The Bet 》A Shinichiro Sano Story

His Truth

This wasn't how things were supposed to be. Sure, Shinichiro would have told Saiko about the Black Dragons eventually but he didn't think it would happen like this. He didn't think a simple threat would make him reveal everything so quickly. But he loves Saiko and she deserves to know the truth. The truth would strengthen or end their relationship - and Shinichiro hoped it wasn't the latter.

He couldn't even look at Saiko as she prepared him some tea. After putting on sweats, she suggested that they talk downstairs. Shinichiro was in full-blown panic mode. His throat felt like it was closing up, his chest was quickening in a way he didn't like, his hands were getting clammy, and he felt a bit dizzy. He nearly jumped when Saiko placed the cup in front of him.

Saiko pulled a chair up and sat next to Shinichiro. Neither one saying anything. The only sound that filled the kitchen was the ticking of the clock. Shinichiro couldn't even look at her. His hands gripped his sweats as he tried to calm his nerves. Saiko knew she needed to give him some time. But she, herself, is beyond speechless.

The news was something she didn't expect. She didn't want to believe that the sweet, caring, goofy man in front of her is the leader of some gang. Maybe she heard him wrong. Maybe he's trying to prank her. But she wanted to hear him out and give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, she's not exactly a saint either.

"So..." Saiko began after a while. "You're the leader of the Black Dragon?" Shinichiro was too scared to respond. All he could do is nod. "Wakasa, Takeomi, and Benkei?" Shinichiro nodded again. "All those times you said you had band practice...it was really you heading out with them and all your other friends?" Another nod. "Why didn't you tell me?"

It was that question that made Shinichiro break down. As much as he tried to choke back a sob, he just couldn't.

"I didn't want you to think of me differently," he cried. "The most amazing girl in the world is dating some low-life delinquent? That's something that only comes out of a fairytale or manga."

Shinichiro reached up and wiped his eyes.

"I wanted to protect you, too. You were attacked and almost raped because of me. I'm the reason why those guys came after you. I didn't want to put you in that situation ever again. That night should have been a big hint to break up, but I was selfish because I still wanted you in my life."

Saiko reached over and grabbed his hand. Shinichiro immediately laced their fingers together and kept a firm hold.

"I don't know how you feel about delinquents and gangs...I was so afraid that you would be disgusted by me and leave." Shinichiro finally looked at her. "I also want to admit that my friends aren't like any of those other gang members. The only reason why I started the Black Dragon is to create a new generation of delinquents. I don't fight people, steal, or disrespect anyone. In fact, I'm the weakest member of the gang because I don't fight back but no one else cares. My friends...my family...they might make fun of me at times but they respect me."

Shinichiro reached over and grabbed her other hand. His eyes bore into hers to show his sincerity, love, and every other emotion he can express.

"You might hate me after this and don't want to see me again. Saiko, I might have lied about the Black Dragon but I never lied about anything else in our relationship. You mean so much to me that I don't want to see you go because of this."

Shinichiro waited for an answer. Saiko slowly brought her hand up. Shinichiro thought she was going to slap him and tell him to get out. He closed his eyes and waited but he didn't feel a sting. Instead, he felt her warm hand caress his cheek.

Letting out a small gasp, Shinichiro opened his teary eyes. Instead of looking at him in disgust, Saiko was giving him a loving smile. She leaned forward and connected their lips in a soft kiss. Shinichiro grabbed Saiko's robe and pulled her closer. He let out a shaky breath when they pulled away briefly before colliding their lips again. Tears were still streaming down his face but it didn't stop him from putting all the love he has in that one kiss.