Bounded by Secrets

"Shadows of Resilience"

The cool breeze of the evening swayed through the garden as the dim lights bathed the space in a soothing glow. Kaki had just stepped out, holding Trisha’s hand. Norio limped beside them, a fresh plaster on his arm and visible bruises scattered across his face. His movements were careful, each step hinting at the painful lessons learned. 

Jack, casually leaning against the garden’s railing, straightened at the sight of Norio. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he walked over, placing a firm yet teasing hand on Norio’s shoulder. 

“So, dear Norio,” Jack began, his voice carrying a mix of mockery and playful sternness, “did you finally enjoy the thrill of disobeying the elders and doing whatever you felt like?” 

Norio winced under Jack’s piercing gaze and muttered a low, remorseful, "Sorry." 

Jack, clearly unfazed by the apology, continued, his tone laced with a warning, "Sorry? Oh no, my friend, that won’t be enough. You better save that for Mr. Ren. He’s waiting for your answer. And just to spice things up, he’s not alone. He brought a slipper." 

Norio’s face turned pale as Jack delivered the grim yet playful news. The bruises on his face now seemed less significant compared to the storm that awaited him. 

“Bro,” Norio croaked, his tone drenched in desperation. “I really, really regret it! Please… *please!* I need to talk to you about something first—just for a moment—before I face him.” 

Jack raised an eyebrow, his smirk softening as curiosity replaced his teasing. “Alright,” he said with a sigh, crossing his arms. “Spill it. What could possibly be more important than you preparing to run for your life?”

---

**In Jack’s Room** 

Jack, Kaki, Norio, and Trisha sat around as the evening stretched lazily. Kaki, sitting cross-legged on the edge of Mayumi's bed, turned to Trisha and said, “So, weren’t you going to tell me something?” 

Trisha smiled, her face lighting up as she turned to look at him directly. “I think I’ve fallen in love with you.” 

The room fell silent for half a moment, then suddenly, Jack and Norio erupted into laughter, breaking the tension. 

“Oh man!” Jack cackled, clutching his sides. Norio shook his head in disbelief, trying to stifle his grin. 

Kaki, unfazed by their reactions, leaned back with a nonchalant expression and said, “See, baby, I don’t wanna fall into the trouble of child marriage. You’re just 21. Besides, let me remind you—you’re a princess. And I’m just—” 

Before he could finish, Trisha interrupted him with a beaming, hard blush. “Actually…” She smiled even wider, her voice soft yet determined. “I fell for you because I love tall boys. Your skin color, your body, your hairstyle, and—your fighting skills.” 

Kaki rolled his eyes dramatically. “For your information, I’m wearing boots with an extra inch of heel. And don’t get too attached to this ‘skin color,’ okay? Give me a week at headquarters, and I’ll be so sunburnt you won’t recognize me. As for the hairstyle,” he added with mock seriousness, “I’m thinking about shaving my head. Mr. Ren’ll probably force me to do it anyway.” 

Jack chuckled from his seat, already sensing where this was going. 

“Oh, and,” Kaki continued mercilessly, “I’m not all that… innocent anymore either. Plus, you think my ‘fighting skills’ make me cool? I’m rude, Trisha. So rude, you’d prefer sharing your life with a rock rather than me. And if you marry me,” he finished, his voice pointed, “you’d have to follow everything I say because, quite frankly, I completely dislike your personality.”