an odd feeling she never had much of before.

Ume had raised her to not be a violent person but also to stand up for others and herself. This was however the first time standing up for herself had lead to things being physical and Yuzu wasn’t sure how to feel.

But Yuzu knew her feelings didn’t matter right now. The only thing that truly mattered was a tall, dark haired, admittedly beautiful, woman named Mei.

Turning the hall corner yuzu found the room she and Rena had entered for their meeting with Mei. Upon reaching the room Yuzu took a few deep breath before even knocking.

She knew this was important and being too emotional right now won’t help anybody.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

“Come in,” Meis voice was just loud enough for Yuzu to hear. She didn’t know why but hearing such a soft voice made Yuzu feel oddly calm about everything.

“Hello? Mei?” Yuzu asked as she opened the door.

“Good evening,” Mei bowed slightly. “I believe you had some business regarding our upcoming banquet you wished to discuss.”

“Y-yeah,” Yuzu felt relieved to see Mei so calm. It then hit her. If Sugou was willing to get that physical with someone who’s practically a stranger...what would he be willing to do with Mei?

“Actually,” Yuzu continued, resisting any urges to pull the woman close and pray she hadn’t been hit or worse.

“I...I need to tell you something,” Yuzus voice was wavering as she herself struggled to remain calm.

“About the banquet? I have yet to make a decision regarding the catering company.” Mei informed, believing this was some kind of strategy of Yuzus to get a business deal. Even she could tell something was off but that was irrelevant right now.

“Not exactly...,” Yuzu scratched her elbow nervously as she approached Mei. As she got closer, Mei could see what looked like a red mark around her mouth.

“Then what business would we have to discuss?” Mei asked sounding annoyed at the fact this meeting could’ve actually been of use.

“I..I know this may be hard to hear but it’s the truth! I swear on anything it is,” Yuzu continued as Meis’ cold expression softened ever so slightly.

“Mei your...last time I was hear I saw your husband and he..,” Yuzu started as Meis blood ran cold to the point Yuzu noticed a slight shift in the younger woman.

“He was kissing another woman. Mei I’m so sorry!” Yuzu cried out, having her own tears fall.

Meis’ blood ran cold as Yuzu spoke. She had never before discussed his girlfriend with anyone, especially someone whom she was expecting to have a meeting with.

Of course she had known about her since Mei attended the academy as a student but she didn’t know how to go through this conversation.

With Meis mouth agape at the situation, Yuzu continued. “I know it’s hard to hear but it’s true! I wouldn’t make up something like this.”

“I...,” Mei barely whispered, having still been caught off guard.

“He’s nothing but a selfish jerk who thinks little of you...seriously! Just now before coming in I met with him and well...,” Yuzu shifted uncomfortably.

“He said some things about you that no one should say...he even ended up slamming me against the wall and tried to shut me up so I don’t tell you,” Yuzu continued.

Mei could see some red around Yuzus’ mouth, adding another bit of truth to the story.

Confronted about his affair, and now he’s physically violent?? Mei didn’t know what to do or where to start....but one thing was for sure.

“Please leave,” Mei said in a demanding tone. She can’t handle this in front of anyone. The fact someone else knew of the affair risks everything she had worked so for.

Word gets out and the Aihara reputation will suffer. If Mei was dumb enough to not notice an affair after years together, she’d be labeled as unconfident and unfit.

Then if it’s revealed Mei knew about it than it’d be worse. She knew yet still gave into his more physical demands, people will think the new head of the Aihara family is far from respectable.

Any of that happening could cause all sorts of collateral damage, ruining the place Mei was determined to keep safe for her father.

“L-leave?” Yuzu stammered as she got closer to Mei. “Does that mean you believe me??”

“I...I have things to figure out,” Mei said. Should she confront Yuzu? Tell her not to say anything? If she had time to prepare than maybe this would be easier.

“Please tell me you’ll leave!” Yuzu begged, her voice cracking a little. “I know you hate him and how sad you are...,”

“How could you...,” Mei was cut off.

“You were crying in your sleep the night we met,” Yuzu informed her. She could still hear the pain in Meis drunken cries like it was yesterday, only adding to her determination.

Mei felt nauseous at this information, what else could she have possibly told her? What could she have said while sleeping next to her husband!?!?

