Separated

Chapter 24 - Minori

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Trust was and is an unexplainable thing.

I trusted my parents. I trusted my brother.

Last night, I found myself trusting him.

My past experience isn't uncommon. Statistics say 1 in 3 women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime.

However, unlike many girls and women, I wasn't assaulted by someone close to me or my family. That was a fortunate thing. It meant that I don't really look over my shoulder afraid that they might come back. I don't live my life in constant fear like they do. I don't ever feel unsafe. Even if I do, I know someone who I can rely on is close by. I have people who will protect me.

Besides, those who had violated me were killed. A few behind my back. One in front of me, courtesy of my brother but for that I was thankful. It gave me peace of mind, knowing that they were gone.

That was one of the pros of being in this side of the world. Normal or common morality wasn't exactly our standard of normal.

But I wasn't an exception trauma. I felt too much. I remember too much, consciously, and unconsciously. That experience had subjected me to being afraid of people's touch. Especially people touching my hair.

I couldn't even allow my own father who would rather kill himself before he could even harm me, touch me. I couldn't accept his touch until a full 12 months later. I still vividly remember that night.

It was summer festival in Japan.

There were so many people, enjoying the food stalls, game stalls, and miniature rides. The amount of people there were slightly overwhelming and the fact that I hadn't left my home often wasn't helping but the overall atmosphere of vibrant smiles, genuine laughter's, and pure joy elevated my anxiety a little.

I stuck closely with my brother who I knew was safe and was capable of protecting me. My father tagged along for the funny excuse of checking on the men who helped set up the event.

Fireworks decorated the night sky in bright splashed of color. It elicited sounds that drowned the noise of the crowd and I was in awe. Before that, I often cooped in my room, afraid of going anywhere near the outside world so being able to witness such dream like view was just . . . fun.

But as the fireworks continue, the more people came over to watch the view. It started crowd in the same area and viewing the sky as small thirteen-year-old was a difficult task.

I shifted my attention towards my tall father who watched the fireworks with no change in his neutral expression. He seemed bored even. I give a tug on his clothes, gaining his attention.

"Is something wrong Minori? Should I change the fireworks? Should I make everyone leave?"

My father was a little extra in that sense. I shake my head.

"Can I go on your shoulders?" I ask. It was the first time I had asked him to hold me in any way. It wasn't because I didn't trust him because I did. I was just afraid.

But that night I wanted to allow myself to fully trust him.

His usually neutrally bored expression morphs into surprise and wonder with a hint of satisfaction. He gives his large hands which I take and he swings me onto his shoulder.

On his large shoulders, high off the ground, those fireworks were the most beautiful fireworks I had ever seen.

And right now I reminded of that moment.

I wasn't on his shoulders, but I was being carried down the hills of the forest.

I did protest. I knew I was under the water, but I did not know how long I was under for. Or the fact that I was resuscitated by the leader of the Bratva.

But that was a reason enough for him to not allow me to hike down. I was breathing fine on my own and I felt energised after resting. Perhaps it was just because I rested but I knew I felt replenished and well . . . free after telling someone about my past. Someone who I could trust. Someone who listened. Just listened and took it in.

Even on his backside, he was still warm. Still comforting. Still safe.

"Do you often give women piggyback rides down the forest?"

"Nope. My first. I'd like to think it's the last, but something tells me we'd be doing this again." He replies effortlessly even as he carries me while walking down the uneven ground.

We. We'd be doing this again.

I couldn't understand why I liked those words being utilised or why I liked the potential meaning behind it. I came into this forest with the hopes of trying to deter my mind from him and here I was enjoying his company, his warmth and was looking forward to a future where I could see him again.

"I wouldn't jinx it if I were you. I tend to remember the small things."

"I'm counting on it."

My face couldn't help but smile. Unconsciously I bring my face closer to his neck.

Warmth. Comfort. Safety.

He was the first.

First person who I felt all of those things besides my family. First person my body allowed itself to be touched by. First person who I allowed to trust.

"Are we there yet?" I ask like a child on a road trip, slightly swinging my legs which were weaved through his arms that was holding me.

"Bored I see. Don't worry, I already see your brother."

Oh, oh.

I crane my neck to find him. Sure enough, he was there. Arms crossed, still wearing yesterday's clothes. I forgot that I was technically a missing person.

Ryo may trust me, but I wasn't sure where he stood when it came to whatever this was.

Within minutes we were right in front of his men and my brother and our people. I climb out of his hold and instantly missed his warmth. It was a strange feeling. His warmth wasn't something I was used to and yet I was already craving for it.

"Care to explain what happened?" Ryo questions as he takes my hand and manoeuvres me so that I was standing behind him and Kaito. His way of showing his protection and care.

"I will explain that to you on another day. What you should be doing is checking her with a doctor. She was drowning for at least 2 minutes and wasn't breathing for about 4minutes."

Ryo turns his head around to face with me. Gone were his fake calm exterior. I couldn't decipher whether he was mad or concerned.

"I'm okay. I feel fine." I say in an attempt to reassure him. I genuinely felt fine. Normal. Better even. But my brother wasn't hearing it.

"Kaito, get that explanation." Ryo demands to which Kaito nods in agreeance. And then with my hand still in his, he guides me over to his car. I take one last glance over towards him, his deep ocean blue eyes directly staring at mine.

Perhaps I was a broken being from the very beginning. Faulty. Malfunctioning. Damaged.

But in that moment I knew, I was truly a goner.

I hadn't allowed myself to even attempt to get close to anyone for years, let alone trust people. However, he was the anomaly in my life.

My carefully constructed life that I could control at my fingertips was going to be altered. I There was a high likelihood that I would have little control when it came to him.

But the thing was, for once, I didn't mind it.