𝐈𝐈 - Never enough || It's all for you

46•I couldn't do it

Chapter 46
I couldn't do it

•The next morning•

Ebisu, Tokyo
By Mina's House

     Kazuo sat alone in the car, the acrid smoke from his cigarette filling the vehicle. It was 5 am, but Kazuo was wide awake, knowing she might attempt to flee. He had spent the entire night outside her house, strategizing his next move. Finding the courage was challenging despite his deep-seated hatred towards her. But avenging Kimona's death was a mission of utmost importance, not just for him but for everyone. He stared at her building's entrance, finally spotting Yuu, her butler, with a large luggage. Kazuo blew his last smokey breath and exited his black car, his heart heavy with the anticipation of a potential confrontation. He calmly walked to Yuu.

     The butler bowed to Kazuo, barely looking at him. "Hello, Master. Should I call Lady Shinoda?" the butler asked, unaware of what was coming.

     Kazuo handed Yuu an envelope. "This is for you. I'll go upstairs," he said. "Don't interrupt us."

     Yu nodded, waiting for Kazuo to go up before he opened the red envelope. His slanted eyes widened when he saw the amount of bills inside with the note.

You are free. Good luck and take care.
Soma Kazuo.

     Kazuo slowly walked to the elevator, wondering what Mina's face would look like when she saw him. The lift stopped at her level, and his curiosity was fed.

     Lady Shinoda's breath shook when she saw her son in the elevator. Her heart trembled, and she wondered how to stand up, fear taking over her body. "Kazuo," she said with a hand on her chest.

     "Hello, Mother," he smiled bitterly. As expected, despite the dread in her eyes, he still felt no pity. "Didn't think you'd be up early for our meeting."

     Mina hesitated. Could she run from there?

     Kazuo walked past her, heading to her apartment. "Let's go inside."

     Mina couldn't move. She could get in the lift and run to the car.

     "I wouldn't try if I were you. Get inside, Mother," he asked again, pushing her unlocked front door door. "Now."

     Mina's shaky breath was loud. She quietly whined but walked to her door, walking past him.

     Kazuo let her in and closed the door behind them. "Where are you going?"

     Mina tried to regain her dignity. "It's none of your business," she said, lifting her chin.

     "You're right, it doesn't matter. You're not going anywhere."

     Mina's pounding heart stopped. "Kazuo, you're mistaken."

     "Don't fucking play around, bitch." He lost his temper, drawing a knife from his jacket. "Shut up when I'm talking."

     Mina screamed, backing away from the apartment. "Kazuo! I'm your mother! You cannot. It's bad luck for the Oyabun's wife to get murdered!" she reminded him of the Yakuza legends. "Remember what happened to the Hanabi clan."

     Kazuo rolled his eyes. "Don't be weird, mother. It's bad luck if Father kills you. Or if I kill my wife. There's no consequence for the Oyabun to kill his mother." He walked after her while she pathetically raised her hands, bumping into her furniture.

     "Kazuo, don't do this. You'll regret it. I'm your mother!"

     "You're nothing. Nothing but trouble." He grabbed her hair and pushed her against the wall. He drew the knife on her neck, going into it. "You ruined everyone's lives for your fucking little comfort."