[Ch. 11] Not Even a Friend

Many months had passed while Ryu thought over a possible escape plan that wouldn't require his Tamashii energy.

Winter came and Ryu brought Panzram hot foods, a luxury no prisoner ever had. Eventually, winter left and spring had come. Ryu still wasn't any closer to coming up with a plan. Instead, Ryu seemed to become more preoccupied in seeing Panzram's face while he ate sweets rather than thinking of an escape plan.

One morning, Ryu was whistling as he got ready to leave the brothel. The girls poked their heads in, yawning sleepily.

"What's he doing?"

"He's whistling again."

"Oi, Ryu baby. Why are you so happy?"

Ryu turned to the scantily dressed girls who lay on each other as they poked their heads into his room. He gave them a dashing smile, "I'm on my way to see someone."

"Aiya?! Did little Ryu-kun get a girlfriend?"

"No way! Ryu-kun has never even looked at a woman before. There's no way."

"That's right. We practically throw our bodies at him for free and he's never been interested."

"Maybe he just prefers more innocent girls?"

Ryu laughed nonchalantly, "It's not like that! Also, the one I'm seeing is a man, not a girl."

The girls grew quiet and stared at him. Then, they all blushed madly and screamed as they held each other, "KYAAAA!"

Ryu tilted his head with a clueless expression.

"NO WAY! NO WAY!"

"A MAN! HE SAID A MAN!"

"EEEEH! No wonder he was never interested in us girls!"

"Of course he was a cutsleeve!"

"Aiya… Why are all the handsome men cutsleeves?"

Ryu blushed at this, "No, no! You're mistaken!"

However, none of the girls paid him any attention, "Ryu-kun! We are cheering on your forbidden love!"

He shook his head, "Ladies! I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm not a cutsleeve. I have no romantic interest in this man. He's more like… My idol."

The girls didn't even try to hide their disappointment. One offered up a hopeful thought, "Well… Maybe Ryu-kun just hasn't noticed his feelings yet."

The other girls nodded madly, "That's right! There's still hope!"

They looked at him with starry eyes, "Don't worry, Ryu-kun! Once you're ready, we will support you!"

Ryu sighed. He thought: What is wrong with women these days? Are they really that interested in seeing two men together?

Ryu lived in a society where same-sex love was tolerated but not necessarily accepted. People believed it to be for those looking for a cheap thrill, but they believed the individual would eventually marry the opposite sex and have children. It was the subject for great art and novels, but that was where it would stay. Only in the red light district could you find it a little more accepting as anything "abnormal" was usually welcomed.

Ryu left the brothel quickly, leaving behind the scantily dressed girls to gossip and fantasize about Ryu and the other mystery man. He started his long walk to the prison and threw the previous conversation from his mind. Once he arrived, he was stopped at the door. "Warden wants to speak with you. Find him right away."

Ryu gulped and nodded. He had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Ryu started to walk towards the Warden's office while pondering just what the warden could want. It was possible that he had figured out Ryu was getting too close to Panzram and sneaking him in treats. Although this would be very unlikely unless Panzram said something and there was no way he ever would.

Ryu couldn't figure it out and hesitantly knocked on the Wardens door. "Enter."

Ryu walked in with a cheerful demeanor, "I heard you needed to speak with me."

The warden's face was mixed with worry and anxiety. He cleared his throat trying to remain calm and authoritative, "You have been with us for almost a year now… We were really surprised to see you stay for so long without causing trouble… A-And we really appreciate all the hard work you've put in. That cell block has never been so well behaved before."

The smile never left Ryu's face, "But?"

The Warden lost his nerve seeing that smile, "Uhh… Well... We have been experiencing budget cuts… Unfortunately, we have to terminate your contract."

Ryu had heard this excuse in the past before, so he didn't feel too surprised. He realized that it wasn't the Warden who found out about his relationship with Panzram, but rather it was his family. Ryu sighed, "My father is putting pressure on you?"

The Warden gulped, "I-I may have received a letter."

The Warden internally cursed his luck. Being stuck between two all-powerful Taira's was like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. It was like asking if you would rather die by poison or by fire. Either way, you couldn't win.

Ryu just shrugged, "I won't pit you against my father. I'm used to this sort of thing anyway. All I ask is that you let me finish out the rest of the week."

The Warden appeared hesitant, "That... Well…. That-"

A wicked smile spread across Ryu's face, "If you don't, then I fear I may get very very angry. I wonder what would happen if all of the prisoner's doors suddenly opened up?"

The Warden gulped, "N-No need to get angry! Of course you can work the rest of the week."

Ryu smiled cheerfully, dispelling his previously chilling aura, "Wonderful! Then I shall take my leave."

As Ryu walked out, the Warden suddenly felt like collapsing. He wondered if this would end in disaster or if he would be lucky enough to survive with only a few scratches.

Ryu chewed on his cheek out of irritation. There was nothing he could do if his family came into the picture. Although his family was more lenient with him, if he misbehaved too much and angered them… Then they would definitely not be tolerant.

However, it wasn't that he feared his family. In fact, there was only one person that Ryu feared and that was the Second Young Master of the Taira clan...

His older brother.

He knew his father would send his second older brother to punish him since this was the only way Ryu could possibly be punished. Ryu held his elbows as he shivered in fear at the thought. He wanted to be with Panzram, but the fear of his second brother was greater than any other desire he had.

Ryu went into Panzram's cell and put down his tray. Panzram studied him carefully when he noticed that Ryu was quiet today instead of his usual chirpy and cheerful demeanor. He realized something must have happened, but he refused to ask about it. He waited for Ryu to say something as he knew he eventually would.

Ryu sat twiddling his fingers. He couldn't bring himself to pull his eyes away from the ground. "So…" He started with a bleak tone, "This will be my last week here."

Panzram's eyes widened slightly. He was once again speechless in the presence of this flamboyant man. Panzram wondered why he was leaving. Perhaps it was something he did? Did the other guards find out this man helped treat his wounds? Why?

Yet, Panzram was silent, making Ryu feel even glummer. Ryu thought to himself: What did I expect? Did I expect Panzram to get angry or sad? He doesn't see me as a friend… Why did I ever think it would matter to Panzram…. He's going to meet a better friend in this prison that will treat him right. When he finds that man, I'm sure he won't even remember my name.

With that, Ryu left the cell and went to finish his last week of work.

Panzram wanted to shout to stop him, but could only watch as Ryu walked away with such a defeated expression.