One for Three

Chapter 34

Again and again, I glanced back and forth between Motoki and Mamoru. Motoki's mood seemed to be dropping with every passing second. I took my usual seat, right in the middle of the two, and a sudden shiver ran down my spine. I waited for a moment, but neither of them said a word.

"Mamo, what happened?" I asked, gently stroking his back.

He moved his beer closer to him and let out a deep breath without looking at me. Yet, I could see profound pain on his face.

"Ectopic pregnancy," he muttered, then took a swig from the bottle.

"Ecto-what? You know I can't understand your medical terms."

"Rei had an ectopic pregnancy. She underwent emergency surgery... but it was too late," Motoki whispered to me since Mamoru still had the bottle to his lips. I felt an icy coldness in my bones.

"What do you mean, too late?" I whispered, though I could already guess.

"It means they're both dead. Another one," Mamoru said, slamming the bottle on the counter.

I stared at him with my mouth agape. This couldn't be true. It was just a few days ago that I met Rei. Just three days ago, he told me he was going to be a father! It took me a while to process this information.

"Mamoru, I think you've had more than enough to drink. It's not even coffee time, and you can barely stand. Yes, you're going through a difficult time, but your Bunny will take you home now so you can get yourself together," Motoki said, and my face lost all expression.

Motoki seemed to notice my shocked expression. He pulled me aside. "Usa, please. He's been sitting here since early this morning, to be precise, he woke me up at 6. Makoto is on a training course right now, and I can't leave. You're all he has left."

"But Toki, you know we're separated, right?" I had to ask him once more, just to make sure.

Of course, I saw how much Mamoru was suffering, and there was no doubt he needed help. But was I the right person to talk to right now? After all, our breakup wasn't that long ago. I followed Motoki's gaze back to him, and my heart broke once again. How much more could he endure? Hadn't he suffered enough recently? The longer I looked at him, the more urgent my desire became to just hold him in my arms. Fate had dealt him another cruel blow. I gave in and rolled my suitcase behind the counter. "Give Mina the message when she arrives, and explain everything to her."

He needed me. Everything else became secondary now. Carefully, I hooked my arm with his and led him away from the stool.

"Mamo, come on, let's go." He staggered slightly, but fortunately regained his balance. This would be an interesting journey home, considering Mamoru was more than a head taller than me and well-built. I probably wouldn't be able to hold him if he fell. Motoki handed me his keys over the counter, which he had taken for safety. I wrapped my arm around Mamoru's waist and draped his arm around the back of my neck. At least I could support him a little. In all the years I had known him, I had never seen him so drunk.

"Bunny... my Bunny..." he slurred as we walked on the street, running his fingers through my hair. His strong alcohol breath wafted towards me. He had clearly consumed more than just beer.

"Mamo, stop that and focus on walking. We're stumbling again," I hissed and tightened my grip around his waist.

"Do you even know what you still mean to me? I loved you so much. I still love you," he said, swaying and coming to a halt.

Great, now he was pouring out his heart to me while intoxicated, right on the street, in this cold weather.

"You were the most important person, and then everything went wrong... Look at me. The love of my life gone, new girlfriend gone, child gone. What do I have left? I've ruined everything."