COTE:SHATTERED BONDS

[2] UNBREAKABLE RESOLVE

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Unbreakable Resolve
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It had been six long years since Kazue learned the truth-six years since the night his dad shattered his world with the revelation of Kiyotaka's existence. And in those years, Kazue had become obsessed with the idea of meeting his brother, learning about him, and understanding the life he had been denied.

But time hadn't made it easy. His dad had remained a towering barrier, always brushing off any mention of Kiyotaka and dismissing Kazue's attempts to get closer to the truth. Even now, as Kazue prepared to leave his childhood home, he knew this confrontation was inevitable.

Before leaving, Kazue made his way to the kitchen, where his mom, Anzai Yumeko, was cleaning up after breakfast. Her white hair fell in soft waves around her face, so much like Kazue's own, and her gentle grayish eyes looked up at him with warmth.

"You're leaving earlier than usual today," Yumeko said, wiping her hands on a towel. "Is something on your mind, Kazue?"

Kazue hesitated, looking at the woman who had raised him with so much love and care. She had always been his pillar, someone who gave him a sense of belonging. But there was something she didn't know, something his dad had hidden from her too. She didn't know about Kiyotaka.

Kazue knew he couldn't tell her everything-it would break her heart-but he had to tell her something.

"Mom... there's something I need to do. Something important," Kazue said quietly, walking over to sit at the kitchen table. "I've learned things about our family that I can't ignore anymore."

Yumeko frowned, a concerned look crossing her face. "Kazue, what do you mean? Is this about your dad?"

Kazue nodded. "Yes. It's about Dad-and someone else."

Yumeko's expression softened, and she reached out to place a hand on Kazue's. "You've always been so thoughtful and kind. If there's something you need to do, then follow your heart. But be careful. Your dad can be... difficult when it comes to certain things."

Kazue's jaw tightened. He knew how difficult his dad could be. But he couldn't be swayed. Not this time.

"I'll be careful, Mother," Kazue said with a soft smile, grateful for her support. "I just... I have to make things right. There's someone I need to find."

With that, Kazue stood up, kissed his mother on the forehead, and left the house, knowing full well that the path ahead wouldn't be easy.

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Kazue arrived at his dad's office later that morning, his steps purposeful as he prepared to confront the man who had been avoiding him for years. But as he approached the door, he overheard voices inside, sharp and filled with anger.

"How could this happen?" his dad's voice boomed from the other side. "How could he have escaped?"

Kazue froze, his heart skipping a beat. Kiyotaka?

He quietly pressed his ear to the door.

"We were monitoring him closely," another voice responded, one of his father's aides. "But he managed to disappear right under our noses. He's gone-and we've lost track of him."