CHAPTER 43-Hayato’s Unspoken Burden

Without hesitation, Akemi stepped into the room, Eiji right behind her. They found a lone figure standing near the bed, his back turned toward them.

Akemi hesitated before calling out, "Hayato?"

The figure stiffened, then slowly turned around.

then Eiji said " Yo Hayato how you doing"

Surprise flashed in his eyes. "Akemi? Eiji? What are you guys doing here?"

Eiji smirked casually. "Of course, we're here to take you back. What do you think we're here for?"

Hayato's expression darkened, his body tense. "It's not good. Get out of here now—fast."

Akemi took a step forward, confusion flashing across her face. "Hayato, what are you saying? We're here to bring you back with us. Why are you telling us to leave?"

Frustration flickered in Hayato's eyes. "Why don't you just listen to me and go? I'll come back when the time is right—but not now."

Eiji frowned. "What difference does it make? Why not just come with us now?"

Hayato shook his head, his voice firm. "There is a lot of difference. I need to be here. I'm sorry, but if you think you can take me back, you're wrong. Now go."

Akemi clenched her fists, her voice shaking with emotion. "If there's a reason for you to stay, then tell me what it is! We'll help you, Hayato. Talk to us! Why are you trying so hard to push us away?"

Anger flared in Hayato's expression. "Why don't you get it? This isn't your business to be here!"

Akemi's temper ignited, her frustration boiling over. "Not our business?!" she cried. "Say it, then! What is it that's not our business?!" Tears welled in her eyes as her voice cracked. "Tell us what you're really worried about! You're abandoning us, too—why?! What is it?!"

Hayato hesitated, his jaw clenched. He didn't want to say it—but he knew they wouldn't leave unless he did. Finally, he exhaled sharply. "I already told you. This isn't your concern. I need to stay here. Eiji, take Akemi and leave this nation. Tell everyone that I apologize for making them come all this way."

Eiji's expression darkened, his voice low and cold. "Stop joking, Hayato. Don't make Akemi cry more. Just shut up and come with us. We can figure everything out once we're back home."

Hayato's patience snapped. "You blockhead! Why don't you listen to me?! I said I'm not coming! And I told you—it's none of your business—"

Eiji cut him off, his anger erupting. "Hayato, stop acting like an idiot! Everyone was ready to face any trouble for you! We all came to this nation just to bring you back! We've been thinking about you every single day! Even Yoto is in deep trouble because of all this, but he never once blamed you! Do you know there hasn't been a single night where Akemi didn't cry over you?!" His voice shook with intensity. "If you understand that much—then get your ass moving, Hayato!"

Unbeknownst to them, a woman had been eavesdropping on their conversation from the hallway. She hesitated as if considering stepping in, but after hearing Hayato and Eiji's words, she quietly withdrew.

Hayato couldn't find the words to respond. His hands clenched at his sides as guilt weighed down on him. But he steeled himself and forced his voice to stay firm. "I'm sorry, Eiji. But it's too late. Take Akemi and leave."

Eiji's anger flared again. His fingers curled into fists as he stepped forward, his voice seething. "You idiot—what the hell—"

Akemi suddenly grabbed his hand, stopping him. Then, with tear-filled eyes, she turned to Hayato. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Hayato... are you really going to push us away?"

Hayato couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze. He wanted to answer. But if he did, he knew he would break. Instead, he turned his face away, his throat tightening with unspoken words.

Eiji exhaled sharply, then grabbed Akemi's hand. "Akemi, let's go."

Before they could take another step, slow, deliberate clapping echoed through the room.

Eiji whipped around. A man stood at the doorway, smirking as he chuckled, his hands clapping mockingly.

"Ooooh, what an emotional scene," the man mused. "Such love and devotion... I've never heard anything like it. Now, tell me—just how far are you willing to go for this, you little kids?"

Hayato's eyes widened. His breath caught in his throat. John.

John tilted his head with an amused grin. "I have to say, I really like you two. But unfortunately for you, it's my job to make sure no one from the outside makes contact with him. And now..." His grin widened, his tone turning deadly. "I'm requesting that you die by my hands."

A chill ran down Eiji's spine. His instincts screamed at him—this man was dangerous. We can't take him down. Not here. Not now. He clenched his jaw. Our best bet is to get Akemi out of here and retreat.

John reached behind his back and pulled out a gleaming knife, dragging his tongue across the blade with eerie delight. "Don't overthink it. I'll make it painless."

"EIJI, RUN!" Hayato suddenly shouted.

Eiji didn't hesitate. He scooped Akemi into his arms. "Hold on tight!" With a powerful leap, he crashed through the window, shattering the glass as they plunged toward the ground. He twisted his body midair, landing in a crouch before springing up.

The noise had already alerted the guards. From all directions, footsteps pounded toward them.

"INTRUDERS! INTRUDERS!" the guards shouted, drawing their weapons.

Eiji's with a serious voice "Keep your head down!" He swiftly drew two guns from his back. His keen senses kicked in, his aim deadly precise. Without wasting a single bullet, he fired—each shot finding its mark. In seconds, silence fell.

Eiji exhaled, holstering his guns. "Akemi, let's move. Now's our chance."

Meanwhile, from the shattered window above, Hayato watched them flee, his expression unreadable.

John sighed dramatically. "Haaaa, they're already gone? That's a shame. I thought we could have a nice chat."

Hayato turned to face him, his jaw clenched.

John smirked. "Now, now, don't look at me like that. I'm just doing my job. And now, Sir Hayato…" His voice took on a mockingly polite tone. "Why don't you get some rest? Tomorrow is a big day. You'll need to be at your best."

Hayato's hands clenched into fists, but he didn't respond. He was bound—tied down by his duty.

Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Akemi and Eiji ran, weaving between trees in a desperate attempt to lose the remaining guards.

"They're not giving up," Eiji muttered.

"Don't stop!" Akemi urged. "They don't have the speed or stamina we do. If we push harder, we can shake them off!"

Only fifteen guards remained, their pace faltering. But one soldier, determined to stop them, drew a spear from his back. He braced himself, channeling all his strength into the throw. The spear rocketed through the air, aiming straight for Akemi.

She turned, expecting to see the guards falling behind—but instead, she saw the spear streaking toward her, too fast to dodge.

Eiji's heart pounded. Damn it! It's too close! It's going to hit her! What do I do?!

Then—

Suddenly, a hooded man caught the spear mid-air, just before it could reach Akemi.

Akemi and Eiji skidded to a halt, turning to face the mysterious stranger.

Eiji narrowed his eyes. Now who the hell is this guy?