BAREFACED

Chapter 108

Mikey runs down the street, clothes soaked with rain. Heart racing and heart pounding.

"I messed up... I'm a fool..." Izana struggles to say.

"Huh..."

"I just wanted... it all..."

"What?"

"I'm not your blood... I'm not your brother... Mikey- I don't have anyone... who is related to me... I'm all alone..."

"Yu-ki..." Mikey pants as he turns the corner, running as fast as he can in the direction of the bakery.

"... I was so angry... when I found out... then I met Yuki- she..." Izana's eyes widen more as blood starts surrounding him. Mikey's eyes widen.

"SOMEONE CALL AN ABULANCE!" Mikey shouts.

"It's my fault... she's going to die... because of me..."

"Please Yuki... Please be okay..." Mikey rushes down the street the bakery is on. A fire truck goes down the street passing Mikey quickly. His breathing getting heavier.

"I wanted to become a baker... with her..."

"..." Mikey looks down at Izana whose eyes are getting glossy.

"but... I don't deserve even just that..."

"Stop talking... the more you talk the more you'll bleed." Mikey says.

"i don't deserve to be happy... i don't deserve to be saved..."

People across the street staring at the burning building. Mikey breathing quickens as tears swell up in his eyes.

"...mi-key... i'm sorry..." Izana's voice barely audible.

"YUKI!" Mikey shouts preparing to rush into the building.

You turn the corner and run down the street the bakery is on. The rain blurring your vision. Your leg is ready to give out as you try your best to get down the street but your eyes widen when you see Mikey in the distance rushing towards the bakery.

"M-IKEY!" You shout reaching your hand out towards him. Mikey quickly turns his head to see you rushing towards him. His eyes widen and he runs towards you. He holds you tightly, his breathing quick and heavy.

"You're- okay..." Mikey voice hitches and he his hug gets a bit tighter. Tears falling down his cheek and into your damp hair.

"YUKI!" Baji shouts as he turns the corner but then he stops when he sees you and Mikey hugging. He pants and relaxes his face. He takes a deep breath as he tries to catch his breath. He narrows his eyes and turns back, walking away.

Everything went by in a flash. That night felt long and painful. Your leg has been stitched up and your hair... now is cut short... barely touching your shoulders.

You sit beside Mikey, holding your hands together as you sit in front of an altar. You slowly open your eyes and stare up at the picture framed on the altar.

"... he seemed like a kind person..." Mikey softly says.

"Yeah... he was- you would of loved him." You smile.

"You think so?" Mikey softly says.

"Mhm..." You nod. You place an incense and Mikey places the small plate of Mochi. The two of you walk out the building and down the steps. You look off into the distance and sigh.

"How long do you think it will take for the Bakery to finally get finished?" You ask. Mikey stares off into the distance too and then looks back at you.