The Hard love

Chapter 17: Shadows of Doubt

The weeks following Suguri's return from the conference were filled with a newfound sense of harmony. Mitsugi and Suguri had weathered the storm and emerged stronger. They celebrated Suguri's successful presentation and Mitsugi's continued progress at work. Their bond seemed unbreakable, but as life often does, it had more challenges in store.

One evening, as they sat together reviewing their schedules for the upcoming week, Suguri's phone buzzed with a message. He glanced at it and frowned slightly.

"What's wrong?" Mitsugi asked, noticing the shift in Suguri's expression.

"It's from Riku," Suguri replied, hesitating. "He wants to meet up and talk about what happened that night you two went out."

Mitsugi felt a knot tighten in his stomach. "Do you think that's a good idea?"

Suguri sighed. "I think it's important to clear the air. We've all been friends for a long time, and I don't want this to create any more tension."

Reluctantly, Mitsugi agreed, though the thought of Suguri meeting Riku made him uneasy. They decided that Suguri would meet Riku at a neutral location, a quiet café they all used to frequent during their college days.

The day of the meeting, Mitsugi tried to focus on his work, but his mind kept drifting to Suguri and Riku's conversation. He trusted Suguri completely, but he couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort. When Suguri returned home that evening, Mitsugi was waiting, anxious to hear how it went.

"How did it go?" Mitsugi asked, trying to keep his tone casual.

Suguri sat down beside him, looking thoughtful. "It was...complicated. Riku apologized for his behavior and said he didn't want to come between us. He seemed sincere, but I'm still wary."

Mitsugi nodded. "I'm glad he apologized, but let's be cautious. We don't need any more complications right now."

Suguri agreed, and they decided to keep their distance from Riku for a while. However, the encounter left a lingering sense of unease in both of them. They tried to push it aside and focus on their relationship, but the shadow of doubt hung in the background.

A few days later, Mitsugi received a text from an unknown number while he was at work. The message read: "You should know the truth about Suguri and Riku." Attached was a photo of Suguri and Riku sitting close together at the café, looking deep in conversation. Mitsugi's heart raced as he stared at the image.

Confusion and hurt washed over him. He knew Suguri had met Riku, but seeing the photo brought all his fears to the surface. He left work early, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. When he got home, he found Suguri in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

"Suguri, we need to talk," Mitsugi said, holding up his phone with the message and photo.

Suguri's face paled as he read the text. "Mitsugi, I swear, nothing happened. We were just talking, trying to sort things out."

Mitsugi's voice trembled with frustration. "I want to believe you, Suguri, but this message...it's making me doubt everything."

Suguri reached out, his eyes pleading. "Please, Mitsugi, trust me. You're the only one for me. This is someone trying to cause trouble."

Mitsugi took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. "Who would want to do that? And why?"

"I don't know," Suguri admitted, his voice breaking. "But we need to find out."

They decided to investigate the source of the message. They started by reaching out to their mutual friends, trying to trace the number and find any clues. It was a tense time, filled with uncertainty and fear, but they leaned on each other for support.

One evening, as they were going through their contacts, Mitsugi's phone buzzed again. It was another message from the unknown number: "Meet me at the old park if you want the truth."

Mitsugi showed Suguri the message, and they agreed to go together. The park was a place they had often visited in their college days, now deserted and quiet. As they approached the meeting spot, they saw a figure standing in the shadows.

"Who are you?" Mitsugi called out, his voice steady despite the tension.

The figure stepped forward, revealing themselves to be Akira, a former classmate who had always harbored a subtle grudge against them. "I thought you should know the truth about Suguri and Riku," Akira said, a twisted smile on his face.

"What do you mean?" Suguri asked, his voice cold.

"I saw them together and thought you deserved to know," Akira replied. "But honestly, I didn't expect you to be so naive, Mitsugi."

Fury surged through Mitsugi. "You did all this just to stir up trouble?"

Akira shrugged. "I didn't like seeing you two so happy. It's pathetic, really."

Mitsugi stepped forward, his fists clenched. "You have no right to interfere in our lives. Leave us alone."

Suguri placed a calming hand on Mitsugi's arm. "We're done here. Let's go."

As they walked away, Mitsugi felt a mix of anger and relief. He looked at Suguri, his voice softening. "I'm sorry for doubting you."

Suguri shook his head. "I understand. It's been a tough few weeks. But we're stronger than this."

Back at their apartment, they sat together, holding each other close. The events of the past weeks had tested their trust, but it had also reaffirmed their commitment to each other.

"We've faced so much already," Mitsugi said quietly. "And we'll face whatever comes next, together."

Suguri nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Together, always."

The shadows of doubt had been dispelled, and they knew that their love, forged in the fires of adversity, was unbreakable. With renewed faith in each other, they looked forward to a future where nothing could come between them.