“I...I was drunk correct? It was nothing more than.....,” Mei tried to cover it all up.

“So there’s no professor??” Yuzu asked, making Meis eyes grow wide. She wasn’t an expert at ready body language, but that was enough evidence for Yuzu.

“No...no no no no no no no,” Mei thought as her heart began to race and stomach sink.

“You need them right? I’ll help you,” Yuzu put her warm hands on Meis shoulders. “You can be happy Mei. I swear I’ll be right there helping you.”

“Happy?!? Me!?! I haven’t been happy in years.....,” Mei thought to herself, certain her anger was rising.

“She needs to shut up...this girl doesn’t know what she’s talking about or how complex this situation is...,”

“Leave...,” Mei tried to sound strong and certain. Instead, her voice sounded weak and scared.

“Tell me I can help you be happy and I’ll...,” Yuzu was cut off.

“I SAID LEAVE!” Meis voice cracked as it rang through her office. In a rage, Mei shoved Yuzu back and got uncomfortably close to her face. “I don’t need you or your help to be happy! Got that?!?”

Yuzus heart raced at this sudden act of aggression. “I...I’m just trying to..,”

“All I need is my dad...,” Mei barely managed to stop herself, unaware of the shaking in her voice.

“Your..your dad? Is that the professor?” Yuzu asked as Mei stiffened, still centimeters from her face.

How this blonde girl can miss one point and get another was astounding...

“It’s okay,” Yuzu pulled Mei into a hug, resisting her tears. “I can help you be with your dad.”

“I can help you be with your dad” a sentence Mei had never heard. Not even Himeko had tried so hard to help, and she knew what happened...

“I’m yelling at her, why would she care?” Mei thought to herself. She felt so upset with herself. In almost 10 years she hasn’t gone to anyone about her father, yet she was screaming about her issues to this stranger. A stranger who has no clue or idea what she’s talking about.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

“Huh?” Yuzus’ head turned towards the door that flew open. There the secretary stood, confused at seeing her boss being hugged.

“Mrs Amamiya? I heard some yelling..is everything okay?” She asked

Yuzu then realized what she had been doing and abruptly removed her hands. “I-I’m sorry about that...,”

“Please escort her out,” Mei said flatly.

“Alright?” The woman looked confused before approaching them. “Come on Ms Okogi.”

“I..,” Yuzu looked between the two. Mei simply looked defeated and the other woman only following orders. With a sigh, she complied.

“But real quick!” Yuzu took a scrap piece of paper and Scribbled on in while the secretary grew impatient.

“Heres my contact information....please Mei. I just want what’s best for you,” Yuzu sat the paper on Meis desk, who still wasn’t responsive.

“Alright come on,” the secretary grabbed Yuzus arm and started to lead her away.

“I hope to hear from you!” Yuzu practically begged as she was lead out. Any other time Yuzu would’ve put up more of a fight but she didn’t feel it was necessary. Mei knows the truth about her husband and that there’s people who want to help her, Yuzu figured that’s a lot more than she’s gotten in a long time.

It was a long day and she wasn’t sure how things would turn out. All Yuzu could do is hope Mei gets a hold of her soon, she did say she would do anything to help her.

“Mei…,” Yuzu thought of her as she walked home for the day. She didn’t know much about what Mei has been through, though Yuzu prayed it wasn’t as bad as she thought. “Someday I’ll make you smile.”

~few hours later~

“Mei?” Sugou knocked on her office door. It was long past the schools close time and no one had heard from the chairwoman since earlier,

No response.

“Love I’m coming in,” he declared before opening the door. Upon opening it, he saw his wife for the first time since the morning. Mei stiffened once she heard his voice.

Though instead of the strong woman he portrayed to others, there was exactly what he thought of her. A worthless, crying mess.

He allowed himself a smug grin for a moment before returning to his usual bullshit tone. “Mei dear? It’s late. Is everything alright?”

No response

“Come on Honey,” he walked up to her. “Let’s go home together.”

No response

Mei felt too broken, too overwhelmed right now. She didn’t know how to act, what to say, what to do. All she knew is that this was hell. One that…

“Don’t worry Mei,” he hugged her tightly as the sobs continued. “I’ll always be here for you.”