Another chance Book I - Y/N

Chapter 62: Manipulator.

Emma sighs, looking around at the mess left behind. "Well, guess we should start cleaning up."

You nod, though your thoughts remain with Mikey. You know today has been hard for him, even if he doesn't show it fully. As you and Emma clean, she chats about something funny, but part of your mind stays with Mikey, hoping the ride gives him the peace he needs.

The whole situation fuels your determination for what's next: your encounter with Izana. This is crucial, you think. If I can get him on my side, if I succeed in manipulating him, Emma won't die, and Mikey will gain a second brother to celebrate with. It could be one of the only things that might ease his pain from Shinichiro's death. You glance at the clock — 5:30 PM. Time to prepare. Izana will arrive at six. I won't lose to you, you think, your resolve strengthening as you focus on what needs to be done.

Time is running out as your encounter with Izana approaches. You stand in front of your wardrobe, contemplating what to wear. "Hmm... should I go for something casual or... something a bit more revealing to throw him off?", you mutter to yourself. Would that even confuse someone like Izana? You decide on something neutral. "I'll just go with black."

You rummage through your closet, pulling out a plain black top and pairing it with jeans. Standing in front of the mirror, you wonder, Is this too plain? Or just enough? You sigh, realizing you're probably overthinking it. "Yeah, it's fine.", you shrug, brushing off your concerns and leaving your room looking like a storm had passed through it, clothes scattered everywhere.

Walking outside to wait in the front yard, your thoughts begin to drift. Won't meeting Izana again put me in danger? Maybe you should inform Emma, just in case. She should know to call the police if I'm not back by midnight... . You know exactly what Izana is capable of, and you're not taking any chances.

"Emma?", you call, turning back toward the house.

"Yeah?", her voice calls out from the kitchen. She peeks her head out, a curious look on her face.

"I'm going out for a bit... meeting a friend.", you say, trying to keep your tone casual.

"Alright~! Who are you meeting?", she asks, cheerful as usual.

"Uh... just that friend from yesterday.", you mumble, voice wavering slightly. Just as you're about to say more, the distinct sound of a bike engine pulls up outside. Damn. He's here. I need to act fast.

You rush over to Emma, your nerves getting the best of you. "Just... call the police if I'm not back by midnight, okay? Don't worry, but... just do it." Before she can fully process what you've said, you bolt toward the front yard.

Emma watches you, confusion and worry written on her face as she sees you mount a familiar bike with Izana. Isn't that the guy from yesterday? Wait, Izana? She thinks nervously, stepping forward in an attempt to stop you. "Y/N, wait—!" But it's too late. You're already speeding off with Izana, disappearing down the road. What did she mean by calling the police? Emma wonders, concern growing inside her.

As you run up to Izana's bike, you're greeted with a fake smile. "Hello, Y/N. You look really good today.", he compliments, the words feeling off to you.

You barely acknowledge his remark, your mind still racing. "Yeah, thanks. Let's just get out of here.", you mutter, agitated as you mount the bike.

Izana raises an eyebrow, his eyes flickering toward the house, catching a glimpse of Emma standing at the door. His expression hardens before he revs the engine and takes off.

A few minutes into the ride, he finally speaks again. "You didn't seem too happy about my compliment. Did something happen earlier?" His voice is calm, but there's a forced softness to it, like he's mimicking concern.