𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 || 𝘉𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘤

♠️ 004 ♠️

Once the boys had left the prison, they drove back to their hideout in silence. Sanzu sat in the backseat, gazing out the window with a distant look in his eyes. Mikey and Akashi watched him through the rearview mirror, knowing exactly what he was feeling. It had been four long years since Sanzu had been released from prison, and he still hadn't been able to move on from the pain and loneliness he felt. Mikey understood all too well, as he too had someone to worry about - his sister Maya, who had been missing for the same amount of time.

''Sanzu'' Mikey called out to him, breaking the silence.

''Hmm?'' Sanzu hummed, his gaze still fixated on the passing scenery.

Mikey hesitated for a moment before continuing, 

''How did you cope back there?''

Sanzu's attention was finally caught and he turned to look at Mikey. 

''Just like how anyone else copes when they're grieving. It's been hard'' He replied in a barely audible voice, as if his soul was no longer in his body.

Mikey could hear the pain in Sanzu's voice and it worried him. He knew that Sanzu had been through a lot in prison and he couldn't imagine what it must have been like for him.

''It's the same for you, Mikey. Maya-Chan...you still haven't found her, have you?'' Sanzu asked, his voice now gentle and understanding.

Mikey let out an empty chuckle before replying, 

''No... I don't know how she is... what condition she's in right now... or if she's even...''

Mikey's voice trailed off as he came to a pause. He closed his eyes, not wanting to continue that thought.

Sanzu understood exactly what Mikey was going through. He had been feeling the same way about his own loved ones. They were all struggling to accept the reality of what had happened and how it had affected their lives.

''As long as your heart is beating, Maya-chan is going to be fine. Her daddy is strong'' Sanzu said, a small smile forming on his face. Mikey couldn't help but smile too, comforted by Sanzu's words.

...

''Haruchiyo, have you thought about getting therapy?'' Akashi finally spoke up, breaking the heavy silence.

''I don't know... I don't want it'' Sanzu replied calmly. Akashi let out a sigh before reasoning with him, 

''Haruchiyo... I'm only saying it for your own benefit. You've been stuck there for the past four years with the burden on your mind'' 

''You can't keep going on like this...you need professional help to help you get through this grief...'' Takeomi added further

''I'm worried about how much you've had to deal...I understand...it's hard to start therapy...but as your big brother, this the best course of action for you'' He added

Sanzu closed his eyes

Sanzu knew deep down that Akashi was right, but he didn't want to admit it. He was scared and unsure of what therapy would bring.

''I don't exactly know what I'm feeling anymore...I've had so many nightmares in the past four years...about that day...'' Sanzu's voice trailed off as he leaned his head against the window

''Every time I look at my hands...I see blood...I see her body in my arms...'' A tear escaped his eye

''I see the cut on her belly...that day has haunted me for the past four years...''

''If I get therapy...it means I have to move on...and I can't...''

''I can't just forget her and move on...''

...

''I just wished I could've protected her and our little baby...''

Mikey and Akashi were left in complete silence, hearing Sanzu's broken voice tore them apart, even more so than it did four years ago. Both of them couldn't muster up the courage to say anything, Akashi knew Sanzu needed time, but as a worried older brother, he wanted to do what was best for Sanzu at this time. 

And that was therapy. 

Sanzu needed it.

''We all wish that, Sanzu. If only we could've done more to keep our babies safe...'' Mikey's voice trailed off

||

||

Sanzu sat in his room, staring blankly at the wall. It had been a week since they boys had got him out of prison, but Sanzu was still has lost as ever, surrounded by the the emptiness that consumed him. Ran and Rindou had been worried about him ever since they saw the state he was in when he returned. His body was weak and malnourished, and the doctor had warned them to keep an eye on him and make sure he ate properly.

But Sanzu just couldn't bring himself to care about anything. He followed the doctor's orders and ate, but it was like the food had no taste and brought him no joy. His mind was consumed by one thought, one person, and that person was gone.

Ran and Rindou tried to cheer him up, doing all the things that usually made him happy. They brought him his favorite food, played his favorite games, and even tried to get him to watch his favorite shows. But nothing seemed to have the same effect it used to. Sanzu was just going through the motions, barely even acknowledging their efforts

One day, Sanzu found himself sitting in the garden outside, on the swing chair. He had a shawl wrapped around him since it was a bit chilly, but he didn't seem to mind. He would just sit there, staring up at the sky, lost in his thoughts. The fresh air seemed to have a calming and healthy effect on him, at least for a little while.

''Hey Haruchiyo'' a voice called out to him, breaking him out of his trance. Sanzu looked up to see Akashi standing there, a small smile on his face.

''What is it?'' Sanzu asked tiredly.

''I have someone who wants to meet you'' Akashi said calmly.

Sanzu furrowed his brow in confusion. Who could possibly want to meet him right now? And why? Akashi moved out of the way, and Sanzu's eyes widened when he saw who was standing behind him.

...

''Senju...?'' Sanzu's voice trailed off, his eyes never leaving her.

Senju stepped into the light, her eyes locked onto his. Sanzu couldn't believe it. Senju was standing here with tears in her eyes, looking painfully at her older brother.

To be continued...