Our Hope

Chapter 11

Makoto tried to respond, stammering over failing syllables. Kyoko seemed too shocked to think about the story behind me and Junko's friendship. But my eyes focused on Byakuya; his icy stare made knots turn in my chest. I wanted to reassure them, to tell them that 'she wasn't who she turned out to be' and 'I couldn't see the despair' but that would be lying. She was the Ultimate Despair and no façade she shrouded herself in could cover that; as if Junko would hide that detail. Thinking about Junko, I used to be grateful to her influence and cherished every moment I spent with her. Now, the memories of my past life were painful; I had to make sacrifices and my only friendship was one of them.

I began digging through my dresser, in the farthest parts, to uncover an old photo album. I handed the album to Kyoko, watching her hands flip through the plastic sheets carefully. "She convinced me to start modeling," I said, crossing my arms. "We met at a fashion show when we were around fifteen. Once we started modeling together, we were inseparable," my hands gripped my arms, bleaching the skin underneath. "Until her despair continued to grow and her sister, Mukuro, came back to Japan".

Makoto seemed to understand but Byakuya and Kyoko kept their similar judgmental expressions. Kyoko handed the album to Byakuya and Makoto to look over; I glanced over their shoulders. There were several photo booth pictures of me and Junko, the ones where you could add special effects. There were plenty of mementos that we shared; movie tickets, letters covered with stickers, VIP passes to concerts and more day-by-day photos of us in public. Byakuya looked up at me, his expression of relief warmed my heart.

"You said you witnessed Junko's despair growing. What happened?" Kirigiri's eyes were focused on my every movement. "Did you have any involvement in what she became?"

Her words backhanded me. "What? No! I made the choice to walk away, but I didn't know that she..."

Byakuya pushed the album onto Makoto, "Accusing Karen of such actions won't reflect fondly onto you, Kirigiri. This information is dangerous in the wrong hands".

"And she trusts us to keep that information," Makoto finally returned a smile.

Kyoko didn't seem convinced by this act of unity. She knew that Byakuya might've been swayed by his feelings for me. Shaking her head, Kyoko strode towards the door, pulling Makoto along as she left.

I dropped onto my bed, burying my face in my hands. Byakuya knelt in front of me, lifting my face up by the chin. "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner," my voice cracked. He shook his head, taking my hands in his. We sat there in silence as he stroked my palm with his thumb.

"Kirigiri forgot to mention that the director wants to celebrate Fukawa and Naegi's success tonight," Byakuya spoke as he brushed the hair away from my face, keeping his hand tucked under my jaw. I could've spouted several profanities and kicked a hole in my wall from this news but not when Byakuya was in front of me. He must've noticed the anger creased in my face. He stood, pulling me to my feet. "Don't let him see your anger. Instead, think about tonight," Byakuya's gentle smile made my heart flutter. "I'll bring breakfast here for today. You should shower while I'm gone," He spoke as he pulled me closer, one hand on my back and one still resting on my neck. His kiss burned with tension, a slow passion that spread between us both. When we broke apart, his face was a bold scarlet with a yearning gaze to match.