Lost

Chapter 12 Jacquelyn

My eyes were glued to the small box TV where Isamu's face filled the screen. He was suddenly on every news station, his name echoing across Japan. I couldn't understand everything he was saying, but the tone, the tension in his eyes—I knew something was wrong.

Then I heard footsteps approaching.

"Isamu," I said, getting up quickly. "What's going on? You're on TV—everywhere."

"It's nothing important."

"No, don't tell me that. Please. Is something wrong?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he leaned forward and kissed me. I placed my hands on his chest, trying to push him gently away.

"Isamu, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing."

His voice was quiet, heavy. He leaned in again, but I stepped back.

"Isamu, enough. You're scaring me. This isn't you."

He looked at me, his expression hard to read. "How do you know this isn't me? You haven't known me that long."

"I don't need years to know something's off," I said softly.

He sighed and turned away. "I'm going back to my family business. I made an agreement with them. That way, you won't be dragged into this mess."

My heart sank. "No, you don't want to go back to them. Not after everything they did to you. Forget about me, I'll be fine. The story will fade eventually, even back home. Yeah, people might question why I was all over Japanese news, but it'll pass."

He shook his head. "I can't live with myself knowing people will talk badly about you without even knowing you. This life—it's harsh, unforgiving. I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."

"Isamu..."

"No more, okay?"

All I could do was nod. I would never truly understand his world, and maybe he didn't want me to. I just had to trust that whatever he was doing—he believed it was for the best.

Last day...

Today was the last day I was supposed to be in Japan. I still hadn't figured out how I was getting to the airport. I didn't want to bother Isamu about it. Sure, he could drive me, but I didn't want him going near the city. Everyone was after him now after what he'd said on TV that night. I just wished people would leave him alone. People treated those of his status worse than animals.

"Come on," Isamu said, walking up to me as I picked peppers from the field.

"Come where?"

"To the car. I've got your bags packed. You still have some time before your flight."

"Wait—what?"

"You're going home today, right?"

"Yeah, I'm supposed to, but... Isamu, you can't go back there."

He looked at me, calm but firm. "You can't stay here forever, Jackie."

"What if I want to?"

"Then you'll be talking to the police. You'd have overstayed your time here."

"Oh... right. Forgot about that."

He smiled faintly. "Come on, we've got somewhere to be. I made a reservation a few minutes ago."

"Where are we going?"

"Can't tell you," he said, smirking slightly.

I grabbed his hand as he led me to the car. Curiosity burned through me during the entire drive.