Never Be Apart

CHAPTER 11

The ride to town was quiet. Instead of just the four of us going, it ended up being six. I don't know what got into Haruki's head, but he invited Ashden to join us. I couldn't really argue since there were more of them than me.

Ashden is sitting next to me now. Yunji is next to Aki behind us. We're using Dad's staff car to keep an eye on me. I'm feeling down because Dad's gone, and both Yunji and I are still in danger since the case is just getting started.

"Let Tito's brothers know what happened. We still need their guidance. We won't win in court if it's just us fighting this. Our family can help, but they can't fight for Tito. Your relatives are the only ones who can do that," Haruki explained from the back, sitting next to Natsumi.

I quickly grabbed my phone and went to Instagram to message Dad's relatives abroad. I didn't have their numbers, but thankfully they follow me on IG, so I could still reach them.

When we arrived at the police station, Dad's second youngest sibling immediately called me. He must have read my message. Haruki and the others looked at me, and I just nodded and let them go ahead. I wasn't surprised when Ashden stayed behind with me. I just ignored his presence.

"Hello, Aunt?" I greeted her when I answered the call.

("What happened to my brother?") she asked in Korean. I just looked down, even though I was only talking to her on the phone.

"Well, Auntie... Didn't Auntie Tere already tell you—" I didn't finish my sentence when she suddenly spoke.

("I'll just go there. Wait for me,") she said, and then hung up. I understand that, but I can't speak fluently since I wasn't trained in it. Papa only used it when he was angry or didn't want others to understand him.

I turned to Ashden, who was quietly watching me. When he felt my gaze, he immediately looked at me and smiled. This was the first time I really looked at his face and the first time I looked at him without feeling annoyed or irritated.

Ashden is undeniably handsome—tall, well-dressed, and clean. He has a pointed nose and different-colored eyes, making it clear that he's American. He used to speak Tagalog with a bit of slang when we first met, especially when he gave me red roses out of nowhere. But now, I think he's getting used to Tagalog. I shook my head and smiled, remembering that. His smile faded when he noticed me smiling at him. I just shook my head and looked away.

"Is there something on my face?" he asked, looking confused, and touched his face. He took out his phone to use as a mirror. I laughed but kept looking at him. "Wait, you're staring at me so intently... Are you starting to like me too?" he said with a grin. I just laughed and shook my head, then turned away to head to the police station.