Bounded by Secrets

"Bonds in the Shadows"

It was a quiet, late night in Ren's corridor, the faint hum of the wind accompanying the stillness. Miss Zeo paced back and forth, her voice sharp and filled with frustration as she spoke on the phone.

"Mayumi, do you even think about anyone else? You can't keep doing this! Enough is enough!" she exclaimed before abruptly hanging up, letting out an exasperated sigh.

Moments later, Ren approached, his footsteps light but deliberate. "Zeo, are you waiting for someone? It's late," he remarked, his tone calm but curious. "Do you even realize how late it is?"

Zeo forced a faint smile, masking her exhaustion. "It *is* late, Ren, but what can I do? A mother has to worry about her daughter, especially when the devils are still awake."

"Who? Mayu?" Ren asked, his voice laced with mild concern.

Zeo nodded, her frustration evident. "Yes, her. Day by day, she's becoming more difficult. I'm starting to feel like I need someone to take over my responsibility for her. I can't keep doing this alone."

Ren folded his arms, leaning casually against the wall. "It's interesting. She's always had support, yet somehow..." He trailed off.

"But," Zeo interrupted, her tone firm, "I understand. Let her decide things for herself. Anyway, I found out about her night out from Kaki, so I sent him to bring her back. They'll be here soon." She exhaled heavily before shifting the topic. "What about you? What's happening on your side?"

Ren rubbed the back of his neck, his expression tightening slightly. "It's been... tense. Norio and I had another fight earlier. He's pushing for a better position in the M-10 mission, but I don't think he's ready for it yet. He doesn't see it that way, though, and he's getting frustrated."

Zeo frowned slightly. "That sounds like him. Always eager to prove himself."

Ren nodded. "Yeah, and to make it worse, Mido caused a scene earlier too. She's upset because I restricted her from going to a pop event, and Sindy scolded her for wearing something too revealing. It's like everything's piling up at once."

Zeo tilted her head thoughtfully. "From Sindy's perspective, I understand. I wouldn't restrict Mido entirely, but there are places where limits are necessary. A balance is important."

Ren smirked faintly. "Exactly what I think. She shouldn't feel overly restricted, but Mido also needs to understand her boundaries."

Before they could continue, the door to Ren's house creaked open, and Sindy stepped out, her voice breaking the stillness of the corridor. "Ren, dinner is ready. Come inside."

Ren glanced at Zeo with a small nod. "Good night, Zeo. Don't stay up too long."

Zeo nodded in return, her voice quieter now. "Good night, Ren."

She watched as Ren disappeared into his home, leaving her to the quiet of the late night, her mind still occupied with the burdens of being a mother.

---

The clock struck 2 AM as Mayumi quietly slipped into her room, her movements cautious and deliberate. She had returned half an hour ago, ensuring no one saw her battered state. Locking the door behind her, she turned off the lights and lit a candle, its soft glow casting shadows across the room. She winced as she knelt on the floor, attempting to bandage the wounds scattered across her body. Her trembling hands betrayed her effort to stay composed.

The silence was broken when the door creaked open. Mayumi froze as the light suddenly illuminated the room. Standing in the doorway was Miss Zeo, her eyes immediately drawn to the dark red streaks staining the floor. Disgust and anger twisted her features.