Bounded by Secrets

"Shadows of Regret"

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After rescuing Mayumi and ensuring she was safe, Jack carried her to the nearest room, the neat and organized *neet room*. He gently placed her on the bed, ensuring she was comfortable. Exhausted but determined, he glanced around the room before noticing the CCTV monitor on the wall. His curiosity piqued, he decided to review the locker room footage.

As the footage played, Jack's expression darkened. There, caught on camera, was Norio locking the door intentionally. Fury surged through him as he clenched his fists and immediately left for Mr. Ren's office, where Ren was discussing business matters with Mr. Oliver, Mr. Joseph, and Mr. Hiroto.

Jack stormed in, his face tense. "Sir Ren, I need to talk to you immediately. It's about Norio."

Ren, noticing Jack's agitation, gestured for him to speak. Jack explained what he had seen in the footage, sparing no detail. Ren's expression turned grim, and he let out a frustrated sigh. Picking up his phone, he called Norio.

"Come to my office. Now," Ren ordered sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. After hanging up, he leaned back in his chair and muttered, "I'm really frustrated with him."

Within five minutes, Norio arrived, his usual calm demeanor masking any suspicion. He greeted the room politely. "Good morning, everyone. Is there a problem from my side?"

Ren leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Nah, not much. I'd just like to know what happened in the locker room or, specifically, what you did an hour ago."

The air grew thick with tension as everyone in the room stared at Norio. After a moment of silence, Mr. Oliver broke in, his voice calm but firm. "Norio, it would be better if you tell us everything clearly."

Norio hesitated, his confidence wavering. "I... I... I could-no, no, it's not about me!" he stammered.

Ren's patience snapped. "Uff... You do know, don't you? She could have lost her life!"

Norio swallowed hard and replied, "I knew, but I couldn't just set my emotions aside for her."

Mr. Hiroto interjected, his voice stern. "Emotions are one thing, Norio, but someone's life is another. You can't be this selfish."

Ren's voice grew colder. "Have you listened to what you're saying? What were you thinking when you locked her in there?"

Norio remained silent, avoiding everyone's gaze.

Ren pressed further. "So, imagine if something had happened to her. What were you planning to do then?"

Norio muttered defensively, "I'll just say it wasn't my fault. She went inside herself, and the locker door locked by mistake."

Jack, unable to hold back, shouted, "Have you lost your mind? We have CCTV footage!"

Ren shot Jack a sharp look to silence him before turning back to Norio. "Even if you managed to explain that, what about lying? Again?"

Norio finally snapped back, "Dad, it's not the first time I've lied to you. You know that."

Ren's voice thundered. "Yet, Norio, she's like your sister! You grew up together. Not once did you think about her life?"

Norio raised his voice, his frustration spilling out. "And not once have you thought about how your rules suffocate me! It's always easy to prosecute someone else, isn't it?"

Ren's face hardened, and for the first time in front of others, he slapped Norio across the face. The sound echoed through the office. Everyone froze, including Jack, who was shocked to see Ren-usually composed-resort to such action.