Fortune's Fate

Chapter 9 - Broken

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The car ride is mostly silent except for the happy chattering of Wataru from the backseat, his excitement infectious despite the tension holding (Y/n)'s muscles taut.

"Miss Fortune, did you know I got a gold star today for helping clean up the classroom?" Wataru's voice is bright, his eyes shining with pride as he leans forward in his seat.

(Y/n) turns to look at him, forcing a smile. "That's wonderful, Wataru! I'm so proud of you."

"Yeah, and I got to be the line leader too!" he continues, his face glowing with excitement.

"You're such a good helper," Masaomi adds, glancing at Wataru in the rearview mirror. "I'm proud of you too, little buddy."

Wataru giggles happily but Masaomi's smile doesn't rise as it usually would at the sound. As the ride continues, he occasionally glances at (Y/n), concern lining his features.

As they finally pull up to her apartment complex, (Y/n) hesitates, reaching into her bag for her keys but comes up empty-handed. She rummages through her bag frantically, her frown deepening. She pulls out her purse, a glasses case, spare tissues and bandaids—even an old lolly that had snuck in, but still no keys.

"I can't find my keys," she mutters, her voice tinged with anxiety.

Masaomi gently places a hand on her shoulder, eyeing the mess of items. "Do you have any spare keys lying around? Or someone close by who has a spare?"

"No..."

"...Why don't you stay at the condo tonight? We can sort out the locksmith in the morning."

(Y/n) considers for a moment, then nods. "I think that would be best. Thank you, Masaomi. I appreciate it."

As they drive towards the condo, (Y/n) tries to push down the anxiety gnawing at her. The tall building looms ahead, it's lights aglow against the night sky. They park and walk up the steps, the cool night air doing little to calm her nerves. Masaomi unlocks the door and gestures for (Y/n) to enter first.

"Welcome," he says softly, ushering her inside.

After taking the elevator up, (Y/n) steps into the spacious, warmly lit living area, her eyes scanning the room nervously. The condo has a modern yet cozy feel, with a large plush sofa and soft lighting. The scent of lavender lingers in the air, calming yet unfamiliar. The sound of laughter and conversation floats from the lounge area.

As they walk further in, several of Masaomi's brothers look up, their expressions shifting from calm to surprise. Tsubaki, lounging on the sofa with a book, raises an eyebrow. Azusa, sitting nearby, sets down his tea, a look of mild shock crossing his face. Kaname, sprawled across from the two, glances up with a smirk, while Subaru, standing by the window, turns to face them, his eyes wide.

"Who's this?" Tsubaki asks.

Masaomi steps forward, placing a reassuring hand on (Y/n)'s shoulder. "Everyone, this is (Y/n). She's going to stay with us tonight."

(Y/n) feels the weight of their gazes, her nerves returning. Ukyo, with a warm smile, steps forward, his usual calm demeanour reassuring.

"It's good to see you again, (Y/n). I hope you're doing well," he says warmly.

(Y/n) smiles, though it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you, Ukyo. It's nice to see you too."

"Any friend of Masaomi's is a friend of ours," Tsubaki says with a grin. "Nice to meet you, (Y/n)."

"Yeah, feel free to make yourself at home," Azusa adds softly.

Kaname gives her a polite nod. "Welcome, (Y/n)."

Subaru, though quiet, offers a small smile. "Hi," he mumbles.

"Thank you for the hospitality."

—

After excusing herself from a casual conversation with the brothers, (Y/n) steps away to the kitchen, searching quickly for a glass to fill. She finds them under the sink and proceeds to fill and down a glass of water in seconds. She refills it immediately but pauses just as the rim touches her lips.

"Are you alright?" The gentle voice nearly startles (Y/n) into dropping her cup. She looks over her shoulder to find Masaomi standing a few paces behind her. He watches her worriedly, his eyes searching.

"You scared me," she laughs with a sigh. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just needed a breather."

With a creased brow, Masaomi takes a step forward so the two stand almost chest to chest. He reaches up a hand and gently tucks some of (Y/n)'s hair behind her ear. His eyes do not leave hers as he follows the shape of her head until his fingers lay gingerly on the side of her face.

"I like to think I know you well enough by now to know that's a lie." When (Y/n) doesn't respond to this, he takes the glass from her hand and places his hand on her back. "I'll take you to my room. It's a lot quieter there."

—

The door closes behind them as they enter his room, shutting out the outside world. Now in the quiet and calm, (Y/n) bites down on her lip, attempting to hold back her whimper. Her emotions have been at war all day, and she has adamantly kept them bottled. Masaomi notices her distress and guides her to sit on the edge of his bed. He takes a seat beside her, giving her the space she needs.

"I'm sorry for being so emotional right now," she whispers, her voice barely audible.

"It's okay. You don't need to apologize for that." They sit in the lingering silence of the room for a while before Masaomi speaks softly. "You don't have to say anything if you're not ready. Just know I'm here for you."

"Please... Stop saying stuff like that..."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Stop saying such nice things. Stop making sure I'm okay when you see that I'm not. Stop holding me in high regard—Just stop making me feel seen!" (Y/n) crumples into herself, tears pricking her eyes. "I'm used to people accepting when I say I'm okay, so just do that... I don't know how to talk about these things with people..."

Masaomi's expression softens, and he gently places a hand on her shoulder. "I can't ignore someone when they're in pain, whether it's visible or not. I'm not going to push you to talk, but I cannot—will not act as if I can't see your pain."

The tears finally spill from (Y/n)'s eyes, and as she tries wiping them away, more keep falling, as if a faucet unable to close. Masaomi reaches out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"...After Taro and I got married, he kept pushing for us to have kids. I knew his family was big on having kids early, so I didn't think much of it... I went through six miscarriages before Taro finally snapped. We found out I have PCOS, and that the treatment for it would be expensive and not guaranteed. He didn't want to pay the money and just got more upset. In the end, he filed for a divorce because I 'failed my duty as a woman and wife,' and that I should be thankful he didn't 'take what's left of me.'"

Masaomi finds it exceedingly difficult to keep his composure as he squeezes (Y/n)'s hand reassuringly. If he knew any of this before the encounter in the cafe, he could not say what would have happened to that man.

"I'm so sorry, (Y/n)," Masaomi says softly. "You didn't deserve any of that."

(Y/n) takes a shaky breath, leaning into his touch. "You sound like my old therapist."

"Maybe I should change professions."

(Y/n) lets out a laugh between sniffles. "...Thank you, Masaomi. For everything you've done for me."

He wraps his arms around her, holding her gently as she cries. "I'm here for you, (Y/n). Always."