Chasing Dreams (Discontinued)

Chapter 235: Granny Eri

Manasa, you're my antidote for Ikumi's venom. You're precious to me, and I wouldn't have made it this far without you.

Manasa watched expressionlessly from the comfort of her father's back. She didn't know what to think even though she spent most of her time overthinking. Manasa figured trying to deduce her role as Ren's antidote would lead her down a labyrinth of possibilities without any answers.

Tachi. Manasa's voice threatened to leave her mouth. She was tempted to ask, desperate for more clarification, but Manasa didn't want to ruin the mood.

Ren's torn expression flashed in her eyes like a ball of heat. She didn't want to see him look like that again, not now or ever. A layer of tears formed over Manasa's eyes. She wanted to cry for him. Manasa wanted to apologize for everything she did in her past life, the lies, the manipulation, and worst of all, the rape.

However, Manasa wondered if apologizing was adequate given everything Ren experienced. Where would she even begin? Would her apology hold any value? Would Ren even accept her apology?

A plethora of questions rummaged in Manasa's head like a vengeful tempest. Manasa's thoughts struck left and struck right, leaving little room to take shelter.

I have to say something. How could I not? It's my fault we're in this situation, to begin with. I killed Reyna and the others. I violated Tachi. I tainted Tachi's light with my venomous darkness. Now, I have to stand trial because of my actions, and Tachi has to participate in a Hi No Tatakai.

Manasa imagined Ren's aggressive assault and trembled. It was difficult for her to grasp that Ren could be so brutal. Around Manasa, Ren normally was sweet and kind. Manasa saw a tinge of darkness around him at night, mostly because Ren stopped hiding his true feelings.

In a strange, cathartic way, Manasa liked that version of her father the best. He felt honest, genuine, and tangible. Not the false persona she crafted for him.

Manasa instinctively clung to Ren's back tighter as if she was about to fall.

I wish we could be like this forever—just the two of us.

Ren adjusted his grip on Manasa, holding onto her legs. He assumed her sudden grip was her way of signaling she was losing balance.

"Sorry, are you okay?" Ren asked.

"Yeah." Manasa replied awkwardly.

A brief silence accompanied them as they walked along the stony beach. But Manasa didn't mind. For once, it was nice for the world just to be silent. She didn't want to sully the mood between her and her father with noise.

"I'm sorry if I'm not the dad you expected me to be." Ren said as if reading her mind. "It wasn't my intention to scare you."

Manasa was surprised but tried her best not to show it. "It's okay."

"Is it?" Ren glanced back.

"Yeah." Manasa rested her chin on his shoulder.

"You don't have to pretend to be tough for me you know." Ren insisted. "I know I screwed up. I'll try not to do that again."

"You don't have to." Manasa frowned, sounding tired. It was half-past midnight, normally by this time, she'd be fast asleep, tucked between both of her parents. She wondered once Anji was born if she'd have to give up her spot?

"But I do. I don't like scaring you." Ren sighed.

Manasa didn't bother to argue. She saw the pain on Ren's face and nodded, accepting his promise, even if she knew it was an empty one.