Life Without You

Chapter 65 - Knocked Out

Hiroshi shook his head with a chuckle after hearing from Hiromi about the "blood card" she received while Ariel sat next to her.

"Is this your first hate mail, Hiromi?" asked Hiroshi.

"Of course! My first hate mail with blood!" Hiromi folded her arms.

"But you receive hate comments all the time. So does Ariel. No big deal, just ignore it."

"No big deal?" Hiromi got frustrated at her brother's indifference. "This ain't the same with digital hate comments that I can delete or ignore. This is someone who knows where I live!"

"Everyone knows where you live," Hiroshi rolled his eyes.

"But Hiroshi-san, this isn't the same," Ariel backed her up.

"Plus," continued Hiromi. "It's real blood! What if it has HIV, or some virus or bacteria that can kill me?"

"So, where's the card?" asked her brother.

"I threw it away, of course! Why would I keep such dirty things?"

"As you remember, Hiroshi-san. I received the same too, in the same wrapper and box. I don't feel like this is some prank. What if this is real? What if the sender has a sinister motive like I experienced last year?" Ariel referred to the gala night incident.

"As I've told you before, nothing to worry about. Last year's incident won't repeat, alright? We've got bodyguards and I'll make sure I won't keep you out of my sight," Hiroshi assured.

Hiromi and Ariel exchanged glances.

"I still believe it's from Emily," Ariel insisted.

"Emily? Who's Emily?" asked Hiromi.

"Leon's ex. She once came to the restaurant and threatened me. I'm sure she's targeting you as well after you published those pictures."

"A jealous ex? That explains it!" exclaimed Hiromi in surprise.

Hiroshi sighed, "Not again, Ariel. Remember, the police checked the contents of the card and affirmed there's no proof that it's from Emily. Plus, it was pig's blood, not human blood. Has she come to harass you again after that?"

"No..." Ariel shook her head.

"There, see? It's not her."

"But what if-"

"Even if it's her," Hiroshi cut in. "It's just empty threats. She can't do anything to you."

"How about me? What if she wants to kill me?" worried Hiromi.

He took out his phone.

"Look closely," Hiroshi scrolled down the Instagram comments of Hiromi's latest post and showed her the screen, "Do you see a few hate comments here and there? The prankster could be this person or that person. How about this @exthertyp239 that said, "I'm gonna rip you apart!" Huh? Could be any of these people. Get used to it. Otousan (i.e father) and me also get a fair share of hate." He laughed it off.

Hiromi went on, "But-"

"BUT if you're not comfortable, you can live back with Otousan."

"No way!" Hiromi crossed her arms in disgust.

"Good," said Hiroshi. "By the way, I've got good news for you. I managed to secure you a job as a junior fashion designer at Dolce & Gabbana. You'll start next week."

"Really?" Hiromi beamed with bright eyes and hugged her brother. "Yes, yes, yes! ありがとう、兄 (Arigatou, Ani (i.e thank you, big brother)! You kept your end of the bargain!"