Payback (Hiatus)

Chapter 12 (EDITED)

Edited: 28 July 2023

With shock and embarrassment over what had occurred the previous evening, Inko sat in the living room, feeling a mix of regret and denial about what had transpired.

As she realized she was in Hisashi's room, Inko swiftly gathered her belongings and left. Her face turned bright red as she thought back to last night's incident. However, she tried to redirect her thoughts, not wanting to focus on physical appearances.

Inko felt unsure of how to handle the situation with Hisashi moving forward. She knew she needed to address what happened and have an honest conversation, but she also wanted to give herself some time to process her emotions before doing so. Trying to respect both her feelings and Hisashi's, she decided it would be best to approach the situation calmly and respectfully.

Inko found herself grappling with conflicting emotions as she tried to make sense of the situation. The idea that Hisashi could have feelings for her seemed unlikely, yet the mere possibility brought a smile to her face. Despite the initial shock and embarrassment, she couldn't help but wonder about the depth of their connection.

As she continued to get to know Hisashi, she discovered that he wasn't as terrible as the rumors portrayed him to be. This realization both surprised and intrigued her. However, she didn't dismiss the fact that what he did was wrong and unforgiving. Inko understood the gravity of the situation and recognized that she couldn't condone or ignore his actions.

At the same time, she knew that there might be more to Hisashi's behavior than meets the eye. Perhaps there were underlying reasons behind his actions, shaped by his upbringing or personal struggles. Inko knew she didn't have the right to pass judgment without understanding his perspective and experiences.

Inko felt a mix of relief and anxiety as Hisashi emerged from his room. She tried not to let her gaze linger on his appearance, reminding herself that it was essential to focus on the conversation ahead.

"What happened last night?" Hisashi asked, looking genuinely puzzled. "I think I drank too much."

Inko's face showed signs of discomfort, and she replied, "You don't remember anything?" When Hisashi nodded, her expression turned pained. "So it's just one-sided."

Hisashi seemed to be genuinely unaware of what occurred, which only added to Inko's inner turmoil. She knew she had to be honest with him, but the fear of how he might react weighed on her mind.

"How did I arrive here?" Hisashi inquired.

"The bartender called me using your phone, and I came to pick you up. Then you passed out in your room," Inko lied,

"Is that so?" Hisashi replied simply, before retreating back to his room.

As Hisashi left, Inko took a deep breath, feeling conflicted about the situation. She knew that she couldn't keep the truth hidden for long, but she also didn't want to rush into a difficult conversation while emotions were still raw.

Inko resolve to give Hisashi some time to process the events of the night before. Once she gathered her thoughts and found the right moment, she would approach Hisashi with openness.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

As time passed, Inko couldn't help but feel hurt that Hisashi seemed to have completely forgotten what happened three months ago. She had hoped that he would remember at least some parts of that night, as it was a significant event for her. The fact that he seemed oblivious to it added to her confusion and emotional turmoil.

Today, Inko opted to stay at home and rest since she wasn't feeling well, while Hisashi went elsewhere. As Inko stayed home to rest, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss with her health. Her constant nausea and fatigue had been taking a toll on her, and she found herself unable to carry out her usual vigilant work. It was frustrating for her to be limited in this way, but she knew she needed to prioritize her well-being.