A Dangerous Liaison

-34-

Akira

Wednesday

Akira's wrists were bound tightly by the cold steel of the handcuffs, the metal digging into his skin as Talay led him through the police station's entrance. Every step felt like a knife twisting deeper into his chest, but the physical discomfort was nothing compared to the emotional agony ripping him apart inside. Talay's touch now felt like betrayal. How could the man he loved, the man he had trusted more than anyone, be the one arresting him?

Akira could hardly breathe. His heart felt heavy, like it was being squeezed viciously. He glanced sideways at Talay, but his lover's eyes were cast down, avoiding his gaze as they walked deeper into the station. Akira wanted to scream at him, to demand why, but his throat was dry, and words wouldn't come. Why would you hurt me? Why did you lie, Talay?

When they reached the interrogation room, Talay gestured for Akira to sit. The chair felt cold, unwelcoming. The superintendent sat next to Talay began to speak, his voice steady and authoritative. "Akira Jitkunattapol, you are being charged with suspicion of money laundering, alongside the accusations made against your siblings. This case will be moved to court shortly."

His siblings? Olivia, Kita - what have they done? 

Akira blinked, the words almost incomprehensible to him. "My siblings?" His voice was hoarse, barely audible. "What are you talking about?"

The officer's expression didn't change. "Star has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Nino, similarly, faces charges of money laundering and potential involvement in organised crime. Charlie Jitkunattapol is under investigation for drug trafficking."

The world shifted beneath Akira's feet. Star? Nino? He had always known about Charlie's involvement with drugs, but Star - sweet, cunning Star - and Nino too? He stared down at his hands, numbness spreading through his chest. How had it all gone so wrong? How twisted had his family become? His siblings... they weren't just criminals. They were monsters. And he had been blind to it all.

His breath hitched, thoughts racing in confusion. How fucked up are we?

"And Olivia... Kita?" he asked, his voice tight with fear, his heart pounding in his chest.

The officer glanced at his notes, hesitating before speaking. "Nothing yet," he said, his tone clipped. "But they're being sent for as we speak. They'll be questioned and asked to testify in court."

Akira shook his head. No, no...no.

"Leave us," Talay suddenly said to the superintendent. The officer lingered for a moment, then complied, exiting the room.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Talay moved. He got up from his chair quickly and knelt before Akira, his hands trembling as they reached out. Talay's head lowered, resting in Akira's lap as if he had been craving for his touch, his comfort, all this time. "Akira," Talay whispered, his voice breaking. "Forgive me... please. I had no choice." His words were choked with guilt, and Akira could feel Talay's tears soaking through the fabric of his pants.

Akira's chest heaved, and though his heart bled for Talay, anger consumed him, too. "How could you?" Akira's voice cracked, and tears spilled down his cheeks. "How could you do this to me? You told me you loved me. You..." but his voice faded out. 

Talay's fingers clutched at his legs desperately. "I'm sorry," he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. 

Akira shook his head, tears streaming down his face. His hands, though restrained, wanted to reach out and touch Talay, to pull him close and hold him like they had so many times before. But there was bitterness now, bitterness that had replaced the warmth between them. "You betrayed me," Akira sobbed. "I loved you, Talay. And now you're tearing me apart?"

Talay lifted his head. Slowly, he reached out, gently cradling Akira's face in his hands. "I still love you," Talay whispered, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Akira's lips.

Akira's body tensed under the touch, the kiss felt like a farewell. It was detached, a ghost of the passion they once shared. His heart still raced for Talay, still longed for him, but the pain of betrayal is unforgivable. 

Our love cannot be reconciled with hurt. 

Talay pulled back, his own tears falling silently. "I will fix this, I promise."

But Akira couldn't believe it. Just then, the door opened again, and an officer entered to lead him away. Talay stood wearily, but Akira refused to look at him. Once escorted out, they passed by Nino. His brother's eyes widened at the sight of Akira, and before he could react or speak, Nino lunged at him. 

"What did you do?" Nino screamed, thrashing against the officers holding him back. "Did you rat us out? It was you, wasn't it? All because Pa hated you...you fucking-"

Akira's heart crumbled painfully as he was shoved past, Nino's words ringing in his ears. His family, his life - it was all a nightmare, and there was no waking up from it. By the time he was thrown into his jail cell, Akira was shaking uncontrollably. The cold, harsh floor beneath him was a cruel contrast to the world he knew, to the warmth he had shared with Talay - to their love. 

It was all lost, now. Forever.

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