White Feathers Part 3

When he finally returned to his family, they seemed shocked and confused. It seemed like they had already declared him dead. But they had to pretend because he appeared before them again during a large family gathering.

His mother hugged him and said how much they missed him. It truly looked like they did. But after they returned home, she hit him and broke down in tears.

'Now that you have returned, my life will be miserable again.'

Later on, he learned that his father disliked his mother. They only got married out of convenience, but there was another woman his father liked. His mother lived a miserable life as the head woman of the household. It was a common story, but one day after returning, he walked in on his father beating his mother.

It seemed like his father did not mind giving his mother the position, but having a child was a mistake. It made the woman father like misunderstand; it made that woman cry. He wanted his mother to be a wife in name only.

So that was why that day mother protected his half-siblings rather than him. She would rather sacrifice her son to maintain her wealth.

Masaru sighed deeply. What is he thinking of right now?

No matter what he saw, no matter what he heard. None of it had moved him. That's the way he had been made. But a decade could change a person. Ten whole years could change someone.

"Hm? Am I confused?"

How many years have passed since he left that place? How old is he now?

'I should have no emotions. I should not feel emotional pain, loneliness, or even anger.'

He just existed. At least, it should be that way, but after he met that girl, he got emotions. Before he understood what was happening, he even started to have a dream.

Masaru clicked the shutdown button and waited for his computer to power off. There is no use staying here any longer. Now he remembers why he came here. He wanted to look into the details of the victims' bodies from the brain removal case, but in the end, he fell asleep.

It's quite late when he leaves, and there isn't a single sound when he heads down the elevator to the bottom floor. This building is usually such a busy place filled with life.

At night seems to be a complete ghost town. UnlikeSei, he isn't afraid of ghosts, but he does have to comment on how creepy the place is now. There is not even a single soul to be found at all.

A single step would cause the floorboards to creak, and even the newly furbished glass windows seem to make noise. What an unusual place.

But he wasn't alone; there was someone else there. He walked in the direction of where the elevator side was and hadn't noticed the person's presence. Although this place is open twenty-four seven, and automatically locks when the last person leaves.

There are not too many people who tend to stay here. Since their houses tend to accommodate such facilities, it would be more relaxing to practice in the comfort of your own home. The same would go for him too. It wasn't until he got closer did he realize who that other person was.

Even in the dark, he could see her features clearly. Her brown hair was flowing by the side due to the small gust of wind coming from the entrance. Those gorgeous amethyst-colored eyes seemed to be the only light source.

"Lady. What are you doing?"

"Um, I was waiting to ambush you."

"Me? Oh? "

He was about to tease her when he saw her clutching something in her hands. Come to think of it, he felt like the wallet he carried around with his mother's picture was missing; however, due to him being busy with the cases. He didn't get a chance to check whether or not his suspicion was correct.

He takes it from her, or at least should have, but for some reason, she was looking at it with a troubled expression.

"What is it?"

"Nothing."

Usually, he would persist more, but he could tell from her expression that it would be no fun even if he did. Instead, he takes it from her and slips it inside his coat pocket.

Now that he thinks about it, he hasn't spoken to her properly since that time, and when he spoke to her recently, he practically reprimanded her.

Masaru didn't want to scold Sumire in anyway. However, the others around her are far too lenient with her. He understands why they are. She already has a lot going on, so lecturing her will only cause her to be more reckless. But, the situation with Oujiro wasn't one that could be left alone.

Sumire probably dislikes him. If she doesn't already, then she will. Masaru's grateful that this entire time she has been standing up for him, that she has allowed someone like him to stand by her side. But he's not naive enough to think that things will remain this way forever.

"Are you finally going to say you dislike me?"

Sumire seemed dumbfounded.

"Wait, what? I didn't wait for you for three hours, only for you to come to that sort of conclusion."

Masaru raised his eyebrow at her words. Did she wait here for three hours? She knows where his office is; why didn't she just come upstairs?

He refuted her arguments but didn't stop walking. It was obvious that he wouldn't listen to her. He had his opinion, and he was done with the conversation. But that didn't stop her, no matter how coldly he treated her. This girl's unwavering conviction is something that does not change.

"Masaru-senpai, please listen to me. "

She reached out and grabbed the hem of his coat, causing his eyes to widen, surprised. What is she doing now?

"Uh, as a grown-up woman, isn't doing this embarrassing to you at all?"

He watched as a tint of red appeared on her face. "Yes, it is embarrassing, but I want you to listen to what I have to say. "

"Uh-huh. So what is this thing you want to tell me so badly that you're willing to degrade yourself?"

He knew it was harsh to say it like this. But it's true that they aren't alone. Despite it being silent, there are still people loitering around. People who belong to the underworld are all-night people. Sure the lights are all out, but people like them prefer it this way. There are probably other people here.

Normally she dislikes drawing attention to herself like this. The lady is afraid of people's judgemental stares and words. But right now, she is dismissing her own fears for what purpose?