The Yakuza's flower

Pretending days

Ume's POV

Ever since the fight, I've been resting like crazy.

Bruises ache with every movement, my muscles scream whenever I try to do too much, and even though I tell myself I'm fine, my body clearly disagrees.

But the worst part?

I've been avoiding Hanayama like the plague.

Not because I don't want to see him—because I do! More than anything.

But if he saw me like this..
I don't know how he'd react....

Hanayama doesn't like being left in the dark. He doesn't like being lied to, either. And technically, I haven't lied to him... I just haven't told him.

And that feels worse.

Kozue has been checking on me nonstop, bringing me food, making sure I don't overdo it, but I can tell she's still upset. She won't say it outright, but the way she looks at me says enough.

Like I'm reckless.

Like I'm stupid.

Maybe I am.

But Rey—my brother—he's still out there. And I need to understand why.

My phone buzzes.

I reach for it, my stomach twisting when I see Hanayama's name on the screen.

| Kaoru <3 -  Where are you?|

I stare at the message, my thumb hovering over the keyboard.

I could ignore it. Pretend I didn't see it.

But I know better.

If I keep avoiding him, he's going to come looking for me.

I start typing.

| Me: Just been busy with work. I'll see you soon, okay?|

I wait, watching the screen.

The typing bubble appears.

Then stops.

Then starts again.

| Kaoru <3 : Are you lying to me? |

Shit.

Before I can come up with another excuse, my phone buzzes again.

| Kaoru <3 : I'll come to you. I'm near by, see you in 4 minutes |

My stomach drops.

No, no, no—

I try to sit up too fast, my body immediately protesting. I let out a sharp hiss, clutching my side as pain shoots through me.

Kozue was with me and she looks up from where she's sitting.

"What's wrong?"

I don't even have time to answer before another buzz.

| Kaoru <3 : I'm outside |

My heart nearly stops.

Outside?!

I whip my head toward the window, panic setting in as I peek through the blinds.

Sure enough, Hanayama's car is parked right outside Kozue's house—right next door.

"Kozue—he's here."

She stiffens, eyes widening. "Now?!"

I nod, my mind racing. "You have to help me hide. Just until my bruises fade a little more."