When They Realized (GenMui)

21

Guys, this is a re-upload of what was SUPPOSED to be chapter 21. As some of you guys already know, silver_lexi and I are cousins (I, the older out of us both. Just gonna throw that in there) and we often help each other when it comes to writing, although I don't know if she's writing anymore, but she said she's been thinking so idk. Anyway, my last upload that everyone was freaking out about WAS a draft or chapter owned by silver_lexi and I admittedly might've mistakenly uploaded it to my account when I was half asleep this morning and on her MacBook. I deeply apologize, but here is the actual chapter you lot wanted:

Mr. Tokito’s steps echoed through the quiet, dimly lit police station as he approached the front desk. The air was thick with the smell of burnt coffee, and his eyes, still heavy with sleep, were barely open. His lips pressed into a thin line as he heard the officer's voice.

“Mr. Tokito, we’re really sorry to have to call you out this late,” the officer began, his tone apologetic yet firm. “Your children were caught up past curfew.”

Mr. Tokito’s face twitched slightly at the word "children," though he said nothing. A vein throbbed at his temple, his exhaustion evident as he rubbed a hand over his face.

“They went for a walk earlier today,” he muttered, his voice laced with irritation. “I went to bed early, figured they’d be back. Didn’t realize they hadn’t returned.”

The officer, noticing Mr. Tokito's clear exhaustion, nodded in understanding. “Well, it’s late now, and you’ll want to get home. Just make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

With a weary sigh, Mr. Tokito agreed, “It won’t.” He turned his gaze to Muichiro and Genya, who were standing behind him, heads bowed and shoulders slumped, fully aware of the disappointment radiating off him.

“Come on,” he said gruffly, motioning for them to follow as he headed toward the exit.

The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside, but it did nothing to ease the tension between Mr. Tokito and the boys. They walked silently to the minivan, Muichiro and Genya trailing behind like guilty children, knowing they had let him down.

Once inside the car, Muichiro and Genya quickly slid into the backseat. Mr. Tokito didn’t start the engine right away; instead, he stared at the rearview mirror, eyes narrowing as he focused on them.

“What were you two doing out so late?” he asked, his tone carrying a hint of frustration.

Muichiro and Genya exchanged quick, panicked glances, both instantly blushing as memories of their earlier passionate encounter in the alleyway flooded back. Genya rubbed the back of his neck, his face burning with embarrassment, while Muichiro fiddled with his hair, flipping it over his shoulder to hide the hickey that had started to form.

“Just... going for a walk,” Muichiro mumbled, barely audible.

Mr. Tokito let out a tired sigh, leaning back in his seat. “I know that,” he said, his voice softer now. “But out so late? You two are lucky I’m too sleepy to scold anyone right now.”

Both boys gulped in unison, their nervousness palpable as they stared down at their laps, avoiding Mr. Tokito’s eyes in the mirror. The silence was heavy, broken only by the faint sounds of the night outside.

Finally, Mr. Tokito started the engine, the low rumble filling the car as they began the drive home. No one spoke, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words and lingering guilt.