Chapter 20:The Dark Secret

Kaito's words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Akane's mind reeled as she tried to process the revelation.

"Takeru, is this true?" Akane asked, her voice shaking slightly.

Takeru's face was pale, his eyes avoiding Akane's. "I...I don't know what Kaito's talking about," he stammered.

Kaito's laughter was cold and mirthless. "Don't lie, Takeru," he spat. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. Your family's been hiding this secret for years."

Akane felt a wave of nausea wash over her. What was going on? Why was Kaito accusing Takeru's family of such a horrible thing?

Suddenly, Takeru's phone rang, shrill in the silence. He hesitated, then answered.

"Takeru, where are you?" a voice demanded. "We need to talk."

Takeru's eyes met Akane's, filled with a mixture of fear and guilt