The Enemy Beside Me + The Liar Beside Me (Book 1 and 2)

Chapter 5

HARU'S SOFT VOICE reminds me of a small bird. She sings in such a hushed tone whilst she cooks that it almost sounds like she's whispering confidential information.

Ally says this is because the walls between each flat are somewhat thin, so they avoid irking their neighbours. You don't ever want to get kicked out since finding a place in Mizuchi City is as hard as finding a cute and dishy wife like Haru. I glare at him. Of course, he laughs.

I'm not glaring at him for his stupid joke. This is Eien's fault. His words are still ringing in my ears like an annoying hungry mosquito. What a weird comparison since mosquitos are not that common in Zone 3.

I know I shouldn't trust a stranger, but from everything I've observed, there's a possibility he could be telling the truth. There's also the possibility I saw what my brain wanted to see. What if Eien's—if that's even his real name—pulling my leg? Come on. It's Mum and Uncle we're talking about. Why would they hide any gen that could save me from trouble?

'Jax, are you OK?' Ally asks, snapping his fingers to my ear. I swat his hand away.

'I need to buy a phone,' I say, laying my head on the table. It feels warm on my forehead. Or maybe it's my brain cells working their best to help me think. Now, I'm no stupid, but over-thinking has never been my talent nor my habit. I'm not like Mum.

Ally tells me it's rude to sleep whilst waiting for the food. I ask him if I could sleep whilst eating, then. 'Seriously, Jax, don't do that. Anyways, you need a new phone? What happened?'

'Nothing. My phone died whilst I was finding my way back.'

He makes a face. 'Come on, chap. You should've had charged your phone before leaving.'

'I did, but for some reason, it was out of juice! And if you're worried about money, I've got extra.'

'Oh. Modelling?' Ally has a habit of scratching his chin even though his face is as clean as a newborn's. He used to have a thick beard. Shaving, Ally said, is promoted to men here in Zone 1 so they'd all look trustworthy. They're also advised to avoid getting tattooed.

'Yeah. So where do I buy?'

Brown eyes flash concern and anger. For a second, I see Mum in Ally. They're brother and sister, all right.

'Haru can do that for you.'

My eyebrows wrinkle. 'Haru's pregnant. In fact, she shouldn't be wandering outside. What does she do anyway?'

He shakes his head then props his arm on his knee. 'She's a designer. Don't worry about her; she can take care of herself.'

'Nah, allow that! I'm a grown man. I can do it on my own.'

My uncle has many habits. One of them is rubbing his open palm to any rough surface. This time, it's the fabric of his trousers. 'OK, Haru and I will go with you.'

'Why can't you just go with me? Again, Haru is—'

'She's pregnant, not fragile.' The tone of his voice tells me this conversation is over. I want to protest. I want to say he's stupid. Yeah, I'm concerned with Haru, but I'm far more cheesed off he's not telling me what's the real deal. Now I can determine he's hiding the truth from me. I need to find out what this truth is.

* * * * *

'This is yukata,' Haru tells me in English. Although not perfect, it is understandable. She spins, showing off her snow-blue garment. I've seen this kind of dress before. Honestly beautiful.

Each yukata has its colours and patterns, and Haru's has red petals splattered on the abdomen. Although I adore the design, I can't help but be disturbed. It doesn't help that she's pregnant.