Risk [An Uzui Tengen Story]

[5] Mend

[Chapter C/W: Mentions of bullying and strong language]

That night Tamami spent the night curled up next to her dad in his bed. Her eyes still wet and red from last night's crying. Tengen was already up and getting ready to go for the day. He tried to let his precious daughter sleep as long as she could, knowing today would be a tough day for both of them. Maybe he should just clear his schedule today and stay home with her? He thought for a long time before ultimately deciding it's probably best she go back, so she can become stronger from all of this more quickly. But is he being too hard on her?

Tengen's phone vibrated on the nightstand. He walked over to check it seeing a message from his close friend and manager Kyojuro Rengoku.

Kyojuro: "Riku told me what happened yesterday. Is Tamami ok? She seemed pretty shaken up from the sounds of it. Do you want me to clear your schedule for today?"

Tengen sighed re-thinking he decision for the 100th time but still thinking it's best that she go.

Tengen: "Thanks, I appreciate the concern. It was pretty rough last night, but I think the sooner she can go back and get past this, the better it will be."

Rengoku: "Anytime and I agree. I'll see you at the office."

Tengen sets his phone back down and gently nudges his daughter awake.
"Tamami you have to get dressed now or we'll be late." He says to her.

"Do I have to go daddy?" The little girl asks all groggy.

"Yes, I'm afraid so princess. You can be strong. I know you can." Upon saying the sentence, Tengen wonders if he's saying the right thing. He's been questioning himself more recently than ever. He has no idea how today will go. For all he knows it could be worse than yesterday.

The fuchsia eyed girl makes her way to her feet and wonders off to her own room to find some clothes for the day, hoping more than anything that the pain she feels will subside.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Kohaku entered the school and set her bag of things down in her usual spot. She hardly got any sleep last night. Unable to stop thinking about the situation that unfolded yesterday. She was wondering if Tamami was ok and how Tengen's conversation with her went. How do you explain something like that to a child? She thought so many times yesterday about texting Tengen to check up on her, but she decided against it. She didn't know if that was overstepping whatever kind of relationship it is that they have. She feels like they're friends but at the same time, still can tell if Tengen is just a nice guy looking out for his daughter and putting up with her. She hoped that her silver haired pupil would show up today.

And she did. She wasn't her usual self, that's for sure. But she was still there. Part of it made Kohaku happy so she could try to cheer up. Especially knowing she will be going home with Tamami and Tengen this evening for their usual once a week tutoring.

Kohaku tired her best throughout the day to make everything as fun as possible, but the small fuchsia eyed girl refused to smile at any point during the day. Kohaku couldn't blame her. If Tengen told her the truth, she can only imagine what kind of pain the little girl is feeling.

At the end of the day when it came down to just Riku and Tamami, Kohaku was killing time until the girls' fathers made their appearance by writing some reports for the kid's parents.

"Tama chan, maybe you should come over and play this weekend!" Riku says able to sense that her friend is still very much distressed.

"Mmm." Tamami responds.

Riku's expression went somber as she couldn't think of anything that would cheer her friend up.

"Riku? Ready to go home firefly?" Kyojuro makes his appearance into the room with a smile.