The Gang

Persuasion

Saya's POV
I don't believe her. I have a feeling there's something else going on. I feel like she's in pain. I want to know what's up with her and help her.

"Well, everything is here. The girl wasn't lying when she said she had beneficial information," said Eisuke.

"I don't trust that woman. How do we know all this information is true?" Soryu asked.

"Yeah. I mean...she is part of a gang," said Ota.

"So is Soryu but we still trust him," said Mamo.

"Well we know Soryu. We know nothing about this woman, except she likes causing problems for us," said Ota.

"What's up with you? This is so uncharacteristic of you, Ota," said Baba.

"I don't know what it is but there's something off about her. I feel like she was lying to us."

"I felt that, too," I said. "I feel like she's hiding something."

"Well, what should we do, Boss?" Baba asked Eisuke.

"Our deal is complete. I don't want anything else to do with that woman," said Eisuke coldly.

"Please, Eisuke. I feel like she's in a lot of pain. I saw it in her eyes," I said practically begging him. "I really want to help her."

"Why are you so interested in her?"

"I don't know. There's just something about her that makes me want to help her."

"Do remember she is in a gang."

"I know but..."

"Do what you want," Eisuke said getting off the couch and walking upstairs.

"I think I upset him."

"Yeah. Boss seemed to be really against her," said Baba.

"Probably because she outsmarted him," said Ota. "He doesn't exactly like losing."

"Look, Saya, even if you do want to help her, her gang and her won't let us in that easy. They aren't exactly welcoming of rich people. You should've seen the hateful glares we received once we arrived," said Baba. Why was everyone acting so uncharacteristically? Why is everyone so against her?

"Even so, I still want to help her," I responded with determination.

"Saya..."

"Why are you all so against her?"

"Because she's been ruining everything for us," said Soryu. "She's cold and heartless."

"How can you say that? She risked her life to save her gang. She fought off a whole gang by herself. She made a deal with you guys just to help her gang. She may have a tough exterior on the outside but she is still a human with feelings."

"Wow, It seems like little Saya got a backbone," said Baba teasingly.

"With or without you, I'll still lend her a helping hand."

"Maybe she doesn't want help," said Soryu.

"What?"

"Sometimes people don't want help. That's why they hide their true feelings. They don't want the sympathy or help of others," said Ota, clarifying what Soryu said.

"Or she might not want to worry anyone with her problems," said Baba.

"I know...but when I looked into her eyes...all I saw was...," I responded.

"What?"

"Pain, suffering, guilt, hurt, depression, loneliness, emptiness, darkness. Those are the only things I saw when I looked into her eyes. I don't think she's had anyone who reached their hand out to her. I think she's been all alone."

"If that's true then I'm sure she's built up walls to keep everyone out. Why would she open up to rich bastards like us?" Ota asked.

"I don't know. I bet her gang knows more about her."

"Actually, we asked. They don't know her story. Apparently, she saved them so they follow her blindly."

"That proves she's not heartless. I mean, she knows about the auctions. She could've blackmailed you about handing over the money but, instead, she made a deal that was beneficial for both parties."

"You do have a point and it does make me curious. I kinda want to know what that pretty lady is hiding," said Baba. All of the sudden, Eisuke stomps down the stair furiously.

"Woah. What go you so mad?" Ota asked.

"That little snake is at it again," Eisuke said angrily.

"Who? Tessa?"

"What did she do?" Soryu asked.

"One of her gang members called. According to him, Tessa hasn't returned yet and he can't contact her. He thinks we did something to her and if we don't return her by tomorrow, he'll send out information about the auctions worldwide."

"Well, Saya, it looks like you got your wish. We have no choice but to help her now," said Baba.

"We don't have much time to figure this out because if we can't find her, we're all through."